CalAmp GUARDIAN User manual

GUARDIAN™
SERIAL RADIO MODEM
User Manual
PN 001-5006-000 Rev 0
Revised July 2011

REVISION HISTORY
REV DATE REVISION DETAILS
0 July 2011 Initial Release as 001-5006-000.

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 the Guardian are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network. Guardian 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, 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 Guardian, or for the failure of
Guardian to transmit or receive such data.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
© Copyright 2011 CalAmp.
Products offered may contain software proprietary to CalAmp. 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.
RF EXPOSURE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
The Guardian 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
radiating structure and any person. An antenna mounted on a pole or tower is the typical installation and in rare
instances, a 1/2-wave whip antenna is used.
Antenna Gain
5 dBi
10 dBi
15 dBi
Min Safety Distance
(VHF @ max Power)
123cm
218.8cm
389cm
Min Safety Distance
(UHF @ max Power)
105.7cm
188cm
334.4cm
Min Safety Distance
(900 MHz @ max power)
63.8cm
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 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)
and 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.
RF E

REGULATORY CERTIFICATIONS
The Guardian 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

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1GUARDIAN OVERVIEW....................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 General Description ................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Operational Characteristics ........................................................................................................................ 7
1.3Link Configurations .................................................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Physical Description ................................................................................................................................... 9
1.4.1 Front Panel.................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.4.2 LED Panel ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.4.3 User Interface Port ..................................................................................................................................... 10
1.4.4 SETUP and COM Ports................................................................................................................................. 11
1.4.5 Power Connector ........................................................................................................................................ 11
1.4.6 Antenna Connector..................................................................................................................................... 12
1.4.7 Chassis Dimensions..................................................................................................................................... 13
1.5 Part Numbers and Availability .................................................................................................................. 13
1.5.1 Guardian Radio ........................................................................................................................................... 13
1.5.2 Accessories and Options.............................................................................................................................14
1.6 Product Warranty .................................................................................................................................... 15
1.7 RMA Request ........................................................................................................................................... 16
1.8 Documentation and Downloads ............................................................................................................... 16
2SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE AND NETWORK PLANNING ......................................................................................... 17
2.1 Single Coverage Area................................................................................................................................ 17
2.2 Network Architecture............................................................................................................................... 17
2.2.1 Point-to-Point ............................................................................................................................................. 17
2.2.2 Point-to-Multipoint..................................................................................................................................... 18
2.2.3 Multiple Point-to-Point............................................................................................................................... 18
2.2.4 Peer-to-Peer................................................................................................................................................ 18
2.2.5 Store and Forward ...................................................................................................................................... 18
2.2.6 Network Using a Guardian for Online Diagnostics .....................................................................................19
2.2.7 Understanding RF Path Requirements........................................................................................................ 19
2.3 Site Selection and Site Survey................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.1 Site Selection .............................................................................................................................................. 19
2.3.2 Site Survey .................................................................................................................................................. 20
2.4 Selecting Antenna and Feedline................................................................................................................ 20
2.4.1 Antenna Gain .............................................................................................................................................. 20
2.4.2 Omni Directional Antenna .......................................................................................................................... 20
2.4.3 Yagi Antenna............................................................................................................................................... 21

2.4.4 Vertical Dipoles........................................................................................................................................... 21
2.4.5 Feedline ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
2.4.6 RF Exposure Compliance Requirements .....................................................................................................22
2.5 Terrain and Signal Strength ...................................................................................................................... 22
2.6 Radio Interference ................................................................................................................................... 23
3SETUP AND CONFIGURATION........................................................................................................................... 24
3.1 Install the Antenna................................................................................................................................... 24
3.2 Measure and Connect Primary Power....................................................................................................... 24
3.3 Inserting Wires Into User Port Connector.................................................................................................. 24
3.4 Connect Guardian to Programming PC...................................................................................................... 25
3.5 Guardian Field Programming Software ..................................................................................................... 25
4UNIT STATUS ................................................................................................................................................... 26
4.1 Unit Identification and Status................................................................................................................... 26
4.2 Diagnostics............................................................................................................................................... 26
4.2.1 Online Diagnostics ......................................................................................................................................26
4.2.2 Offline Diagnostics ......................................................................................................................................27
4.2.3 Remote Commands .................................................................................................................................... 27
5GUARDIAN FIELD PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE................................................................................................. 28
5.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 28
5.1.1 COM Port Settings ...................................................................................................................................... 29
5.1.2 Port Settings................................................................................................................................................ 29
5.1.3 Port Statistics .............................................................................................................................................. 31
5.1.4 User Configuration...................................................................................................................................... 32
5.1.5 Link Configuration....................................................................................................................................... 34
5.1.6 Version Request.......................................................................................................................................... 39
5.1.7 Writing/Reading Guardian Configuration Parameters ...............................................................................39
5.1.8 Diagnostic IDs, Alarms and Filters...............................................................................................................40
5.1.9 Offline Link Test ..........................................................................................................................................41
5.1.10 Offline Diagnostics ...................................................................................................................................... 43
5.1.11 Online Diagnostics ......................................................................................................................................46
5.1.12 Packet Test.................................................................................................................................................. 49
5.1.13 Array Test.................................................................................................................................................... 51
5.1.14 ASCII / HEX Terminal................................................................................................................................... 53
5.1.15 Program Firmware ......................................................................................................................................54
5.1.16 End to End Test ........................................................................................................................................... 55
6GUARDIAN SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................................. 58
7PRODUCT WARRANTY ..................................................................................................................................... 62

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 7 | Page
1
1 GUARDIAN 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 was 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 product 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 Section 1.3.
Industrial operating temperature range of -30 to +60 C
Rugged die-cast aluminum and steel case
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.
These features provide system benefits that give users:
Simple Installation. Basic installation typically utilizes an omni-directional antenna at the master station or Relay
Point and a directional antenna at each remote site not a Relay Point. See Section 2.3 and 2.4 for information on
Site and Antenna Selection. For basic service, just hook up an antenna, apply primary power, 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

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 8 | Page
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.
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 1-2 for the
User port interface.
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 NC
(2)
NC
(2)
GND
(1)
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.
(2) The 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 defaulting
each Link Configuration to the Default, 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.

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 9 | Page
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 1-1 – Guardian Front Panel
1.4.2 LED PANEL
The LED panel has five Tri-Color LEDs. The functionality of each LED is shown in Table 1-1.

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 10 | Page
Table 1-1 – 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 faults, normal operations
Guardian has a fault condition, check unit status
Guardian detects high background noise
Rx Green
Off
Receiving data
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. Table 1-2 shows
pin-out descriptions for the User port.
Table 1-2 – 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) (1,3)
4
RSSI Out OR RS-485/422 TxA/TxD- (output)(1,3)
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.
(2) For 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 Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 11 | Page
1.4.4 SETUP AND COM PORTS
The SETUP and COM serial connections are DE-9F RS-232 ports.
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 modem cable/adapter is
required.
The pin-out for the SETUP and COM ports are shown in Table 1-3.
Table 1-3 – Pin-Out for DCE SETUP and COM Port, 9 Contact DE-9 Connector
Contact EIA-232F Function 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.
(2) Always asserted when DTR applied.
(3) RTS on the COM port requests transmitter key up in RTS/CTS activation mode. It is unused on the
Setup port.
(4) CTS will be asserted when data can be sent on the COM port. It is unused on the Setup port.
(5) Future Use.
1.4.5 POWER CONNECTOR
The Guardian is supplied with a right-angle power connector (10-30 VDC). Table 1-4 shows the pin-out of the power
connector.

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 12 | Page
Table 1-4 – Pin-Out of the Power Connector
Contact #
(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.
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 (50mW).
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.

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 13 | Page
1.4.7 CHASSIS DIMENSIONS
Figure 1-2 – Dimensions of the Guardian Chassis and Mounting Plate
1.5 PART NUMBERS AND AVAILABILITY
1.5.1 GUARDIAN RADIO
Table 1-5 provides a breakdown of the Guardian part number 140-50X6-Y0Z.
Table 1-5 – 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

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 14 | Page
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
1.6 140-5096-501 1.7 Dual-Port 900 MHz Guardian 900* 928 - 960 MHz
*Dual-Port 900 MHz Guardian MHz does not support Full-Duplex operation.
1.7.1 ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS
Table 1-6, Table 1-7, and Table 1-8 list standard accessories tested and approved for use with the Guardian.
Table 1-6 – Accessories
ITEM PART NUMBER
Guardian Power Cable 897-5008-010
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
Factory Installed Guardian Fan Kit 150-5008-001
Field Installed Guardian Fan Kit 150-5008-002
TNC-Male to N-Male 18” 250-0697-103
TNC-Male to N-Male 48” 250-0697-104
TNC-Male to N-Male 72”
250-0697-105
TNC-Male to N-Female 18” 250-0697-106
* The Guardian Demo Kit includes two of each of the following: Guardian, rubber duck antennas, adapters, attenuators, power cables, and
power supplies.
Table 1-7 – Antenna Kits
ITEM PART NUMBER
Antenna Kit*: 138-143 MHz 6.5 dBd 250-0211-007
Antenna Kit*: 138-143 MHz 9.5 dBd 250-0211-010
Antenna Kit*: 143-148 MHz 6.5 dBd 250-0211-107
Antenna Kit*: 143-138 MHz 9.5 dBd 250-0211-110
Antenna Kit*: 148-152 MHz 6.5 dBd 250-0211-207
Antenna Kit*: 148-152 MHz 9.5 dBd 250-0211-210
Antenna Kit*: 152-157 MHz 6.5 dBd 250-0211-307
Antenna Kit*: 152-157 MHz 9.5 dBd 250-0211-310
Antenna Kit*: 157-163 MHz 6.5 dBd 250-0211-407
Antenna Kit*: 157-163 MHz 9.5 dBd 250-0211-410
Antenna Kit*: 163-169 MHz 6.5 dBd 250-0211-507

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 15 | Page
Antenna Kit*: 163-169 MHz 9.5 dBd
250-0211-510
Antenna Kit*: 169-174 MHz 6.5 dBd 250-0211-607
Antenna Kit*: 169-174 MHz 9.5 dBd 250-0211-610
Antenna Kit*: 216-222 MHz 6.5 dBd
250-0221-007
Antenna Kit*: 216-222 MHz 9.5 dBd 250-0221-010
Antenna Kit*: 450-470 MHz, 7 dBd 250-0241-507
Antenna Kit*: 450-470 MHz, 10 dBd 250-0241-510
Antenna Kit*: 890-960 MHz, 6.4 dBd 250-5099-011
Antenna Kit*: 890-960 MHz, 10 dBd 250-5099-021
*Kits include premium antenna, mounting bracket, surge protector, grounding kit, cable ties, 18” TNC male to N-male jumper cable and weather
kit. UHF/900 kits include 25 feet of LMR400 antenna feedline. Feedline is available for VHF kits in 25 or 50 feet lengths.
Table 1-8 – Feedline and Connectors
ITEM PART NUMBER
25 feet antenna feedline (LMR400), N-Male 250-0200-025
50 feet antenna feedline (LMR400), N-Male 250-0200-055
Barrel Connector, RF1 N type, Female 250-0200-100
1.8 PRODUCT WARRANTY
It is our guarantee that every Guardian Radio modem will be free from physical defects in material and
workmanship for TWO YEARS from the date of purchase when used within the limits set forth in Appendix A:
Specifications.
The manufacturer's warranty statement is available in Appendix B. If the product proves defective during the
warranty period, contact our Customer Service Department to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA). BE
SURE TO HAVE THE EQUIPMENT MODEL, SERIAL NUMBER, AND BILLING & SHIPPING ADDRESSES AVAILABLE WHEN
CALLING. You may also request an RMA online at www.calamp.com/component/option,com_rma/
FACTORY AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
M-F 7:30-4:30 CST
CalAmp Wireless Networks
299 Johnson Ave., Ste 110, Waseca, MN 56093
Tel [phone]; Fax [phone]
Email @calamp.com

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 16 | Page
1.9 RMA REQUEST
When returning a product, mark the RMA clearly on the outside of the package. Include a complete description of
the problem and the name and telephone number of a contact person. RETURN REQUESTS WILL NOT BE
PROCESSED WITHOUT THIS INFORMATION.
Contact Customer Service:
299 Johnson Ave., Ste 110
Waseca, MN 56093
Tel [phone]
BE SURE TO HAVE THE EQUIPMENT MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER, AND BILLING AND SHIPPING ADDRESSES ON
HAND WHEN CALLING.
For units in warranty, customers are responsible for shipping charges to CalAmp Wireless Networks.For units
returned out of warranty, customers are responsible for all shipping charges. Return shipping instructions are the
responsibility of the customer.
1.10 DOCUMENTATION AND DOWNLOADS
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/support.

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 17 | Page
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 PC's, a host
computer and a terminal, a SCADA polling master and one remote, or a wide variety of other networking
applications.
Figure 2-1 – Point-to-Point Network

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 18 | Page
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 2-2 – 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.

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 19 | Page
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.
2.2.7 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.
2.3 SITE SELECTION AND SITE SURVEY
2.3.1 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

Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0 20 | Page
2.3.2 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.
2.4 SELECTING ANTENNA AND FEEDLINE
The Guardian can be used with a variety of antenna types. The exact style used depends on the physical size and
layout of a system. The Guardian device has been tested and approved with antennas having a maximum gain of
10 dBi.
2.4.1 ANTENNA GAIN
Antenna gain is usually measured in comparison to a dipole. A dipole acts much like the filament of a flashlight
bulb: it radiates energy in almost all directions. One bulb like this would provide very dim room lighting. Add a
reflector capable of concentrating all the energy into a narrow angle of radiation and you have a flashlight. Within
that bright spot on the wall, the light might be a thousand times greater than it would be without the reflector.
The resulting bulb-reflector combination has a gain of 1000, or 30 dB, compared to the bulb alone. Gain can be
achieved by concentrating the energy both vertically and horizontally, as in the case of the flashlight and Yagi
antenna. Gain can be also be achieved by reducing the vertical angle of radiation, leaving the horizontal alone. In
this case, the antenna will radiate equally in all horizontal directions, but will take energy that otherwise would
have gone skywards and use it to increase the horizontal radiation.
The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms. To reduce potential radio 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.
See Table 1-7 for a list of tested antenna recommendations. These antennas are FCC approved for use with the
Guardian. Similar antenna types from other manufacturers are equally acceptable. It is important to follow the
manufacturer’s recommended installation procedures and instructions when mounting any antenna.
2.4.2 OMNI DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA
In general, an omni directional antenna should be used at a master station and Relay Points. This allows equal
coverage to all of the remote locations. Omni directional antennas are designed to radiate the RF signal in a 360-
degree pattern around the antenna. Short range antennas such as folded dipoles and ground independent whips
are used to radiate the signal in a ball shaped pattern while high gain omni antennas, such as a collinear antenna,
compress the RF radiation sphere into the horizontal plane to provide a relatively flat disc shaped pattern that
travels further because more of the energy is radiated in the horizontal plane.