Trio Datacom EB450-XXF01 Remote Radio Data Modem Base/Repeater User Manual temp warning E Series R3

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Page 35

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Front Panel Operation

Switches

Select Switch

The 3 position switch (1 / Auto / 2) on the front panel provides the

following functionality:

• Position 1: base station 1 is forced into operation

• Position Auto: changeover hardware will select the online base

station

• Position 2: base station 2 is forced into operation

The select switch is also used to identify the target base station for

configuration programming.

Adjacent to the select switch are two LEDs: These LEDs indicate the

current active base station.

Select LED’s

•Green - Auto Mode

•Red - Remote Force

•Amber - Local Force

2 Green Firmware Download

2 Amber Test Mode

2 Red Fatal Error - refer user manual

Reset Switch

This is a momentary close switch which when depressed will reset all

LED alarm indications.

System Port

There are two system port connection points, one on the rear panel

and one on the front panel. Both have the same functionality and can

be used for local diagnostics, firmware front panel downloads and hot

standby controller testing. To access the system port use the

diagnostic/programming cable supplied.

Note: Wnen connection is made to front panel system rear system

port is disabled.

Alarm Status LEDs

There are 10 alarm LEDs on the fron panel, five for base 1 and five for

base 2. These LEDs provide a general indication of base station

status. More detailed base station status information is available by

using the diagnostic utility software.

The indicated alarms for each base station are:

Freq. => Frequency Error

RxSig => Receive Signal (RF) Error

Data => Receive Data Error

TxPower => Transmit Power (RF) Error

Supply => DC Voltage Error

The status of each alarm is represented as follows:

Green => No Error

Red => Current (active) Error condition

Amber => Recovered Error condition

Any active or recovered error LEDs will turn to green after the reset

alarms switch has been pushed or remotely reset.

Part E  Getting Started - EH450

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E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Part F - Operational Features

Multistream functionality (SID

codes)

The E Series sends data messages in packets. A feature of the E

Series is that an address can be embedded in each packet. This

address is called the stream identifier code (SID).

By configuring a user serial port for a specific SID code, it is

possible to steer messages to similarly configured ports between

radio modems. In effect, it is possible to use the multiple serial

ports available on the E Series, to enable multiple protocols to

share the same RF channel. The SID codes also facilitate the use

of other features such as TView diagnostics. Unique selective

routing, repeating, and data splitting functions available in the radio

modems configuration allow data steering and bandwidth

management in complex systems.

See Part I - TView+ Management Suite - Programmer and Part J -

TView Remote Diagnostics and Network Controller for details.

Collision Avoidance (digital and

RFCD based)

Where multiple “un synchronised” protocols co-exist on a common

“multiple access” radio channel, there is always a possibility that

both “hosts” may poll different “remote” devices at the same time. If

both devices attempt to answer back to the single master radio at

the same time, it follows that a collision could occur on the radio

channel.

To facilitate the operation of multiple protocol operation on the

radio channel, a transparent collision management system has been

implemented : See Part I - TView+ Management Suite - Programmer

for details.

Digital Collision Avoidance System

If the “multiple access master” has been configured for full duplex

operation, it is possible to use the inbuilt collision avoidance signaling

system.

Once the master radio receives a valid incoming data stream from a

remote, a flag within the “outbound” data stream is used to alert all

other remote devices that the channel has become busy. Remote

devices wishing to send data will buffer the message until the channel

status flag indicates that the channel is clear. A pseudo-random timing

value is added to the retry facility to ensure that waiting remotes do not

retry at the same time.

RF Carrier Detect RSSI based Collision

Avoidance

In half duplex systems, the receiver’s RF carrier detect is used to

inhibit the transmitter whilst a signal is being received.

Digipeater Operation

A feature of the E Series radio modems is the ability to internally

repeat data packets to provide stand alone repeater facilities

without the need for external intelligence.

This is done by programming “SID Codes” to “Repeat” a stream or

range of streams. Wizard templates can be used to simplify setup

of this and other features.

See Part I - TVIEW+ Management Suite for details.

TVIEW+ Diagnostics

The E Series has an inbuilt remote configuration and diagnostics

utility.

This facility allows transparent remote access to the key

configuration and operating parameters of the radio.

See Part J - TView Remote Diagnostics and Network Controller for

details.

Part F  Operational Features

Page 37

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Part G  Commissioning

Check DC power connector for correct voltage (10-16VDC) and

polarity, BEFORE plugging in the power connector.

Power-up

Upon power up, the radio will self test and shortly after the green

power LED will be displayed.

Failure of the power LED to light indicates no power, or failure of

the fuse due to incorrect polarity or over-voltage.

Other failure such as fatal internal errors will initiate error modes

indicated by a flashing sequence of all LEDS red, followed by one

or more green LED’s to indicate the nature of the failure (see Part E

– Getting Started: LED Indicators and Test Outputs).

LED Indicators

Will depend on the system architecture. If the device is a remote site

receiving a base station with a constant carrier, then the RXSIG/

SYNC LED should be green to indicate healthy reception of the

wanted signal.

If the site has been configured as a constantly transmitting base station,

then the PWR/TX LED should show red.

In other types of systems, TX and RX bursts would be indicated by

the RX or TX LED’s as above.

Data flow to and from the user ports is indicated by the TXD/RXD

LEDs for each port.

(See Part E – Getting Started: LED Indicators and Test Outputs.)

Data Transfer Indications

Bi-colour LEDs are provided to indicate RS232 data being

transmitted and received on each data port. A RED flash indicates

a byte (or bytes) of incoming data from the serial line which will be

transmitted to air, and a green flash indicates a byte of data

received “off air” being released onto the serial line.

If data is being sent to the radio modem and the Data LED does

not flash RED, this may indicate a wiring or configuration problem.

Check that the TX and RX data lines are correctly wired (see Part E

– Getting Started: LED Indicators and Test Outputs).

Also check that character set and parity settings (i.e. N,8,1 etc) are

set identically at the terminal and the radio modem. Note that some

incorrect settings of the character set parameter can still produce

transmittable data, even though the data will not be understood by

the application.

Antenna Alignment and RSSI

Testing

Once the RXSIG LED is lit, it is possible to confirm RX signal strength

and align a directional antenna by monitoring the RSSI output.

This DC voltage appears at Pin 9 of Port B.

A ground reference can be obtained from chassis ground or Pin 5 of

Port A or B.

The chart below shows Pin 9 voltage as it relates to signal strength.

Part G  Commissioning

Link Establishment and BER

Testing

Once communications has been established, it is possible to confirm

the packet error rate performance of the radio path, and thus estimate

the BER figure.

There are a number of tools provided to do this. The easiest is to use

the “indicative packet error test” provided within the TVIEW+

Diagnostics under “statistical performance tools”. Alternatively, it is

possible to use hyper terminal, or other packet test instruments or

PC programs to run end to end or perform “loopback” testing.

Please note that when using a “loopback plug” some understanding of

the packetising process is necessary, since each “test message’ must

be carried in a single packet for meaningful results to be obtained.

Note also that in PTMP systems, allowance must be made for

collision potential if other data is being exchanged on the system.

VSWR Testing

VSWR testing is achieved using specialized VSWR testing

equipment, or a “Thruline” power meter that measures forward and

reverse power.

VSWR is the ratio between forward and reflected transmitter

power, and indicates the health and tuning of the antenna and

feeder system.

VSWR should be better than 3 to 1, or expressed as a power ratio,

<6dB or no more than 25%. To activate the radios transmiter for

VSWR testing, use:

a) An RTS loop

b) A system port PTT plug

Analog RSSI Output Characteristics - E Series Data Radio

0.5

1.5

2.5

3.5

4.5

-120

-110

-100

-90

-80

-70

-60

-50

-40

RF Level (dBm)

RSSI (DC Volts

)

Page 38

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Part H  Maintenance

Routine Maintenance

Considerations

The E Series hardware itself does not require routine maintenance.

However all radio products contain crystal frequency references,

and the stability of these crystals changes with time. The effect of

this is that the product will slowly drift off frequency, and eventually

it will require re-calibration. E Series radios are designed with high

quality, low drift specification references, to ensure a long

maintenance free lifespan. The length of this lifespan will depend

on the severity of temperature extremes in the operating

environment, but is normally 3–5 years. Extended frequency drift

can be detected using TVIEW+ Diagnostics “Freq error” parameter.

Generally, recalibration is achieved by replacing the radio in the

field with a spare, and returning the radio to a service centre for re-

calibration and specification testing at moderate cost.

Routine maintenance should be performed on external equipment

subject to greater environmental stresses including antennas, RF

feeder cables, backup batteries and cooling fans (if required). This

maintenance should include testing of site commissioning figures

such as received signal strength, VSWR, P/S voltage etc.

Part H  Maintenance

Page 39

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

SECTION 2

Part I  TVIEW+ Management Suite -

Programmer

Part J  TVIEW Remote Diagnostics and

Network Controller

Part K  Appendices

Part L - Support Options

SECTION 2  TVIEW+ Management Suite

Page 40

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Part I  TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer

Part I  TVIEW+ Management Suite -

Programmer

Introduction

This manual covers the installation and operation of the E Series

TVIEW+ Management Suite which incorporates 3 utilities:

• Programmer for configuration of the radio RF parameters,

system parameters and data ports

• Diagnostics* for real-time monitoring and logging of radio

performance parameters

• Firmware Update for loading new firmware releases into the

radio data modem

All utilities can be run on any IBM compatible computer running

Windows 95® and above. This section describes use of the

programmer and firmware Update utilities in detail. Users should refer

to the separate Diagnostics section for information about this utility.

The programmer is used to set configuration parameters within the

ER450 data radio modem and EB450 base station. The utility permits

configuration of modems connected directly to the PC as well as over

the air to a remote unit. Configuration parameters can be saved to a

disk file for later retrieval, or used for clone programming of other

modems.

All configuration parameters are held in non-volatile memory

(NVRAM) on the Data Radio Modem. Configuration is fully

programmable via the Systems Port using the programming adaptor

and cable supplied. Disassembly of the unit is not required for any

reason other than for servicing.

The diagnostics utility permits monitoring and logging of radio

performance parameters for both E Series* as well as D Series* data

radio modems and base stations. It supports homogeneous systems

of radios as well as mixed systems of both E and D series radios.

The firmware update utility permits field upgrade of the firmware in an

ER450 data radio modem, EB450 base station and EH450 hot

standby unit connected directly to the PC. A special serial adaptor

cable is required to be connected to Port B to load firmware into the

unit.

* Requires the optional DIAGS Network Management and Remote

Diagnostic Facility to be installed - per radio.

Installation

Unit Connection

Programmer and Diagnostics Utilities

The unit is connected to the PC using the supplied DB9-RJ45 adaptor

cable (part no. TVIEW+ Cable) for local configuration changes or

diagnostic monitoring. The cable should be connected to the RJ45

System Port of the unit and a valid PC serial port (eg; COM 1) DB9

connector.

(See Part E - Getting Started: Communications Ports)

Firmware Update Utility

The unit to be updated with firmware connects to the PC using the

DB9-DB9 adaptor (part no. DRPROG). The cable should be

connected to the DB9 Port B connector on the unit and a valid PC

serial port (See Appendix C for details) DB9 connector.

Software

Please take a moment to read this important information before you

install the software.

The installation of this Software Suite is a 2 step process.

Step 1 completes the typical installation of the TVIEW+ Management

Suite and will install the Programming Software together with the E

Series Documentation.

Step 2 installs the Diagnostic Software and is optional. This step is

only required if your radios have Remote Diagnostics enabled.

STEP 1: Installation - TVIEW+ Management

Suite

Note: If a previous version of the TVIEW+ Management Suite has

been installed on your PC, you must uninstall it via Control Panel

“Add/Remove Programs”.

• Close down all other programs currently running.

• Place the CD-ROM in the drive on the PC.

• Using Windows Explorer locate the files on the CD-ROM.

• In Windows Explorer double click on the file called

TVIEW+_(Version#)_install.exe

• After the installer starts follow directions.

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E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Programmer

Main Window

When first started the programmer is in file mode as indicated by the

mode field at the bottom right of the panel shown below. In this mode it

is possible to open a previously saved configuration file, or configure

various programming options and save the configuration to a file.

Note: Modulation type is not available in this mode.

To commence programming a unit (radio remote or base station) a

session must first be established by using the “READ” function. This

function reads the current configuration from the unit and displays it in

the main window. The “mode” displays changes to local or remote

depending on the type of session selected at the read function. Several

options in the main window may be blanked out until a session has

been established with a unit.

Note: Changing any item on the menu will in general not take effect

until data is written back to the unit using the “WRITE” function.

The procedure to follow for normal programming of unit is:

• Read unit

• Configure parameters (or Open a previously saved

configuration file)

• Write unit

Several modems of the same radio type can be programmed with the

same configuration using the clone facility described in Clone Mode. It

is important to note that when using this facility the cloned radio should

be of the same type to ensure it does not operate outside its capability.

Part I  TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer

STEP 2: Installation - TView Diagnostic

Software (Optional)

Note: If a previous version of the “TView WinDiags” software has

been installed on your PC, you must uninstall it via Control Panel

“Add/Remove Programs”.

• Close down all other programs currently running.

• Place the CD-ROM in the drive on the PC.

• Using Windows Explorer open the “Diagnostics” directory on

the CR-ROM.

• Double click on the file called setup.exe

• After the installer starts follow directions.

Other:

The current E Series Manuals are supplied and installed as part of the

TVIEW+ Management Suite installation in Adobe Acrobat format.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is provided on the CD-ROM for installation if

required.

TVIEW+ Front Panel

When started the TVIEW+ front panel appears. The larger buttons

permit each of the three utilities to be started. The diagnostics button

may be greyed out if this utility has not been installed or found in the

correct file directory. Access to local help and an exit facility are

provided by the remaining 2 buttons.

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E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Pull Down Menus and Toolbar Buttons

The items on the pull-down menus can be selected either directly with

a mouse or using the ALT key in combination with a HOT KEY (eg

ALT-F to select the file menu). Several of the functions within each

menu are also available on the toolbar (click once to select).

File Menu

The file menu allows the user to load (open) or save configuration data

as well as to quit the program. The files are saved with an “.cfg” file

extension

Open (also available on the toolbar)

This function is used to load an existing configuration file that can be

used to directly program the radio or to use as a starting point to edit

configuration parameters. Note that a session must be established

with the unit by initially reading the configuration parameters from the

unit prior to being written to a unit.

If in file mode the modulation type will not be displayed. If in local/

remote mode and a file that was saved from local/remote mode is

opened, then modulation type will be imported and used, but only if it

is valid for the connected hardware. If not then the units read

modulation type will be used.

Save (also available on the toolbar)

This function is used to save the current configuration parameters to a

file for future recall.

If in “file mode” only basic RF, Port and System parameters are

saved and re called. If in local/remote mode then modulation type is

saved and re called.

Print (also available on the toolbar)

This function prints out the configuration data to the default printer in a

standard format. There are no options for this item.

This should be used if a complete record is required for site/unit

configuration. Firmware/Modulation/Diags/Hardware type are all

printed.

Exit (also available on the toolbar)

This function terminates the program. The user is requested to confirm

this selection before exiting the application.

Modem Menu

This radio menu allows configuration data to be read

from and written to the unit (remote radio or base

station) using the selected PC serial port connection

(see Settings menu). The action of reading the

configuration establishes a session with the unit.

Communications is maintained with the unit to ensure

that the session remains open. If the session has been lost due to data

transmission errors or disconnection of the programming cable it will

need to be re-established to ensure any updated configuration is written

successfully to the unit.

Read (also available on the toolbar)

This function establishes a session with the unit, reads configuration

data from the unit and displays it in the programmer main window.

When selected a dialogue window appears prompting the user to

choose whether the unit to read is local (connected directly to the serial

port or remote (connected over the air to the unit connected to serial

port). Unit no. (serial no.) musty be entered and the stream SID code

is “on” (default =0)). After configuration data is read from the unit it is

available for editing and writing back to the unit or saving to a file. The

progress of data transfer to or from the unit is indicated by a message

window as well as a rotating indicator in the bottom right hand corner

of the main window.

Write (also available on the toolbar)

This function writes configuration data displayed in the main window to

the unit and reboots the unit. When selected a dialogue window

appears prompting the user to confirm whether to proceed. A progress

indicator in the bottom right hand corner of the main window is

displayed while data is being read. This selection is only available if a

session has been previously established and maintained with the unit.

Part I  TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer

Page 43

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

This dialog provides a facility for reversing any remote configuration

changes and reverting to the previous configuration.

Select “No” to send a command to the unit to accept the new

configuration changes and to close the session. Select “Yes” to send a

command to the unit to cancel the new configuration changes and to

close the session.

The configuration settings will revert to their previous values if the data

communications circuit with the unit has been interrupted after the new

changes have been made, but before they have been verified, as just

described, then the unit will automatically discard the new changes. A

“Timeout Error” message will appearin the event of such an

interruption and the programmer will revert back to file mode.

After configuration data has been written the session with the unit is

closed and the programmer goes back to file mode

NOTE: In general any change made on the programmer screen must

be written to the unit using this function before it becomes permanently

stored. Changes to Power Adjust, Mute Adjust and Tx/Rx Trim

however do take immediate effect to permit a tuning capability prior to

being permanent stored.

Cancel Session (also available on the toolbar)

This function closes the session with unit and puts the programmer

back into file mode. All configuration changes are discarded including

changes to Power Adjust, Mute Adjust and Tx/Rx Trim.

Wizard (also available on toolbar)

This function permits the user to select standard configurations after the

configuration from a unit has been read or a file opened. The user is

prompted via a series of dialogue windows to select the desired

configuration that can then be written to the unit (remote radio or base

station).

Part I  TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer

Clone Mode

This function permits writing of the same configuration data to several

units. This feature is normally used for configuring data radio modems

connected locally. The procedure is:

• Read the configuration from the first unit

• Configure the parameters (or Open a previously saved

configuration file)

• Select Clone Mode (Modem menu)

• Write the configuration to the first unit

• The changes will take effect when repowered

• Connect the next unit

• Write the next unit which establishes a session and recognises

the unit serial number and type, and then configures the unit

• Repower the unit for changes to take effect

• Repeat the last 3 steps for the remaining units.

Settings

This menu permits selection of the PC serial port (COM1 to COM4)

to be used for communications with the unit. COM1 is the default

selection and if a different port is to be used it must be set before

establishing a session by reading the configuration from a unit. Whilst

a session is established with a unit this menu can not be accessed.

Help

This menu permits selection of help information using the Contents

key. Warnings regarding use of the programmer software using the

Warnings key and version detail using the About key.

Port A and Port B Configuration

Data from these two user ports is multiplexed for transmission over the

air. Each port can be configured separately for the Character layer

(Data speed, number of data bits, number of stop bits, parity), Packet

layer and Handshaking (flow control). Port B must be enabled if

required by setting the check box at the top of its configuration section.

if Port B is off, the 16K memory is split equally between Port A Rx/Tx

buffers (ie: 8K & 8 K). If Port B is on, then the 16K is split equally

across Port A & B Rx/Tx buffers (ie: 4K, 4K, 4K & 4K).

The following description is common to both ports.

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E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Packet Layer

There are two standard configurations and a custom configuration

which can be selected by checking the appropriate control button to the

left of the description. There are essentially two basic modes of

operation for the packet assembler and disassembler (PAD). The first

is where the PAD operates in a standard mode with data received at

the port being immediately sent over the radio channel. The second is

a store and forward or delayed mode where whole data packets are

received from the port before being sent over the radio channel. In both

cases data is sent over the radio channel in variable length frames and

delineation of these frames is dependent on the configuration selected

as well as the characteristics of the data stream received at the data

port.

The packet layer configuration options which can be selected are:

Standard (live framing)

With standard live framing data received from the host by the modem

is immediately placed into a frame and transferred onto the radio

channel. This avoids placing “store and forward” delays in the data

transmission.

If a stream of characters is received by the modem, then several

characters at a time may be placed into the same frame. The number

of characters in the frame depends mainly on the respective baud

rates of the user port and the primary channel baud rate of the modem,

as well as the level of overheads experienced on the radio channel

and the user data stream.

For example a constant stream of 300 baud user data placed onto a

9600 baud channel will result in 1 character per frame being

transmitted. If the user baud rate was lifted to 9600,N,8,1 with a

continuous data stream, then the frame size would settle to about 16

characters plus 32 overhead bits. If collision avoidance is enabled as

master the average frame size will increase to 32 characters plus

overhead bits.

The number of data bits associated with the user data stream will also

have an effect on the average size of a frame. For instance the

number of stop bits, and number of data bits per character.

The system designer must choose the best compromise of all the

above items to ensure the most efficient method of data transmission.

Note: The first character is always packetized and sent by itself

regardless of all the above variables.

Modbus

This selection configures the PAD driver with options automatically set

to implement the MODBUS protocol. eg: 5 mSec timer.

Custom

Other configurations of the PAD driver can be selected via the Custom

button which displays a dialogue box to permit selection of several

configuration options as follows:

SLIP / DIAGNOSTICS

SLIP is a well known protocol for transferring binary data

packets over a data link. Each data packet is delineated by

<FEND> characters, and a substitution mechanism exists that

allows these characters to be included in the data packet.

Appendix B describes the SLIP protocol which is used

extensively in UNIX(tm) based systems, and is closely

associated with TCP/IP networks.

The diagnostics controller package uses the SLIP protocol to

communicate between base station and remote modems.

DNP-3 / IEC870

This selection configures the PAD driver to implement the DNP-3

Protocol and IEC870 Protocol.

Pull Down Menu Selection

The PAD driver can be configured for a number of vendor

specific protocols by selecting the desired option.

Part I  TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer

Character Layer

There are two standard formats and a custom format that can be

selected by checking the appropriate control button to the left of the

description. The standard formats are:

• 9600,N,8,1 (data speed = 9600 bps, no parity, 8 data bits, 1

stop bit)

• 4800,N,8,1 (data speed = 4800 bps, no parity, 8 data bits, 1

stop bit)

A non-standard format can be selected via the Custom button that

displays a dialogue box to permit selection of data speed, parity,

number of data bits and stop bits. Once selected the OK button should

be used to complete the selection. The custom selection is also

displayed in the main window below the Custom button.

Page 45

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Custom Format

This selection permits PAD driver to be configured in a variety of

ways and requires a greater understanding of the system design.

For the modem to successfully transmit its packets (or frames) of

data over the radio channel, it must be told on what basis to

delineate data packets received at the data port. Once the end of

a data packet has been received at the port the data frame is

closed and transmission over the radio channel commences.

Delineation of data packets can be configured to occur via any

combination of:

• A predefined minimum time delay between packets received

at the port. Typically the time delay would reflect the absence

of a couple of characters in the data stream at the specified

user port baud rate.

• Limiting the maximum number of characters which can be put

in the data frame sent over the radio channel.

• Receipt of a selected end of message (EOM) character at the

port. An ASCII carriage return (character 13) is often used for

this purpose.

As each data frame to be transmitted over the radio channel has

overhead data consisting of checksums and SID codes. The

system designer must determine the best compromise between

the ratio of overhead versus user data which depends on packet

size and user data packet transmission latency.

The fields which can be configured are:

•Character Input timer: Set the input timer value in ms or enter

zero to disable. Range 0 - 255.

•Maximum Frame Size: Set the maximum number of

characters or enter zero to disable. Range 0 - 4095.

•EOM Character: Select the check box to the left of the

description to enable and enter the EOM character as a

decimal value. Range 0 - 255.

Handshaking

If the standard PAD is selected (i.e. any settings apart from SLIP/

Diagnostics), then flow control can be either hardware handshaking,

XON/XOFF protocol or none.

The XON/XOFF flow control is not possible when using either the

SLIP/Diagnostics protocol.

The Handshaking section of the screen allows the selection of either of

the handshaking methods as well as allowing handshaking to be

disabled.

Details of the two handshaking methods are given below.

Hardware

The modem acts as Data Communications Equipment (DCE) and

supplies to the host controller the following interface signals:

Data Set Ready (DSR)

Data Carrier Detect (DCD)

Clear To Send (CTS)

Receive Data Output (RXD)

The host controller must act as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and

supplies to the modem the following interface signals :

Data Terminal Ready (DTR)

Request To Send (RTS)

Transmit Data Input (TXD)

• DCD

DCD has several modes of operation. It is set to TRUE when

data is being transferred from the modem to the host - RXD line

active. The signal is asserted approximately 500ms before the

start bit of the first character in the data stream and remains for

approximately 1 character after the last bit in the data stream. The

other modes of operation are dependent on the advanced

settings.

• DSR

DSR is permanently set to TRUE.

• CTS

The CTS is a signal from the modem to the host informing the

host that the modem is able to accept incoming data on the TXD

line. It responds to the actions of the RTS line similar to the

operation of a “standard” line modem.

The CTS is FALSE if the RTS line is FALSE. Once the RTS line

is set to TRUE (signalling that the host wants to send some data

to the modem on the TXD line), then the CTS will be set TRUE

within 1ms, if the modem is capable of accepting more data.

The CTS line will be set to FALSE if the transmit buffer in the

modem exceeds 4075 bytes, or the number of queued frames

exceeds 29 to ensure that no overflow condition can occur.

Part I  TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer

Page 46

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

• RTS

The RTS line is used for two reasons. The first is to assert the

CTS line in response to RTS. The RTS line can also be used to

key up the transmitter stage of the modem.

• DTR

The DTR line is used for flow control of data being sent from the

modem to the host controller. When the host is able to accept

data it sets this line to TRUE, and if data is available within the

modem, it will be sent to the host. If the host cannot accept any

more data, then it sets the DTR to FALSE, and the modem will

stop all transmissions to the host.

• Xon/Xoff

If the flow control mechanism is XON/XOFF then the modem

uses the standard ASCII control codes of DC1

{^Q=11(Hex)=17(Dec)} for XON and DC3

{^S=13(Hex)=19(Dec)} for XOFF. The DTR input line is totally

ignored.

NOTE: There is no substitution mechanism employed in the

XON/XOFF protocol, so care must be taken when transferring

binary data to ensure that invalid flow control characters are not

generated.

Advanced

This button provides access to the advanced features of the port

configuration. When selected a dialogue box appears which permits

selection of the source for the port DCD output signal.

Disabled

This selection disables the DCD output on the port. This selection is

not permissible if hardware based flow control has been selected.

RF Carrier Detect

This selection causes DCD to be asserted at the onset of a received

RF signal being detected. This will generally occur several

milliseconds before data is transmitted from the port.

Data Detect (RS485 Flow Control)

This selection causes DCD to be asserted when data is about to be

transmitted from the port. This option is not available if handshaking is

set to “None” or “Xon/Xoff”.

RF Parameters

This section of the main window permits adjustment of transmitter and

receiver, radio channel modulation scheme, frequency trim and

advanced features.

Transmitter

The transmitter can be configured for transmit frequency and power

level.

Frequency

The required transmit frequency in MHz can be entered in the display

field. The programmer checks that the selected frequency is in the

range for the particular model of radio and provides warnings if not.

Power Adjust

The currently selected transmit power is displayed below the button in

dBm. The power level can be adjusted by selecting this button which

displays a dialogue box. The up/down keys, or a typed in value, can

be used to select the required power level in dBm steps. There are

two methods for setting the power.

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• Using Factory Calibration

To use the factory calibration of the radio the desired power is set

immediately using the OK button in the dialogue box. This

method permits the transmit power to be set without energising

the transmitter. Note that although the transmit power has been

adjusted it must be written to NVRAM using the modem “Write”

function to ensure it is retained after a power on reset.

• Using a Power Meter

To overcome manufacturing variations in the power setting a

more accurate setting of power can be achieved by the selecting

the “Test With Meter” button in the dialogue box. This displays

another dialogue box warning the user that the transmitter is about

to be energised and that the power meter used should be able to

handle at least 10 Watts from the modem.

Selecting OK in this warning dialogue box will energise the

transmitter which will also be indicated by the red transmit LED

on the unit. The power is adjusted using the up/down keys until

the required power level is obtained. Selecting OK will retain the

power setting and turn the transmitter off. Note that although the

transmit power has been adjusted it must be written to NVRAM

using the modem “Write” function to ensure it is retained after the

modem is rebooted.

Selecting “stop test” will stop and leave you in power adjust

box. “Cancel” will stop test and take you back to the main

window.

Receiver

The receiver can be configured for receive frequency and mute level.

Frequency

The required receive frequency in MHz can be entered in the display

field. The programmer checks that the selected frequency is in the

range for the particular model of radio and provides warnings if not.

Mute Adjust

The currently selected mute level is displayed in the main window

below the button in dBm. The mute level can be adjusted by selecting

this button which displays a dialogue box. The up/down keys, or a

typed in value, can be used to select the required mute level in dBm

steps. Whilst a session is in progress with a unit the mute level

adjustment is live. Selecting OK will retain the mute level setting. Note

that although the mute level has been adjusted it must be written to

NVRAM using the modem “Write” function to ensure it is retained after

the modem is rebooted.

Whilst the modem is capable of receiving extremely weak radio

signals, and successfully extracting the data content from the

waveforms the mute level should be set to assist the modem in

filtering out unwanted signals. Unwanted signals can be the result of

background noise or interference. The mute level should be set at a

level above these unwanted signals and at a level low enough to

detect the wanted signal. Detection of a received signal above the

mute level is indicated by the “RxSig” LED on the unit.

Setting of a correct mute level at a base station is critical if collision

avoidance is operational in a point to multipoint system. In this situation

detection of “noise” instead of a valid transmission from the remote

modems will effectively “lock out” all of the remote units from

accessing and using the channel.

Due to normal manufacturing variations the actual mute level may

vary by several dBm to that selected. If a more accurate adjustment

is required an unmodulated signal of the correct frequency and desired

threshold level can be applied to the radio modem’s antenna connector.

Modulation

The radio modem utilises a DSP to control the modulation of transmit

signals and de-modulation of received signals. This provides greater

flexibility in the ability of the radio modem to support new modulation

schemes whilst maintaining compatibility with existing modulation

schemes.

The currently selected modulation scheme is displayed in the main

window below the select button. The modulation scheme can be

adjusted by selecting this button which displays a dialogue box. The

desired modulation scheme can then be selected from the pull-down

menu in the dialogue box and retained using the OK button.

In the case of 12.5kHz channel radio modems the presently supported

modulation schemes include:

• 9600 12.5kHz ACA E Series. This is a new 9600bps

modulation scheme available in E Series products which

supports a significantly reduced delay between detection of a

valid RF carrier signal and demodulation of user data.

• 4800 12.5kHz ACA D Series. This is a current 4800bps

modulation scheme used in the D Series products to provide

backward compatibility.

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Tx/Rx (Frequency) Trim

The currently selected frequency trim, which is common to both

transmitter and receiver, is displayed in the main window below the

button in Hz. The frequency trim can be adjusted live by selecting this

button which displays a dialogue box. The up/down keys can be used

to select the required frequency offset in steps pre-determined by the

radio modem. Selecting OK will retain the frequency trim setting. Note

that although the frequency trim has been adjusted it must be written to

NVRAM using the modem “Write” function to ensure it is retained after

the modem is rebooted.

This facility permits correction for drifts in the frequency reference

caused by component ageing. For example, a standard crystal may

vary in fundamental frequency operation over 1 year by one part per

million. An adjustment range of ± 10ppm, displayed in Hz, has been

allowed for and if this is insufficient the unit should be returned to the

dealer/factory for re-calibration.

Advanced

This button permits setting of advanced features. When selected a

dialogue box appears which permits configuration of the type of

received data clock alignment method.

In the case of full duplex units the receiver is always active and is not

interrupted by transmissions from the unit as would be the case for half

duplex units. In this situation it is not necessary, or desirable in the

case of a base station, for the recovered data clock alignment to be

remembered between bursts of received signals. In this situation the

“Receiver Full Duplex” check box to the left should be selected.

NOTE: For half duplex units the “Receiver Full Duplex” check box

should not be set.

System Parameters

This section of the main window configures the PTT control, collision

avoidance, stream setup for routing of data, advanced features and

provides unit information.

PTT (Press To Talk) Control

RF transmission can be configured to occur permanently,

automatically on data received at Port A or Port B, or RTS being

asserted on Port A or Port B. A PTT timeout facility can be configured

to limit the period for which the transmitter is enabled. Each option is

selected by setting the control to the left of the description on the main

window. When PTT is active the “Tx” LED on the unit is illuminated

and RF power is being fed to the antenna.

Permanent Tx

This will cause the transmitter to be permanently enabled (keyed) and

displays another dialogue box warning the user that the transmitter will

be energised immediately after the configuration is written to the unit.

Selecting OK confirms this setting. The other PTT selections are

disabled when this option is selected.

NOTE: This option is only available for half duplex units when being

programmed locally.

Auto On Data

This will cause the transmitter to be enabled (keyed) automatically on

data received at Port A or Port B and included in a complete frame for

transmission over the radio channel. The maximum period for which

the transmitter will be enabled is limited by the PTT timeout setting.

From Port A RTS

This will cause the transmitter to be enabled (keyed) on Port A RTS

being asserted. The maximum period for which the transmitter will be

enabled is limited by the PTT timeout setting. Applications which rely

on establishing a link ahead of data being transferred require this

method of activation.

From Port B RTS

This will cause the transmitter to be enabled (keyed) on Port B RTS

being asserted. The maximum period for which the transmitter will be

enabled is limited by the PTT timeout setting. Applications which rely

on establishing a link ahead of data being transferred require this

method of activation.

In the case of 25kHz channel radio modems the presently supported

modulation schemes include:

• 19200 25kHz ACA E Series. This is a new 19200bps

modulation scheme available in E-Series products which

supports a significantly reduced delay between detection of a

valid RF carrier signal and demodulation of user data.

• 9600 25kHz ACA D Series. This is a current 9600bps

modulation scheme used in the D Series products to provide

backward compatibility.

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Stream Setup

This button brings up a dialogue box to permit editing of Stream

IDentifier (SID) codes which are used by the modem as the

addressing mechanism for data stream routing. A SID code can be

placed at the start of each data frame as it is sent over the radio

channel. The receiving modems use this code to determine how to

route the data message. The modem supports simultaneous operation

of both Port “A” and Port “B” over the one radio link, along with the

inclusion of a diagnostics data stream.

Each port is independant and fully supports one of four options which

can be chosen as described below. Note that the port B parameters

are greyed out when port B is not enabled.

The following diagram illustrates the structure of the stream routing

function for each data port.

SID

Filter

SID Adder/

Translator

ort Data In

x Data In

x Data Ou

ort Data O

Stream Router

ser,Trun

epeat,Translate

User Port

This option is selected by clicking on the User Port button and filling in

the RXSID and TXSID fields to the right.

In the User Port mode (Referred to in the previous programmer as

MUX/DEMUX mode) all SID code operations are performed

transparently to the user. Data placed into a user port which has been

assigned a specified SID code, will only be received by a modem at

the other end of the radio link that has a user port assigned with the

same SID code.

In this way, Port “A” and Port “B” can be assigned different SID

codes, thereby separating the data streams.

Two SID codes values are available for each user port RXSID and

TXSID. The RXSID codes apply to the data being received by the

modem, and the TXSID codes apply to the data being transmitted by

the modem. This allows for different transmit and receive codes if

required, but generally they would be both the same.

A situation where Tx and Rx SID codes may be different is in a

repeater configuration. In this type of application all data messages

sent to the repeater will be “repeated”. Thus by having different Tx

and Rx codes a control unit will not “hear” its own transmission and

remotes will not hear the reply from any other remote.

If the diagnostics facility is installed in the modem, then it too has a pair

SID codes. The diagnostics data simply uses a different data stream

or streams to the user data, but is processed internally by the modem.

If access to the diagnostics facility is required, similar to when the

diagnostics utility is used with the modem, then the data port

concerned and the diagnostics stream, must have the same SID

codes assigned to them. Alternatively the System port can be used,

which is 19.2K, Slip.

(Previously TXSID was referred to as SIDA2 or SIDB2 and RXSID

was referred to as SIDA1 or SIDB1 for ports A and B respectively).

Trunk Streams

In the Trunk Streams mode, data that is inputted into the modem for

transmission must have a SID code appended to the start of the data

packet by the user. The modem does not do it as in the User Port

mode of operation. When a data packet is received by the modem, it

is passed through a SID code filter which is bounded by a lower and

upper limit of SID codes. The SID code is not stripped off from the

user data.

For instance the lower bound is 03 and the upper bound is 07. If a

message is received with a SID code of 02 appended it would not be

passed to the user. If a message is received with a SID code of 04

then it is passed to the user, with 04 at the start of the frame.

The SID codes can range from 0 to 255, and physically consist of the

byte value of the code i.e. a code of 156 is equivalent to “10011100”

binary.

PTT Timeout

The PTT timeout facility is used to disable the transmitter if it exceeds

the designated time. The timeout value can range from 1 to 255

seconds and the facility is disabled by setting a zero value.

The timeout value chosen for this should be set according to system

requirements which may include:

• Prevention of a remote unit remaining keyed up and locking out

all other remote units in a point to multipoint system.

• Limiting the period a remote unit remains keyed up to prevent

battery drain in a low power application.

NOTE: If a PTT timeout occurs before completion of a data

transmission data will be lost.

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To select the Trunk Streams option click on the Trunk Streams button

of the port to be used and fill in the fields to the right. The “From” field

is for the lower SID code limit and the “To” field for the upper SID code

limit.

NOTE: When using Trunk Streams an unambiguous packet

delineation scheme (eg. SLIP) should be used so that the SID code in

the user data can be decoded correctly.

Repeat Streams

The modem is capable of operating in a repeater mode. Each user

port can be configured as a separate repeater. The associated user

ports are effectively disconnected from the “outside world” when in

repeater mode. Data received from the radio channel is passed

directly to the transmitter, and placed back onto the radio channel.

The repeater must receive a complete frame of data before it is

retransmitted. In some systems this store and forward delay may be

significant, and careful selection of maximum frame sizes configured at

the source unit must be considered to minimise the delay.

To enable the mode for the port click the Repeat Streams button and

select the range of SID codes on frames to be repeated.

Translate Streams

This is essentially a hybrid of the User Port and Repeat Streams

functions available on a port. Whereas the latter repeats a range of

streams, this function instead translates one stream to another, by

demultiplexing one stream (defined by Rx SID), and re-transmitting it

with a new stream address (defined by Tx SID).

NOTE: Data is not presented to the user ports.

Diagnostics Processor

The Diagnostics Processor uses several streams defined by the range

of SID codes. The diagnostics commands received on each stream

are sent back over the same stream. The Diagnostics Processor is an

option which must be enabled before this section of the menu will

become active.

Diagnostics Repeat

This option can be toggled on and off simply by clicking the

button.

Some applications will require that the master unit in a point to

multipoint system to repeat diagnostics frames only (i.e. the

master modem is not set up as a repeater).

This will be the case when the system diagnostics controller is

connected to a remote unit in the system, and it polls the system

population from this point. The master unit must retransmit any

diagnostic frames that are not addressed to itself onto the

remainder of the population.

Advanced

This button permits setting of advanced system parameter features.

This presently includes enabling the diagnostics facility within the unit.

Once enabled the diagnostics utility can be used to monitor the

performance of the unit.

The Enable Diagnostics button should be selected and the 8 character

diagnostics key code entered prior to selecting OK. If the key code is

accepted or has been previously entered the Enable Diagnostics

button will be greyed out. Contact your supplier for Key Code

purchase.

Collision Avoidance

In a point to multipoint system the master unit (usually a base station)

can transmit at any time and the remotes will all receive the broadcast

signal. However, if more than one remote unit transmits at a time,

then a collision will occur during the multiple transmissions, resulting in

a loss of data from one or more units.

Two collision avoidance mechanisms have been included in the

modem. The standard (Digital) method utilises a signalling channel

which is embedded in overhead data transmitted over the radio

channel. The second method utilises detection of a carrier signal to

postpone transmission of data. Both methods require configuration of

several options for successful operation.

The desired option for collision avoidance is selected by checking the

control button to the left of the description on the main window.

None

When selected this turns off all collision avoidance mechanisms. This

should only be used in point to point applications.

Digital

This is the standard method of collision avoidance and utilises a

channel busy indication bit in the signalling channel transmitted to all

remotes for control. When selected a dialogue box appears and

several options must be configured:

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• Mode – “Master” or “Remote”. When the master unit receives

a valid transmission from a remote unit it sets the channel busy

indication bit. This busy bit is interpreted by the other remotes to

not transmit. Once the transmission from the first remote ends

the master unit resets the busy bit to indicate the channel is

now clear to transmit on. The master unit, which is normally a

base station, takes about 5ms to detect a transmission from a

remote unit and set the channel busy indication bit on the radio

channel. During this period collision of remote transmissions

can still occur and is unavoidable. NOTE: The master can

only be a full duplex unit.

• Backoff Method – “Retry after Tx Attempt” or “Delay before Tx

Attempt”. The method chosen is system dependent and can

only be configured if the mode is “remote”. The former is best

used when data responses from remotes are largely

asynchronous. The latter is best used when this is not the

case.

• Backoff Timing – “Maximum Slots”, “Time per Slot”. This can

only be configured if the mode is “remote”. When a remote is

ready to transmit data but it finds the busy bit from the master

set it holds back its transmission for a random “backoff” time

after which it tries to transmit data again. This ensures that

modems waiting to be allowed to transmit do not re-attempt to

do so at the same time. The “Maximum Slots” (1 to 16) and

the “Time per Slot” (1 to 255ms) are used to calculate the

backoff time by multiplying the slot time by a random number

between 1 and the maximum slot number. For example if the

time per slot is 30ms and the maximum slots is 4, the random

backoff times can be 30, 60, 90 or 120ms.

As the channel busy indication bit is critical for reliable operation default

interpretation of this bit is defined in the remote units. If the master

modem stops transmission (or has not yet started) the remote will

interpret that the channel is busy and will not transmit until the master

comes on line.

Carrier Detect

This method of collision avoidance utilises a carrier transmitted to all

remotes to indicate that the radio channel is busy. When selected a

dialogue box appears and several options must be configured:

• Mode – “Master” or “Remote”. When the master unit receives

a valid transmission from a remote unit it transmits a carrier

signal to indicate busy. Of course the master will also initiate a

transmission if it has data to send. The transmitted carrier is

interpreted by the other remotes to not transmit. Once the

transmission from the first remote ends the master unit stops

transmission to indicate the channel is now clear to transmit on.

The master unit, which is normally a base station, takes about

5ms to detect a transmission from a remote unit and transmit a

carrier signal. During this period collision of remote

transmissions can still occur and is unavoidable.

NOTE: The master can only be a full duplex unit and cannot be

permanently transmitting. For half duplex and simplex systems

all units should be set as “Remote” (no Master).

• Backoff Timing – “Maximum Slots”, “Time per Slot”. This can

only be configured if the mode is “remote”. When a remote is

ready to transmit data but it detects a carrier signal from the

master set it holds back its transmission for a random “backoff”

time after which it tries to transmit data again. This ensures that

modems waiting to be allowed to transmit do not re-attempt to

do so at the same time. The “Maximum Slots” (1 to 16) and

the “Time per Slot” (1 to 255ms) are used to calculate the

backoff time by multiplying the slot time by a random number

between 1 and the maximum slot number. For example if the

time per slot is 30ms and the maximum slots is 4, the random

backoff times can be 30, 60, 90 or 120ms.

Unit Information

Part I  TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer

The information displayed is intended to assist the user to identify the

radio modem as well as support should their services be needed.

Radio Model refers to the type of unit. The ER450 is a remote

unit and the EE450 is a exciter inside a base station unit.

Radio Type refers to the frequency band supported by the radio

as well as the channel bandwidth. For example 51A02 is a type

51 band with a 25kHz channel.

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Unit Information - Details

More detailed information is also available to assist in identifying

components installed in the unit (remote, base station or hot standby).

The additional information provided is:

• Controller Rev refers to the microcontroller firmware component

version for the radio.

• DSP Code Rev refers to the DSP firmware component

version for the radio.

• Processor Board ID refers to the processor board identification

number and hardware revision information for the radio.

• RF Deck ID refers to the RF deck board identification number

and hardware revision information inside the radio.

• Production Build Code refers to the automated production test

and calibration sequence used during manufacture of the radio.

• Hardware indicates whether the radio is half or full duplex.

• Unit Type indicates whether the unit is recognised as a remote

or base station.

In the case of a base station unit the following additional information is

provided:

• Base Firmware Pack refers to the firmware package version

installed in the base station (front panel) controller which is

separate to the radio installed. There are several components

associated with this firmware package and a single version

number is used to identify them.

• Base Controller Rev refers to the microcontroller firmware

component version for the base station.

Messages

The message window provides a log of error messages occurring

during use of the programmer utility. Several error messages may

occur as a result of a selection.

Status Bar

The status bar is located at the bottom of the main window and

provides information regarding communication actions occurring with

the radio data modem.

Additional fields located on the status bar include:

•Unit ID refers to the identification label used by the diagnostics

utility. This is currently the same as the unit’s serial number.

•Mode refers to the type of session established. It can be a File,

Local indicating a local port connection to the unit or Remote

indicating communications is via a radio channel.

•Rotating bar progress indicator showing data is being

transferred to or received from a unit.

Part I  TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer

Diags Installed is set to yes or no depending on whether the

diagnostics key has been set in the unit.

Serial Number is unique to each unit and is set within the unit at

time of production as well as included on the label fixed to the

unit.

Firmware Pack refers to the firmware package version installed

in the radio. There are several components associated with

microcontroller and DSP firmware installed and a single version

number is used to identify them.

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Part J  TVIEW+ Management Suite - Remote Diagnostics & Network Controller

Introduction

This section covers the operation of the Remote Diagnostic and

Network Management Controller Software Version 3.7.X or greater.

Overview

The Diagnostic Controller is a Windows© based program, that can be

run on a standard desktop or laptop PC.

The software runs in the 32 bit Windows environment and offers many

options and configurations which are easily accessible via pop-up

windows. These include group or timed polling, remote switching of

duplicated base stations, viewing of databases, logging and trending of

real time parameters , etc.

The Diagnostic Controller can be installed to run as a stand-alone

package, or as part of the TView+ Management Suite.

It is for use in conjunction with the D & E Series of data radio modems

and can be used for simple point-to-point links, or for more complex

point-to-multipoint and multilayer link systems.

The diagnostic facilities allow retrieval of packet statistics from each

radio modem. These statistics are used to calculate Packet and Bit

Error Rates, a units’ condition/health, network efficiency and

bandwidth utilisation.

The use of the diagnostics facilities provided by the controller gives the

radio modem system designer and operator a powerful tool for both the

maintenance and continuing reliability of their system.

The general operating parameters that can be obtained from remote

modem units are:-

• Last RSSI level.

• Last transmitted power level.

• Receive frequency offset.

• Power supply voltage level.

• Current internal temperature.

These are displayed on the controllers screen in a “quick read” format

of bar graphs, as well as detailed response listings.

For the E Series radio modems to operate with the diagnostic

controller, they must be factory preset to include the diagnostics

response facilities or installed at a later stage (in the field) via the

programmer. Contact you supply for details.

The diagnostics data stream operates “alongside” the main user data

stream. No interference between the two streams occurs, so as far

as the primary user of the data system is concerned, the diagnostics

data does not exist.

Features

• 32 Bit Windows Based User Software.

• Full graphical presentation.

• Full SCADA style features such as database, trending,

networking, etc.

• Able to interrogate and display important operating parameters

of each radio modem.

• Provides performance data of any unit - good frames received,

bad frames received, packet error rate, transmitted packet

sizes, channel usage, etc.

• Provides statistical Packet Error Rate (PER) performance

calculations for any unit.

• Provides powerful network tools such as channel occupancy

statistics, average received transmission duration, etc.

• Can be set to background poll radio system for continuous

system monitoring and logging.

• Provides full time/date stamped Status and Alarm logging/

reporting. A relational database is created and managed using

Microsoft Jet database engine Ver3.5. The database file, which

is an “.mdb” file, can be accessed with external programs

such as Microsoft Access.

System Description

General

The diagnostics process is based on a series of polls being transmitted

to the remote modem units with each modem having its own unique

assigned address which is factory preset.

When a diagnostic poll is received by a modem it checks to see if it is

addressed to itself, and if so, it responds with its diagnostic data back

to the controller. If it is not addressed to the modem, the modem

simply “passes the message on”, and does not respond to the

controller.

In a multilayer system, several “pass on’s” may occur before the

destination modem is reached.

The modem’s diagnostic response message is addressed to the

controller, and as each modem in the “chain” decodes this message it

will “pass it back”, eventually the message reaches the controller for

processing.

The controller software provides a database to hold the modem units

associated data (i.e. Serial number, assigned name, location, alarm

limits, SID code address, base station pairing information, status poll

response data, alarms, etc).

The units’ address is the serial number of the unit which is factory

preset. The name is any mnemonic that the user wishes to attach to

the modem. This name is then used to address the unit for access to

diagnostic facilities.

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Remote Diagnostics & Network Controller

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The responses from the modem have boundary limits placed on them.

If a response is outside these limits then an alarm is raised. For

instance, the DC supply volts can have a lower limit of 12V, and an

upper limit of 16V. Should a response to a poll received show that the

DC volts is at 11V, then an alarm is reported.

A unit can be excluded from a poll sequence by removing it from the

poll group.

Intensive polling of a single unit is possible using the Individual polling

facility.

A poll “run” can be set up. A time can be designated for the controller

to poll each of the modems in the system. This may be useful for

systems that have a low traffic period where diagnostics can be

“slotted in”, thereby spreading the data throughput of the system more

efficiently.

The screen is divided into three main scrolling sections - Status Polls,

Alarms and Base Station Activities. The status poll section displays

current poll activity while the alarm section displays any polls alarms

which have been reported. The Base Station activity section displays

any changeovers that have occurred to Hot Standby Base Units - if

no Hot Standby Base Stations are employed within the system, this

section will remain blank.

If base stations are employed in the system, then the two exciter units

contained in one base unit can be paired together. The exciters

operate in a mutually exclusive environment i.e. only one is active at

a time. When the exciters are to be polled, only the active one will be

sent a poll.

The base exciters can be toggled, so as the other exciter unit in the

base can be polled if required.

A relational database is created and managed using Microsoft Jet

database engine Ver3.5. The database file, which is an “.mdb” file,

can be accessed with external programs such as Microsoft Access.

All polls and alarms are time and date stamped and saved to the

database. All database entries can be sorted and printed.

For some multilayer systems, Stream Identifier (SID) Codes may

have to be added to the diagnostic data packets. Each modem can be

assigned a SID address (the default is 00) and the SID code feature

enabled.

Refer to Appendix A “Technical Notes” for further details of SID code

addressing.

The diagnostic core of each radio (Firmware Version 2.4.0 and above)

stores packet statistics for later retrieval. The Diagnostic controller

software uses these statistics to calculate packet and bit error rates,

network efficiency, bandwidth utilisation, and radio link integrity. These

network analysis features are an invaluable tool for larger networks.

In the transmit direction, each radio modem can report the number of:-

• data bytes transmitted (TxByteCnt).

• frames transmitted (TxFrameCnt).

With these counters one can then calculate average frame size,

average frame rate and channel utilisation.

In the receive direction, each radio modem can report the:-

• Data bytes received (GoodByteCnt).

• Good frames received (GoodFrameCnt).

• Bad frames received (BadFramCnt).

• Total time the radio has received signal (RSSIgoodTicker).

• Lost synchronization count (LostSynchCnt).

• Lost RSSI count (LostRSSICnt).

These counters can be used to calculate average frame size, average

frame rate, channel occupancy, channel utilisation and link integrity.

Radio modems with Firmware Revisions 2.4.x and above have the

advanced statistical counters as noted above. Firmware revisions

below this (i.e. 2.3.x) only have Good Frame count, Bad Frame

count, Lost RSSI count and Lost Synch Count available. The

diagnostic controller will detect which firmware the radio has, and only

report the available counters.

All these features combine to provide a powerful tool for the system

operator.

Modem Connection

The diagnostics controller normally connects via a COM port on the

controller PC and the “System Port” on the radio modem (Port “A &

B” can be used if required).

NOTE: The controller can connect to any port of any data radio

modem within the system as long as the data radio port is configured

accordingly. When “Settings” is selected, the controller will interogate

the computers coms ports and display the available ports. Possible

valid com ports are 1-16 or “None”. Choose the desired port. None

allows you to free the com port for use with other programs without

exiting the diagnostic.

The modem port must have its SID codes enabled, and have the SID

code set to the system diags SID (normally this is set to “00”).

The data format used is the SLIP protocol, running at 9600 baud, No

parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit. Appendix B “SLIP Protocol”

contains a detailed definition of the SLIP Protocol.

COM1 of the controller PC is to be directly connected to the 9 way D-

Min of the modem using a 3 wire interface (see drawing below).

Should the PC have a 25 way connector, then the standard RS232,

25 way to 9 way conversion should be used.

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Operating Instructions

General

When the Diagnostic controller starts, a presentation screen is

displayed which will then lead you into the main diagnostics screen.

This is where all the major functions of the controller are accessed.

The main screen presents the operator with the typical Windows pull

down type menu bars - “File”, “Settings”, etc. Icons of the most

commonly used selections are also provided across the top of the

screen.

This screen is divided into 3 main sections:-

1. Status Polls screen which displays all poll results obtained.

2. Alarms screen which displays any alarms that occur.

3. Base Station Activity screen which displays any

changeovers that occur with Hot Standby Base Stations within

the system.

The line above Status Polls is a “Processing Status Bar”. It will

display messages about errors, warnings and poll processing.

The bottom row of the screen also displays a summary of the

configured parameters such as which com port is being used, whether

SID codes are on or off, whether polling is enabled or disabled, current

database path and file name, etc.

Menu Selection

File Menu

To utilise the Remote Diagnostics facilities, a database must be created

which includes the individual serial numbers, alarm parameters and

various other parameters of each unit.

The file menu allows the operator to create a New database, Open an

existing database, Add/Edit/Delete a database or View an existing

database. All such database tools utilise standard Windows type

formats for file selections as shown.

File - Add/Edit/Delete

After creating a New database or Opening an existing database, the

Add/Edit/Delete menu can be accessed.

Selected Unit

Selected unit is a pull down selection box, for selecting a unit to view

or edit.

The bottom line is a “Processing Status Bar”. It will display

messages about errors, warnings and poll processing.

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Unit Name and Location

Unit name is required and must be unique(max. 20 character).

Location allows the user to enter descriptions of sites and their

locations (optional, (max. 20 character).

Unit Serial Number

Is the factory preset unique serial number of the unit. This is obtained

from the label located on the unit or read from the unit using the

Programmer. On base stations the exciter serial numbers must be

read from the lid label or electronically with the programmer.

SID Code (Diagnostic Stream Identifier)

Is the SID code address number being used by the unit for the

diagnostics stream. This is normally set to 0. Check the radio units

programmed configuration for confirmation and or system configuration.

Unit Series

Default to “E Series”, option on pull down box to select “ D Series”

Poll Response Timeout

Is the time in seconds the Diagnostic controller will wait for a response

from the remote unit. When a time out occurs, the controller will retry.

If three poll attempts fail then the poll request is terminated, and a No

Acknowledge (No Ack) message will appear in the alarms window.

One second is usually more than enough “wait” time. In a multilayer

system, longer response times may be necessary.

Alarm Limits

Allows the user to set thresholds for each unit which, when exceeded,

will report an alarm. Default settings are provided for remote devices

and base stations. These are selected by clicking on the appropriate

buttons presented.

If the controller receives a status poll parameter result which is outside

any of the threshold settings, it will immediately retry, in case it was

an erroneous measurement. If the next received poll result is still

outside the threshold, the retries will continue until it has received a

status poll within the threshold settings, or three status polls. If three

polls outside the required threshold are received, the average of these

polls is displayed in the status poll window and the offending

parameter(s) appear as alarms in the Alarms window.

Defaults drop down box

Choose either “Remote Modem Defaults” or “Base Modem Defaults”

from the drop down list. Click “Apply” to set the alarm limits to the

selected defaults. Click “Save” to save custom default values.

Hot Standby Base Pairing

Is used when a Hot Standby Base is employed within the system.

The two exciters contained in each base unit need to be “paired”

together. Since only one of the exciter-modems can be active (on-

line) at any time, only one can answer a poll. Thus the two should be

paired together so they are treated as mutually exclusive.

This selection allows the user to pair the two radio modems, by

selecting the other exciter with which the currently selected exciter is

to be paired with. The two units must of course exist in the database

as independent serial numbers before they can be paired.

Add New Button

Click this button to add a new radio modem to the database. The

Selected Unit, Name, Location, Unit Serial numbers and Hot Standby

Base Pairing fields will be cleared, ready for the entry of a new unit.

After filling in the details click the “Apply” button to complete entry.

Apply Button

Applies changes to selected units or complete the “add new” radios to

the data base. Additions and changes made on the screen do not result

in changes to the database unless this button is activated. This must

be done before selecting a new serial number/unit. Note that the newly

changed database will not be saved to disk until the Save and Exit

button is activated.

Delete Button

Allows deletion of units from the database. NOTE: Deleting a unit

from the database will delete all it’s associated status poll and alarm

history.

Click and a selection list of serial numbers will appear. Select one at

a time and then press the “Delete” button on the selection box.

Save and Exit Button

Press this button to save the newly chnaged database and then exit.

Additions and changes to the database will be saved to disk as long

as the “Apply” button was pushed.

Exit without Saving Button

Press this button to exit without saving the newly changed database.

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File - View (view only)

The View Screen shows the unit alarm limits, current control states,

calibration constants, last poll results for firmware and system

information.

Note: The View window is different for Remote radios and Base

Stations as well as for D Series.

Settings

The settings menu allows the user to configure various setup

parameters. These include:-

Base Station - E Series

Remote Radio - E Series

Communications Port

With the pull down box, select the required communications port.

Com 1 to Com 16. Select the required com port speed (9k6 or

19k2bps). Default is 19k2bps.

Controller Address

Normally set to 0. Networks which have multiple controllers active,

should use different controller addresses, so responses from remotes

are ignored if the poll was not sent by that controller.

Enable SID Codes

Enabled or disabled (Default enabled). In some systems, external

application of SID codes is used as a method of giving the modems in

the system specific data addresses. The modems are placed into the

“stream routing” mode, and the user (e.g. Diagnostic controller)

supplies the SID code at the start of each data packet to be

transmitted. In this way the user can “steer” the data flow through the

given network path.

Should the diagnostics controller be used in such a network then it too

needs to append the data addresses or SID codes to the beginning of

all data messages sent.

In the controllers database record for each modem, a field is supplied

where the user can select the SID code for that particular modem. By

selecting the Diagnostic SID code that suits the system topology, the

diagnostics data messages can be routed successfully to the correct

destination.

Auto Logging ON

When enabled all logging functions will be activated when polling is

turned on.

Alert Tones

When enabled will emit a tone from the PC speaker or sound card

when Status poll alarms occur and/or Base Station change overs

occur.

Tx Power Display Units

Select either “dBm” or “milli Watts” as the display units. Power will

be displayed throughout the system in the selected power

measurement unit.

Note: Power will always be stored in the database file as milli-watts

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Polling

In order to obtain diagnostics information, the diagnostics controller

provides a number of automatic polling facilities, which include: Group

polling, Timed polling and Individual polling. The Group and Timed poll

facilities will automatically cycle through a selected group of units at a

predetermined interval (in seconds). The Individual poll facility permits

intensive polling of a single unit at a selectable rate, independent of any

Group polling that may be active at the time.

When the modem is polled for the first time, the controller will poll (ask)

the radio for its calibration constants and firmware revision (these can

be viewed in the “View” window under the File menu). When this

initialisation procedure is complete, status polling can commence. If

the radio were to perform a “cold boot” for what ever reason (eg loss

of power, cold boot command received, etc), the controller will detect

this and initiate the above initialisation procedure again and display

“cold boot” alarm in “other”.

If Hot-Standby base stations are employed in the system, then only

the “on-line” unit will be polled. If a hot standby changeover occurs at

the base, then the new “on-line” modem will be polled and the off-line

unit removed from the poll sequence. A “Changeover” alarm will be

displayed in the Base Station Activity screen.

The status poll requests that are reported and displayed on the main

screen are;

• Temperature

• Received Signal Strength

• Transmitter Power

• DC Supply Volts

• Received Frequency Error

• Time and dat stamped

The line above Status Polls is a “Processing Status Bar”. It will

display messages about errors, warnings and poll processing.

Poll Setup (Settings)

Under the Polling menu option, choose “Setup...” The Poll Settings

dialog box will appear. Here you can set :

Poll Repetition Time

Is the time in seconds (2 to 3600 secs) between each status poll of the

group poll cycle. Each unit in the poll group will be polled in turn, at

this time interval.

Timed Polling

Allows the user to schedule a period when the group poll will

commence. This is a useful feature for systems that have times of

little traffic loading such as the early hours of the morning.

Start Time

Time at which the Timed poll cycle will commence. The time format

will be as per the regional settings.

Number of Cycles

This is the number of times the controller will cycle through the poll

group when the Timed Group poll commences. Each unit in the poll

group will be polled this number of times.

Apply Button

Click “Apply” to initiate any changes made in this dialog box.

Poll Group Select

Under the Polling menu, select “Poll Group Select...”

This dialog box enables Adding/Removing of radios to/from the

automatic poll group. Units in the Selection list box are available for

adding to the poll group. These units will not be polled during a group

poll cycle.

Units in the Poll Group list box will be polled during a group poll

cycle.

Clicking the Save button will save any changes in the poll group to

the database.

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Group Polling

This is the standard mode of operation. The diagnostic controller will

continuously cycle through the poll group, unit by unit at the poll

repetition time( 2 to 3600 secs).

Bar Graph

Display Bar Graph can be selected which displays all polls on the

“Bar Graph”. If a unit alarms, the measurement in question will have

a red background in the Text box.

Individual Poll

Allows intensive polling of a single unit, independently of any group

polling that may be active. The individual poll window provides a bar

graph display for rapid visual recognition of the radio modems

parameter levels.

The line above Status Polls is a “Processing Status Bar”. It will

display messages about errors, warnings and poll processing.

Polling Button

The selected unit will be removed from the poll group, then polled at

the selectable rate (Poll Repetition time) by clicking the Polling button.

Poll Repetition Time (2 to 3600 Sec)

Is the rate at which individual status polling will occur. Click on the

“Apply” button to apply any change made to the poll repetition time.

Switch Exciter

Only visable if the selected unit is a “Hot Standby Base station” then

a switch base facility is provided for remote switching of the exciter

units. With polling on, click on the “Switch Exciter” button. The

changeover may take a number of seconds. The active unit will be

displayed in the “Active unit” field.

NOTE: The hot standby base station has a minimum “toggle” time of 1

minute. This is to avoid rapid switching between exciter units, should

a fault be detected in both modems.

Data Logging

Status poll and Alarm data can be logged to a database file for viewing

at a later date. A relational database is created and managed using

Microsoft Jet database engine Ver3.5. The database file, which is an

“.mdb” file, can be accessed with external programs such as

Microsoft Access. You have the option of enabling logging of Status

polls only, Alarms only or both.

Log Status Polls

To log Status polls either select “Log Status polls” under the Data

Logging menu item or click the corresponding toolbar button.

Log Alarms

To log Alarms either select “Log Alarms” under the Data Logging menu

item or click the corresponding toolbar button.

NOTE: If “Auto Logging ON” is enabled in the settings dialog box,

then Status Poll logging and Alarm logging will automatically be turned

on when Group or Individual polling is turned on.

View History

Status poll history may be viewed using the Status Poll & Alarm

History window. This window has three tables: Status Poll History,

Alarm History and Base Station Activity. Each table has a “Number

of Records” box to indicate how big the selection is.

You may select “ALL” to see every units poll results, or view an

individual units poll results.

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The line above Status Polls is a “Processing Status Bar”. It will

display messages about errors, warnings and poll processing.

From To or ALL Fields

These fields determine the time span you wish to view. For example,

if you have collected several months of data, and only wish to view a

24 hour period, then adjust the From: and To: fields accordingly and

select the unit.

When the History window first appears, the From: and To: fields will

contain the last 24 hours of data.

If “ALL” is selected it will display the start and end dates of the

database.

The Date/Time format will be as per the regional settings short date

format.

NOTE: The smaller the time span you select, the faster the database

search will be. This will also depend on the poll rate that was used

during that time span.

Sorting

Each of these tables can be sorted in ascending order by: unit, date or

poll parameter. To sort, just click on the required column header.

To show the full status of a single report in the “Alarm History” click on

the box at the left by the unit name. Note this only works on valid poll

results not “NoAck”.

Printing

A printout of each table is possible by clicking on the associated Print

button. The table data will be sent to the default printer and formatted

as per your default printer configuration set up.

View Trend

The logged status poll data can be viewed in graph format, which

allows viewing of status trends over selectable time spans. This

provides a very effective and fast method of analysing a units’

operating parameters over time.

Select “View Trend” under the Data Logging menu item or click the

associated toolbar button.

Features available include:

• Scaling of graph(s).

• View individual poll results using the cursor.

• Automatically scroll through the group poll database, unit by

unit at a selectable time interval.

• No Acknowledge messages are displayed by a gap in the

graphed data and a “NoAck” in other on the Time Line.

The line above Status Polls is a “Processing Status Bar”. It will

display messages about errors, warnings and poll processing.

Vertical Scale Setting

• Manually set the vertical scales by simple typing in the new

level(s), then either press “Enter” or click on the “Re Draw”

button, or select a new unit.

• Click the “Default Ranges” button to set all the vertical scales

back to the default levels.

• Click the “Set Ranges to Alarm Limits” button to set the vertical

scale limits to the selected unit alarm limits.

From: & To: Fields

These fields determine the time span you wish to view. For example,

if you have collected several months of data, and only wish to view a

24 hour period, then adjust the From: and To: fields accordingly.

When the Trending window first appears, the From: and To: fields will

contain the last 24 hours of data.

If “ALL” is selected it will display the start and end dates of the

database.

NOTE: The smaller the time span you select, the faster the database

search and draw. This will also depend on the poll rate that was used

during that time span.

Use the ALL button to set the From: and To: fields to the maximum

and minimum dates found in the data in the database.

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Poll Group Cycle

When toggled ON, this will step through each radio in the poll group

and display the trend graph. Set the step interval in the “Step Every

(Sec)” field. Default = 2 seconds

Cursor: Use the slider control, found at the bottom of the display to

move the cursor. The cursor box displays the parameter data of the

status poll at the current cursor position.

Use the “Set From” button to set the From: field to the current cursor

position.

Use the “Set To” button to set the To: field to the current cursor

position.

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Tools - Statistical Performance

The diagnostic core of radios with Firmware V2.4.X and above have 6

counters which store packet statistics for later retrieval. They are:-

• Lost Synch.

• Lost RxSig.

• Good Frames.

• Bad Frames.

• Time Ticker.

• RSSI Ticker.

The Diagnostic controller software uses these statistics to calculate

packet and bit error rates, network efficiency, bandwidth utilisation and

radio link integrity. These network analysis features are an invaluable

tool for larger networks.

Statistical Performance Formulae

Timers:

Time Ticker (10mS): (RRT) = timer that increments by one every

10mSec

Elapsed Time: = Total elapsed time in hh:mm:ss from

reset calculated from RRT

RSSI Ticker (10mS): = timer that increments by one every

10mSec when RxSig present.

(Virtual connection to RxSig LED)

Transmit Channel:

Tx Frames: = Number of Tx HDLC frames.

Tx Byte: = Number of Tx Bytes

Average Frame Size: = TxByteCnt / TxFrameCnt

Average Frame Rate (mSec): = TxFrameCnt / RTT * 0.01

Channel Utilisation (%): = (TxByteCnt * 8) / (RTT *

RFChannelBitRate)

where RFChannelBitRate is 9600 or

4800 Bits per sec.

Receive Channel:

Good Frames: = Good Frames Rx’d

Bad Frames: = Bad Frames Rx’d. Rx HDLC frame

error.

Good Bytes: = Good Bytes Rx’d

Average Frame Size: = GoodByteCnt / GoodFrameCnt

Average Frame Rate (mSec): = (GoodFrameCnt + BadFrameCnt) /

RTT * 0.01

Channel Occupancy (%): = RSSIgoodTicker / RTT * 100

(Average from reset)

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Click the Log Counters OFF/ON button to log the counters every

time they are updated. These can be viewed on the “Counter Poll

History” Tab.

Notes:

• The controller will attempt a series of polls when either resetting

or retrieving the counters. You should monitor the status

window to ensure that the poll process completes. If errors

occur, they may be due to conditions like packet collisions on a

busy network, diagnostic controller trying to perform too many

poll functions (i.e. group polling, individual polling), etc.

• E Series data radios have 32 bit counters and will count for 1

year, 4 months & 10 days if not reset occurs.

Live System Performance Tab

This provides an automatic test facility which will automatically reset

all the radio modems counters, and then after a 10 minute period

retrieve the new counter values. View the Performance counters tab

to see the result.

Indicative Packet Error Test Tab with Commissioning Record

This Tab provides a simple link test facility. When this is running,

continuous Poll/Response diagnostic messages will be transmitted to

and from the unit and Packet Error Rate results recorded. If a

response is not received within the Poll Response Timeout period,

then an error (last Packet) is recorded. If the system is live, collisions

are likely and may effect Error results.

Channel Occ Sliding: = RSSIgoodTicker / RTT * 100

(Average from last update)

Channel Utilisation (%): = (GoodByteCnt * 8) / (RTT *

RFChannelBitRate)

Miscellaneous:

Lost Synch: = Increments on lost synch, must be

validated with RxSig. (Virtual

connection to Synch LED)

Lost RSSI: = Increments on lost RxSig (Virtual

connection to RxSig LED)

Radio modems with Firmware Revisions 2.4.x and above have the

advanced statistical counters as noted above. Firmware revisions

below this (i.e. 2.3.x) only have Good Frame count, Bad Frame

count, Lost RSSI count and Lost Synch Count available. The

diagnostic controller will detect which firmware the radio has, and only

report the available counters.

Statistical Performance Counters Window

Selected Unit

When a unit is selected, the controller will confirm that the firmware

revision has been received. If not, it will attempt to poll the radio

automatically to retrieve the revision number.

RF Data Rate

Select from the pull down menu 4800, 9600 or 19200 bps, depending

on your system settings

Status Bar

Reports any poll processing in progress or errors that may have

occurred.

Performance Counters Tab

This is the main statistical performance tool used for assessing

network performance.

• Make sure “log counters” is checked on

• Click the Update Counters button to retrieve the current

statistical performance results.

• Click the Auto Poll OFF/ON button to automatically update

the counters every hour for selected unit.

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Print Commissioning Record

From the “Indicative Packet Error test” a commissioning sheet can be

printed to file (eg: using Adobe PDF write or similar), or printed

directly.

After running the test for the desired time (best results with no user

data), the test can be stopped with the “Finish” button. Select “Print

Commissioning Record” button and a page appears with the results

and also the unit identity, last poll results, system status and date/time

stamp for each record.

On this page there is also a facility to type in a “Comment” field. This

is useful for recording information such as where the test was

conducted and through what part of the system the test was

conducted. eg: via a repeater.

Press “Print” button when ready to send to the default printer.

Counter Poll History Tab

This is a database viewing facility. When logging is enabled “Log

Counters”, each time the counters are retrieved they will be written to

the database. Adjust the From: & To: fields to view a specified time

span or press ALL to obtain complete database period.

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Networking

Monitoring the radio network from other workstations on a LAN

network is made easy with the networking facilities provided by the

Diagnostics Controller. The radio network controller can be configured

as either a Server or Client. The Server will send poll information to

each attached client, depending on their access rights.

Client groups can be set up. Each Client can be assigned to one

client group. Each radio modem can be assigned to one or more

Client groups.

A default Client group called “ALL” is automatically set up containing

all radio units in the database.

Client Groups Example:

All Pumps Test

Test Unit 1 Pump 1 Test Unit 1

Test Unit 2 Pump 2 Test Unit 2

Test Unit 3 Pump 3 Test Unit 3

Pump 1

Pump 2

Pump 3

In the above example, there are three client groups, ALL (the default),

Pumps, and Test. A Radio modem can be a member of more than

one group.

Client Examples:

• Central - This is the Diagnostic Server which

is attached to the radio network.

• Test Client - This is a Diags controller in client

mode.

• Pump Monitor - This is a Diags controller in client

mode.

In the above example, the Central workstation, running Diagnostics in

Server mode, is polling all the radios in the network and distributing the

received messages to the attached clients.

The Test Client and Pump Monitor are receiving Status poll and alarm

information from the Central server. The Test Client will only receive

poll information for radios found in the “Test Client Group” i.e. Test

Units 1, 2 and 3. The Pump Monitor will only receive poll information

for radios found in the “Pumps Client Group” i.e. Pumps 1, 2 and 3.

Networking - Setting

The Server should be configured properly first before any connection

attempts are made by clients. It will always be safer to stop any

polling that may be in progress when making changes to the Server

client set up.

Local Host Settings Tab

It is assumed that the workstation is running Windows, and has been

configured with the TCP/IP network protocol.

• Open or create a radio database.

• Under the Networking menu bar select “Settings” from the

menu bar.

• In the Networking window click the “Local Host Settings”

button.

• The Local Host settings will appear, which contains the Server

Host Name, IP address, Local Port and Password.

• The Local Port is the socket number. Select an unused socket

number. Usually a number between 1000 and 2000 would be

safe.

• Enter a password. This is required when in client mode, to

access incoming data from the server.

• Apply Change.

Creating Client Database- File/Paths Tab

When in Server mode the Diagnostic controller uses an additional

database file (.mdb) to store Client information. This file is linked to the

main radio Database file. The link is managed by the Microsoft Jet

database engine. This separate linked file configuration permits

archiving of the main radio database (.mdb) without losing client

configuration data.

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• In the Networking window click the “File/Paths” button.

• The “Current Radio Database” is displayed if open.

• Select “Create New Client Database” from the Action drop

down list.

• Click “Execute” to create and link the client database.

Adding Client Group(s)

• Click the Remote Client Groups tab.

• Enter the group name in the field provided.

• Click on the Add button to add the group name to the database.

Deleting a Client Group

• Click on the “Remote Client Groups” tab.

• Select the group you wish to delete.

• Click on the “Delete” button to delete the group name from the

database.

Adding a Client

• Click on the Remote Clients tab.

• Enter Client Name. This can be either the remote clients Host

name or IP address. Entering the client Host name requires

extra processing to resolve the name into an IP address.

Entering the IP address directly in the Client name field is more

efficient, although more cryptic.

• Select a client group.

• Enter the clients password.

• Enter the client Port. This is the socket number used at the

remote client.

• Click the Add button to add the client to the database.

Deleting a Client

• On the Remote Client Tab, select a client to delete by clicking

on the record selector (left most column).

• Click the delete button to delete the client from the database.

Adding Radio(s) to a Client group

• On the Radios tab select a Client Group.

• Using the “Add and/or Remove” buttons to add or remove

radios from the Client Group.

• Under Networking on the menu bar, Select the “Server Mode”

button. This will place the diagnostic controller into Server

mode.

• The Diagnostic Controller Server is now ready distribute

messages to client workstations.

Setting Up a Client

In Client mode, the diagnostics controller basically just mirrors the

display of the server. Poll information can not be stored locally, polling

functions are not available via the remote server, and most of the tools

normally provided are disabled.

It is assumed that the workstation is running Win95/98/NT, has been

configured with the TCP/IP network protocol and has been added to

the Diagnostic Server’s Client Groups.

• Under Networking on the menu bar, select “Settings”.

• The Network settings window will appear, which contains the

Client Host Name and IP address, which are view only.

• Enter the Client password as stored at the Diagnostic

Controller Server.

• Enter the Local Port Address (socket number) as stored in

the Diagnostic Controller Server database.

• Click the “Apply Change” button.

• Under Networking on the menu bar, Select the “Client Mode”

button. This will place the diagnostic controller into client mode.

A local Diagnostic session can be operated while in client mode, both

status messages will appear on screen.

Diags Client

A Client only version of this software is also available. This must be

used in conjunction with standard software running in “Server Mode”.

Local Com ports are disabled permanently in this version.

Part J  TVIEW+ Management Suite - Remote Diagnostics & Network Controller

Page 66

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Interpreting Poll Results

General

The results returned by the poll requests give an indication of system

performance. When a new modem is added to the database, default

values are assigned for the limits of the returned results. The user can

assign different values to these limits as required, which is determined

by the fault tolerance level of their systems.

RSSI

The default RSSI limits are set at -30 to -105 dBm(-110 dBm for Base/

Repeater Station). Above -30 dBm the front end of the receiver will

saturate and it is unlikely that signal levels much higher than this will

ever be reported. Below -105/-110 dBm the error rate may become

too high for some applications. In the modem the RSSI measurement

is made periodically each 100mS, while R F carrier is being detected.

Transmitter power

The transmitter power limits are set at between 0mW and 20,000mW.

The modems will normally be operating at a power level of 1 watt.

The above limits are set to ±3dB of the nominal (3dB represents a

factor of 2 for power measurements).

The effect of a change in transmittal power can be transposed to the

receiver BER curves (3dB down at the transmitter is 3dB down at the

receiver). The amount of variation tolerated will be determined by the

RF path loss of the data link being used.

If the modem is set to low power, then the transmittal power will be

nominally 200mW. Suggested limits for this would be 100mW and

400mW (±3dB).

For base station units or remote units set to high power, the nominal

transmitter power is 5 watts. Suggested limits on these would be 2.5

watts to 10 watts (±3dB).

In the modem the reported transmit power measurement is given from

a measurement made of the last transmission made by the modems.

When the PTT is ON a periodic measurement is made of the transmit

power. The modem stores this away and reports it when requested.

Temperature

The modem is specified to operate within the temperature range of -

30°C to 65°C. The defaults limits are set to -30°C and 60°C. At

65°C the modem goes into a high temperature foldback mode, when

the power is reduced to the low power mode. This is to reduce the

risk of damage to the final stage of the transmitter at excessive

temperatures.

The modem will operate outside this temperature range but it is not

recommended.

Supply Voltage

The modem is specified to operate over a DC supply range of 11V to

16V. The default levels are set to 11.5V to 15.5V. The modem will not

operate correctly outside these bounds and damage may occur with

high voltage levels being applied.

Frequency

The frequency limits are set to ±3000Hz. This is basically the

difference between the different ends of a data link. If the difference

gets much greater than this, data errors may occur (the modem will

have a degree of long term frequency drift of 1ppm / annum due to the

physical properties of internal components).

Part J  TVIEW+ Management Suite - Remote Diagnostics & Network Controller

Notes:

1. Remote Tx power measurements will vary due to power setting variation which can have an

initial error of +/- 0.5 dB and final error of +/- 0.2 dB

2. Base Tx power measurements will vary due to power setting variation by the exciter which can

have an initial/final error of +/- 0.2 dB and overshoot by the PA <1 dB.

Parameter Resolution Absolute

accuracy @ RT

Drift over

Temp. range Notes

Temperature 0.1 degC +/- 4 degC +/- 1 degC

Supply Voltage 0.1 volts +/- 0.5V +/- 0.08V +/- 0.45%

Rx Signal Strength 0.1 dBm +/- 3 dB +/- 2 dB

Frequency Error 1Hz +/- 200Hz +/- 2500Hz

Tx Power (Remote) 0.1 dBm +/- 1.5 dB +/- 0.3 dB Note 1

Tx Reverse Power(Remote) 0.1 dBm +/- 3 dB +/- 1 dB

Tx Power (Base) 0.1 dBm +/- 0.8 dB +/- 1 dB Note 2

Tx Reverse Power (Base) 0.1 dBm

Page 67

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Appendix A - Application and

Technical Notes

TN-4 Remote Diagnostics

AN-D3 SID Code Addressing Scheme for Small to

Medium Sized Data Radio Systems

AN-D4 Trunked Multi-Stream Applications of the D Series

Product Range

Part K  Appendices

Appendix B - Slip Protocol

The SLIP protocol, is a data transport protocol, originated and used

extensively in UNIX(tm) based systems, and thus also closely

associated with TCP/IP networked systems. Although not truly a

“standard” it is so widely used that it has become the defacto standard

for serial interface in UNIX and many other networked systems.

SLIP is a method of framing messages containing binary data, on

asynchronous channels. The asynchronous serial channel is

configured for eight bit character size, no parity, and one stop.

A specific binary code called FEND (Frame End, hexadecimal

value=C0) is reserved to define a frame boundary. Should this same

code occur in the data message to be transferred across the channel

controlled under SLIP, then an escape sequence is used so that the

message byte will not be confused for a FEND. This escape

sequence, involves replacing the message hexadecimal C0 code

with a two byte sequence FESC, TFEND. FESC (Frame Escape)

is the binary code hexadecimal DB, and TFEND (Transposed FEND)

is binary code hexadecimal DC. Likewise, if the FESC character

ever appears in the user data, it is replaced with the two character

sequence FESC, TFESC (Transposed FESC). The TFESC is the

binary code hexadecimal DD. The following table clarifies this.

Abbreviation Description Hex.Value

FEND Frame end C0

FESC Frame escape DB

TFEND Transposed frame end DC

TFESC Transposed frame escape DD

As characters arrive at the SLIP receiver, they are appended to a

buffer containing the current frame. Receiving a FEND marks the end

of the frame, and consequently, succeeding bytes are considered part

of the next frame.

Receipt of a FESC code puts the SLIP receiver into “escaped mode”,

causing it to translate a following TFESC or TFEND back to a FESC

or FEND code, appending it to the buffer, and resuming it’s normal

state. Receipt of any byte other than TFESC or TFEND while in

escaped mode, is an error. No translation occurs, and the SLIP

receiver leaves escaped mode. A TFESC or TFEND received while

not in escaped mode is treated as an ordinary character and stored

accordingly. Reception of consecutive FEND characters, causes no

action to be taken (i.e. is not interpreted as zero length frames).

An example of a typical SLIP frame is shown below. The message

consists of the string DA,C4,C0,C5,DB,20,BD,DC,DD. The SLIP

frame will be:-

DA,C4,<FESC>,<TFEND>,C5,<FESC>,<TFESC>,20,BD,DC,DD,<FEND>

==> DA,C4,DB,DC,C5,DB,DD,20,BD,DC,DD,C0

Page 68

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Part K  Appendices

Appendix C - Firmware Updates

Radio/Base Firmware Update

Firmware update is performed on a unit connected locally to the PC. It

is recommended that all cabling to the unit be disconnected prior to

commencing firmware update to minimise any interruption to the

process or disturbances of signals on cables still connected. All other

TVIEW+ Management Suite utilities should also be exited during the

firmware update process. The steps to update the firmware as follows:

1. Start the firmware update utility from the TView+ front panel.

2. Disconnect power from the unit by turning off the power supply

or removing the power connector to the unit.

3. Connect the serial cable from the PC to Port B on the unit

4. Select the unit type from the options on the top right of the

firmware update main window. Please note that “Exciter”

refers to the radio contained inside the base station.

5. Select the file containing the firmware update package using the

“Select” button at the bottom of the main window. After opening

the file the browse window will close and a description of the

firmware package will appear in the main window.

6. Initiate the firmware updating process using the “Write” button at

the bottom of the main window. Another logging window will

appear.

7. Reconnect power to the unit when prompted in the logging

window. The status LEDs on the unit including power should all

be extinguished and the transfer of firmware should commence.

If this does not occur steps 6 & 7 should be repeated.

8. The logging window will display the progress of each firmware

block transferred and when complete a success dialogue box

appears. Type OK to close this dialogue box and type “Exit” in

the main window to exit the firmware update utility.

9. Disconnect the cable from Port B and re power the unit to

enable the new firmware.

Base Station Display Firmware Update

Installation Instructions:

1. Update of the front panel firmware uses the firmware update

utility supplied with the TVIEW+ Management Suite.

2. Start the firmware update utility from the TVIEW+ front panel.

3. In the firmware update utility select device type as “Base

Station Front Panel”

4. Select the file containing the firmware update package using the

“select” button at the bottom of the main window. After opening

the file the browse window will close and a description of the

firmware package will appear in the main window.

5. Ensure that the base station is powered.

6. Connect the “TVIEW+ cable” to the front or rear system port of

the base station.

7. On the base station front panel depress and hold the “Display

On/Off” button, then momentarily depress the firmware update

switch using a suitable probe before releasing the “Display On/

Off” button. The firmware update switch is located behind the

small hole (not labelled) in the front panel below the “Display

On/Off” button.

8. Initiate the firmware update process using the “Write” button at

the bottom of the main window. Another logging window will

appear.

9. The logging window will display the progress of each firmware

block transferred and when complete a success dialogue box

appears. Click OK to close this dialogue box and click “Exit”

in the main window to exit the firmware update utility.

10. Repower the base station to enable the new firmware.

Page 69

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Part L  Specifications

Page 70

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

Part M  Support Options

Website Information

The Trio DataCom website support contains links to e-mail and

telephone support, tech notes, manuals, software updates.

Please go to www.trio.com.au/support.htm.

E-mail Technical Support

E-mail your questions to support@trio.com.au.

When e-mailing questions to our support staff, make sure you tell us

the exact model number (and serial number if possible) of the Trio

equipment you are working with. Include as much detail as possible

about the situation, and any tests that you have done which may help

us to better understand the issue. If possible, please include your

telephone contact information should we wish to further clarify any

issues.

Telephone Technical Support

Telephone support is available at our head office telephone number

Aus: (+61) 3 9775 0505 during Eastern Australian business hours

(9am-5pm).

Contacting the Service

Department

The Service department may be contacted by e-mail to

service@trio.com.au , or by telephone during Eastern Australian

business hours.

Part M  Support Options

Page 71

E Series Data Radio – User Manual

T +613 9775 0505

F +613 9775 0606

E support@trio.com.au

www.trio.com.au

TRIO DATACOM GROUP

41 Aster Avenue

Carrum Downs VIC

Australia 3201

Innovative and sophisticated

digital communications

designs products and solutions Information subject to change without notice.

Issue 4: May 03

Trio Datacom EB450-XXF01 Remote Radio Data Modem Base/Repeater User Manual temp warning E Series R3

Trio Datacom Pty Ltd (a wholly owned company of Schneider Electric) Remote Radio Data Modem Base/Repeater temp warning E Series R3

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