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Campbell Manufacturing R410, RF400, RF415 RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems, 1. Introduction

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RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems

1. Introduction

This manual covers the RF400 series radios — the RF400, RF410, and RF415. These radios differ from one another primarily in the radio frequencies at which they communicate. In this manual the term “RF400” can refer to the “RF400 series” or to that specific model. For clarity we will sometimes add “900 MHz.”

The RF400 is a 900 MHz, frequency hopping, spread spectrum, data radio/modem for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications. An excellent receiver combined with 100 mW transmitter power make possible, depending on path specifics, communication distances of 1/4 to 5 miles using omni-directional antennas and 10 to 20 miles using 9 dBd directional antennas (see Appendix H for a discussion of antenna gain and other factors affecting distance).

The RF410 differs from the RF400 in that it operates at 922 MHz for regions such as Australia, New Zealand, and Israel. The RF410’s communication range is the same as that of the RF400.

The RF415 is a 2.4 GHz version with 50 mW transmitter intended mainly for certain European and Asian markets. Communication distances vary from 300 feet (indoors) to ¼ mile (100 to 400 meters) with omni-directional antennas to over 12 miles (19 kilometers) with gain antennas and optimal terrain.

Users do not normally need a communications authority license for the RF400 series configurations described in this manual including U.S. Government Agencies regulated by NTIA Annex K. The 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz bands are shared with other non-licensed services such as cordless telephones and with licensed services including emergency, broadcast, and air-traffic control, so band usage will vary from location to location as will man-made noise. Spread spectrum technology resists noise and interference; however, the user may wish to test communications on site using Quick Start (Section 3) before committing to its use.

The RF400 operates from a 12 VDC power supply. The RF400’s low standby current modes allow it to operate at remote sites on small power budgets.

The RF400 was designed for ease of installation. It works in many applications “out of the box” with default settings.

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Contents

RF400/RF410/RF415 Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modem Warranty and Assistance – CAUTION – Page RF400 Series Table of Contents Introduction Quick Start Software Setup Troubleshooting D. Advanced Setup Standby Modes E. RF400 Series Port Pin Descriptions Short-Haul Modems H. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Page Page RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems 1. Introduction 2. RF400 Series Specifications 3. Quick Start Step 1 – Set Up Base RF400 Step 2 – Set Up Remote RF400 Step 3 – LoggerNet/PC208W Set-up Step 4 – Connect 4. System Components 4.1 RF400 Series Data Radios 4.1.1 Indicator LEDs 4.1.2 Setup Menu 4.1.3 Networking 4.1.4Error Handling and Retries 4.1.4.2 Number of Retries 4.1.4.3 Number of Time Slots for Random Retry 4.1.4.4 Number of Bytes Transmitted before Delay 4.1.4.5 Sync Timer Setting 4.1.5 Received Signal Strength 4.2Power Supplies The RF400 series radio will sustain damage if the DC Pwr jack voltage ever exceeds Volts 4.3 Serial Cables 4.4 Antennas for the RF400 Series FCC OET Bulletin No. 63 (October 1993) approved antennas Page Page 4.5 Antenna Cables and Surge Protection 4.5.1 Antenna Cables 4.5.2 Electro-staticIssues 4.5.3Antenna Surge Protector Kit 5.Software Setup 5.1Point-to-point 5.2 Point-to-multipoint 5.3 Example Setups 5.3.1Direct PC to RF400 Series Base Station Setup Page 5.3.2Remote Station Setup Page 5.3.3 LoggerNet Configuration 5.3.4PC208W Configuration Page 6. Troubleshooting Page Page Appendix A. Part 15 FCC Compliance Warning Page Appendix B. Setup Menu B-2 B-3 B-4 Appendix C. RF400 Series Address and Address Mask Combined Network/ Radio Addresses C-2 C-3 C-4 Appendix D. Advanced Setup Standby Modes D-2 Appendix E. RF400 Series Port Pin Descriptions CS I/O FUNCTION E-2 Appendix F. Datalogger RS-232Port to RF400 Series Radio Page Appendix G. Short-HaulModems G-2 Appendix H. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other Factors Overview Link Analysis Transmitter Power Cable Loss Antenna Gain Receiver Sensitivity Path Loss Real World Distance Estimates Examples Range from ~9 to ~22 miles Range from ~14 to 30+ H-8 Appendix I. Phone to RF400 Series Page 2)AT Command Character: “-” Page Appendix J. Monitor CSAT3 via RF400 Series J-2 J-3 Page Appendix K. RF400/RF410 Pass/Fail Tests TESTING SC12 CABLE and PC COM PORT K-2 TESTING RF400/RF410s TESTING ANTENNAS K-5 TABLE K-1.900 MHz Gain Antenna Test Distances Antenna Power Ratio Distance Apart Over ¼ Wave Appendix L. RF400/RF410 Average Current Drain Calculations L-2 EXAMPLE #1 It ≈ 6.1 mA L-3 EXAMPLE #2 It ≈ 6.9 mA L-4 EXAMPLE #3 It ≈ 12.4 mA L-5 EXAMPLE #4 It ≈ 2.4 mA L-6 EXAMPLE #5 It ≈ 4.1 mA L-7 EXAMPLE #6 It ≈ 0.6 mA L-8 EXAMPLE #7 It ≈ 0.43 mA L-9 L-10 Page Campbell Scientific Companies Campbell Scientific, Inc. (CSI) Campbell Scientific Africa Pty. Ltd. (CSAf) Campbell Scientific Australia Pty. Ltd. (CSA) Campbell Scientific do Brazil Ltda. (CSB)