Campbell RF401A-Series User manual

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RF401A-Series Spread
Spectrum Radios
Revision: 4/15
Copyright © 2001-2015
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Assistance
Products may not be returned without prior authorization. The following
contact information is for Canadian and international clients residing in
countries served by Campbell Scientific (Canada) Corp. directly. Affiliate
companies handle repairs for clients within their territories. Please visit
www.campbellsci.ca to determine which Campbell Scientific company serves
your country.
To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA), contact CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC (CANADA) CORP., phone [phone]. After a
measurement consultant determines the nature of the problem, an RMA
number will be issued. Please write this number clearly on the outside of the
shipping container. Campbell Scientific’s shipping address is:
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC (CANADA) CORP.
RMA#_____
14532 131 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5L 4X4
Canada
For all returns, the client must fill out a “Statement of Product Cleanliness and
Decontamination”form and comply with the requirements specified in it. The
form is available from our web site at www.campbellsci.ca/repair. A
completed form must be either emailed to [e-mail] or faxed to
[phone]. Campbell Scientific (Canada) Corp. is unable to process any
returns until we receive this form. If the form is not received within three days
of product receipt or is incomplete, the product will be returned to the client at
the client’s expense. Campbell Scientific (Canada) Corp.f reserves the right to
refuse service on products that were exposed to contaminants that may cause
health or safety concerns for our employees.

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.ca or by
telephoning [phone] (Canada). 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 personnel (e.g. 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
xPrior to performing site or installation work, obtain required approvals and permits.
xUse 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.
xRead all applicable instructions carefully and understand procedures thoroughly before
beginning work.
xWear a hardhat and eye protection, and take other appropriate safety precautions while
working on or around tripods and towers.
xDo 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.
xUse only manufacturer recommended parts, materials, and tools.
Utility and Electrical
xYou 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.
xMaintain a distance of at least one-and-one-half times structure height, 6 meters (20 feet), or
the distance required by applicable law, whichever is greater, between overhead utility lines
and the structure (tripod, tower, attachments, or tools).
xPrior to performing site or installation work, inform all utility companies and have all
underground utilities marked.
xComply with all electrical codes. Electrical equipment and related grounding devices should
be installed by a licensed and qualified electrician.
Elevated Work and Weather
xExercise extreme caution when performing elevated work.
xUse appropriate equipment and safety practices.
xDuring 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.
xDo not perform any work in inclement weather, including wind, rain, snow, lightning, etc.
Maintenance
xPeriodically (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.
xPeriodically (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 CLIENT 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.

PLEASE READ FIRST
About this manual
Please note that this manual was originally produced by Campbell Scientific Inc. (CSI) primarily
for the US 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 US gallon = 3.785 litres
In addition, part ordering numbers may vary. For example, the CABLE5CBL is a CSI part
number and known as a FIN5COND at Campbell Scientific Canada (CSC). CSC Technical
Support will be pleased to assist with any questions.
About sensor wiring
Please note that certain sensor configurations may require a user supplied jumper wire. It is
recommended to review the sensor configuration requirements for your application and supply the jumper
wire is necessary.

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. Cautionary Statements ............................................... 1
3. Initial Inspection ......................................................... 1
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 ........................................................................... 10
8. Configuring the RF401A Series ............................... 11
8.1 Device Configuration Utility.............................................................. 11
9. LoggerNet Setup ....................................................... 11
9.1 Basic Setup......................................................................................... 11
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
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Table of Contents
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 ............................................................... 23
11.2.4 Central Router ............................................................................ 23
11.2.5 Neighbors 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 ............................................................ 24
11.3.4 Received Signal Strength ........................................................... 24
11.3.5 Retransmit Failures .................................................................... 24
11.3.6 ME Baud Rate ............................................................................ 24
11.3.7 RS-232 Parity ............................................................................. 25
11.3.8 RS-232 Stop Bits ........................................................................ 25
11.3.9 RS-232 Character Length ........................................................... 25
11.3.10RS-232 Auto Power Down ......................................................... 25
11.3.11AT Sequence Character .............................................................. 25
11.3.12Silence Time Before Command Sequence ................................. 25
11.3.13Silence Time After Command Sequence ................................... 25
11.3.14AT Command Mode Timeout .................................................... 25
11.3.15Net Address Mask ...................................................................... 25
11.3.16Radio Address Mask .................................................................. 25
12. Attribution .................................................................. 25
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 Analysis ........................................................................... B-2
B.2.3 Transmitter Power .................................................................... B-3
B.2.4 Cable Loss ................................................................................ B-3
B.2.5 Antenna Gain ........................................................................... B-4
B.2.6 Receiver Sensitivity ................................................................. B-4
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Table of Contents
B.2.7 Path Loss ................................................................................... B-5
B.3 Real World Distance Estimates ........................................................ B-6
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) ............................................... 7
7-3. RS-232 Pinout (9-PIN D-SUB FEMALE) ........................................... 8
B-1. RF Path Examples ............................................................................ B-1
B-2. Transmitter Power ............................................................................ B-3
B-3. Cable Loss ........................................................................................ B-4
B-4. LMR-195 Cable Loss vs. Length @ 900 MHz ................................ B-4
B-5. Antenna Gain of Recommended Antennas ...................................... B-4
B-6. Free Space Path Loss ....................................................................... B-5
B-7. 900 MHz Distance vs. Path Loss (Lp in dB) per Three Path
Types ............................................................................................ B-6
B-8. Path Type vs. Path Characteristics Selector ..................................... B-7
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Table of Contents
iv

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.
2. Cautionary Statements
x This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed 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.
x Ensure maximum protection against surges. Use coaxial (antenna) surge
protection. Keep RS-232, CS I/O, and USB connections short or use
protective isolation and surge protection when appropriate.
x Where an AC adapter is used, Campbell Scientific recommends pn 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 radio. Over-voltage
damage is not covered by factory warranty.
x Campbell Scientific does not recommend using RF401A-series, RF401-
series, or RF430-series radios in networks containing RF450 radios. The
RF450 radios will interfere with the transmission of the RF401A-series,
RF401-series, and RF430-series radios.
x Line-of-sight obstructions and RF interference will affect the transmission
distance. See Appendix B, Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other
Factors (p. B-1), for a discussion of antenna gain and other factors affecting
distance.
3. Initial Inspection
x The RF401A-series radios ship with an SC12 serial cable, a USB A to
USB B Cable, 2 grommets, and 2 screws.
x 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.
1

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
x 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.
x From the EZ View of the LoggerNet Setup screen, press Add, select
your datalogger type, enter a name for your datalogger, and press
Next.
x Under Connection Type, select Direct Connect. Press Next.
x Under COM Port Selection, select the port designated as RF401A-
Series.
x 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.
x Under Datalogger Settings – Security, enter any security codes that
have been previously configured in the datalogger, if any. Press Next.
x Review the Communication Setup Summary and verify that all
settings are correct. Press Next.
x 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.
x You are now ready to connect to your datalogger using the LoggerNet
Connect screen.
2

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
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 1.1 in)
Weight: 136 g (4.8 oz)
Two-piece aluminum case, black anodized
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
CAUTION
3

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
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
4

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

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
7. Product Description
7.1 Mounting
The mounting holes are designed to align with a one-inch-on-center hole
pattern and provide for ridged mounting of the radio 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.
7.2 Power
There are three ways the radio may be powered for operation. The radio may
be powered via CS I/O, USB, or the 2.5 mm DC power jack labeled as Power.
The power connector is most commonly used to supply power to the radio
when the radio is used as a standalone PakBus® Router / RF repeater or when
the RS-232 port is used for interconnect with another device. The Field Power
Cable (pn 14291) or AC to 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
6

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
When the radio is connected to the PC, a virtual COM port will be added to the
list of available Ports (COM and LPT) devices. It will be descriptively labeled,
for example “RF401A Series (COM10)”, where COM10 denotes the COM
port enumerated by the Windows operating system.
The USB port is always 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 is set as 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.
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
2 GND GND for pin 1 and signals
3 Ring O Raised by modem to put datalogger
into telecommunications mode
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RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
4 RX O Serial data receive line
5 Modem Enable I Raised when datalogger determines
that associated modem raised the ring
line
6 Synchronous
Device Enable
I Used by datalogger to address
synchronous devices; can be used as a
printer enable
7 CLK/Handshake I/O Used by datalogger with SDE and TX
lines to transfer data to synchronous
devices
8 12V 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 is a DCE, 9-pin female D-Sub connector used to for
connecting the radio to the RS-232 port of a datalogger, computer, or another
RS-232 device. This connection is most commonly used when connecting the
radio to a device without a CS I/O port or when linking two communication
peripherals, for example directly connecting the radio to an Ethernet serial
server.
The RS-232 port can be connected to a 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 to another 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 or AC power 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 is connected to.
RS-232 cannot be used for radio configuration using Device Configuration
Utility.
TABLE 7-3. RS-232 Pinout (9-PIN D-SUB FEMALE)
PIN I/O DESCRIPTION
1
2 O TX
3 I RX
4
5 GND
6
8

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
7
8 O CTS
9
I = Signal into the RF401A series, 0 = Signal out of the RF401A series
7.6 LEDs
The radios have a red LED labeled Pwr/TX and a green LED labeled RX.
When 12V power is applied, the red LED lights for ten seconds. About three
seconds after power-up, the green LED lights for a second. Ten seconds after
power-up, the selected standby mode begins to control the red LED.
The red LED lights to indicate when the receiver is actively listening. When
the receiver detects RF traffic (header or data with the same hopping
sequence), the red LED will light steadily. When radio is transmitting, the red
LED will pulse OFF as the RF packets are transmitted (it will not be on solid).
Green LED activity indicates that there is an RF signal being received whose
hopping sequence corresponds to the configured hopping sequence of the
RF401A series. This does not necessarily mean that the network/radio address
of the received packet corresponds with that of the RF401A series. (Where a
neighboring network exists it is a good idea to choose a unique hopping
sequence.)
7.7 Antenna
The radio has a reverse polarity SMA (RPSMA) jack antenna connection. It is
important to note the distinction between RPSMA and SMA connectors when
selecting a mating antenna or antenna cable.
7.7.1 Compatible Antennas
Campbell Scientific offers antennas to satisfy the needs for various base station
and remote station requirements. All antennas (or antenna cables) that attach
directly to the radio have an RPSMA plug connector. The use of an
unauthorized antenna could cause transmitted field strengths in excess of FCC
rules, interfere with licensed services, and result in FCC sanctions against the
user. One of the following antennas listed below must be used.
An FCC authorized antenna is a required component. You
must pick one of the antennas below.
In order to comply with the FCC RF exposure requirements,
the RF401A series may be used only with approved
antennas that have been tested with these radios and a
minimum separation distance of 20 cm must be maintained
from the antenna to any nearby persons.
CAUTION
CAUTION
9