Digi XLR PRO User manual

XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF)
Modem
Getting Started Guide

XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting
Started Guide (90002203)
Revision Date Description
A September
2014
Initial release.
B March 2014 Updated to include new illustrations for the power supply and
miscellaneous editorial corrections.
C May 2015 Updated to revise web configuration home screen available with XLR PRO
firmware version 1006.
D December
2015
Updated to include documentation of USB support available with XLR PRO
firmware version 1007.
E February
2016
Updated to include XLP PRO INTL kit.
Trademarks and copyright
Digi, Digi International, and the Digi logo are trademarks or registered trademarks in the United
States and other countries worldwide. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the
property of their respective owners.
© 2016 Digi International Inc. All rights reserved.
Disclaimers
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Digi International. Digi provides this document “as is,” without warranty of
any kind, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of fitness or
merchantability for a particular purpose. Digi may make improvements and/or changes in this manual
or in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this manual at any time.
Warranty
To view product warranty information, go to the following website:
http://www.digi.com/howtobuy/terms
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[e-mail].
Customer support
Digi Technical Support: Digi offers multiple technical support plans and service packages to help our
customers get the most out of their Digi product. For information on Technical Support plans and
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 2

pricing, contact us at 877.912.3444 or visit us at www.digi.com/support.
Online: www.digi.com/support/eservice
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 3

Contents
Before you begin
Gather required materials 5
For more information 6
Step 1: Connect XLR PRO hardware
XLR PRO kit contents 7
Connect the hardware 8
For a serial connection 9
For Ethernet or Ethernet bridging 9
For both XLR PRO modems 9
Step 2: Download and install XCTU
Download and install XCTU 10
Launch XCTU 10
Step 3: Set up and test serial mode using XCTU
Set up a pair of XLR PRO RF modems 11
Download and install USB driver 11
Connect the XLR PRO modems to your PC 11
Set up radio 1 11
Set up radio 2 12
Test serial communications 13
Step 4: Set up a range test
Set up radio 1 as a mobile device 14
Set up radio 2 as a remote device 15
Perform range testing 15
Step 5: Access the XLR PRO web configuration interface
Connect an XLR PRO to the network 18
Access the XLR PRO Configuration and Management page 18
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 4

Before you begin
This guide provides instructions for setting up a pair of XLR PRO (or XLR PROINTL) modems to
transport data. By working through the steps in this guide, you will learn how to do the following:
nConnect XLR PRO hardware
nInstall XCTU software
nSet up and test serial communications using XCTU
nSet up a range test using XCTU
nAccess the XLR PRO web configuration interface
Gather required materials
To follow along with the steps in this guide, you need the following:
Item Description
XLR PRO
Starter
Kit
(Two
kits,
Part
Number
XL9-UA)
To perform the steps in this guide, you need two starter kits.
Each kit contains the following:
nXLR PRO RF Modem
nPower supply
nXLR PRO INTL kit only: Power plug adapter kit
nNetwork (RJ45) cable
nRJ45/DB9F adapter
nMini USB cable
nAntenna
Laptop
or PC
Minimum hardware and software
The laptop or PC must meet the minimum hardware and
software requirements for running XCTU software. The
instructions in this guide assume you’re using a laptop or PC
running Microsoft Windows.
Available USB ports—2 ports
You need one available USB port for each XLR PRO modem.
Only one computer is required to follow along with the steps in
this guide. However, you can use two computers—one for each
XLR PRO modem. For range testing, a laptop is recommended.
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 5

Before you begin For more information
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 6
Item Description
XCTU
software
Version 6.2 (or later)
Ethernet
switch
To access the XLR PRO web configuration interface, you need
to be able to connect the XLR PRO to your network.
For more information
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) family of products includes the following publications:
Title
Part
number Description
XLR PRO
Radio
Frequency
(RF)
Modem
Quick
Start
Guide
90002204 Provides a brief summary of the XLR PRO and XLR
PRO INTL Radio Frequency (RF) Modem kit.
XLR PRO
Radio
Frequency
(RF)
Modem
Getting
Started
Guide
90002203 Provides step-by-step instructions for setting up a
pair of XLR PRO (or XLR PRO INTL) modems to
test over-the-air communications between the
radios.
XLR PRO
Radio
Frequency
(RF)
Modem
User
Guide
90002202 Provides complete information on all XLR PRO
and XLR PRO INTL Radio Frequency (RF) Modem
features; describes how to configure XLR PRO
modems using XCTU, the Web configuration
interface, and Device Cloud; provides reference
information on all supported AT commands and
API frames.

Step 1: Connect XLR PRO hardware
XLR PRO kit contents
The following table shows the XLR PRO accessories kit.
Item Description
XLR PRO modem
Power supply
Network cable
Mini USB cable
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 7

Step 1: Connect XLR PRO hardware Connect the hardware
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 8
Item Description
RJ45/DB9F adapter
Antenna
Note: Australian kit
only: Power plug
adapter kit (UK, EU, AS)
Connect the hardware
The following figure shows how to connect the XLR PRO cables and antenna.

Step 1: Connect XLR PRO hardware Connect the hardware
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 9
For a serial connection
nConnect the XLR PRO mini USB port to a USB type A port on your computer or laptop using a
mini USB cable.
For Ethernet or Ethernet bridging
nConnect an XLR PRO Ethernet port using a network cable.
WARNING! Use the serial port for serial connections only. Do not connect the serial RJ45
port to any PoE (power over Ethernet) device. Doing so could permanently damage the
XLR PRO or PoE device and void your XLR PRO warranty.
For both XLR PRO modems
nAttach an antenna to the XLR PRO before powering on the device.

Step 2: Download and install XCTU
Digi International XCTU is a free multi-platform application that enables developers to interact with
Digi RF modules through a simple-to-use graphical interface. It includes tools that make it easy to set-
up, configure, and test Digi RF modules.
Download and install XCTU
For XLR PRO support, make sure you install XCTU version 6.2 or later.
To download and install XCTU:
1. Go to www.digi.com/xctu.
2. Launch the XCTU installer and follow the prompts on the installation screens.
Launch XCTU
To launch XCTU:
nDouble-click . The XCTU Main Display appears.
To get help using XCTU, click and select Help Contents.
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 10

Step 3: Set up and test serial mode using XCTU
This section describes how to set up a pair of XLR PRO RF modems using XCTU software to test serial
communications.
Note In these instructions, the first XLR PRO is called radio 1 and the second XLR PRO is called radio 2.
Set up a pair of XLR PRO RF modems
To set up and test serial communications follow these steps.
Download and install USB driver
nDownload and install the XLR PRO USB driver available here:
www.digi.com/support/productdetail?pid=5603&type=drivers
Connect the XLR PRO modems to your PC
1. Connect two XLR PRO RF modems to your PC using a mini USB cable:
For each XLR PRO RF modem, use a mini USB cable to connect the XLR PRO mini USB
port to an available USB type A port on your PC.
2. For both XLR PRO RF modems, attach an antenna before powering on the modem.
3. Position the XLR PRO RF modems at least two meters apart to protect circuitry during data
transmissions.
Note At the default power level setting, if the XLR PRO RF modems are operated at close range, the
high output power may saturate the RF receiver and cause data loss. This can also cause permanent
damage to the receiver.
Set up radio 1
1. Power on radio 1.
2. Launch XCTU.
3. Click . The Add a radio device dialog appears.
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 11

Step 3: Set up and test serial mode using XCTU Set up a pair of XLR PRO RF modems
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 12
4. Select the following:
nSelect the serial/USB port: Select the USB port connected to radio 1.
nBaud Rate: Select 9600.
nData Bits: Select 8.
nParity: Select None.
nStop Bits: Select 1.
nFlow Control: Select None.
5. Click Finish. XCTU discovers the XLR PRO RF modem and displays it in the list of radio modules.
6. In the list of radio modules, click the XLR PRO RF modem. XCTU reads and displays the
configuration.
7. Configure the following parameters:
nID: Set the Network ID to an available network ID. For example, set the Network ID to
0xD161. You need to configure radio 2 with the same network ID.
nPL: If radio 1 and radio 2 are positioned close together (that is, less than one to two
meters distance between the radios), set the power level to 0 (Lowest).
nNI: (Optional) Use the NI command to assign a name or description to the radio. In this
way, you can easily identify the radio in XCTU without relying solely on the serial
number.
Set up radio 2
1. Power on radio 2.
2. Launch XCTU.
3. Click . The Add a radio device dialog appears.

Step 3: Set up and test serial mode using XCTU Test serial communications
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 13
4. Select the following:
nSelect the serial/USB port: Select the USB port connected to radio 2.
nBaud Rate: Select 9600.
nData Bits: Select 8.
nParity: Select None.
nStop Bits: Select 1.
nFlow Control: Select None.
5. Click Finish. XCTU discovers the XLR PRO RF modem and displays it in the list of radio modules.
6. In the list of radio modules, click the XLR PRO RF modem. XCTU reads and displays the
configuration.
7. Configure the following parameters:
nID: Set the Network ID to an available network ID. For example, set the Network ID to
0xD161. You need to configure radio 2 with the same network ID.
nPL: If radio 1 and radio 2 are positioned close together (that is, less than one to two
meters distance between the radios), set the power level to 0 (Lowest).
nNI: (Optional) Use the NI command to assign a name or description to the radio. In this
way, you can easily identify the radio in XCTU without relying solely on the serial
number.
Test serial communications
1. Switch both radios to console mode:
nFor radio 1, click . Then click to open a serial connection.
nFor radio 2, click . Then click to open a serial connection.
2. In the console window of radio 1, type in some sample text. The text is displayed in the console
window of radio 2. To test two-way communications, type sample text in the console of radio 2,
and the text is transmitted and displayed in the console of radio 1.

Step 4: Set up a range test
This section describes how to set up a pair of XLR PROs using XCTU software to perform a range test.
The range test demonstrates two XLR PROs communicating at varying distances.
In these instructions, the first XLR PRO is called Radio 1 and the second XLR PRO is called Radio 2.
nRadio 1: Functions as the local, mobile device connected to a laptop.
nRadio 2: Functions as the remote device connected to a power source, but need not be
connected to a PC.
nPower sources: You need a power source for both radios. Ideally, you can use a mobile power
source (that is, a battery) for Radio 1 so that you can move the radio around. When choosing a
battery, consult the XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem User Guide for current draw
requirements. If the XLR PRO is configured to use maximum power (PL = 4), the transmit
current requirements are as follows:
9V: 950 mA
12V: 840 mA
26V: 400 mA
If you don’t have a mobile power source, you can move Radio 1 to other locations where a
power source is available to demonstrate performance over particular distances.
Set up radio 1 as a mobile device
Connect radio 1 to a laptop and follow the directions in Step 3: Set up and test serial mode using XCTU
on page 9 to set up a serial connection for radio 1.
1. Using XCTU:
a. Configure the BR (data rate) parameter to the desired speed. Keep in mind that
lower RF data rates have longer ranges.
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 14

Step 4: Set up a range test Set up radio 2 as a remote device
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 15
b. Write the configuration settings.
Set up radio 2 as a remote device
1. Connect radio 2 to a PC and follow the directions in Step 3: Set up and test serial mode using
XCTU on page 9 to set up a serial connection for radio 2.
2. Using XCTU:
a. Configure the BR (data rate) parameter to the same rate as radio 1.
Note The BR parameter only affects the data rate at which the radio transmits—the radio
receives on all data rates. In this test, you are transmitting and receiving with both radios, and
using the same RF data rate for both radios optimizes the range.
b. Write the configuration settings.
3. At this point, you can disconnect radio 2 from the PC, but Radio 2 must remain connected to
the antenna and power source.
Perform range testing
1. Go back to the XCTU display for radio 1.

Step 4: Set up a range test Perform range testing
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 16
2. Click to discover remote devices within the same network. The Discover remote devices
dialog appears.
3. Click Add selected devices.
4. Click and select Range test. The Radio Range Test dialog appears.
5. In the Select the local radio device area, select radio 1. XCTU automatically selects the
Discovered device option, and the Start Range Test button is active.

Step 4: Set up a range test Perform range testing
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 17
6. Click to begin the range test.
If the test is running properly, the packets sent should match the packets received. You will
also see the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) update for each radio after each
reception.
7. Move Radio 1 around to see the resulting signal strength at different distances. You can also
test different data rates by reconfiguring the BR (data rate) parameter on both radios. When
the test is complete, click Stop Range Test.

Step 5: Access the XLR PRO web configuration
interface
This section describes how to access the XLR PRO web configuration interface to view or configure
XLR PRO options. For this demonstration, you need only one XLR PRO.
Connect an XLR PRO to the network
1. Follow the directions in Step 3: Set up and test serial mode using XCTU to set up a serial
connection for one of the XLR PROs using XCTU.
2. Connect the XLR PRO to the network:
a. Using a network cable, connect the XLR PRO to a network device.
b. Allow the DHCP server to issue an IP address for the XLR PRO. This could take up to
five minutes.
3. Determine the XLR PRO IP address:
Using the serial XCTU connection, verify that an IP address has been assigned to the XLR PRO.
The MY parameter displays the IP address. Note the IP address assigned to the XLR PRO. You’ll
use the IP address to access the XLR PRO web configuration interface.
Access the XLR PRO Configuration and Management page
Browse to the XLR PRO web configuration page:
1. Open a browser and type in the IP address for the XLR PRO. The XLR PRO Web Configuration
Authentication Required dialog appears.
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 18

Step 5: Access the XLR PRO web configuration interface Access the XLR PRO Configuration and Management page
XLR PRO Radio Frequency (RF) Modem Getting Started Guide 19
2. Enter the default username and password. The username is admin and the default password
is password.
3. Click Log In. The XLR PRO Configuration and Management screen appears.
You can use the XLR PRO Configuration and Management page to view or set configuration options.
Note If you have a Device Cloud account, you can add the XLR PRO RF modems to your Device Cloud
inventory. For step-by-step instructions, see the XLR PRO User Guide.