Comark RF500 User guide

RF500 System
Manual
RF500 System Manual 20070702
Comark Limited
Comark House, Gunnels Wood Park, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Herts. SG 2TA
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]

Comark Wireless Monitoring - RF500 System Manual
Contents
RF500 System Components........................................................................................................... 4
RF500 Gateway.......................................................................................................................... 4
Transmitters................................................................................................................................ 4
RF5 2 Temperature Transmitter............................................................................................. 4
RF5 2M Temperature Transmitter Backbone Option.............................................................. 4
RF5 3 Temperature and Humidity Transmitter........................................................................ 4
RF5 3M Temperature and Humidity Transmitter Backbone Option........................................ 4
RF5 6 Precision Temperature Transmitter.............................................................................. 4
Optional Accessories................................................................................................................... 5
Know your Gateway.................................................................................................................... 5
Know your Transmitter................................................................................................................ 7
Transmitter Display.................................................................................................................. 8
Safety Information........................................................................................................................... 9
Warning....................................................................................................................................... 9
WEEE.......................................................................................................................................... 9
RF500 Wireless Monitoring System Overview.............................................................................. 0
Gateway – Introduction.............................................................................................................. 0
Overview of RF500 Mesh Networking....................................................................................... 0
Meshing Transmitters and Backbone Transmitters...................................................................
Automatic Data Retrieval (ADR)................................................................................................
Equipment Installation................................................................................................................... 2
Gateway Fixing.......................................................................................................................... 2
Transmitter Fixing...................................................................................................................... 2
Mains Wiring.............................................................................................................................. 2
Ventilation.................................................................................................................................. 2
Powering On and Off.................................................................................................................... 3
Switch On.................................................................................................................................. 3
Gateway Switch OFF................................................................................................................. 3
Transmitter Activation................................................................................................................ 3
Gateway Commissioning.............................................................................................................. 4
Requirements for Commissioning............................................................................................. 4
Gateway to PC Network Connection via RJ45 cross-over Ethernet Cable................................ 4
Gateway to PC Network Connection via Modem....................................................................... 6
Viewing the Commission-Gateway Web Pages........................................................................ 20
Setup of First Administrator....................................................................................................... 2
Gateway Name.......................................................................................................................... 2
Gateway Clock Setup................................................................................................................ 22
Network Setup........................................................................................................................... 22
Network Details...................................................................................................................... 22
Modem Email Details............................................................................................................. 22
SMS Details........................................................................................................................... 22
Email Options........................................................................................................................ 23
Email Setup............................................................................................................................... 23
Adding Transmitters.................................................................................................................. 23
Gateway Programming and Use................................................................................................... 24
Gateway Specification – RF500.................................................................................................... 25
Transmitters Specification – RF5 2, RF5 3 and RF5 6............................................................... 26
Changing Lithium Battery on RF5 2 Series Transmitters............................................................. 28
Battery Reordering.................................................................................................................... 28
Battery Change Procedure........................................................................................................ 28
Pinout and Wiring.......................................................................................................................... 29
Door Connector......................................................................................................................... 29

Lumberg Connector................................................................................................................... 29
RF5 2 Pinout......................................................................................................................... 29
RF5 6 Pinout......................................................................................................................... 29
Power Connector....................................................................................................................... 29
Gateway Relay Outputs............................................................................................................. 30
FCC Approvals.............................................................................................................................. 30
Equipment Ratings........................................................................................................................ 30
Supply Voltage.......................................................................................................................... 30
Environmental Conditions.......................................................................................................... 30
Gateway Storage/Operating Conditions................................................................................. 30
RF5 X Transmitter Operating Conditions.............................................................................. 30
RF5 X Transmitter Storage Conditions................................................................................. 30
Maintenance and Cleaning........................................................................................................... 3
Declaration of Conformity.............................................................................................................. 32
Transmitter Error Codes................................................................................................................ 33
Gateway Fault Conditions............................................................................................................. 33
Definitions of Gateway Terminology............................................................................................. 34
Glossary........................................................................................................................................ 35

RF500 System Components
RF500 Gateway
The RF500 Gateway Kit consists of the following items.
RF500 Gateway Part No. RF500
Transmitter Activator (2-off) Part No. RF525
Jack Plug 2.5mm (2-off) Part No. RFJACK
High Gain Antenna. Part No. RF504
Dc Adaptor
Mains Lead with either UK, EU or US plug.
Transmitters
RF51 Temperature Transmitter
Integral temperature sensor plus connectors for two external temperature sensors and an
external door sensor.
External temperature range: –40°C to + 25°C
RF51 M Temperature Transmitter Backbone Option
Integral temperature sensor plus connectors for two external temperature sensors and an
external door sensor.
External temperature range: –40°C to + 25°C
Includes High Gain Antenna and RF520 dc mains adaptor
RF513 Temperature and Humidity Transmitter
Integral temperature sensor, one integral humidity sensor and connector for an external door
sensor.
Integral temperature range: –30°C to +70°C
Humidity range: 0-90% RH
RF513M Temperature and Humidity Transmitter Backbone Option
Integral temperature sensor, one integral humidity sensor and connector for an external door
sensor.
Integral temperature range: –30°C to +70°C
Humidity range: 0-90% RH
Includes High Gain Antenna and RF520 dc mains adaptor
RF516 Precision Temperature Transmitter
Integral temperature sensor, and connector for one external temperature Pt 00 sensor and an
external door sensor.
External temperature range: –200°C to +400°C
Each transmitter is packed with a mounting bracket and 2-tie-wraps.

Optional Accessories
RF520 Dc mains adaptor for RF5 2 and RF5 3
RF502 Bridge. 0.5m lead to enable transmission through RF
resistant barriers.
RF503 Bridge. .0m lead to enable transmission through RF
resistant barriers.
RF500BACKUP RF500 Backup Server Software
Know your Gateway
Figure 1 - Front view of RF500 Gateway
RF 500
Gateway
ALARM FAULT MAINS/BATTERY
There are three LEDs on the front of the Gateway:
ALARM Flashing Red An enabled alarm event has occurred.
FAULT Flashing Yellow Contact technical support from your local
distributor or Comark Limited. The Home Page
may provide more information on possible faults.
MAINS/BATTERY Constant Green Dc power is available and the Gateway is
switched on.
Constant Amber Dc power is available and the Gateway is
switched off.
Flashing Green Gateway is on and running off battery packs,
no dc power available.
Amber/Green Gateway is shutting down.
Off Gateway is off and dc power is not available.

Figure - Rear view of RF500 Gateway
D
E
C
C
B
A
A. Modem Jack – Connect to RJ line cord.
B. 2V DC input.
C. Cable clamps.
D. RJ45 Ethernet LAN Socket.
E. Rear panel connectors. Do not connect any equipment to any other connector.
Figure 3 – Left Hand Side View of Gateway
SERIAL No
MADE IN UK
Comark Instruments Inc.
Comark Limited
www.comarkltd.com
Tel: [phone]
Beaverton, OR 97005
Stevenage, Herts SG1 TA
Tel: 01438 ([phone]
RF500
GATEWAY
AUX
ON/OFF
SW1
SW
STATUS
FOR INDOOR USE ONLY
DO NOT MOVE WHEN IN OPERATION
4
3
1
AUX Reserved Switch.
STATUS Reserved LEDs for Comark use.
ON/OFF Gateway Startup/Powerdown switch.
SW1 Jack Socket - Relay Output- .
SW Jack Socket - Relay Output-2.
SW & SW2 are two switched outputs provided for connection to customer alarm indicators,
via relay contacts with 12V 500mA rating, configurable for either NO (Normally Open) or NC

(Normally Closed). These are marked as SW and SW2, and are in the form of 2.5mm Jack
Sockets. Suitable Jack Plugs are provided with each Gateway and if lost, spares are available
from Comark, part number RFJACK.
With the Gateway power removed the relays are in a Normally Closed condition, this
may cause any equipment connected to the contacts to energise.
Know your Transmitter
Figure 4 - Front view of RF51 Series Transmitter
BA C
E
D
F
A. Alarm LED. Flashes red to indicate any one channel in alarm.
B. Active LED. Flashes green to indicate external power detected.
C. Infra-Red interface. For Comark use only.
D. Antenna. (Do not remove whilst in operation)
E. Lashing eye - Four available.
F. Internal temperature sensor.
Figure 5 - Connector view of RF51 & RF516 Transmitter
C
B
A
A. Lumberg Socket for Probe.
B. Socket for Door & RF525 Activator. (Dual function)
C. External DC adaptor socket.

Transmitter Display
RF5 2, RF5 3 and RF5 6 transmitters all have a liquid crystal display as shown below. Only
RF5 2 is capable of using all three display areas.
Figure 6 - Transmitter Display

INT
EXT
EXT2
Indicates that the door channel reads open.
Indicates that the internal lithium battery requires replacement.
Indicates that any channel has an unacknowledged alarm.
Indicates that the transmitter has logged onto the Gateway.

Safety Information
Under no circumstances may a user make any changes to the RF500 Gateway that would
alter its performance. Any modification would void the CE compliance of the Gateway and
may invalidate any warranty.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by Comark, then the protection provided by
the equipment may be impaired.
No user serviceable parts are provided in RF5 Comark Wireless Monitoring Equipment.
Contact Comark or your local distributor for all service requirements.
Warning
•Use only the Linearity Electronics 2V mains adaptor; Model LAD60 9AB5, or Stontronics
2V mains adaptor; Model T3068LN with the RF500 Gateway.
•Do not modify the Linearity Electronics 2V mains adaptor; Model LAD60 9AB5, or
Stontronics 2V mains adaptor; Model T3068LN in any way.
•Use only the PHIHONG, PSM R-050 5V mains adaptor with RF5 2 and RF5 3. It is
supplied by Comark Limited as three variants:
RF520 Transmitter mains adaptor with UK plug.
RF520/EU Transmitter mains adaptor with European style plug.
RF520/US Transmitter mains adaptor with North American style plug.
•Do not modify the PHIHONG, PSM R-050 5V mains adaptor in any way.
•Do not connect any mains adaptor to RF5 6. CE compliance is invalidated by this action.
•RF5 2, RF5 3 and RF5 6 Transmitters contain a C-size lithium cell. This cell must not be
incinerated or subjected to temperatures in excess of 00°C. Do not deform, mutilate,
crush, pierce, disassemble, recharge or short circuit. Such abuse can result in loss of seal,
and/or cell explosion. Also exposure to humid conditions for long periods should be
avoided.
•Do not insert metal objects into connectors.
•Ensure the antenna is securely connected before powering the equipment. Internal
damage may result otherwise.
•The Gateway and Transmitters have been designed to operate with the antenna supplied
by Comark, and having a maximum gain of 7dBi. Antennas not supplied by Comark or
having a gain of greater than 7dBi are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The
required antenna impedance is 50 Ohms. If in doubt please contact Comark or Distributor
for advice.
WEEE
The RF500 Gateway, RF5 2, RF5 3 and RF5 6 Transmitters contain a
non-rechargeable lithium battery. This battery must be disposed of in accordance
with local regulations.

RF500 Wireless Monitoring System Overview
Gateway – Introduction
The RF500 Gateway is an embedded microprocessor device containing a radio module for RF
communications to the measuring transmitters. The radio module uses a licence free band in
the 2.4GHz spectrum. Comark Limited use proprietary protocols over a standard IEEE
802. 5.4 link. These protocols achieve reliable communication between the transmitters and
the Gateway via self-healing mesh radio networks.
Data from measurements taken by the transmitters is stored on the RF500 Gateway in
contrast to other systems which store their data on a PC using special software. For operating
the RF500 system the only software required is a Web Browser such as Internet Explorer or
Firefox. There is no requirement to install software on each users PC.
The Gateway contains sufficient data storage capacity for up to 0 years which can be
automatically backed up to a PC using the optional software RF500 Backup Server or by
manual request to generate and download a backup file via your web browser.
Connection to the Gateway is via Network (Ethernet) connection or remotely via analogue
modem. For modem access a dedicated Analogue phone line must be provided.
An external power adaptor provides the mains power for the Gateway. An internal Nickel-
Metal-Hydride (Ni-Mh) rechargeable battery is included, this provides normal operation of the
Gateway during power failure until the battery is exhausted, The Gateway then shuts down
until power is restored.
Two relay connectors are provided for external alarms, Autodiallers/Klaxons etc. All other
connections to the Gateway are disabled. See Figure 3 – Left Hand Side View of Gateway for
further details.
Emails for alarms will be instigated directly from the Gateway. It is also possible to send a text
message alarm via email using a third party provider.
The Gateway can be either desk mounted or wall mounted. Wall mount keyhole slots are
provided on the case. The external long range Antenna has variable orientation to suit vertical
or horizontal mounting.
Three LEDs on the Gateway display current status of the system – Mains/Battery, Alarm
indication, and Fault indicators.
Overview of RF500 Mesh Networking
The RF500 Wireless Monitoring System uses the IEEE 802. 5.4 radio transmission standard
to implement a radio mesh network.
A mesh network is comprised of the following devices:
•Gateway
•Mesh Transmitter
•Transmitter
On installation each transmitter is associated with a particular Gateway by serial number.
Messages are transferred between transmitters and the Gateway using two-way
communication with acknowledgement of successful message reception.
Transmitters which are physically close to their associated Gateway such as transmitter A in
Figure 7 below, will most likely transmit directly to it. Others such as transmitter B which are
further away rely on meshing transmitters to forward messages to and from the Gateway on
their behalf.

The route taken by the message can vary depending on network load and link reliability. The
ability to dynamically reconfigure the network is termed self-healing. In the figure below the
self-healing ability is shown.
Figure 7 - A Typical Mesh Network
Mesh Transmitter
Gateway Transmitter
!
Data transfer interrupted
transmitter continues to
store data.
Transmitter reroutes to
self-heal network and
transfers stored data.
A
B
A
B
Meshing Transmitters and Backbone Transmitters
Whenever a RF5 2 or RF5 3 transmitter is powered by a RF520 mains adaptor it will become
a Meshing unit and will form part of the radio mesh network. However if external power is
removed it will revert back to a normal transmitter.
RF5 2 and RF5 3 have the option to become “Network Backbone” units or routers which will
intelligently forward messages on behalf of other transmitters. This option is enabled using a
setup option in the Gateway. See Adding Transmitters on page 23. Backbone transmitters will
form part of the mesh network continuously even when not powered by a RF520. Due to the
very large drain on the internal battery, backbone transmitters must be powered using a
RF520 mains adaptor. The internal battery is considered only as a backup battery for
backbone transmitters.
Automatic Data Retrieval (ADR)
The fact that transmissions between transmitters and the RF500 Gateway are acknowledged
ensures that the transmitters know exactly which data records have been successfully
transferred to the Gateway and those which must be re-transmitted. Therefore if the Gateway
is temporarily unable to receive or transmit messages for whatever reason, data will not be
lost during this period. When the Gateway is again able to receive and transmit properly the
transmitters will re-transmit those records which were unable to be transmitted during the
period of outage.
This retransmission of data happens automatically without user intervention and results in
seamless graphical and tabular data with no gaps.

Equipment Installation
Comark Limited strongly recommend that RF500 System installation is carried out by a
Comark Installation Engineer or by a Comark Authorised Distributor or Agent.
Gateway Fixing
Mounting of the Gateway is possible using the keyhole screw fixings provided on the rear of
the Gateway itself. However the fixings used are to be determined by the installation engineer
depending on the type of material used in the construction of the area where the Gateway is to
be placed. To avoid accidental disconnection, the DC power cable and cables connecting to
the Relay Outputs should be secured using the cable clamps provided on the Gateway case.
See Figure 2 - Rear view of RF500 Gateway.
Positioning of the Gateway should be in such a way as to limit the risk of liquid being spilt on it
as damage may result.
Transmitter Fixing
Mounting of the transmitters is possible using the mounting bracket provided. The bracket is
fixed using 2 screws and the transmitter then slides into the bracket from the top. With each
transmitter Comark Limited provide two cable ties which, once the transmitter is slid into the
bracket, can be fed through the slots in both bracket and transmitter case to retain it. The door
and DC power cables should be tie-wrapped to the bracket to avoid accidental disconnection.
Mains Wiring
Connections to mains supply for the Gateway and powered Transmitters is via the mains
adaptors supplied and a locally installed socket. Any power requirements for the hardware will
be determined during survey and should be installed by qualified electrician and certified as
safe to use before installation can be started.
Ventilation
At no time should the exhaust from the Gateway fan or the air intake grill be covered or
obstructed. At least 00mm of free space must be provided above and below the Gateway to
ensure that sufficient airflow is maintained through the case to provide adequate cooling.
Failure to do this may result in damage to the Gateway due to overheating and invalidation of
any warranty.

Powering On and Off
This chapter covers connectors, switching on and off.
Switch On
PLEASE ENSURE THE ANTENNA HAS BEEN FITTED.
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO AVOID DAMAGE.
. Plug the Gateway mains adaptor into the socket on the underside of the Gateway. The
Mains/Battery indicator should show steady amber.
2. Using a paper clip or similar object, press in and hold the ON/OFF switch on the side of
the Gateway for 4 seconds. Refer to “Figure 3 – Left Hand Side View of Gateway”. The
Gateway will beep once and the Mains/Battery indicator shows steady green. Gateway
initialisation will begin.
The Gateway contains an internal backup battery, if this battery is not sufficiently
charged, the Gateway will not switch on. Once external DC power is connected the
internal battery will begin recharging. Whenever the charge state becomes sufficient
the Gateway will automatically start as requested. Whilst in this mode Status LEDs 2, 3 and 4
will flash together. See Figure 3 – Left Hand Side View of Gateway for location of these LEDs.
It takes a few minutes for the Gateway to initialise. A sequence of 2 beeps followed
by 4 beeps indicates successful initialisation.
Gateway Switch OFF
To turn the Gateway OFF press and hold the ON/OFF switch for 4 seconds. The Gateway will
beep once and the Mains/Battery indicator will flash green and orange to indicate shutdown.
This will initiate an orderly shutdown of the Gateway during which the Gateway will beep 50
times and could take up to 5 minutes. After shutdown is complete the Mains/Battery indicator
shows steady orange.
Transmitter Activation
The RF5 2, RF5 3 and RF5 6 transmitters are despatched in a disabled state to preserve the
battery. To activate these insert the RF525 Activator into the 3-pin socket marked B in “Figure
5 - Connector view of RF5 2 & RF5 6 Transmitter” until the display is enabled then remove
the RF525.
Once activated, transmitters can only be de-activated by removing the battery.
i
i

Gateway Commissioning
This section covers network connection, network configuration, setting date and time, adding
users and adding transmitters.
The Gateway is commissioned using a Web Browser via a Network connection. This
connection can be via cross-over RJ45 cable (recommended) or via modem.
Requirements for Commissioning
•PC with RJ45 Ethernet jack or Modem.
•Ethernet cross-over cable.
•Static IP address and subnet mask. (Usually allocated by IT Department)
•For modem connections telephone sockets for the Gateway and PC modem and
associated leads are required. An IP address is not required for modem only operation.
Gateway to PC Network Connection via RJ45 cross-over Ethernet Cable
Connect the cross-over Ethernet cable between PC and RJ45 jack on the Gateway.
Set up your PC temporarily with a fixed IP address.
You should undo these steps once you have completed commissioning the Gateway.
For Windows 98, ME, 000 and XP
. Go to the Windows control panel and double-click on the Network icon or the Network
Connections icon.
2. Right-click on the “Local Area Connection” and select Properties.

Figure 8 – Local Area Connection Properties
3. In the General Tab select the “Internet Protocol TCP/IP” item and click on the Properties
button.

Figure 9 – General Tab
4. Select the “Use the following IP address” button.
5. Enter the following IP address: 92. 68.25.200
6. Enter the following subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 then click OK
Gateway to PC Network Connection via Modem
This procedure requires that the PC has a modem installed.
For Windows 98, ME, 000 and XP

Figure 10 - Internet Options
. Start Internet Explorer.
2. From the menu bar click Tools then Internet Options…
3. In the Connections Tab click the Add button.
4. Using the “Network Connection Wizard”, follow the steps, entering the information below.
5. Select the “Dial-up to private network” option.
6. In “Phone Number to Dial” enter the phone number of the socket into which you plugged
the Gateway. If you are using an exchange line to dial out, a prefix may be required.
7. In “Connection Availability” – Create this connection “For all users”.
8. In “Finished” – Type a “Connection Name” for example “MyRF500” and click the Finish
button.
9. Click the “Finish” button to close the Wizard.

Figure 11 - Enter the Password
0. Enter both the User name and Password as “RF500 - - - - - - -”. Do not literally type the
dashes but replace them with the serial number of the Gateway.
. Click the “Properties” button.

Figure 1 - Connection Properties
2. In the “Networking” tab, deselect the “Client for Microsoft Networks” item then click OK.
You will be returned to the “MyRF500 Settings” screen showing the password. Click “OK”

Figure 13 - Internet Options
3. Select the “Always dial my default connection” item and click “OK”.
4. Connect the Gateway modem jack to an analogue telephone outlet using the appropriate
lead and adaptors. Ensure the PC modem is also connected to a telephone outlet.
Internet Explorer will now be configured for dial up to the Gateway.
Viewing the Commission-Gateway Web Pages
Each Gateway is shipped with a default IP address of 92. 68.25.220. Start the Web Browser
on the PC and enter this address into the Address Bar. Press “Enter” key or click “Go”.
Figure 14 - Browser Address Bar