MaxStream 24XSTREAM 24XSTREAM User Manual 1

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Exceeding Your Wireless Expectations

MaxStream, Inc.

1215 S. 1680 W.

Orem, UT 84058

Phone: (801) 765-9885

Fax: (801) 765-9895

info@maxstream.net

http://www.maxstream.net

24XStream™

Wireless OEM Module

Operating Manual v2.8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FCC Compliance Warning……………………………………………………… 4

General Description

Features…………………………………………………………………………… 5

Simple Product Integration……………………………………………………….. 5

Block Diagram……………………………………………………………………. 6

Diagram……………………………………………………………………………6

J1 Pin Descriptions………………………………………………………………... 7

J2 Pin Descriptions………………………………………………………………... 7

Specifications………………………………………………………………………8

Product Listing

Module Part Numbers……………………………………………………………...9

2.4 GHz Modules…..…………………………………………………………….. 10

Antennas………………………………………..……………………………….… 10

Serial Port Operation

Serial Pins………………………………………………………………………….11-13

Modes of Operation

Idle Mode………………………………………..………………………….…..… 14

Transmit Mode…………………….………………………………………..…….. 14-15

Receive Mode……………………………………………………………………...15-16

Sleep Mode………………………………………………………………………...16-18

Command Mode…………………………………………………………………...19-21

AT Commands…………………………………………………………….19-20

Binary Commands…………………………………………….…….…….20-21

24XStream Command Table…..…………………………………………. 22-24

Networking and Addressing

Vendor Identification Number (VID)…………..………………………………….25

Networks………………………………….………………………………..………25

Module Addresses………………………………………………………….. 26-27

Electrical Characteristics

DC Characteristics…………………………………………………………………28

AC Characteristics…………………………………………………………………28-29

Timing Diagrams…………………………………………………………………..29

FCC Qualifications and Warranty

……………………………………………………………………………………………...30

Using the 24XStream Development Kit

……………………………………………………………………………………………...31-32

Glossary

……………………………………………………………………………………………...33-35

Index

…………………………………………………………………………………………..…. 36

24XStream Frequency Hopping Data Module

FCC NOTICE

LABELING REQUIREMENTS

ANTENNA WARNING

WARNING: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference and (2)

this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation.

WARNING: This device has been tested with Reverse Polarity SMA and MMCX connectors with

the antennas listed below. When integrated in the OEMs product, these fixed

antennas require installation preventing end-users from replacing them with non-

approved antennas. Any antenna not in the following table must be tested to comply

with FCC Section 15.203 for unique antenna connectors and Section 15.247 for

emissions.

WARNING: The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) must ensure that FCC labeling

requirements are met. This includes a clearly visible label on the outside of the

OEM enclosure specifying "Contains Transmitter Module, FCC ID: OUR-

24XSTREAM" as well as the FCC Notice above.

24XStream™ Wireless OEM Module Manual v2.8

APPROVED ANTENNA LIST & ANTENNA SPEARATION DISTANCES

FOR COMPLAINCE WITH FCC EXPSOSURE REQUIREMENTSS

Manufacturer Part Number Type Gain

(dBi) Applic

ation*

Antenna

Separation

Distance for

FCC RX

Exposure

Compliance

MaxStream A24-Y6 Yagi 6F2 meters

MaxStream A24-Y8 Yagi 8.8 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-Y9 Yagi 9F2 meters

MaxStream A24-Y10 Yagi 10 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-Y11 Yagi 11 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-Y12 Yagi 12 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-Y12 Yagi 12.5 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-Y13 Yagi 13.5 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-Y15 Yagi 15 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-F2 Omni Directional 2.1 M/F 20 centimeters

MaxStream A24-F3 Omni Directional 3M/F 20 centimeters

MaxStream A24-F5 Omni Directional 5M/F 20 centimeters

MaxStream A24-F7 Omni Directional 7.2 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-F8 Omni Directional 8F2 meters

MaxStream A24-F9 Omni Directional 9.5 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-F10 Omni Directional 10 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-F12 Omni Directional 12 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-F15 Omni Directional 15 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-P8 Panel 8.5 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-P13 Panel 13 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-P14 Panel 14 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-P15 Panel 15 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-P16 Panel 16 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-P19 Panel 19 F2 meters

MaxStream A24-HABMM-P6I Dipole 2.1 M/F 20 centimeters

MaxStream A24-HBMM-P6I Dipole 2.1 M/F 20 centimeters

MaxStream A24-HABSM Dipole 2.1 M/F 20 centimeters

MaxStream A24-QABMM-P6I Monopole 1.9 M/F 20 centimeters

MaxStream A24-QBMM-P6I Monopole 1.9 M/F 20 centimeters

MaxStream A24-QI Monopole 1.9 M/F 20 centimeters

*M=Mobile, F=Fixed/Base-Station

RF EXPOSURE

WARNING: This equipment is approved only for mobile and base station transmitting

devices, separation distances of (i) 20 centimeters or more for antennas with gains < 6

dBi or (ii) 2 meters or more for antennas with gains > 6 dBi should be maintained

between the antenna of this device and persons during operation. To ensure

compliance, operation at distances closer than this is not recommended.

The preceding statement must be included as a CAUTION statement in

manuals for OEM products to alert users on FCC RF Exposure compliance.

General Description

The 24XStream-192/96 modules are 100-milliwatt frequency hopping wireless modules that

allow wireless communication between equipment using a standard asynchronous serial data

stream. The module is half-duplex and can sustain a continuous data stream at the specified data

rate. Boasting excellent sensitivity and range, the 24XStream module is perfect for applications

such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), remote meter reading, home

automation, security, instrument monitoring, point of sale systems (POS), and countless other

applications. The 24XStream operates within the 2.4 GHz Band under Part 15 of the FCC Rules

and Regulations and is FCC approved. A regulated 5-volt supply is required for operation.

Features

• Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology

• Noise and interference resistance

• Excellent sensitivity and range

• Several low power modes down to 1 microamp

• Standard serial digital interface

• Networking and addressing

• Simple AT command interface

Simple Product Integration

• Easy to integrate; no knowledge of RF required

• Interfaces to any microcontroller’s UART or PC Serial Port (using the MaxStream

interface board)

• Small size

• Exceptional data transfer performance

• FCC approved, no further licensing or approval necessary

Block Diagram

Figure 1 – Block diagram demonstrating basic module operation and data flow for both transmit and

receive.

Diagram

The 24XStream data module connects

to a host device using an 11 pin header

and a 4 pin header (0.1” spaced).

[TOP VIEW]

Figure 2 – Top view diagram of the 24XStream

module with pin layout and dimensions.

2.8250

J1 Pin Descriptions

Pin No. Pin Name I/O Type Description Active

1_____

CTS O PU Clear to Send flow control low

2SLEEP

(PWRDN) I PU Can be used to enter Sleep Mode

(See “Modes of Operation” section for details.) high

3DO

(Data Out) O PU Data leaving the module that is sent to the

host high

4DI

(Data In) I Data entering the 24XStream module to be

transmitted over the air high

5RTS/CMD I PD Command mode enable

(See “Binary Command Mode” section for details.) high

6________

RESET I PU Reset module low

7RXLED OIndicates good RF data reception high

PWR - Indicates module powered on high

8___

TX/PWR O___

TX - Asserted during transmission  low

9_______

CONFIG I PU*

Hold low during power up or reset - forces

ASCII command mode. DO NOT TIE TO

MICROPROCESSOR!

(See “Serial Port Operation” section for details.)

low

10 VCC I +5 VDC -

11 GND -Signal ground -

PU – 10kÙ Pull-Up Resistor

PD – 10kÙ Pull-Down Resistor

_________

J2 Pin Descriptions

Pin Signal

1GND

2GND

3GND

4GND

Specifications

X24-009 X24-019

General

Frequency Range 2.40 to 2.4835 GHz, unlicensed ISM Band

Type Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Transceiver

Frequency Control Direct FM

Transport Protocol Various Monitoring and Addressing Modes – see “Networking and

Addressing” section

Channel Capacity Hops through 25 channels. Features 7 different hop sequences.

Serial Data Interface Asynchronous CMOS (TTL) signals, 5V levels

Serial Interface Baud Rate Configurable from 2400-57600

bps

*1200 bps available

Configurable from 2400-57600

bps

Data Throughput 9600 bps 19200 bps

Performance

Channel Data Rate 10k 20k

Transmit Power Output 63 mW 63 mW

Rx Sensitivity -105 dBm –102 dBm

Range* Indoor: 150’ to 375’

Outdoor: 1.4mi. with dipole, over

12 mi. with high gain antenna

Indoor: 106’ to 265’

Outdoor: 1 mi. with dipole, over

8.5 miles with high gain antenna

Power Requirements

Supply Voltage 5 VDC +/-0.25V

Current Consumption Tx – 240 mA nominal, Rx – 70 mA nominal

Power Down mode –1 microamp

Other cyclic power-down modes available – see “Low Power Modes” section

Physical Properties

Board Size 1.6” x 2.85” x .35” (4.06 x 6.86 x .89) cm

Weight 0.8oz (24g)

Connectors 11 pin and 4 pin 0.1” spaced male Berg type headers

Operating Temperature Standard: 0ºC to 70ºC

Industrial version: -40ºC to 85ºC available

Antennas

Antenna Connector MMCX Female or Reverse Polarity SMA Male

Approved Antennas Integral wire antenna (factory installed)

1/4 wave flexible monopole

1/2 wave flexible dipole, SMA

Product Listing

MMCX – Wire Antenna SMA – No Antenna

X24-009NM, X24-019NM X24-009WM, X24-019WM X24-009NS, X24-019NS

¼ Wave Antenna MMCX ½ Wave Antenna MMCX ½ Wave Antenna SMA

A09-QBMM-3-P6I A09-HBMM-7-P6I A09-HASM-675

Module Part Numbers

• ‚ ƒ „ …

•• Operating Frequency

X09 – 900 MHz

X24 – 2.4 GHz

‚‚ Over-Air Baud Rate

009 – 9600-baud

019 – 19200-baud

ƒƒ Wire Antenna

W – Wire Antenna

N – No Wire Antenna

„„ Connector

M – MMCX Connector

S – SMA Connector

…… Temperature Rating

C – Commercial. Certified for

operation from 0º to 70º C.

I – Industrial. Conformal coated.

Certified for -40º to 85º C.

T – 100% Tested. Conformal

coated. 100% tested -40º to 85º C.

2.4 GHz Modules

Product Code Description

X24-009NM 9600-baud, no wire mount antenna, MMCX connector

X24-009WM 9600-baud, wire mount antenna, MMCX connector

X24-009NS 9600-baud, no wire mount antenna, SMA connector

X24-009WS 9600-baud, wire mount antenna, SMA connector

X24-019NM 19200-baud, no wire mount antenna, MMCX connector

X24-019WM 19200-baud, wire mount antenna, MMCX connector

X24-019NS 19200-baud, no wire mount antenna, SMA connector

X24-019WS 19200-baud, wire mount antenna, SMA connector

Package Kits

X24-009PK 9600-baud, Package

X24-019PK 19200-baud, Package

Development Kits

X24-009DK 9600-baud, Development Kit

X24-019DK 19200-baud, Development Kit

Antennas

Product Code Gain

(dBd)* Frequency Range

(MHz) Feed

Connector Length Description

Yagi Antennas

A24-Y6NF 6.6 2.40 – 2.483GHz N Female 7.25” 6-element Yagi

A24-Y15NF 10.3 2.40 – 2.480GHz N Female 18” 15-element Yagi

A24-Y16NF 11.3 2.40 – 2.483GHz N Female 18” 16-element Yagi

Base Station Antennas

A24-W5NF 52.40 – 2.485GHz N Female 8” Base Station Omni

Dipole Antennas

A24-HABSM 02.40 – 2.50GHz RPSMA 6” ½ wave dipole

A24-HABMM-P6I 02.40 – 2.50GHz MMCX

Plug 6” ½ wave dipole

Other

A24-P6NF 6.3 2.40 – 2.50GHz N Female 3.5” x 2.6” Wall Mount Panel

A24-P12NF 12 2.40 – 2.485GHz N Female 9.4” x 8.5” 4 Element Panel

A24-P13NF 12.8 2.40 – 2.50GHz N Female 12.1” Planar Array

NOTE: If using an external antenna, the wire antenna should be removed from the 24XStream module.

* dBd relates the dB gain of an antenna to the gain of a dipole antenna. For example, an antenna with 6dBd has 6dB

more gain than a dipole antenna, which translates to twice the range of a dipole.

Serial Port Operation

The 24XStream modules come equipped with a CMOS-level asynchronous serial port. Through

this serial port, the 24XStream can communicate directly with any device having a UART

interface, or with a PC, or other RS-232 port, via the MaxStream interface board. By connecting

the 24XStream to a host device’s serial port, the host device becomes empowered to

communicate wirelessly with ease. To transmit, the host device simply sends serial data to the

24XStream and the 24XStream converts the data to spread spectrum FCC-approved wireless data.

When this spread spectrum data is detected by the receiving 24XStream module, the data is

checked for integrity and then sent to a receiving device via the serial port. This is shown in

Figure 3 below.

Figure 3 – Diagram of data flow from a microcontroller or PC (or any RS-232 device) through a pair

of 24XStream wireless modules to receiving microcontroller or PC. (Note: When connecting the

24XStream to an RS-232 device, the MaxStream Interface Board adjusts voltage levels between the

RS-232 device and the MaxStream wireless module.)

Serial Pins

Figure 3 above shows 4 data lines needed to interface from a microcontroller or RS-232 device to

the 24XStream modules. These four lines represent DI (Data In), DO (Data Out), *CTS, and

RTS/CMD (request to send/command mode). (All low-asserted pins are distinguished with a line

over the top of the pin name, or a ‘*’ symbol prefacing the pin name.) While the DI and DO pins

are indispensable in almost all cases, the *CTS and RTS/CMD may not be needed under certain

conditions. The following includes a brief description of each of these pins and under what

conditions the pins must be used. A brief explanation of the *CONFIG pin is also provided.

DI (Data In) – Pin 4 (Input)

Data enters the 24XStream the DI pin as an asynchronous serial signal. The serial signal is idle

(high) when no data is being transmitted. Each data packet consists of a start bit (low), 8 data

bits, and a stop bit (high) as shown below in Figure 4.

The 24XStream modules transfer exactly 8-bits over the air. The start and stop bits from the

UART signal are not actually transmitted, but are regenerated on the receiving module before

they are sent out the serial port. This allows for the following data configurations to be sent:

• 8-bit, no parity, 1 stop bit

• 7-bit, even parity, 1 stop bit

• 7-bit, odd parity, 1 stop bit

• 7-bit, no parity, 2 stop bits

Since the 24XStream is half-duplex, it can only transmit or receive at a given time. Thus, once

the first byte is detected on the DI pin, the 24XStream immediately begins transmitting the

incoming data unless over-the-air data is already being received. In this case, the data on the DI

pin is stored in the data buffer until data is no longer being received at the antenna. If the

24XStream receives a lengthy sequence of data, the data buffer could reach its capacity (132

bytes) in which case the *CTS signal will need to be implemented (see *CTS section below).

Also, the 9600 and 19200-baud modules allow the incoming serial data to be transferred at a rate

of 2400-57600 bits/second. Serial data can be transferred to the module at a rate equal to or less

than the module’s over-the-air baud rate without any problems. However, if the serial interface

rate is set to exceed the module’s baud rate (9600 or 19200 bps respectively), *CTS must be

implemented since the data buffer may become full.

DO (Data Out) – Pin 3 (Output)

Data received from over-the-air transmissions is checked for errors and then sent to the DO pin.

____

CTS – Pin 1 (Output)

___

The CTS pin (clear to send) informs the host device whether or not serial data can be sent to the

24XStream module. When *CTS is low, serial data can be sent to the 24XStream module. All

incoming serial data is stored in a data buffer until the next data packet is transmitted (over-the-

air). The data buffer can hold up to 132 bytes of data. Once the data buffer contains 115 bytes,

the 24XStream module drives the *CTS signal high (de-asserts it) to alert the host device to stop

sending serial data. *CTS remains high until less than 98 bytes are in the buffer.

There are three cases in which the data buffer may become full.

1) Since the 9600 and 19200-baud modules support serial interface rates from 2400-57600

bits/second, the serial data rate could be configured at a higher rate than the module’s

over-the-air baud rate. If this happens, long serial data streams can cause the data buffer

to become momentarily full, causing *CTS to de-assert.

2) Since the 24XStream modules are half-duplex, they can either receive or transmit at a

given time. If a long string of over-the-air data is received, serial data could arrive at the

buffer and cause it to become full if the module is unable to transmit the data.

3) If any module in a network (see “Networking and Addressing”) is transmitting data, all

other modules in the network will not transmit until they finish receiving data. Thus, if

they receive serial data, their data buffers could become full.

In some applications, where none of these conditions will occur, the *CTS signal need not be

monitored.

RTS/CMD – Pin 5 (Input)

RTS

The RTS signal (request to send) is not implemented for flow control with the 24XStream

modules. All received data (over-the-air) is sent out the serial port regardless of the RTS signal.

CMD

The 24XStream comes with a variety of configurable settings including power-saving modes and

network addressing options. This pin can be used as one way to manually configure the

24XStream module as described in the “Command Mode” section. When this pin is driven high

(asserted), incoming serial data (on the DI pin) is interpreted as commands instead of data. See

the “Command Mode” section for more information.

*CONFIG – Pin 9 (Input)

The (low-asserted) *CONFIG pin is used to force the module to enter AT Command Mode.

When asserted, the serial port baud rate is temporarily set to match the default baud rate of the

24XStream module. This assures that the module will transition into AT Command Mode at a

known baud rate. Upon entering AT Command Mode, all configured parameters, including the

baud rate, remain in their saved state and can be modified as described in the “AT Command

NOTE: DO NOT tie the *CONFIG pin to an external device as it may cause problems with

module operation. The *CONFIG pin should be tied to an external switch and used manually to

enter AT Command Mode only when AT Command Mode cannot be entered under the normal

procedure (see “AT Command Mode” section).

Modes of Operation

The 24XStream wireless module features several modes of operation that allow the module to be

responsive to data and yet utilize minimum power. The figure below shows these modes and is

followed by a comprehensive look into each mode and the necessary conditions for the

24XStream module to transition from one mode to another.

Idle Mode

The 24XStream module operates in Idle Mode when there is no data being transmitted or

received. The module will transition to Transmit Mode once data is presented on the DI pin. If

valid data is detected at the antenna, the module will switch from Idle Mode to Receive Mode.

When no longer transmitting or receiving, the module returns to Idle Mode.

Transmit Mode

When the first byte arrives in the data buffer through the DI pin, the module leaves Idle Mode and

transitions to Transmit Mode. This transition happens instantaneously from the moment the first

byte of data arrives in the data buffer. In Transmit Mode, a header is sent out and is then

followed by the first data packet, which has a CRC (cyclic redundancy check) attached (see “Data

Validity” section below for more information). The first data packet contains all bytes that

accumulated in the data buffer while the header was being sent. After the first data packet is sent,

if more data is available in the buffer, another header will be sent, followed by another data

packet. This second data packet (and all subsequent data packets) will consist of data that

accumulated in the buffer while the previous data packet and header were being sent out (see

Figure 5b below). The size of each data packet can vary up to 64 bytes. This progression is

shown in Figure 5a.

Sent Data:

Group Data

into Packets:

Figure 5a – Transmit Mode description. Figure 5b – Generation of data packets.

Data Validity

To verify data integrity, a 16-bit cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is computed for the transmitted

data and attached to the end of each data packet before transmission. The receiver will then

compute the CRC on all incoming data. Any received data that has an invalid CRC is discarded.

Transmission Latency

The time required to send a packet of data depends on the number of bytes being sent, and the

baud rate. In addition, the modules have a synchronization timer option that can be manually

configured using the SY command as discussed in the “24XStream Command Table”. Modifying

this parameter can significantly change the transmission latency. See the “Timing Diagrams”

section for more information on transmission latencies.

A Note About Headers

As noted in Figure 5, data packets are always prefaced by a header. The header contains

information that is used by all receivers (within range) to synchronize their hopping patterns to

the transmitter. The length of the header can be reduced in some applications by eliminating the

synchronization information. See “Timing Diagrams” for more information.

Receive Mode

If over-the-air data is present at the RF receiver when the module is in Idle Mode, it will

transition to Receive Mode and start receiving packets. Once a packet is received, it goes through

a CRC (cyclic redundancy check) to ensure that the data was transmitted correctly. If the CRC

data bits on the incoming packet are invalid, the packet is discarded. If the CRC is valid, the

packet is sent to the serial port via the DO pin. This process is shown in Figure 6 below.

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

The module will remain in Receive Mode until an error is detected in the received data, or no

more data is detected, at which point, the module transitions to Idle Mode. If serial data was

stored in the data buffer while the module was in Receive Mode, the data will be transmitted after

the module returns to Idle Mode.

Sleep Mode

Sleep Mode enables the 24XStream module to go into a low-power state where minimal power is

consumed when the module is not in use. Once in Sleep Mode, the module will not transmit or

receive data until it first returns to Idle Mode. To enter Sleep Mode, the module must be inactive

(no data transmission or reception) for a user-defined period of time (specified by the ST

command). After this time elapses, the module transitions to Sleep Mode. By default, Sleep

Mode is disabled and must be enabled using the SM command.

The 24XStream features several Sleep Mode settings, each of which makes use of different

mechanisms to enter or leave Sleep Mode. The following table lists the different Sleep Mode

settings and the requirements to transition to and from Sleep Mode for each setting.

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Sleep Settings Transition to Sleep

Mode Return to Idle

Mode Sleep Current Configure these

Commands

No Sleep Mode None. The module

remains in Idle Mode.

(Default Setting) -50 mA -

Pin Sleep High on SLEEP pin

(pin 2). Low on SLEEP pin. <2 uA SM

Serial Port Sleep Automatic transition

after a user-defined

period of module

inactivity (no

transmitting or

receiving of data).

Set by ST command.

Any serial byte

received on DI pin. 1 mA SM, ST

Cyclic Sleep Automatic transition

after a user-defined

period of module

inactivity (no

transmitting or

receiving of data).

Set by ST command.

Periodically returns

to Idle Mode

0.5 Cyclic:

Min: 60ìA

Max: 40mA

Avg: 7.4mA

2.0 Cyclic:

Min: 60ìA

Max: 35.7mA

Avg: 2.07mA

8.0 Cyclic:

Min: 60ìA

Max: 35.56mA

Avg: 630 ìA

1.0 Cyclic:

Min: 60ìA

Max: 35.7mA

Avg: 4mA

4.0 Cyclic:

Min: 60ìA

Max: 35.7mA

Avg: 1.1mA

SM, ST, LH, HT

The following sections describe how each setting operates.

Pin Sleep (SM=1)

After enabling the Pin Sleep setting, the SLEEP pin (Pin 2) controls whether the 24XStream is

active or in Sleep Mode. If SLEEP is low, the module is fully operational. Once SLEEP is

driven high (asserted), the module transitions to Sleep Mode and remains in its lowest power-

consuming state until the SLEEP pin is de-asserted. The 24XStream requires 85 ms to transition

from Sleep Mode to Idle Mode. The SLEEP pin is only active if the module is set up to operate

in this mode; otherwise the pin is ignored. (See the ‘SM’ command in the “24XStream

Command Table” for more information.) Once in Pin Sleep Mode, the *CTS pin (Pin 1) is driven

high (de-asserted) to indicate that data should not be sent to the module during this time. The

TX/PWR pin (Pin 8) is driven low (de-asserted) when the module is in Pin Sleep Mode.

Serial Port Sleep (SM=2)

If this state is enabled, the module goes into Sleep Mode after a user-defined period of inactivity

(no transmitting or receiving of data). This period of time can be changed by modifying the ST

command. When the module is in Serial Port Sleep Mode, the TX/PWR pin (Pin 8) is de-

asserted. The module will return to Idle Mode once a character is received on the DI pin.

Cyclic Sleep (SM=3-7)

If the Cyclic Sleep setting is enabled, the 24XStream module goes into Sleep Mode after a user-

defined period of inactivity (no transmission or reception on the RF channel). This user-defined

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

period can be set by adjusting the ST parameter (see the ‘ST’ command in “24XStream

Command Table”). The module remains in Sleep Mode for a user-defined period of time ranging

from 0.5 seconds to 8 seconds (adjustable using ‘SM’ command as described in “24XStream

Command Table” section). After this period of time, the module returns to Idle Mode and listens

for a valid data packet. If no valid data packet is found on any channel, the module returns to

Sleep Mode. If a data packet is found, the module transitions into Receive Mode and receives the

incoming packets until another ST inactivity time out. When the module is awake, it requires 100

milliseconds to search for a valid data packet.

While the module is in its low-power state, the *CTS pin (Pin 1) is driven high (de-asserted) to

indicate that data should not be sent to the module during this time. When the module awakens to

listen for data, the *CTS pin is asserted, and any data received on the DI pin will be transmitted.

The TX/PWR pin (Pin 8) is driven low (de-asserted) when the module is in Cyclic Sleep Mode.

It is asserted each time the module cycles into Idle Mode to listen for valid data packets, and then

de-asserts if the module returns to Sleep Mode.

A Note About Cyclic Scanning

Each RF packet consists of a header and data as shown previously in Figure 5b. Since the header

contains the channel synchronization information, the module must wake up during the header

portion of a packet in order to synchronize with the transmitter and receive the data. To ensure

that the 24XStream module can detect the header, a long header can be sent periodically during a

transmission. This long header repeats the synchronization information for a period of time

defined by the ‘LH’ command.

By default the long header is turned off, and must be enabled in order to communicate with a

module operating in Cyclic Sleep Mode. To enable the long header, the LH parameter must be

set to a value greater than the time of cyclic sleep to ensure accurate detection by the receiver(s).

For example, if the 24XStream is set to wake up from Sleep Mode every four seconds and check

for a packet, a transmitter would need to send a long header that is just over four seconds in

length to guarantee that the receiving module will detect the packet. (The exact timing

requirements can be found in the Timing Diagrams section.) This concept of long header length

versus Sleep Mode timing is displayed in Figure 7 below.

Figure 7a – The length of the long header is

not as long as the period of Cyclic Sleep. It is

possible for the receiver to wake and miss the

header (and the data packet) in this scenario.

Figure 7b – The length of the long header

exceeds the period of Cyclic Sleep. The

receiver is guaranteed to detect and receive the

data packet.

The long header is only sent with the initial transmitted packet after a user-defined period of

inactivity (no serial data received and no over-the-air transmitting or receiving). This period of

inactivity must be adjusted using the ‘HT’ command as described in the “24XStream Command

Table”. Sending the long header assures that the receiver will detect the new transmission and

will be able to receive the data as long as the header length slightly exceeds the cyclic sleep time.

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Command Mode

Command Mode allows several features, including the power-down and addressing options, to be

configured. These adjustable parameters offer greater flexibility to designers in configuring the

module to fit specific design criteria. There are three ways to enter Command Mode:

1) Assert RTS/CMD and send a binary command.

2) Send the sequence “+++” to send AT commands.

3) Assert (low) the *CONFIG pin and turn the power switch off and back on. (Do not tie

*CONFIG pin to microprocessor. See “Serial Port Operation” section for details.)

Once in Command Mode, the configurable parameters can be adjusted using either AT

commands or Binary commands, as explained below. Any parameters that are changed while in

Command Mode must be saved to non-volatile memory using the WR command, or else they will

reset to their stored value upon reset or power-up.

The following sections contain a description of the AT and Binary Command Modes along with

some examples. In these examples, sent or received ASCII characters are marked in quotations.

The quotation marks should not be included when sending commands to the 24XStream modules.

Carriage Returns (ASCII character 13) will be denoted as <CR>. Also, Binary values are

represented in this document with “<” and “>” characters and are not sent as part of the actual

command. All binary values are represented as hexadecimal values (HEX) in these examples,

denoted by an “H” after the number. The actual Binary Command values must all be sent in

binary with the least significant byte (LSB) sent first followed by the most significant byte (MSB)

if the value is larger than one byte.

AT Commands

AT commands can be sent to the module using ASCII commands and parameters. A special

break sequence is used so that the module will transition into AT Command Mode. The default

sequence for entering AT Command Mode is:

- No characters sent for 1 second. (Time modified by “BT” command)

- Send 3 plus characters “+++” within 1 second. (Character modified by “CC” command)

- No characters sent for 1 second. (Time modified by “AT” command)

The 24XStream module will respond by sending an “OK<CR>”.

All AT commands are sent as follows:

“AT” 2-Character

ASCII

Command

Optional

Space Parameter

(HEX) Carriage

Return

The ASCII command consists of “AT” followed by two alpha-numeric bytes, and the parameter

is a number represented as ASCII hexadecimal characters (0-9, A-F). The ASCII commands and

parameters are not case-sensitive. The optional space can be any non-alpha-numeric character.

After executing a recognized AT command, the module responds with an OK<CR>. If an

unrecognized command or a command with a bad parameter is received, the module will respond

with an ERROR<CR>. The modified value will be reset upon module power-down or reset

unless the “WR” command is issued to save the parameter to non-volatile memory.

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

To query the current value of a particular command, send the corresponding AT command

without any parameters (carriage return is still sent). The response will be the current value of

that command reported as a hexadecimal number.

The following example demonstrates basic AT Command functionality in the 24XStream

module.

Example:

This example will change the user-defined Module Address to 1A0D (HEX) and check the

current value of the SM command. It will also write the new Module Address to non-volatile

memory.

Send Response

“+++” “OK<CR>”

“ATDT 1A0D<CR>” “OK<CR>”

“ATSM<CR>” “0”

“ATWR<CR>” (write to non-volatile memory) “OK<CR>”

“ATCN<CR>” (exit AT Command Mode)

Exiting AT Command Mode

There are two ways to exit the AT command mode and return to Idle Mode. If no valid AT

commands are received within the time specified by the AT Command Timeout parameter (CT

command), the module will return to Idle Mode automatically. Alternatively, the AT command

mode can be exited by sending the CN command.

Binary Commands

Binary command bytes are organized as follows:

– 1 byte – 2 bytes

When sending a Binary command to the 24XStream, the Command byte must be sent while the

RTS/CMD pin (Pin 5) is asserted. RTS/CMD can be de-asserted 100 microseconds after the stop

bit of the Command byte has been sent. It does not matter whether RTS/CMD is asserted when

the Parameter bytes are sent. The command will execute when all the parameters associated with

the command have been sent. If all parameters haven’t been received within 0.5 seconds the

module will return to Idle Mode. Note that when parameters are sent, they are always two bytes

long with the least significant byte sent first. When they are read, they are 1 or 2 bytes long as

indicated in the Command Table below.

Binary Command Mode allows multiple commands to be sent in sequence. When the RTS/CMD

pin is asserted, all incoming serial data will be interpreted as commands. Commands can be sent

in sequences of commands and their associated parameters. If RTS/CMD remains asserted, all

received commands will be executed by the 24XStream module. All modified parameters must

be stored in non-volatile memory by sending the WR command (08H with no parameters) before

powering down or resetting the module or the changes will be lost.

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Commands can be queried for their current value by sending the command logically ORed with

the value 80H (hexadecimal) with RTS/CMD asserted. When this binary value is sent (with no

parameters) the current value of the command will be sent back, through the DO pin.

NOTE: For the 24XStream module to recognize a Binary command, the RT command must be

issued from AT Command Mode to enable binary programming. If binary programming is not

enabled, the module will not recognize when the RTS/CMD pin is asserted and will therefore not

recognize Binary Commands.

Example:

This example will set Sleep Mode to the Pin Sleep setting and store the new Sleep Mode value to

non-volatile memory. (Again, the RT command must be issued in AT Command Mode to enable

binary programming before Binary Command Mode will work.)

Assert RTS/CMD (Enter command mode.)

Send bytes: (Send SM1 command)

<01H> (Command Byte - SM)

<01H> (Least significant bit of the Parameter Bytes - 01H)

<00H> (Most significant bit of the Parameter Bytes – 00H)

Send bytes: (Send WR command)

<08H> (Command Byte - WR)

De-assert RTS/CMD

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

24XStream Command Table

Command

Binary

Command #

Description Parameters

# Bytes

Returned

Factory

Default

DT 0

V4.08 Set the Module Address. (Only

modules with the same address can

communicate.)

Address value

Range: 0 – FFFFH 2 0

SM 1Adjust Sleep Mode setting. 0 – No Sleep Mode

1 – Pin Sleep

2 – Serial Port Sleep

3 – Cyclic 0.5 second sleep

4 – Cyclic 1.0 second sleep

5 – Cyclic 2.0 second sleep

6 – Cyclic 4.0 second sleep

7 – Cyclic 8.0 second sleep

1 0

ST 2Set time to sleep. Time of

inactivity before entering Sleep

Mode (This number is only valid

in Cyclic and Serial Port Sleep

settings).

Number of tenths of seconds.

Range: 0 – FFFFH. 264

HT 3Set time before long header. Time

of inactivity before a long header

is used.

Number of tenths of seconds.

Range: 0 – FFFFH.

(65535 means no long header)

2FF

BT 4Set silence time before command

sequence. Number of tenths of seconds.

Range: 0 – FFFFH. 2A

AT 5Set silence time after command

sequence Number of tenths of seconds

Range: 0 – FFFFH. 2A

CT 6Set time out from AT command

mode. Returns to Idle Mode from

AT mode if no valid commands

have been received within this

time period.

Number of tenths of seconds.

Range: 0 – FFFFH. 2C8

FL 7Set serial software flow control.

(Hardware flow control (*CTS) is

always on.)

0- no software flow control

1- use software flow control 1 0

WR 8Write all configurable parameters

to non-volatile memory. All

settable parameters are stored.

NA NA NA

CN 9Exit AT command mode. NA NA NA

E0 10 No echo in AT command mode. NA NA NA

E1 11 Echo characters in AT command

mode. NA NA NA

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Command

Binary

Command #

Description Parameters

# Bytes

Returned

Factory

Default

LH 12 Transmit header time Time in tenths of seconds for

the long header.

Range: 0 – 0xFF

1 1

FH 13 Force header on next transmit NA NA NA

RE 14 Restore default configuration NA NA NA

ER 15 Set Receive Error Count Value of error count. This

value is reset to 0 after every

reset it is not non-volatile

2 0

GD 16 Set Receive Good Count Value of good count. This

value is reset to 0 after every

reset it is not non-volatile

2 0

HP 17 Set Network number. Each

network uses a different hop

sequence. Seven different network

numbers are available.

Use this parameter to operate

independent networks of

24XStream modules in the

same vicinity.

Range: 0 – 6H

1 0

MK 18 Set Module Address Mask Address mask. Only bits set to

1 are used in the address

comparison. A global address

is an address that has the same

bits set as the address mask.

2FF

CC 19 Set command sequence character. Number for the command

character.

Range: 20H –7FH

12B

VR 20 Firmware version NA 2NA

BD 21

V4.08 Set Serial Baud Rate Number corresponding to

Serial Port baud rate. Baud

rate doesn’t take affect until

ATCN command is issued. If

the baud command is issued in

binary mode it must be stored

(ATWR) and new baud rate

will take affect after reset.

Range: 1 – 6

1-2400

2-4800

3-9600

4-19200

5-38400

6-57600

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Command

Binary

Command #

Description Parameters

# Bytes

Returned

Factory

Default

RT 22

V4.10 RTS/CMD Control 0 – No binary commands

accessed with RTS/CMD.

1 – Binary commands are sent

when RTS/CMD is asserted.

1 0

SY 23

V4.12 Set Sync Timer. This time

represents the time that the

transmitter and receiver stay in

sync after receiving or sending

data. Setting this parameter to 20

(0x14) will allow any module to

transmit within the next 2 seconds

utilizing a header of 8ms instead of

35ms. Use this parameter to

reduce communication latency and

turn-around time.

Time in tenths of seconds

Range: 0 –FFH 1 0

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Networking and Addressing

The 24XStream modules utilize three levels of addressing to communicate between modules.

This networking hierarchy is depicted in Figure 8 below. Only modules with the matching

addresses are able to communicate. The three methods of addressing are: Vendor Identification

number, Networks and Module Addresses.

Figure 8 – Layout of a typical network configuration. The 24XStream features a powerful set of

networking and addressing options allowing the functionalities of complex networking systems.

Vendor Identification Number (VID)

For network security, a unique Vendor Identification number (VID) can be requested. The VID

is programmed into the 24XStream module at the factory and is stored in permanent memory.

This number can only be changed at the factory. Only modules with matching VID numbers can

communicate together. The VID addressing ensures that modules with a given VID are immune

to either transmissions or receptions with 24XStream modules with a different VID in the same

vicinity. To request a unique VID number, contact MaxStream to obtain a VID Request Form.

Networks

Within each VID, there are seven available networks. Each network utilizes a different pseudo-

random hopping sequence to navigate through the shared hopping channels. In the event that two

modules from different networks collide on a channel, because they hop in a different sequence,

the two modules will jump to separate channels on the next hop. Using networks, multiple

module pairs can operate in the same vicinity with minimal interference from each other. The

network parameter is user settable using the “HP” command as described in the “24XStream

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Module Address

Module Addresses and Module Address Masks provide another level of addressing among

24XStream modules. Each module in a network can be configured with a 16-bit Module Address

to establish selective communications within a network. This address is set to one of 65535

values using the “DT” command. The default Module Address is 0000H.

All modules with the same Module Address can transmit and receive data among themselves.

Any modules on a network with different Module Addresses will still detect and listen to the data

in order to maintain network synchronization. However, they will not send the data out to their

serial ports if their Module Addresses don’t match the Module Address of the transmitter. (The

Module Address Mask can be used to provide exceptions to this rule as described in the following

section.

Module Address Mask

The Module Address Mask can be used as an additional method to facilitate communication

among modules. The Module Address Mask can also be set to one of 65535 possible values

using the “MK” command. The default value is FFFFH.

All transmitted data packets contain the Module Address of the transmitting module. When a

transmitted packet is received by a module, the Transmitter Module Address (contained in the

packet) is logically “ANDed” (bitwise) with the Receiver Module Address Mask. If the resulting

value matches the Receiver Module Address, or if it matches the Receiver Module Address Mask,

the packet is accepted. Otherwise, the packet is discarded. (When performing this comparison,

any “0” values in the Receiver Module Address Mask are treated as “don’t care” values and are

ignored.)

Packets with a Transmitter Module Address of FFFFH will be received by all modules as shown

below in Figure 10. A Transmitter Module Address that matches the Module Address Mask is

called a Global Address.

Figure 10 – Demonstration of Module Address comparison at receiver. FFFFH logically “ANDed”

with any Module Address Mask will equal the Module Address Mask.

The following example helps illustrate the manner in which Module Addresses are checked.

Example

Consider a Module (Module A) with Module Address of 00FFH and Module Address Mask

F0F0H as shown in Figure 11 below.

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

F0F0H.

There are three different ways that Module A can receive packets from other modules.

1) This module could receive packets from other modules with a Transmitter Module

Address of 00FFH.

2) Since the Receiver Module Address Mask is set to F0F0H, logically “

with the Receiver Module Address yields “0XFX” (HEX) where the ‘X’ values can be

anything. Thus, by setting the Module Address Mask to F0F0H, this module could

receive packets from any module with a “0XFX” Module Address.

3) The module can also receive packets from any module with a Module Address that

matches the Module Address Mask of the module (F0F0H). However, since the Module

Address Mask of Module A (in this example) contains two ‘0’ values, these are don’t

care values. Hence, Module A could receive packets from any module having a

Transmitter Module Address (Global Address) of “FXFX”.

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Electrical Characteristics

DC Characteristics

Vcc=4.75V to 5.25V

Symbol Parameter Condition Min Typical Max Units

VIL Input Low

Voltage All input signals -0.5 0.3*Vcc V

VIH

Input High

Voltage

________

(Except RESET) 0.6*Vcc Vcc+0.5 V

VIH2 Input High

Voltage

________

(RESET) 0.9*Vcc Vcc+0.5 V

VOL Output Low

Voltage IOL=20mA Vcc=5V 0.6 V

VOH Output High

Voltage IOH=-3mA Vcc=5V 4.2 V

IIL

Input Leakage

Current I/O Pin Vcc=5V, pin low

(abs. value)

(Except *CTS, DO,

*RESET, *CONFIG)

8.0 uA

IIH

Input Leakage

Current I/O Pin Vcc=5V, pin high

(abs. value)

(Except RTS/CMD)

980 nA

IIL2

____ ________

CTS, DO, RESET (Vcc-VI)/10 mA

IIL3 _________

CONFIG (Vcc-VI)/47 mA

IIH2 RTS/CMD VI/10 mA

AC Characteristics

Pin Timings

Symbol Description X24-019 X24-009

TR1 Latency from the time data is transmitted

until received. 54 ms 73.6 ms

TR2 Same as TR1 (SY=20) 26.6 ms 44.8 ms

TTL1 Time from when data packet is first

transmitted until TX/PWR pulses low. 46.4 ms 55.6 ms

TTL2 Time that TX/PWR pin is driven low (when

red LED flashes). 8.4 ms 16.8 ms

TRL1 Time from when data packet is first

transmitted until RXLED pin goes high on

receiver.

40.6 ms 44.8 ms

TRL2 Time that RXLED pin is driven low (when

yellow LED flashes). 14 ms 29.6 ms

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Cyclic Sleep Mode Timings

Symbol Description X24-019 X24-009

TÄS Time when module is listening for a valid

header to start receiving data. 100 ms 100 ms

TSL Time where the 24XStream is in its low

power cyclic sleep. This time is adjustable

using the SM command.

0.5 seconds

1.0 seconds

2.0 seconds

4.0 seconds

8.0 seconds

(depends on SM)

0.5 seconds

1.0 seconds

2.0 seconds

4.0 seconds

8.0 seconds

(depends on SM)

TCTotal period between successive pulses of

the module awakening from Sleep Mode.

This value is dependent on the setting of the

SM command.

0.6 seconds

1.1 seconds

2.1 seconds

4.1 seconds

8.1 seconds

(depends on SM)

0.6 seconds

1.1 seconds

2.1 seconds

4.1 seconds

8.1 seconds

(depends on SM)

Timing Diagrams

Pin Timings

Sleep Mode Timings

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

FCC Qualifications

IMPORTANT: The 24XStream module has been certified as a module by the FCC for

integration into OEM products without further certification being necessary (as per FCC section

2.1091.) The OEM must satisfy the following requirements in order to comply with FCC

regulations:

1) The system integrator must ensure that the external label provided with this device is

placed on the outside of the final product.

2) In order to comply with the FCC RF exposure requirements, the 24XStream may be used

only with Approved Antennas that have been tested with this module and a minimum

separation distance of 20 cm must be maintained from the antenna to any nearby persons.

The OEM must also include a statement in the final product manual, informing users of

the requirement to maintain 20 cm separation from the antenna to any nearby persons. If

the OEM integrates the 24XStream into their final product, where the final product

utilizes a non-approved antenna or is classified as a portable device per FCC Section

2.1093 (less than 20 cm separation distance between the antenna to any nearby persons),

the OEM is responsible for obtaining a separate authorization on the final product.

Warranty

The 24XStream module from MaxStream is warranted against defects in materials and

manufacturing for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. In the event of a product failure

due to materials or workmanship, MaxStream will repair or replace the defective product. For

warranty service, return the defective product to MaxStream for prompt repair or replacement.

MaxStream, its suppliers, and its licensors shall in no event be liable for any damages arising

from the use of or inability to use this product. This includes business interruption, loss of

business information, or other losses that may arise from the use of this product.

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Using the 24XStream Development Kit

Introduction:

Use this development kit to experience the extended range

and ease of use of the MaxStream 24XStream module. This

module transmits data at either 9600 or 19200 bits per second

(see FCC label on module shield) in the license-free 2.4 GHz

ISM band. See how simple it is to communicate with the

module using asynchronous serial communications by

following the instructions below.

Contents:

224XStream Frequency Hopping modules

2Interface Boards

29 VDC power supplies

2 DB-9 straight through serial cables

1Null modem adapter

13.5" floppy disk containing file RAT.TXT

Requirements:

2 computers with an available comm port and Windows 95/98 or

NT.

Instructions:

1. Assemble and Connect Interface Boards to computers.

a. Connect the modules to the Interface Boards by fitting

the 4 and 11-pin connectors into their respective female

headers.

b. Attach the male sides of one of the DB-9 Connecting

Cables to the female DB-9 jacks on the Interface

Boards.

c. Attach the female side of a DB-9 connecting cable to an

available RS-232 port on the back of Computer 1.

Connect Module 2 to Computer 2 in the same fashion.

d. Plug power supplies into the Interface Boards. Turn the

switch on. The red LEDs on the Interface Boards will

illuminate to show the boards are powered.

e. Refer to figure 1 for completed assembly.

2. Run and configure HyperTrm.exe on both computers

a. Open the folder on the Start Menu found under

Programs -> Accessories -> Communications ->

HyperTerminal.

b. Double-click on the application HyperTrm.exe and

choose a name and an icon for the new connection in

the Connection Description dialogue box.

c. In the Connect To dialogue box on each computer,

select Connect using: Direct to Com1 or Direct to

Com2 to correspond with the comm port used on the

respective computers (see figure 2) . Click OK .

d. In the COM Properties dialogue box, set the

Figure 2 –Connect To Dialogue

Box

Figure 3 – COM Properties

Dialogue Box

Figure 1 – MaxStream PC Interface

Board

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

following: Bits per second: 19200; Data bits: 8; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 1 and Flow

Control: Hardware (See figure 3). Click OK. (Set the Bits per second to 9600 if you are

using 24XStream-96 modules)

e. Both computers are now set up and ready to communicate.

3. Test Connection

a. Place cursor in HyperTerminal window of Computer 1 and type a message. Notice that

text appears only in the window of Computer 2 and text typed on Computer 2 appears

only on Computer 1. This text is being transferred over the air by the 24XStream

modules.

b. Transfer the file RAT.TXT

i. On Computer 1: Select Transfer menu ->

Send File(or try right-clicking in the

HyperTerminal window). Insert the disk into

the A: drive and enter Filename:

A:\RAT.TXT Select Protocol: Ymodem (See

figure 4). Press Send.

ii. On Computer 2: Select Transfer menu ->

Receive File. Select a folder in which to

place the file and select Protocol: Ymodem

(see figure 5). Press Receive.

iii. The file will begin to transfer and any errors

or retries will be accounted for. Touch the

antennas and move the modules around to

notice that errors or retries do occur under

certain circumstances.

iv. When the transfer completes, open

RAT.TXT on Computer 2 and observe the

pattern of text, it will be easy to see if any

characters were lost or corrupted.

v. Any file can be transferred this way. Use either Xmodem or Ymodem protocol.

Both computers must have the same settings.

c. Try range testing by distancing the two computers from each other. The modules can

send and receive data up to 10 miles line of sight using gain antennas.

4. Problems (Trouble Shooting)

a. Can’t find the HyperTerminal on your computer?

i. Search your hard drive for HyperTrm.exe

ii. Download a free version from http://www.hilgraeve.com

b. Power LED doesn’t illuminate when battery clip is attached?

i. Replace the battery.

c. Cannot connect to the comm port or communication not working?

i. Try selecting another comm port by selecting Properties under the File menu.

ii. If necessary test the comm ports with a null modem cable (cross RX and TX)

between the two computers to verify operation of comm ports.

d. Characters are getting scrambled?

i. Verify that both comm ports are set match the baud rate of the modules being

tested. Probably 9600 baud or 19200 bits per second. Look for the baud rate on

the FCC sticker, 96 or 192 respectively.

Figure 4 – Send File Dialogue

Box

Figure 5 – Receive File

Dialogue Box

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Glossary

AT commands – A set of commands that

can be used to customize and configure the

24XStream module to meet specific needs.

AT commands are sent via a serial

communications program such as

HyperTerminal.

Binary commands – Another set of

commands used to configure the 24XStream

module. Binary commands are sent with

RTS/CMD asserted. The RT command

must be used to enable binary programming

prior to using binary commands. Multiple

Binary commands can be issued sequentially

while RTS/CMD is asserted.

Clear to send – See “CTS pin”.

CMOS logic – Logic levels used by the

24XStream module. (0-5V)

Command Mode – A mode of operation

wherein the configurable parameters of the

24XStream module can be manually

adjusted. Both Binary and AT command

modes are available.

Command table – Table containing all 23

currently implemented commands. This

table lists all of the adjustable parameters

along with a brief description of each.

CRC – See “Cyclic redundancy check”.

CTS pin – The low-asserted Clear To Send

pin (Pin 1) provides flow control for the

24XStream module. When CTS is asserted

(low), serial data can be sent to the module

for transmission. If the module is unable to

transmit the data, CTS may de-assert (high)

once the data buffer nears capacity to

prevent buffer overflow.

Cyclic redundancy check (CRC) – Used

by the 24XStream module to ensure data

integrity during transmission. A CRC is

computed on the bits to be transmitted over-

the-air and sent with each data packet. The

CRC is recomputed by the receiver and

compared with the original CRC bits. The

packet is valid if the receiver CRC matches

the CRC computed by the transmitter.

Cyclic sleep – Sleep Mode setting in which

the module enters a low-power state and

awakens periodically to determine if any

transmissions are being sent.

Data buffer – Collects incoming serial data

prior to over-the-air data transmission. The

data buffer can hold up to 132 bytes at a

given time. When the buffer fills to 115

bytes, the Clear To Send (CTS) pin is de-

asserted to stop the flow of incoming serial

data.

Data packets – A grouping of data to be

sent over-the-air. Each data packet contains

a header and data that is collected from the

data buffer. The size of the packets varies up

to 64 bytes depending on how many bytes of

data are in the data buffer.

Data validity – Comparing received data

with transmitted data to ensure accurate

transmission. Data validity is verified by

performing a CRC check.

DI pin – All incoming serial data enters the

24XStream module on the Data In pin (Pin

4).

DO pin – All received over-the-air data

leaves the 24XStream module through the

Data Out pin (Pin 3) and can then be sent to

a microcontroller or RS-232 device.

FCC – The Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) is the US government

agency responsible for regulating radio

communications standards in the US.

Flow control – Method of determining

when serial data can be sent to the module

for over-the-air transmission. Flow control

is used to prevent buffer overflow. This can

be implemented in hardware and/or

software. Hardware flow control is

implemented in the 24XStream module

using the *CTS pin.

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

(FHSS) – Method employed by the

24XStream module which involves

transmitting data over several different

channels in a specific channel hopping

sequence known by the transmitter and the

receiver(s).

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Half-duplex – Radios that operate in half-

duplex are able to either transmit data or

receive data at a given time, but cannot do

both simultaneously. The 24XStream is

half-duplex. When one module is

transmitting, all modules (with the same

VID) within range listen to the transmission

and will only transmit once the transmission

is complete.

Hardware flow control – See “Flow

control”.

Headers – Information that prefaces the

data bits in transmitted data packets. The

header contains information used by the

receiver(s) to synchronize to the transmitter.

HyperTerminal – A serial communications

program useful for communicating with the

24XStream module and configuring user-

defined operating parameters through AT

commands.

Idle Mode – A mode of operation in which

the 24XStream module is neither

transmitting nor receiving. In Idle Mode,

the module can transition to Receive Mode

if over-the-air data is detected, Transmit

Mode if serial data is presented on the DI

pin, or Command Mode if either Binary or

AT command mode is invoked.

Industrial Temperature – Temperature

tested version of 24XStream modules

extending beyond normal operating

specifications (0ºC to 70ºC). These modules

are tested for a temperature range from

-40ºC to 85ºC.

Integration – The simple process of

dropping the 24XStream module into an

application in place of a serial cable.

Interface board – An optional board

available with the 24XStream module that

converts RS-232 level data into CMOS logic

levels. The interface board is especially

useful for developing with the 24XStream

module.

Long header – A lengthy header (length

determined by LH command) sent out to

ensure that modules running in a cyclic

sleep mode can detect the header when they

awake and synchronize to the transmission.

Low-power modes – See “Sleep Mode”.

Module Addresses – Provides a layer of

addressing among modules. Modules with

the same Module Addresses can

communicate together.

Module Address Masks – Provide a layer

of filtering to received (over-the-air) data

packets. The address (of the transmitting

module) is logically “ANDed” with the

Module Address Mask of the receiver. The

resulting value must match the Module

Address of the receiver for the packet to be

received. All “0” values are not compared.

Networks – Provides a layer above Module

Addresses for communicating between

modules. Each network has a unique

hopping sequence that allows modules on

the same network to remain synchronized to

each other.

Pin layout – Describes the layout and

functionality of all pins on the 24XStream

module.

Pin sleep – This Sleep Mode setting puts the

24XStream into a minimal power state when

the SLEEP pin is asserted. It remains in Pin

sleep until the SLEEP pin is de-asserted.

This setting must be enabled using the SM

command.

Power-saving modes – See “Sleep Mode”.

Receive Mode – A mode of operation that

receives over-the-air data and transmits all

valid data packets out to the serial port. The

module must be in Idle Mode to transition to

Receive Mode.

RS-232 logic – Standard logic levels

implemented in all RS-232 devices.

RTS/CMD – The RTS/CMD pin (Pin 5) is

used primarily to configure Binary

commands (CMD). RTS (Request to Send)

flow control is not implemented in the

24XStream module.

Sensitivity – A measurement specification

that describes how weak a signal can be (in

dBm) and still be detected by the receiver.

Serial data – Data that enters the

24XStream module through its serial port.

Serial port sleep – A Sleep Mode setting

wherein the module runs in a low power

state until data is detected on the DI pin.

This setting must be enabled using the SM

command.

Sleep Mode – A mode of operation in which

the 24XStream enters a low power-

consuming state. Several Sleep Mode

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

settings are available and can be configured

using the SM command.

SLEEP pin – If Pin Sleep is enabled, the

SLEEP pin (Pin 2) determines if the module

is in Sleep Mode or Idle Mode. See “Pin

Standby Mode – See “Idle Mode”.

Start bit – A low UART signal sent to

signify the beginning of an eight-bit data

sequence.

Stop bit – The last bit in a UART data

sequence. The stop bit is high and indicates

the end of an eight-bit data sequence.

Synchronization – Synchronization is used

to ensure that the transmitter and receiver

are in sync with each other and following

the same channel hopping sequence.

Transmission Latency – Time required to

send a packet of data. This value is

dependent on the number of bytes being sent

and the baud rate of the module.

Transmit Mode – Mode of operation in

which over-the-air data can be transmitted

from a module to other modules.

TTL – Transistor-transistor logic.

UART – Universal Asynchronous Receiver-

Transmitter. See “Serial port”.

VID – The Vendor Identification number

(VID) allows modules with the same VID to

communicate among themselves. Any

module with a different VID will not receive

their data transmissions.

MaxStream, Inc. 24XStream Wireless Module Manual v2.8

Index

AC characteristics……………..27-28

Antennas……………………….7, 9

AT commands…………………18-19

Binary commands…………….. 19-20

Binary programming…………..20

Command mode……………….18

Command table………………..21-23

CONFIG pin…………………...13

CTS pin………………………..6, 11-12

Current Consumption………….7

Cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 14

Cyclic sleep……………………16-17

Data packet generation………...13-14

Data validity…………………...14

DC characteristics……………..27

DI pin…………………………. 6, 10-11

DO pin…………………………6, 11

FCC……………………………1, 29

Flow control…………………...21

Headers……………………….. 13-14, 17

Idle mode………………………13

Interface board…………………10

Long header……………………17, 21

Low-power modes (see Sleep mode)

Module address………………..25

Module address mask………….25-26

Networks………………………24

Part numbers…………………...8-9

Pin description…………………6

Pin layout………………………5

Pin sleep……………………….16

Power-saving modes (see Sleep mode)

Product listing…………………9

Receive mode………………….14-15

RTS/CMD pin…………………6, 12, 19

Sensitivity……………………...7, 30-31

Serial data……………………...10-11

Serial port sleep………………..16

SLEEP pin……………………..6

Specifications………………….7

Standby mode (See Idle mode)

Timing diagrams………………28

Transmission latency…………. 14

Transmit mode………………... 13-14

Warranty……………………… 29

MaxStream 24XSTREAM 24XSTREAM User Manual 1

MaxStream Inc. 24XSTREAM 1

users manual

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