GE MDS DS-EL806 EL806 OEM Transnet User Manual Book2

GE MDS LLC EL806 OEM Transnet Book2

User Manual

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Transceiver Model EL806
Spread Spectrum Data Transceiver
Including Instructions for
03-4053A01 Evaluation Development Kit
05-3946A01, Rev. C
JUNE 2007
Installation
Operation Guide
OEM&Integration
MDS TransNET OEM™
QUICK START GUIDE
The steps below contain the essential information needed to place the OEM transceiver in service. Because the transceiver is designed for use in other pieces of
equipment, these steps assume that prior testing and evaluation have been
conducted with the host device. If not, please refer to “EVALUATION DEVELOPMENT KIT (P/N 03-4053A01)” on Page 75 for interface wiring and configuration
details.
1. Mount the transceiver module using the four holes provided.
• If possible, select a mounting location that allows viewing the status LEDs and
provides ready access to the antenna connector.
• Use standoff hardware to secure the board to the host device.
• When mounting the board, use care to align the transceiver’s 16-pin header
connector with the mating pins in the host device.
2. Connect the antenna system to the transceiver
• Use only with antenna/feedline assemblies that have been expressly tested
and approved for such service by GE MDS.
• Use a matching connector to attach the antenna to the transceiver.
• For best performance, antennas should be mounted in the clear, with an
unobstructed path in the direction of desired transmission/reception.
3. Apply power and observe the LEDs for proper operation. The LED
command must be set to ON (LEDS ON).
After 16 seconds…
• The GP LED should be lit continuously
• The DCD LED should be lit continuously—if synchronization with another unit
has been achieved
• The Remote radio(s) should be transmitting data (TXD) and receiving data
(RXD) with its associated station
LED Indicator Descriptions
LED Name
Description
RXD
RXD (CR3)
Receive Data
Serial receive data activity. Payload data from connected device.
TXD
TXD (CR4)
Transmit Data
Serial transmit data activity. Payload data to connected device.
DCD (CR5)
Data Carrier Detect
Continuous—Radio is receiving/sending synchronization frames
On within 10 seconds of power-up under normal
conditions
GP (CR6)
General Purpose
• Continuous—Power is applied to the radio; no
problems detected
• Flashing (5 times-per-second)—Fault indication.
See “TROUBLESHOOTING” on Page 59
DCD
GP
• Off—Radio is unpowered or in Sleep mode
CONTENTS
1.0 ABOUT THIS MANUAL.................................................................. 1
2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION .............................................................. 1
2.1 Transceiver Features ................................................................... 2
2.2 Factory Hardware Options ......................................................... 2
2.3 Data Interface and Power (J3) Options ...................................... 2
Antenna Connector (J200/J201)................................................. 3
2.4 Model Number ............................................................................ 3
2.5 Spread Spectrum Radios—How Are They Different? ............... 4
2.6 Typical Applications ................................................................... 4
Multiple Address Systems (MAS) ............................................. 4
Point-to-Point System................................................................. 5
Tail-End Link to an Existing Network ....................................... 5
Store-and-Forward Repeater ...................................................... 6
2.7 Transceiver Accessories ............................................................. 6
3.0 BENCHTOP SETUP & EVALUATION ........................................... 7
3.1 Initial Power-Up & Configuration .............................................. 8
Configuration Settings................................................................ 8
Configuring Multiple Remote Units........................................... 9
3.2 Tail-End Links ............................................................................ 9
3.3 Configuring a Network for Extensions ....................................... 10
3.4 LED Indicators ........................................................................... 10
4.0 TRANSCEIVER MOUNTING.......................................................... 11
4.1 Antenna & Feedline Selection .................................................... 13
Antennas..................................................................................... 13
Feedlines..................................................................................... 14
Antenna System Ground ............................................................ 15
5.0 PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION ................................................. 15
Antenna Aiming ......................................................................... 16
Antenna SWR Check.................................................................. 16
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
Data Buffer Setting—MODBUS™ Protocol ............................. 16
Hoptime Setting.......................................................................... 16
TotalFlow™ Protocol at 9600 with Sleep Mode ........................ 17
Operation at 115200 bps............................................................. 17
Baud Rate Setting ....................................................................... 17
Radio Interference Checks.......................................................... 17
5.1 How Much Output Power Can be Used? .................................... 17
6.0 OPERATING PRINCIPLES & SPECIAL 
CONFIGURATIONS ......................................................................... 19
6.1 Synchronizing Network Units .................................................... 19
Synchronization Messages ......................................................... 19
6.2 Establishing a Tail-End Link ...................................................... 20
6.3 SAF Operation with Extension Radios ....................................... 21
Simple Extended SAF Network ................................................. 21
Extended SAF Network.............................................................. 22
Retransmission and ARQ Operation .......................................... 22
SAF Configuration Example ...................................................... 23
6.4 Using AT Commands .................................................................. 23
Supported AT Commands........................................................... 24
Operating Notes when AT Commands are ON .......................... 25
6.5 Configuration Parameters for Store & Forward Services ........... 25
6.6 Using the Radio’s Sleep Mode (Remote Units Only) ................. 27
Sleep Mode Example.................................................................. 28
6.7 Low-Power Mode (LPM)—Master Enabled .............................. 28
Setup Commands........................................................................ 28
Reading RSSI & Other Parameters with LPM Enabled ............. 29
Power Consumption Influence by HOPTIME and SAF Settings29
6.8 Low-Power Mode versus Remote’s Sleep Mode ........................ 30
Introduction ................................................................................ 30
Operational Influences—Hoptime and SAF............................... 31
Master Station Configuration ..................................................... 32
Antenna System for Co-Located Master Stations ...................... 32
7.0 DEALING WITH INTERFERENCE ................................................ 33
Terminal Interface....................................................................... 34
PC-Based Configuration Tool .................................................... 35
8.2 User Commands .......................................................................... 35
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05-3946A01, Rev. C
Entering Commands ................................................................... 35
8.3 Detailed Command Descriptions ................................................ 41
ADDR [1–65000] ....................................................................... 41
AMASK [0000 0000–FFFF FFFF] ............................................ 42
AT [ON, OFF] ............................................................................ 42
ASENSE [HI/LO]....................................................................... 42
BAUD [xxxxx abc] .................................................................... 42
BAND [A, B, C]......................................................................... 43
BUFF [ON, OFF] ....................................................................... 43
CODE [NONE, 1…255] ............................................................ 43
CSADDR [1–65000, NONE] ..................................................... 44
CTS [0–255] ............................................................................... 44
CTSHOLD [0–60000] ................................................................ 44
DEVICE [DCE, CTS KEY] ...................................................... 45
DLINK [xxxxx/ON/OFF]........................................................... 45
DKEY......................................................................................... 45
DTYPE [NODE/ROOT] ............................................................ 46
FEC [ON, OFF].......................................................................... 46
HOPTIME [7, 28]....................................................................... 46
INIT ............................................................................................ 46
HREV ......................................................................................... 48
KEY............................................................................................ 48
LED [ON, OFF] ......................................................................... 48
LPM [1, 0] .................................................................................. 48
LPMHOLD [0–1000] ................................................................. 49
MODE [M, R, X] ....................................................................... 49
MRSSI [NONE, –40...–90] ........................................................ 49
OT [ON, OFF]............................................................................ 50
OWM [xxxxx] ............................................................................ 50
OWN [xxxxx]............................................................................. 50
PORT [RS232, RS485]............................................................... 50
PWR [20–30].............................................................................. 50
REPEAT [0–10].......................................................................... 51
RETRY [0–10] ........................................................................... 51
RSSI............................................................................................ 51
RTU [ON, OFF, 0-80] ................................................................ 52
RX [xxxx]................................................................................... 52
RXD [0–255] .............................................................................. 52
RXTOT [NONE, 0–1440] .......................................................... 52
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
iii
SAF [ON, OFF] .......................................................................... 53
SETUP ........................................................................................ 53
SER............................................................................................. 53
SHOW CON ............................................................................... 53
SHOW PWR............................................................................... 54
SHOW SYNC............................................................................. 54
SKIP [NONE, 1...8].................................................................... 54
SLEEP [ON, OFF]...................................................................... 55
SREV .......................................................................................... 55
STAT ........................................................................................... 55
TEMP.......................................................................................... 56
TX [xxxx] ................................................................................... 56
UNIT [10000–65000] ................................................................. 56
XADDR [0–31] .......................................................................... 56
XMAP [00000000-FFFFFFFF].................................................. 56
XPRI [0–31] ............................................................................... 57
XRSSI [NONE, –40...–120] ....................................................... 57
ZONE CLEAR ........................................................................... 57
ZONE DATA .............................................................................. 57
Checking for Alarms—STAT command .................................... 58
Major Alarms versus Minor Alarms........................................... 59
Alarm Codes’ Definitions........................................................... 59
9.2 LED Indicators ............................................................................ 60
9.3 Troubleshooting Chart ................................................................ 61
Saving a Web-Site Firmware File Onto Your PC ....................... 63
Using the I/O Points with InSite™ NMS Software.................... 73
Application Example—Digital Input/Output at Remote ............ 73
Evaluation PC Board .................................................................. 74
Connecting the Transceiver & Evaluation Board ....................... 75
Antenna Connection—Transceiver Module, J200/201 .............. 76
DC Power Connector, J3 ............................................................ 77
Diagnostic Connection, J4.......................................................... 77
DATA Connector, J5................................................................... 78
Transceiver Power Interface, J1 ................................................. 80
Assembly Drawing ..................................................................... 81
Parts List ..................................................................................... 81
Evaluation PCB Interface to Transceiver PCB, J2 ..................... 83
PCB Schematic ........................................................................... 83
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05-3946A01, Rev. C
To Our Customers
We appreciate your patronage. You are our business. We promise to serve and anticipate your needs. We strive to give you solutions that are cost effective, innovative,
reliable and of the highest quality possible. We promise to build a relationship that is
forthright and ethical, one that builds confidence and trust. We are committed to the
continuous improvement of all of our systems and processes, to improve product
quality and increase customer satisfaction.
Copyright Notice
This Installation and Operation Guide and all software described herein are Copyright
2007 by GE MDS, LLC. All rights reserved. The company reserves its right to correct
any errors and omissions in this manual.
RF Exposure Notice
RF EXPOSURE
Professional installation required. The radio equipment described in this
guide emits radio frequency energy. Although the power level is low, the
concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health
hazard. Do not allow people to come closer than 23 cm (9 inches) to the
antenna when the transmitter is operating in indoor or outdoor
environ-ments. 

In mobile applications (vehicle mounted) the above separation distance
must be maintained at all times. More information on RF exposure is
available on the Internet at www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins.
L'énergie concentrée en provenance d'une antenne directionnelle peut
présenter un danger pour la santé. Ne pas permettre aux gens de
s'approcher à moins de 23 cm à l'avant de l'antenne lorsque l'émetteur
est en opération. On doit augmenter la distance proportionnellement si
on utilise des antennes ayant un gain plus élevé . Ce guide est destiné à
être utilisé par un installateur professionnel. Plus d'informations sur
l'exposition aux rayons RF peut être consulté en ligne à l'adresse
suiv-ante: www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins
ISO 9001 Registration
GE MDS adheres to the internationally-accepted ISO 9001 quality system standard.
FCC Part 15 and Industry Canada RSS Notice
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Industry Canada
license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
inter-ference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
a) Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using
an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by
Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna
type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power
(e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
b) The radio transmitter described herein (IC ID: 3738A-MDSEL806) is approved by
Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum
per-missible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated.
Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain
indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Cet appareil est conforme à la Partie 15 des règlements de la FCC et Industrie Canada
exempts de licence standard RSS (s). Son utilisation est soumise à deux conditions:
(1) ce dispositif ne peut causer des interférences, (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute
interférence pouvant causer un mauvais fonctionnement du dispositif.
a) En vertu des règlements d'Industrie Canada, cet émetteur radio ne peut fonctionner
avec une antenne d'un type et un maximum (ou moins) approuvés pour gagner de
l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Pour réduire le risque d'interférence aux autres
util-isateurs, le type d'antenne et son gain doivent être choisies de façon que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (PIRE) ne dépasse pas ce qui est nécessaire pour
une communication réussie.
b) L'émetteur radio décrit ci-après (IC ID: 3738A-MDSEL806) a été approuvé par
Industrie Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antennes énumérées ci-dessous
avec le gain maximal admissible et nécessaire antenne d'impédance pour chaque type
d'antenne indiqué. Types d'antennes ne figurent pas dans cette liste, ayant un gain
supérieur au gain maximum indiqué pour ce type, sont strictement interdites pour une
utilisation avec cet appareil.
Antenna Gain/Power Data (FCC)
Antenna System Gain
(Antenna Gain in dBia
minus Feedline Loss in dBb)
Maximum Power
Setting
EIRP
(in dBm)
(in dBm)
30
36
6 (or less)
28
36
10
26
36
12
24
36
14
22
36
16
20
36
a. Most antenna manufacturers rate antenna gain
in dBd. To convert to dBi, add 2.15 dB.
b. Feedline loss varies by cable type and length.
Consult manufacturer data.
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05-3946A01, Rev. C
Antenna Gain/Power Data (Industry Canada )
Antenna System Gain
Maximum Power
Setting
EIRP
(in dBm)
(in dBm)
0 dBi Dipole
28.5
36
2 dBi Dipole
28.5
36
7.1 dB Omni
28.5
36
8.5 dBi Yagi
27
36
(Antenna Gain in dBia
minus Feedline Loss in dBb)
a. Most antenna manufacturers rate antenna gain
in dBd. To convert to dBi, add 2.15 dB.
b. Feedline loss varies by cable type and length.
Consult manufacturer data.
FCC Limited Modular Approval
This device is offered as an FCC Part 15 Unlicensed Limited Modular Transmitter
(LMA). The transmitter module is approved for use only with specific antenna, cable
and output power configurations that have been tested and approved for use when
installed in devices approved by third-party OEMs, or produced by the Grantee (GE
MDS). Modifications to the radio, the antenna system, or power output, that have not
been explicitly specified by the manufacturer are not permitted, and may render the
radio non-compliant with applicable regulatory authorities. Refer to Table 10 on
Page 28 for more detailed information.
When this device is placed inside an enclosure, a durable label must be affixed to the
outside of that enclosure indicating the unit’s FCC ID Number.
The antenna(s) to be used with this module must be installed with consideration to the
guidelines for RF exposure risk to all nearby personnel, and must not be co-located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
UL Notice
The MDS TransNET OEM 900 (Model EL806) and TransNET OEM
2400 (Model EL806-24) is available for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups
A, B, C & D Hazardous Locations. Such locations are defined in Article
500 of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publication
NFPA 70, otherwise known as the National Electrical Code.
Both transceivers models have been recognized for use in these hazardous locations
by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The transceiver is as a Recognized
Component for use in these hazardous locations, in accordance with CSA STD C22.2
No. 213-M1987.
UL Conditions of Approval:
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
vii
The transceiver is not acceptable as a stand-alone unit for use in the hazardous locations described above. It must either be mounted within another piece of equipment
which is certified for hazardous locations, or installed within guidelines, or conditions
of approval, as set forth by the approving agencies. These conditions of approval are
as follows:
1. The transceiver must be mounted within a separate enclosure which is suitable for
the intended application.
2. The coaxial antenna cable, power input cable and interface cables must be routed
through conduit in accordance with Division 2 wiring methods as specified in the
National Electrical Code, Article 501.4(B).
3. The transceiver must be used within its Recognized “Ratings”.
4. Installation, operation and maintenance of the transceiver should be in accordance
with the transceiver's installation manual, and the National Electrical Code.
5. Tampering or replacement with non-factory components may adversely affect the
safe use of the transceiver in hazardous locations, and may void the approval.
6. A power connector with screw-type retaining screws as supplied by GE MDS
must be used.
When installed in a Class I, Div. 2, Groups A, B, C or D hazardous location, observe
the following:
WARNING — EXPLOSION HAZARD 

Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been 
switched off or the area is know to be non-hazardous.

Substitution of components may impair 
suitability for Class 1, Division 2.
Refer to Articles 500 through 502 of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) for further information on hazardous locations and approved Division 2 wiring methods.
ESD Notice
To prevent malfunction or damage to this radio, which may be caused by
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), the radio should be properly grounded by
connection to the ground stud on the rear panel. In addition, the installer or
operator should follow proper ESD precautions, such as touching a
grounded bare metal object to dissipate body charge, prior to adjusting
front panel controls or connecting or disconnecting cables on the front or
rear panels.
Environmental Information
The equipment that you purchased has required the extraction and use of
natural resources for its production. Improper disposal may contaminate
the environment and present a health risk due to hazardous substances contained within. To avoid dissemination of these substances into our environment, and to diminish the demand on natural resources, we encourage you
to use the appropriate recycling systems for disposal. These systems will
reuse or recycle most of the materials found in this equipment in a sound
way. Please contact GE MDS or your supplier for more information on the
proper disposal of this equipment.
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05-3946A01, Rev. C
Manual Revision and Accuracy
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual,
product improvements may result in minor differences between the manual and the
product shipped to you. If you have additional questions or need an exact specification
for a product, please contact our Customer Service Team using the information at the
back of this guide. In addition, manual updates can often be found on the GE MDS
Web site at www.GEmds.com.
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1.0 ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual is intended to guide technical personnel in the integration of
MDS TransNET OEM™ transceivers into existing electronic equipment. The
OEM transceiver is designed for use inside Remote Terminal Units (RTUs),
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and other equipment associated
with remote data collection, telemetry and control.
The manual provides instructions for interface connections, hardware
mounting, and programming commands. Following integration of the transceiver, it is recommended that a copy of this manual be retained for future
reference by technical personnel.
2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The OEM transceiver, (Figure 1), is a compact, spread spectrum wireless
module designed for operation in the 900 and 2400 MHz license-free
frequency bands. It is contained on one double-sided circuit board with all
necessary components and RF shielding included. It need only be protected
from direct exposure to the weather and is designed for rugged service in
extreme temperature environments.
The transceiver has full over-the-air compatibility with standard (non-OEM)
TransNET transceivers manufactured by GE MDS. All transceiver programming is performed via a personal computer or terminal connected to the
module. There are no manual adjustments required to configure the transceiver for operation.
Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 1. TransNET OEM™ Transceiver
The transceiver employs Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology for
highly-reliable data communications, even in the presence of weak or interfering signals. DSP techniques also make it possible to obtain information
about the radio’s operation and troubleshoot problems, often eliminating the
need for site visits.
Using appropriate software at the master station, diagnostic data can be
retrieved for any radio in the system, even while payload data is being transmitted. (See “Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics” on Page 61.)
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2.1 Transceiver Features
The OEM transceiver is designed for easy installation and flexibility in a wide
range of wireless applications. Listed below are several key features of the
transceiver which are described in more detail later in this guide.
• 902–928 MHz operation using the TransNET OEM 900
• 2400–2482 MHz operation using the TransNET OEM 2400
• User-selectable option to skip sub-bands with constant interference
• 65,000 available network addresses
• Network-wide configuration from the Master station eliminates most
trips to Remote sites
• Data transparency ensures compatibility with virtually all asynchronous
SCADA system RTUs
• Peak-hold RSSI averaged over eight hop cycles
• Operation at up to 115,200 bps continuous data flow
• Store-and-Forward repeater operation
• Data latency typically less than 10 ms
• Same hardware for Master or Remote configuration
• Supports RS/EIA-232 and RS/EIA-485 user interface
• Low current consumption; typically less than 3 mA in “sleep” mode
NOTE: Some radio features may not be available on all models, or limited by the options purchased, or the applicable regulatory constraints for the region in which the radio will operate.
2.2 Factory Hardware Options
There are a number options for the transceiver assembly that must be specified at the time the order. These include: antenna connector type, data interface signalling and primary power.
2.3 Data Interface and Power (J3) Options
Table 1 below lists the interface options that can be specified when the transceiver module is ordered. If you are uncertain as to the configuration of the
unit you are using, please copy the model number code from the transceiver
module and contact the GE MDS Customer Service Department for assistance.
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Table 1. Data Interface & Power Options
(Factory Configurable Only)
PAYLOAD DATA
DIAGNOSTICS DATA INPUT POWER
RS-232/485
RS-232
+6–30 Vdc
TTL
RS-232
+6–30 Vdc
TTL
TTL
+6–30 Vdc
Antenna Connector (J200/J201)
The PCB has solder pads for several RF connectors with different footprints
but only one RF connector will be installed. Below is a table of connector
options available from the factory when the order is placed. We do not recommend retrofitting the PCB with an alternate connector as damage to the board
could result and will void the factory warranty.
Table 2. Antenna Connector Options
Connector Description
MMCX, JACK, RIGHT ANGLE
MCX, JACK, RIGHT ANGLE
MCX, STRAIGHT JACK RECEPTACLE
MCX, STRAIGHT PLUG RECEPTACLE
SMB, CON, COAX SMB RIGHT ANGLE
SMB, STRAIGHT JACK RECEPTACLE
SMA, JACK, RIGHT ANGLE RECEPTACLE
SMA, PLUG RECEPTACLE, RIGHT ANGLE
SMA, STRAIGHT JACK RECEPTACLE
SMA, STRAIGHT PLUG RECEPTACLE
2.4 Model Number
The radio model number is printed on the label on the end of the radio’s enclosure. It provides key information about how the radio was configured when it
left the factory. This number is subject to many variations depending on what
options are installed and where (country) the product is used. Contact the factory if you have questions on the meaning of the code.
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2.5 Spread Spectrum Radios—How Are They Different?
The main difference between a traditional (licensed) radio and the
MDS TransNET transceiver is that this unit “hops” from channel to channel
many times per second using a specific hop pattern applied to all radios in the
network. A distinct hopping pattern is provided for each of the 65,000 available network addresses, thus minimizing the chance of interference with
other spread spectrum systems. In the USA, Canada, and certain other countries, no license is required to install and operate this type of radio system,
provided that RF power and antenna gain restrictions are observed.
2.6 Typical Applications
Multiple Address Systems (MAS)
This is the most common application of the transceiver. It consists of a central
control station (master) and two or more associated remote units, as shown in
Figure 2. This type of network provides communications between a central
host computer and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection
devices. The operation of the radio system is transparent to the computer
equipment. This application provides a practical alternative to traditional
(licensed) MAS radio systems.
Invisibleplaceholder
RTU/PLC WITH
TRANSCEIVER
INSTALLED
RTU/PLC WITH
TRANSCEIVER
INSTALLED
RTU/PLC WITH
TRANSCEIVER
INSTALLED
MASTER SITE
RTU/PLC WITH
TRANSCEIVER
INSTALLED
DATA
TRANSCEIVER
Figure 2. Typical MAS Network
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Point-to-Point System
A point-to-point configuration (Figure 3) is a simple arrangement consisting
of just two radios—a master and a remote. This provides a half-duplex
communications link for the transfer of data between two locations.
Invisibleplaceholder
Master Site
Remote Site
DATA
TRANSCEIVER
DATA
TRANSCEIVER
Host System
Figure 3. Typical Point-to-Point Link
Tail-End Link to an Existing Network
A tail-end link is often used to extend the range of a traditional (licensed)
MAS system without adding another licensed radio. This might be required
if an outlying site is blocked from the MAS master station by a natural or
man-made obstruction. In this arrangement, a spread spectrum transceiver
links the outlying remote site into the rest of the system by sending data from
that site to an associated transceiver installed at one of the licensed remote
sites—usually the one closest to the outlying facility. (See Figure 4).
As the data from the outlying site is received at the associated transceiver, it
is transferred to the co-located licensed radio (via a data crossover cable) and
is transmitted to the MAS master station over the licensed channel. Additional details for tail-end links are given in Section 6.2 (Page 19).
Invisibleplaceholder
REPEATER STATION
Remote Radio
Master Station
SP
DATA
TRANSCEIVER
ACTIVE
STBY
ALARM
RX ALR
TX ALR
ACTIVE
LINE
STBY
ALARM
RX ALR
TX ALR
LINE
ENTER
ESCAPE
RE
TO AD
OU SPE
TL CT
YI RU
NG M
SI LIN
TE K
Null-Modem Cable
Remote
Radio
Remote
Radio
DATA
TRANSCEIVER
RTU
OUTLYING
REMOTE SITE
RTU
RTU
MAS SYSTEM (LICENSED OR UNLICENSED)
LICENSE-FREE SPREAD SPECTRUM SYSTEM
Figure 4. Typical Tail-End Link Arrangement
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Store-and-Forward Repeater
Similar to a Tail-End Link, Store-and-Forward (SAF) offers a way to physically extend the range of a network, but in a simplified and economical
manner. SAF operates by storing up the data received from one site, and then
retransmitting it a short time later. Figure 5 shows a typical SAF repeater
arrangement.
SAF operates by dividing a network into a vertical hierarchy of two or more
sub-networks. Extension radios (designated as MODE X) serve as single-radio
repeaters that link adjacent sub-networks, and move data from one
sub-network to the next. Additional information on SAF mode is provided in
“SAF Operation with Extension Radios” on Page 20.
Invisibleplaceholder
STORE & FORWARD REPEATER STATION
SP
Programmed as
MODE M
RTU
DATA
TRANSCEIVER
DATA
TRANSCEIVER
RE
TO AD
OU SPE
TL CT
YI RU
NG M
SI LIN
TE K
Programmed as
MODE X
Programmed as
MODE R
DATA
TRANSCEIVER
Programmed as
MODE R
Programmed as
MODE R
DATA
TRANSCEIVER
DATA
TRANSCEIVER
RTU
RTU
RTU
OUTLYING
REMOTE SITE
Figure 5. Store-and-Forward Repeater Network
2.7 Transceiver Accessories
One or more of the accessories listed in Table 3 may be used with the OEM
transceiver. Contact your factory representative for availability and ordering
details.
Table 3. OEM Transceiver Accessories
Accessory
Description
Part No.
AC Power 
Adapter
Small power supply module designed for continuous service. UL approved. 
Input: 120/220 Vac
Output: 12 Vdc @ 500 mA (20 Watts)
01-3682A02
2-Pin 
DC Power Plug
Mates with power connector on the transceiver.
Screw terminals are provided for wires.
73-1194A39
Fuse (Internal)
Fuse, 2A SMF Slo-Blo
29-1784A03
Omnidirectional
Antennas
Rugged antennas suited for use at Master 
stations.
Various; 
Consult factory
900 MHz 
Yagi Antennas
Rugged directional antennas suited for use at
Remote stations.
Various; 
Consult factory
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Table 3. OEM Transceiver Accessories (Continued)
2400 MHz
Antennas
Rugged directional antennas suited for use at
Remote stations.
Various; 
Consult factory
900 MHz 
Bandpass Filter
Antenna system filter to aid in eliminating interference from paging system transmissions.
20-2822A02
TNC-to-N 
Adapter Cable
(3 ft./1 meter)
Coaxial cable used to connect the radio’s TNC
antenna connector to a Type-N style commonly
used on large-diameter coaxial cables.
97-1677A159
TNC-to-N 
Adapter Cable
(6 ft./1.8 meter)
Coaxial cable used to connect the radio’s TNC
antenna connector to a Type-N style commonly
used on large-diameter coaxial cables.
97-1677A160
TNC-to-N RF
Adaptor Plug
Adapts radio’s antenna connector to Type-N
style commonly used on large-diameter coaxial
cables.
97-1677A161
RS/EIA-232
Cable
Shielded data cable fitted with DB-9 male and
DB-9 female, 6 ft./1.8 meter.
97-1971A03
RJ-11 to DB-9
Adapter Cable
For connecting a PC terminal to the transceiver
via the radio’s DIAG(nostics) connector. Used
for programming and diagnostics.
03-3246A01
Evaluation 
Development Kit
Kit containing two OEM Transceiver modules,
whip antennas, two Evaluation Boards, support
software on CD, cables, power supplies and
other accessories needed to operate the transceiver in a benchtop setting.
32-4051A01
3.0 BENCHTOP SETUP & EVALUATION
As an integrator, your first task is to verify that the OEM module will function
as intended with the host equipment. This section describes how to test the
unit for operation with host devices such as RTUs, PLCs and similar gear. It
covers the steps for making interface connections, powering up the transceiver, and setting configuration parameters using a connected PC.
Evaluation of the module is best performed in a controlled environment, such
as a shop or lab facility where you can readily test various hardware and
programming configurations and observe the effects of these changes before
final installation.
Once you are satisfied that the transceiver module operates properly on the
bench, you can plan the installation of the module inside the host device and
be assured of proper operation in the field.
NOTE: Before using the Evaluation PCB, please review the detailed information on the Evaluation PCB and its functions, see “EVALUATION DEVELOPMENT KIT (P/N
03-4053A01)” on Page 73.
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3.1 Initial Power-Up & Configuration
When all of the cable connections described in “Cable Connections for
Benchtop Testing” on Page 75 have been made, the transceiver is ready for
initial power-up. Operation begins as soon as power is applied, and there are
no manual adjustments or settings required.
To place the transceiver into operation:
1. Ensure that all cable connections are properly wired and secure. Verify
that no metallic objects are touching the underside of the evaluation
board which might cause a short-circuit.
2. Apply DC power. The GP indicator (CR6) on the transceiver board
should light continuously.
3. Using a connected PC terminal, configure the unit with the proper mode
(master or remote), network address and data parameters. See
Configuration Settings below for programming details.
4. Observe the transceiver’s LED indicators for proper operation. Table 4
on Page 11 shows the functions and normal indications of the LEDs.
5. Verify that the transceiver is transmitting and receiving data (TXD, RXD)
in response to the master station and/or connected terminal device.
Configuration Settings
This section explains how to set the essential operating parameters of the
transceiver. For more information on connecting a PC terminal, refer to “User
Commands” on Page 34.
6. The three essential settings for the Transceiver are as follows:
Mode—Master, Remote, or Extension
Network Address—a unique number from 1 to 65000
Data Interface Parameters—bps, data bits, parity, stop bits
a.
Set the Mode using the MODE M (Master), MODE R (Remote), or
MODE X (Extension) command. (Note that there can be only one
Master radio in a system.)

If any MODE X radios are used in the network, SAF must be turned
on at the Master station. The MODE X radio must be programmed
with an Extended Address (XADDR). Units that need to hear the
MODE X radio must be programmed with an appropriate XPRI
and/or XMAP value. (See “SAF Operation with Extension Radios”
on Page 20 for more information.)
b.
Set a unique Network Address (1–65000) using ADDR command.
Each radio in the system must have the same network address. Tip:
Use the last four digits of the Master’s serial number to help avoid
conflicts with other users.
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
c.
Set the baud rate/data interface parameters. Default setting is 9600
bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit. If changes are required, use the
BAUD xxxxx abc command where xxxxx denotes the data speed
(300–115200 bps) and abc denotes the communication parameters as
follows:
a = Data bits (7 or 8)
b = Parity (N for None, O for Odd, E for Even
c = Stop bits (1 or 2)
NOTE: 7N1, 8E2 and 8O2 are invalid interface parameters for this transceiver.
Configuring Multiple Remote Units
In most installations, the Remote radios will be programmed with virtually
the same set of parameters. This process can be streamlined by testing key
pieces of equipment—such as the Master, Remote, and any Extensions—on
a benchtop setup prior to installation. This allows you to test various configurations in a controlled environment.
Once the evaluation network is working satisfactorily, you can save the
configuration of each unit in a data file on your PC through the use of
TransNET Configuration Software. You can then open the Remote configuration file and install it in the next Remote radio. The software prevents you
from overwriting unit or other mode-specific parameters.
3.2 Tail-End Links
DCE
DB-25
DCE
16-pin header (J3)
RXD 3
10 TXD
TXD
14 RXD
GND 7
5 GND
RTS
If required.
16 CTS
TransNET OEM
Remote Transceiver
(DEVICE CTS KEY)
MDS x710 Series
Remote Transceiver
(or device requiring keyline)
A tail-end link is established by connecting an MDS TransNET Series radio
“back-to-back” with another identical radio such as a licensed MDS x710B
Series transceiver. This can be used to link an outlying Remote site into the
rest of an MAS network. (Figure 4 on Page 5 shows a diagram of a typical
tail-end link system.) The wiring connections between the two radios in a
tail-end link system should be made as shown in Figure 11.
Figure 6. Data Interface Cable Wiring for Tail-End Links
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
Any device on the left that requires a keyline, as in this illustration, will
require the bottom line (CTS to RTS) and the TransNET OEM on the right
will need its DEVICE type set to CTS KEY. See DEVICE, on Page 44 for
details.
3.3 Configuring a Network for Extensions
The installation and configuration of an Extension transceiver is straightforward with only a few unique parameters that need to be considered and set at
each unit.
In every network there can be only one Master station. It will serve as the sole
gateway to the outside world. The tables in “Configuration Parameters for
Store & Forward Services” on Page 24 detail the parameters that need to be
set on each type of radio in the network. For a detailed description of this
network design, see “SAF Operation with Extension Radios” on Page 20.
3.4 LED Indicators
The LED indicators are located to the right of the transceiver’s shield cover
(near J3) and show important information about status of the module. The
functions of LEDs are explained in Table 4 below.
NOTE: For the LEDs to function, they must be enabled using the LEDS ON command.
Within 16 seconds of power-up, the following indications will be seen if the
unit has been properly configured and is communicating with another transceiver:
• GP (General Purpose) lamp lit continuously
• DCD lamp lit continuously (if unit is synchronized with another station)
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
• Remote radio(s) transmitting data (TXD) and receiving data (RXD) with
another station.
Table 4. LED Indicator Descriptions
LED Name
Description
RXD (CR3)
Receive Data
Serial receive data activity. Payload data from
connected device.
RXD
TXD (CR4)
Transmit Data
Serial transmit data activity. Payload data to
connected device.
TXD
DCD (CR5)
Data Carrier Detect
Continuous—Radio is receiving/sending synchronization frames
On within 10 seconds of power-up under normal conditions
GP (CR6)
General Purpose
• Continuous—
Power is applied to the radio; no problems detected
• Flashing (5 times-per-second)—
Fault indication. 
See “TROUBLESHOOTING” on Page 57
DCD
GP
• Off—
Radio is unpowered or in Sleep mode
4.0 TRANSCEIVER MOUNTING
This section provides information for mounting the OEM transceiver in a host
device. The module need only be protected from direct exposure to the
weather. No additional RF shielding is required.
Figure 7 shows the dimensions of the transceiver board and its mounting
holes. If possible, choose a mounting location that provides an unobstructed
view of the radio’s LED status indicators when viewing the board from
outside the host device.
Mount the transceiver module to a stable surface using the four mounting
holes at the corners of the PC board. Standoff spacers should be used to maintain adequate clearance between the bottom of the circuit board and the
mounting surface. (Fasteners/anchors are not normally supplied.)
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
11
Figure 8 on Page 12 provides details for the locations of the RF and interface
connectors.
3.45˝
(87.5 mm)
1.81˝
(46 mm)
To
Vie
1.49˝
(3.8 cm)
3.11˝
(7.9 cm)
Side View
0.63”
(16 mm)
Figure 7. Transceiver Mounting Dimensions
3.45
3.10
\U+2205.150
TYP.
.55
1.825
.50
1.475
J200
J3
.225
.25
.185
Figure 8. RF and Interface Connectors Locations
RF connector shown in J200 location
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
4.1 Antenna & Feedline Selection
Antennas
The equipment can be used with a number of antennas. The exact style used
depends on the physical size and layout of a system. Contact your factory
representative for specific recommendations on antenna types and hardware
sources.
In general, an omnidirectional antenna (Figure 9) is used at the Master station
site in an MAS system. This provides equal coverage to all of the Remote
sites.
NOTE: Antenna polarization is important. If the wrong polarization is used, a signal reduction
of 20 dB or more will result. Most systems using a gain-type omnidirectional antenna at
the Master station employ vertical polarization of the signal; therefore, the Remote antenna(s) must also be vertically polarized (elements oriented perpendicular to the horizon). 

When required, horizontally polarized omnidirectional antennas are also available. Contact your factory representative for details.
Figure 9. 
Omnidirectional Antenna 
(mounted to mast)
At Remote sites and point-to-point systems, a directional Yagi antenna
(Figure 10), is generally recommended to minimize interference to and from
other users. Antennas are available from many sources including GE MDS.
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
13
Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 10. Typical Yagi Antenna
mounted to a mast
Feedlines
The choice of feedline used with the antenna should be carefully considered.
Poor-quality coaxial cables should be avoided, as they will degrade system
performance for both transmission and reception. The cable should be kept as
short as possible to minimize signal loss.
For cable runs of less than 20 feet (6 meters), or for short range transmission,
an inexpensive type such as Type RG-8A/U may be acceptable. Otherwise,
we recommend using a low-loss cable type suited for 900 MHz, such as
Times Microwave LMR 400® or Andrew Heliax®.
Table 5 lists several types of feedlines and indicates the signal losses (in dB)
that result when using various lengths of each cable at 900 MHz and Table 6
for 2.4 GHz. The choice of cable will depend on the required length, cost
considerations, and the amount of signal loss that can be tolerated.
Table 5. Length vs. loss in coaxial cables at 900 MHz
10 Feet
(3.05 Meters)
50 Feet
(15.24 Meters)
100 Feet
(30.48 Meters)
300 Feet
(91.44 Meters)
LMR 400
0.39 dB
1.95 dB
3.9 dB
Unacceptable Loss
1/2 inch
HELIAX
0.23 dB
1.15 dB
2.29 dB
6.87 dB
7/8 inch
HELIAX
0.13 dB
0.64 dB
1.28 dB
3.84 dB
1-1/4 inch
HELIAX
0.10 dB
0.48 dB
0.95 dB
2.85 dB
1-5/8 inch
HELIAX
0.08 dB
0.40 dB
0.80 dB
2.4 dB
Cable Type
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Table 6. Length vs. loss in coaxial cables at 2400 MHz
Cable Type
10 Feet
(3.05 Meters)
50 Feet
(15.24 Meters)
100 Feet
(30.48 Meters)
300 Feet
(91.44 Meters)
LMR-400
0.70 dB
3.50 dB
6.61 dB
Unacceptable Loss
1/2 inch
HELIAX
0.35 dB
1.73 dB
3.46 dB
17.3 dB
7/8 inch
HELIAX
0.20 dB
0.99 dB
1.97 dB
9.85 dB
1-1/4 inch
HELIAX
0.15 dB
0.73 dB
1.45 dB
7.50 dB
Antenna System Ground
Precautions should be taken to assure the antenna and its support structure are
bonded to a good earth ground system to minimize the impact of voltages
created by lightning and atmospheric charges.
CAUTION: Safety grounding systems are beyond the scope of this manual. Below you will find
some elementary advice. These are generalities; every location and installation is
unique and requires a unique safety grounding system design. Please consider consulting a radio system engineer or other professional for advice on ground system
design. A well-designed ground system will minimize risk of electrical shock to
personnel and the chances of equipment damage.
Antenna Selection—Choose an antenna that offers a “DC ground” or direct
low-impedance ground connection for all metallic components. This will
allow static charges on the antenna system to be safely dissipated to ground.
It will also provide a low-impedance path to an earth/safety ground in the
event of a lightning discharge.
Support Earth/Safety Ground—The structure that supports your antenna
system should have a large-gauge ground wire that goes as directly as
possible to a safety/earth ground system. If a tower is used, it should have its
own ground system. Do not use the building’s AC-power supply ground as a
safety ground for lightning protection.
Chassis Ground—Connect a safety/earth ground to the ground post
provided on the electronic/electrical equipment. If a ground terminal is
present, bond the chassis to the safety ground at a point that is as close as
possible to the antenna system and primary power entry points on the chassis.
5.0 PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION
After the basic operation of the radio has been checked, you may wish to optimize its performance using some of the suggestions given here. The effectiveness of these techniques will vary with the design of your system and the
format of the data being sent.
Complete instructions for using the commands referenced in this manual are
provided in “RADIO PROGRAMMING” on Page 33.
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15
Antenna Aiming
For optimal performance, directional antennas must be accurately aimed in
the direction of desired transmission. The easiest way to do this is to point the
antenna in the approximate direction, then use the Remote radio’s RSSI
command (Received Signal Strength Indicator) to further refine the heading
for maximum received signal strength.
In an MAS system, RSSI readings are only meaningful when initiated from a
Remote station. This is because the Master station typically receives signals
from several Remote sites, and the RSSI would be continually changing as the
Master receives from each Remote in turn. Adjust the antenna for the highest
(most positive) value to ensure the greatest communication reliability.
Antenna SWR Check
It is necessary to briefly key the transmitter for this check by placing the radio
in the SETUP mode (Page 52) and using the KEY command. (To unkey the
radio, enter DKEY; to disable the SETUP mode and return the radio to normal
operation, enter Q or QUIT.)
The SWR of the antenna system should be checked before the radio is put into
regular service. For accurate readings, a wattmeter suited for 1000 MHz is
required. One unit meeting this criteria is the Bird Model 43 directional wattmeter with a 5J element installed.
The reflected power should be less than 10% of the forward power
(2:1 SWR). Higher readings usually indicate problems with the antenna,
feedline or coaxial connectors.
Data Buffer Setting—MODBUS™ Protocol
The default setting for the data buffer is OFF. This allows the radio to operate
with the lowest possible latency and improves channel efficiency.
MODBUS™ protocol and its derivatives are the only protocols that should
require the buffer to be turned on. See “BUFF [ON, OFF]” on Page 42 for
details.
NOTE: The BUFF ON setting may introduce high latency. For time-critical MODBUSTM applications, buffering can also be achieved by setting the RXD delay value. This lowers
the latency, but may not be as robust as BUFF ON. The desired RXD value can be approximated by the following:
RXD value = (9600/BAUD value) * HOPTIME value * REPEAT value * SAF multiplier. (The SAF multiplier is 1 for SAF OFF and 2 for SAF ON.)
As an example, with 9600bps, HOPTIME 7, REPEAT 3, SAF ON, the RXD delay
should typically be set to 42. ([9600/9600] * 7 * 3 * 2 = 42)
Hoptime Setting
The default hop-time setting is 7 (7 ms). An alternate setting of 28 milliseconds may be used to increase throughput, but at the cost of increased latency.
More information on the HOPTIME command can be found on Page 45.
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TotalFlow™ Protocol at 9600 with Sleep Mode
For reliable operation with TotalFlow meters, use the default settings for
9600 with the following alterations:
HOPTIME 28—Allows large data packets
FEC OFF—Improves store-and-forward performance for a large contin-
uous data stream
BUFF ON—Ensures “ungapped” 4-second polls if unit is in sleep mode
Operation at 115200 bps
Burst throughput at 115200 bps is supported at all settings. The radio will
always buffer at least 500 characters. Sustained throughput at 115200 bps is
only possible when the data path is nearly error-free and the operating settings
have been properly selected. For sustained operation at 115200 bps, use the
following settings: SAF OFF, FEC OFF, REPEAT 0, RETRY 0, HOPTIME 28.
Baud Rate Setting
The default baud rate setting is 19200 bps to accommodate most systems. If
your system will use a different data rate, you should change the radio’s data
interface speed using the BAUD xxxxx abc command (Page 41). It should be set
to the highest speed that can be sent by the data equipment in the system. (The
transceiver supports 300 to 115200 bps.)
Radio Interference Checks
The radio operates in eight frequency zones. If interference is found in one or
more of these zones, the SKIP command (Page 53) can be used to omit them
from the hop pattern. You should also review 7.0 DEALING WITH INTERFERENCE, when dealing with interference problems, when interference
problems are encountered.
5.1 How Much Output Power Can be Used?
Refer to the Antenna Gain/Power Data charts at the front of this manual for
approved antenna types and maximum RF power settings for the transceiver.
You must ensure compliance with all applicable rules for the country of operation before placing the transmitter on the air.
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17
6.0 OPERATING PRINCIPLES & SPECIAL CONFIGURATIONS
IMPORTANT: The following discussion of setup and commands is generic to TransNET radios and networks. Since it is not known if your network will be made up of
only TransNET OEM transceivers, or a mixture of OEM and standard packaged versions, references to the DATA and INTERFACE ports can be used
interchangeably. The DIAGNOSTIC port is only available on the standard
transceiver and on the Evaluation PCB. For the TransNET OEM, this connection can be made through the Evaluation PCB, or a user-provided connection.
6.1 Synchronizing Network Units
The Master controls the synchronization for a given network for all modes.
Setting the Master to SAF ON broadcasts a command from the Master to all
radio units in the associated network either directly or through an Extension
radio. This command puts all radios in the entire system in a special
time-division duplexing mode that alternates between two timeslots. One
time slot is for data communications upstream and the second for downstream
communications.
The Extensions are single radios which serve as bridges between adjacent
sub-network levels. Extensions will undertake a “Remote personality” in one
timeslot, and a “Master personality” in the alternate timeslot and provide
communications with associated Remotes downstream. Extensions behave
like two radios with their data ports tied together, first synchronizing with
their upstream Master during their Remote personality period, and then
providing synchronization signals to dependent Remotes downstream during
their Master personality period.
All Remotes synchronize to a corresponding Master. This can be the “real
Master” (the MODE M unit), or it can be a repeater “Extension” that derives
synchronization from the “real Master.”
Payload polls/packets broadcast from the network Master will be repeated to
all levels of the network, either directly to Remotes, or through network
repeaters—the Extension station. The targeted Remote responds to the poll
following the same path back to the Master.
Synchronization Messages
Remotes acquire synchronization and configuration information via SYNC
messages. They can synchronize to the Master (the MODE M unit) or to any
valid Extension (a MODE X unit).
The Master will always transmit SYNC messages. An Extension will only
start sending SYNC messages after synchronization is achieved with its
Master.
The ability to synchronize to a given radio is further qualified by the sender’s
Extended Address (XADDR) and by the receiver’s Synchronization Qualifiers
(XMAP, XPRI, and XRSSI).
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
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When a primary is specified (XPRI is 0...31), a radio will always attempt to
find the primary first. If 30 seconds elapses and the primary is not found, then
the radio attempts to synchronize with any non-primary radio in the XMAP
list.
Once every 30 minutes, if a primary is defined, the radio will check its
synchronization source. If the radio is synchronized to a unit other than the
primary, then the current RSSI value is compared to the XRSSI value. If RSSI
is less than XRSSI (or if XRSSI is NONE) the radio will force a
loss-of-synchronization, and hunt for the primary again (as described in the
previous paragraph).
By default, Extensions (and the Master) begin with XADDR 0. Synchronization qualifiers are set to XMAP 0, XPRI 0, and XRSSI NONE, respectively. This
default configuration allows any radio to hear the Master. When an Extension
is added, the extended address of the Extension radio must be set to a unique
value. All Remotes that need to hear that extension can specify this either by
designating the extension as the primary (XPRI), or by including it in their list
of valid synchronization sources (XMAP).
6.2 Establishing a Tail-End Link
A tail-end link can be used to bring an outlying remote site into the rest of an
MAS network. Figure 4 on Page 5 shows a diagram of this type of system.
A tail-end link is established by connecting an OEM transceiver
“back-to-back” with another unit such as a licensed MDS x710 Series transceiver. The wiring connections between the two radios must be made as
shown in Figure 11. In addition, the DEVICE CTS KEY command must be
asserted at the OEM radio.
DCE
DB-25
DCE
16-pin header (J3)
RXD 3
10 TXD
TXD
14 RXD
GND 7
5 GND
RTS
If required.
16 CTS
TransNET OEM
Remote Transceiver
(DEVICE CTS KEY)
MDS x710 Series
Remote Transceiver
(or device requiring keyline)

Figure 11. Data Crossover Cable for Tail-End Links
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19
6.3 SAF Operation with Extension Radios
The Store-and-Forward (SAF) capability operates by dividing a network into
a vertical hierarchy of two or more sub-networks. (See Figure 5 on Page 6.)
Adjacent sub-networks are connected via Extension radios operating in
“MODE X” which move data from one sub-network to the next one.
The Store-and-Forward implementation adheres to the general polling principles used in most multiple-address systems (MAS). Polls originate from the
Master station, broadcast to all radios within the network, and travel hierarchically downward. All Remotes will hear the same message, but only one
Remote will respond. Messages within a hierarchy only travel in one direction at a time.
Using SAF will cut the overall data throughput in half, however, multiple
networks can be inter-connected with no additional loss in network
throughput.
Simple Extended SAF Network
The following example depicts a two-level network utilizing a single Master
(M) and an Extension (X) radio. See Figure 12.
In this network, messages directed to Remotes in the “K” sub-network, will
be relayed through Extension radio Xj,k to the K-Remotes. Any response
from a Remote in sub-network “K” will pass back through Extension radio
Xj,k to the Master Mj. Radios in sub-network “J” operate on the same set of
frequencies and sub-network “K” but with a different radio-frequency
hopping pattern.
In SAF operation, the Extension radios are set to MODE X (Details Page 48)
and operate with a “dual personality”—50% of the time it serves as a Remote
station and 50% of the time as a Master for sub-network Remotes.
Invisibleplaceholder
MJ
Sub-Network “J”
RJ
RJ
X J,K
RJ
Sub-Network “K”
RK
RK
RK
Figure 12. Simple Extended SAF Network
Networks: J and K
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05-3946A01, Rev. C
Extended SAF Network
Below is an example of a multilevel network utilizing two repeaters—XJ,K
and XK,L. The example demonstrates the extensibility of the network. In this
case, messages directed to Remotes in the sub-network L will be relayed
through Extension radios XJ,K and XK,L. Like the previous example, the
Extension radios split their operating time equally between their Master and
Remote personalities. This multi-layered network can be extended indefinitely without degradation in throughput, beyond that initially incurred by
placing the network in the SAF mode.
Invisibleplaceholder
MJ
Sub-Network “J”
RJ
RJ
X J,KI
RJ
Sub-Network “K”
X K,L
RL
RL
RK
RK
RL
Sub-Network “L”
Figure 13. Extended SAF Network
Networks: J, K, L
Retransmission and ARQ Operation
Functionally, the sub-network side of an Extension behaves like a corresponding connection between a Master and a Remote.
When an Extension is using its “Master personality” it sends acknowledgments and performs unconditional retransmissions based on its REPEAT
count.
When an Extension is using its “Remote personality,” acknowledgments are
processed and retransmissions occur as needed, up to the number of times
specified by the RETRY count value.
If data arrives from a new source prior to completion of retransmissions, it is
considered to be a violation of the polling model protocol. The new data takes
precedence over the old data, and the old data is lost. In such a situation, new
data is likely to be corrupted as it will have some old data mixed in with it.
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SAF Configuration Example
The following is an outline for the configuration of a simple
store-and-forward link.
1.
2.
3.
Mode X and M Radios—Can have direct reports (Mode R radios) outside of the chain.
Data (Payload)—Travels from Master to Remote, and back from
Remote to Master.
Mode X and R Radios—Extension links can be protected by mapping
one or more fall-back paths in case of a failure. Add secondary extension addresses (XADDR) into the XMAP table. (See “XMAP
[00000000-FFFFFFFF]” on Page 55.) 

For example, as shown in Figure 14, Remote “D” could use Remote “C”
as its extension primary, and Remote “B” (X ADDR = 1) as an alternative in case of a failure of Remote “C” (X ADDR = 2). This arrangement assumes a serviceable path between Remotes “D” and “B” and
requires Remote “D” to be programmed with XMAP = 2 to correspond
with the XADDR address of Remote “B.”
Invisibleplaceholder
TransNET
Radios:
Radio
Confguration:
MODE
ADDR
X ADDR
X PRI
1234
Ø
None
MODE
ADDR
X ADDR
X PRI
1234
Ø
MODE
ADDR
X ADDR
X PRI
1234
MODE
ADDR
X ADDR
X PRI
XMAP
1234
MODE
ADDR
X ADDR
X PRI
1234
Figure 14. SAF Configuration Example
This configuration is easily arranged through the use of the Extension Map
in the MDS TransNET Configuration Software’s “Store-and-Forward
Settings.”
6.4 Using AT Commands
A TransNET network may be configured to support protocols employing
Hayes-Compatible modem commands through the radio’s AT Mode. In this
mode, TransNET units can provide a communications replacement for
dial-up modems where the RTUs and the protocol do not contain addressability, and the establishment of a direct-communications link is the only way
to determine if the RTU has data ready to be sent.
This requirement is common in many older SCADA systems which were
developed for direct connections where wire lines were the only communications link available at the time. Most of these older system implemented
support for the AT commands needed in the host software, so TransNET units
can be used without software modifications.
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In this mode, the Master’s DATA port is parsed for a subset of AT commands.
(See Supported Commands below). When an ATDTxxxxx data sequence is
detected, and xxxxx is a unit address of a radio in the network, the TransNET
Master will establish a virtual link to that unit. It will remain in that state until
either another ATDTxxxxx or ATH (hang-up/disconnect) is detected. (Note:
Unaddressed Remotes in the network will not respond to user data. Data will
only be exchanged between the equipment connected to the addressed
Remote unit and the network or device connected to the Master’s DATA port.
To use this mode, the command AT ON must be selected at the Master Radio.
The acknowledgment to an ATDT command is simulated by the Master; there
is no true verification that the far-end connection is valid.
Please consider the following additional information before using the AT
commands:
• Radio commands and AT commands are independent with unique
syntax and functional objectives.
• ATDT is not a radio command; it is part of the payload data input and
follows the syntax for Hayes-compatible landline modems.
• TransNET commands are entered through the RJ11 DIAGNOSTIC port
on Master and Remote radios. AT ON and UNIT are examples of
TransNET commands.
• AT commands are only entered through the Master’s DATA port, and
only when the TransNET command AT ON has been previously issued.
The radio supports a subset of the Hayes-compatible modem AT set.
Each command is entered without spaces, and always begins with AT,
and ends with a carriage return key press.
Supported AT Commands
Supported modem commands on the payload port are:
AT
Replies with OK (Code 0).
ATDT[xxxxx]
The command xxxxx represents 5-digit unit address with a leading zero (0)
if applicable. This command replies with CONNECT (Code 1). Once
connected, all characters are passed through until a +++ is seen.
ATH or +++
This command replies with OK (Code 0) and deletes any virtual connection
to the currently addressed Remote station.
ATV[x]
x = 0, means use numeric messages
x = 1, means use text messages (Default)
Replies with OK (Code 0)
AT
Replies with ERROR (Code 4)
Characters with
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Modem will echo characters in the data stream but will be ignored until a
second “AT” is seen at which time the modem closes the virtual
connection.
Operating Notes when AT Commands are ON
• Radios will not poll with the embedded RTU simulator unless a
connection is established.
• Network-wide diagnostics are unaffected by the dialed unit connection
status.
• The use of the TransNET OT command (Output Trigger) can be of
benefit in some configurations. See “OT [ON, OFF]” on Page 49 for
configuration details.
6.5 Configuration Parameters for Store & Forward
Services
The installation and configuration of a radio network with an Extension using
SAF is straightforward with only a few unique parameters that need to be
considered and set at each unit.
In every network there can be only one Master station. It will serve as the sole
gateway to the outside world. The following three tables detail the parameters
that will need to be set on each type of radio in the network.
• Network Master Radio—Table 7 on Page 24
• Extension Radio(s)—Table 8 on Page 25
• Remote Radio(s)—Table 9 on Page 26
Table 7. Configuration Parameters for SAF Services
Network Master Radio
Parameter
Command
Description
Operating Mode
MODE M
Sets the radio to serve as a
Master.
Details Page 48
Network Address
ADDR
Details Page 40
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
A number between 1 and
65,000 that will serve as a
common network address.
All radios in the network use
the same number.
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Table 7. Configuration Parameters for SAF Services
Network Master Radio (Continued)
Parameter
Command
Description
Extended Address
XADDR
A number between 0 and 31
that will serve as a common
address for radios that synchronize directly to this
Master.
Typically, the Master is set
to zero (0).
Details Page 55
Store-and-Forward
Mode
SAF ON
Details Page 52
Enables store-and-forward
capability in the network.
Table 8. Configuration Parameters for SAF Services
Extension Radio(s)
Parameter
Command
Description
Operating Mode
MODE X
Sets the radio to serve as an Extension.
Details Page 48
Network Address
ADDR
Details Page 40
Extended Address
XADDR
Details Page 55
Primary Extended
Address
XPRI 
Extension Map
XMAP
Details Page 56
Details Page 56
Extension 
Received Signal
Strength Indicator
05-3946A01, Rev. C
XRSSI
Details Page 56
A number between 1 and
65,000 that will serve as a common network address.
All radios in the network use
the same number.
A number between 0 and 31
that will serve as a common address for radios that synchronize directly to this Extension
radio serving as Master for associated sub-network units.
Zero (0) is recommended for
the Master station.
XADDR number of the primary or preferred radio with
which this radio will synchronize.
Lists all XADDR values with
which this radio can synchronize, excluding the XPRI address.
The minimum RSSI level required to preserve synchronization with a non-primary radio.
(Ineffective when XPRI is
NONE)
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
25
Table 9. Configuration Parameters for SAF Services
Remote Radio(s)
Parameter
Command
Description
Operating Mode
MODE R
Sets the radio to serve as
a Remote station.
Details Page 48
Network Address
ADDR
Details Page 40
Primary Extended
Address
XPRI 
Extension Map
XMAP
Details Page 56
Details Page 56
Extension 
Received Signal
Strength Indicator
XRSSI
Details Page 56
A number between 1 and
65,000 that will serve as
a common network address or name.
Same number for all
units in the same network.
XADDR number of the
primary or preferred radio with which this radio
will synchronize.
Lists all XADDR values
with which this radio can
synchronize, excluding
the XPRI address.
The minimum RSSI level required to preserve
synchronization with a
non-primary radio. (Ineffective when XPRI is
NONE)
6.6 Using the Radio’s Sleep Mode (Remote Units Only)
In some installations, such as at solar-powered sites, it may be necessary to
keep a Remote transceiver’s power consumption to an absolute minimum.
This can be accomplished using the radio’s Sleep Mode feature. Power
consumption (current) in sleep mode will be less at higher input voltages and
more at lower input voltages. Power in the Sleep Mode at 13.8 Vdc is approximately 3 mA.
Sleep Mode can be enabled under RTU control by asserting a ground (or
EIA/RS-232 low) on Pin 4 of the radio’s DATA connector. All normal functions are suspended until it is awakened by removing the low from Pin 4.
When Pin 4 is opened (or an EIA/RS-232 high is asserted), the radio will be
ready to receive data within 75 milliseconds. The radio can be awakened
more often if desired, by your RTU.
NOTE: The SLEEP function must be set to ON; without this, a ground on Pin 4 will be ignored.
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It is important to note that power consumption will increase somewhat as
communication from the Master station degrades. This is because the radio
will spend a greater period of time “awake” looking for synchronization
messages from the Master radio.
In order for the radio to be controlled by Pin 4, the unit’s Sleep Mode must be
enabled through the SLEEP [ON, OFF] command. See “SLEEP [ON, OFF]” on
Page 54 for more information.
NOTE: If INTRUSIVE polling is used in InSite NMS software, it is necessary to select SLEEP
MODE INHIBIT ON from the Polling Options menu, on the Network Wide Diagnostic Polling screen.
Sleep Mode Example
The following example describes Sleep Mode implementation in a typical
system. Using this information, you should be able to configure a system that
meets your own particular needs.
Suppose you need communications to each Remote site only once per hour.
Program the RTU to raise an EIA/RS-232 line once each hour (DTR for
example) and wait for a poll and response before lowering it again. Connect
this line to Pin 4 of the radio’s DATA connector. This will allow each RTU to
be polled once per hour, with a dramatic reduction in power consumption.
6.7 Low-Power Mode (LPM)—Master Enabled
The Low-Power Mode (LPM) puts Remote radios into a configuration similar
to Sleep, but with some important distinctions. The most important difference
is that the radio will automatically go to sleep in this mode, regardless of the
condition of Pin 4 of the DATA interface connector.
This feature trades increased latency to gain power savings. The low-power
mode (LPM) automatically saves power at a Remote by instructing the
Remote to shutdown for long periods of time between SYNC messages.
Master transmissions are automatically blocked while the Remotes are
asleep. Note, both Masters and Remotes are adaptive and will suppress a
normal sleep interval until after the end of a current data transmission or
reception.
Setup Commands
These are the command options and their applications:
• LPM 1 at the Master enables low-power mode network-wide; all
Remotes pick it up and start saving power by automatically sleeping.

LPM 1 can work in conjunction with the AT dialing feature. The dialed
unit will be forced awake; all others will sleep.
• LPM 0 at the Master is used to disable low-power mode (LPM)
(Default setting following an INIT or firmware upgrade.)
For LPMHOLD 0 with REPEAT 0 setting, a Remote with no data to send will
consume about 1/4 of its normal power consumption. Note that the SLEEP
command must be enabled for the LPM to function.
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Reading RSSI & Other Parameters with LPM Enabled
It may be desired to perform tests and review operational settings of a Remote
radio which has been programmed to operate in the low-power mode. Follow
the abbreviated procedure below to interact with the radio through a local
computer.
• Disconnect the Remote’s antenna to force it to lose sync with the
Master
• Power-down the radio
• Connect a computer running TransNET configuration software to the
Remote’s DIAG(nostic) port.
• Power-up the radio
• Reconnect the antenna
• Measure the RSSI or review and change any parameters you desire
Power Consumption Influence by HOPTIME and SAF Settings
Table 10 shows representative current consumption and data delay values for
various settings of TransNET radios setup for Low Power Mode, LPM (See
“LPM [1, 0]” on Page 47). It assumes the primary power voltage is 13.8 Vdc
and the polling rate is minimized to yield best-case power consumption
(current) values.
The more each RTU is polled and asked to transmit, the more current will be
consumed. Therefore, these values are the lowest that can be expected. Power
consumption (current) is inversely related to data delay as shown in the table.
When a radio is sleeping (LPM) mode, it is also waiting longer to deliver the
payload data.
Table 10. Power Consumption versus Hoptime and SAF Settings
HOPTIME
SAF
Current (ma)
Data Delay
OFF
16
350 ms
ON
10
780 ms
28
OFF
1620 ms
28
ON
3360 ms
Note, the Store-and-Forward setting has a significant effect on power
consumption, as it effectively doubles the HOPTIME to support LPM
services. For the most power-efficient operation, turn on SAF even if you are
not using repeaters.
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6.8 Low-Power Mode versus Remote’s Sleep Mode
The Low-Power Mode (LPM) puts Remote radios into an operational configuration similar to Sleep, but there are some important differences. Below is a
comparison of the two modes.
Table 11. Power-Conservation Modes Comparison
Sleep Mode
Low-Power Mode
Features
• Manual control by 
connected equipment
• Selective application of Sleep
control
• User determines length and
frequency of sleep periods
• Automatic radio-controlled timing
• Automatic sleep during absence of directed traffic
• Network-wide implementation through
Master station
Benefits
• Low latency
• Low standby power, 
ð 3 mA at 13.8 Vdc
• Greatest potential for power
savings
• Less complicated implementation
• Simple configuration
6.9
Mobile Operation Support
Introduction
Reliable mobile operation of Remotes is practical in areas covered by
multiple Master Stations within the same network—Master stations with the
same Network Address (ADDR). To make this type of service practical, the
Remote must have several reliable Master stations with which to communicate.
A “reliable” Master is defined as one, which consistently matches, or
exceeds, the Remote’s standard for Minimum RSSI (MRSSI).
Initially, the Remote will favor Masters with signal strengths 10 dB greater
than the MRSSI threshold. This will allows for some signal degradation of the
new Master as the Remote travels.
When the average signal level from the currently-associated Master falls
below the user-defined MRSSI level, the Remote will become out-of-sync
and seek an alternate Master with a reliable signal.
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Operational Influences—Hoptime and SAF
The synchronization period is influenced by two parameters’
values—HOPTIME and SAF (Store-and-Forward). Table 12 shows several
configurations and the associated synchronization period value.
Table 12. Synchronization Period versus
Hoptime and SAF Settings
Sync Period
Hoptime Value
SAF
441 ms
OFF
1.8 sec
28
OFF
3.5 sec
28
ON
6.10 MIRRORED BITS™ Protocol Support
TransNET radios are compatible with Schweitzer’s Mirrored Bits MB8
protocol, provided complementary firmware (06-4045A01) is installed in all
network radios. A detailed application guide (AG2003-07) is available from
Schweitzer Engineering Labs Web site, www.SELinc.com/aglist.htm, or
from GE MDS’ Web site at www.GEmds.com.
6.11 Seamless Mode Emulation
The RXD command assumes the payload message will be ready for transmission after the delay period has expired. If there is a chance the payload data
may be delayed, it is recommended to use the BUFF(er) command to make
sure the entire message is received before delivery is started. The BUFF
command provides a highly-reliable seamless operating mode, but can be
slow to start, especially if it waits for the reception of long messages before
passing on the message.
6.12 Full-Duplex Emulation
If your system design needs to support PTP or Point-to-Multipoint applications and your communications must appear to be full-duplex to the
connected devices, set the Master to CSADDR xxxxx (where xxxxx is the
Network Address (ADDR). This will place the system in a time-division
duplex mode (TDD). The radio system will appear to be full-duplex to the
connected devices, but actually operates half-duplex over the radio link. Data
is buffered by the transmitting side until it is its turn to transmit. Throughput
will be approximately 1/2 of the DATA interface rate.
6.13 Co-Located and Close-Proximity Masters
If your requirements call for multiple TransNET networks at the same location, you need to ensure that interference between the systems is minimized
to prevent overload that will diminish the performance of the radios. Traditionally, vertical separation of the antennas of co-located radios was required
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in order to reduce the interference to the point where overload of one network
by the other will not occur. The CSADDR command will provide relief from
this antenna separation requirement by operating the networks in a TDD
mode and ensuring that one Master cannot transmit while the other (or
multiple others) are trying to receive a signal from a distant radio.
Master Station Configuration
On all Masters for which you wish to synchronize transmissions, establish
one Master as the “Clock-Sync Master by setting its CSADDR value to it own
Network Address (ADDR xxxxx). Then, set all other dependent Masters
CSADDR values to the Network Address (ADDR) of the Clock-Sync Master.
Make sure that you use a different Network Address (ADDR) for each Master.
This value will be used to identify all units associated with this Master’s
network.
Note that all Masters must be set to the same CSADDR setting, but only one
where the CSADDR matches its own ADDR; this is the Clock-Sync Master.
CSADDR = ADDR—Unit serving as a Clock-Sync Master
CSADDR ¦ ADDR—Unit serves as a Dependent Master (Clock Slave)
CSADDR = NONE—Co-located Master feature disabled (default)
HOPTIME, FEC and SAF values are provided by the Clock-Sync Master to all
dependent units.
NOTE: If a Dependent Master station is unable to find the Clock-Sync Master station, it will not
be able to operate properly and the associated network will be out-of-service.
Antenna System for Co-Located Master Stations
Using this TDD (Clock-Sync) mode will prevent any two Masters from transmitting at the same time and greatly reduce the antenna separation requirements to near zero. Under this arrangement, the antennas of co-located
Masters may be placed a few feet (less than a meter) apart horizontally, or just
above or below vertically with no ill effects. There are two common antenna
system arrangements:
Sharing a Common Antenna System
It is possible to share an antenna between multiple Masters using standard power dividers, as long as the extra loss associated with these
devices is taken into account in your RF “budgeting” process. Masters
in this configuration must be operating with Clock-Sync (CSADDR)
enabled.
For example, the two Master stations shown in Figure 15 are connected
to a common antenna system. They use a power-divider that will result
in a signal loss of 3 dB, or one-half power level, on both transmit and
receive signals.
The power divider, such as a Mini-Circuits ZAPD-1 or similar product,
must be capable of handling 1 Watt and have >25 dB isolation between
TX ports.
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Invisibleplaceholder
Omnidirectional
Antenna
Network “A”
Master—Network “A”
CS Master
TransNET
XCVR
Network “B”
Power
Divider
RF
(– 3 dB)
Master—Network “B”
CS Slave
RF
Data
User I/O
Interface
TransNET
XCVR
Data
User I/O
Interface
Figure 15. Co-Located Masters Sharing an Antenna
7.0 DEALING WITH INTERFERENCE
The radio shares the frequency spectrum with other services and other Part 15
(unlicensed) devices in the USA, Canada, and certain other countries. As
such, near 100% error free communications may not be achieved in a given
location, and some level of interference should be expected. However, the
radio’s flexible design and hopping techniques should allow adequate performance as long as care is taken in choosing station location, configuration of
radio parameters and software/protocol techniques.
In general, keep the following points in mind when setting up your communications network:
1. Systems installed in rural areas are least likely to encounter interference;
those in suburban and urban environments are more likely to be affected
by other devices operating in the license-free frequency band and by
adjacent licensed services.
2. If possible, use a directional antenna at Remote sites. Although these
antennas may be more costly than omnidirectional types, they confine the
transmission and reception pattern to a comparatively narrow lobe, which
minimizes interference to (and from) stations located outside the pattern.
3. If interference is suspected from a nearby licensed system (such as a
paging transmitter), it may be helpful to use horizontal polarization of all
antennas in the network. Because most other services use vertical
polarization in these bands, an additional 20 dB of attenuation to
interference can be achieved by using horizontal polarization.
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4. Multiple transceiver systems can co-exist in proximity to each other with
only very minor interference as long as they are each assigned a unique
network address. Each network address has a different hop pattern.

Additional RF isolation can be achieved by using separate directional
antennas with as much vertical or horizontal separation as is practical.
Vertical separation of antennas is more effective per foot/meter than
horizontal.
5. If constant interference is present in a particular frequency zone, it may
be necessary to “lock out” that zone from the radio’s hopping pattern.
The radio includes built-in tools to help users remove blocked frequency
zones. Refer to the discussion of the SKIP command (Page 53) for more
information. In the USA, a maximum of four zones may be skipped, per
FCC rules. Check the regulatory requirements for your region.
6. Interference can also come from out-of-band RF sources such as paging
systems. Installation of a bandpass filter in the antenna system may bring
relief. (Contact the GE MDS Technical Services Department for
recommendations and sources of suitable filters.)
7. Proper use of the RETRY and REPEAT commands may be helpful in areas
with heavy interference.
The RETRY command sets the maximum number of times (0 to 10) that a
radio will re-transmit upstream data over the air. Values greater than 0
successively improve the chances of a message getting through when
interference is a problem.

The REPEAT command sets a fixed number of unconditional
retransmissions for downstream data.
8. The RF power output of all radios in a system should be set for the lowest
level necessary for reliable communications. This lessens the chance of
causing unnecessary interference to nearby systems.
8.0
RADIO PROGRAMMING
There are no manual adjustments on the radio. Programming and control is
performed through a PC connected to the radio’s DIAG connector.
NOTE: Access to the transceiver and network-wide diagnostics is dependent on the user-designed and provided interface the to the TransNET OEM module. The following discussion and others in this manual assume a suitable user-provided interface is available.
8.1
Radio Programming Methods
Terminal Interface
A PC may be used by operating it in a basic terminal mode (for example, a
HyperTerminal session) and entering the radio commands listed in the tables
found in “RADIO PROGRAMMING” on Page 33. The PC must be
connected to the radio’s DIAG port.
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Once connected, communication (baud rate) is established through the
command interface. To access the command interface, press the ESC key,
followed by one or more ENTER keystrokes (delivered at about half-second
intervals), until the “>” prompt is displayed.
NOTE: The DIAG port (RJ-11 connector) uses 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. It can automatically configure itself to function at 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600,
and 115200 bps. [Default: BAUD = 9600]

If the DLINK setting is ON, the DIAG port will start out in Diagnostic Link mode. This
is a special protocol used to support Network-Wide Diagnostics. The process described
in the paragraph above causes the radio to exit the diagnostic link mode and enter the
command mode. If there is no input in command mode for 5 minutes, the DIAG port
will revert back to diagnostic link mode.
PC-Based Configuration Tool
The MS Windows™-based MDS TransNET Configuration Software
(P/N 06-4059A01) is designed for use with a PC connected to the radio’s
diagnostics port.
The TransNET Configuration Software provides access to all of the radio’s
capabilities with the benefit of context-sensitive help. The program is shipped
as part of the TransNET support CD included with every order (Part No.
03-2708A02)
8.2 User Commands
A series of tables begin on the next page that provide reference charts of
various user commands for the transceiver. See “Detailed Command Descriptions” on Page 40 for more details.
Entering Commands
The proper procedure for entering commands is to type the command,
followed by an ENTER keystroke. For programming commands, the
command is followed by SPACE , the appropriate information or values, and
then ENTER .
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Table 13. Network Configuration—Master Station
COMMAND
DESCRIPTION
AT [ON, OFF]
Details Page 41
Enables Master station to emulate a modem and
respond to AT commands
BUFF [ON, OFF] 
Details Page 42
ON = Seamless data
OFF = Fast byte throughput.
FEC [ON, OFF] 
Details Page 45
Sets/disables FEC 
(Forward Error Correction) setting.
HOPTIME [7, 28]
Details Page 45
Displays hop-time or sets it to 7 or 28 ms.
LPM [1, 0]
Details Page 47
Used at Master to set all associated stations in an
energy-conservation mode.
1 = Low-power mode enabled network-wide
0 = Disable low-power mode (Default)
REPEAT
Details Page 50
Sets/displays the fixed downstream re-send count.
RETRY [0–10]
Details Page 50
Sets/displays the maximum upstream re-send
count for ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request) operation
SAF [ON, OFF]
Details, page 52
Enables/disables the store-and-forward function
for the network controlled by this Master unit.
SKIP [NONE, 1...8]
Details, page 53
Skip one or more frequency zones
Table 14. Network-Wide Diagnostics
Command
Description
DLINK [xxxxx/ON/OFF]
Details, page 44
Controls operation of diagnostic link function.
DTYPE [NODE/ROOT]
Details, page 45
Set radio’s operational characteristics for 
network-wide diagnostics
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Table 15. Operational Configuration—Set/Program
Command
Description
ADDR [1–65000]
Details, page 40
Program network address
AMASK [0000 0000–FFFF FFFF]
Details, page 41
Alarm response
ASENSE [HI/LO]
Details, page 41
Sense of the alarm output on Pin 6 of the INTERFACE connector in the EIA-232 mode. Default:
Alarm present = HI
BAND [A, B, C] 
Details Page 42
Selects one of three operating bands.
(2.4 GHz Model Only)
BAUD [xxxxx abc]
Details, page 41
Data communication parameters
CODE [NONE, 1…255]
Details, page 42
Select the security/encryption setting in the radio
CSADDR [1–65000, NONE]
Details, page 43
Used on a single Master/Remote network to support TDD-style simulated full-duplex.
CTS [0–255]
Details, page 43
CTS delay in milliseconds
(A value of 0 returns CTS immediately)
CTSHOLD [0–60000]
Details, page 43
“Hold time” that CTS is present following last
character from DATA port.
DEVICE [DCE, CTS KEY]
Details, page 44
Device behavior: 
DCE (normal) or CTS Key
MODE [M, R, X]
Details, page 48
Operating mode: 
M = Master, R = Remote, X = Extension
MRSSI [NONE, –40...–90]
Details, page 48
Minimum RSSI level required to preserve synchronization with a Master radio for Remotes in
mobile service.
OT [ON, OFF]
Details, page 49
Enables a 1-second delay on delivery of RXD
serial data.
OWN [xxxxx]
Details, page 49
Owner’s name, or alternate message
(30 characters maximum)
PORT [RS232, RS485]
Details, page 49
Data port (DATA connector) interface 
signaling mode: RS232 or RS485
PWR [20–30]
Details, page 49
Power output in dBm 
(Figure 35 on Page 84)
RXD [0–255]
Details, page 51
Set RXD delay time for virtual seamless mode
with low latency
36
Default: FFFF FFFF
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Table 15. Operational Configuration—Set/Program (Continued)
Command
Description
RXTOT [NONE, 0–1440]
Details, page 51
Maximum duration (in minutes) before time-out
alarm. Default is OFF.
RTU [ON, OFF, 0-80]
Details, page 51
Enable or Disable unit’s built-in RTU 
simulator. Default is OFF. Set RTU address
between zero and 80.
SLEEP [ON, OFF]
Details, page 54
Enable or Disable the radio’s energy-conservation
Sleep mode function.
UNIT [10000–65000]
Details, page 55
Unit address used for network-wide 
diagnostics. (Unique within associated network.)
XADDR [0–31]
Details, page 55
This unit’s Extended address
XMAP [00000000-FFFFFFFF]
Details, page 55
Included Extended units in MODE X. 
(Extensions and Remotes only)
XPRI [0–31]
Details, page 56
Address of the primary Extended radio unit
(Extension).
XRSSI [NONE, –40...–120]
Details, page 56
Minimum RSSI level required to preserve synchronization with a non-primary radio. 
(Only meaningful when XPRI is not NONE)
ZONE CLEAR
Details, page 56
Reset zone data statistics
Typically, the Master is set to zero (0).
Table 16. Operating Status—Display Only
Command
Description
ADDR
Details Page 40
Network address
AMASK
Details Page 41
Alarm mask (response)
ASENSE
Details Page 41
Current sense of the alarm output.
BAUD
Details Page 41
Data communication parameters. Example: BAUD
9600 8N1
BUFF
Details Page 42
Data buffering mode: ON = seamless data, OFF =
fast byte throughput
CODE
Details Page 42
Security/encryption operational status.
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“NONE” (Inactive), or “ACTIVE”
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
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Table 16. Operating Status—Display Only (Continued)
Command
Description
CTS
Details Page 43
CTS delay in milliseconds (0–255 ms)
CTSHOLD
Details Page 43
“Hold time” that CTS is present following last
character from DATA port.
DEVICE
Details Page 44
Device behavior
HOPTIME
Details Page 45
Hop-time value in milliseconds (ms).
LPMHOLD
Details Page 48
Time (0-1000 ms) provided to give an RTU time to
respond before the radio goes to sleep.
MODE
Details Page 48
Current operating mode:
MRSSI
Details Page 48
Minimum RSSI level required to preserve synchronization with a Master radio for Remotes in mobile
service.
OWM
Details Page 49
Owner’s message or site name
OT
Details Page 49
Status (ON/OFF) of the 1-second delay on delivery
of RXD serial data.
OWN
Details Page 49
Owner’s name or system name
PORT
Details Page 49
Current data port (DATA connector) interface signaling mode: RS232 or RS485
PWR
Details Page 49
Forward power-output setting in dBm
REPEAT
Details Page 50
The fixed downstream re-send count.
RETRY
Details Page 50
The maximum upstream re-send count for ARQ
(Automatic Repeat Request) operation.
RSSI
Details Page 50
Received signal strength indicator (in dBm).
Unavailable at Master unless SETUP is enabled.
RTU
Details Page 51
RTU simulator’s operational status (ON/OFF)
38
Alternatives: DCE and CTS KEY
M = Master
R = Remote
X = Extension (Repeater)
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Table 16. Operating Status—Display Only (Continued)
Command
Description
RXTOT
Details Page 51
The amount of time (in seconds) to wait before
issuing a time-out alarm.
SAF
Details Page 52
Store-and-forward mode status in this unit.
(ON/OFF)
SER
Details Page 52
Serial number of radio
SHOW CON
Details Page 52
Display virtual modem connection status
SHOW PWR
Details Page 53
RF output power. 
Measured RF power in dBm.
SHOW SYNC
Details Page 53
Information on synchronization source
SKIP
Details Page 53
Frequency zones that are skipped
SLEEP
Details Page 54
Radio’s Sleep Mode setting. 
(At Remotes Only)
SREV
Details Page 54
Transceiver firmware revision level
STAT
Details Page 54
Current alarm status
TEMP
Details Page 55
Transceiver’s internal temperature (°C)
UNIT
Details Page 55
Programmed unit address for 
network-wide diagnostics
XADDR
Details Page 55
This unit’s Extended address
XPRI
Details Page 56
Address of the primary Extended radio unit (Extension).
XMAP
Details Page 55
Included Extended units in MODE X. 
(Extensions and Remotes only).
XRSSI
Details Page 56
Minimum RSSI level required to preserve 
synchronization with a non-primary radio. (Only
meaningful when XPRI is not NONE)
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Table 17. Diagnostic and Test Functions
Command
Description
KEY
Details Page 47
Enables the transmitter test. 
(Must be in Setup mode. Details on page 52.)
DKEY
Details Page 44
Turns off the transmitter test. 
(Must be in Setup mode. Details on page 52.)
TX [xxxx]
Details Page 55
Set/display transmit test frequency. 
(Must be in Setup mode. Details on page 52.)
RX [xxxx]
Details Page 51
Set/display receive test frequency. 
(Must be in Setup mode. Details on page 52.)
SETUP
Details Page 52
Enables Setup mode. 
Times out after 10 minutes. Press “Q” to quit.
ZONE DATA
Details Page 56
Zone data statistics
ZONE CLEAR
Details Page 56
Clears the Zone Data log
8.3 Detailed Command Descriptions
The essential commands for most applications are Network Address (ADDR),
Mode (MODE), and Baud Rate (BAUD). However, proper use of the additional
commands allows you to tailor the transceiver for a specific use, or to conduct
basic diagnostics on the radio. This section gives more detailed information
for the commands listed above in Section 8.2.
Most of the commands below can be used in two ways. First, you can type
only the command name (for example, ADDR) to view the currently
programmed data. Second, you can set or change the existing data by typing
the command, followed by a space, and then the desired entry (for example,
ADDR 1234). In the descriptions which follow, allowable programming variables, if any, are shown in brackets [ ] following the command name.
ADDR [1–65000]
Network Address
This command sets or displays the radio’s network address. The network
address can range from 1 to 65000.
A network address must be programmed at the time of installation and must
be common across each radio in a given network. Radios are typically
shipped with the network address unprogrammed, causing the address to
display as NONE. If the address is not set (or is set to a wrong value) it leaves
the system in an invalid state, preventing operation and generating an alarm.
NOTE: It is recommended that the last four digits of the Master radio’s serial number be used
for the network address. This helps avoid conflicts with other users.
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AMASK [0000 0000–FFFF FFFF]
Alarm Mask
This command sets the alarm bits that cause the alarm output signal to be triggered. The PWR LED still flashes for all alarms, but the alarm output signal
is only activated for those alarms having the corresponding mask bit set. The
hex value for the mask aligns directly with the hex value for the ALARM
command. The default is FFFF FFFF. Through proper use of the AMASK
command, it is possible to tailor the alarm response of the radio. Contact the
factory for more information on configuring the alarm mask.
AT [ON, OFF]
Hayes-Compatible AT Command Support
AT-style modem commands, also know as “Hayes-Compatible Commands”,
can be processed through the payload port. By setting AT ON at the Master
(MODE M), individual Remotes can be accessed by using ATDT
[Unit Address]. In this mode, RTUs designed only for dial-up access can be
accessed through the Master station. For more details, see See “Using AT
Commands” on Page 22 and “OT [ON, OFF]” on Page 49.
ASENSE [HI/LO]
Alarm Output Sense
This command is used to set the sense of the alarm output at Pin 3 of the OEM
module’s INTERFACE connector, J3, and Pin 6 of the Evaluation’ PCB’s
DATA connector. The default is HI which means an alarm is present when an
RS-232 high is on Pin 6.
BAUD [xxxxx abc]
Data Interface Port Baud Rate
This command sets or displays the communication attributes for the normal
payload communications through the DATA port. The command has no effect
on the RJ-11 DIAG(NOSTICS) port.
The first parameter (xxxxx) is baud rate. Baud rate is specified in
bits-per-second and must be one of the following speeds: 300, 600, 1200,
1800, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200. At baud rates of
19200 bps or less, the radio supports unlimited continuous data transmission
at any hop rate.
The second parameter of the BAUD command (abc) is a 3-character block
indicating how the data is encoded. The following is a breakdown of each
character’s meaning:
a = Data bits (7 or 8)
b = Parity (N for None, O for Odd, E for Even)
c = Stop bits (1 or 2)
The factory default setting is 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
(Example: 9600 8N1).
NOTE: 7N1, 8O2, and 8E2 are invalid communication settings and are not supported by the
transceiver.
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BAND [A, B, C]
Select Sub-Band (Normally used for 2.4 GHz model)
This command sets or displays the receiving and transmit operating band for
the radio.
A = 2.4016–2.4270 GHz
B = 2.4272–2.4526 GHz
C = 2.4528–2.478.2 GHz
NOTE: The same BAND setting must be common across each radio in a given
network and it must be programmed at the time of installation.
BUFF [ON, OFF]
Data Buffer Mode
This command sets or displays the received data handling mode of the radio.
The command parameter is either ON or OFF. (The default is OFF.) The
setting of this parameter affects the timing of received data sent out the DATA
connector. Data transmitted over the air is unaffected by the BUFF setting.
If data buffering is set to OFF, the radio will operate with the lowest possible
average latency. Data bytes are sent out the DATA port as soon as an incoming
RF data frame is processed. Average and typical latency will both be below
10 ms, but idle character gaps may be introduced into the outgoing data flow.
If data buffering is ON, the radio will operate in a seamless mode. That is, data
bytes will be sent over the air as quickly as possible, but the receiver will
buffer the data until the entire packet has been collected. The delay introduced
by data buffering is variable and depends on message size and the number of
retransmissions required, but the radio will not create any gaps in the output
data stream. This mode of operation is required for protocols such as
MODBUS™ that do not allow gaps in their data transmission.
Seamless mode (BUFF ON) is intended only for applications where the
message size is 256 characters or less. Enforcement of this rule is left up to
the user. If more than 256 characters are transmitted data delivery will not be
seamless and data may be lost.
Changes to the BUFF setting may only be made at the Master radio, as the
Master radio broadcasts the buffer setting for the entire network. At Remote
radios, the buffer setting may be read when the radio is in synchronization
with the Master, but it cannot be changed.
CODE [NONE, 1…255]
Security Code
The CODE command is used to select or display the security/encryption
setting in the radio.
The default is CODE NONE. Setting CODE to a value other than NONE
provides an extra level of security beyond that provided by the Network
Address (ADDR). The disadvantage is increased complexity in managing the
network.
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The CODE command takes an argument of 1…255, or NONE. Entering CODE
without an argument will display either NONE or ACTIVE. ACTIVE means
that security/encryption has been enabled, but the radio will not display the
security argument.
When a CODE value is active, all radios in the system must use the same code
value. If the code value is not properly programmed, a Remote radio will not
synchronize with the Master.
CAUTION: Record the CODE value and store it in a safe place. If the code is
later forgotten, and a unit is to be added to the system, all radios in the
network must be set to NONE and then reprogrammed to a new value.
CSADDR [1–65000, NONE]
Clock-Synchronizing Master Address
Used to specify the network address of a “Clock-Sync” Master station to
which this station will be synchronized. Also see “ADDR [1–65000]” on
Page 40 and “Co-Located and Close-Proximity Masters” on Page 30 for
further details.
CTS [0–255]
Clear-to-Send Delay
The CTS (clear-to-send) command sets or displays the timer value associated
with the CTS line response. The command parameter ranges from 0 to 255
milliseconds.
For DCE operation, the timer specifies how long to wait after the RTS line
goes high before asserting the CTS line. A timer value of zero means that the
CTS line will be asserted immediately following the assertion of RTS.
For CTS Key operation (see the DEVICE command), the timer specifies how
long to wait after asserting the CTS line before sending data out the DATA
port. A timer value of zero means that data will be sent out the data port
without imposing a key-up delay. (Other delays may be in effect from other
radio operating parameters.)
CTSHOLD [0–60000]
Clear-to-Send Hold Time
Used in DEVICE CTS KEY mode, this command sets the amount of time in
milliseconds that CTS remains present following transmission of the last
character out the RXD pin of the DATA port. This “hold time” can be used to
prevent squelch tail data corruption when communicating with other radios.
The CTSHOLD setting can range from 0 to 60000 (i.e., 60 seconds). The
default value is 0, which means that CTS will drop immediately after the last
character is transmitted. If the command is entered when the radio is in
DEVICE DCE mode, the response CTSHOLD N/A will be displayed.
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DEVICE [DCE, CTS KEY]
Radio-MODEM Behavior
The DEVICE command sets or displays the device behavior of the radio. The
command parameter is either DCE or CTS KEY.
The default selection is DCE. In this mode, CTS will go high following RTS,
subject to the CTS programmable delay time. Keying is stimulated by the
input of characters at the data port. Hardware flow control is implemented by
dropping the CTS line if data arrives faster than it can be transmitted.
If CTS KEY is selected, the radio is assumed to be controlling another radio,
such as in a repeater or tail-end link system. The RTS line is ignored and the
CTS line is used as a keyline control for the other radio. CTS is asserted
immediately after the receipt of RF data, but data will not be sent out the
DATA port until after the CTS programmable delay time has expired. (This
gives the other radio time to key.)
Following transmission of the last byte of data, CTS will remain asserted for
the duration specified by the CTSHOLD command. CTSHOLD should be set
sufficiently high.
DLINK [xxxxx/ON/OFF]
InSite Diagnostics Link Support
DLINK ON enables use of Diagnostic Link mode and establishes it as the
default protocol on the DIAG port. Diagnostic Link mode is a special protocol
used to support Network-Wide Diagnostics. DLINK must be set to ON to
support connection to InSite or to support chained diagnostics between radio
networks even while the radio is in sleep mode. DLINK OFF disables this
feature. The default setting is ON.
The following DLINK baud rates selections are supported:
• 1200
• 4800
• 9600
• 38400
• 57600
• 115200
• 19200 (default)
Example: DLINK 4800 sets the DIAG port to operate at 4800 bps when diagnostics is closed. This setting will not affect the port’s autobaud operation.
Use only of DLINK ON, will enable the use 19200 or the most recently
programmed value. The default is DLINK 19200 and DLINK ON.
NOTE 1: The same baud rate must be entered into the InSite Equipment List’s BAUD field.
NOTE 2: The DLINK rate must match the rate of any connected device to the diagnostic port.
This may be either another MDS radio’s diagnostic port, InSite computer, or another
data link device that eventually connects to the InSite computer.
DKEY
Turn Off Radio Transmitter ‘s Test Signal
Disables the transmitter when it is keyed. See also KEY command.
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DTYPE [NODE/ROOT]
Network Diagnostics Mode
The DTYPE command specifies the radio’s operational characteristics for
network-wide diagnostics. The transceiver uses the following types:
• NODE—The most common setting, and the default. This is the basic
system radio device-type. Typically, the radio network is comprised of
nodes and one root. Intrusive diagnostics can originate from any node.
However, non-intrusive diagnostics can only be conducted from the
root node.
• ROOT—Always one, and only one, per network (including units
associated through Extension units.) The root is the focal point of
network-wide diagnostics information. Intrusive diagnostics can
originate from any radio, including the root. However, the root is the
only radio through which non-intrusive diagnostics can be conducted.
FEC [ON, OFF]
Forward Error Correction
This command is used to view the FEC setting, or turn it on or off. The default
setting is FEC ON. (It needs to be turned off when throughputs exceed
57,600 bps.) FEC is set at the Master and is automatically passed on to all
Remotes in a network.
Setting FEC to ON improves sensitivity at the cost of reduced throughput.
Typical SCADA/telemetry applications use low data rates and, as such, the
FEC setting is normally transparent to them.
HOPTIME [7, 28]
Radio Transmitter Hop Timing
The HOPTIME command is used to set or display the hop-time setting. The
command is a digit corresponding to the hop-time setting in milliseconds. The
default HOPTIME setting is 7. A setting of 28 must be used when throughputs
exceed 57,600 bps and is recommended when data transmission sizes exceed
256 bytes.
Changes to the HOPTIME setting may only be made at the Master radio. (This
is because the Master radio establishes the hop-time setting for the entire
network.) At Remote radios, the hop-time setting may be read when the radio
is in synchronization with the Master, but it cannot be changed.
INIT
Initialize; Restore to Factory Defaults
The INIT command is used to reset the radio’s operating parameters to the
factory defaults listed in Table 18 on Page 46. This may be helpful when
trying to resolve configuration problems that resulted from the entry of one
or more improper command settings. If you are unsure of which command
setting caused the problem, this command allows you to get back to a known
working state.
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NOTE: Caution should be exercised when using the INIT command on radios in a system employing the Store-and-Forward feature. Settings relating to the use of Extension services
will be lost and will need to be re-entered. Record the settings for XADDR, XPRI and
XMAP before using the INIT command.
SPECIAL 
NOTE: Installing firmware of Revision 3.0 or later into a radio with Revisions 1.x firmware will
preserve the radio’s compatibility with other radios running Revision 1.x firmware. If
updating the radio’s firmware is part of a system-wide upgrade, the last step should be
to use the INIT command at the Master station. Use of the INIT command causes the
changes shown in Table 18 to be applied.
Table 18. INIT Command Generated Defaults
Parameter
Default Setting
Corresponding
Command
For ALL radios
Alarm Mask
FFFF FFFF
AMASK
Alarm Output Sense
RS-232 High (+5.0 Vdc)
ASENSE
Device Operation
DCE
DEVICE DCE
DATA Interface Port
• 9600 baud
• 8 data bits
• none (no parity)
• 1 stop bit
BAUD 9600 8N1
Data Port Setting
RS/EIA-232
PORT RS232
CTS Delay
0 (CTS is continuously asserted)
CTS 0
CTS Hold-Time
CTSHOLD 0
LED Operation
OFF
LED
Low-Power Mode Hold
LPMHOLD
RX Time-Out-Timer
None/Disable
RXTOT
RF Output Power
30 dBm (1 watt)
PWR 30
Transmitter
Test Frequency
915.000 MHz or
2436.0 MHz
(Model dependent)
TX xxx
Receiver
Test Frequency
915.000 MHz
2436.0 MHz
(Model-dependent)
RX xxx
Sleep Mode
OFF
SLEEP OFF
Primary Extension Radio Address
0 (Master)
XPRI 0
Synchronization Source
Map
None
XMAP 0
Extended Address
XADDR 0
OFF
AT
For MASTER radios
AT Command 
Support
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Table 18. INIT Command Generated Defaults (Continued)
Parameter
Default Setting
Corresponding
Command
Buffer Mode
OFF
BUFF OFF
Forward Error 
Correction
ON
FEC ON
Hop-Time
7 ms
HOPTIME 7
Low-Power Mode
0 (Off)
LPM
Skipped Frequencies
None (radio will hop across all frequencies)
SKIP NONE
Retry Count
10 (max. of 10 repeats for ARQ)
RETRY 10
Repeat Count
3 (downstream repeats)
REPEAT 3
HREV
Hardware Revision
Shows the hardware revision of the radio.
KEY
Turn On Radio Transmitter Test Signal
Enables the transmitter. (Radio must be in Setup mode.) See also DKEY
command (DKEYDetails, page 44).
LED [ON, OFF]
Enable/Disable PCB LEDs
LED ON enables/disables the PCB board mounted LEDs seen only with the
transceiver’s covers removed. LED is normally OFF, it may be useful to have
them on for testing the radio with the covers removed. Note: the external
LEDs will be dimmer if the LED function is left ON.
The LED command also affects the operation of the LEDs in the “Low-Power
Mode” (LPM). When LED is OFF, the radio keeps the PWR and SYNC LEDs
extinguished.
LPM [1, 0]
Low-Power Mode—Masters Only
This feature trades increased latency to gain power savings. Low-power
mode (LPM) automatically saves power at a Remote by instructing the
Remote to shutdown for large periods of time in between SYNC messages.
Master transmissions are automatically blocked while the Remotes are
asleep. Note, both Masters and Remotes are adaptive and will suppress a
normal sleep interval if data transmission or reception is in progress.
• LPM 1 at the Master enables low-power mode network-wide; all
Remotes pick it up and start saving power by automatically sleeping.

LPM 1 can work in conjunction with the AT dialing feature. The dialed
unit will be forced awake; all others will sleep.
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• LPM 0 at the Master to disable low-power mode (Default setting).
The SLEEP command must be enabled for LPM to function. Further, when
you enable LPM, the LEDs on the Remote radio dim even though the LPM
function is not properly enabled by turning on SLEEP. For more information,
see “Low-Power Mode (LPM)—Master Enabled” on Page 27, and
“Low-Power Mode versus Remote’s Sleep Mode” on Page 29.
LPMHOLD [0–1000]
Low-Power Mode Sleep Time
Used to give an RTU time (0-1000 ms) to respond before the radio goes to
sleep. Value determines how long to suppress auto-sleep following reception
of the last character sent out of the RXD serial data port.
NOTE: Any values entered will be rounded to the nearest multiple of 4 ms.
To verify the exact hold time, enter LPMHOLD, the response will give you
the value currently being used.
MODE [M, R, X]
Radio Operating Mode
The MODE command sets or displays the operating mode of the radio. A
Master radio is set by MODE M; a Remote set by MODE R, and an Extension
is set by MODE X.
All units default to Remotes; other modes must be specifically programmed
with the MODE command.
If MODE X is used, the MODE X radio should be programmed with an
Extended Address (XADDR). Units that need to hear this MODE X radio must
be programmed with an appropriate XPRI and/or XMAP value.
MRSSI [NONE, –40...–90]
Minimum RSSI for Mobile Operation
The MRSSI command sets or displays the minimum RSSI level (dBm) of a
Master station’s signal to maintain synchronization. When the Master’s
signal falls below this level, the Remote will attempt to resynchronize with
the next Master it can hear within the same network—same Network Address
(ADDR)—and, meets the MRSSI level. See “Mobile Operation Support” on
Page 29 for additional information.
OT [ON, OFF]
Output Trigger
The “output trigger” feature sets up a 1-second default delay on delivery of
RXD serial data, however, a receipt of RTS causes cancellation of timer
followed by immediate data delivery.
Hierarchy Rules:
• if OT = ON, RTS always cancels data delay and outputs immediately
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• if OT = ON, DEVICE = DCE, and RXD = 0, data delay is 1 second or
until RTS
• if DEVICE = DCE, and RXD = N, data delay is N ms
• if DEVICE = CTS KEY, and CTS = N, data delay is N ms or until RTS
• if DEVICE = CTS KEY overrides RXD, RXD overrides OT default.
OWM [xxxxx]
“Owner’s Message”
The OWM command sets or displays an optional owner’s message, such as
the system name. The entry can contain up to 30 characters.
OWN [xxxxx]
“Owner’s Name”
The OWN command sets or displays an optional owner’s name, such as the
site name. The entry can contain up to 30 characters.
PORT [RS232, RS485]
Data Interface Signaling Standard
Select or identify the current data INTERFACE connector’s, J3, signaling mode:
RS232 or RS485. This is the port though which the payload data will pass.
Pin descriptions for EIA-232 and EIA-485 variations begin on “Transceiver
Module’s Interface Connector, J3, Detailed Pin Descriptions” on Page 66.
This command will not function on transceivers with a TTL signalling interface.
PWR [20–30]
Radio Transmitter Power Level
This command displays or sets the desired RF power output of the radio. The
PWR command parameter is specified in dBm and can be adjusted in 1 dBm
steps. The default setting is 30 dBm (1 watt) for the 900 MHz model and
27 dBm (0.5 watt) for the 2400 MHz model. To read the actual (measured)
power output of the radio, use the SHOW PWR command.
In the USA, maximum allowable power is governed by FCC limits on Effective Isotropic Radiated Power output (EIRP). The EIRP limit of +36 dBm on
the 900 and 2400 MHz band, means that any user with a net antenna gain
greater than 6 dBi on the 900 MHz band, or 9 dBi on the 2400 MHz band,
must decrease the PWR setting accordingly. “How Much Output Power Can
be Used?” on Page 17 contains a detailed discussion of this topic.
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REPEAT [0–10]
Downstream Repeat Transmission Count
The REPEAT command affects “downstream” data. The command causes a
Master or Extension to always repeat transmissions for the specified number
of times (range is 0 to 10; default selection is 3). Unlike the RETRY command,
there is no acknowledgment that a message has been received.
Use the REPEAT command without a value to display the current setting.
RETRY [0–10]
Upstream Repeat Transmission Count
The RETRY command affects upstream data. The command selects, or
displays, the maximum number of times (0 to 10) that a Remote radio will
re-transmit data. The default setting is 10.
This command is associated with ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request) operation of the radio and is intended for use in areas with heavy radio interference.
When the RETRY command is issued without parameters, the maximum
retransmission count is shown. A value of 0 represents no retries, while
values of 1 or greater successively improve the chance of data delivery in
spectrally harsh environments (at the expense of possibly increased latency).
The RETRY value is only setable at the Master. It is readable by a synchronized Remote.
RSSI
Received Signal Strength Indicator
This command displays the radio’s Received Signal Strength Indication in
dBm (decibels relative to 1 mW). The output can range from –40 dBm to
–120 dBm. Command availability and results depend on the mode of operation (Master or Remote). The closer to 0 dBm, the stronger the signal, thus a
reading of –70 dBm is stronger than –80 dBm.
For a Remote radio, under normal operation, RSSI is based on the average
signal strength of the SYNC message received in each of the eight frequency
zones. (RSSI is sampled each time a SYNC message is received.) When using
the RSSI reading to align a directional antenna, it is important to make
changes slowly so that the RSSI reading will provide meaningful results. It
will take several seconds to indicate a change in signal level. The radio stays
in RSSI mode until ENTER is pressed.
For a Master radio, under normal operation, entering the RSSI command
causes the response NOT AVAILABLE to be returned. This is because a Master
is normally receiving signals from several Remote stations and an RSSI
reading would be continually changing. The only exception is when the
SETUP command has been asserted. This disables hopping and allows reading
a “raw” RSSI signal level in real time from a Master or Remote radio.
NOTE 1: RSSI readings will not accurately indicate signals stronger than –40 dBm.
NOTE 2: RSSI works for Dependent Masters. Command displays “NOT AVAILABLE” if the
Dependent Master is not synchronized.
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RTU [ON, OFF, 0-80]
Remote Terminal Unit Simulator
This command re-enables or disables the radio’s internal RTU simulator,
which runs with factory-proprietary polling programs (poll.exe and
rsim.exe). The internal RTU simulator is available whenever a radio has diagnostics enabled. This command also sets the RTU address to which the radio
will respond.
The internal RTU can be used for testing system payload data or pseudo bit
error rate (BER) testing. It can be helpful in isolating a problem to either the
external RTU or the radio. The default RTU setting is OFF.
RX [xxxx]
Radio Receive Test Frequency
This command sets or displays the test receive frequency used in place of
hopping when the radio is in SETUP mode. The test receive frequency can be
reprogrammed to any value between 902.200 MHz and 927.800 MHz, inclusive. The factory default setting is 915.000 MHz.
RXD [0–255]
RXD Delay
Used to set a delay, in milliseconds, of RXD data to emulate a seamless mode
with much lower latency in applications where retries are not required. Use a
delay of twice the value of the HOPTIME period (See Page45).
RXTOT [NONE, 0–1440]
Receive Data Timeout-Timer
This command sets or displays the amount of time (in minutes) to wait for the
next received data packet before issuing a receiver time-out alarm. The
default setting is NONE.
SAF [ON, OFF]
Store-and-Forward Services Support
This command enables/disables the operation of the Store-and-Forward
services. It can be set only at the network’s Master station, but will effect all
radios in the associated network. The default setting is OFF. See related
commands: “XADDR [0–31]” on Page 55, “XPRI [0–31]” on Page 56, and
“XMAP [00000000-FFFFFFFF]” on Page 55.
SETUP
Setup Radio Test
This command sets up the transceiver for checking antenna SWR or transmitter power with external measuring equipment. Do not use this mode
during normal operation.
When the SETUP command is entered, the prompt changes to SETUP>, and:
• Hopping is disabled.
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• Synthesizer frequencies are reset to the test frequencies specified by the
TX and RX commands described earlier.
• The radio can be keyed using the KEY command. DKEY is used to unkey
the radio. (If the radio is left in a keyed state it is automatically unkeyed
after 10 minutes.)
• The RSSI is sampled in a raw, continuous fashion regardless of whether
the unit is a Master or a Remote.
Entering Q or QUIT returns the system to normal operation.
A timer keeps the Setup mode from accidentally leaving the system disabled.
After 10 minutes the system behaves as if Q or QUIT had been entered,
returning the unit to normal operation.
NOTE: TransNET uses a automatic level control in normal operation to keep transmit power
constant over time. This facility is disabled in Setup mode. To test 1 Watt power output
in Setup mode, the user must enter PWR 30 followed by KEY. The power output will
only be valid for the first couple of seconds.
SER
Radio Serial Number
Displays the serial number of the radio.
SHOW CON
Show Virtual Connection Status
Shows virtual connection status established by the latest ATDT command
sequence. (Works only with AT ON. See“AT [ON, OFF]” on Page 41)
If no connection is established, it displays NONE.
If a connection is active, it will display:
TO .
SHOW PWR
Show Measured RF Transmit Power
The SHOW PWR command displays the actual (measured) RF power output
in dBm. Unlike the PWR command, this command shows the actual level
being measured, not the programmed RF power setting.
SHOW SYNC
Show Clock-Synchronization Master Network Address
When used at a Remote station, this command will display Extended Address
and Unit Address of the Master or Extension radio to which the Remote is
synchronized. The network depth at the Remote, defined as the number of
downstream links from the Master, is displayed in parentheses.
SHOW SYNC works for Dependent Masters. A value of zero (0) means the
station is a Master synchronized to a Clock-Sync Master. The SHOW SYNC
command will display an asterisk (*) after depth value if the radio is operating
with co-located Masters.
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SKIP [NONE, 1...8]
Skip Radio Operating Zones
This command sets or displays which, if any, of the eight zones will be
skipped from the radio’s hopping sequence. Skipping zones is one way of
dealing with constant interference on one or more frequencies in the radio’s
operating band. See “DEALING WITH INTERFERENCE” on Page 32 for
more information on dealing with interference.
Tables 19, 20, 21 and 22 show the frequency range covered by each zone. The
command parameter is either the keyword NONE or an undelimited string of
up to four digits where each digit 1...8 represents a corresponding zone to
skip. (For zone parameter input, the digits can appear in any order and can be
optionally separated by a blank space.) The SKIP command is display-only at
Remote radios. (Remotes must be synchronized with the Master radio to
display the skip status.)
In the USA, a maximum of four zones may be skipped for TransNET 900 and
a maximum of three zones may skipped for TransNET 2400. Check the regulatory requirements for your region. The SKIP function may not be permitted
in your country and the radio will not respond to the SKIP command.
Table 19. 900 MHz Frequency Skip Zones
ZONE 1
ZONE 2
ZONE 3
ZONE 4
ZONE 5
ZONE 6
ZONE 7
ZONE 8
902.2
to
905.2
905.4
to
908.4
908.6
to
911.6
911.8
to
914.8
915.0
to
918.0
918.2
to
921.2
921.4
to
924.4
924.6
to
927.6
Table 20. 2400 MHz, Band A, Frequency Skip Zones
ZONE 1
ZONE 2
ZONE 3
ZONE 4
ZONE 5
ZONE 6
ZONE 7
ZONE 8
2401.6
to
2404.6
2404.8
to
2407.8
2408.0
to
2411.0
2411.2
to
2414.2
2414.4
to
2417.
2417.6
to
2420.6
2420.8
to
2423.8
2424.0
to
2427.0
Table 21. 2400 MHz, Band B, Frequency Skip Zones
ZONE 1
ZONE 2
ZONE 3
ZONE 4
ZONE 5
ZONE 6
ZONE 7
ZONE 8
2427.2
to
2430.2
2430.4
to
2433.4
2433.6
to
2436.6
2436.80
to
2439.8
2440.0
to
2443.0
2443.2
to
2446.2
2446.4
to
2449.4
2449.6
to
2452.6
Table 22. 2400 MHz, Band C, Frequency Skip Zones
ZONE 1
ZONE 2
ZONE 3
ZONE 4
ZONE 5
ZONE 6
ZONE 7
ZONE 8
2452.8
to
2455.8
2456.0
to
2459.0
2459.2
to
2462.2
2462.4
to
2465.4
2465.6
to
2468.6
2468.8
to
2471.8
2472.0
to
2475.0
2475.2
to
2478.2
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SLEEP [ON, OFF]
Transceiver Sleep—Remotes Only
This command is used to set or display the radio’s Sleep Mode setting. The
default setting is SLEEP OFF. When this setting is ON (enabled) the
Low-Power, or RTU-forced Sleep Mode, can be used. This function cannot
be turned on for a Master or Extension radio unless the unit is in the
Low-Power Mode. See “Using the Radio’s Sleep Mode (Remote Units
Only)” on Page 26 and “Low-Power Mode versus Remote’s Sleep Mode” on
Page 29 for more information.
SREV
Firmware Revision Level
This command displays the version of the firmware currently loaded into the
transceiver.
A display of 06-4040A01, 3.6.1 is an example of the firmware version identifier—part number followed by release/version number.
STAT
Alarm Status
This command is used to check the alarm status of the radio. If no alarms
exist, the message NO ALARMS PRESENT is returned.
If an alarm does exist, a two-digit alarm code (00–31) is displayed and the
event is identified as a “Major” or “Minor” alarm. A brief description of the
event is also given.
If more than one alarm exists, the word MORE appears, and additional alarms
may be viewed by pressing the ENTER key. Detailed descriptions of the
alarm codes are provided in Table 23 on Page 58.
TEMP
Radio’s Internal Temperature
This command displays the internal temperature of the transceiver in degrees
Celsius. (Note that the radio is specified to operate in an environment between
–30° C and +60° C). This internal reading may be higher than the outside
temperature by several degrees.
TX [xxxx]
Radio Transmit Test Frequency
This command sets or displays the test transmit frequency used in place of
hopping whenever the radio is in Setup mode. The test transmit frequency for
the 900 MHz radios can be reprogrammed to any value between 902.200
MHz and 927.800 MHz, inclusive. The factory default setting is 915.000
MHz.
For the 2400 MHz radios, the test frequency can be programmed to any
frequency between 2400.6 MHz and 2482.0 MHz. The default value is
2436.0 MHz.
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UNIT [10000–65000]
Unit Address
This command sets the unit addressing for network-wide diagnostics and
AT-Command address. The unit address is factory programmed to the last
four digits of the radio’s serial number. If re-programmed in the field, the
entry must consist of five digits between 10000 and 65000.
XADDR [0–31]
Extended Address
Used to display or program the Extended Address of this radio that will serve
as a common address for the sub-network synchronized to this Master or
Extension. This value can be listed in the XPRI parameter of associated
Extension or Remote radios to allow them to synchronize to this radio. We
recommend setting the Master to zero (0). It is easy to remember, and is the
default address when the INIT command is used. (Programmed only in
Master and Extension radios.)
XMAP [00000000-FFFFFFFF]
Map of Extension Addresses
XMAP is a 32-bit hex entry where the least significant bit represents XADDR
0 and the most significant bit represents XADDR 31. The full 32-bit hex
value represents the entire list of extensions with which the radio will be
allowed to communicate. (Pertains to Remotes and Extensions only.)
This parameter is easily programmed through the MDS TransNET Configuration Software’s Store-and-Forward Settings panel.
XPRI [0–31]
Primary Extended Address
Will display or program the extended address of the primary radio with which
this radio will attempt to synchronize and communicate. A setting of NONE
allows the unit to synchronize with any Master or Extension in the XMAP list.
(Parameter only meaningful for Remote or Extension units.)
XRSSI [NONE, –40...–120]
Extension RSSI Level
The XRSSI command is used to set the RSSI minimum signal level required
to preserve synchronization with a non-primary Extension radio. This parameter will be ignored if XPRI is set to NONE.
ZONE CLEAR
Clear Zone Statistics Log
The ZONE CLEAR command clears the zone data for all zones in the Zone
Data Log, resetting the count to 0. (Zone data is also cleared automatically
upon reboot.)
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ZONE DATA
Read Zone Statistics Log
The transceiver divides its frequency operating spectrum into eight
3.0 MHz-wide zones or sub-bands. (These are the same zones referenced by
the SKIP command described earlier.) Data frame statistics are maintained for
each zone to indicate the transmission quality of data through the network.
This information is useful for identifying zones where significant interference
exists.
Historical information on the quality of each zone can be accessed using the
ZONE DATA command. The report shows you the number of data frames sent,
the number received, and the number received with errors. If an excessive
number of errors are seen in one or more frequency zones, it may indicate
interference, and you should consider “skipping” those zones using the SKIP
command (See “SKIP [NONE, 1...8]” on Page 53).
Note: If a frequency zone has been skipped, all counts for that zone will be
zeros.
The ZONE DATA format is displayed as follows:
1:TX
1:RX
1:RX
x:
x:
x:
8:TX
8:RX
8:RX
TOTAL 00000000
TOTAL 00000000
ERROR 00000000
TOTAL 00000000
TOTAL 00000000
ERROR 00000000
All data is based on payload packets. Incoming network data may be divided
into multiple packets for over-the-air transfers. The number before the colon
represents the zone. TX TOTAL is the transmit packet total. RX TOTAL is the
receive packet total. RX ERROR is the total number of received packets with
CRC errors. All zone data is reset with the ZONE CLEAR command.
9.0
TROUBLESHOOTING
Successful troubleshooting of a TransNET system is not difficult, but
requires a logical approach. It is best to begin troubleshooting at the Master
station, as the rest of the system depends on the Master for polling instructions and synchronization data. If the Master station has problems, the operation of the entire network will be affected.
When communication problems are found, it is good practice to begin by
checking the basics. All radios in the network must meet these basic requirements:
• Adequate and stable primary power
• An efficient and properly aligned antenna system
• Secure connections (RF, data & power)
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• Proper programming of the radio’s operating parameters, especially
Operating Mode (MODE), Network Address (ADDR), and interface
Baud Rate (BAUD). For TransNET 2400 check the sub-band (BAND).
• The correct interface between the radio and the connected data
equipment (proper cable wiring, data format and timing).
• In store-and-forward systems there are several areas that should be
checked or evaluated:
• Look for duplicate XADDR values on MODE M and MODE X radios.
Duplicates will cause failures unless the radios are too far apart to
hear each other.
• Check for errors in the synchronization qualifiers, XPRI and XMAP,
on corresponding Remote radios.
• Verify SAF is enabled at the Master radio.
9.1
Alarm Codes
When an alarm condition exists, the transceiver creates an alarm code. These
codes can be very helpful in resolving many system difficulties.
Checking for Alarms—STAT command
To check for the presence of alarms, enter STAT. If no alarms exist, the
message NO ALARMS PRESENT appears at the top of the display.
If an alarm does exist, a two-digit alarm code (00–31) is displayed, and it is
identified as a major or minor alarm. A brief description of the alarm is also
given. Alarm codes and their meanings are listed in Table 23.
If more than one alarm exists, the word MORE appears at the bottom of the
screen; additional alarms can be viewed by pressing ENTER .
Major Alarms versus Minor Alarms
Major alarms report serious conditions that generally indicate a hardware
failure, or other abnormal condition that will prevent (or seriously hamper)
further operation of the transceiver.
With the exception of alarm code 00 (network address not programmed),
major alarms generally indicate the need for factory repair.
Minor alarms report conditions which, under most circumstances, will not
prevent transceiver operation. This includes out-of-tolerance conditions,
baud rate mismatches, etc. The cause of these alarms should be investigated
and corrected to prevent system failure.
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Alarm Codes’ Definitions
Table 23 contains a listing of all alarm codes that may be reported by the
transceiver. Additional alarm codes may be used in future firmware releases
or are used by the factory.
Table 23. Alarm Codes Descriptions
Alarm
Code
Alarm
Type

Description
00
Major
The network address is not programmed.
01
Major
Improper firmware detected for this radio model.
04
Major
One or more of the programmable synthesizer loops is reporting an
out-of-lock condition.
08
Major
The system is reporting that it has not been calibrated. Factory calibration is required for proper radio operation.
10
Major
The DSP was unable to properly program the system to the appropriate
defaults. A hardware problem may exist.
12
Major
Receiver time-out alarm.
16
Minor
The unit address is not programmed.
17
Minor
A data parity fault has been detected on the DATA connector. This
usually indicates a parity setting mismatch between the radio and the
RTU.
18
Minor
A data framing error has been detected on the DATA connector. This
may indicate a baud rate mismatch between the radio and the RTU.
29
Minor
RF output power fault detected. (Power differs by more than 2 dB from
set level.) Often caused by high antenna system SWR. Check antenna,
feedline and connectors.
30
Minor
The system is reporting an RSSI reading below –105 dBm.
31
Minor
The transceiver’s internal temperature is approaching an out-of-tolerance condition. If the temperature drifts outside of the recommended
operating range and the transceiver may fail.
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9.2 LED Indicators
The LED indicators on the transceiver board (CR3, CR-4, CR-5 and CR-6)
are an important troubleshooting tool and should be checked whenever a
problem is suspected. Table 24 describes the function of each status LED.
Table 24. LED indicator descriptions
LED Name
Description
RXD (CR3)
Receive Data
Serial receive data activity. Payload data from connected device.
RXD
TXD (CR4)
Transmit Data
Serial transmit data activity. Payload data to connected device.
TXD
DCD (CR5)
Data Carrier Detect
Continuous—Radio is receiving/sending synchronization frames
On within 10 seconds of power-up under normal
conditions
GP (CR6)
General Purpose
• Continuous—Power is applied to the radio; no
problems detected
• Flashing (5 times-per-second)—Fault indication. 
See “TROUBLESHOOTING” on Page 57
DCD
GP
• Off—Radio is unpowered or in Sleep mode
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9.3 Troubleshooting Chart
Table 25 provides suggestions for resolving system difficulties that may be
experienced in the radio system. If problems persist, contact the factory for
further assistance. Refer to the inside back cover of this guide for contact
information.
Table 25. Troubleshooting Guide
Difficulty
Recommended System Checks
Unit is
inoperative.
a. Check for the proper supply voltage at the power connector.
Interference is suspected.
b. The transceiver’s internal fuse may have opened.
a. Verify that the system has a unique network address. Nearby systems with the same address will cause interference.
b. Check for interference by locking out affected zone(s) using the
SKIP command (Page 53).
c. If omnidirectional antennas are used on Remote stations, consider
changing to directional antennas. This will often limit interference
to and from other stations.
No synchronization with Master,
or poor overall
performance.
a. Check for secure interface connections at the radio and the connected device.
b. Check the antenna, feedline and connectors. Reflected power
should be less than 10% of the forward power reading (SWR 2:1
or lower).
c. If the Remote radio is in synchronization, but performance is poor,
check the received signal strength using the RSSI command
(Page 50). If RSSI is low, it may indicate antenna problems, or misalignment of directional antenna headings.
d. Verify proper programming of system parameters: mode, network
address, data interface baud rate, transmitter power, CTS delay, etc.
For store-and-forward applications, also verify the following: SAF
is ON; extended address is properly programmed at each extension;
Remotes are using the proper values for XPRI and XMAP.
e. Check for alarms using the STAT command (Page 54)
BER is too high.
Data throughput is
spotty.
a. The RETRY and REPEAT commands may be increased to deal
with interference, or decreased to increase throughput and reduce
latency.
b. Try turning on FEC. FEC on gives some coding gain, but comes at
the cost of reduced throughput.
Latency is too
high.
a. Reduce the REPEAT count.
b. Turn BUFF OFF. BUFF ON ensures that no gaps occur in the data,
but this comes at the cost of increased latency.
c. Make sure HOPTIME is set to 7.
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9.4
Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics
Diagnostics data from a Remote radio can be obtained by connecting a laptop
or personal computer running MDS InSite diagnostics software (Version 6.6
or later) to any radio in the network.
NOTE: The diagnostics feature may not be available in all radios. The ability to query and configure a radio via Network-wide Diagnostics is based on the feature options purchased
in the radio being polled.
If a PC is connected to any radio in the network, intrusive polling (polling
which briefly interrupts payload data transmission) can be performed. To
perform diagnostics without interrupting payload data transmission, connect
the PC to a radio defined as the “root” radio. A radio is defined as a root radio
using the DTYPE ROOT command locally, at the radio.
A complete explanation of Remote diagnostics can be found in the
Network-Wide Diagnostics System Handbook (Part No. 05-3467A01).
Table 26. Network-Wide Diagnostics Commands
Command
Description
DLINK [xxxxx/ON/OFF]
Details, page 44
Set baud rate of diagnostics link
DTYPE [NODE/ROOT]
Details, page 45
Set radio’s operational characteristics for network-wide diagnostics
1. Program one radio in the network as the root radio by entering the
DTYPE ROOT command at the radio.
2. At the root radio, use the DLINK ON and DLINK [baud rate] commands to
configure the diagnostic link protocol on the DIAG port.
3. Program all other radios in the network as nodes by entering the
DTYPE NODE command at each radio.
4. Use the DLINK ON and DLINK [baud rate] commands to configure the
diagnostic link protocol on the RJ-11 port of each node radio.
5. Connect a PC on which InSite software is installed to the root radio, or to
one of the nodes, at the radio’s diagnostics port.
6. Launch the InSite application at the PC. (Refer to the InSite user’s
manual for details.)
10.0 RADIO FIRMWARE UPGRADES
From time to time, GE MDS releases new firmware for its radio products.
This file can be installed in existing radios to take advantage of engineering
improvements or additional features.
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10.1 Obtaining New Firmware
The latest firmware for each radio type may be obtained free from our Web
site at:
www.GEmds.com
Registration may be required to access some downloadable files.
Firmware is also available on disks from the factory that are bundled with an
installation utility (MDS Radio Software Upgrade (upgrade.exe) for transferring the firmware file on the disk to the radio.
Saving a Web-Site Firmware File Onto Your PC
Firmware upgrades are distributed as a plain-text (ASCII) file with a “.S28”
extension. Browse the GE MDS Web site to find the desired “.S28” file for
your radio. When you have found your selection, use the right mouse button
to select a path on your computer on which to save the file. (If this isn’t done,
your browser may display the firmware file contents as text on the screen
instead of downloading it to your local hard drive.)
After the “.S28” file has been saved to your computer, you may use either
MDS TransNET Configuration Software or MDS Radio Software Upgrade
programs to install this firmware in your radios.
10.2 Installing Firmware Into Your Radio
1. Connect the PC to the radio’s diagnostics port.
2. Start the MDS TransNET Configuration Software. Open diagnostics port
to the radio. The program will automatically read the radio’s profile.
3. From the File menu, select Radio Firmware Upgrade and follow the prompts
to install the new firmware into the radio. Do not press the Cancel button
once the installation has started or it will leave the radio without any
code. When the installation is complete, another radio may be connected
to your PC and programmed.
NOTE: If a firmware installation fails, the radio is left unprogrammed and inoperative. This is
indicated by the PWR LED flashing slowly (1 second on/1 second off). This condition
is only likely to occur if there is a power failure to the computer or radio during the installation process. The installation should be attempted again.
11.0 SECURITY
Today, the operation and management of an enterprise is becoming
increasing dependent on electronic information flow. An accompanying
concern becomes the security of the communication infrastructure and the
security of the data itself. We take this matter seriously, and provide several
means for protecting the data carried over our wireless products.
Our radios address this issue primarily through the use of the following items:
1) A proprietary modem/data link layer—Data signals are processed using
code and hardware specifically designed by the manufacturer.
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2) A unique Network Address—This provides a unique identifier for each
radio in a network. A radio is not addressable unless this unique code is
included in the data string.
3) An optional encryption value (code)—Setting an encryption code
requires the use of the CODE command. This command scrambles the
radio’s hop pattern and encrypts payload data content. A radio requires
the correct Network Address (ADDR) and CODE value in order to
synchronize. When the CODE command is used, the same value must
be programmed into all radios in the network. See “CODE [NONE,
1…255]” on Page 42 for more details.

The effective combination of CODE and ADDR discourage the use of an
exhaustive search to gain access to a system.
The items described above provide sufficient security for most systems. For
highly-sensitive applications, system designers should consider employing
application level encryption into their polling protocols to further protect their
systems. Third party software tools are available for adding encryption, and
these should be considered as part of any advanced encryption scheme.
12.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE
12.1 Product Specifications—900 MHz
GENERAL
Frequency Hopping Range:
Hop Pattern:
Frequency Stability:
Half-Duplex Operation:
Network Addresses:
Temperature Range:
Humidity:
Primary Power:
Current Draw (typical):
Transmit:
Receive:
Sleep Mode:
Physical Dimensions:
Agency Approvals:
05-3946A01, Rev. C
902–928 MHz,
Subdivided into eight 3.2 MHz zones
Based on network address
±1.5 ppm
±1.6 MHz TX/RX split
65,000
–40° C to +70° C
<95% at +40° C; non-condensing
13.8 Vdc (6–30 Vdc range)
510 mA @ 13.8 Vdc
<115 mA @ 13.8 Vdc
ð 3 mA @ 13.8 Vdc
1.81˝ W x 3.45˝ L x 0.63˝ H
(46 x 87.5 x 16 mm)
• FCC Part 15.247 
(E5MDS-EL806)
• FCC Limited Modular Approval
• Industry Canada RSS-210 and RSS-139 
(CAN 3738A-MDSEL806)
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DATA CHARACTERISTICS
Data Interface:
Interface Connector:
Data Rate:
Data Latency:
Byte Length:
Maximum Data Transmission:
RS-232/422/485
16-pin header, female
300, 600,1200, 1800, 2400, 4800, 9600,
19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 bps asynchronous
7 ms (typical)
10 or 11 bits
Continuous up to 115200 bps
RF CHARACTERISTICS
TRANSMITTER:
Power Output
(at antenna connector):
Duty Cycle:
Modulation Type:
Output Impedance:
Spurious:
RECEIVER:
Type:
Sensitivity:
Intermodulation:
Desensitization:
Spurious:
Bandwidth:
Interference Ratio
(SINAD degraded by 3dB):
Time Required to Synchronize
with Master Radio:
1.0 Watt (+30 dBm) Max.
Continuous
Binary CPFSK
50 Ohms
–49 dBm, 216 MHz–960 MHz
–41 dBm above 960 MHz
Double conversion superheterodyne
–105 dBm @ 1 x 10–6 BER
59 dB minimum (EIA)
60 dB
60 dB minimum
200 kHz
Co-channel: –20 dB
Adjacent channel: 0 dB
Two channels away: +20 dB
Three channels away: +30 dB
0.5 seconds (typical)
12.2 Product Specifications—2400 MHz
GENERAL
Frequency Hopping Range:
2401.6–2477.8 MHz ISM band

Hop Pattern:
Frequency Stability:
Half-Duplex Operation:
Network Addresses:
64
A: 2401.6 MHz–2427.0 MHz
B: 2427.2 MHz–2452.6 MHz
C: 2452.8 MHz–2478.2 MHz
Subdivided into eight 3.2 MHz zones
Based on network address
±1.5 ppm
±1.6 MHz TX/RX split
65,000
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Temperature Range:
Humidity:
Primary Power:
Current Draw (typical):
Transmit:
Receive:
Sleep Mode:
Physical Dimensions:
Agency Approvals:
–40° C to +70° C
<95% at +40° C; non-condensing
13.8 Vdc (6–30 Vdc range)
510 mA @ 13.8 Vdc
<115 mA @ 13.8 Vdc
ð 3 mA @ 13.8 Vdc
1.81˝ W x 3.45˝ L x 0.63˝ H
(46 x 87.5 x 16 mm)
• FCC Part 15.247
(E5MDS-EL806-24)
• FCC Limited Modular Approval
• Industry Canada RSS-210 and RSS-139 
(CAN 3738A-MDSEL80624)
DATA CHARACTERISTICS
Data Interface:
Interface Connector:
Data Rate:
Data Latency:
Byte Length:
Maximum Data Transmission:
RS-232/422/485
16-pin header, female
300, 600,1200, 1800, 2400, 4800, 9600,
19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 bps asynchronous
7 ms (typical)
10 or 11 bits
Continuous up to 115200 bps
RF CHARACTERISTICS
TRANSMITTER:
Power Output
(at antenna connector):
Duty Cycle:
Modulation Type:
Output Impedance:
Spurious:
RECEIVER:
Type:
Sensitivity:
Intermodulation:
Desensitization:
Spurious:
Bandwidth:
Interference Ratio 
(SINAD degraded by 3dB):
05-3946A01, Rev. C
0.5 Watt (+27 dBm) Max.
Continuous
Binary CPFSK
50 Ohms
–49 dBm, 216 MHz–960 MHz
–41 dBm above 960 MHz
Double conversion superheterodyne
–104 dBm @ 1 x 10–6 BER
45 dB minimum (EIA)
60 dB
60 dB minimum
200 kHz
Co-channel: –40 dB
Adjacent channel: 0 dB
Two channels away: +20 dB
Three channels away: +45 dB
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
65
Time Required to Synchronize
with Master Radio:
0.5 seconds (typical)
12.3 Transceiver Module’s Interface Connector, J3, 
Detailed Pin Descriptions
The tables in this section give detailed pin functions for the transceiver’s
16-pin header connector, J3 (see Figure 16). The tables are organized
according to the available signaling configurations of the OEM transceiver.
Signaling configuration is hardware fixed at the time of manufacture and will
be one of the following:
• TTL signaling for both Payload and Diagnostic data
• Payload data TTL; Diagnostic data RS-232
• Payload data RS-232/RS-485 selectable; Diagnostic data RS-232

10
12
Figure 16. 16-pin Header Connector (J3)
on OEM Transceiver Board
11
(See parts list (Page80) for information on matching connector)
14
16
15

13
Table 27. Transceiver Connector J3 Pinouts
Payload data TTL; Diagnostic data TTL
Pin No.
Input/
Output
Signal
Type
IN
—
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
Diagnostic TXD—Supplies received diagnostic/administrative data to the connected device.
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
Alarm condition—A low indicates normal operation.
A high indicates an alarm. (See ASENSE [HI/LO]
command for more information.)
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
Diagnostic RXD—Accepts diagnostic/administrative
data from the connected device.
IN
—
DC Input (6–30 Vdc)— Supply Source must be capable of furnishing at least 7.5 watts.
66
Name/Description
Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential).
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Table 27. Transceiver Connector J3 Pinouts
Payload data TTL; Diagnostic data TTL (Continued)
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
Sleep Mode Input—A ground on this pin turns off
most circuits in a remote radio. This allows for greatly
reduced power consumption, yet preserves the radio’s
ability to be brought quickly back on line. See “Using
the Radio’s Sleep Mode (Remote Units Only)” on
Page 26 for details.
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
Data Carrier Detect (DCD)—A low indicates hopping synchronization has been achieved.
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
Power Supply Shutdown Control—A ground on this
pin causes the OEM module’s power supply to shut
down.
—
—
DC Input (Regulated 3.3 Vdc)—Supply Source must
be capable of furnishing at least 7.5 watts.
10
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
11
IN
—
DC Input (6–18 Vdc)— Supply Source must be capable of furnishing at least 7.5 watts.
12
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
Request to Send (RTS)—A high causes CTS to follow after the programmed CTS delay time has elapsed
(DCE).
Transmitted Data (TXD)—Accepts payload data
from the connected device.
13
—
—
14
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
Reserved—Do not connect.
15
IN
—
Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential).
16
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
Clear to Send (CTS)—Goes high after the programmed CTS delay time has elapsed (DCE), or keys
an attached radio when RF data arrives (CTS KEY).
Received Data (RXD)—Supplies received payload
data to the connected device.
Table 28. Transceiver Connector J3 Pinouts
(Payload data TTL; Diagnostic data RS-232)
Pin No.
Input/
Output
Signal
Type
Name/Description
IN
—
Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential).
OUT
RS-232
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
Alarm condition—A low indicates normal operation.
A high indicates an alarm. (See ASENSE [HI/LO]
command for more information.)
IN
RS-232
Diagnostic RXD—Accepts diagnostic/administrative
data from the connected device.
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Diagnostic TXD—Supplies received diagnostic/administrative data to the connected device.
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
67
Table 28. Transceiver Connector J3 Pinouts
(Payload data TTL; Diagnostic data RS-232) (Continued)
IN
—
DC Input (6–30 Vdc)— Supply Source must be capable of furnishing at least 7.5 watts.
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
Sleep Mode Input—A ground on this pin turns off
most circuits in a remote radio. This allows for greatly
reduced power consumption, yet preserves the radio’s
ability to be brought quickly back on line. See “Using
the Radio’s Sleep Mode (Remote Units Only)” on
Page 26 for details.
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
Data Carrier Detect (DCD)—A low indicates hopping synchronization has been achieved.
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
Power Supply Shutdown Control—A ground on this
pin causes the OEM module’s power supply to shut
down.
—
—
10
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
11
IN
—
DC Input (6–30 Vdc)— Supply Source must be capable of furnishing at least 7.5 watts.
12
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
Request to Send (RTS)—A high causes CTS to follow after the programmed CTS delay time has elapsed
(DCE).
13
—
—
14
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
15
IN
—
Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential).
16
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
Clear to Send (CTS)—Goes high after the programmed CTS delay time has elapsed (DCE), or keys
an attached radio when RF data arrives (CTS KEY).
Reserved—Do not connect.
Transmitted Data (TXD)—Accepts payload data
from the connected device.
Reserved—Do not connect.
Received Data (RXD)—Supplies received payload
data to the connected device.
Table 29. Transceiver Connector J3 Pinouts
Payload data RS-232; Diagnostic data RS-232
Pin No.
Input/
Output
Signal
Type
Name/Description
IN
—
Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential).
OUT
RS-232
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
68
Diagnostic TXD—Supplies received diagnostic/administrative data to the connected device.
Alarm condition—A low indicates normal operation.
A high indicates an alarm. (See ASENSE [HI/LO]
command for more information.)
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Table 29. Transceiver Connector J3 Pinouts
Payload data RS-232; Diagnostic data RS-232 (Continued)
IN
RS-232
Diagnostic RXD—Accepts diagnostic/administrative
data from the connected device.
IN
—
DC Input (6–30 Vdc)— Supply Source must be capable of furnishing at least 7.5 watts.
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
Sleep Mode Input—A ground on this pin turns off
most circuits in a remote radio. This allows for greatly
reduced power consumption, yet preserves the radio’s
ability to be brought quickly back on line. See “Using
the Radio’s Sleep Mode (Remote Units Only)” on
Page 26 for details.
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
Data Carrier Detect (DCD)—A low indicates hopping synchronization has been achieved.
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
Power Supply Shutdown Control—A ground on this
pin causes the OEM module’s power supply to shut
down.
—
—
10
IN
RS-232,
± 5 Vdc
11
IN
—
DC Input 6–30 Vdc)— Supply Source must be capable of furnishing at least 7.5 watts.
12
IN
RS-232,
± 5 Vdc
Request to Send (RTS)—A high causes CTS to follow after the programmed CTS delay time has elapsed
(DCE).
13
—
—
14
OUT
RS-232,
± 5 Vdc
15
IN
—
Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential).
16
OUT
RS-232,
± 5 Vdc
Clear to Send (CTS)—Goes high after the programmed CTS delay time has elapsed (DCE), or keys
an attached radio when RF data arrives (CTS KEY).
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Reserved—Do not connect.
Transmitted Data (TXD)—Accepts payload data
from the connected device.
Reserved—Do not connect.
Received Data (RXD)—Supplies received payload
data to the connected device.
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
69
Table 30. Transceiver Connector J3 Pinouts
Payload data RS-485; Diagnostic data RS-232
Pin No.
Input/
Output
Signal
Type
IN
—
OUT
RS-232
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
Alarm condition—A low indicates normal operation.
A high indicates an alarm. (See ASENSE [HI/LO]
command for more information.)
IN
RS-232
Diagnostic RXD—Accepts diagnostic/administrative
data from the connected device.
IN
—
DC Input (6–30 Vdc)— Supply Source must be capable of furnishing at least 7.5 watts.
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
Sleep Mode Input—A ground on this pin turns off
most circuits in a remote radio. This allows for greatly
reduced power consumption, yet preserves the radio’s
ability to be brought quickly back on line. See “Using
the Radio’s Sleep Mode (Remote Units Only)” on
Page 26 for details.
OUT
TTL, 3 Vdc
Data Carrier Detect (DCD)—A low indicates hopping synchronization has been achieved.
IN
TTL, 3 Vdc
Power Supply Shutdown Control—A ground on this
pin causes the OEM module’s power supply to shut
down.
70
Name/Description
Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential).
Diagnostic TXD—Supplies received diagnostic/administrative data to the connected device.
—
—
10
IN
Differential
Reserved—Do not connect.
RXD+/RXA (Transmitted Data+)—Non-inverting
receiver input. Accepts payload data from the connected device.
11
IN
—
DC Input (6–30 Vdc)— Supply Source must be capable of furnishing at least 7.5 watts.
12
IN
Differential
RXD–/RXA (Transmitted Data-)—Inverting receiver input.
13
—
—
14
OUT
Differential
TXD+/TXA (Received Data+)—Non-inverting driver
output. Supplies received payload data to the connected device.
Reserved—Do not connect.
15
IN
—
Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential).
16
OUT
Differential
TXD–/TXA (Received Data-)—Inverting driver output.
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
12.4 User Configurable I/O Connections
Several connection points (eyelets) are provided within the transceiver near
the INTERFACE connector (J3) that allow the user to facilitate unique integration requirements.
By jumpering eyelets, external functions (unconditioned I/O) may be
communicated within the TransNET network using a Network Management
System (NMS) such as InSite or a user’s custom application that uses the
Network-Wide Diagnostics Protocol. Specifications for this protocol are
open and are contained within the InSite distribution material on CD and on
the GE MDS Web site.
CAUTION
POTENTIAL
EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE
Care should be taken when soldering to the PCB eyelets due to their
small size. For this reason, only qualified personnel should install the
jumpers and external connections.
Installation of internal jumpers and connection to non-standard interface pins may void the product’s warranty.
If you are uncertain of your interface design, please consult with the
GE MDS Technical Services Department for a review of your design
to assure maintenance of your warranty.
Invisible place holder
H1
H4
H3
H5
H2
H6
Figure 17. User Interface I/O Jumper Eyelets
PCBs 03-4050A01, Rev. B and later
NOTE: If your PCB does not look like the one in the Figure 17, consult with the GE MDS Technical Services for assistance.
Each pin connected to user-designed equipment must be connected through a
special cable constructed to breakout the User I/O pins.
Your interface can complement your unique requirements. The input signals
and output interface must be within the radio’s interface parameters as
summarized in Table 31. 
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
71
Table 31. TransNET User I/O Connection Resources
Function or Service
Range
Available 
at eyelet:
Filtered Receive Audio
(For test purposes)
0 – 5 Vac, 30–5 kHz
H2
General Purpose I/O 1 (GPIO 1)a
TTL; External 10K to 3.3 V
Vcc Recommended
H3
General Purpose I/O 2 (GPIO 2)b
TTL; External 10K to 3.3 V
Vcc Recommended
H4
Analog 1c
0 – 5 Vac, ð 60 HZ
H6
Do not connect. Factory use only.
H5
Data Interface Pin
Available 
at eyelet:
DB-9, Pin 9
H1
RJ-11, Pin 1
H7
RJ-11, Pin 2
H8
RJ-11, Pin 3
H9
a. Configuration and data retrievable via MDS InSite™ software as “I/O 1”
b. Configuration and data retrievable via MDS InSite™ software as “I/O 2”
c. Parameter retrievable via MDS InSite™ software
Using the I/O Points with InSite™ NMS Software
InSite software has the ability to read the user analog input (Analog 1) and two
user-configurable and independent I/O signals (I/O 1 & I/O 2). Each I/O
connection can independently configured as input or output. If configured as
an output, a saved default output value can be stored in the radio to ensure the
radio boots to the desired state for this pin.
The values of I/O 1 & I/O 2 can be read and displayed by an InSite user to
determine the current state. The values of I/O 1 & I/O 2 at the TransNET’s
DATA Interface connector will remain in a constant state until manually
changed though the InSite Configuration screen.
Application Example—Digital Input/Output at Remote
A typical application of the user I/O connections may require one digital input
and one digital output to be controlled by network diagnostics. In this
example, H3 could be jumpered to H7 (I/O 1 to RJ-11, Pin 1) and H4 jumpered
to H8 (I/O 2 to RJ-11, Pin 2). Using InSite, I/O 1 could be configured as an
output and I/O 2 as an input.
72
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
13.0 EVALUATION DEVELOPMENT KIT 
(P/N 03-4053A01)
The Evaluation Development Kit is designed to assist integrators who will be
working with the transceiver in a benchtop setting. The kit contains the
following:
• Two OEM Transceiver modules (configured for TTL, or RS-232/485
operation, as requested)
• Two Evaluation Development boards (P/N 03-4051A01)
• Interface Cables
• Two whip antennas
• Two 12 Vdc power supplies
• TransNET Support CD containing software for programming &
diagnostics
Evaluation PC Board
A key part of the Evaluation Development Kit is the Evaluation Board shown
in Figure 18. It contains a 16-pin header connector (J2) that mates with
female connector J3 the OEM transceiver board. It carries all signals (except
RF) between the Evaluation Board and the transceiver module. The Evaluation PCB is compatible with TTL and RS-232/485 configured radios mounted
on it.Table 34 lists the basic pin functions of J2.
The Evaluation Board provides convenient connection points for diagnostics,
payload data, and DC power. Each of these connectors are discussed in this
section. The board also includes a series of test probe points to the left of J2.
These may be used for monitoring logic signal activity with a multimeter,
DVM, oscilloscope or other test instruments. The probe points are identified
by printed markings on the board.
The transceiver board’s RF/Antenna connection is not connected to the Evaluation Board’s 16-pin header. The transceiver module’s antenna connection
is always made at J200 or J201using a complementary connector.
For more detailed pinout information on the transceiver module’s Interface,
J3, including the differences between TTL and RS-232/485 configured
radios, refer to Section 12.3 on Page 66.
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
73
STANDOFF SPACERS (4)
TRANSCEIVER INTERFACE
(16-PIN HEADER)
JUMPER BLOCK
J1
TEST PROBE
POINTS
DC POWER
(5–25 VDC)
DIAGNOSTIC
COMMUNICATIONS
(RJ-11)
DATA CONNECTOR
(DB-9)
Figure 18. OEM Evaluation Board (P/N 03-4051A01)
For detailed information on the transceiver module’s Interface connector, J3,
review the series of tables beginning on Page 66.
Connecting the Transceiver & Evaluation Board
To connect the Evaluation Board to the radio as shown in Figure 19, carefully
align the pins of the 16-pin header with J3 on the transceiver module and
press down firmly. The radio PC board should seat solidly on the four
standoff spacers. Use nuts to secure the board to the standoffs.
Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 19. Connecting the Transceiver (upper PCB)
and Evaluation Board (lower PCB) Together
CAUTION: Take care to avoid short-circuiting the underside of the Evaluation PC board. The
bottom of the board is not insulated, and contact with metallic objects on the work surface could cause damage to the board or connected equipment.
74
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
13.1 Cable Connections for Benchtop Testing
There are four basic requirements for operating the transceiver and evaluation
board in a benchtop test environment. They are:
• Adequate and stable primary power
• A proper antenna system or RF load (50 Ohms)
• The correct interface wiring between the transceiver and the connected
DTE device (RTU, PLC, etc.)
• A connected PC terminal to read/set transceiver parameters.
Figure 20 shows a typical setup for bench testing an OEM Transceiver. Two
such setups will be required if you intend to establish over-the-air communications with another OEM transceiver.
Invisibleplaceholder
ANTENNA
OEM Transceiver
and Evaluation Board
(OR 50-OHM RF LOAD)
Power Supply
13.8 VDC
@ 750 mA
(min.)
DATA TERMINAL
EQUIPMENT
PC TERMINAL
Figure 20. Typical Test Setup
Antenna Connection—Transceiver Module, J200/201
Antenna connector is located at the edge of the transceiver module on the side
opposite the Interface connector, J3. The connector can be one of several
sub-miniature RF coaxial connectors as listed in Table 3 on Page 6. Connect
an antenna or other suitable RF load to this connector. Only approved
antenna/cable assemblies may be used with the radio.
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
75
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE

Do not apply DC power to the transceiver without first attaching a proper RF load, or the transceiver may be damaged.
DC Power Connector, J3
This connector accepts operating power for the transceiver. A wall-style AC
adapter (Part No. 01-3862A02) is recommended for this service.
DC connection is made with a 2-pin polarized plug, GE MDS Part No.
73-1194A39. Be sure to observe proper polarity. The left terminal is positive (+) and the right is negative (–). (See Figure 21).
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE

The radio transceiver and OEM Evaluation PCB must be used
only with negative-ground systems operating between 6 and
30 Vdc. Make certain that the polarity of the power source is
correct.
Invisibleplaceholder
Lead
Binding
Screws (2)
Wire Ports (2)
Retaining
Screws (2)
(Polarity: Left +, Right –)
Figure 21. DC Power Connector (P/N 73-1194A39)
NOTE: Although the power connector used on the OEM Evaluation Board resembles those used by some earlier MDS transceivers, such as the MDS 9810 and x710
family, the connectors are not equal and the use of the wrong plug will provide unreliable connections. Only the power connector shown in Figure 21 with screw terminals and two retainer screws should be used with the OEM Evaluation Board.
Diagnostic Connection, J4
J4 is an RJ-11-6 modular connector used to connect the evaluation
board/transceiver to a PC terminal for programming and interrogation. An
RJ-11 to DB-9 Adapter Cable (Part No. 03-3246A01) is required for this
connection. If desired, an cable may be constructed for this purpose as shown
in Figure 22. Only Pins 4, 5, and 6 of the RJ-11 connector should be used.
Pins 1, 2, and 3 are reserved for factory test purposes.)
The data parameters of the diagnostics port are as follows: 8 data bits, 1 stop
bit, and no parity. It automatically configures itself to function at 1200, 2400,
4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 bps, as required.
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Invisibleplaceholder
RJ-11 PLUG
(TO TRANSCEIVER)
RJ-11 PIN LAYOUT
DB-9 FEMALE
(TO COMPUTER)
4 TXD
RXD 2
5 RXD
TXD 3
6 GND
GND 5
Figure 22. RJ-11 to DB-9 Diagnostic Cable—Wiring Details
(A pre-constructed cable is also available, Part No. 03-3246A01)
Diagnostic Communication Modes
Two methods may be used to communicate with the radio’s diagnostic port:
• Terminal Interface—The PC is used in its basic terminal emulation
mode, (i.e., HyperTerminal session) and commands are issued as simple
text strings.
• Radio Configuration Software—Proprietary software from the
factory that runs under the Windows operating system. It provides a
graphical user interface with “point and click” functionality. The
program is included on the TransNET Support Package CD shipped
with every radio order.
Both of these control methods are described in more detail in the section titled
“RADIO PROGRAMMING” on Page 33. This section also includes a chart
listing all commands for the OEM transceiver.
DATA Connector, J5
J5 on the Evaluation Board (Figure 23) is the data interface for the transceiver. J5 is used to connect the transceiver to an external DTE terminal that
supports only EIA/RS-232 signalling at speeds which are dependent on the
radio data rate of either 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200,
38400, 57600, or 115200 bps (asynchronous only). The connector mates with
a standard DB-9 plug available from many electronics parts suppliers.
DATA Wiring Connections
The connections made to J5 will depend on the requirements of the DTE
device being used with the transceiver, and the operating functions that you
require. Only the required pins for the application should be used. Do not use
a straight through “computer” type cable that is wired pin-for-pin.
Typical RS/EIA-232 applications require the use of Pin 2 (receive
data—RXD) and Pin 3 (transmit data—TXD). Additionally, some systems
may require the use of Pin 7 (Request-to-send—RTS). If hardware flow
control is desired, Pin 7 (RTS) and Pin 8 (CTS) may also need connection.
Table 32 gives pin details for radios configured for RS/EIA-232 service.
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
77
NOTE: Radio modules equipped with a payload TTL interface are presented as
RS-232 mode from the Evaluation Board.

Figure 23. DATA Connector (DB-9F), J5
As viewed from outside the device
Table 32 lists the DATA connector pin functions for an RS/EIA-232 signaling
interface.
NOTE: The radio is hard-wired as a DCE in the EIA-232 mode.
Table 32. DATA Connector, J5, Pin Descriptions—RS/EIA-232

Pin Description
Pin
Number
Input/
Output
—
OUT
IN
TXD (Transmitted Data)—
Accepts TX data from the connected device.
—
Eyelet H13, Evaluation PCB
IN
Signal Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential)
on the radio’s PC board and chassis.
—
Eyelet H12, Evaluation PCB
IN
RTS (Request-to-Send)
OUT
—
Eyelet H11, Evaluation PCB
RXD (Received Data)—
Supplies received data to the connected device.
CTS (Clear-to-Send)—Goes “high” after the programmed CTS
delay time has elapsed (DCE), or keys an attached radio when RF
data arrives (CTS KEY).
Eyelet H14, Evaluation PCB
Unterminated Pins
Four pins of the DB-9 DATA Interface connector, J5, on the Evaluation PCB
are available for custom connections.
Figure 17 shows the location of eyelets connected to the Evaluation PCB’s
DATA interface connector, J5. These pins are provided for low-current and
low-voltage connections.
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TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Invisibleplaceholder
H14 / J5-9
H13 / J5-4
H11 / J5-1
H12 / J5-6
J5
Figure 24. Evaluation PCB’s DATA Interface, J5,
Unterminated Pins Eyelets
PCBs 03-4051A01, Rev. B and later
Transceiver Power Interface, J1
Terminal block, J1, on the Evaluation PCB, provides direct access to the two
power lines feeding the transceiver module—unregulated primary power
(6–30 Vdc) and regulated 3.3 Vdc.
These jumpers and nearby eyelets can be used for two functions: 1. Measure
the module current consumption under various operating conditions by
inserting an inline ammeter, and 2. To bypass the Evaluation PCB’s 3.3 Vdc
regulator to connect your own power source.
With the jumpers removed, the pins of J1 can be used as convenient points to
measure the regulated and unregulated power supplied to the OEM module.
Invisibleplaceholder
6–30 V DC
POWER LOAD
H21 / J1-3
6–30 V DC
POWER IN
H15 / J1-2
3.3 V DC
POWER LOAD
H22 / J1-1
3.3 V DC
POWER IN
H17 / J1-2
J5
Figure 25. J1, Transceiver Power Eyelets
NOTE: Jumper J1 does not normally require any change by the user for basic
operation of the transceiver module on the Evaluation PCB.Both jumper
plugs are normally installed on J1.
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
79
13.2 Evaluation PCB Documentation
This section contains an assembly drawing and parts list for the OEM Evaluation Board. In addition, a separate foldout schematic of the Board is included
at the back of this manual. Board documentation is provided to assist integrators who need to create compatible interface circuitry between the OEM
transceiver and host equipment.
Assembly Drawing
GND
DIAG_TXD
DIAG_RXD
CR6
SHUTDN
J2
15
R15
CTS
GND
R12
R6
5 1U5
C23C26 R5
C E
Q1
R7 R3
CR4
CR5
RTS
K2
TXD
CR2
CR3
J1
C6 C7
C4
FH1
C29
C3
28
C5
U1
U4
C22 C25 R4
C1
C2
C20
C31
C30
C16
K1
C21
U3
L1
C19
C17
C18
C11
R10
R13
R14
R11
C NA
C8
CR1
C15
C13
C14
1o
U2
C12
Q2
R9
R8
16
C24
K3
DCD
LEDRXD
SLEEP
UNREG_PWR
REG_PWR
ALARM
Invisibleplaceholder
C10
C9
J4
J3
J5
Figure 26. Evaluation Board Assembly Diagram
Parts List
Table 33 lists the electronic components used on the Evaluation Board.
Table 33. OEM Evaluation Board Parts List
80
Ref. Desig.
Part Description
CR1
DIODE, SOT23 SMALL SIG 914 5D
CR4 CR5 CR6
RECTIFIER, 30V B13
CR2 CR3
DIODE, SCHOTTKY POWER, SMT, SNGL, UPS840
Q1 Q2
TRANSISTOR, SOT23 NPN 6429 M1LR
U4 U5
IC, LINEAR SC70-5 COMPARATOR SNGLE LMV33
U1
IC, IN'FACE SSOP28 RS-232 TXVR SP3238E
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Table 33. OEM Evaluation Board Parts List (Continued)
U3
IC, IN'FCE 20PIN TSSOP DRIVER SP3222
U2
IC, SWITCHING REG'R ADJ.4.5A LT1374HVIR
K1 K2 K3
RELAY, DPDT
R10
RESISTOR, CHIP 0603 1/16W 5% 2.2K
R4 R5 R13 R14
RESISTOR, CHIP 0603 1/10W 1% 10K
R12
RESISTOR, CHIP O603 1/10W 1% 100K
R7 R9
RESISTOR, CHIP 0603 1/10W 1% 1.5K
R11
RESISTOR, CHIP O603 1/10W 1% 1.82K
R3
RESISTOR, CHIP 0603 1/10W 1% 22.6K
R15
RESISTOR, CHIP O603 1/10W 1% 31.6K
R8
RESISTOR, CHIP 0603 1/10W 1% 470 OHM
R6
RESISTOR, CHIP O603 1/10W 1% 6.81K
C12
CAP, TANT 7343 20% 10V 100uf
C6 C7 C9 C10 C11
C29 C31
CAP, CHIP 0603 50V NPO 5% 100pf
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
C17 C18 C19 C20
C21 C22 C23 C24
C25 C26 C8
CAP, CHIP 0603 X7R 10% 0.1uF
C13
CAP, CHIP 0603 X7R 10% 470 pF
C14
CAP, CHIP 0603 X7R 10% 4700pF
C15
Capacitor, Low ESR Chip Ceramic, 1210 22uF
C16
Capacitor, Low ESR Chip Ceramic, 1210 4.7
L1
INDUCTOR, SWITCHING, 20%, 10uH
J1
CONN, HEADER, 0.100 DUAL STR 4-PIN
P/O J1 1-2, P/O
J1 3-4
CONN, JUMPER
FH1
FUSE HOLDER, PCB SMT W/2A SLO-BLO FUSE
J2
CONN, HEADER, PC MOUNT 0.078, DUAL, 16 PIN
Samtec TW Series, Part No: ASP 103812-01
(Mates with J3 on the OEM radio transceiver)
J3
CONN, TERM STRIP, 5MM PCB
J4
CONN, TELE JACK 6POS 6CON RT A SMT W/F
J5
CONN, D-SUB, PCB RCPT 90 DEGREE, 9 PIN
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
81
Evaluation PCB Interface to Transceiver PCB, J2
Table 34, lists the signal and power lines passed between the Evaluation PCB
and the transceiver module. Only a few functions are passed through to the
Evaluation PCB’s DATA interface connector, J5. However, many of the pins
of J2 are available through eyelets near the connector as seen in Figure 26 on
Page 80.
Table 34. Transceiver Interface, J2
(16-Pin Header Connector on Evaluation PCB)
Pin No.
Pin Function
Ground
Diagnostic TXD
Alarm Condition
Diagnostic RXD
DC Input
Sleep Mode Input
Data-Carrier Detect (DCD)
Power Supply Shutdown Control
Reserved—Do not connect.
10
Transmitted Payload Data (TXD)
11
DC Input
12
Request-to-Send (RTS)
13
Reserved—Do not connect.
14
Received Payload Data (RXD)
15
Ground
16
Clear-to-Send (CTS)
For detailed descriptions of the functions of the interface connector from the
transceiver’s point-of-view, see “Transceiver Module’s Interface Connector,
J3, Detailed Pin Descriptions” on Page 66.
PCB Schematic
The foldout schematic found in the rear of this manual can also be found in
the TransNET Support Package CD-ROM, and from our Web site at:
www.GEmds.com.
13.3 Evaluation Board Fuse Replacement
The Evaluation Board is protected by a 2-Ampere fuse. The fuse can be
blown by an over-current condition caused by an internal failure or
over-voltage. Follow the procedure below to remove and replace the fuse:
82
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
1. Disconnect the primary power cable and all other connections to the
Evaluation Board.
2. Locate the fuse holder assembly, FH1, behind the green power connector,
J3.
3. Loosen the fuse from the holder using a very small screwdriver, then use
a small pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the fuse straight up and out of
the holder.
4. Use an ohmmeter or other continuity tester to verify that the fuse is open.
5. Install a new fuse in the holder. Replacement fuse information: Littelfuse
#0454002; 452 Series, 2 Amp SMF Slo-Blo fuse (GE MDS Part No.
29-1784A03).
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
83
14.0 dBm-Watts-Volts CONVERSION CHART
Table 35 is provided as a convenience for determining the equivalent voltage
or wattage of an RF power expressed in dBm with 50 Ohms load.
Table 35. dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart
dBm
Po
dBm
Po
dBm
mV
+53
+50
+49
+48
+47
+46
+45
+44
+43
+42
+41
+40
+39
+38
+37
+36
+35
+34
+33
+32
+31
+30
+29
+28
+27
+26
+25
+24
+23
+22
+21
+20
+19
+18
+17
+16
+15
+14
+13
+12
+11
+10
+9
+8
+7
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
100.0
70.7
64.0
58.0
50.0
44.5
40.0
32.5
32.0
28.0
26.2
22.5
20.0
18.0
16.0
14.1
12.5
11.5
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.10
6.40
5.80
5.00
4.45
4.00
3.55
3.20
2.80
2.52
2.25
2.00
1.80
1.60
1.41
1.25
1.15
1.00
.90
.80
.71
.64
.58
.500
.445
.400
.355
.320
.280
.252
200W
100W
80W
64W
50W
40W
32W
25W
20W
16W
12.5W
10W
8W
6.4W
5W
4W
3.2W
2.5W
2W
1.6W
1.25W
1.0W
800mW
640mW
500mW
400mW
320mW
250mW
200mW
160mW
125mW
100mW
80mW
64mW
50mW
40mW
32mW
25mW
20mW
16mW
12.5mW
10mW
8mW
6.4mW
5mW
4mW
3.2mW
2.5mW
2.0mW
1.6mW
1.25mW
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
-7
-8
-9
-10
-11
-12
-13
-14
-15
-16
.225
.200
.180
.160
.141
.125
.115
.100
.090
.080
.071
.064
.058
.050
.045
.040
.0355
1.0mW
.80mW
.64mW
.50mW
.40mW
.32mW
.25mW
.20mW
.16mW
.125mW
.10mW
-49
-50
-51
-52
-53
-54
-55
-56
-57
-58
-59
-60
-61
-62
-63
-64
0.80
0.71
0.64
0.57
0.50
0.45
0.40
0.351
0.32
0.286
0.251
0.225
0.200
0.180
0.160
0.141
dBm
mV
Po
-17
-18
-19
-20
-21
-22
-23
-24
-25
-26
-27
-28
-29
-30
-31
-32
-33
-34
-35
-36
-37
-38
-39
-40
-41
-42
-43
-44
-45
-46
-47
-48
31.5
28.5
25.1
22.5
20.0
17.9
15.9
14.1
12.8
11.5
10.0
8.9
8.0
7.1
6.25
5.8
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.2
2.85
2.5
2.25
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.25
1.18
1.00
0.90
84
dBm
-65
-66
-67
-68
.01mW -69
-70
-71
-72
-73
-74
-75
-76
-77
-78
.001mW -79
-80
-81
-82
-83
-84
-85
-86
-87
-88
.1µW
-89
-90
-91
-92
-93
-94
-95
-96
-97
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
µV
128
115
100
90
80
71
65
58
50
45
40
35
32
29
25
22.5
20.0
18.0
16.0
11.1
12.9
11.5
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.1
6.1
5.75
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.51
3.2
Po
.01µW
dBm
µV
-98
-99
-100
-101
-102
-103
-104
-105
-106
2.9
2.51
2.25
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.41
1.27
1.18
dBm
nV
.001µW -107
1000
-108
900
-109
800
-110
710
-111
640
-112
580
Po
-113
500
-114
450
-115
400
-116
355
-117
325
-118
285
.1nW
-119
251
-120
225
.001pW
-121
200
-122
180
-123
160
-124
141
-125
128
-126
117
-127
100
.01nW -128
90
-129
80
-130
71
-131
61
-132
58
-133
50
-134
45
-135
40
-136
35
-137
33
.001nW -138
29
-139
25
-140
23
Po
.1pW
Po
.01pW
.1ƒW
.01ƒW
05-3946A01, Rev. C
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
85
86
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
GLOSSARY
Antenna System Gain—A figure, normally expressed in dB, representing
the power increase resulting from the use of a gain-type antenna. System
losses (from the feedline and coaxial connectors, for example) are subtracted
from this figure to calculate the total antenna system gain.
ARQ—Automatic Repeat Request. An error-correction technique whereby
flawed data packets are detected and a request for re-transmission is issued.
Bit—The smallest unit of digital data, often represented by a one or a zero.
Eight bits (plus start, stop, and parity bits) usually comprise a byte.
Bits-per-second—See BPS.
BPS—Bits-per-second. A measure of the information transfer rate of digital
data across a communication channel.
Byte—A string of digital data usually made up of eight data bits and start,
stop, and parity bits.
Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)—A method to detect and correct errors
by adding bits derived from a data packet, or string of bits, to the packet. The
CRC value is used at the receiving end to evaluate the data packet integrity,
and if it is not, the receiver will request a retransmission.
Decibel (dB)—A measure of the ratio between two signal levels. Frequently
used to express the gain (or loss) of a system.
Data Circuit-terminating Equipment—See DCE.
Data Communications Equipment—See DCE.
Data Packet—A group of data bytes of various lengths to be sent over-the
air. Each packet contains a header (preamble) followed by the data bytes.
Packet size will depend on network protocol and/or
Data Terminal Equipment—See DTE.
dBi—Decibels referenced to an “ideal” isotropic radiator in free space.
Frequently used to express antenna gain.
dBm—Decibels referenced to one milliwatt. An absolute unit used to
measure signal power, as in transmitter power output, or received signal
strength.
DCE—Data Circuit-terminating Equipment (or Data Communications
Equipment). In data communications terminology, this is the “modem” side
of a computer-to-modem connection. By default, GE MDS transceivers are
set as DCE devices.
Digital Signal Processing—See DSP.
DSP—Digital Signal Processing. DSP circuitry is responsible for the most
critical real-time tasks; primarily modulation, demodulation, and servicing of
the data port.
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
G-1
DTE—Data Terminal Equipment. A device that provides data in the form of
digital signals at its output. Connects to the DCE device.
Equalization—The process of reducing the effects of amplitude, frequency
or phase distortion with compensating networks.
Extended Address—A user-selectable number between 0 and 31 that
identifies a group of transceivers that are part of a common sub-network. It is
recommended the Master be assigned XADDR 0 and the values of 1-31
assigned to Extension radios.
Extension Radio—A radio in a TransNET spread-spectrum network that
serves as a gateway between vertically adjacent sub-networks. See
Store-and-Forward.
Fade Margin—The greatest tolerable reduction in average received signal
strength that will be anticipated under most conditions. Provides an
allowance for reduced signal strength due to multipath, slight antenna
movement or changing atmospheric losses. A fade margin of 20 to 30 dB is
usually sufficient in most systems.
Flow Control—A technique to manage incoming serial data to prevent
buffer overflow and provide maximum over-the-air data transfers. This
service can be provided through a collaboration of hardware and/or data
protocol.
Frame—A segment of data that adheres to a specific data protocol and
contains definite start and end points. It provides a method of synchronizing
transmissions.
Frequency Hopping—The spread spectrum technique used by the
transceiver, wherein two or more associated radios change their operating
frequencies several times per second using a set pattern. Since the pattern
appears to jump around, it is said to “hop” from one frequency to another.
Frequency Zone—The transceivers use up to 128 discrete channels in the
902 to 928 MHz spectrums. A group of 16 channels is referred to as a zone.
The transceivers use five to eight frequency zones.
Hardware Flow Control—A transceiver feature used to prevent data buffer
overruns when handling high-speed data from the RTU or PLC. When the
buffer approaches overflow, the radio drops the clear-to-send (CTS) line,
which instructs the RTU or PLC to delay further transmission until CTS again
returns to the high state.
Host Computer—The computer installed at the master station site, which
controls the collection of data from one or more remote sites.
Latency—The delay (usually expressed in milliseconds) between when data
is applied to TXD (Pin 2) at one radio, until it appears at RXD (Pin 3) at the
other radio.
MAS—Multiple Address System. A radio system where a central master
station communicates with several remote stations for the purpose of
gathering telemetry data.
G-2
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Master (Station)—The one radio transceiver in a spread spectrum network
that automatically provides synchronization information to one or more
associated remote transceivers. A radio may be programmed for either master
or remote mode using software commands.
Multiple Address System (MAS)—See Point-Multipoint System.
Network Address—User-selectable number between 1 and 65000 that is
used to identify a group of transceivers that form a communications network.
The master and all remotes within a given system must have the same
network address.
Point-Multipoint System—A radio communications network or system
designed with a central control station that exchanges data with a number of
remote locations equipped with terminal equipment.
Poll—A request for data issued from the host computer (or master PLC) to a
remote radio.
PLC—Programmable Logic Controller. A dedicated microprocessor
configured for a specific application with discrete inputs and outputs. It can
serve as a host or as an RTU.
Remote Radio—A radio in a spread spectrum network that communicates
with an associated master station. A radio may be programmed for either
master or remote mode using software commands.
Remote Terminal Unit—See RTU.
Repeater—A radio that receives RF data and retransmits it. See
Store-and-Forward.
RTU—Remote Terminal Unit. A data collection device installed at a remote
radio site.
SCADA—Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition. An overall term for
the functions commonly provided through an MAS radio system.
Standing Wave Ratio—See SWR.
Sub-Network—A group of transceivers and the corresponding radio that
they are directly synchronized to. A sub-network can be identified by
Extended Address. See Store-and-Forward.
Store-and-Forward—A radio that receives RF data and retransmits it. In the
TransNET product line, store and forward is defined as a network that
consists of vertically adjacent sub-networks that alternate communicating
upstream and downstream. The transceiver performs store and forward at the
internal data frame level (not the user data level) which allows the equipment
to stream data with minimal latency through each Extension/Repeater radio
station.
SWR—Standing Wave Ratio. A parameter related to the ratio between
forward transmitter power and the reflected power from the antenna system.
As a general guideline, reflected power should not exceed 10% of the forward
power (≈ 2:1 SWR).
05-3946A01, Rev. C
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
G-3
TTL—Transistor-Transistor Logic. A form of digital switching that utilizes
bipolar transistors to sense “high” and “low” logic levels (1 and 0,
respectively).
Transmission Latency—Time required to send a single packet of data to the
receiving end of the circuit. This value will depend on the baud rate and
number of bytes in the sequence.
Zone—See Frequency Zone.
G-4
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
INDEX
Accessories (table) 6
ADDR command (set/display radio
network address) 41
Alarm
checking for 58
code definitions 59
codes 58
codes, table 59
major vs. minor 59
receiver timeout (RXTOT
command) 52
reset output signal 42
set/display output sense (ASENSE
command) 42
status (STAT command) 55
ALARM command (superseded; see
STAT command) 55
Alarm Mask (AMASK) Command 42
Alarm Sense (ASENSE) Command 42
Alarm Status Command (STAT) 55
AMASK command (configure alarm
output signal) 42
Antenna
performance optimization 15
selection 13
SWR check 16
system gain vs. power output setting,
table 18
Yagi, illustrated 14
ASENSE command (set/display alarm
output sense) 42
BAUD command (set/display data
interface port attributes) 42
Baud rate
setting 17
setting for RJ-11 DIAG port (DLINK
command) 62
Benchtop Setup & Evaluation 7–11
BUFF command (set/display received
data handling mode) 43
Cable
data equipment to DATA
05-3946A01, Rev. C
INTERFACE connector 34
data interface wiring for tail-end
links 10, 20
feedlines 14
Clear Zone Statisics Log, ZONE
CLEAR 57
Clear-to-Send Delay (CTS)
Command 44
Clear-to-Send Hold Time (CTSHOLD)
Command 44
Clock-Synchronizing Master Address
(CSADDR) Command 44
CODE command (display/set
encryption value) 43
Command 48
TEMP (radio’s internal temperature
reading) 56
Commands
ADDR (set/display radio network
address) 41
AMASK (configure alarm output
signal) 42
ASENSE (set/display alarm output
sense) 42
BAUD (set/display data interface
port attributes) 42
BUFF (set/display received data
handling mode) 43
CODE (set/display encryption
value), See also Encryption 43
CTS (set/display CTS line response
timer) 44
CTSHOLD (set/display CTS hold
timer) 44
detailed descriptions 41–57
DEVICE (set/display DCE or CTS
Key behavior) 45
display operating status 37
DKEY Command, Turn off radio
transmitter test signal 45
DTYPE (set radio’s diagnostics
type) 46
FEC (Forward Error Correction) 46
FEC (Forward Error Correction)
Command 46
HOPTIME (set/display hoptime
setting) 46
how used 41
INIT (restore factory default
settings) 46
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
I-1
LPM (low-power mode) 48
LPMHOLD (low-power mode sleep
time) 49
MODE (display/set radio mode as
master, remote, or extension) 49
MODE (radio operating mode) 49
most often used commands 41
network configuration 36
OWM (set/display optional owner’s
message) 50
OWN (set/display optional owner’s
name) 50
PORT (display/set current data
port) 50
PWR (set/display RF forward output
power) 50
Radio transmitter test frequency
(TX) 56
RSSI (display received signal
strength) 51
RTU (enable/disable internal
RTU) 52
RX (set/display receiver test
frequency) 52
RXD 52
RXTOT (set/display received data
timeout value) 52
SAF (store-and-forward) 53
SER (radio serial number) 53
SETUP (enter testing and setup
mode) 53
SHOW (display measured power
output) 54
SHOW PWR (show power) 54
SHOW SYNC 54
SHOW SYNC (show
Clock-Synchronization
Master) 54
SKIP (set/display frequency zone to
skip) 54
SLEEP (display/set radio’s sleep
mode setting) 55
SLEEP (transceiver sleep mode) 55
SREV (firmware/software revision
level) 55
STAT (list alarms) 55
TEMP (display internal
temperature) 56
UNIT (unit address) 56
XADDR (extended address) 56
I-2
XMAP (Map of Extension
Addresses) 56
XPRI (display/program primary
radio’s extended address) 57
XRSSI (sets minimum signal level
for sync. with non-primary
extension unit) 57
Data Baud Rate (BAUD) Command 42
Data Baud Rate (BUFF) Command 43
Data buffer setting 16, 43
DATA INTERFACE
cable wiring for tail-end links,
illustrated 10
connector pin descriptions, table 79
Data interface
cable wiring for tail-end links,
illustrated 20
Data Port Signalling Standard (PORT)
Command 50
Default settings
data interface baud rate 17
factory settings reset by INIT
command (table) 47
restoring (INIT command) 46
See also individual command
descriptions
DEVICE Command 44
DEVICE command (set/display DCE or
CTS Key behavior) 45
Diagnostics
network-wide, performing 62
setup mode (SETUP command) 53
using InSite software for
network-wide 62
Diagnostics Link (DLINK) 45
Display
alarm output sense (ASENSE
command) 42
alarms (STAT command) 55
CTS hold timer value (CTSHOLD
command) 44
CTS line response timer value (CTS
command) 44
data interface baud rate (BAUD
command) 42
device behavior (DEVICE
command) 45
hoptime setting (HOPTIME
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
command) 46
network address (ADDR
command) 41
operating status commands 37
owner’s message (OWM
command) 50
owner’s name (OWN command) 50
receive test frequency (RX
command) 52
received data handling mode (BUFF
command) 43
received data timeout value (RXTOT
command) 52
received signal strength (RSSI
command) 51
RF forward output power (PWR
command) 50
RF power output, actual measured
(SHOW command) 54
skipped frequency zones (SKIP
command) 54
temperature, internal (TEMP
command) 56
display/set radio mode as master,
remote, or extension (see MODE
command) 49
DKEY command (disable
transmitter) 16, 53
DKEY, Disable Transmitter,
Command 45
DLINK command (set/display baud
rate of diagnostics link) 62
Downstream Repeat Transmission
Count (REPEAT) Command 51
DSP (digital signal processing) 59
DTYPE command (set radio’s
diagnostics type) 46, 62
Enable
internal RTU (RTU command) 52
network-wide diagnostics,
procedures 62
Setup mode (SETUP command) 53
skipped zone (SKIP command) 54
Sleep Mode
Enable/Disable LEDs (LED)
Command 48
Encryption. See CODE command
Equipment List 45
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Evaluation Board
Description & connections to 74–80
PC Board Documentation 81–84
Extended Address Command
(XADDR) 56
Extension radio. See
Store-and-Forward (SAF)
Feedline
selection 13, 14
Firmware Revision Level Command
(SREV) 55
Forward-Error Correction (FEC)
Command 46
Full-Duplex Operation 31
Gate (radio diagnostics type) 46
Hardware Revision (HREV)
Command 48
Hayes-Compatible AT Command
(AT) 42
Hoptime
setting 16, 17
HOPTIME Command (radio
transmitter hop timing) 46
HOPTIME command (set/display
hoptime setting) 46
Illustrations
antenna, Yagi 14
data interface cable wiring for
tail-end links 10, 20
model configuration code 72, 80
point-to-point link 5
remote station arrangement 76
tail-end link 5
typical MAS network 4
INIT command (restore factory default
settings) 46
Initialize 46
InSite software 62
Installation 11–15
connecting transceiver to data
equipment 34
feedline selection 14
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
I-3
performance optimization 15
tail-end links 9, 20
Interference
about 33
checks 17
troubleshooting 61
interference 33
Key
set to CTS keying (DEVICE
command) 45
transmitter, for antenna SWR
check 16
KEY command (key transmitter) 16,
53
LED status indicators
table 11, 60
Low-Power Mode (LPM)
Command 48
Low-Power Mode Sleep Time
(LPMHOLD) Command 49
LPM Command (low-power mode) 48
LPMHOLD Command 49
Map 56
Map of Extension Addressses
(XMAP) 56
Master Station
default settings 47
MIRRORED BITS™ Protocol
Support 30, 31
MODE Command 49
MODE command (display/set radio
mode as master, remote, or
extension) 49
MODE command (display/set radio’s
operating mode as master, remote, or
extension) 49
Model configuration code,
illustrated 72, 80
Modes
Low-Power Mode versus Remote’s
Sleep 30
Mounting
instructions/dimensions 11–12
Multiple Address System (MAS)
I-4
network, illustrated 4
Network Address (ADDR)
Command 41
Network configuration commands 36
Network Diangnsotics Mode (DTYPE)
Command 46
Network-wide diagnostics
procedures 62
Node (radio diagnostics type) 46
LED 48
Modbus, BUFF 43
OWM command (set/display optional
owner’s message) 50
OWN command (set/display optional
owner’s name) 50
Owner’s Message (OWM)
Command 50
Owner’s Name Command (OWN) 50
PC
connecting to radio’s diagnostic
port 62
launching InSite application at 62
performing diagnostics using
connected 62
Peer (radio diagnostics type) 46
Performance optimization 15
Pins, DATA INTERFACE connector
descriptions (table) 79
Point-to-point system
link, illustrated 5
PORT command (set/display current
data port) 50
Power
Low-Power Mode versus Remote’s
Sleep 30
Power (RF)
how much can be used 15
Measurement 54
set/display RF forward output (PWR
command) 50
Power saving mode (see Sleep Mode)
Primary Extension Address (XPRI) 57
Procedures
antenna aiming 16
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
antenna and feedline selection 13
antenna SWR check 16
connecting data equipment to DATA
INTERFACE connector 34
connecting PC and radios for
network-wide diagnostics 62
enabling sleep mode
installation 11–15
interference check 17
mounting the transceiver 11–12
network-wide diagnostics 62
performance optimization 15
performing network-wide
diagnostics 62
programming radio for network-wide
diagnostics 62
troubleshooting 58–61
Programming radio 41–57
as root or node 62
PWR command (set/display RF forward
output power) 50
Radio
inoperative (troubleshooting
chart) 61
no synchronization with master
(troubleshooting chart) 61
poor performance (troubleshooting
chart) 61
Radio Operating Mode (MODE)
Command 49, 50
Radio Receive Test Frequency
Command (RX) 52
Radio Serial Number Command
(SER) 53
Radio Transmit Test Frequency
(TX) 56
Radio Transmitter Hop Timing
(HOPTIME) 46
Radio Transmitter Power Level (PWR)
Command 50
Radio’s Internal Temperature
Command (TEMP) 56
Radio-MODEM Behavior (DEVICE)
Command 45
Receive Data Timeout-Timer Command
(RXTOT) 52
Received Signal Strength Indicator
Command (RSSI) 51
05-3946A01, Rev. C
Remote radio
default settings 47
Remote station
typical arrangement, illustrated 76
Remote Terminal Unit Simulator
Command (RTU) 52
Repeater Operation. See
Store-and-Forward (SAF)
Restore to Factory Defaults (INIT) 46
Root (radio diagnostics type) 46
RSSI command (display received signal
strength) 51
RTU command (enable/disable internal
RTU) 52
RX command (set/display test receive
frequency) 52
RXD Command 52
RXD Delay Command (RXD) 52
RXTOT command (set/display received
data timeout value) 52
SAF command (store-and-forward) 53
Seamless Mode Emulation 31
Security Code (CODE) Command 43
SER Command 53
Set
alarm output sense (ASENSE
command) 42
alarm output signal (AMASK
command) 42
CTS hold timer (CTSHOLD
command) 44
CTS line response timer (CTS
command) 44
data interface baud rate (BAUD
command) 42
DCE or CTS Key device behavior
(DEVICE command) 45
frequency zone to skip (SKIP
command) 54
hoptime (HOPTIME command) 46
network address (ADDR
command) 41
owner’s message (OWM
command) 50
owner’s name (OWN command) 50
radio mode (see MODE
command) 49
received data handling mode (BUFF
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
I-5
command) 43
received data timeout value (RXTOT
command) 52
receiver test frequency (RX
command) 52
testing mode (SETUP command) 53
SETUP command (enter testing and
setup mode) 53
Setup Radio Test (SETUP) 53
Show Clock-Synchronization Master
Network Address (SHOW SYNC) 54
SHOW command (display power
output) 54
SHOW CON Command (show virtual
connection status) 53
Show Measured RF Transmit Power
(SHOW PWR) 54
SHOW SYNC Command 54
Show Virtual Connection Status
Command (SHOW CON) 53
SKIP command (set/display frequency
zone to skip) 54
Skip Radio Operating Zones (SKIP) 54
SLEEP command (display/set radio’s
sleep setting) 55
SLEEP command (transceiver sleep
ON/OFF) 55
Sleep Mode 27
Spread spectrum, basic principles of 4
SREV Command 55
STAT command (list alarms) 55
Store-and-Forward (SAF) 6, 21, 25, 36,
40, 47, 53, 58
Store-and-Forward Services (SAF)
Support Command 53
SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)
performance optimization 16
Synchronization qualifiers 19, 58
Tables
accessories 6
alarm codes 59
antenna system gain vs. power output
setting 18
DATA INTERFACE connector pin
descriptions 79
LED status indicators 11, 60
troubleshooting 61
Tail-end link
I-6
cable wiring for, illustrated 10, 20
illustrated 5
installation 9, 20
Technical specifications 64–65
TEMP command (display internal
temperature) 56
Temperature, display internal (TEMP
command) 56
Transceiver
connecting to data equipment 34
default settings 47
mounting
instructions/dimensions 11–12
performance optimization 15
sleep mode 27
Transceiver Sleep (SLEEP) 55
Troubleshooting 58–61
performing network-wide
diagnostics 62
table 61
Turn Off Radio Transmitter Test Signal
(DKEY) Command 45
Turn On Radio Transmitter Test Signal
(KEY) Command 48
UNIT Command (unit address) 56
Upstream Repeat Transmission Count
Command (RETRY) 51
XADDR (extended address
command) 8, 19, 20, 26, 40, 47, 58
XADDR (extended address)
Command 49
XPRI command (display/set extended
address) 57
XRSSI command (sets minimum RSSI
level to maintain sync. w/non-primary
extension radio) 57
ZONE CLEAR (clear zone statistics
log) 57
ZONE DATA Command (read zone
statistics log) 57
Zone, Clear Statistics Log (ZONE
CLEAR) 57
Zone, Read Statistics Log (ZONE
DATA) 57
TransNET OEM Integration Guide
05-3946A01, Rev. C
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY...
GE MDS products are designed for long life and trouble-free operation. However, this
equipment, as with all electronic equipment, may have an occasional component failure.
The following information will assist you in the event that servicing becomes necessary.
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE
Assistance for GE MDS products is available from our Customer Support Team during
business hours (8:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M. Eastern Time). When calling, please give the
complete model number of the equipment, along with a description of the trouble/
symptom(s) that you are experiencing. In many cases, problems can be resolved over the
telephone, without the need for returning the unit to the factory. Please use one of the
following means for product assistance:
Phone: 585 241-5510
FAX: 585 242-8369
E-Mail: techsupport@microwavedata.com
Web: www.GEmds.com
FACTORY SERVICE
Component level repair of this equipment is not recommended in the field. Many
components are installed using surface mount technology, which requires specialized
training and equipment for proper servicing. For this reason, the equipment should be
returned to the factory for any PC board repairs. The factory is best equipped to diagnose, repair and align your radio to its proper operating specifications.
If return of the equipment is necessary, you must obtain a Service Request Order (SRO)
number. This number helps expedite the repair so that the equipment can be repaired and
returned to you as quickly as possible. Please be sure to include the SRO number on the
outside of the shipping box, and on any correspondence relating to the repair. No equipment will be accepted for repair without an SRO number.
SRO numbers are issued online at www.GEmds.com/support/product/sro/. Your
number will be issued immediately after the required information is entered. Please be
sure to have the model number(s), serial number(s), detailed reason for return, “ship to”
address, “bill to” address, and contact name, phone number, and fax number available
when requesting an SRO number. A purchase order number or pre-payment will be
required for any units that are out of warranty, or for product conversion.
If you prefer, you may contact our Product Services department to obtain an SRO
number:
Phone Number: 585-241-5540
Fax Number: 585-242-8400
E-mail Address: ProductServicesRochester@ge.com
The radio must be properly packed for return to the factory. The original shipping
container and packaging materials should be used whenever possible. All factory returns
should be addressed to:
GE MDS, LLC
Product Services Department
(SRO No. XXXX)
175 Science Parkway
Rochester, NY 14620 USA
When repairs have been completed, the equipment will be returned to you by the same
shipping method used to send it to the factory. Please specify if you wish to make
different shipping arrangements. To inquire about an in-process repair, you may contact
our Product Services Group using the telephone, Fax, or E-mail information given
above.
GE MDS, LLC
175 Science Parkway
Rochester, NY 14620
General Business: +1 585 242-9600
FAX: +1 585 242-9620
Web: www.GEmds.com

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EXIF Metadata provided by EXIF.tools

GE MDS DS-EL806 EL806 OEM Transnet User Manual Book2

GE MDS LLC EL806 OEM Transnet Book2

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User Manual

FCC ID Filing: E5MDS-EL806

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