Campbell RF401 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
RF401-series and RF430-series
Spread Spectrum Data
Radios/Modems
Revision: 4/17
Copyright © 2001-2017
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Guarantee
This equipment is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship.
We will repair or replace products which prove to be defective during the
guarantee period as detailed on your invoice, provided they are returned to us
prepaid. The guarantee will not apply to:

Equipment which has been modified or altered in any way without the
written permission of Campbell Scientific

Batteries

Any product which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, acts of God or
damage in transit.
Campbell Scientific will return guaranteed equipment by surface carrier
prepaid. Campbell Scientific will not reimburse the claimant for costs incurred
in removing and/or reinstalling equipment. This guarantee and the Company’s
obligation thereunder is in lieu of all other guarantees, expressed or implied,
including those of suitability and fitness for a particular purpose. Campbell
Scientific is not liable for consequential damage.
Please inform us before returning equipment and obtain a Repair Reference
Number whether the repair is under guarantee or not. Please state the faults as
clearly as possible, and if the product is out of the guarantee period it should
be accompanied by a purchase order. Quotations for repairs can be given on
request. It is the policy of Campbell Scientific to protect the health of its
employees and provide a safe working environment, in support of this policy a
“Declaration of Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form will be
issued for completion.
When returning equipment, the Repair Reference Number must be clearly
marked on the outside of the package. Complete the “Declaration of
Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form and ensure a completed copy
is returned with your goods. Please note your Repair may not be processed if
you do not include a copy of this form and Campbell Scientific Ltd reserves
the right to return goods at the customers’ expense.
Note that goods sent air freight are subject to Customs clearance fees which
Campbell Scientific will charge to customers. In many cases, these charges are
greater than the cost of the repair.
Campbell Scientific Ltd,
80 Hathern Road,
Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
www.campbellsci.co.uk

PLEASE READ FIRST
About this manual
Please note that this manual was originally produced by Campbell Scientific Inc. primarily for the North
American market. Some spellings, weights and measures may reflect this origin.
Some useful conversion factors:
Area: 1 in2(square inch) = 645 mm2
Length: 1 in. (inch) = 25.4 mm
1 ft (foot) = 304.8 mm
1 yard = 0.914 m
1 mile = 1.609 km
Mass: 1 oz. (ounce) = 28.35 g
1 lb (pound weight) = 0.454 kg
Pressure: 1 psi (lb/in2) = 68.95 mb
Volume: 1 UK pint = 568.3 ml
1 UK gallon = 4.546 litres
1 US gallon = 3.785 litres
In addition, while most of the information in the manual is correct for all countries, certain information
is specific to the North American market and so may not be applicable to European users.
Differences include the U.S standard external power supply details where some information (for
example the AC transformer input voltage) will not be applicable for British/European use. Please note,
however, that when a power supply adapter is ordered it will be suitable for use in your country.
Reference to some radio transmitters, digital cell phones and aerials may also not be applicable
according to your locality.
Some brackets, shields and enclosure options, including wiring, are not sold as standard items in the
European market; in some cases alternatives are offered. Details of the alternatives will be covered in
separate manuals.
Part numbers prefixed with a “#” symbol are special order parts for use with non-EU variants or for
special installations. Please quote the full part number with the # when ordering.
Recycling information
At the end of this product’s life it should not be put in commercial or domestic refuse but
sent for recycling. Any batteries contained within the product or used during the
products life should be removed from the product and also be sent to an appropriate
recycling facility.
Campbell Scientific Ltd can advise on the recycling of the equipment and in some cases
arrange collection and the correct disposal of it, although charges may apply for some
items or territories.
For further advice or support, please contact Campbell Scientific Ltd, or your local agent.
Campbell Scientific Ltd, 80 Hathern Road, Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
www.campbellsci.co.uk

Precautions
DANGER —MANY HAZARDS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLING, USING, MAINTAINING, AND WORKING ON
OR AROUND TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ANY ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS,
CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC. FAILURE TO PROPERLY AND COMPLETELY ASSEMBLE,
INSTALL, OPERATE, USE, AND MAINTAIN TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ATTACHMENTS, AND FAILURE TO HEED
WARNINGS, INCREASES THE RISK OF DEATH, ACCIDENT, SERIOUS INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND
PRODUCT FAILURE. TAKE ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID THESE HAZARDS. CHECK WITH YOUR
ORGANIZATION'S SAFETY COORDINATOR (OR POLICY) FOR PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY WORK.
Use tripods, towers, and attachments to tripods and towers only for purposes for which they are designed. Do not
exceed design limits. Be familiar and comply with all instructions provided in product manuals. Manuals are
available at www.campbellsci.eu or by telephoning [phone] (UK). You are responsible for conformance
with governing codes and regulations, including safety regulations, and the integrity and location of structures or land
to which towers, tripods, and any attachments are attached. Installation sites should be evaluated and approved by a
qualified engineer. If questions or concerns arise regarding installation, use, or maintenance of tripods, towers,
attachments, or electrical connections, consult with a licensed and qualified engineer or electrician.
General
•Prior to performing site or installation work, obtain required approvals and permits. Comply with all
governing structure-height regulations, such as those of the FAA in the USA.
•Use only qualified personnel for installation, use, and maintenance of tripods and towers, and any
attachments to tripods and towers. The use of licensed and qualified contractors is highly recommended.
•Read all applicable instructions carefully and understand procedures thoroughly before beginning work.
•Wear a hardhat and eye protection, and take other appropriate safety precautions while working on or
around tripods and towers.
•Do not climb tripods or towers at any time, and prohibit climbing by other persons. Take reasonable
precautions to secure tripod and tower sites from trespassers.
•Use only manufacturer recommended parts, materials, and tools.
Utility and Electrical
•You can be killed or sustain serious bodily injury if the tripod, tower, or attachments you are installing,
constructing, using, or maintaining, or a tool, stake, or anchor, come in contact with overhead or
underground utility lines.
•Maintain a distance of at least one-and-one-half times structure height, or 20 feet, or the distance
required by applicable law, whichever is greater, between overhead utility lines and the structure (tripod,
tower, attachments, or tools).
•Prior to performing site or installation work, inform all utility companies and have all underground utilities
marked.
•Comply with all electrical codes. Electrical equipment and related grounding devices should be installed
by a licensed and qualified electrician.
Elevated Work and Weather
•Exercise extreme caution when performing elevated work.
•Use appropriate equipment and safety practices.
•During installation and maintenance, keep tower and tripod sites clear of un-trained or non-essential
personnel. Take precautions to prevent elevated tools and objects from dropping.
•Do not perform any work in inclement weather, including wind, rain, snow, lightning, etc.
Maintenance
•Periodically (at least yearly) check for wear and damage, including corrosion, stress cracks, frayed cables,
loose cable clamps, cable tightness, etc. and take necessary corrective actions.
•Periodically (at least yearly) check electrical ground connections.
WHILE EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SAFETY IN ALL CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS, THE CUSTOMER ASSUMES ALL RISK FROM ANY INJURY RESULTING FROM IMPROPER
INSTALLATION, USE, OR MAINTENANCE OF TRIPODS, TOWERS, OR ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS
SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC.

–CAUTION –
Where an AC adapter is used, CSI recommends
Item # 15966.
Any other AC adapter used must have a DC output not exceeding 16.5
Volts measured without a load to avoid damage to the RF401/RF430
Series radio!
Over-voltage damage is not covered by factory warranty!
(See Section 4.2, Power Supplies (p. 13), for AC adapter requirements)
Power plug polarity

i
Table of Contents
PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.
1. Introduction ................................................................1
1.1 RF401-series Radios ............................................................................2
1.2 RF430-series Radios ............................................................................2
1.3 Combination Mode Communications ..................................................3
1.4 Retired Spread Spectrum Radios .........................................................4
1.4.1 RF400-series Radios .....................................................................4
1.4.2CR205, CR210, CR215 Dataloggers ............................................4
2. Specifications.............................................................4
3. Installation ..................................................................6
3.1 Site Considerations ..............................................................................6
3.2 Quick Start (Point-to-Point or PakBus)................................................6
3.2.1 Step 1 – Set Up Base RF401 or RF430.........................................6
3.2.2 Step 2 – Set Up Remote RF401 ....................................................9
3.2.3 Step 3 – LoggerNet Set-up..........................................................10
3.2.4 Step 4 – Connect .........................................................................11
3.3 Antenna Considerations .....................................................................12
3.3.1 Line of Sight ...............................................................................12
3.3.2 Mounting.....................................................................................12
3.3.3 Antenna Cable Routing...............................................................12
3.3.4 Antenna Cable Weather Sealing .................................................12
4. System Components ...............................................12
4.1 RF401 or RF430 Radios ....................................................................12
4.1.1 Indicator LEDs............................................................................12
4.1.2 Radio Configuration....................................................................13
4.2 Power Supplies...................................................................................13
4.2.1 Base Radio Site (radio connected to a PC) .................................13
4.2.2 Remote Sites with Datalogger.....................................................15
4.2.3 Non-datalogger Remote Site.......................................................15
4.3 Serial and USB Cables.......................................................................15
4.4Compatible Antennas .........................................................................16
4.5 Antenna Cables and Surge Protection................................................21
4.5.1 Antenna Cables ...........................................................................21
4.5.2 Electro-static Issues ....................................................................21
4.5.3 Antenna Surge Protector Kit .......................................................21
5. Software....................................................................22
5.1 DevConfig..........................................................................................22
5.1.1 Using DevConfig ........................................................................22
5.1.2 RF401/RF411/RF416 or RF430/RF431/RF432 Tab...................23
5.1.2.1 Active Interface ................................................................24
5.1.2.2 SDC Address or CSDC Address ......................................24
5.1.2.3 Protocol ............................................................................24

Table of Contents
ii
5.1.2.4 RS-232 Baud Rate ........................................................... 25
5.1.2.5 CS I/O ME Baud Rate ..................................................... 26
5.1.2.6 Hop Sequence.................................................................. 26
5.1.2.7 Net Address ..................................................................... 26
5.1.2.8 Radio Address ................................................................. 26
5.1.2.9 Power Modes ................................................................... 27
5.1.2.10 Retry Level ...................................................................... 27
5.1.3 PakBus Tab ................................................................................ 28
5.2 LoggerNet ......................................................................................... 29
5.2.1 Setup Screen............................................................................... 29
5.2.1.1 Standard Setup (RF400) .................................................. 31
5.2.1.2 Standard Setup (RF400 Remote) ..................................... 33
5.2.2 Network Planner......................................................................... 34
5.2.3 PakBus Graph ............................................................................ 35
6. Troubleshooting.......................................................36
Appendices
A. Part 15 FCC Compliance Warning.........................A-1
B. Advanced Setup Menu........................................... B-1
B.1 Accessing the Advanced Menu ....................................................... B-1
B.2 Error Handling and Retries.............................................................. B-3
B.2.1 Number of Retries .................................................................... B-3
B.2.2 Number of Time Slots for Random Retry ................................ B-3
B.2.3 Number of Bytes Transmitted before Delay ............................ B-3
B.2.4 Sync Timer Setting................................................................... B-3
B.2.5 Number of Retry Failures......................................................... B-3
B.3 Received Signal Strength ................................................................ B-4
B.4 Advanced Setup Standby Modes..................................................... B-4
C. Address and Address Mask ..................................C-1
D. Setting Up RF401-to-CR206(X)
Communications..................................................D-1
D.1 CR206(X) Setup Information.......................................................... D-1
D.2 Example Setup 1 - LoggerNet to CR206(X) ................................... D-4
D.3 Example Setup 2 - Router to CR206(X).......................................... D-7
E. Port Pin Descriptions............................................. E-1
F. Non-PakBus Example Configurations .................. F-1
F.1 Direct PC to RF401 Series Base Station Setup (Transparent
Protocol) .......................................................................................F-1
F.2 Remote Station Setup (Transparent Protocol) ..................................F-2
F.3 LoggerNet Configuration (Transparent Protocol) ............................F-3
F.4 PC208W Configuration....................................................................F-4
G. Short-Haul Modems ...............................................G-1

Table of Contents
iii
H. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other
Factors.................................................................. H-1
I. Phone to RF401 Series ............................................I-1
I.1 PakBus Network ............................................................................... I-1
I.2 Non-PakBus Network ....................................................................... I-7
J. Monitor CSAT3 via RF401 Series ...........................J-1
K. RF401/RF411 Pass/Fail Tests................................ K-1
L. RF401/RF411 Average Current Drain
Calculations ......................................................... L-1
M. PakBus Networking Details...................................M-1
M.1 PakBus Aware, PakBus Node, and RF PakBus ..............................M-1
M.2 Minimizing the Number of Small Link State Packets.....................M-1
M.3 Maximizing the RF Packet Size ......................................................M-1
M.4 Establishing an Ad Hoc Point-to-Point Link...................................M-2
M.5 Net and Radio Address Settings......................................................M-2
M.6 Hop Metric, Signal Strength, and Standby Modes..........................M-2
M.6.1 Hop Metric Code .....................................................................M-3
M.7 RF Router........................................................................................M-3
M.8 Optimization ...................................................................................M-4
M.9 Idiosyncrasies..................................................................................M-4
Figures
1-1. The RF401 is one of the models available of our RF401-series
radios. ...............................................................................................2
1-2. RF430 has a USB port allowing it to be connected directly to a
PC’s USB port. .................................................................................3
3-1. RF401 Basic Point-to-Point Network ..................................................9
3-2. Point-to-Point or PakBus communications, select direct connect
as the connection type.....................................................................10
3-3. The Baud Rate in LoggerNet must match the radio’s RS-232 baud
rate. .................................................................................................11
4-1. Item #14310 900 MHz Omnidirectional 1/4 Wave Whip, 0 dBd ....17
4-2. Item #14204 900 MHz Omnidirectional 1/2 Wave Whip, 0 dBd ....17
4-3. Item #14201 900 MHz Yagi, 9 dBd w/Mounts.................................18
4-4. Item #14205 900 MHz Yagi, 6 dBd w/Mounts.................................18
4-5. Item #14221 900 MHz Omnidirectional Collinear, 3 dBd
w/Mounts........................................................................................18
4-6. Item #15970 900 MHz Indoor Dipole, 1 dBd Window/Wall
Mounted..........................................................................................19
4-7. Item #16005 2.4 GHz Omnidirectional 1/2 Wave Whip, 0 dBd ......19
4-8. Item #16755 2.4 GHz Enclosed Yagi, 13 dBd w/Mounts.................20
4-9. Example COAX RPSMA-L Cable for Yagi or Omni Colinear .........20
4-10. Antenna Surge Protector ....................................................................20
4-11. Enclosure with Antenna Surge Protector for RF401..........................22

Table of Contents
iv
5-1. Default DevConfig Screen for Setting Up the RF401 radios (OS4
or higher) ....................................................................................... 23
5-2. PakBus tab in DevConfig (with Default Settings)............................. 28
5-3. Select RF4XX for connection type for a multipoint (non PakBus)
network. ......................................................................................... 30
5-4. For the datalogger settings, the baud rate must match the radio’s
RS-232 baud rate. .......................................................................... 30
5-5. Default Screen for the RF400 Standard Setup in LoggerNet 4 ......... 31
5-6. Default Screen for the RF400 Remote Standard Setup in
LoggerNet 4 ................................................................................... 33
5-7. Point to Multi-Point Network with Two Routers .............................. 35
5-8. Point to Multi-Point Network as Displayed in PakBus Graph ......... 35
D-1. CR206 Setup Main Menu................................................................ D-1
D-2. This graph represents a transmitting radio that uses a long header
and a receiving radio that is in a sleep cycle. The length of the
wake-up initializer exceeds the time interval of cyclic sleep
ensuring that the receiver detects the wake-up initializer and
receives the payload (i.e., transmitted data)................................. D-3
D-3. This graph represents a radio that transmits a wake-up initializer
that is shorter than the cyclic sleep of the receiving radio. The
receiver does not detect the wake-up initializer and remains
asleep—missing the data transmission......................................... D-3
D-4. DevConfig Deployment panel showing the CR206(X) setup for
Example 1. ................................................................................... D-5
D-5. DevConfig Deployment panel showing the RF401 setup for
Example 1. ................................................................................... D-6
D-6. DevConfig Deployment panel for CR206(X) Example Setup 2 ..... D-7
D-7. DevConfig Deployment panel showing the RF401#1 setup for
Example 2. ................................................................................... D-8
D-8. DevConfig Deployment panel showing the RF401#2 setup for
Example 2. ................................................................................... D-9
F-1. Point-to-Multipoint System..............................................................F-4
F-2. PC208W Datalogger Generic Dial String ........................................F-6
G-1. Short-Haul Modem to RF401 Setup................................................ G-1
I-1. Configuring a phone-to –RF401 network using the Network
Planner Tool. The Network Planner is available in LoggerNet
version 4 or higher. ........................................................................I-1
I-2. Phone base configuration. .................................................................I-4
I-3. Enter the base site’s phone number. ..................................................I-5
I-4. Enter 250 for the Maximum Packet Size...........................................I-6
I-5. LoggerNet Point-to-Multipoint Setup ...............................................I-9
K-1. Loop-back Test without Antennas................................................... K-4
K-2. Vertically Polarized 9 dBd 900 MHz Yagi ..................................... K-6
K-3. 3 dBd 900 MHz Collinear Omni Antenna....................................... K-6
Tables
3-1. PC Driver Installation.......................................................................... 7
3-2. Lacking 12 V on CS I/O Pin 8 .......................................................... 10
4-1. 15966’s Voltage Regulation.............................................................. 14
5-1. Standard Setup Menu ........................................................................ 27
5-2. Standard Retry Levels ....................................................................... 27
B-1. Advanced Setup Menu .................................................................... B-5
D-1. CR206(X) Power Modes and the Recommended Corresponding
RF401 Power Modes.................................................................... D-2

Table of Contents
v
H-1. 900 MHz Distance vs. Path Loss (Lp in dB) per Three Path
Types ........................................................................................... H-6
H-2. Path Type vs. Path Characteristics Selector .................................... H-6
K-1. 900 MHz Gain Antenna Test Distances.......................................... K-6
L-1. Advanced Setup Menu .....................................................................L-1

Table of Contents
vi

1
RF401-series and RF430-series Spread
Spectrum Radio/Modems
1. Introduction
This manual discusses the RF401-series and RF430-series spread spectrum
radios. Spread spectrum radios spread the normally narrowband information
signal over a relatively wide band of frequencies. This allows the
communications to be more immune to noise and interference from RF sources
such as pagers, cellular phones and multipath. The RF401-series and RF430-
series radios reduce susceptibility to RF interference from other spread
spectrum devices by providing user-selectable frequency hopping patterns.
You do not need a communications authority license for the
RF401-series or RF430-series configurations described in this
manual including U.S. Government Agencies regulated by NTIA
Annex K. Spread spectrum radios, like all FCC Part 15 devices,
are not allowed to cause harmful interference to licensed radio
communications and must accept any interference that they
receive. Most Campbell Scientific users operate in open or remote
locations where interference is unlikely. If there is a problem,
interference can be reduced using methods such as moving the
device, reorienting or using a different type of antenna, or adding
RF shielding.
The RF401-series and RF430-series radios can provide up to one mile
transmission range when using an inexpensive whip antenna. The radios can
provide up to 10 mile transmission range when using a higher gain directional
antenna at ideal conditions. Compatible antennas are described in Section 4.4,
Compatible Antennas (p. 16).
Line-of-sight obstructions and RF interference will affect the
transmission distance. See Appendix H, Distance vs. Antenna
Gain, Terrain, and Other Factors (p. H-1), for a discussion of
antenna gain and other factors affecting distance.
You may test the radio communications onsite by using the 21107 900 MHz
Spread Spectrum Demo Kit; contact Campbell Scientific for more information.
Campbell Scientific does not recommend using RF401-
series and RF430-series radios in networks containing
RF450 radios. The RF450 radios will interfere with the
transmission of the RF401-series and RF430-series radios.
No product using the 24XStream radio, including the RF416
and RF432, can be used in new installs in Europe after
1/1/2015 due to changes in EU legislation.
NOTE
NOTE
CAUTION
CAUTION

RF401-series and RF430-series Spread Spectrum Radio/Modems
2
1.1 RF401-series Radios
The RF401-series radios have a CS I/O port and an RS-232 port (see FIGURE
1-1). These radios can serve as a field modem/radio while connected to the
datalogger or as a base station modem/radio when connected to a PC’s RS-232
port. The following models are available:
•RF401 915 MHz Spread Spectrum Radio—transmits data to another
RF401 radio, an RF430 radio, a CR206(X) datalogger, or an AVW206
interface. The 915 MHz frequency is used in the US/Canada.
•RF411 922 MHz Spread Spectrum Radio—transmits data to another
RF411 radio, an RF431 radio, a CR211(X) datalogger, or an AVW211
interface. The 922 MHz frequency is used in Australia/Israel.
•RF416 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum Radio—transmits data to another RF416
radio, an RF432 radio, a CR216(X) datalogger, or an AVW216 interface.
This product should not be used in new installs in Europe after 1/1/2015.
FIGURE 1-1. The RF401 is one of the models available of our RF401-
series radios.
Unless specified otherwise, throughout this manual RF401 refers
to the RF401, RF411, and RF416 radios.
1.2 RF430-series Radios
The RF430-series radios have a USB port and an RS-232 port (see FIGURE
1-2). The RF430 can only be configured through the USB port. Usually, these
radios connect to a PC’s USB port to serve as base station modems/radios. The
RF430-series radios may also connect to the datalogger’s RS-232 port to serve
as a field modem (requires a null modem cable and a field power cable).The
following models are available:
NOTE

RF401-series and RF430-series Spread Spectrum Radio/Modems
3
•RF430 915 MHz Spread Spectrum Radio—transmits data to another
RF430 radio, RF401 radio, or a CR206(X) datalogger. The 915 MHz
frequency is used in the US/Canada.
•RF431 922 MHz Spread Spectrum Radio—transmits data to another
RF431 radio, an RF411 radio, or a CR211(X). The 922 MHz frequency is
used in Australia/Israel.
•RF432 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum Radio—transmits data to another RF432
radio, an RF416 radio, or a CR216(X). This product should not be used in
new installs in Europe after 1/1/2015.
If the RF430’s operating system is prior to OS2, its USB port will
only communicate at 38.4 kbps. Therefore, the RF430 operating
system will need to be updated to a newer version if the network
will contain dataloggers that do not support 38.4 kbps. Operating
system updates are available from
www.campbellsci.com/downloads.
FIGURE 1-2. RF430 has a USB port allowing it to be connected
directly to a PC’s USB port.
Unless specified otherwise, throughout this manual RF430 refers
to the RF430, RF431, and RF432 radios.
1.3 Combination Mode Communications
Besides the “direct” to PC communications described in the Quick Start and
Installation sections, it is possible to combine methods in datalogger
communications. Some examples:
•Phone to RF401: PC to external modem to COM220 to RF401 to
datalogger (see Appendix I, Phone to RF401 Series (p. I-1))
NOTE
NOTE

RF401-series and RF430-series Spread Spectrum Radio/Modems
4
•Short Haul modem to radio: PC to short haul modems to radios to
datalogger (see Appendix G, Short-Haul Modems (p. G-1))
•Ethernet network to radio: PC to Internet to NL100 to radio to datalogger
(use LoggerNet IPPort, remote IP address, port number)
1.4 Retired Spread Spectrum Radios
1.4.1 RF400-series Radios
On May 2, 2005, the RF401, RF411, and RF416 replaced the RF400, RF410,
and RF415, respectively. The newer radios have a choice of three
communication protocol settings. The three protocol settings are Transparent,
PakBus Aware, and PakBus Node. Transparent is the protocol used by the
RF400. RF401 and RF430 radios in networks that also have RF400 radios
must use the Transparent protocol setting. Transparent is the default setting for
RF401 radios with operating systems of OS3 or lower.
Do not mix the “Transparent” protocol with any of the
PakBus protocols. This will produce RF traffic without any
RF communications.
The PakBus Aware and PakBus Node settings make the radios easier to use in
a PakBus network. Radios set to PakBus Aware and radios set to PakBus
Node can be in the same network. PakBus Aware is the default setting for
RF430 radios and RF401 radios with an operating system of OS4 or higher.
The PakBus Aware setting is the simplest to use and does not require a PakBus
address. The PakBus Node setting is intended for radios used as stand-alone
routers.
RF400 radios can be upgraded to RF401 radios by sending the RF400 to
Campbell Scientific; an RMA is required.
1.4.2 CR205, CR210, CR215 Dataloggers
On September 15, 2005, the CR206, CR211, and CR216 dataloggers replaced
the CR205, CR210, and CR215 dataloggers, respectively. The newer
dataloggers’ internal radios have two RF Protocol settings, which are PakBus
and Transparent. The PakBus setting is used with RF430 radios and RF401
radios set to PakBus Aware or PakBus Node. The Transparent RF protocol
setting is required when the network contains older equipment (e.g., RF400s,
CR205s).
2. Specifications
Power
Voltage: 9 to 16 VDC
Current: 75 mA typical during transmit (RF401 series)
78 mA typical during transmit (RF430 series)
24 mA typical receiving a signal (RF401, RF411)
36 mA typical receiving a signal (RF416)
26 mA typical receiving a signal (RF430, RF431)
40 mA typical receiving a signal (RF432)
CAUTION