GE MDS SD Series User manual

Installation and Operation Guide
Technical Manual
MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. H
November 2013
Covering ES/SS Units with Firmware Version 5.x
Applies to all models EXCEPT those operated in x710 Mode. For x710 mode
operation, refer to Publication 05-4670A01.
MDS SD Series
Secure, Long Range IP/Ethernet & Serial

Quick-Start instructions for this product are contained in publication 05-4847A01.
All GE MDS manuals and updates are available online at www.gemds.com.

MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. H SD Series Technical Manual i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Conventions Used in This Manual .................................................................................................1
1.2 New Features in this Release .......................................................................................................2
2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Front Panel Connectors and Indicators .........................................................................................3
2.2 Key Product Features ....................................................................................................................4
Media Access Control (MAC)...........................................................................................................4
VLAN Capability...............................................................................................................................5
Terminal Server Capability...............................................................................................................5
Store and Forward Capability...........................................................................................................5
Peer-to-Peer Capability....................................................................................................................6
Frequency Re-use (System ID) .......................................................................................................6
2.3 SD Model Offerings .......................................................................................................................6
2.4 Operating Modes and Applicable Manuals ....................................................................................6
2.5 Accessories and Spares ................................................................................................................8
Protected Network Station ...............................................................................................................8
Dual Protected Configurations.........................................................................................................9
3.0 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS...................................................................................................11
3.1 Operating Parameters .................................................................................................................11
3.2 Example Systems ........................................................................................................................12
Multiple Address Systems (MAS) ..................................................................................................12
Point-to-Point System....................................................................................................................12
IP Payload/Ethernet Polling and Terminal Server Operation.........................................................13
Port Sharing with Multiple Hosts....................................................................................................14
Push Communication (Report-by Exception).................................................................................15
IP Polling of Serial Remotes..........................................................................................................15
IP Polling of Two Serial Ports on One Remote ..............................................................................16
4.0 INSTALLATION PLANNING ............................................................................................... 18
4.1 Chassis Dimensions ....................................................................................................................19
4.2 Mounting Bracket Options ...........................................................................................................19
Optional DIN Rail Mounting ...........................................................................................................20
4.3 Antennas and Feedlines ..............................................................................................................20
Antennas........................................................................................................................................20
Feedlines .......................................................................................................................................21
4.4 DC Power Connection .................................................................................................................22
4.5 Grounding Considerations ...........................................................................................................22
4.6 Ethernet Data Interface (RJ-45) ..................................................................................................23

ii SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. H
4.7 Serial Data Interfaces ..................................................................................................................24
COM1 (Serial) Connection.............................................................................................................24
COM2 (Data) Connections.............................................................................................................25
5.0 STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION ........................................................................................ 28
5.1 Initial Configuration ......................................................................................................................29
Web-Based Management ..............................................................................................................29
Web Browser Connection ..............................................................................................................30
Alternative Management Methods.................................................................................................32
5.2 Initial Startup & Checkout ............................................................................................................33
Ethernet Connector LEDs..............................................................................................................33
5.3 Optimizing the Radio Network .....................................................................................................34
Modem Type Setting......................................................................................................................34
Inter-Packet Gap Settings..............................................................................................................34
Baud Rate Setting..........................................................................................................................34
Ethernet Settings ...........................................................................................................................35
Antenna SWR Check.....................................................................................................................35
6.0 USING THE DEVICE MANAGER.......................................................................................36
6.1 Navigating the Screens ...............................................................................................................36
Overview Screen............................................................................................................................37
6.2 Management Tasks .....................................................................................................................38
6.3 Configuration Screens .................................................................................................................43
Radio..............................................................................................................................................43
Store and Forward Operation.........................................................................................................49
Features.........................................................................................................................................55
Understanding the Use of Virtual Radio Channels (VRCs)............................................................60
Using the Terminal Server—Typical Example................................................................................63
Communications Ports...................................................................................................................67
Security..........................................................................................................................................70
6.4 Maintenance & Status Screen .....................................................................................................73
Event Log.......................................................................................................................................73
Alarm Summary.............................................................................................................................74
Performance ..................................................................................................................................75
Firmware Utilities ...........................................................................................................................81
Configuration Files.........................................................................................................................85
7.0 TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................................................... 87
7.1 LED Indicators .............................................................................................................................89
7.2 Checking for Alarms/Events ........................................................................................................89
Major Alarms vs. Minor Alarms......................................................................................................89
Status and Informational Events ....................................................................................................90
Event Code Definitions ..................................................................................................................90
7.3 Operating Constraints ..................................................................................................................91
8.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE ................................................................................................ 93
8.1 Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics ..........................................................................93
Setting Up Diagnostics...................................................................................................................94

MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. H SD Series Technical Manual iii
8.2 Over-the-Air Firmware Upgrades ................................................................................................94
Intrusive vs. Passive (Non-Intrusive) Mode ...................................................................................95
Broadcast Reprogramming Suggestions by Network Type ...........................................................96
OTA Reprogramming Overview.....................................................................................................97
Cancelling OTA Reprogramming ...................................................................................................97
Error Conditions/Recovery.............................................................................................................97
Execution and Screen Examples...................................................................................................98
8.3 COM1 Operating Modes .............................................................................................................99
Changing COM1 Modes ................................................................................................................99
8.4 Implementing Sleep Mode ...........................................................................................................99
8.5 Technical Specifications ...........................................................................................................101
8.6 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart ...........................................................................................103
9.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................. 104
Copyright and Trademark
This manual and all software described herein is protected by Copyright: 2013 GE MDS, LLC. All
rights reserved. GE MDS, LLC reserves its right to correct any errors and omissions in this publi-
cation. Modbus® is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric Corporation. All other trademarks
and product names are the property of their respective owners.
RF Safety Notice (English and French)
Concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health hazard to
humans. Do not allow people to come closer to the antenna than the distances
listed in the table below when the transmitter is operating. More information on
RF exposure can be found online at the following website:
www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins.
Concentré d'énergie à partir d'une antenne directionnelle peut poser un risque
pour la santé humaine. Ne pas permettre aux gens de se rapprocher de l'antenne
que les distances indiquées dans le tableau ci-dessous lorsque l'émetteur est en
marche. Plus d'informations sur l'exposition aux RF peut être trouvé en ligne à
l'adresse suivante: www.fcc.gov / oet / info / documents et bulletins.
Antenna Gain vs. Minimum RF Safety Distance
Antenna Gain
0–5 dBi 5–10 dBi 10–16.5 dBi
Safety Distance (SD4) 0.79 meter 1.41 meters 3.05 meters
RF Exposure
l'exposition aux RF

iv SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. H
FCC Part 15 Notice
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful inter-
ference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation. Any unauthorized modification or changes to this device without the
express approval of the manufacturer may void the user’s authority to operate this device. Further-
more, this device is intended to be used only when installed in accordance with the instructions out-
lined in this manual. Failure to comply with these instructions may void the user’s authority to
operate this device.
Industry Canada Notice
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Servicing Precautions
When servicing energized equipment, be sure to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE). During internal service, situations could arise where objects accidentally contact or short
circuit components and the appropriate PPE would alleviate or decrease the severity of potential
injury. When servicing radios, all workplace regulations and other applicable standards for live
electrical work should be followed to ensure personal safety.
Manual Revision and Accuracy
This manual was prepared to cover a specific version of firmware code. Accordingly, some screens
and features may differ from the actual unit you are working with. While every reasonable effort
has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, product improvements may also result in
minor differences between the manual and the product shipped to you. If you have additional ques-
tions or need an exact specification for a product, please contact GE MDS using the information at
the back of this guide. In addition, manual updates can be found on our web site at
www.gemds.com
Safety Distance (SD9) 0.46 meter .82 meters 1.74 meters
Safety Distance (SD1) For SD1, maintain an RF safety distance of
1.80 meters for a 7 dBd (9.15 dBi) antenna.
Use of higher gain antennas means
increasing the distance accordingly.
Safety Distance (SD2) For SD2, maintain an RF safety distance of
1.50 meters for a 7 dBd (9.15 dBi) antenna.
Use of higher gain antennas means
increasing the distance accordingly.
Safety Distance
(other models): Consult factory prior to operation.
Antenna Gain vs. Minimum RF Safety Distance
Antenna Gain
0–5 dBi 5–10 dBi 10–16.5 dBi

MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. H SD Series Technical Manual v
Environmental Information
The manufacture of this equipment has required the extraction and use of natural resources.
Improper disposal may contaminate the environment and present a health risk due to hazardous
substancescontainedwithin. To avoiddissemination of thesesubstances into our environment,and
to limit the demand on natural resources, we encourage you to use the appropriate recycling sys-
temsfor disposal. Thesesystems will reuseor recycle mostof the materialsfound in thisequipment
in a sound way. Please contact GE MDS or your supplier for more information on the proper dis-
posal of this equipment.
Battery Disposal—This product may contain a battery. Batteries must be disposed of properly, and
may not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste in the European Union. See the product doc-
umentation for specific battery information. Batteries are marked with a symbol, which may
include lettering to indicate cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), or mercury (Hg). For proper recycling return
the battery to your supplier or to a designated collection point.
Product Test Data Sheets
Test Data Sheets showing the original factory test results for this unit are available upon request
from the GE MDS Quality Leader. Contact the factory using the information at the back of this
manual. Serial numbers must be provided for each product where a Test Data Sheet is required.
CSA/us Notice
This product is approved for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C & D Hazardous Locations.
Such locations are defined in Article 500 of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) pub-
lication NFPA 70, otherwise known as the National Electrical Code. The transceiver has been rec-
ognized for use in these hazardous locations by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) which
also issues the US mark of approval (CSA/US). The CSA Certification is in accordance with CSA
STD C22.2 No. 213-M1987.
CSA Conditions of Approval: The transceiver is not acceptable as a stand-alone unit for use in the
hazardous locations described above. It must either be mounted within another piece of equipment
which is certified for hazardous locations, or installed within guidelines, or conditions of approval,
as set forth by the approving agencies. These conditions of approval are as follows: The transceiver
must be mounted within a separate enclosure which is suitable for the intended application.The
antenna feedline, DC power cable and interface cable must be routed through conduit in accor-
dance with the National Electrical Code. Installation, operation and maintenance of the transceiver
should be in accordance with the transceiver's installation manual, and the National Electrical
Code. Tampering or replacement with non-factory components may adversely affect the safe use
of the transceiver in hazardous locations, and may void the approval. A power connector with
screw-type retaining screws as supplied by GE MDS must be used.
Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is known to
be non-hazardous. Refer to Articles 500 through 502 of the National Electrical Code
(NFPA 70) for further information on hazardous locations and approved Division 2 wiring
methods.
EXPLOSION
HAZARD!

vi SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. H
BSD License Information
TheSD Seriesproducts containsource codeoriginallyreleasedaspartof“WPA Supplicant”which
is copyrighted as indicated below and is redistributed under the terms of the BSD license:
WPA Supplicant
Copyright (c) 2003-2010, Jouni Malinen <[email protected]> and contributors
All Rights Reserved.
BSD License
-------
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted pro-
vided that the following conditions are met:
1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and
the following disclaimer.
2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of conditions
and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the distri-
bution.
3. Neither the name(s) of the above-listed copyright holder(s) nor the names of its contributors may
be used to endorse or promote products derived from this software without specific prior written
permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
“AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIM-
ITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT
OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE,
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ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT
(INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. H SD Series Technical Manual 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This manual is one of two publications for users of the MDS SD Series
Transceiver shown in Figure 1. It contains an overview of common
applications, installation planning data, specifications, troubleshooting,
and instructions for using the web-based Device Manager. This manual
is intended for technical personnel who perform network design, config-
uration, and troubleshooting of the equipment.
A companion Setup Guide is also available (Part no. 05-4847A01). The
scope of the Setup Guide is limited to installing the transceiver and
placing it in service for the first time. All product documentation can be
downloaded free of charge from the GE MDS website at www.gemds.com.
The website also contains links to Application Bulletins and other
product information.
Invisible place holder
Figure 1. MDS SD Series Transceiver
1.1 Conventions Used in This Manual
Software & Device
Manager Notations This product is designed for software control via a connected PC. To
show the names of screen items, keyboard entries, or other information
displayed on a PC, a bolded font is used throughout the manual that
appears as follows:
Bolded font example (for screen names and keyboard entries)
To show the navigation path leading to a particular screen, this same
font is used with forward-pointing arrows between screen names. For
example, suppose you wish to access the radio’s Features Screen. The
navigation path shown for it would appear as follows:
Configuration>>Features
Model Number
Notations The term “SD” or “SD Series” is used in this manual to denote all
models in the SD product line. Specific model numbers such as MDS
SD1 (150-174 MHz), SD2 (216-235 MHz), SD4 (300-512 MHz), and
SD9 (820-960 MHz) are used only when necessary to reference
model-specific features.

2 SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. H
Authorization
Features Some features of the radio are dependent on purchased options and
applicable regulatory constraints. A “key” icon is shown near the
heading of any such features. In some cases a feature upgrade may be
available. Contact your sales representative for additional information.
1.2 New Features in this Release
The SD transceiver has been updated to include the following function-
ality in the latest release of the product:
• Peer-to-Peer capability (see Page 6 and Page 67)
• Internal MODBUS TCP to RTU conversion (see Page 62)
• Transparent mode with AES Encryption (see Page 72)
• DLINK AES Encryption (see Page 72)
• System ID (frequency re-use) capability (see Page 6 and Page 45)
• Data Key Hold Time-Out (see Page 9 and Page 54)
• 4800B Modem supports baud mismatch functionality at 300,
1200, and 2400 baud rates. (This feature available with
post-version 5.0.9 firmware.)