Black Box MDR100A-R4 User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

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SUPPORT
INFORMATION
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FEBRUARY 2000
MDR100A-R4 MDR151-0050-R2
MDR100AE-R4 MDR151-0100-R2
MDR100AE-AUS MDR152-0025-R3
MD3310-R2 MDR152-0050-R3
MD3311-R2 MDR152-0100-R3
MDR151-0010-R2 MDR153
MDR151-0025-R2 MDR154
Industrial Modem RF115
RS-485 RF Modem Modules
Optional RF Antennas
PC
I O
ANTENNA
12VDC
Industrial Modem RF 115
NC
RTS
CTS
NC
CO
DO
DI
NC
GD
RS-232

1
TRADEMARKS
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
pcANYWHERE is a registered trademark of Dynamic Microprocessor Associates,
Inc.
UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories, Incorporated.
Any other trademarks used in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of
the trademark owners.

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INDUSTRIAL MODEM RF115
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the
interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

3
NOM STATEMENT
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

4
INDUSTRIAL MODEM RF115
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

5
CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications..........................................................................................................6
2. Introduction............................................................................................................8
3. Quick Start............................................................................................................10
4. Configuration ......................................................................................................11
5. Operation Mode Selections ................................................................................14
6. Multipoint Operation ..........................................................................................22
6.1 Setting Multipoint Parameters ....................................................................22
6.2 Network ID....................................................................................................25
6.3 MultiMasterSync Mode ................................................................................26
7. Baud Rate Selections............................................................................................29
8. Call Book Selections ............................................................................................30
8.1 Entering or Modifying Numbers in the Call Book ....................................31
8.2 Programming the Call Book in Multipoint Systems..................................32
9. Radio-Transmission Parameters..........................................................................33
10. The Modem Location..........................................................................................40
11. Modem Radio Diagnostic LEDs..........................................................................41
12. Using an External Antenna ................................................................................42
13. RS-232 Pin Assignments ......................................................................................43
14. Data Communications Settings ..........................................................................44
15. Establishing Data-Communication Links with the Modem ..............................45

6
INDUSTRIAL MODEM RF115
1. Specifications
Range— 20 miles (32.2 km)
RS-232 Data Throughput
(Uncompressed)— 1200 baud to 115.2 kbps (half-duplex) or 57.6 kbps
(full duplex)
RS-232 Interface— Asynchronous, full or half-duplex
System Gain— 135 dB
Minimum Receiver
Decode Level— -110 dBm @ 10-4 raw BER; -108 dBm @ 10-6 raw BER
Operating Frequency— 902 to 928 MHz
Modulation Type— Spread Spectrum, GFSK
Spreading Code— Frequency Hopping
Hop Patterns— 15 (user-selectable)
Output Power— 0.1 to 1 watt, selectable
Error Detection— 32-bit CRC with packet retransmit
Antenna— 3-inch whip provided. Non-standard SMA connector
allows use of external directional or omnidirectional
antennas.
Connector— RS-232 9-pin female
Unit Address— Unique, factory-set
Operating Modes— Point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, store and forward
repeater
Operating Environment— -40 to +167°F (-40 to +75°C)
FCC Identifier— KNY-DGR-115
DOC (Canada)
Identifier— 2329 101 340A

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Approvals — CE, UL®
Power Requirements— 10.5 to 18 VDC, Center pin positive, AC wall adapter
provided
Power Consumption— 180 mA Transmit, 100 mA Receive, 120 mA Average
Input Power — MDR100A-R4: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 16W; MDR100AE-R4,
MDR100AE-AUS: 230 VAC, 50 Hz, 110 mA
Output Power — MDR100A-R4: 12 VDC, 800 mA; MDR100AE-R4,
MDR100AE-AUS: 12 VDC, 1000 mA
Size— 1.4"H x 5"W x 7.8"D (3.6 x 12.7 x 19.8 cm)
Weight— 1.8 lb. (0.8 kg)

8
INDUSTRIAL MODEM RF115
2. Introduction
The Industrial Modem RF115 (part number MDR100A-R4) is a high-performance
wireless modem designed for heavy-duty industrial data communications in the
902- to 928-MHz license-free band. It uses advanced frequency-hopping technology
to achieve reliable noise- and interference-immune operation. The modem
operates in a number of different modes to satisfy a broad range of
communications requirements.
The modem can operate in virtually any environment where you would use normal
RS-232 data communications. A pair of these modems works as a 9-pin null-modem
cable. If you use the modems in an application that would normally use a null-
modem cable (such as communication between two computers), you can directly
connect both modems. If you use the two modems to replace a straight-through
RS-232 cable, place a null-modem cable between one of the modems and the DCE
instrument to which it is connected.
Your package includes:
• Industrial Modem RF115
• Fixed whip antenna
• Wallmount power adapter
• This user manual

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
You can convert the modem’s DB9 RS-232 connector to RS-485 using the RS-485
Modem Module 2-wire (part number MD3310-R2) or the RS-485 Modem Module
4-wire (part number MD3311-R2).
A variety of optional RF antennas are also available (ordered separately):
• Omnidirectional with Bracket Mount with 10-ft. cable (MDR151-0010-R2)
• Omnidirectional with Bracket Mount with 25-ft. cable (MDR151-0025-R2)
• Omnidirectional with Bracket Mount with 50-ft. cable (MDR151-0050-R2)
• Omnidirectional with Bracket Mount with 100-ft. cable (MDR151-0100-R2)
• Yagi (Unidirectional) with Bracket Mount with 25-ft. cable (MDR152-0025-R3)
• Yagi (Unidirectional) with Bracket Mount with 50-ft. cable (MDR152-0050-R3)
• Yagi (Unidirectional) with Bracket Mount with 100-ft. cable
(MDR152-0100-R3)

10
INDUSTRIAL MODEM RF115
3. Quick Start
Follow these steps to establish full-duplex communications between a pair of new
Industrial Modems:
1. Following the configuration procedures described in Chapter 4, set one of the
modems to be a point-to-point slave and enter the Call Book numbers of the
master and slave in each other’s call list.
2. Set the baud rate on each modem to match the baud rate of the instrument to
which it is attached. Note that when you are setting the modem’s baud rate
you are setting only the data rate between the modem and the instrument to
which it is attached. The baud rate does not have to be the same for the two
modems.
3. Verify that the RS-232 connector on the cable supplied will fit the RS-232
interface on the instrument to which it is being connected. The cable supplied
will fit a 9-pin male RS-232 connector. Any other format will need an adapter
or a different cable.
4. Screw the included whip antenna into the modem, making sure that it is snug
and properly seated.
5. Connect the modem to the instrument with the RS-232 cable and attach the
power adapter to the modem. Shortly after both modems are plugged in, they
should establish a communications link, and your connection is complete.

11
CHAPTER 4: Configuration
4. Configuration
The modem lets you set several parameters to suit your particular application. All
adjustments are done through the modem setup program, a user interface that
eliminates the need for setup diskettes, DIP-switch settings, or custom software.
The setup program is invoked by connecting the modem to any terminal program,
setting the baud rate for that terminal to 19,200 baud, and using a small pointed
object to press the Setup button on the front panel of the modem. While any
terminal that can be set to 19,200 baud will work, all examples for this manual were
generated using the Terminal application from Microsoft®Windows®3.1.
Table 4-1. Setup Menu Terminal Settings
Parameter Setting
Baud Rate 19,200
Data Bits 8
Parity None
Stop Bits 1
Parity Check None/Off
Carrier Detect None/Off
When the setup program is invoked, all three LEDs on the modem’s front panel
will turn green and will remain green for the entire time the modem is in setup
mode. The main menu screen for the setup program is shown in Figure 4-1.
NOTE
The terms “modem” and “transceiver” are used interchangeably in the
text of the setup menu. Both terms refer to your Industrial Modem
RF115.

12
INDUSTRIAL MODEM RF115
Figure 4-1. The Modem Initial Menu.
When using the setup program, the escape key will get you out of the current
screen to the previous screen and will eventually reset the modem to its
operational mode. If the modem fails to respond to keystrokes, unplug the unit,
wait a few seconds, and plug it back in.
The initial menu provides the modem’s unique serial number and the set of
choices for editing the operational parameters and viewing the performance data.
(0) Set Operation Mode
When item (0) is selected, the Operation Mode Menu appears, as shown in Figure
4-2. The Operation Mode option is used to designate whether the modem will be a
master or a slave. (You need one master and at least one slave in any setup.) In a
point-to-point setup, either the master or slave may be used on either end of the
communications link without any performance degradation. One consideration
when setting up the modems is that a number of parameters are controlled by the
settings in the master; therefore, you may wish to deploy the master on the
communications end where you will have easier access to the modem.
Terminal-TERMINAL.TRM
File Edit Settings Phone Transfers Help
MAIN MENU
Version 3.0
Modem Serial Number 554-0002
(0) Set Operation Mode
(1) Set Baud Rate
(2) Edit Call Book
(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics
(4) Show Radio Statistics
(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters
(Esc) Exit Setup
Enter Choice

13
CHAPTER 4: Configuration
Figure 4-2. The Operation Mode Menu.
Terminal-TERMINAL.TRM
File Edit Settings Phone Transfers Help
MAIN MENU
Version 3.0
Modem Serial Number 554-0002
(0) Set Operation Mode
(1) Set Baud Rate
(2) Edit Call Book
(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics
(4) Show Radio Statistics
(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters
(Esc) Exit Setup
Enter Choice 0
SET MODEM MODE
Modem Mode is 2
(0) Point to Point Master
(1) Point to Point Slave
(2) Point to MultiPoint Master
(3) Point to MultiPoint Slave
(4) Point to Point Slave/Repeater
(5) Point to Point Repeater
(6) Point to Point Slave/Master Switchable
(7) Point to MultiPoint Repeater
(Esc) Exit to Main Menu

14
INDUSTRIAL MODEM RF115
5. Operation Mode Selections
(0) Point-to-Point Master
As mentioned previously, the modem operates in a master/slave configuration.
When designated as a master in point-to-point mode, the modem will call any or all
slaves it is instructed to call in the Call Book. The master determines the settings
used for all radio-transmission characteristics, regardless of the settings in the
slaves and repeaters.
A quick method of identifying a master is to power on the modem. Before
establishing a communication link with a slave or repeater, all three of the master’s
LEDs will be solid red.
(1) Point-to-Point Slave
When set up as a slave, the modem will communicate with any master in its Call
Book, either directly or through one or two repeaters. When functioning as a slave,
the entry to call feature in the modem’s Call Book is not operational. The slave will
communicate with any master on the list that calls.
(2) Point-to-Multipoint Master
The modem may be set to run in Multipoint mode, which allows one master to
simultaneously be in communication with numerous slaves. A point-to-multipoint
master will communicate only with other modems designated as point-to-
multipoint slaves or point-to-multipoint repeaters.
Please refer to Chapter 6 for more information on running a multipoint network.
(3) Point-to-Multipoint Slave
Setting (3) allows the modem to operate as a slave in a multipoint network.
Please refer to Chapter 6 for more information on running a multipoint network.

15
CHAPTER 5: Operation Mode Selections
(4) Point-to-Point Slave/Repeater
Option 4 allows you to designate the modem to act as either a slave or a repeater,
depending on the instructions received from the master for the specific
communications session. When a modem is placed in an ideal location, this setting
offers the flexibility of using that modem as an end point in the communication
link (slave) or to extend the link to a point further (repeater). These functions are
not, however, available simultaneously (the modem cannot act as both a slave and
a repeater at the same time).
NOTE
A modem designated as a repeater has no security features, as
explained below. When a modem is designated as a point-to-point
slave/repeater, it will allow any master to use it as a repeater.
(5) Point-to-Point Repeater
The modem allows the use of up to two repeaters in a communications link,
significantly extending the operating range. When designated as a repeater, a
modem behaves as a pass-through link. All settings for the call book, baud rate,
and radio-transmission characteristics are disabled. A repeater will connect with
any master that calls it (the repeater must still be set up in the master’s Call Book).
The use of one repeater in a communications link will reduce the top data
throughput available when compared to a direct master-to-slave link (about 50%).
This impact is generally noticed only when using the modems at 115.2 kbps. The
throughput does not decrease further if two repeaters are used.
(6) Point-to-Point Slave/Master Switchable
Mode 6 allows the modem to be controlled entirely through software commands.
When in mode 6, a number of key parameters in the user interface may be
changed either directly (with Windows HyperTerminal or some other terminal
emulator) or through the use of script files. In addition, when the modem is in
mode 6 and isn’t calling a slave, it will be a slave itself and accept any appropriate
calls from other modems.

16
INDUSTRIAL MODEM RF115
In mode 6:
• The modem remains in slave mode until called by another modem in its Call
Book or instructed to call another modem through an ATDT command. The
master will disconnect when DTR goes low.
• The user may change settings in the user interface without using the reset
button (this may be of particular value if the modem is not in an easily
accessible location).
• Predetermined script files may be used that allow any of the modem’s settings
to be changed upon execution of that file. This, in turn, allows the user to
establish pushbutton command sets that will instruct the modem to call a
predetermined slave.
The features of mode 6 will be explained using pcANYWHERE®1.0 for Windows as
the software interface.
The following steps demonstrate how to establish a pcANYWHERE entry using the
modem:
1. Enter a new entry under Call A Host PC. Give this entry a name that will be
easily remembered (such as Office Computer).
2. Establish a hardware setup entry for the modem with the settings shown in
Table 5-1.

17
CHAPTER 5: Operation Mode Selections
Table 5-1. Mode 6 Hardware Settings
Modem Direct Connect
Data Rate Matches baud rate on the modem
Flow Control RTS/CTS
Parity None
Advanced Hardware Settings:
Connection started by (calling PC) Always connected
Connection ended by (calling PC) Always connected
Connection started by (host PC) Carrier Detect
Connection ended by (host PC) Carrier Detect
DTR signal state Always on
RTS signal state Always on
Instruct pcANYWHERE to run a script file after connection (under advanced host
PC settings). This script file will allow any of the parameters shown in Table 5-2 to
be changed and will program the modem to call the appropriate entry in its Call
Book.
Figure 5-1 provides an example of how the commands in the script file should be
written. This script file does the following:
• Sets the Minimum Packet Size to position 2
• Sets the Transmit Rate to 1
• Sets the Maximum Packet Size to position 9
• Sets the Frequency Key to 9
• Sets the RF Data Rate to 2
• Sets the Transmit Power to 9 (full power)
• Programs the modem to call position 2 in its Call Book. This entry corresponds
with the pcANYWHERE entry with which we are trying to establish a
connection.