Campbell Airlink Raven User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Copyright © 2008
Campbell Scientific (Canada)Corp.
Raven EDGE/GPRS EDGE
Airlink Cellular Modem
March 2008

WARRANTY AND ASSISTANCE
This equipment is warranted by CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC (CANADA) CORP. (“CSC”) to
be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for
twelve (12) months from date of shipment unless specified otherwise. ***** Batteries
are not warranted. ***** CSC's obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or
replacing (at CSC's option) defective products. The customer shall assume all costs of
removing, reinstalling, and shipping defective products to CSC. CSC will return such
products by surface carrier prepaid. This warranty shall not apply to any CSC products
which have been subjected to modification, misuse, neglect, accidents of nature, or
shipping damage. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied,
including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. CSC is not
liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
Products may not be returned without prior authorization. To obtain a Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA), contact CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC (CANADA) CORP.,
at [phone]. An RMA number will be issued in order to facilitate Repair Personnel
in identifying an instrument upon arrival. Please write this number clearly on the outside
of the shipping container. Include description of symptoms and all pertinent details.
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC (CANADA) CORP. does not accept collect calls.
Non-warranty products returned for repair should be accompanied by a purchase order to
cover repair costs.

Raven EDGE Table of Contents
PDF viewers note: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use
the Adobe Acrobat® bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.
1. General Description..................................................... 1
2. Establish Cellular Service........................................... 1
2.1 Raven EDGE Cellular Coverage/Service Requirements ..........................1
3. Specifications ..............................................................2
3.1 Raven EDGE Specifications.....................................................................2
4. Configuration ...............................................................2
4.1 Base Station Requirements for Raven EDGE...........................................2
4.2 Datalogger Site Equipment.......................................................................2
4.3 Power Considerations ...............................................................................6
5. Program the Raven EDGE Modem .............................6
5.1 Using ACE Manager to Configure the Modem........................................7
5.2 Dynamic IP Address ...............................................................................10
6. LoggerNet/PC400W Software Setup ........................11
7. Troubleshooting ........................................................13
7.1 Check the Modem Configuration ...........................................................13
7.2 Verify Connections at the Datalogger ....................................................16
7.3 LoggerNet/PC400W Device Map...........................................................16
7.4 Using ACE Manager to Check Modem Communications with Datalogger
...................................................................................................................16
Appendices
A. ACE Manager Setup without Template File .......... A-1
B. Installation of SIM Card in the Raven EDGE......... B-1
C. Configuring the Raven for PPP.............................. C-1
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Raven EDGE Table of Contents
ii
Figures
4.2-1. Modem Interface Options.................................................................... 4
4.2-2. Antennas for Use with the Raven Modems ......................................... 6
7-1. Wireless Ace status page showing communications with modem ....... 17
B-1. Modem Back ...................................................................................... B-1
B-2. Modem Partially Slid from Case........................................................ B-1
B-3. Tray Button ........................................................................................ B-2
B-4. Empty SIM Tray ................................................................................ B-2
B-5. SIM Tray with a SIM......................................................................... B-2
B-6. Inserting the SIM ............................................................................... B-2

Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink
Cellular Modem
1. General Description
This manual provides information for interfacing the AirLink Raven EDGE
cellular modem to Campbell Scientific dataloggers. An AirLink CD ships with
the modem that includes AirLink manuals and software utilities. AirLink
manuals referenced in this manual include:
ACE Manager_UserGuide2.00.pdf
Raven_EDGE_Userguide.pdf
Raven_EDGE_Quickstart.pdf
The Raven EDGE digital cellular modem is manufactured by AirLink for use
on the Rogers General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and EDGE networks.
The modem is accessed through the Internet using TCP/IP communications
protocol using a Static or Dynamic IP address.
!A Static IP address is permanently assigned to a particular account and
will always be used whenever the Raven connects to the Internet.
!A Dynamic IP address is assigned on a “need to have” basis. A dynamic
IP address is used with a service such as IP Manager (Section 5) to
translate a dynamic IP address to a domain name, so that the Raven can be
contacted as if it had a static IP.
2. Establish Cellular Service
2.1 Raven EDGE Cellular Coverage/Service Requirements
What you need:
Rogers GPRS/EDGE coverage at the datalogger site (for a coverage map refer
to: http://www.your.rogers.com/store/wireless/coverage/info.asp ).
GPRS/EDGE account established with Rogers.
To setup an account with Rogers:
Call (1-866-931-3282) and ask for the “Data Plan”.
When setting up the account, ask to have “VPN.com” added to the account.
VPN.com configures the account for the “Internet” Access Point Name (APN),
and the device to “Mobile Terminated”, which makes the modem accessible by
LoggerNet over the internet. If VPN.com was not added when the account was
setup, it can be added later. The APN name must also be programmed into the
modem (Section 5.1).
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
Rogers will provide a SIMM card for each modem. In msot cases the SIM can
be picked up at a local Rogers store. The SIMM card must be installed inside
of the modem as described in Appendix B.
3. Specifications
3.1 Raven EDGE Specifications
AirLink Raven Model E3214 GPRS-EDGE modem
Network: 1900/850 MHz
Transmit Frequency: 1850-1910 MHz and 824-849 MHz
Transmit Power: 1.0 W for 1900 MHz; 2.0 W for 850 MHz
Receiver Frequency: 1930-1990 MHz and 869-894 MHz
Modes Supported: GPRS and EDGE
Throughput: up to 40 kbps
RS-232 Data Rates: 1200 bps to 115.2 kbps
Input Voltage: 10 to 28 Vdc
Input Current: 20 to 250 mA
Typical Current Drain at 12 Vdc: 20 mA dormant connection (idle for 10 to 20
seconds), 130 mA transmit/receive
Operating Temperature Range: -30° to +70°C (10% duty cycle limit above
60°C)
Operating Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
Serial Protocols: AT Commands, PPP, SLIP, UDP, TCP
Serial Interface: RS-232
RF Antenna Connector: 50 Ohm TNC
Status LEDs: Power, Channel Acquired, Link Status, Network Registration,
RSSI, Transmit/Receive, Service
Dimensions: 3"W x 1"D x 5.1"L (5.8"L w/connector), 7.6 W x 2.5 D x
13 L cm (14.7 L cm w/connector)
Weight: <1 lb (<0.5 kg)
4. Configuration
4.1 Base Station Requirements for Raven EDGE
PC running Campbell Scientifics’ LoggerNet or PC400 software, with access
to the internet.
4.2 Datalogger Site Equipment
!Raven modem with power cable (included with modem).
!Datalogger—21X, CR510, CR10(X), CR23X, CR7, CR1000, CR5000,
CR3000, CR800.
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
!SC105 or SC932A Interface—connects the modem to any dataloggers’ CS
I/O port.
If you have a black SC12 cable that is not Rev 1 or newer (as
indicated on cable), it is a CS I/O cable only and will not work
for RS-232. Connect the black SC12 cable between the
datalogger and the SC932A. Use a 9-pin serial cable or a blue
ribbon cable between the phone and the SC932A.
NOTE
!PN 18663 Null Modem Cable—connects the modem to the CR23X,
CR3000, CR800, CR2XX, CR1000 or CR5000 RS-232 port.
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
SC105 interface connects the modem to a datalogger’s CS I/O port;
recommended for dataloggers with the PakBus Operating System.
SC932A interface connects the modem to the CS I/O port;
recommended for dataloggers with the Mixed-Array Operating System.
PN 18663 null modem cable connects the modem to a datalogger's
RS-232 port (not compatible with the 21X, CR510, CR10X,
or CR7 dataloggers).
FIGURE 4.2-1. Modem Interface Options.
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
!PN L14394 Raven Mounting Kit—includes mounting hardware for
securing the modem to below referenced environmental enclosure and a 9-
pin male to 9-pin female cable.
!Antenna—the following antennas are available from Campbell
Scientific. Contact a Campbell Scientific Applications Technician for
help in determining the best antenna for your application.
oThe C2100 3 dBd omnidirectional antenna. This antenna is dual
band, covering both the 800 MHz and 1.9 GHz bands, and is
strongly recommended where cellular coverage is strong. The
C2100 includes 10 feet of cable fitted with a TNC male connector
for attachment to the Raven, and a mount for attaching the
antenna to a mast, post, or crossarm up to 1.5" (3.8 cm) in
diameter.
oThe L14454 9dBd Yagi Antenna is a higher gain antenna that
should be "aimed" at the service provider's antenna. The L14454
includes 10 feet of cable fitted with a TNC male connector for
attachment to the Raven EDGE modem, and a bracket/u-bolt
assembly for attaching the antenna to a mast or post. This
antenna is recommended for fringe areas that require a higher
gain antenna.
oThe L14453 Half-Wave Dipole Whip Antenna is a lower gain
antenna used in transmitting short distances. It is an 800 MHz
cellular antenna that terminates in a TNC Female connector for
attachment to the Raven EDGE modem. This antenna is intended
for use inside the enclosure. Please note that the backplate of the
enclosure is a grounded plane. If it is interposed between the
antenna and the cell tower, it may attenuate the strength of the
transmission signal. Simply turning the enclosure 90 to 180
degrees on its mounting mast may solve weak transmission
issues.
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
PN C2100 3 dBd Omni Directional Antenna
PN L14454 9dBd Directional Yaggi Antenna
PN L14453 Half-Wave Dipole Whip Antenna
FIGURE 4.2-2. Antennas for Use with the Raven Modems
!Power Supply (see power considerations).
!Environmental Enclosure— ENC 10/12, ENC 12/14, or ENC 16/18.
4.3 Power Considerations
!A power cable included with the modem connects to the datalogger's 12 V
or switched 12 V terminal. Connection to the switched 12 V terminal
allows the datalogger to switch power to the modem during scheduled
transmission intervals if desired.
!When using the switched 12 V terminal, the modem can typically be
powered with a BP12 battery, CH100 charger/regulator, and MSX10 solar
panel.
5. Program the Raven EDGE Modem
The following software is used to program the modem:
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
AirLink’s ACE Manager software utility, which is used to configure settings in
the modem and to load the GPRS/EDGE template file. The ACE Manager
utility can be found on the CD included with the modem, or can be
downloaded from AirLink’s website: www.airlink.com/support.
Campbell Scientific’s “Raven GPRS/EDGE Template 115200” file for
dataloggers that support 115200 baud (e.g. CR1000), or “Raven GPRS/EDGE
Template 9600” file for dataloggers that support a maximum baud rate of 9600
(e.g. CR10X). The template file configures the modem to be compatible with
CSI dataloggers. The template files are available from Campbell Scientific’s
Website: www.campbellsci.ca/download.html
5.1 Using ACE Manager to Configure the Modem
To install ACE Manager from the AirLink CD, click on the “ACE Manager”
link under “Modem Utilities” and follow the prompts. Once the application
has been installed, it can be run from the Windows Start menu or from the icon
on the desktop.
Connect the Raven to a serial RS232 port on the PC with a direct RS-232
cable. Also connect the antenna, and 12 V power.
Run ACE Manager to get the following screen:
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
Click the Connect icon in the Configuration Panel to open the connection
options dialogue box. Select PPP, and the COM port the modem is connected
to. Do not change the Password (the default password is 12345). Click OK to
continue.
Click the Load icon in the Configuration panel. When prompted for a template
file name, select “ravengprs_115200.xml” for dataloggers that support 115200
baud (e.g. CR1000), or “ravengprs_9600.xml” for dataloggers that support a
maximum baud rate of 9600 (e.g. CR10X). The template file configures the
modem to be compatible with CSI dataloggers. Template files are available
from Campbell Scientific’s Website: www.campbellsci.ca/download.html
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
Baud rate can be changed from 9600, to a higher baud rate
supported by the datalogger (e.g., 115200 for a CR1000).
NOTE
Click on EDGE/HSDPA Group to get the following screen:
A Rogers account with VPN.com is configured for an Access Point Name
(APN) = “VPN.com”. Enter “VPN.com” in the New Value field for
“*NETAPN” and “1,IP, VPN.com” in the New Value field for +CGDCONT.
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
After the template file has been loaded, and the APN entered, click the Write
icon to save the changes in the modem.
Click the Reset icon to restart the modem. The other ways to reset the modem
are by pressing the reset button on the front of the modem or removing the
power from the modem.
Click the Disconnect icon to terminate communications with the modem.
Unless you click the Write command, changes made in the New
Value field will not be sent to the modem. For some changes
(e.g., baud rate) you must also Reset the modem before the
changes will take effect.
NOTE
5.2 Dynamic IP Address
“Data Plan” accounts setup through Rogers are provided with a Dynamic IP
address. Dynamic IP addresses are granted only when the modem is connected
and can change each time the modem reconnects to the network.
Sierra Wireless/Airlink offers a free Dynamic DNS service that translates a
dynamic IP address to a fully qualified domain name, so that the modem can be
contacted by name as if it had a Static IP.
The domain name used in Loggernet is: xxx.eairlink.com, where xxx is the 10
digit phone number associated with the account and eairlink.com is Sierra
Wireless/Airlink DDNS server.
The following setting changes are required in the modem template.
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
Enter the 10-digit phone number that is associated with the account into the
*MODEMNAME field as shown in the Dynamic IP menu as well as
eairlink.com in the *DOMAIN and *IPMANAGER1 fields if they are already
not filled in.
6. LoggerNet/PC400W Software Setup
The Device Map is configured from the “Setup” button on the
LoggerNet/PC400W Toolbar. Configure the Device Map as described below.
1. Select Add Root | IPPort.
2. Add a datalogger to the IPPort (PakBus dataloggers, e.g. the CR1000,
require a PakBusPort).
3. On the IPPort page, add the IP address/domain name and the Port number
(the Raven template file configures the port to be 6785).
4. For PakBus dataloggers, leave the default settings on the PakBusPort page
(Extra Response Time may be needed).
5. For PakBus dataloggers, set the PakBus address to match that of the
datalogger (default address in the datalogger is 1).
LoggerNet Device Map
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
Preceding zeros are not entered in the Internet IP Address (e.g.
070.218.074.247 is entered as 70.218.74.247).
NOTE
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
7. Troubleshooting
If LoggerNet/PC400W software is unable to establish a connection with the
modem:
7.1 Check the Modem Configuration
Check the EDGE cellular account information, and verify there is EDGE
/GPRS coverage at the site. Dynamic IP accounts require a Dynamic Domain
Name Server (DDNS) (Section 5).
The modem has to be configured using ACE Manager as described in Section
5.
Modem settings have to be changed, and the APN number entered, using ACE
Manager (Section 5). After the Raven EDGE template file has been loaded,
you can verify settings in the Status, Misc, Serial, and EDGE /HSDPA groups
have been configured as shown below.
Network State should be “Network Ready”. Signal strength (RSSI) should be -
60 to -85. The IP address will change for Dynamic IP accounts.
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
The Device Port gets changed from the default 12345 to 6785 when the
template file is loaded into the modem (Section 5). The Device Port number
gets entered with the IP address in LoggerNet (Section 6).
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
The “Raven GPRS/EDGE Template 9600” template file sets the baud rate to
9600, which is the maximum baud rate for the CR10X and older dataloggers.
For newer dataloggers, the baud rate can be changed to the highest baud rate
supported by the datalogger (e.g. 115200 baud for the CR1000).
If an SC105 interface is used, its default baud rate of 9600 will have to be
changed to match the baud rate of the modem (using CSI’s DevConfig utility).
Baud rate changes require the modem to be reset before the
change takes affect. Click the Reset icon in ACE Manager to the
reset the modem and implement the change.
NOTE
Verify the APN has been entered in the NETAPN and +CGDCONT fields as
shown above (where VPN.com is the APN).
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Raven EDGE GPRS/EDGE AirLink Cellular Modem
7.2 Verify Connections at the Datalogger
Verify the modem is connected to 12 V and the Pwr led is on (green).
Check the Reg light on the modem. The Reg light should be solid green,
which indicates the modem is registered with the cellular network.
Make sure the antenna is properly connected and oriented. Signal strength
should be the -60 to -80.
An SC932A or SC105 interface is required to connect the modem to a
datalogger’s CSI/O port. The default settings for SC105 can be used with the
Raven EDGE when the modem is configured for 9600 baud (baud rate set by
the template file). If the baud rate is changed in the modem, the baud rate in
the SC105 will have to be changed to match that of the modem (SC105 settings
can be changed using CSI’s DevConfig utility).
Make sure the modem is connected to the “DCE Device” connector on the
SC932A, or the “Modem” connector on the SC105.
A null modem cable is required to connect the modem to a datalogger’s
RS-232 port. No other interface is required.
7.3 LoggerNet/PC400W Device Map
The IP address and Device Port settings are entered in LoggerNet as described
in Section 6.
Make sure the port number at the end of the IP address matches the port
number of the modem. The template file sets the port number to 6785.
Try adding a few seconds (no more than five seconds) of extra response time to
the datalogger or PakBus port.
For a PakBus datalogger, verify the PakBus address in the setup screen
matches that of the datalogger.
For networks with multiple PakBus ports, uncheck the ‘PakBus Port Always
Open’ options on all PakBus ports.
7.4 Using ACE Manager to Check Modem Communications
with Datalogger
The modem’s “Host Serial Bytes Sent” and “Host Serial Bytes Received”
windows can indicate whether or not the modem is communicating with the
datalogger.
Establish a connection with the modem through the cellular network using
ACE Manager (click on the Modem menu item, Connect, UDP. Enter the IP
address, and click OK). Go to the Status group and note the “Host Serial Bytes
Sent” and “Host Serial Bytes Received” values (Figure 7-1). Try connecting
with the datalogger using LoggerNet/PC400W. If a connection cannot be
established, close LoggerNet and reconnect with ACE Manager and compare
the current values with the previous values.
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