CalAmp GUARDIAN User manual

Guardian™
SERIAL RADIO MODEM
User Manual
Guardian™Serial Radio Modem
PN 001-5006-000 Rev. 3
Revised April 2013

REVISION HISTORY
REV
DATE
REVISION DETAILS
0 July 2011 Initial release as 001-5006-000.
1 August 2011 Added User Configuration section 5.1.3 Modem Mode.
Added Link Configuration section 5.1.4 Modem Mode.
Added User Configuration section 5.1.5 Loader Mode.
Added Link Configuration section 5.1.6 Loader Mode.
2 October 2012 Added UL Information.
3 April 2013 Updated to be current with version 4.0 Field Programming Software and version 1.3
firmware. Added Section 2.5 for lightning arrestor information and added appendices for
DL-3400 interoperability, DL-3282 modem interface, and T-96SR interoperability.

Important Notice
Because of the nature of wireless communication, transmission and reception of data can never be
guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e. have errors), or be totally lost. Significant delays or losses
of data are rare when wireless devices such as CalAmp provides are used in a normal manner with a well-
constructed network. These products should not be used in situations where failure to transmit or receive
data could result in damage of any kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited to personal
injury or death, or loss of property. CalAmp accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from
delays or errors in data transmitted or received using the Guardian serial radio, or for failure to transmit or
receive such data.
Copyright Notice
© Copyright 2011-2013 CalAmp. All rights reserved.
Products offered may contain software proprietary to CalAmp or other parties. The offer of supply of these
products and services does not include or infer any transfer of ownership. No part of the documentation or
information supplied may be divulged to any third party without the express written consent of CalAmp.
CalAmp reserves the right to update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify
any individual or entity. Product updates may result in differences between the information provided in this
manual and the product shipped. For access to the most current product documentation and application
notes, visit www.calamp.com.
RF Exposure Compliance Requirements
The Guardian serial radio is intended for use in the Industrial Monitoring and Control and
SCADA markets. The Guardian unit must be professionally installed and must ensure a
minimum separation distance listed in the table below between the antenna or radiating
structure and any person. An antenna mounted on a pole or tower is the typical installation
and in rare instances, a ½-wave whip antenna is used.
Minimum Safety Distance
Antenna Gain
5 dBi 10 dBi 15 dBi
VHF at maximum Power 123 cm 218.8 cm 389 cm
UHF at Maximum Power
105.7 cm
188 cm
334.4 cm
900 MHz at Maximum Power 63.8 cm 115 cm 201.7 cm
Note: It is the responsibility of the user to guarantee compliance with the FCC MPE regulations when
operating this device in a way other than described above.
The Guardian serial radio uses a low power radio frequency transmitter. The concentrated energy from an
antenna may pose a health hazard. People should not be in front of the antenna when the transmitter is
operating.
The installer of this equipment must ensure the antenna is located or pointed such that it does not emit an
RF field in excess of Health Canada limits for the general population. Recommended safety guidelines for the
human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy are contained in the Canadian Safety Code 6
(available from Health Canada), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Bulletin 65.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance (in the
country where used) could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Guardian™ Serial Modem or Analog Radio for Licensed Spectrum PN 001-5006-000 Rev. 3| Page i

Regulation Certifications
The Guardian serial radio is available in several different models, each with unique frequency bands. Each
model of Guardian may have different regulatory approval, as shown in the table below.
Certifications
Model Number Frequency Range
FCC
IC (DOC)
140-5016-500 136 – 174 MHz NP4-5016-500 773B-5016500
140-5016-501 136 – 174 MHz NP4-5016-500 773B-5016500
140-5026-500 216 – 222 MHz NP4-5026-500 773B-5026500
140-5026-501 216 – 222 MHz NP4-5026-500 773B-5026500
140-5046-300 406 - 470 MHz NP4-5046-300 773B-5046300
140-5046-301 406 - 470 MHz NP4-5046-300 773B-5046300
140-5046-500 450 - 512 MHz NP4-5046-300 773B-5046300
140-5046-501
450 - 512 MHz
NP4-5046-300
773B-5046300
140-5096-500
928 - 960 MHz
NP4-5096-500
773B-5096500
140-5096-501
928 - 960 MHz
NP4-5096-500
773B-5096500
UL Certification
All models UL approved when powered with a listed Class 2 source.
This device is suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D or non-
hazardous locations only.
Guardian™ Serial Modem or Analog Radio for Licensed Spectrum PN 001-5006-000 Rev. 3| Page ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1Guardian Overview ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 General Description ...............................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Operational Characteristics....................................................................................................................................1
1.3Link Configurations ................................................................................................................................................2
1.4 Physical Description ...............................................................................................................................................3
1.4.1 Front Panel....................................................................................................................................................3
1.4.2 LED Panel ......................................................................................................................................................3
1.4.3 User Interface Port .......................................................................................................................................4
1.4.4 Setup and COM Ports....................................................................................................................................5
1.4.5 Power Connector ..........................................................................................................................................6
1.4.6 Antenna Connector.......................................................................................................................................6
1.4.7 Chassis Dimensions.......................................................................................................................................7
1.5 Part Numbers and Availability ...............................................................................................................................7
1.5.1 Guardian Radio .............................................................................................................................................7
1.5.2 Accessories and Options...............................................................................................................................8
2System Architecture and Network Planning................................................................................... 9
2.1 Single Coverage Area .............................................................................................................................................9
2.2 Network Architecture ............................................................................................................................................9
2.2.1 Point-To-Point...............................................................................................................................................9
2.2.2 Point-To-Multipoint ....................................................................................................................................10
2.2.3 Multiple Point-To-Point ..............................................................................................................................10
2.2.4 Peer-To-Peer ...............................................................................................................................................10
2.2.5 Store And Forward......................................................................................................................................10
2.2.6 Network Using a Guardian for Online Diagnostics .....................................................................................11
2.3 Understanding RF Path Requirements.................................................................................................................11
2.4 Site Selection and Site Survey ..............................................................................................................................11
2.4.1 Site Selection ..............................................................................................................................................11
2.4.2 Site Survey ..................................................................................................................................................12
2.5 Selecting Antenna and Lightning Arrestor Combinations....................................................................................12
2.5.1 Lightning Arrestor Overview.......................................................................................................................12
2.5.2 Antenna Overview ......................................................................................................................................12
2.5.3 The Wrong Combination.............................................................................................................................12
2.5.4 Good Design Practices ................................................................................................................................14
2.6 Selecting Antenna and Feedline...........................................................................................................................14
2.6.1 Antenna Gain ..............................................................................................................................................14
2.6.2 Omni-Directional Antenna..........................................................................................................................15
2.6.3 Yagi Antenna...............................................................................................................................................15
2.6.4 Vertical Dipoles ...........................................................................................................................................15
2.6.5 Feedline ......................................................................................................................................................15
2.6.6 RF Exposure Compliance Requirements .....................................................................................................16
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2.7 Terrain and Signal Strength..................................................................................................................................17
2.8 Radio Interference ...............................................................................................................................................17
3Setup And Configuration............................................................................................................... 18
3.1 Install The Antenna ..............................................................................................................................................18
3.2 Measure And Connect Primary Power.................................................................................................................18
3.3 Inserting Wires into User Port Connector............................................................................................................18
3.4 Connect Guardian to Programming PC ................................................................................................................19
3.5 Guardian Field Programming Software................................................................................................................19
4Unit Status..................................................................................................................................... 20
4.1 Unit Identification and Status ..............................................................................................................................20
4.1.1 Long ID Number..........................................................................................................................................20
4.1.2 Short ID .......................................................................................................................................................20
4.2 Diagnostics ...........................................................................................................................................................20
4.2.1 Online Diagnostics ......................................................................................................................................21
4.2.2 Offline Diagnostics ......................................................................................................................................21
4.2.3 Remote Commands ....................................................................................................................................21
5Guardian Field Programming Software ........................................................................................ 22
5.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................22
5.2 Guardian Programmer Window...........................................................................................................................22
5.3Port Settings.........................................................................................................................................................23
5.3.1 Primary and Secondary Port Settings Communications Modes .................................................................24
5.4 Port Statistics .......................................................................................................................................................25
5.5 User Configuration — Modem Mode ..................................................................................................................26
5.6 Link Configuration — Modem Mode ...................................................................................................................28
5.6.1 Modem Settings..........................................................................................................................................30
5.6.2 RF Link.........................................................................................................................................................31
5.6.3 COM Port ....................................................................................................................................................32
5.7 User Port Configuration — Modem Mode...........................................................................................................33
5.8 User Configuration — Loader Mode ....................................................................................................................35
5.9 Link Configuration — Loader Mode .....................................................................................................................37
5.9.1 RF LINK ........................................................................................................................................................38
5.9.2 Loader Settings ...........................................................................................................................................39
5.9.3 Loader Filter Settings ..................................................................................................................................39
5.10 User Port Configuration — Loader Mode ............................................................................................................40
5.11 Version Request ...................................................................................................................................................41
5.12 Writing and Reading Guardian Configuration Parameters ..................................................................................41
5.13 Diagnostic IDs, Alarms and Filters........................................................................................................................42
5.14 Offline Link Test ...................................................................................................................................................44
5.15 Offline Diagnostics ...............................................................................................................................................45
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5.16 Online Diagnostics................................................................................................................................................47
5.17 Packet Test ...........................................................................................................................................................49
5.18 Array Test .............................................................................................................................................................51
5.19 ASCII / Hex Terminal ............................................................................................................................................53
5.19.1 ASCII Terminal.............................................................................................................................................53
5.19.2 HEX Terminal...............................................................................................................................................53
5.20 Guardian Firmware And Configuration................................................................................................................54
5.21 End to End Test ....................................................................................................................................................55
6Guardian Specifications ................................................................................................................ 57
APPENDIX A — Abbreviations and Definitions ................................................................................... 60
APPENDIX B — Guardian and DL-3400 Interoperability..................................................................... 61
Applicable Products ........................................................................................................................................................61
Application......................................................................................................................................................................61
Hardware ........................................................................................................................................................................61
Programming and Setup .................................................................................................................................................62
Set Guardian Parameters................................................................................................................................................64
Link Configuration...........................................................................................................................................................66
Programming ..................................................................................................................................................................68
Installation ......................................................................................................................................................................70
APPENDIX C — Guardian and DL-3282 Modem Interface.................................................................. 71
Applicable Products ........................................................................................................................................................71
Application......................................................................................................................................................................71
Hardware ........................................................................................................................................................................71
Programming and setup .................................................................................................................................................72
DL-3282 Interface to Guardian .......................................................................................................................................77
Programming and Operational Hints ..............................................................................................................................80
APPENDIX D — Guardian and T-96SR Interoperability....................................................................... 81
Applicable Products ........................................................................................................................................................81
Application......................................................................................................................................................................81
Hardware ........................................................................................................................................................................81
Programming and Setup .................................................................................................................................................82
Link Configuration...........................................................................................................................................................85
Installation ......................................................................................................................................................................88
APPENDIX E — Service And Support And Warranty Statement ......................................................... 90
Warranty Statement .......................................................................................................................................................91
Guardian™ Serial Modem or Analog Radio for Licensed Spectrum PN 001-5006-000 Rev. 3| Page v

1GUARDIAN OVERVIEW
This document provides information required for the operation and verification of the CalAmp Guardian narrowband
modem.
1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This DSP-based radio is designed for SCADA, telemetry, and industrial applications in the 136-174 MHz, 215-240
MHz-VHF, 406.1-512 MHz UHF, and 928-960 MHz frequency ranges.
Guardian supports serial Remote Terminal Units (RTU) and programmable logic controllers (PLC).
1.2 OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Guardian Narrowband Modem has the following operational characteristics.
•Frequency range of 136-174 MHz, 215-240 MHz, 406.1-470 MHz, 450-512 MHz, or 928-960 MHz.
•User-selectable data rates.
•Built-in transceiver adjustable from 1 to 10 watts (8 watts max for 900MHz).
•Wide input power range of 10 to 30 volts DC.
•Online and Offline Diagnostics.
•Supports up to 8 different link configurations which include frequency channel pairs
(selectable through user interface port). See the following section, 1.3 Link Configurations.
•Industrial operating temperature range of -30° C to +60° C.
•Rugged die-cast aluminum and steel case.
•UL Certified for Hazardous Locations when powered by a listed Class 2 source.
These features provide system benefits that give users
Rugged Packaging Guardian is housed in a compact and rugged cast aluminum case. Built for industrial applications in a
variety of environments, Guardian operates over an extended temperature range and provides worry-free operation in
the roughest environments.
Simple Installation Basic installation typically utilizes an omnidirectional antenna at the master station or Relay Point
and a directional antenna at each remote site not a Relay Point. See Sections 2.3, 2.4, and 2.5 for information about
Site and Antenna Selection. For basic service, just hook up an antenna, apply primary power, then check and set a few
operating parameters and you are done.
Flexible Management Configuration, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting can be done locally or
remotely. There are no physical switches or adjustments. The Full-Duplex Guardian allows for simultaneous reception
and transmission of data, and feature dual ports. All Full-Duplex models and the 900 MHz Dual-Port model provide a
receive antenna connector allowing for unique customer applications requiring additional receive filtering, external
PA(s), and other options.
Long Range Narrowband configurations allow better coverage over harsh terrain.
Guardian™ Serial Modem or Analog Radio for Licensed Spectrum PN 001-5006-000 Rev. 3| Page 1

1.3 LINK CONFIGURATIONS
The Guardian allows you to program up to eight (8) different link configurations. You may choose which configuration
you are using by selecting the appropriate link configuration pins. Since the pins are internally pulled High, a No
Connect (NC) will result in a High state. Tie the pin to Ground (GND) to pull it Low. See Table 3 for the User Interface
Port.
Table 1 Link Configurations
Link Configuration
Configuration Select 1
(internally pulled high)
Configuration Select 2
(internally pulled high)
Configuration Select 3
(internally pulled high)
1 GND
1
GND
1
GND
1
2 NC
2
GND
1
GND
1
3 GND
1
NC
2
GND
1
4
NC2
NC2
GND1
5 GND
1
GND
1
NC
2
6 NC
2
GND
1
NC
2
7 GND
1
NC
2
NC
2
8
(default when no
connections are made)
NC
2
NC
2
NC
2
1
Tie the pin to Ground (GND) (Pin 5 of the User Connector) to make the pin low.
2The pin should be Not Connected (NC). The internal pull-up makes it high.
The configurations allow you to select transmit frequencies, receive frequencies, power levels, bandwidths, RF Port
configurations, Com Port configurations, Online Diagnostics and more. You may choose to program all of your units the
same, and let the User Connector at the install site select the proper configuration for that install.
For instance, Site A transmits at 450.05 MHz and receives at 456.05 MHz, and site B transmits at 456.05 MHz and
receives at 450.05 MHz. You can program Link Configuration 1 to transmit at 450.05 MHz and receive at 456.05 MHz.
You program Link Configuration 2 to transmit at 456.05 MHz and receive at 450.05 MHz. You program the same
configurations into both units. The User Port connector at Site A is wired to Link Configuration 1, and the User Port
connector at Site B is wired to Link Configuration 2. If a unit fails somewhere along the line, a replacement unit with the
same configuration can be plugged into either site. Link Configurations simplify radio programming and site installation.
The user can use the Default Configuration to speed up configuration programming. For instance, Site C requires an RS-
232 connection, and Site D requires RS-485. All other parameters are the same for the install. By programming the
desired Rx Frequency, Tx Frequency, Tx Power, etc. in the Default Configuration and then accepting default values for
each Link Configuration, the User only needs to set the parameters that are different between Link Configurations. This
programming by exception can save time in system configuration. Whatever you want ALL units to have, program in
the Default Configuration. Program only the differences in the Link Configurations.
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1.4 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Guardian consists of two PCBs, one that includes the modem circuitry and the other the radio module. Both are
installed in a cast aluminum case. The unit is not hermetically sealed and should be mounted in a suitable enclosure
when dust, moisture, and/or a corrosive atmosphere are anticipated.
The Guardian is designed for easy installation and configuration; the Guardian features no external or internal switches
or adjustments. All operating parameters are set via the setup port.
1.4.1 FRONT PANEL
The front panel has the following connections.
•(1) 8-Pin user interface block connector
•(1) 50-ohm TNC female Antenna connector
•(1) 50-ohm SMA female receive antenna connector (Dual-Port and Full-Duplex models only)
•(1) Right-angle power connector (10-30 VDC)
•(2) DE-9F RS-232 ports
•For Dual-Port or Full-Duplex Guardian connections, see Section 1.4.6.
Figure 1 Guardian Front Panel
1.4.2 LED PANEL
The LED panel has five Tri-Color LEDs. The functionality of each LED is shown in the following table.
Table 2 Guardian LED Functionality
LED
Color
Definition
Power
Green
Amber (Solid or Blinking)
Red
Guardian ready, normal operations
Guardian is programming
Guardian hardware fault
Status
Green
Red
Amber (Solid or Blinking)
Guardian no fault conditions, normal operations
Guardian has a fault condition, check unit status
Guardian detects high background noise
Rx
Green
Off
Receiving data
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LED
Color
Definition
Tx
Red
Blinking Amber
Off
Transmitting data
The unit wants to transmit, but is inhibited
RD/TD
Green
Red
Receive data is being sent out of the port
Transmit data is being received by the port
1.4.3 USER INTERFACE PORT
The user interface port is an 8 pin block receptacle, programmable to work with 1.8V to 5V levels. The following table
shows pin-out descriptions for the User port.
Figure 2 User Interface Port Connector
Table 3 Pin-Out for User Connector
Contact
Signal Name
1 Tx Audio in OR RS-485/422 RxB/RxD+ (input)
1,2
2 Rx Audio Out OR RS-485/422 TxB/TxD+ (output)
1,2
3 PTT OR RS-485/422 RxA/RxD- (input)
1,2
4 RSSI Out OR RS-485/422 TxA/TxD- (output)
1,2
5 Ground
6 Configuration Select 1 (internally pulled high)
7 Configuration Select 3 (internally pulled high)
8 Configuration Select 2 (internally pulled high)
1
When RS-422 or RS-485 is configured.
2For Half-Duplex (2 wire) connections, connect pin 1 (RxB/RxD+) to pin
2 (TxB/TxD+) and pin 3 (RxA/RxD-) to pin 4 (TxA/TxD-).
Guardian™ Serial Modem or Analog Radio for Licensed Spectrum PN 001-5006-000 Rev. 3| Page 4

1.4.4 SETUP AND COM PORTS
The SETUP and COM serial connections are DE-9F RS-232 ports. The pin-out for the SETUP and COM ports are shown in
the table below.
Serial port considerations
•Guardian radio modem SETUP and COM ports are Data Communication Equipment (DCE) devices
•In general, equipment connected to the Guardian’s SETUP / COM serial port is Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and a
straight-through cable is recommended.
Note: If a DCE device is connected to the Guardian SETUP/COM port, a null cable/adapter is required.
Figure 3 Guardian SETUP / COM port Contact Numbering for Pin-Out
Table 4 Pin-Out for DCE SETUP and COM Port, 9 Contact DE-9 Connector
Contact
Signal Name
Signal Direction
1 Data Carrier Detect (DCD)
1
DTE ←DCE
2 Receive Data (RxD) DTE ←DCE
3 Transmit Data (TxD) DTE →DCE
4 Data Terminal Ready (DTR) DTE →DCE
5 Signal Ground (GND) DTE ―DCE
6 Data Set Ready (DSR)
2
DTE ←DCE
7 Ready To Send (RTS)
3
DTE →DCE
8 Clear To Send (CTS)
4
DTE ←DCE
9 Ring Indicator (RI)
5
DTE ―DCE
1
DCD is asserted on the COM port when a carrier is received. It is unused on the Setup port.
2Always asserted with DTR applied.
3RTS on the COM port requests transmitter key up in RTS/CTS activation mode. It is unused on
the Setup port.
4CTS will be asserted when data can be sent on the COM port. It is unused on the Setup port.
5Future use.
Guardian™ Serial Modem or Analog Radio for Licensed Spectrum PN 001-5006-000 Rev. 3| Page 5

1.4.5 POWER CONNECTOR
The Guardian is supplied with a right-angle power connector (10-30 VDC). The table below shows the pin-out of the
power connector.
Figure 4 Power Connector
Table 5 Pin-Out of the Power Connector
Contact number
(Left to Right)
Color
Description
4 Fan Power Output (5V)
3 Black Ground
2
Red
Positive (10-30) VDC
1 White Enable — See Note
Note: The white Enable line must be tied to the red positive lead of the connector for the Guardian to power up.
Bringing the Enable line low is a request for the unit to power down. If the unit is writing to any non-volatile memory, it
will complete the operation before powering down. It is highly recommended that you use the Enable line to power up
and power down the radio.
1.4.6 ANTENNA CONNECTOR
The standard Guardian has a 50-Ohm TNC female antenna connector. This connection functions for both transmit and
receive.
Warning: See 2.5 Selecting Antenna and Lightning Arrestor Combinations for information about types of lightning
arrestors to not use and good design practices to use when selecting a lightning arrestor for use with an antenna.
The Dual-Port and Full-Duplex Guardian have a 50-Ohm TNC female antenna connector functioning for transmit (only)
and a 50-Ohm SMA female antenna connector functioning for receive (only). The separate receive antenna connector
allows for unique customer applications that require additional receive filtering, external PA(s), and other options.
Warning: The transmit antenna port must not be connected directly to the receive antenna port of the Dual Port or
Full Duplex Guardian. Excessive power into the receive antenna port will damage the radio. Input power to the
receiver should not exceed 17 dBm (50 mW).
To reduce potential interference, the antenna type and its gain should be chosen to ensure the effective isotropic
radiated power (EIRP) is not more than required for successful communication.
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1.4.7 CHASSIS DIMENSIONS
Figure 5 Dimensions of the Guardian Chassis and Mounting Plate
1.5 PART NUMBERS AND AVAILABILITY
1.5.1 GUARDIAN RADIO
The following table provides a breakdown of the Guardian part number 140-50X6-Y0Z.
Table 6 Part Number Breakdown
Model Number
Description
Frequency Range
140-5016-500 Standard VHF Guardian 100 136 - 174 MHz
140-5026-500 Standard VHF Guardian 200 215 - 240 MHz
140-5046-300 Standard UHF Guardian 400 Range 3 406.1 - 470 MHz
140-5046-500 Standard UHF Guardian 400 Range 5 450 - 512 MHz
140-5096-500 Standard 900 MHz Guardian 900 928 - 960 MHz
140-5016-501 Full Duplex VHF Guardian 100 136 – 174 MHz
140-5026-501 Full Duplex VHF Guardian 200 215 – 240 MHz
140-5046-301 Full Duplex UHF Guardian 400 Range 3 406.1 - 470 MHz
140-5046-501 Full Duplex UHF Guardian 400 Range 5 450 - 512 MHz
140-5096-501 Dual-Port 900 MHz Guardian 900* 928 - 960 MHz
* Dual-Port 900 MHz Guardian does not support Full-Duplex operation.
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1.5.2 ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS
The following tables list Guardian Demo Kits and standard accessories tested and approved for use with the Guardian.
Table 7 Guardian Demo Kits
Description
Part Number
Guardian 100 Demo Kit* – VHF – 136-174 MHz 250-5016-500
Guardian 200 Demo Kit* – VHF 200 – 215-240 MHz 250-5026-500
Guardian 400 Demo Kit* – UHF - 406 – 470 MHz 250-5046-300
Guardian 400 Demo Kit* – UHF – 450 – 512 MHz 250-5046-500
Guardian 900 Demo Kit* – 900 – 928 – 960 MHz 250-5096-500
* The Guardian Demo Kit includes two of each of the following: Guardians, rubber-duck
antennas, adapters, attenuators, power cables, and power supplies.
Table 8 Guardian Power Cable
Description
Part Number
Guardian Power Cable 897-5008-010
Table 9 Guardian Fan Kits
Description
Part Number
Factory Installed Guardian Fan Kit 150-5008-001
Field Installed Guardian Fan Kit
150-5008-002
Table 10 Coaxial Adapter Cables
Length
Connectors
Type
Part Number
18 inches TNC-Male to N-Male RG-400 250-0697-103
48 inches TNC-Male to N-Male RG-400 250-0697-104
72 inches TNC-Male to N-Male RG-400 250-0697-105
18 inches TNC-Male to N-Female RG-400 250-0697-106
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2SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE AND NETWORK PLANNING
This section briefly discusses network architecture (including basic network types), interfacing modems and DTE, data
protocols for efficient channel operation, addressing, and repeaters.
Guardian is designed to replace wire lines in SCADA, telemetry and control applications. The RS-232 serial port allows
direct connection to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or Remote Terminal Units (RTUs). A SCADA system is
defined as one or more centralized control sites used to monitor and control remote field devices over wide areas. For
example, a regional utility may monitor and control networks over an entire metropolitan area. Industry sectors with
SCADA systems include energy utilities, water and wastewater utilities, and environmental groups.
The Guardian is intended for use in the Industrial Monitoring and SCADA market. The range of the Guardian is
dependent on terrain, RF (radio frequency) path obstacles, and antenna system design. This section provides tips for
selecting an appropriate site, choosing an antenna system, and reducing the chance of harmful interference.
2.1 SINGLE COVERAGE AREA
In a network topology with only a single coverage area (all units can talk to one another directly), there are several
common system configurations.
The most common is for one unit to be designated as a master and the rest designated as remotes. Another system
configuration is Report-by-Exception.
2.2 NETWORK ARCHITECTURE
2.2.1 POINT-TO-POINT
A point-to-point network is the most simple of all networks, and may be used for connecting a pair of PCs, a host
computer and a terminal, a SCADA polling master and one remote, or a wide variety of other networking applications.
Figure 6 Point-to-Point Network
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2.2.2 POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT
A Point-to-Multipoint network is a common network type used in SCADA or other polling systems. The single polling
master station communicates with any number of remotes and controls the network by issuing polls and waiting for
remote responses. Individual PLC/RTU remotes manage addressing and respond when their individual addresses are
queried. PLC/RTU unit addresses are maintained in a scanning list stored in the host program or master terminal device
at the SCADA host site. Communications equipment is transparent and does not interact with specific remotes; all data
is coupled to the host on a single data line (such a network is commonly used with synchronous radio modems and
asynchronous radio modems).
Figure 7 Point to Multipoint Network
2.2.3 MULTIPLE POINT-TO-POINT
A multiple point-to-point is similar to the point-to-multipoint system except the SCADA host has multiple serial ports
that are directed to different geographic areas in the SCADA system.
2.2.4 PEER-TO-PEER
A Peer-to-Peer network is generally used for device to device communications among a number of stations. This
network requires full addressing capability on the part of the data equipment (DTE). If the distances involved for any
link or links are too great for a single radio hop, they can be extended by means of repeaters without affecting the basic
network design.
2.2.5 STORE AND FORWARD
Store and forward is a common technique where a data transmission is sent from one device to a receiving device but
first passes through a relaying device. The device is typically an RTU or PLC used by the message service to store the
received message then it transmits the message to the intended recipient.
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2.2.6 NETWORK USING A GUARDIAN FOR ONLINE DIAGNOSTICS
The Network Using a Guardian for Online Diagnostics configuration has the following characteristics.
•Master station may be full duplex (duplexer dual antennas required), half duplex or simplex.
•Accumulated online diagnostics are available at a monitoring site (monitoring site must be in range of all remotes).
•Online Diagnostics are available in real time at the monitoring site.
•Remote Offline Diagnostics, statistics, and control are available from the monitoring site by temporarily disabling
network activity (best if using a Master Station Antenna System).
Online diagnostics are accumulated in the monitoring Guardian for the last 15 stations heard. This information may be
viewed using the Online Diagnostics utility. For larger networks, the Guardian can output raw diagnostic data through
the Setup port which may be interpreted for network management by the Field Programming Software Online
Diagnostics utility or by a user-supplied software program. Contact your sales representatives for more information.
2.3 UNDERSTANDING RF PATH REQUIREMENTS
Radio waves are propagated when electrical energy produced by a radio transmitter is converted into magnetic energy
by an antenna. Magnetic waves travel through space. The receiving antenna intercepts a very small amount of this
magnetic energy and converts it back into electrical energy that is amplified by the radio receiver. The energy received
by the receiver is called the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) and is measured in dBm.
A radio modem requires a minimum amount of received RF signal to operate reliably and provide adequate data
throughput. This is the radio’s receiver sensitivity. In most cases, spectrum regulators will define or limit the amount of
signal that can be transmitted and it will be noted on the FCC license. This is the effective isotropic radiated power
(EIRP). Transmitted power decays with distance and other factors as it moves away from the transmitting antenna.
2.4 SITE SELECTION AND SITE SURVEY
2.4.1 SITE SELECTION
For a successful installation, careful thought must be given to selecting the site for each radio. These requirements can
be quickly determined in most cases. Suitable sites should provide the following.
•Protection from direct weather exposure.
•A source of adequate and stable primary power
•Suitable entrances for antenna, interface, or other cabling.
•Antenna location with an unobstructed transmission path to all remote radios in the system.
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2.4.2 SITE SURVEY
A Site Survey is an RF propagation study of the RF path between two points or between one point and multiple points.
UHF radio signals travel primarily by line of sight and obstructions between the sending and receiving stations will
affect system performance. Signal propagation is also affected by attenuation from obstructions such as terrain,
foliage, or buildings in the transmission path. A Site Survey is recommended for most projects to determine the optimal
RF paths for each link. This is especially true when more than one RF coverage area is required. A Site Survey will
determine the best unit location for the Relay Points.
2.5 SELECTING ANTENNA AND LIGHTNING ARRESTOR COMBINATIONS
RF engineers and installers have seen many types of radio installations over the years, and they know there are certain
details that must not be overlooked at any installation. Most radio installations contain some form of lightning
protection. However, the wrong combination of antenna and lightning arrestor can create high voltage transients on
the radio’s antenna port having devastating impacts on the life and reliability of modern day radio equipment.
2.5.1 LIGHTNING ARRESTOR OVERVIEW
Lightning arrestors can take many forms. But some of the most common lightning arrestors use gas discharge tubes
that turn on when the voltage across their terminals exceeds the specified threshold. Under normal conditions, these
devices have very high impedance and no current flows through the device. When the turn on voltage threshold is
exceeded, the gas discharge tube turns on instantaneously and becomes a short.
This functionality works well to limit the magnitude of a transient from a nearby lightning discharge. However, it can
have very negative consequences if a gas discharge lightning arrestor is used with the wrong antenna.
2.5.2 ANTENNA OVERVIEW
Antennas can come in just about any shape or size. However, there is one parameter, in particular, that the system
designer should not overlook, especially if the radio installation uses gas discharge tube lightning arrestors. The
parameter is the DC grounding of the active element in the antenna.
A DC grounded antenna will measure 0 ohms from the active element to ground when tested with an ohm-meter. One
way to test this is to connect the ohm-meter from the center conductor to ground of the RF cable that is attached
directly to the antenna. This will read as a short for a DC grounded antenna, and as an open for a non DC grounded
antenna. Note: Some antenna datasheets are misleading and will indicate the antenna is DC grounded. However, the
datasheet may be referring to the body of the antenna and not necessarily the active element. For this reason, it is best
to measure the antenna you plan to use to verify the active element is DC grounded.
2.5.3 THE WRONG COMBINATION
The combination of a DC open antenna and a DC blocked gas discharge tube lightning arrestor creates a situation
where static charge can build up slowly on the active element of the antenna. Static charge can be created by wind
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blowing across the antenna, precipitation hitting the active element, or other environmental causes. As static charge
builds up on the antenna’s active element, over a period of minutes or even hours, the DC blocking capacitor inside the
lightning arrestor is charged.
Figure 8 Voltage buildup due to static
When the voltage exceeds 600V (the breakdown voltage for IS-B50LN series PolyPhasers), the gas discharge tube turns
on and the antenna side of the DC blocking capacitor is immediately pulled from 600V to 0V. Since the lighting
arrestor’s capacitor was charged to 600V, that charge must dissipate through the radio. As the capacitor discharges, a
large negative transient is created on the antenna port of the radio. Positive transients can also be created if the static
charge buildup on the antenna has a negative polarity.
Figure 9 Voltage Transient immediately after the gas tube turns on
During testing, transients were measured on the antenna port of CalAmp’s Viper at voltage levels up to +/-280V. These
voltage transients often have high frequency content that can easily pass through any filtering in the radio and damage
components in the transmitter and receiver circuitry.
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