Campbell RF451 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio
Revision: 3/18
Copyright © 2001-2018
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) number, contact
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone [phone]. Please write the
issued RMA 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 website 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.

Safety
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.

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.........................................................1
4. QuickStart...................................................................2
5. Overview .....................................................................3
Theory of Radio Operation ..............................................................................3
6. Specifications.............................................................4
7. Installation ..................................................................5
7.1 Using the Device Configuration Utility ...............................................5
7.2 Deployment Settings ............................................................................8
7.2.1 Active Interface.............................................................................8
7.2.2 SDC Address.................................................................................9
7.2.3 Baud Rate......................................................................................9
7.2.4 Radio Operation Mode..................................................................9
7.2.4.1 Operation Mode Description ..............................................9
7.2.5 Network ID .................................................................................10
7.2.6 Frequency Key............................................................................10
7.2.7 Repeater Frequency Key.............................................................10
7.2.8 Transmit Power...........................................................................11
7.2.9 Low Power Mode........................................................................12
7.2.10 SubNet ID ...................................................................................13
7.2.11 Radio ID......................................................................................13
7.3 Master Radio......................................................................................14
7.4 Slave...................................................................................................14
7.5 Repeater .............................................................................................15
7.6 Location of the Transceivers..............................................................16
7.7 Power Considerations ........................................................................16
7.8 LoggerNet Software Setup .................................................................16
7.9 PakBus Graph....................................................................................17
8. Antennas ..................................................................18
8.1 Antennas for the RF451 .....................................................................18
8.2 Antenna Cables and Surge Protection................................................20
8.2.1 Antenna Cables ...........................................................................20
8.2.2 Electrostatic Issues......................................................................20
8.2.3 Antenna Surge Protector Kit .......................................................20

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ii
9. Troubleshooting.......................................................21
9.1 LED Status ........................................................................................ 21
9.2 Troubleshooting Scenarios ................................................................ 22
9.3 Using the Diagnostics Port ................................................................ 23
Appendices
A. FCC Notifications ................................................... A-1
B. Installation Scenarios ............................................ B-1
B.1 Example 1: PC-to-RF Network ....................................................... B-1
B.2 Example 2: PC-to-RF Network with Repeater ................................ B-2
B.3 Example 3: PC-to-RF Network with Parallel Repeaters (using
the SubNet ID) ............................................................................. B-5
B.4 Example 4: Phone-to-RF Base ........................................................ B-7
B.5 Example 5: Call-back ...................................................................... B-8
C. Settings Editor........................................................C-1
D. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other
Factors.................................................................. D-1
D.1 Introduction ..................................................................................... D-1
D.2 How Far Can You Go?.................................................................... D-2
D.2.1 Overview.................................................................................. D-2
D.2.2 Link Budget.............................................................................. D-2
D.2.3 Transmitter Power.................................................................... D-3
D.2.4 Cable Loss................................................................................ D-3
D.2.5 Antenna Gain ........................................................................... D-4
D.2.6 Receiver Sensitivity ................................................................. D-5
D.2.7 Path Loss .................................................................................. D-5
D.3 Real World Distance Estimates ....................................................... D-5
D.4 Examples ......................................................................................... D-7
E. RF451s with RF401A or CR206(X) in the Same
Network................................................................. E-1
Figures
5-1. Simplest Form of a Multi-Point Network............................................ 3
7-1. Startup DevConfig Screen for Configuring the RF451 ....................... 5
7-2. DevConfig Screen Showing the RF451 Settings................................. 7
7-3. DevConfig RF451 Summary Screen ................................................... 8
7-4. DevConfig Screen Showing Settings for Multi-Point Master ........... 14
7-5. DevConfig Screen Showing Settings for a Slave in a Multi-Point
Network ......................................................................................... 15
7-6. DevConfig Screen Showing Settings for Repeater in a Multi-Point
Network ......................................................................................... 15
7-7. LoggerNet Setup Screen for an RF451 Multi-Point Network ........... 17
7-8. Point to Multi-Point Network with Two Routers .............................. 18

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iii
7-9. RF451 Point to Multi-Point network with a single router (in this
case, LoggerNet) as displayed in PakBus Graph ............................18
9-1. RF451 Front Side View .....................................................................21
B-1. Schematic of PC-to-RF451 Network ...............................................B-1
B-2. DevConfig Screen Showing Master Radio Settings for
Example 1 .....................................................................................B-2
B-3. Schematic of PC-to-RF451 Network with Repeater ........................B-3
B-4. DevConfig Screen Showing Master Radio Settings for
Example 2 .....................................................................................B-4
B-5. DevConfig Screen Showing Slave/Repeater Radio Settings for
Example 2 .....................................................................................B-4
B-6. DevConfig Screen Showing Slave Radio Settings for Example 2 ...B-5
B-7. Schematic of PC-to-RF Network with Parallel Repeaters (using
the SubNet ID)..............................................................................B-6
B-8. Schematic of Phone-to-RF Base ......................................................B-7
Tables
7-1. Transmit Power Settings ....................................................................12
7-2. Low Power Mode Settings .................................................................12
7-3. Power Requirements at 12 Vdc..........................................................16
9-1. Status LED .........................................................................................21
9-2. TX/RX LED.......................................................................................22
B-1. RF451 Settings for Example 1 .........................................................B-1
B-2. RF451 Settings for Example 2 .........................................................B-3
B-3. RF451 Settings for Example 3 .........................................................B-6
B-4. RF451 Settings for Example 4 .........................................................B-7
D-1. Transmitter Power........................................................................... D-3
D-2. Cable Loss....................................................................................... D-4
D-3. LMR-195 Cable Loss vs. Length @ 900 MHz ............................... D-4
D-4. Antenna Gain of Recommended Antennas ..................................... D-4
D-5. Free Space Path Loss ...................................................................... D-5
D-6. 915 MHz Distance vs. Path Loss (Lpath in dB) per Two
Propagation Models*................................................................... D-6
D-7. Path Type vs. Path Characteristics Selector .................................... D-6
D-8. Lpath vs. Distance for 2-Ray Propagation Model in Example #1... D-7
D-9. Fade Margin (dB) vs. Distance for 2-Ray Propagation Model in
Example #1.................................................................................. D-8
D-10. Lpath vs. Distance for 2-Ray Propagation Model in Example #2... D-8
D-11. Fade Margin (dB) vs. Distance for 2-Ray Propagation Model in
Example #2.................................................................................. D-9

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iv

1
RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio
1. Introduction
The RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio is a 900 MHz license-free radio
specifically designed to work with Campbell Scientific dataloggers and
existing RF450/RF451 networks. RF451 radios consist of a FreeWave® MM2
LV-T radio module and an interface board.
This manual addresses the RF451 interface with CR1000X, CR300, CR6,
CR3000, CR1000, and CR800-series dataloggers and a PC running LoggerNet.
Though the radios may be set up 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.
Before using the RF451, please study
•Section 2, Precautions (p. 1)
•Section 3, Initial Inspection (p. 1)
•Section 4, QuickStart (p. 2)
2. Precautions
•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 (DevConfig) Settings Editor for
the RF451. Hop table versions include North America (default),
Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Brazil, International, and Notch
(custom). See Appendix C, Settings Editor (p. C-1),for more information.
•READ AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the front of this
manual.
•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,
FCC Notifications (p. A-1), for more information.
3. Initial Inspection
•The RF451 radios ship with an SC12 cable, a USB A to USB B cable (pn
17648), 4 grommets, and 4 screws.
•Upon receipt of the RF451, 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

RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio
2
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
1. Using DevConfig (see Section 7.1, Using the Device Configuration Utility
(p. 5)), set a unique PakBus®Address for each datalogger in the network.
Keep the other settings at their default.
2. Decide on a unique Network ID between 0 and 4095, excluding 255. All
radios in the network will have the same Network ID.
3. Select a Frequency Key between 0 and 14. It is recommended that you
change this from the default value of 5. 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 at their defaults. (See note below regarding
repeaters.)
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.
If the master radio will be at PC running LoggerNet, set the Active
Interface to USB or RS-232 depending on how LoggerNet will be
communicating with the RF451. Keep the remaining settings at their
defaults. (See note below regarding repeaters.)
7. Select a datalogger or a PC running LoggerNet to be a router. Using
DevConfig, set this node to beacon. (See Section 7.8, LoggerNet Software
Setup (p. 16).) Attach the master radio to this node.
If RF450/RF451 repeaters will be used, select Multi-Point
Slave/Repeater as the Radio Operation Mode for all
slave/repeaters in the network (that is, radios that are being used
as a repeater but also have a datalogger attached). Select
Multi-Point Repeater as the Radio Operation Mode for all
standalone repeaters in the network (that is, radios that are being
used only as a repeater without a datalogger attached). Check the
Repeaters Used box for all radios in the network.
NOTE

RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio
3
5. Overview
Theory of Radio Operation
In a point-to-multi-point network (multi-point network), the transceiver (radio)
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 5-1).
There may be only one RF451 or RF450 master in a network, and
it must be connected to a PakBus® router. The PakBus router may
be software, such as LoggerNet or PC400, or a datalogger
configured as a router.
Master
Slave
Slave
Slave
FIGURE 5-1. Simplest Form of a Multi-Point Network
In a multi-point network, outbound packets from the master or repeater to the
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 B, Installation Scenarios (p. B-1), for different installation
scenarios.
Though the radios may be set up 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.
NOTE

RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio
4
6. Specifications
Frequency: 902 to 928 MHz
Transmit
Output Power:10 mW to 1 W, user selectable
Range:20 to 25 miles
assuming ideal conditions, line-of-sight, and
appropriate antenna.
Note that line-of-sight obstructions, RF
interference, and antenna type will affect
transmission distance. Maximum distances can
be greatly reduced by vegetation, line-of-sight
obstacles, humidity levels, and other
environmental and physical factors.
Modulation:2 level GFSK
Spreading Method:Frequency hopping
Occupied Bandwidth:142 kHz (applicable to FCC ID
KNYAMM0921TT)
Hopping Patterns:15 per band, 105 total, user selectable
Hopping Channels:50 to 111, user selectable
Hopping Bands:7, user selectable
Frequency Zones:16 zones
Receive
Sensitivity:–108 dBm at 115.2 kbps for 10–4 bit error rate
–103 dBm at 153.6 kbps for 10–4 bit error rate
IF Selectivity:40 dB at fc ± 230 kHz
RF Selectivity:60 dB at 896 MHz, 935 MHz
Dynamic Range:+10 dBm 3rd Order Intercept Point at Input
Connector
Data Transmission
Error Detection:32-bit CRC, retransmit on error
Data Encryption:Proprietary Spread Spectrum Technology
Link Throughput:115.2 kbps, max
Data Interface
Protocol:RS-232, USB, CS I/O SDC, and CS I/O ME
Master; 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, USB Type B
Antenna:RPSMA female connector (external antenna
required)
Power Requirements
Voltage:7 to 28 Vdc
Current:Transmit 650 mA
Receive 40 mA
Idle 15 mA
Sleep 6 mA

RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio
5
Environmental
Operating Temperature:–40 to 85 °C
Dimensions:2.74 x 7.01 x 13.61 cm (1.08 x 2.76 x 5.36 in)
Weight:0.18 kg (0.4 lb)
Humidity:0 to 95% non-condensing
Compliance
FCC ID: KNYAMM0921TT
Industry Canada (IC):2329B-AMM0921TT
7. Installation
7.1 Using the Device Configuration Utility
Radios are configured using the Campbell Scientific Device Configuration
Utility (DevConfig) software tool that comes with LoggerNet (see FIGURE
7-1). DevConfig is also available for free from the Campbell Scientific website.
The following general procedure is used to configure an RF451 radio via
DevConfig:
1. Launch DevConfig from the LoggerNet toolbar, 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 RF451. Information, instruction, and
help are provided on each screen.
FIGURE 7-1. Startup DevConfig Screen for Configuring the RF451

RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio
6
3. Install the USB device driver for the RF451 by clicking on the blue link on
the RF451 tab. Carefully review the Connect Instructions text provided on
the right side of the DevConfig screen. This only needs to be done the first
time the computer is connected to an RF451.
Install the device driver before plugging a radio into your PC for
the first time. You will need to have the device driver properly
installed before you can connect to the radio via USB.
4. With the USB device driver installation complete, connect the supplied
USB cable between the USB port on your computer and the USB port on
the radio.
5. Select the correct COM port for serial communications over USB with the
radio using DevConfig. It should be listed in the dialog as RF451 (COM#)
where # is the COM port number.
It may take a few seconds for the Communications Port to become
available for use after physically connecting the RF451 to your
computer.
6. Click Connect. The radio Status LED will turn yellow. After several
seconds, a screen similar to FIGURE 7-2 will appear:
NOTE
4
NOTE

RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio
7
FIGURE 7-2. DevConfig Screen Showing the RF451 Settings
Deployment, Settings Editor, 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 tab may be used to access all of the
FreeWave® Radio settings. It should be used by experienced FreeWave Radio
users only. New operating systems for the Campbell Scientific 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 Apply; a summary screen similar
to FIGURE 7-3 will be shown. Click Save to save a configuration file. This file
can then be used to load the settings into another RF451. Click Read File to
load the settings in DevConfig. Then click Apply to load the settings into the
RF451.

RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio
8
FIGURE 7-3. DevConfig RF451 Summary Screen
7.2 Deployment Settings
This section describes the RF451 Deployment tab settings shown in FIGURE
7-2.
See Appendix B, Installation Scenarios (p. B-1), for example radio
settings in different network configurations.
7.2.1 Active Interface
Specify the interface that will be used for normal operations. The following
active interfaces are available:
•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 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, and so forth). The connection
NOTE

RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio
9
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 the RF451 must be the same.
•USB: The USB port is used.
7.2.2 SDC Address
Specifies the SDC address that will be used on the RF451 CS I/O port when
CS I/O SDC is selected as the Active Interface.
7.2.3 Baud Rate
Specifies the baud rate that will be used on the RS-232 port.
7.2.4 Radio Operation Mode
The Radio 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.
7.2.4.1 Operation Mode Description
Multi-Point 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 multi-point master communicates only
with other transceivers designated as multi-point slaves or multi-point
repeaters.
Multi-Point 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.
Multi-Point Repeater
This option allows the transceiver to operate as a repeater in a multi-point
network.

RF451 Spread Spectrum Radio
10
Multi-Point 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 1in Settings Editor) if
there are any repeaters in the network. It should be left unchecked (set to 0in
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.
This box should be checked (set to 1in Settings Editor) when
running diagnostics from the master.
7.2.5 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.
A slave 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.
7.2.6 Frequency Key
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.
7.2.7 Repeater Frequency Key
This is a setting that is only used by repeaters. The Use Repeater Frequency
Key checkbox must be checked when you want a repeater to use a Frequency
Key other than that of the master.
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE