Campbell RF401A Series User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
RF401A-Series Spread
Spectrum Radios
Revision: 2/18
Copyright © 2001-2018
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.

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
2. Precautions ................................................................1
3. Initial Inspection.........................................................2
4. QuickStart...................................................................2
4.1 Remote Station Radio ..........................................................................2
4.2 Base Station Radio ...............................................................................2
4.3 LoggerNet Setup ..................................................................................2
5. Overview .....................................................................3
5.1 Retired Radios......................................................................................3
5.1.1 RF401-Series and RF430-Series Radios.......................................3
5.1.2 RF400-Series Radios ....................................................................3
6. Specifications.............................................................3
7. Product Description...................................................6
7.1 Mounting..............................................................................................6
7.2 Power ...................................................................................................6
7.3 USB......................................................................................................6
7.4 CS I/O ..................................................................................................7
7.5 RS-232 .................................................................................................8
7.6 LEDs ....................................................................................................9
7.7 Antenna ................................................................................................9
7.7.1 Compatible Antennas....................................................................9
7.7.2 Electrostatic Issues and Surge Protection ...................................10
7.7.3 Antenna Cables ...........................................................................11
8. Configuring the RF401A Series...............................11
8.1 Device Configuration Utility..............................................................11
9. LoggerNet Setup ......................................................12
9.1 Basic Setup.........................................................................................12
9.2 Using a Repeater ................................................................................16
10. Installation Best Practices.......................................16
10.1 Avoiding Interference ........................................................................16
10.2 Antenna Selection, Placement, and Mounting ...................................17
10.3 Antenna Cables ..................................................................................17

Table of Contents
ii
11. Operation ..................................................................17
11.1 Main .................................................................................................. 18
11.1.1 Active Interface.......................................................................... 18
11.1.2 SDC Address.............................................................................. 19
11.1.3 RS-232 Baud Rate...................................................................... 19
11.1.4 Protocol ...................................................................................... 19
11.1.5 RF Hop Sequence....................................................................... 20
11.1.6 RF Network................................................................................ 20
11.1.7 RF Radio Address ...................................................................... 20
11.1.8 Power Mode ............................................................................... 20
11.1.9 Retry Level................................................................................. 21
11.1.10Radio TX Power Level............................................................... 22
11.2 PakBus®............................................................................................ 22
11.2.1 PakBus Address ......................................................................... 22
11.2.2 PakBus Beacon Interval ............................................................. 22
11.2.3 PakBus Verify Interval............................................................... 22
11.2.4 Central Router ............................................................................ 23
11.2.5 Neighbours Allowed ...................................................................23
11.3 Advanced........................................................................................... 23
11.3.1 Serial Number ............................................................................ 23
11.3.2 Operating System Version ......................................................... 23
11.3.3 Radio Firmware Version ............................................................ 23
11.3.4 Received Signal Strength ........................................................... 24
11.3.5 Retransmit Failures .................................................................... 25
11.3.6 ME Baud Rate............................................................................ 25
11.3.7 RS-232 Parity............................................................................. 25
11.3.8 RS-232 Stop Bits........................................................................ 26
11.3.9 RS-232 Character Length........................................................... 26
11.3.10 RS-232 Auto Power Down........................................................ 26
11.3.11 AT Sequence Character............................................................. 26
11.3.12 Silence Time Before Command Sequence ................................ 26
11.3.13 Silence Time After Command Sequence .................................. 26
11.3.14 AT Command Mode Timeout ................................................... 26
11.3.15 Net Address Mask ..................................................................... 26
11.3.16 Radio Address Mask ................................................................. 26
12. Attributions...............................................................26
Appendices
A. Part 15 FCC Compliance Warning......................... A-1
B. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other
Factors..................................................................B-1
B.1 Introduction ..................................................................................... B-1
B.2 How Far Can You Go?.................................................................... B-2
B.2.1 Overview.................................................................................. B-2
B.2.2 Link Budget.............................................................................. B-2
B.2.3 Transmitter Power.................................................................... B-3
B.2.4Cable Loss................................................................................ B-3
B.2.5 Antenna Gain ........................................................................... B-4
B.2.6 Receiver Sensitivity ................................................................. B-5

Table of Contents
iii
B.2.7 Path Loss...................................................................................B-5
B.3 Real World Distance Estimates........................................................B-5
B.4 Examples..........................................................................................B-7
Figure
6-1. RF401A-series dimensions ..................................................................5
Tables
7-1. USB Pinout (USB Type B Jack) ..........................................................7
7-2. CS I/O Pinout ( 9-PIN D-SUB MALE)...............................................8
7-3. RS-232 Pinout (9-PIN D-SUB FEMALE)...........................................9
B-1. Transmitter Power............................................................................B-3
B-2. Cable Loss........................................................................................B-4
B-3. LMR-195 Cable Loss vs. Length @ 900 MHz ................................B-4
B-4. Antenna Gain of Recommended Antennas ......................................B-4
B-5. Free Space Path Loss .......................................................................B-5
B-6. 915 MHz Distance vs. Path Loss (Lpath in dB) per Two
Propagation Models......................................................................B-6
B-7. Path Type vs. Path Characteristics Selector .....................................B-6
B-8. Lpath vs. Distance for 2-Ray Propagation Model in Example #1....B-7
B-9. Fade Margin (dB) vs. Distance for 2-Ray Propagation Model in
Example #1...................................................................................B-8
B-10. Lpath vs. Distance for 2-Ray Propagation Model in Example #2....B-8
B-11. Fade Margin (dB) vs. Distance for 2-Ray Propagation Model in
Example #2...................................................................................B-9
CRBasic Example
11-1. Retrieving RSSI Information .............................................................25

Table of Contents
iv

1
RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
1. Introduction
This manual discusses the configuration, operation, and maintenance of the
Campbell Scientific RF401A and RF411A frequency-hopping spread spectrum
(FHSS) radios. This manual will refer to these devices collectively as either
“radio,” “RF401A series,” or “RF401A-series radio” unless otherwise noted.
The RF401A-series radios are designed for license-free use in several
countries. The RF401A has a 910 to 918 MHz operating-frequency range
appropriate for use in the United States and Canada. The RF411A has a 920 to
928 MHz operating-frequency range appropriate for use in Australia and New
Zealand.
The RF401A-series radios provide a high level of RF compatibility with
previous products. The RF401A is compatible with the RF400, RF401, RF430,
CR205, CR206, CR206X, and AVW206. The RF411A is compatible with the
RF410, RF411, RF431, CR210, CR211, CR211X, and AVW211.
The RF401A is factory upgradeable to an RF407 for use in RF407
networks. Contact Campbell Scientific for a Returned Material
Authorization (RMA).
2. Precautions
•This equipment generates, uses, andcan radiate radio frequency energy
and, ifnotinstalled and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. See Appendix A,
Part 15 FCC Compliance Warning (p. A-1), for more information.
•Ensure maximum protection against surges. Use coaxial (antenna) surge
protection. Keep RS-232, CSI/O, and USB connections short or use
protective isolation and surge protection when appropriate.
•Where an AC adapter isused, Campbell Scientific recommends pn
#15966. Any other AC adapter used must have a DCoutput notexceeding
16.5 volts measured without a load to avoid damage to theradio. Over-
voltage damage is not covered byfactory warranty.
•Campbell Scientific doesnot recommend using RF401A-series, RF401-
series, orRF430-series radios innetworks containing RF450 radios. The
RF450 radios will interfere with thetransmission ofthe RF401A-series,
RF401-series, and RF430-series radios.
•Line-of-sight obstructions and RFinterference will affect the transmission
distance. See Appendix B, Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other
Factors (p. B-1), for a discussion ofantenna gain and other factors affecting
distance.
NOTE

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
2
3. Initial Inspection
•The RF401A-series radios ship with an SC12 serial cable, a USB A to
USB B Cable, 2 grommets, and 2 screws.
•Upon receipt of the RF401A-series radio, inspect the packaging and
contents for damage. File damage claims with the shipping company.
Contact Campbell Scientific to facilitate repair or replacement.
•Immediately check package contents against shipping documentation.
Thoroughly check all packaging material for product that may be trapped
inside it. Contact Campbell Scientific immediately about any
discrepancies. Model numbers are found on each product. On cables, the
model number is often found at the connection end of the cable.
4. QuickStart
Out of the box, the radio is configured for use with a datalogger connecting via
CS I/O and using CS I/O SDC address 7.
4.1 Remote Station Radio
Using the supplied SC12 serial cable, connect the radio’s CS I/O port to the CS
I/O port of the datalogger.
4.2 Base Station Radio
You will need to connect the radio to your PC and use Device Configuration
Utility to change the radio’s Active Interface to USB. To learn more about
connecting with Device Configuration Utility see Section 8.1, Device
Configuration Utility (p. 11). Using Device Configuration Utility, set the radio’s
Active Interface setting to USB. If using the base radio to connect to a CR200
series, you will also need to change the Power Mode setting to 1 Sec. The
Power Mode setting should match that of the device you are connecting to.
Apply the change(s), close Device Configuration Utility, and leave the radio
connected to the PC via USB.
4.3 LoggerNet Setup
The next step is to run LoggerNet and configure it to connect to the datalogger
via the radio link.
•From the EZ View of the LoggerNet Setup screen, press Add, select
your datalogger type, enter a name for your datalogger, and press
Next.
•Under Connection Type, select Direct Connect. Press Next.
•Under COM Port Selection, select the port designated as RF401A-
Series.
•Under Datalogger Settings, select a Baud Rate of 115200, enter the
PakBus Address of the datalogger, and set Extra Response Time to
1 second. Press Next.
•Under Datalogger Settings – Security, enter any security codes that
have been previously configured in the datalogger, if any. Press Next.
•Review the Communication Setup Summary and verify that all
settings are correct. Press Next.

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
3
•On the Communication Test screen, select Yes and press Next to
verify that you are able to communicate with your datalogger. If you
are unable to communicate, press the Previous button and review
your settings. Once you have successfully communicated with your
datalogger, press the Finish button.
•You are now ready to connect to your datalogger using the LoggerNet
Connect screen.
5. Overview
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 RF401A-series radios reduce susceptibility
to RF interference from other spread spectrum devices by providing user-
selectable frequency hopping patterns.
The RF401A-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 7.7.1, Compatible
Antennas (p. 9).
5.1 Retired Radios
5.1.1 RF401-Series and RF430-Series Radios
In June 2014, the RF401A and RF411A replaced the RF401 and RF430, and
RF411 and RF431, respectively. It should be noted that the RF401-series and
RF430-series radios have a maximum transmit power of 100 mW. The
RF401A-series radio has a maximum transmit power of 250 mW, configurable
via software. Please ensure that when replacing an existing RF401-series or
RF430-series radio with an RF401A-series radio that the legal transmit power
limits are not exceeded with existing cabling and antenna configuration.
5.1.2 RF400-Series Radios
The RF401A series have a choice of three communication protocol settings:
Transparent, PakBus Aware, and PakBus Node. Transparent is the protocol
used by the RF400, RF410, and CR205. RF401-series radios in networks that
also have RF400-series radios must use the Transparent protocol setting.
Do not mix the Transparent protocol with any of the
PakBus® protocols. This will produce RF traffic without any
RF communications.
6. Specifications
General
Dimensions: 11.1 x 6.9 x 2.7 cm (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.1in)
Weight: 136 g (4.8 oz)
Two-piece aluminium case, black anodized
CAUTION

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
4
Radio
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Radio Transceiver
Frequency
RF401A: 910 to 918 MHz
RF411A: 920 to 928 MHz
Transmit Power Output: 5 to 250 mW, software selectable
Receiver Sensitivity: –109 dBm
Channel Capacity: 7 hop sequences share 25 frequencies
RF Data Rate: 10 kbps
RF Connector: Reverse Polarity SMA (RPSMA) jack, 50 Ohm unbalanced
Power
Powered over CS I/O or 2.5 mm DC power jack
Input Voltage: 9 to 16 Vdc
Average Current Drain
Transmit: < 80 mA (250 mW TX Power)
Receive: 15 mA
Stand-by: < 0.5 mA (depending on power saving mode)
Connections
USB
USB Type B Jack
Can draw enough power for normal operation from standard USB host
RS-232
DB9, Female
1200, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 baud rate supported
CS I/O
DB9, Male
Provides power connection from datalogger for normal operation
Supports SDC (7|8|10|11) and Modem Enable Master communication modes
Does not support Modem Enable Peripheral mode
Diagnostics
LEDs: Power/Tx, Rx
Received Signal Strength Indicator for Last Packet (PakBus® mode)
Retransmit Failure Counter (PakBus® mode)
Operating Temperature
Standard: –25 to +50 °C
Extended: –40 to +85 °C
Configuration
Device Configuration Utility via USB
Compliance
United States FCC Part 15.247: MCQ-XB900HP
Industry Canada (IC): 1846A-XB900HP
(RF411A Only) Australia C-Tick: N3013
RoHS

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
5
FIGURE 6-1. RF401A-series dimensions

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
6
7. Product Description
7.1 Mounting
7.2 Power
The mounting holes are designed toalign with a one-inch-on-center hole pattern
and provide for ridged mounting oftheradio in either a vertical or horizontal
orientation. #6-32 x 0.375 inch stainless steel Phillips head screws (pn #505)
and nylon grommets (pn #6044) are supplied for securing the radio to the
backplate of a Campbell Scientific enclosure.
There are three ways the radio may be powered for operation. The radio may be
powered via CSI/O, USB, or the 2.5 mm DC power jack labelled as Power.
The power connector ismost commonly used to supply power to the radio
when the radio isused as a standalone PakBus® Router / RFrepeater orwhen
the RS-232 port isused for interconnect with another device. The Field Power
Cable (pn #14291)or ACto DC power adapter (pn #15966) are used for
supplying 12 Vdc to the power connector.
The power connector of the radio uses the inner conductor for positive (+)
voltage and the outer / sleeve conductor for ground (–).
There are many AC adapters available with barrel
connectors that will fit the RF401A series. Damage that
occurs from the use of an AC adapter that is not the 15966
AC to DC power adapter will not be covered by warranty. If
using a different AC adapter, be sure that the adapter’s “no
load” voltage is below the 16.5 Vdc; measure the output with
a DC voltmeter while the AC adapter is plugged into the
outlet but not powering anything.
7.3 USB
The radio has a USB Type B jack that can be connected to your PC using the
supplied #17648 USB cable. The connection is used for power,
configuration, and data.
INSTALL the DEVICE DRIVER BEFORE connecting the radio
to your PC via USB for the first time. You will need the device
driver properly installed before you can connect to the radio via
USB. To install the device driver, download the latest version of
Device Configuration Utility from our website. Under Device
Type, select Radio | RF401A Series. Click the Install the USB
device driver link and follow the prompts.
Most host USB ports will supply a sufficient amount of voltage and current for
all normal operations. When used as a base radio, an external power supply is
generally not required. When sourcing operational power from the PC’s USB
port, connect the radio directly to the PC or to an externally powered USB hub.
CAUTION
NOTE

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
7
When the radio isconnected tothe PC, a virtual COM port will be added to
the list of available Ports (COM and LPT) devices. It will be descriptively
labelled, for example “RF401A Series (COM10)”, where COM10 denotes the
COM port enumerated by the Windows®operating system.
The USB port isalways available for configuration purposes. Independent of
the Active Interface radio setting, USB can always be used for connecting with
Device Configuration Utility for radio configuration.
The USB interface is only available for operational, network communication
when the radio’s Active Interface setting issetas USB.
TABLE 7-1. USB Pinout (USB Type B Jack)
PIN FUNCTION
1 5V
2 Data–
3 Data+
4 GND
7.4 CS I/O
The CS I/O port is a 9-pin male D-Sub connector that is typically connected to
a Campbell Scientific datalogger using the supplied SC12 cable. This
connection is used for power and data.
The CS I/O port is not a typical RS-232 connection and is specific to Campbell
Scientific products. CS I/O cannot be used for radio configuration using the
Device Configuration Utility.
For a typical remote radio site, the radio need only be connected to the
datalogger CS I/O port using the supplied SC12 cable. This connection will
supply operational power to the radio and serve as the data connection between
the radio the datalogger. The Active Interface setting must be set to CS I/O
SDC.
An alternative, but much less common, use of CS I/O is connection to another
communication peripheral through an A100 CS I/O null modem adapter. This
is typically only used when creating a “phone to RF base” configuration. The
radio’s Active Interface setting must be set to CS I/O ME Master and the
other device (for example COM220) must be capable of being configured as a
modem enabled (ME) peripheral.

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
8
TABLE 7-2. CS I/O Pinout ( 9-PIN D-SUB MALE)
PIN FUNCTION I/O DESCRIPTION
1 5V I Sources 5 Vdc to power peripherals
2GND GND for pin 1 and signals
3Ring ORaised by modem to put datalogger
into telecommunications mode
4 RX O Serial data receive line
5Modem Enable I
Raised when datalogger determines
that associated modem raised the ring
line
6Synchronous
Device Enable I
Used by datalogger to address
synchronous devices; can be used as a
printer enable
7CLK/Handshake I/O
Used by datalogger with SDE and TX
lines to transfer data to synchronous
devices
812V supplied by
datalogger PWR Sources 12 Vdc to power peripherals
9 TX I Serial data transmit line
I = Signal into the RF401A series, O = Signal out of the RF401A series
7.5 RS-232
The RS-232 port isa DCE, 9-pin female D-Sub connector used to for
connecting the radio tothe RS-232 port of a datalogger, computer, oranother
RS-232 device. This connection is most commonly used when connecting the
radio to a device without a CSI/O portorwhen linking two communication
peripherals, for example directly connecting the radio toan Ethernet serial
server.
The RS-232 port can be connected toa DTE device, like a computer or
NL201, using the pn #10873, 9-Pin female to 9-Pin male serial cable. The
RS-232 port can be connected toanother DCE device, like a datalogger
RS-232 or MD485 or cellular modem, using the #18663 9-pin male-to-male
null modem serial cable.
When using RS-232, 12 Vdc power should be supplied to the power connector
using a field power connector orACpower adapter. The Active Interface
setting must be set to RS-232,and the RS-232 port configuration, like baud
rate, should match the device the radio isconnected to.
RS-232 cannot be used for radio configuration using Device Configuration
Utility.