DAVIS SPREAD-SPECTRUM RADIO MODEM User manual

Product#7632-003,7632-008&7632-912
S
PREAD
-S
PECTRUM
R
ADIO
M
ODEM
I NSTALLATION K IT
F
OR
YDI R
ADIOS
,
O
MNI-
D
IRECTIONAL AND
D
IRECTIONAL
(Y
AGI
) A
NTENNAS
I
NTRODUCTION
The Spread-Spectrum Radio Modem Installation Kit contains the materials nec-
essary to connect a WeatherLink
®
data logger to a YDI model 910-DAVIS radio
modem. You will need to obtain the radio modem (RM) directly from YDI. See
the accompanying sheet for YDI product and contact information.
Three versions of the installation kit are available. One includes an omni-direc-
tional antenna (#7623-003) and mounting hardware, one a directional (Yagi)
antenna (#7623-008) and mounting hardware, and one includes the mounting
hardware, with no antenna (it is intended for use with the 12dB Yagi antenna
from YDI). Installation instructions for all three kits are contained in this man-
ual. You will need one installation kit for each node in your communications
net. Two are required for a point-to-point link.
C
OMPONENTS
All versions of the installation kit contain the following components. Please
make sure you have all components before continuing.
AOM Wires (Yellow, Green, & White)
Jumper
Tab Adapter
Battery Wire
Modem Configuration
Disc
Terminal
Block
Modular Cable,
4' (1.2 m)
#6 x 3/8" Sheet Metal Screws
#4 x 3/8" Sheet Metal Screw
#6 x 3/4" Wood Screws Phone Modem
Adapter (L1) WeatherLink PC Radio DB-25
Adapter (L2)
Velcro Strap
Mounting Plate
Power Adapter
Power Cable

Page2 Spread-SpectrumRadioModemInstallationKit
Installation Kit & 3dB Omni-Directional (Whip) Antenna (#7632-003)
The following components are contained in the Installation Kit & 3dB Omni-
Directional (Whip) Antenna package.
Installation Kit & 8.5dB Directional (Yagi) Antenna (#7632-008)
The following components are contained in the Installation Kit & 8.5dB Direc-
tional (Yagi) Antenna package.
Mounting Hardware
Ground Plane &
Antenna Cable
Antenna, 896-940 MHz
3dB Omni-Directional
Antenna, 896-940 MHz
8.5 dB Yagi, with cable
2-3/8" U-Bolts & Hardware
2-1/8" U-Bolts & Hardware
1-1/4" U-Bolts & Hardware
Antenna Mast
Brackets
Mast-Mounting
Blocks
1/4" x 1-1/2" Lag Screws
Washers

Components Page3
Installation Kit Without Antenna (#7632-912)
This kit provides all necessary hardware to mount and use a third-party Yagi
antenna, such as the 12dB Directional (Yagi) Antenna (available from YDI:
model 918-10), which allows a greater transmission distance than the Davis-
supplied 8.5dB antenna (#7632-008).
Power Components
You will need to supply power to the RM site, using one of the following
options.
✦
If AC power is available at the RM site, use the power adapter supplied with this
kit.
✦
If AC power is not available or if you want to use solar power, use the Solar Power
Kit (#7708) and 6.5-Amp-Hour Battery (#7711).
If solar power is used, it will be necessary to switch the power to the RM
so that it is on for only limited periods in order to conserve the power
drawn. Two alternatives are available:
✦
Alarm Output Module (#7736)
✦
Timer (#7682)
The Timer is recommended unless the Alarm Output Module is
required for other purposes.
WeatherLink Components
You will need the following item from your WeatherLink package:
✦
PC COM Port Adapter
On older versions of the WeatherLink, this adapter was labelled AT
Adapter.
2-3/8" U-Bolts & Hardware
1-1/4" U-Bolts & Hardware
Antenna Mast
Brackets Antenna Cable, N-to-BNC
1/4" x 1-1/2" Lag Screws

Page4 Spread-SpectrumRadioModemInstallationKit
Optional Components
The following optional components may be necessary for your installation.
✦
Antenna Mast-Mount Kit (#7995)
The hardware provided with the omni-directional antenna enables you
to mount the antenna on the Sensor Mounting Arm. If you want to
mount it on a pole, post, or wall or raise it above the Sensor Mounting
Arm, use the Antenna Mast-Mount Kit.
Note: The antenna should be located as high as possible and away from buildings and other
obstructions, if possible. It is necessary that the path between the field and base station
antennas be completely unobstructed (line-of-sight). Even trees and other vegetation
can reduce the signal intensity.
✦
Short-Range Modem Pair (#7875)
The need for a line-of-sight transmission path may dictate that the base
station antenna be located more than 40' (12 m) from the computer to
which it is connected. The RM should be located near the antenna (a
longer co-axial antenna cable could be used, but this will reduce signal
strength), so it is necessary (in this case) to use the Short-Range Modem
Pair for communication between the RM and the computer.
✦
Radio Surge Protector for Spread-Spectrum and UHF Radio Modems (#7683)
If the RM is located in an area where lightning strikes are a possibility
you should use the Radio Surge Protector to provide surge protection
between the antenna and the RM.
Note: We recommend the use of the Radio Surge Protector in ALL installations.
✦
Repeater
If line-of-sight is not readily available or range is exceeded it may be nec-
essary to install a repeater RM site between the field and base station.
Contact YDI directly for assistance in designing, obtaining, and configur-
ing such a link. The WeatherLink software does not support the use of
repeaters and the supplied configuration program cannot configure
them.
✦
Terminal Box (#7774)
If you need to extend the length of the antenna cable and the connection
is not weather-proof, you may house the connection inside Davis’s Ter-
minal Box.

ToolsandMaterialsRequired Page5
T
OOLS AND
M
ATERIALS
R
EQUIRED
In addition to the components listed above, you may need some of the follow-
ing tools and materials. Please be sure you have everything you need before
beginning the installation.
✦
3/4" Galvanized Pipe or Antenna Mast, maximum outside diameter of 1-1/4"
(32 mm)
This pipe/mast is required to mount the directional (Yagi) antenna and
may be used in conjunction with the Antenna Mast-Mount Kit to mount
the omni-directional antenna above the Sensor Mounting Arm.
✦
Phillips Screw Driver
✦
Slotted Screw Driver
✦
Electric Drill with 7/32" (5.5 mm) 3/16" (4.8 mm) drill bit
✦
Adjustable Wrench or Socket Set

Page6 Spread-SpectrumRadioModemInstallationKit
T
YPICAL
I
NSTALLATIONS
The illustrations below show typical installations. A checklist of installation
steps for each installation is provided.
AC-Powered Field Station
The illustration below shows anAC-powered field station and radio modem (RM).
You must complete the following steps for this installation.
1. Configure RM (see “Configuring The Radio Modem” on page 11).
2. Test RM (see “Testing the Radio” on page 14).
3. Install antenna (see “Installing Omni-Directional Antenna” on page 16 or “Installing
Directional Antenna” on page 17).
4. Install Radio Surge Protector (optional).
Consult the manual supplied with the Radio Surge Protector for instructions.
5. Install RM (see “Installing Radio Modem” on page 20).
6. Check wiring.
Before you apply power to the system, review your wiring to make sure all
connections are correct.
7. Connect power to system.
Make sure the antenna is connected to the RM before connecting power; damage
may occur if you operate without an antenna. Plug the power adapter into a
power outlet and its cable into the RM’s power jack. Make sure the Power
indicator light on the RM is on.
Console
Sensor
Interface
Module
Radio Surge Protector (optional)
To Antenna
Protector Ground
1-1/4"
+12 V
Radio
Modem
Mounting Plate
Power
Adapter
Part
7870
WeatherLink®
PHONE MODEM
Adapter L1
PHONE MODEM
Adapter (L1)

TypicalInstallations Page7
AC-Powered Base Station
The illustration below shows an AC-powered base station and radio modem
(RM).
You must complete the following steps for this installation.
1. Configure RM (see “Configuring The Radio Modem” on page 11).
2. Test RM (see “Testing the Radio” on page 14).
3. Install antenna (see “Installing Omni-Directional Antenna” on page 16 or “Installing
Directional Antenna” on page 17).
4. Install Radio Surge Protector (optional).
Consult the manual supplied with the Radio Surge Protector for installation
instructions.
5. Install Short-Range Modem Pair (optional).
Consult the manual supplied with the Short-Range Modem Pair for instruc-
tions. Consult the illustration above for positioning. Skip this step if the base
station is located within 40’ (12 m) of the computer.
6. Install RM (see “Installing Radio Modem” on page 20).
7. Check wiring.
Before you apply power to the system, review your wiring to make sure all
connections are correct.
8. Connect power to system.
Make sure the antenna is connected to the RM before connecting power; damage
may occur if you operate without an antenna. Plug the power adapter into a
power outlet and its cable into the RM’s power jack. Make sure the Power
indicator light on the RM is on.
To Antenna
Power
Adapter
Multi-Purpose Shelter
Short-Range
Modem
and Adapter
(optional)
Mounting
Plate
Radio Surge
Protector (optional)
To Base Computer (PC)
+12 V
Part
7943
WeatherLink®
PC RADIO
DB-25 Adapter L2
PC RADIO
DB-25
Adapter (L2)
Radio
Modem

Page8 Spread-SpectrumRadioModemInstallationKit
Solar-Powered Using Timer
The illustration below shows a solar-powered field station and radio modem
(RM) using a Timer for power conservation.
You must complete the following steps for this installation.
1. Configure RM (see “Configuring The Radio Modem” on page 11).
2. Test RM (see “Testing the Radio” on page 14).
3. Install antenna (see “Installing Omni-Directional Antenna” on page 16 or “Installing
Directional Antenna” on page 17).
4. Install Solar Power Kit and 6.5-Amp-Hour Battery (see “Installing Solar Power Kit &
Battery” on page 20).
5. Install Radio Surge Protector (optional).
Consult the manual supplied with the Radio Surge Protector for installation
instructions.
6. Install RM (see “Installing Radio Modem” on page 20).
7. Install Timer (see “Installing Timer” on page 24).
8. Install terminal block (see “Installing Terminal Block” on page 24).
9. Connect Timer wires (see “Connecting Timer Wires” on page 25).
Sensor
Interface
Module
Radio Protector (optional)
To Antenna
Protector Ground
Mounting Plate
Regulator Battery
Console
Timer
Terminal
Block
1-1/4"
Part
7870
WeatherLink®
PHONE MODEM
Adapter L1
PHONE MODEM
Adapter (L1)
Power
Cable
Radio
Modem

TypicalInstallations Page9
10.Check wiring.
Before you apply power to the system, review your wiring to make sure all
connections are correct and all wires firmly secured in the proper terminal.
11. Connect power to system.
Make sure the rest of your installation is complete before connecting power. In par-
ticular, make sure the antenna is connected to the RM before connecting power;
damage may occur if you operate without an antenna. Connect the battery cable
to B2 on the regulator circuit. Connect the solar panel cable to B1 on the reg-
ulator circuit.
12. Finalize the installation by programming and testing the Timer (see “Finalizing the
Installation” on page 28).
Solar-Powered Using Alarm Output Module
The illustration below shows a solar-powered field station and radio modem
(RM) using an Alarm Output Module (AOM) for power conservation.
You must complete the following steps for this installation.
1. Configure RM (see “Configuring The Radio Modem” on page 11).
2. Test RM (see “Testing the Radio” on page 14).
3. Install antenna (see “Installing Omni-Directional Antenna” on page 16 or “Installing
Directional Antenna” on page 17).
Sensor
Interface
Module
Radio Protector (optional)
To Antenna
Protector Ground
1-1/4"
Mounting Plate
Regulator Battery
Console
Terminal
Block
Alarm Output
Module
Part
7870
WeatherLink®
PHONE MODEM
Adapter L1
PHONE MODEM
Adapter (L1)
Power
Cable
Radio
Modem

Page10 Spread-SpectrumRadioModemInstallationKit
4. Install Solar Power Kit and 6.5-Amp-Hour Battery (see “Installing Solar Power Kit &
Battery” on page 20).
5. Install Alarm Output Module
Consult the manual supplied with the Alarm Output Module for instruc-
tions. Consult the illustration above for positioning.
6. Install Radio Surge Protector (optional).
Consult the manual supplied with the Radio Surge Protector for installation
instructions.
7. Install RM (see “Installing Radio Modem” on page 20).
8. Install terminal block (see “Installing Terminal Block” on page 24).
9. Connect Alarm Output Module wires (see “Connecting Alarm Output Module Wires”
on page 27).
10.Check wiring.
Before you apply power to the system, review your wiring to make sure all
connections are correct and all wires firmly secured in the proper terminal.
11. Connect power to system.
Make sure the rest of your installation is complete before connecting power. In par-
ticular, make sure the antenna is connected to the RM before connecting power;
damage may occur if you operate without an antenna. Connect the battery cable
to B2 on the regulator circuit. Connect the solar panel cable to B1 on the reg-
ulator circuit.
12. Finalize the installation by programming and testing the AOM (see “Finalizing the
Installation” on page 28).

ConfiguringTheRadioModem Page11
C
ONFIGURING
T
HE
R
ADIO
M
ODEM
As shipped from the factory, the radio modem (RM) may not be compatible
with your WeatherLink. Follow the instructions below to configure the RM.
Connect the RM to your Computer
The first part of the procedure requires you to connect the RM to your computer.
1. Connect the PC COM Port Adapter to a serial port on your PC.
2. Connect one end of the modular cable to the PC COM Port Adapter.
3. Connect the PC RADIO DB-25 Adapter to the DB25 connector on the RM.
4. Connect the other end of the modular cable to the PC RADIO DB-25 Adapter.
Power the RM
Provide power to the RM by plugging the power adapter into the power jack
on the RM and then into a power outlet.
Modular
Cable
PC Com
Port
PC
PC RADIO
DB-25 Adapter (L2) PC COM Port
Adapter
Modem
(RM)
MODEM
(RM) Power
Adapter
(PCRADIODB-25
Adapternotshown)

Page12 Spread-SpectrumRadioModemInstallationKit
Run The Modem Configuration Program
Use the supplied modem configuration program to configure the RM.
1. Place the Modem Configuration Disk in your disk drive.
2. Choose Run from the File Menu (Windows 3.1) or the Start Menu (Windows 95).
3. Type A:\CONFIG and press Enter (or choose Ok).
The Wireless Modem Configuration Program dialog box appears.
4. Select YDI Model 910 Radio from the Model Type drop-down list.
5. Select the COM port to which the RM is connected from the COM Port drop-down list.
If you don‘t know the serial port number, start by choosing COM 1. If you
get a program error when you attempt to configure the RM, try with COM 2,
and so on until you find the correct serial port setting.
6. Select a “name” for this RM from the Radio Name drop-down list.
You may choose between “Base” and a series of numbered “Remote” sta-
tions.
7. Select the channel on which you want the RM communicating from the Channel drop-
down list (all radios in the network must use the same channel).
Consult the manual supplied by the radio modem manufacturer for infor-
mation on choosing a channel.

ConfiguringTheRadioModem Page13
8. Choose between Point-to-Point and Multi-Point operation.
The Point-to-Point option configures the "Base" radio and the "Remote 1" to
act as a transparent connection. Thus it will work with all existing Davis
Instruments software. You must configure both the "Base" radio and the
"Remote 1" radio with the Point-to-Point option selected. The Remote radio
must be named "Remote 1"; the program will give you an error message if
you try to use another name. If you switch from a Point-to-Point configura-
tion to a Multi-Point configuration, both the base and field station will need
to be reconfigured using the Multi-Point option.
The Multi-Point configuration supports multiple remote weather stations
from a single base radio, but you can only use it if your software supports
Multi-Point networking. At the present time, only the GroWeatherLink soft-
ware supports Multi-Point configurations. If you have only one field station,
you may still want to use the Multi-Point configuration. It will take slightly
more time to establish a connection, however, if you add a field station later,
you will not have to bring the existing stations in to reconfigure them for
Multi-Point operation.
9. Select the WeatherLink baud rate (typically 2400) from the WeatherLink Baud Rate
drop-down list.
10. Select the current baud rate of the RM from the Radio’s Current Baud Rate drop-down list.
The RM comes from the factory with the baud rate set to 2400.
11. When finished, choose Configure.
The program will attempt to locate and configure your RM. If you encounter
an error, make sure you have selected YDI Model 910 Radio and then try dif-
ferent serial ports and radio baud rates until the configuration is successful.
12. Once configuration is complete, remove power from the RM and disconnect the RM
from your computer.

Page14 Spread-SpectrumRadioModemInstallationKit
T
ESTING THE
R
ADIO
Before proceeding with the installation, test the radio modem (RM) by assem-
bling the field station(s) and base station in the same room. Make sure to test
each field station RM before installing.
Follow the procedure below to test the station.
1. If necessary, connect the weather station to the WeatherLink and install the software
as explained in the WeatherLink manual.
2. Position the antennas for the field and base stations at least 8’ (3 m) apart and orient
them as described below, depending on the type of antennas you are using.
✦
Omni-Directional
If using omni-directional antennas, orient the antennas at right
angles to each other.
✦
Directional (Yagi)
If using directional antennas, place the antennas horizontal, at the
same level, with the booms parallel.
✦
Omni-Directional and Directional
If using omni-directional and directional antennas together, place
the omni-directional antenna in a vertical position and the direc-
tional antenna horizontal, pointing 90˚ away from the omni-direc-
tional antenna.
3. Connect the field station radio modem as shown below. Plug the power adapter into a
wall outlet and make sure the radio modem’s Power light comes on.
Separate antennas by 8' (2.5m) minimum.
8' 8' 8'
FIELD STATION:
To Power Adapter
To WeatherLink
To Antenna
L1
Radio Modem Part
7870
WeatherLink®
PHONE MODEM
Adapter L1

TestingtheRadio Page15
4. Connect the base station radio modem as shown below. Plug the power adapter into a
wall outlet and make sure the radio modem’s Power light comes on.
5. Supply power to the weather station using the 200mA power adapter supplied with
the station.
6. Use the Test (or Connection Test) button in the WeatherLink software’s serial port
dialog box to make sure you can successfully connect to the field radio modem/
weather station.
Consult the software manual for instructions on selecting the correct serial
port settings and testing the connection.
7. If successful, continue with the installation.
If you receive an error message, try testing the connection again. If you are
still not able to successfully connect, consult “Troubleshooting” on page 32.
Note:If there is a problem with interference from another radio source, try changing channels. Re-
configure all of the radio modems (see “Configuring The Radio Modem” on page 11). You
may choose between three channels; make sure all radio modems are set to the same chan-
nel.
BASE STATION:
To Power Adapter
To PC
To Antenna
Radio Modem Part
7943
WeatherLink®
PC RADIO
DB-25 Adapter L2

Page16 Spread-SpectrumRadioModemInstallationKit
INSTALLATION
Follow the instructions below to install the components of your RM system. In
many cases, you will have to consult the instruction manual supplied with
another component for specific instructions. Installation diagrams are supplied
as a guide.
Installing Omni-Directional Antenna
You may mount the omni-directional antenna on the Sensor MountingArm. To
mount on a pipe, post, wall, or to raise it above the Sensor Mounting Arm, use
the Antenna Mast-Mount Kit.
✦Installing on Sensor Mounting Arm (SMA)
Attach the antenna to the ground plane as shown below, screw on until
snug. Attach the ground plane to the SMAusing the #8-32 x 3/4" screws,
flat washers, split lock washers, and hex nuts as shown below.
Note:It may be necessary to drill one or two holes in the SMA to accommodate the ground
plane. If so, use the holes in the ground plane as a guide and drill holes in the SMA using
a 7/32" (5.5mm) drill bit.
8-32 ×3/4" Screw
Flat Washer
Flat Washer
Split Lock Washer
#8 Hex Nut
Ground Plane
Sensor Mounting Arm 1"
Ifnecessary,drillholesusing
7/32"(5.5mm)drillbit.
Onmi
Antenna
Ground
Plane
Antenna Cable

Installation Page17
Installing Directional Antenna
The directional antenna may be mounted in either the vertical or horizontal
plane. If it is communicating with an omni-directional antenna it must be
mounted in the vertical plane. If communicating with another directional
antenna, the two may be either vertical or horizontal; both must be in the same
plane, however.
Note:If an interfering radio source is nearby it will be helpful to orient the antennas opposite (orthog-
onal) to the plane of the interference. AM radio transmissions are typically vertically polarized,
so horizontal antennas will better reject AM radio interference. Television and FM radio trans-
missions are usually horizontally polarized, so vertical antennas will better reject TV and FM
radio interference.

Page18 Spread-SpectrumRadioModemInstallationKit
✦Mounting Antenna Mast on Sensor Mounting Arm Support Pipe
Attach the antenna to the antenna mast as shown below. If the outside
diameter of the antenna mast is less than 1.16" (30 mm), omit the mast-
mounting blocks. If installing the 12dB Yagi from YDI, connect the antenna
cable (N-to-BNC) to the short antenna cable attached to the Yagi. Attach
the antenna mast brackets to the bottom of the antenna mast using the
1-1/4" U-bolts, washers, lock washers, and hex nuts as shown below.
Attach the antenna mast to the support pipe using the 2-1/4" U-bolts,
washers, lock washers, and hex nuts as shown below.
1-1/4" U-Bolt
Antenna Mast
Flat Washer
Lock Washer
1/4" Hex Nut
Antenna Mast
Bracket Saddle
Sensor Mounting Arm Pipe
2-3/8"(60mm)Outside
DiameterMaximum
2-3/8"
U-Bolts
2-3/8"
Saddles
Antenna
Mast
Flat Washer
Lock Washer
5/16" Hex Nut
Antenna Mast
upto1-1/4"(32mm)
OutsideDiameter
(user-supplied)
1-1/4" U-Bolts
Mast-Mounting
Blocks
Donotuseif
mastdiameteris
lessthan1.16"
(30mm).
Yagi Antenna,
(8.5dbYagiwith
verticalpolarizationshown)
Split-Lock Washer
5/16" Hex Nut Ifusing12dBYagi
(suppliedbyYDI),
connectN-to-BNCantenna
cabletoYagicable.

Installation Page19
✦Mounting Antenna to Wooden Post
Attach the antenna to the antenna mast, as shown below. If the outside
diameter of the antenna mast is less than 1.16" (30 mm), omit the mast-
mounting blocks. If installing the 12dB Yagi from YDI, connect the antenna
cable (N-to-BNC) to the short antenna cable attached to the Yagi. Attach
the antenna mast brackets to the bottom of the antenna mast using the
1-1/4" U-bolts, washers, lock washers, and hex nuts as shown below.
Attach the antenna mast to the post using the lag screws and washers as
shown below. Use a 3/16" (4.8 mm) drill bit to make pilot holes.
Antenna
Mast
Flat Washer
1/4 x 1-1/2" Lag Screw
1-1/4" U-Bolt
Antenna Mast
Lock Washer
1/4" Hex Nut
Antenna Mast
Bracket
Flat Washer
Antenna Mast
upto1-1/4"(32mm)
OutsideDiameter
(user-supplied)
1-1/4" U-Bolts
Mast-Mounting
Blocks
Donotuseif
mastdiameteris
lessthan1.16"
(30mm).
Yagi Antenna,
(8.5dbYagiwith
verticalpolarizationshown)
Split-Lock Washer
5/16" Hex Nut Ifusing12dBYagi
(suppliedbyYDI),
connectN-to-BNCantenna
cabletoYagicable.

Page20 Spread-SpectrumRadioModemInstallationKit
Installing Solar Power Kit & Battery
Consult the manuals supplied with the Solar Power Kit for instructions. Note
the following, however, as you proceed with the installation.
✦Use the tab adapter to attach the black battery wires to the battery.
Before installing the battery, slide the tab adapter onto the black
(ground) terminal. Attach the black battery wire (supplied with the
Spread-Spectrum Radio Modem Installation Kit) and the black wire on
the battery cable (supplied with the Solar Power Kit) to the tab adapter;
see the wiring diagram in “Connecting Timer Wires” on page 25 or
“Connecting Alarm Output Module Wires” on page 27. Make sure you
have access to the free end of the wires after the battery is installed.
✦Do not connect the solar panel or the battery to the regulator circuit.
Make sure you have made no connections at B1 and B2 on the regulator
circuit before proceeding.
Installing Radio Modem
Follow the instructions below to install the RM. Install the station console/
WeatherLink prior to installing the RM.
1. Thread the Velcro strap through the slots of the mounting plate.
Velcro
Strap Mounting Plate