Black Box MDR24x User manual

MDR24x Wireless 2.4GHz Modem
User’s Manual
Version 1.1
1000 Park Drive – Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Website: www.blackbox.com Email: [email protected]
Order Toll Free in the US: Call 877-877-BBOX (Outside the US call 724-746-5500)

Document Information
10/26/2006 2
Copyright
Information
Copyright © 2005 BLACK BOX, Inc. All rights reserved.
The information contained in this manual and the accompanying
software programs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved by
BLACK BOX, Inc. BLACK BOX, Inc. reserves the right to make
periodic modifications of this product without obligation to notify
any person or entity of such revision. Copying, duplicating, selling, or otherwise
distributing any part of this product without the prior consent of an authorized
representative of BLACK BOX, Inc. is prohibited.
All brands and product names in this publication are registered
trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
This material is preliminary
Information furnished by BLACK BOX in this specification is believed to be accurate. Devices sold
by BLACK BOX are covered by the warranty and patent indemnification provisions appearing in its
Terms of Sale only. BLACK BOX makes no warranty, express, statutory, and implied or by
description, regarding the information set forth herein. BLACK BOX reserves the right to change
specifications at any time and without notice.
BLACK BOX products are intended for use in normal commercial applications. Applications
requiring extended temperature range or unusual environmental requirements such as military,
medical life-support or life-sustaining equipment are specifically not recommended without
additional testing for such application.
Limited Warranty
For a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, BLACK BOX warrants the transceiver
against defects in materials and workmanship. BLACK BOX will not honor this warranty (and this
warranty will be automatically void) if there has been any:
(1) Tampering, signs of tampering, or opening the transceiver’s case.
(2) Use of AC power adapters and cables other than those originally supplied with the
transceivers.
(3) Repair or attempt to repair by anyone other than an BLACK BOX authorized
technician.
This warranty does not cover and BLACK BOX will not be liable for, any damage or failure caused
by misuse, abuse, acts of God, accidents, electrical irregularity, or other causes beyond BLACK
BOX control, or claim by other than the original purchaser.

FCC Information
10/26/2006 3
FCC Notice
RF Exposure/Installation Instructions
WARNING: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference and (2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
WARNING: To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices,
this equipment must be professionally installed such that the end user is
prevented from replacing the antenna with a non-approved antenna. The
end user should also be prevented from being within 20cm of the antenna
during normal use with the exception of hands, feet, wrists and ankles.
The preceding statement must be included as a CAUTION statement in
manuals for OEM products to alert users on FCC RF Exposure compliance.
Caution: Any change or modification not expressly approved by Black Box
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Table of Contents
10/26/2006 4
USER’S MANUAL........................................................................................... 1
1. MDR24X RF TRANSCEIVER................................................................................ 5
1.1 OVERVIEW........................................................................................................... 5
1.2 MDR24X SPECIFICATION.................................................................................... 6
1.3 MDR24X INTERFACE.......................................................................................... 7
2. INTERFACING PROTOCOL.............................................................................. 10
2.1 RS-232 .............................................................................................................. 11
2.2 RS-485 (2-WIRE HALF DUPLEX)........................................................................ 12
2.3 HARDWARE FLOW CONTROL ............................................................................. 13
3. NETWORK TOPOLOGIES ................................................................................. 14
3.1 POINT-TO-POINT ................................................................................................ 14
3.2 POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT...................................................................................... 14
4. MDR24X CONFIGURATION UTILITY SOFTWARE ....................................15
4.1 INSTALLATION ................................................................................................... 15
4.2 MDR24X SETTINGS .................................... ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
4.2.1 ConnexLink Settings.................................................................................. 15
4.2.2 Optional Settings....................................................................................... 16
4.2.3 PC Settings................................................................................................ 16
4.2.4 Additional Features .................................................................................. 16
4.3 PROGRAMMING THE MDR24X UNITS................................................................ 18
5. TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................... 19
Figures
Figure 1- RS-232/RS-485 MDR24X Front View............................................................ 7
Figure 2- RS-232 MDR24X Back View .......................................................................... 8
Figure 3- RS-485 MDR24X Back View .......................................................................... 8
Figure 4- MDR24X Mechanical Diagram ...................................................................... 9
Figure 5- RS-232 Male/Female Connector Pin out ................................................... 11
Figure 6- DCE to DTE Interface.................................................................................... 11
Figure 7- DCE to DCE Interface................................................................................... 12
Figure 8- Point-to-Point Network.................................................................................. 14
Figure 9- Multiple Networks of Point-to-Multipoint MDR24Xs ................................. 14
Tables
Table 1 – DTE, DCE and Null Modem Signal Definitions......................................... 10

MDR24X User’s Manual
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1. MDR24X RF Transceiver
The MDR24X transceiver is a Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) radio designed for
license-free operation in the 2.4GHz ISM band. Out-of-the box, the radio sustains a standard
asynchronous serial data stream between two or more radios. Housed in a compact and rugged
die-cast enclosure, the radio is equipped to replace thousands of meters of serial cable with its
wireless link. The radio features an RS-232 or RS-485 interface for integration into legacy data
systems.
Features
9Durable Industrial grade enclosure
9Transparent operation, supports any legacy system
9Transmits around corners, through walls
9Reliable communication up to 115.2Kbps
1.1 Overview
The MDR24X uses Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum modulation, where the units “hop”
from frequency to frequency many times per second using a specific hop pattern applied to all
the transceivers in the same network. A distinct hopping pattern is provided for each Channel
Number, thereby allowing multiple networks to co-exist in the same area without interference.
MDR24X transceivers operate in a Point-to-Point or Point-to-Multipoint, Client-Server or Peer-to-
Peer architecture. One transceiver is configured as a Server and there can be one or many
Clients. To establish synchronization between transceivers, the Server emits a beacon. Upon
detecting a beacon, a Client transceiver informs its Host and a RF link is established.
MDR24Xs implement a proprietary communication protocol to provide secure data
transmissions. Using FHSS technology, the data remains reliable over long distances. The use
of license free frequency bands ensures that the units are ready to use with no further
certification requirements.
Each unit is small and easily portable for use in mobile and temporary settings as well as for fixed
installations. The MDR24X configuration software enables custom configurations based on
unique application requirements.

MDR24X User’s Manual
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1.2 MDR24X Specification
Specifications MDR24X
TRANSCEIVER PERFORMANCE
Output power (w/ 3dBi antenna) 100mW
Transmission range Up to 500 feet (450m) indoors; Up to 1 mile (1.6 km) line-of-sight
Data rate Up to 115.2 Kbps
RF Data Rate 576kbps fixed
Receiver Sensitivity -100dBm typical @ 576kbps RF Data Rate
Power Consumption (@ 12 Vdc) 102mA (50% Transmit/Receive duty cycle)
Configuration software Easy-to-use Windows based software
NETWORKING AND SECURITY
Frequency band, RF Technology 2402 – 2478MHz, FHSS
Supported Network Topologies Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint
Channels 40 US/Canada/Europe, 20 France
Security One byte System ID
ANTENNA
RF Connector RPSMA Jack
T
yp
e 1/2 Wave Di
p
ole
ELECTRICAL
Electrical requirements Line voltage 100 – 120V (240V outside US);
Power supply 6-foot cable, AC power connector
ENVIRONMENTAL
Environmental conditions Operating temperature -40° to +80°C; 10% to 90% humidity (non-condensing)
PHYSICAL
Dimensions 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.4 inches
Weight 6 oz (170 g)
Serial Connector DB-9 Male (RS-232), Terminal Block (RS-485)
Power Jack Dimensions 0.100” diameter pin with 0.250” diameter opening. Center positive.
Serial Cord length 6 feet (183 cm)

MDR24X User’s Manual
10/26/2006 7
1.3 MDR24X Interface
MDR24X transceivers support RS-232/ RS-485 (2-wire Half Duplex) protocols. In a cabled
environment, the RS-485 protocol can tolerate high noise and push signals over long cable
lengths. RS-485 cabling can also communicate as far as 4000 feet (1200m) and offer multi-drop
capability where up to 32 nodes can be connected. RS-232 cabling is suitable for distances less
than 100 feet (30.5m) and only supports point-to-point communications. MDR24X transceivers
offer performance improvements over a standard cabled link. Distance and multipoint
communications are greatly enhanced. A selection of RS-232/RS-485 can be made when
ordering the MDR24Xs.
Figure 1- MDR24X Front View
MDR24X Status LEDs
LED Color Description
Pwr Green On indicates that the unit is powered up.
Link Red
On indicates the Client unit(s) and Server unit are in range of one
another. Link LED remains activated on Server units. Client units
activate the Link LED when in range of the Server unit.
Rx Green When flashing, LED indicates MDR24X unit is receiving data.
Tx Red When and flashing, LED indicates MDR24X unit is sending data.
RPSMA Antenna Connector
Status LEDs
Pwr Link Rx Tx

MDR24X User’s Manual
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RS-232 Pin Assignments
Figure 2- MDR242A Back View
RS-485 (2-wire Half Duplex) Terminal Block Pin Assignments
Figure 3- MDR244A Back View
Note: Standard power is applied through the power connector. Alternative power is available via
the terminal block pins.
Pin Description
Input /
Output
1 DCD O
2TxD O
3RxD I
4DSR O
5GND
6DTR I
7CTS O
8RTS I
9 RI O
Pin Description
1
V
CC
(
6
–
18V
)(
125 mA max
)
2 485-
(
485B
)
3 No Connect
4 No Connect
5 485+
(
485A
)
6GND
16
Power Connector
Terminal Block
Power ConnectorDB9 Male Connector
15
69

MDR24X User’s Manual
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MDR24X Mechanical Diagram
Figure 4- MDR24X Mechanical Diagram
0.000
0.250
Antenna Connector
SMA Jack, Reverse Polarity
0.000
0.375
0.000
0.536
0.060
9 Pin Male D-Connector
Power Jack w/ 0.100 dia. pin and
0.250 opening, pin is PWR.
0.538
J3
J4
2.375
2.750
4.500 4.750
2.000
0.150 dia. mounting holes
(4) places
1.170
0.565
4.185
Status LEDs
Label Recess, 3.5w x 2.0h
Side View
Top View
Note: All dimension in inches unless noted
Pwr Link Rx Tx

MDR24X User’s Manual
10/26/2006 10
2. Interfacing Protocol
The MDR24X is a DCE (Data Communications Equipment). A DCE can be interfaced to a DTE
using a straight through serial cable (the serial cable provided with the MDR24X is a straight
through cable). Typically, PC’s are defined as a DTE and peripherals are defined as DCE. To
interface a DCE with another DCE, or a DTE with another DTE, a null modem (or a Crossover)
cable is required. The null modem simply swaps pins to convert a DCE to a DTE and vice-versa.
A null modem cable can be provided with the MDR24X on request.
The MDR24X transceivers support the following interface protocols
•RS-232
•RS-485 (2-wire) Half Duplex
Table 1 – DTE, DCE and Null Modem Signal Definitions
DCE Pin
Number
DCE Signal
Name
DCE
Direction
DTE Pin
Number
DTE Signal
Name
DTE
Direction
Null Modem
Female DB9
Null Modem
Male DB9
1 DCD O 1 DCD I 1 NC
2 TXD O 2 RXD I 2 3
3 RXD I 3 TXD O 3 2
4 DTR I 4 DTR O 4 6
5 GND 5 GND 5 5
6 DSR O 6 DSR I 6 4
7 RTS I 7 RTS O 7 8
8 CTS O 8 CTS I 8 7
9 RI O 9 RI I 9 NC