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Overview
The RF RS232 COMM-LINKS is a cost-effective, high performance, frequency hopping spread spectrum transceiver.
The transceivers operate in a Point-to-Point or Point-to-Multipoint, Client-Server or Peer-to-Peer architecture. One
transceiver is configured as a Server and there can be one or many Clients. To establish synchronization between
transceivers, the Server emits a beacon. Upon detecting a beacon, a Client transceiver informs its Host and a RF link
is established. All frequency hopping, synchronization, and RF system data transmission/reception is performed by the
transceiver.
When using Multi-networks in the same location, each network will have a different System ID and Channel ID.
All Client transceivers will be programmed for the channel ID and System ID of the Server they are to work with prior
to shipment. Configuration data is contained in an on-board EEPROM. These transceivers can be used as direct serial
cable replacements, requiring no special Host software for operations. These units are protocol independent.
Light Definitions
1. PWR – Green LED indicates power is connected to the unit.
2. LINK – Red LED indicates the Client Unit(s) and Server unit are in range of one another.
Link LED remains activated on Server units. Client units activate the Link LED when in range of the Server unit.
3. RX: - Green LED indicates when a COMM-LINKS unit is receiving data.
4. TX: - Red LED indicates when a COMM-LINKS unit is sending data.
Client/Server Definitions
In each network, there must be only one Server. All other COMM-LINKS units must be programmed as Clients. The
number of Clients in the network is not limited. However, if performance degrades, consider adding RF networks.
Networks
Up to 32 Independent networks can be created. The valid range of values for this is 16 to 47, Channel Numbers.
System Identification
The system number from 0 to 255 provides added security to each independent network of COMM-LINKS units. The
System ID is in conjunction with the Channel Number and serves as an RF password to maintain secure transfer of data.
The System ID and Channel Number must be unique to each network of COMM-LINKS to establish communications.
Additional security can be added when Data Encryption Key is added to the bit stream.
Serial Port
The Input of the Server and Output of the Client COMM-LINKS’ ports can be set for range of 1200 to 115,200 bps.
Units are shipped with a default setting of; 9600 n-8-1. Host equipment communications port must be set for the
following parameters. With these settings the data will not overrun the input buffer of the COMM-LINKS
Baud – 9600
Parity – none
Data Bits – 8
Stop Bits – 1
Flow Control – Hardware
Flow Control
For optimal performance, Hardware Flow Control is strongly recommended. If the Clear to Send (CTS) line is not used,
There is a chance that the transmit buffer will fill up to its maximum limit and data will be lost. Whenever CTS is High
the COMM-LINKS is not ready to receive additional data from the host. When CTS is low, COMM-LINKS is ready to
receive data.
