Campbell RF450 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio
Revision: 4/15
Copyright © 2001-2015
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Limited Warranty
“Products manufactured by CSI are warranted by CSI to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve months
from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified in the corresponding
product manual. (Product manuals are available for review online at
www.campbellsci.com.) Products not manufactured by CSI, but that are resold
by CSI, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original manufacturer.
Batteries, fine-wire thermocouples, desiccant, and other consumables have no
warranty. CSI’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or
replacing (at CSI’s option) defective Products, which shall be the sole and
exclusive remedy under this warranty. The Customer assumes all costs of
removing, reinstalling, and shipping defective Products to CSI. CSI will return
such Products by surface carrier prepaid within the continental United States of
America. To all other locations, CSI will return such Products best way CIP
(port of entry) per Incoterms ® 2010. This warranty shall not apply to any
Products which have been subjected to modification, misuse, neglect, improper
service, accidents of nature, or shipping damage. This warranty is in lieu of all
other warranties, expressed or implied. The warranty for installation services
performed by CSI such as programming to customer specifications, electrical
connections to Products manufactured by CSI, and Product specific training, is
part of CSI's product warranty. CSI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND
EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CSI hereby disclaims,
to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, any and all warranties and
conditions with respect to the Products, whether express, implied or
statutory, other than those expressly provided herein.”

Assistance
Products may not be returned without prior authorization. The following
contact information is for US and international customers residing in countries
served by Campbell Scientific, Inc. directly. Affiliate companies handle
repairs for customers within their territories. Please visit
www.campbellsci.com to determine which Campbell Scientific company serves
your country.
To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA), contact CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone [phone]. After an application engineer
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, INC.
RMA#_____
815 West 1800 North
Logan, Utah 84321-1784
For all returns, the customer 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.com/repair. A
completed form must be either emailed to [e-mail] or faxed to
[phone]. Campbell Scientific 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 customer at the
customer’s expense. Campbell Scientific 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.com or
by telephoning [phone] (USA). 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, 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.

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. General Description....................................................1
2. Cautionary Statements...............................................1
3. Specifications .............................................................1
4. Configuration ..............................................................2
4.1 Theory of Radio Operation ..................................................................2
4.2 PakBus Graph ......................................................................................3
4.3 Location of the Transceivers................................................................4
4.4 Using the Device Configuration Utility ...............................................4
4.5 Quick Start ...........................................................................................7
4.6 Deployment Settings............................................................................8
4.6.1 Active Interface.............................................................................8
4.6.2 SDC Address.................................................................................8
4.6.3 Baud Rate......................................................................................8
4.6.4 RF450 Operation Mode Setting ....................................................9
4.6.4.1 Operation Mode Description ..............................................9
4.6.5 Network ID .................................................................................10
4.6.6 Frequency Key Setting................................................................10
4.6.7 Repeater Frequency Key Setting.................................................10
4.6.8 Transmit Power Setting...............................................................10
4.6.9 Low Power Mode Setting ...........................................................11
4.6.10 Transmit Subnet ID Setting ........................................................12
4.6.11 Radio ID Setting .........................................................................12
4.7 Master Radio......................................................................................13
4.8 Slave...................................................................................................14
4.9 Repeater .............................................................................................14
4.10 Power Considerations ........................................................................15
5. Antennas ...................................................................15
5.1 Antennas for the RF450 Series ..........................................................15
5.2 Antenna Cables and Surge Protection................................................17
5.2.1 Antenna Cables ...........................................................................17
5.2.2 Electrostatic Issues......................................................................17
5.2.3 Antenna Surge Protector Kit.......................................................17
6. LoggerNet Software Setup.......................................18
7. RF450s with RF401 or CR206(X) in the Same
Network ...................................................................19
8. Troubleshooting........................................................19
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Table of Contents
Appendix
A. Installation Scenarios.............................................A-1
A.1 Example 1: PC-to-RF Network ...................................................... A-1
A.2 Example 2: PC-to-RF Network with Repeater ............................... A-3
A.3 Example 3: PC-to-RF Network with Parallel Repeaters (using
the SubNet ID) ............................................................................. A-5
A.4 Example 4: Phone-to-RF Base ....................................................... A-7
A.5 Example 5: Call-back ..................................................................... A-8
Appendix B. Settings Editor ......................................B-1
Figures
4-1. Simplest Form of a Multi-Point Network............................................ 3
4-2. Point to Multi-Point Network with Two Routers ................................ 3
4-3. RF450 Point to Multi-Point Network with Two Routers as
Displayed in PakBus Graph ............................................................. 4
4-4. Start-up DevConfig Screen for Configuring the RF450 ...................... 5
4-5. DevConfig Screen Showing the RF450 Settings ................................. 6
4-6. DevConfig RF450 Summary Screen ................................................... 7
4-7. DevConfig Screen Showing Settings for Multi-Point Master............ 13
4-8. DevConfig Screen Showing Settings for a Slave in a Multi-Point
Network ......................................................................................... 14
4-9. DevConfig Screen Showing Settings for Repeater in a Multi-Point
Network ......................................................................................... 14
6-1. LoggerNet Setup Screen for an RF450 Multi-Point Network ........... 18
8-1. RF450 Front Side View..................................................................... 19
A-1. Schematic of PC-to-RF450 Network............................................... A-1
A-2. DevConfig Screen Showing Master Radio Settings for
Example 1 .................................................................................... A-2
A-3. Schematic of PC-to-RF450 Network with Repeater ....................... A-3
A-4. DevConfig Screen Showing Master Radio Settings for
Example 2 .................................................................................... A-4
A-5. DevConfig Screen Showing Slave/Repeater Radio Settings for
Example 2 .................................................................................... A-4
A-6. DevConfig Screen Showing Slave Radio Settings for
Example 2 .................................................................................... A-5
A-7. Schematic of PC-to-RF Network with Parallel Repeaters (using
the SubNet ID) ............................................................................. A-6
A-8. Schematic of Phone-to-RF Base...................................................... A-7
Tables
4-1. Transmit Power Settings ................................................................... 11
4-2. Low Power Mode Settings ................................................................ 12
4-3. Power Requirements at 12 VDC ....................................................... 15
8-1. Multi-Point Network LED Status...................................................... 19
A-1. RF450 Settings for Example 1 ........................................................ A-2
A-2. RF450 Settings for Example 2 ........................................................ A-3
A-3. RF450 Settings for Example 3 ........................................................ A-6
A-4. RF450 Settings for Example 4 ........................................................ A-7
ii

FCC Notifications
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference
and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation. This device must be operated
as supplied by Campbell Scientific, Inc. Any changes or modifications made
to the device without the express written approval of Campbell Scientific, Inc
may void the user's authority to operate the device.
The module number FGR09 has a maximum transmitted
output power of 955mW. It is recommended that the
transmit antenna be kept at least 23cm (approximately 10
inches) away from nearby persons to satisfy FCC RF
exposure requirements.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. 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.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
•Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help
•Consult Campbell Scientific
CAUTION

RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio
1. General Description
The RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio is a 900 MHz license-free radio
specifically designed to work with Campbell Scientific dataloggers. RF450
radios consist of a FreeWave DGR09 radio module and an interface board.
This manual addresses the RF450’s interface with CR3000, CR1000, and
CR800-series dataloggers and a PC running LoggerNet. Though the radios
may be setup in a point-to-point mode, this manual will only address multi-
point applications, as this is the only way to take advantage of the low-power
mode of the Slave radios at the datalogger site. This reduces the required
power at remote sites from about 75 mA to less than 10 mA in most
applications.
2. Cautionary Statements
IMPORTANT — Radios must be configured to use the proper hop table
version to comply with local laws and to avoid interference with other RF
installations such as cellular services. Available hop table versions are listed in
the Device Configuration Utility Settings Editor for the RF450. Hop table
versions include North America (default), Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan,
Brazil, International, and Notch (custom). See Appendix B, Settings Editor
(p. B-1), for more information.
3. Specifications
Frequency: 902 to 928 Mhz
Transmit:
Output Power 5 mW to 1 W, user selectable
Range 60 miles maximum assuming ideal conditions,
line-of-sight, and appropriate antenna. Note
that line-of-sight obstructions, RF interference,
and antenna type will affect transmission
distance. Realistic, reliable distances are
approximately 13 miles.
Modulation Spread spectrum GFSK, 120 or 170 kbps
Spreading Method Frequency hopping
Occupied Bandwidth 230 kHz, at 60 dB
Channel Spacing 230 kHz
Hopping Patterns 15 per band, 105 total, user selectable
Hopping Channels 50 to 112, user selectable
Hopping Bands 7, user selectable
Frequency Zones 16 Zones, 7 Channels per zone
Receive:
Sensitivity -108 dBm for 10-6 bit error rate
-110 dBm for 10-4 bit error rate
Selectivity -20 dB at Fc +/- 115 kHz
-60 dB at Fc +/- 145 kHz
System Gain 140 dB
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RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio
Data Transmission:
Error Detection 32 bit CRC, retransmit on error
Data Encryption Substitution, dynamic key
Link Throughput 115.2 kbps, max
Data Interface:
Protocol RS-232, DCE, CS I/O, ME, and SDC;
user selectable
RS-232 Baud Rate: 1200 bps, 4800 bps, 9600 bps, 19.2 kbps,
38.4 kbps, 57.6 kbps, 115.2 kbps;
user selectable
Connectors DB9
Antenna SMA female connector
External antenna required
Power Requirements:
Voltage 7 to 28 Vdc
Current Transmit 500 mA
Receive 76 mA*
Idle 22 mA*
Sleep 7 mA*
Environmental:
Operating Temperature -40° to +75°C
Dimensions 1.44” x 3.17” x 5.70” (3.66 x 8.05 x 14.48 cm)
1.44” x 3.17” x 7.5” (3.66 x 8.05 x 19.05 cm) with
mounting plate
Weight 0.7 lbs (0.3 kg)
Humidity 0 to 95% non-condensing
FCC ID: KNY-6231812519
Canada: 2329B-DGR09RAS
4. Configuration
4.1 Theory of Radio Operation
In a point-to-multi-point network (multi-point network) the transceiver
designated as a Master, is able to simultaneously communicate with numerous
Slaves. In its simplest form, a multi-point network functions with the Master
broadcasting its messages to all Slaves and the Slaves responding to the Master
when given data by the datalogger connected to the data port (see FIGURE 4-1).
There may be only one RF450 Master in a network and it must be
connected to a PakBus router. A PakBus router may be software
such as LoggerNet or PC400 or a datalogger configured as a
router.
NOTE
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RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio
Master
Slave
Slave
Slave
FIGURE 4-1. Simplest Form of a Multi-Point Network
In a multi-point network, outbound packets from the Master or repeater to
Slaves or other repeaters are sent a set number of times determined by the user.
The receiving transceiver, Slave or repeater, will accept the first packet
received with the correct signature (32 bit CRC). However, the packet is not
acknowledged. On the return trip to the Master, all packets sent are
acknowledged or retransmitted until they are acknowledged. Therefore, the
return link in a multi-point network is generally very robust.
Traditionally, a multi-point network is used in applications where data is
collected from one to many dataloggers and reported back to one central site.
The central site is typically a PC running LoggerNet, but could be a datalogger.
Refer to Appendix A, Installation Scenarios (p. A-1), for different installation
scenarios.
Though the radios may be setup in a point-to-point mode, this manual will only
address multi-point applications, as this is the only way to take advantage of
the low-power mode of the Slave radios at the datalogger site. This reduces the
required power at remote sites from about 75mA to less than 10mA in most
applications.
4.2 PakBus Graph
PakBus Graph is a LoggerNet utility that graphically depicts the devices and
connections in a PakBus datalogger network. In PakBus graph, the LoggerNet
server is typically represented by PakBus address 4094, and each of the
PakBus dataloggers that have been configured in Setup will be shown by the
PakBus address in brackets followed by its name assigned through LoggerNet
setup.
Because RF450 networking protocols are used to direct packets, not PakBus
protocols, the network's representation in PakBus Graph may be significantly
different than one would expect. FIGURE 4-2 depicts the physical network of
six dataloggers and one LoggerNet server. Dataloggers numbered 1 and 2
route packets to other dataloggers from the LoggerNet server.
[4] Site4
[5] Site5
[2] Site2
[4094]
LN Server
[1] Site1
[3] Site3
FIGURE 4-2. Point to Multi-Point Network with Two Routers
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RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio
This same network will be depicted in PakBus Graph as shown in FIGURE
4-3. Dataloggers numbered 1 and 2 have RF450 radios configured as
Slave/Repeaters. The RF450 radios are doing the networking, not the PakBus
dataloggers.
FIGURE 4-3. RF450 Point to Multi-Point Network with
Two Routers as Displayed in PakBus Graph
4.3 Location of the Transceivers
Placement of the radio is likely to have a significant impact on its performance.
The key to the overall robustness of the radio link is the height of the antenna.
4.4 Using the Device Configuration Utility
Radios are configured using the CSI Device Configuration Utility (DevConfig)
software tool that comes with LoggerNet (see FIGURE 4-4). To avoid COM
port conflict, DevConfig is usually run when LoggerNet is shut down, and vice
versa. The following general procedure is used to configure the RF450 radios
via DevConfig:
1. Launch DevConfig by double clicking the icon on the Windows Desktop
or through the Windows Start Menu | Start | All Programs | LoggerNet |
Device Configuration Utility.
2. From the Device Type list, select the RF450. Information, instruction and
help are provided on each screen.
4

RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio
FIGURE 4-4. Start-up DevConfig Screen for Configuring the RF450
3. Select the correct COM port for serial communications with the radio.
4. Power the RF450 radio by using the power plug or by using the SC12
cable to connect the radio’s CS I/O port to the datalogger’s CS I/O port.
5. Connect an RS-232 or USB-to-RS-232 cable between the RF450 and PC.
6. Click Connect then press the green “setup” button located on the side of
the RF450 between the RS-232 and power ports. The radio CD and CTS
LEDs should turn green. After several seconds, a screen similar to
FIGURE 4-5 will appear:
5

RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio
FIGURE 4-5. DevConfig Screen Showing the RF450 Settings
Deployment, Settings Editor, Terminal, and Send OS tabs are available. The
Deployment tab contains all the standard parameters that need to be set for a
PakBus network. The Settings Editor or Terminal tabs may be used to access
all of the FreeWave Radio settings. They should be used by experienced
FreeWave Radio users only. New operating systems for the CSI board are
loaded through the Send OS tab.
DevConfig makes applying the same settings to multiple devices easy. Once
settings are configured for one device, click the Apply button; a summary
screen similar to FIGURE 4-6 will show. Click the Save button to save a
configuration file. This file can then be used to load the settings into another
RF450. Click the Read File button to load the settings in DevConfig then the
Apply button to load the settings into the RF450.
6

RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio
FIGURE 4-6. DevConfig RF450 Summary Screen
4.5 Quick Start
1. Using DevConfig, set a unique PakBus Address for each datalogger in the
network. Keep the other settings as their default.
2. Decide on a unique Network Identification Number between 0 and 4095,
excluding 255. All radios in the network will have the same Network ID.
3. Select a Frequency Key Number between 0 and 14. It is recommended
that you change this from 5 which is the default. Generally all radios in
the network will have the same Frequency Key.
4. Select one radio to be the Master; the others will be designated as Slaves.
5. Slave Radios: Using DevConfig, set the “Radio Operation Mode” to
Multi-Point Slave. Set the Network ID to the number decided upon in step
2 above. Set the Frequency Key to the number decided upon in step 3
above. Set the Radio ID to the PakBus Address assigned in step 1 above.
Keep the remaining settings as their defaults. (See note below regarding
repeaters.)
7

RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio
6. Master Radio: Using DevConfig, set the “Radio Operation Mode” to
Multi-Point Master. Set the Network ID to the number decided upon in
step 2 above. Set the Frequency Key to the number decided upon in step 3
above. Set the Radio ID to the PakBus Address assigned in step 1 above.
Keep the remaining settings as their defaults. (See note below regarding
repeaters.)
7. Select a datalogger, or PC running LoggerNet, to be a router. Using
DevConfig, set this node to beacon. Attach the Master Radio to this node.
If RF450 repeaters will be used, select Multi-Point Slave/Repeater
as the Radio Operation Mode. Check the “Repeaters Used” box
for all radios in the Network.
4.6 Deployment Settings
See Appendix A, Installation Scenarios (p. A-1), for example radio
settings in different network configurations.
4.6.1 Active Interface
Specify the interface that will be used for normal operations. The following
active interfaces are available:
•Auto-Sense: The RF450 will choose between the RS-232 port and the
CS I/O SDC, depending upon whether the +5 V line of the CS I/O port is
present.
•RS-232: The RS-232 port is used at the baud rate selected.
•CS I/O SDC: The CS I/O port is used, and configured as SDC at the SDC
Address selected.
•CS I/O Modem Enable: The CS I/O port is used, and configured as
Modem Enable at the baud rate selected.
•ME Master: The CS I/O port is used, and configured for direct connection
to a CSI COM200, COM210, COM220, or other ME configured device
(MD485, RF416, etc.). The connection is a type of "null modem" that
crosses TX & RX, and ME & RING; this line swapping is done by using
an A100. The baud rates of both the COM2xx (or other device) and
RF450 must be the same.
4.6.2 SDC Address
Specifies the SDC address that will be used on the RF450 CS I/O port when
CS I/O SDC or Auto-Sense is selected as the active interface.
4.6.3 Baud Rate
Specifies the baud rate that will be used on the RS-232 port or CS I/O ME port.
NOTE
NOTE
8

RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio
4.6.4 RF450 Operation Mode Setting
The Operation Mode option designates the method FreeWave transceivers use
to communicate with each other. FreeWave transceivers operate in a Master-
to-Slave configuration. Before the transceivers can operate together, they must
be set up to properly communicate.
In a point-to-point configuration, Master or Slave mode may be used on either
end of the communication link without performance degradation. When
setting up the transceiver, remember that a number of parameters are controlled
by the settings in the Master. Also, radio network diagnostics can only be
accessed at the Master radio. Therefore, we suggest you deploy the Master on
the communications end where it will be easier to access.
For a datalogger PakBus network, the multi-point radio modes should be used.
For other configurations, the Operation Mode will need to be set through the
Settings Editor tab.
4.6.4.1 Operation Mode Description
Point-to-MultiPoint Master
This mode designates the transceiver as a Master in multi-point mode. This
mode allows one Master transceiver to simultaneously be in communication
with numerous Slaves and repeaters. A point-to-multi-point Master
communicates only with other transceivers designated as point-to-multipoint
Slaves or point-to-multipoint repeaters.
Point-to-MultiPoint Slave
This mode designates the transceiver as a Slave in multi-point mode. This
mode allows the Slave to communicate with a multi-point Master. The Slave
may communicate with its Master through one or more repeaters.
Point-to-MultiPoint Repeater
This option allows the transceiver to operate as a repeater in a multi-point
network.
Point-to-MultiPoint Slave/Repeater
This option allows the transceiver to operate as a repeater and a Slave in a
multi-point network. The radio will repeat packets sent across the network as
well as use the active interface. Choosing this setting effectively sets the
operation mode to multi-point repeater and sets the Slave/repeater mode.
Repeaters Used Setting
In a multi-point network, it is critical to transmission timing to configure this
parameter correctly. This box should be checked (set to 1 in Settings Editor) if
there are any repeaters in the network. It should be left unchecked (set to 0 in
Settings Editor) if there are no repeaters present.
This parameter should be set to the same value in all transceivers in a multi-
point network.
9

RF450 Spread Spectrum Radio
This box should be checked (set to 1 in Settings Editor) when
running diagnostics from the Master.
4.6.5 Network ID
All radios in a multi-point network need to have the same Network ID. The
value must be between 0 and 4095 (excluding 255). The ID of 255 is reserved
for point-to-point networks.
Slaves will link with the first Master or repeater that it hears with a matching
Network ID. Assigning a unique Network ID will reduce the chance a radio in
your network links with another, unrelated, network in the same RF area.
If necessary, the Network ID function can be used in conjunction with the
SubNet ID feature.
4.6.6 Frequency Key Setting
The Frequency Key determines the frequency hopping sequence of the
transceiver. There are 15 choices available (0-14) which represent 15 unique
pseudo-random hop patterns. This setting allows you to minimize RF
interference with other FreeWave transceivers operating in the same RF area.
The Frequency Key setting should be the same for all radios in the
entire network. The exception to this is if the Repeater Frequency
Key setting is used. If this is used, the Repeaters' Frequency Key
would be different from the Master radio, and downstream radios
intended to connect to the repeater would have the same
Frequency Key setting (as the repeater).
4.6.7 Repeater Frequency Key Setting
This is a setting that is only used by repeaters. The Repeater Frequency Key
must be checked when you want a repeater to use a Frequency Key other than
that of the Master.
This is useful when there are parallel repeaters in a network, and you want to
force communication through a particular repeater. When this setting is used,
the repeater will receive on the Frequency Key of the upstream Master (or
repeater), and transmit on its Frequency Key setting (which typically is set to a
different value than the Master’s).
The default setting of box not checked (Use Master Frequency) causes the
repeater to transmit on the Master’s Frequency Key.
When this setting is not used, the Frequency Key setting should
match that of the Master or of the repeater acting as the Master for
that transceiver.
4.6.8 Transmit Power Setting
This setting specifies the RF transmit power. Use a transmit power of 0 when
bench testing to reduce RF exposure.
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE
10