Black box Mdr292a User manual

Go wireless! Replace thousands of feet of serial cable

with these wireless transceiver client/servers.

Go wireless! Replace thousands of feet of serial cable

with these wireless transceiver client/servers.

900-MHz or 2.4-GHz Serial Transceiver Client/Server

FREE 24-hour Tech Support: 724-746-5500

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FEATURES

• Choose from RS-232 or RS-485, and

900-MHz or 2.4-GHz models to connect

to your PC’s serial port.

• Select the 900-MHz USB Host Transceiver

to link to your PC’s USB port.

• Uses Frequency-Hopping Spread

Spectrum (FHSS) modulation for license-

free operation.

• Durable industrial-grade enclosure.

• Transparent operation—supports any

legacy system.

• Transmits around corners and through

walls.

• Offers reliable communication up to

115.2 kbps.

A typical point-to-multipoint application using 5 MDR292A units links 1 server to 4 clients.

OVERVIEW

The Serial Transceiver Client/Server is a Frequency-Hopping

Spread Spectrum (FHSS) transceiver designed for license-free

operation in the 900-MHz or 2.4-GHz ISM band. Models are

available for 900-MHz RS-232, 900-MHz RS-485, 2.4-GHz RS-232,

and 2.4-GHz RS-485. Use the transceiver as a wireless link to

replace up to 20 miles (32.2 km) of serial cable. Its RS-232 or

RS-485 interface integrates seamlessly into legacy data systems.

You can even control your PC’s USB port instead of a standard

serial port via the 900-MHz USB Host Transceiver (MDR291A).

FHSS technology.

With FHSS modulation, the wireless transceivers “hop” from

frequency to frequency several times per second using a specific

hop pattern that applies to all transceivers in the same network.

Each channel number (the number assigned to the network)

uses a distinct hopping pattern that allows multiple networks to

co-exist in the same area without interference.

The transceivers operate in point-to-point or point-to-

multipoint, client-server or peer-to-peer installations. One

transceiver is configured as a server that transmits/receives to

multiple clients. To establish synchronization between

transceivers, the server emits a beacon. When a client transceiver

detects this beacon, it informs its host, and an RF link is

established.

Supports a proprietary communication protocol.

A proprietary communication protocol ensures secure data

transmissions. Since it uses FHSS technology, the data is reliable

over long distances. The units use license-free frequency bands,

so they’re ready to use with no further certification

requirements.

Custom configurations.

Each unit is small and easily portable for use in mobile and

temporary settings as well as for fixed installations. The unit’s

configuration software enables custom configurations based

on unique application requirements.

Point-to-point or point-to-multipoint operation.

The 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 (1219.2 m) and offer multidrop capability up to 32

nodes. RS-232 cabling is suitable for distances less than 100

feet (30.5 m) and supports point-to-point communications

only.

Set up in minutes.

Since it‘s wireless, the transceiver is extremely easy to set

up. One unit is used as a server; one or more units configured

as clients can communicate with the server via the 900-MHz

or 2.4-GHz frequency band.

Software is simple, too, since special host software isn’t

needed. Just use the included GUI-based Windows software

to tailor the transceivers to your needs.

The 900-MHz RS-232 and RS-485 transceivers support up to

32 independent networks; the 2.4-GHz RS-232 and RS-485

transceivers handle up to 40 networks; and the 900-MHz USB

Host Transceiver supports up to 56 networks.

(1) 900-MHz RS-232 Serial

Transceiver Client/Server

configured as a server

(4) 900-MHz RS-232 Serial

Transceiver Client/Servers

configured as clients

11/1/2006

#26544

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TECH SPECS

Transceiver Performance

Output Power — 900-MHz models, 900-MHz USB Host: 1000 mW, variable;

2.4-GHz models: 100 mW, fixed

Transmission Range — 900-MHz models: Up to 1500 ft. (457.2 m) indoors;

Up to 20 mi. (32.2 km) line-of-sight;

2.4-GHz models: Up to 5000 ft. (1524 m) indoors; Up to 1 mi. (1.6 km)

line-of-sight;

900-MHz USB Host: 4 mi. (6.4 km) with clear line-of-sight

Data Rate — Up to 115.2 kbps

RF Data Rate — 900-MHz models, 900-MHz USB Host: 76.8 kbps fixed;

2.4-GHz models: 576 kbps fixed

Receiver Sensitivity — 900-MHz models, 900-MHz USB Host: -100 dBm

typical @ 76.8 kbps RF data rate;

2.4-GHz models: -100 dBm typical @ 576 kbps RF data rate

Power Consumption (@ 12 VDC) — 900-MHz models: 400 mA;

2.4-GHz models: 102 mA (50% transmit/receive duty cycle);

900-MHz USB Host: 107 mA TX, 51 mA RX

Configuration Software — Windows®based

Networking and Security

Frequency Band, RF Technology — 900-MHz models, 900-MHz USB Host:

902–928, FHSS (USA); 915-928, FHSS (Australia);

2.4-GHz models: 2402–2478 MHz, FHSS

Supported Network Topologies — Point-to-point, point-to-multipoint

Channels — 900-MHz models: 32;

2.4-GHz models: 40 for U.S./Canada/Europe; 20 for France;

900-MHz USB Host: 56

Security — 900-MHz models, 900-MHz USB Host: One-byte system ID,

56-bit DES encryption key;

2.4-GHz models: One-byte system ID

Antenna

RF Connector — RPSMA jack

Type — 1⁄2-wave dipole

Electrical

Electrical Requirements — Line voltage 100–120 V (240 V outside U.S.)

Power Supply — 6-ft. (1.8-m) cable, AC power connector

Environmental

Temperature Tolerance — Operating: -40 to +176°F (-40 to +80°C)

Humidity Tolerance — 10 to 90%, noncondensing

Physical

Connectors — MDR292A, MDR242A: (1) DB9 male;

MDR294A, MDR244A: (1) RS-485 terminal block;

900-MHz USB Host: (1) USB Type B

Indicators — (4) LEDs: Pwr, Link, Rx, and Tx

Size — 1.4"H x 4.4"W x 2.7"D (3.6 x 11.2 x 6.9 cm);

900-MHz models, 2.4-GHz models: Serial cord length: 6 ft. (1.8 m)

Weight — 6 oz. (170 g)

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WHAT’S INCLUDED

NOTE: All items include a user’s manual.

MDR292A:

• (1) RS-232 900-MHz Serial Transceiver Client/Server

• (1) Power supply

• (1) Antenna