GE MDS SD Series User manual

Installation and Operation Guide
Reference Manual
MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. C
DECEMBER 2009
Covering ES/SS Units Operating in Transparent and Packet Modes
with Firmware Version 3.x
MDS SD Series
Secure, Long Range IP/Ethernet & Serial

Need Quick-Start instructions for this product? Please refer to publication 05-4847A01.
All GE MDS user guides are available online at www.gemds.com

MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. C SD Series Ref. Manual (Packet & Transparent Mode) i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Conventions Used in This Manual .................................................................................................1
1.2 Electronic Manuals ........................................................................................................................2
2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Front Panel Connectors and Indicators .........................................................................................3
2.2 Key Product Features ....................................................................................................................4
2.3 Model Offerings .............................................................................................................................4
2.4 Operating Modes and Applicable Manuals ....................................................................................5
2.5 Accessories and Spares ................................................................................................................6
3.0 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS.................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Operating Parameters ...................................................................................................................7
Multiple Address Systems (MAS) .............................................................................................8
Point-to-Point System...............................................................................................................9
IP/Ethernet Polling....................................................................................................................9
IP Polling of Serial Remotes...................................................................................................10
Serial Remotes with Two Serial Ports.....................................................................................10
Port Sharing with Multiple Hosts.............................................................................................11
4.0 INSTALLATION PLANNING ............................................................................................... 12
4.1 Mounting Options ........................................................................................................................13
Optional DIN Rail Mounting ....................................................................................................14
4.2 Antennas and Feedlines ..............................................................................................................14
Antennas.................................................................................................................................14
Feedlines ................................................................................................................................15
4.3 DC Power Connection .................................................................................................................16
4.4 Grounding Considerations ...........................................................................................................16
4.5 Serial Data Interfaces ..................................................................................................................17
COM1 (Management) Connections........................................................................................17
COM2 (Data) Connections......................................................................................................18
4.6 Ethernet Data Interface (RJ-45) ..................................................................................................20
5.0 STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION ........................................................................................ 21
5.1 Initial Configuration ......................................................................................................................22
Serial vs. Telnet Access..........................................................................................................22
Connecting a PC & Setting Basic Parameters........................................................................22
5.2 Initial Startup & Checkout ............................................................................................................26
Ethernet Connector LEDs.......................................................................................................26
5.3 Optimizing the Radio Network .....................................................................................................27
Antenna SWR Check..............................................................................................................27

ii SD Series Ref. Manual (Packet & Transparent Mode) MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. C
Inter-Packet Gap Settings.......................................................................................................27
Baud Rate Setting...................................................................................................................27
Modem Type Setting...............................................................................................................27
Ethernet Settings ....................................................................................................................28
6.0 MANAGING THE TRANSCEIVER.....................................................................................29
6.1 Menu Access ...............................................................................................................................29
6.2 Menu Structure ............................................................................................................................30
6.3 Menu Navigation .........................................................................................................................30
6.4 Logging Out of the Menu System ................................................................................................30
6.5 Task-Oriented Menu Chart ..........................................................................................................32
6.6 Using the Menu System—Common Tasks ..................................................................................36
Viewing Status and Performance Information.........................................................................36
6.7 View/Set Radio (RF) Operating Parameters ...............................................................................42
RF Output Power Setting........................................................................................................42
Modem Type Setting...............................................................................................................42
RX and TX Frequencies..........................................................................................................43
Soft-Carrier Dekey Setting......................................................................................................44
RX and TX Time-Out Settings.................................................................................................44
Datakey Setting.......................................................................................................................46
RTSkey Setting.......................................................................................................................46
Push-To-Talk Delay.................................................................................................................46
Clear-to-Send Delay ...............................................................................................................46
Switched Carrier Setting (B Modems Only)............................................................................47
Listen Before Transmit (LBT) Feature.....................................................................................47
View Received Signal Strength (RSSI)...................................................................................49
6.8 View/Set Device Configuration ....................................................................................................50
Viewing Serial Number and Version Information ....................................................................50
Setting Owner Name/Message...............................................................................................51
Enabling/Disabling Sleep Mode..............................................................................................52
Setting Serial COM LED Mode ...............................................................................................53
Viewing/Setting Radio Mode...................................................................................................53
Setting the User Interface Type ..............................................................................................53
Configuring the Radio to Support Multiple Hosts....................................................................54
Configuring Packet Settings....................................................................................................55
Configuring Diagnostic Settings..............................................................................................56
6.9 Security Settings .........................................................................................................................58
Setting a Password.................................................................................................................58
Setting the AES Wireless Security Parameters ......................................................................59
Menu.......................................................................................................................................60
6.10 Ethernet Configuration ..............................................................................................................62
Configuring the IP Settings.....................................................................................................62
Ethernet Bridging....................................................................................................................64
IP Payload Configuration Settings..........................................................................................66
IP Payload Configuration—Menu Selections..........................................................................69
6.11 Serial Configuration ...................................................................................................................71
Configuring COM1 Settings....................................................................................................72
Configuring COM2 Settings....................................................................................................73
6.12 Maintenance & Diagnostic Tests ..............................................................................................75

MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. C SD Series Ref. Manual (Packet & Transparent Mode) iii
Managing Configuration Files.................................................................................................75
Performing Remote Management...........................................................................................78
Performing Radio Tests...........................................................................................................79
Reprogramming the Transceiver.............................................................................................83
Remote Reprogramming.........................................................................................................85
Conducting a PING Test .........................................................................................................86
Conducting a Linktest .............................................................................................................86
Viewing Enabled Features......................................................................................................87
Viewing Active Alarms/Events.................................................................................................88
Configuring the Alarm Signal..................................................................................................88
Viewing I/O Statistics ..............................................................................................................90
7.0 TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................ 92
7.1 LED Indicators .............................................................................................................................94
7.2 Event Codes ................................................................................................................................94
Checking for Alarms................................................................................................................94
Major Alarms vs. Minor Alarms...............................................................................................95
Status and Informational Events .............................................................................................95
Event Code Definitions ...........................................................................................................95
8.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE ................................................................................................ 97
8.1 Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics ..........................................................................97
8.2 Upgrading the Radio’s Firmware (Local Method) ........................................................................98
Upgrading Firmware via TFTP (LAN port)..............................................................................99
Upgrading Firmware (via Serial Port)....................................................................................103
8.3 Over-the-Air Firmware Upgrades ..............................................................................................103
Intrusive vs. Passive (Non-Intrusive) Mode ..........................................................................103
OTA Reprogramming Overview............................................................................................105
Cancelling OTA Reprogramming ..........................................................................................105
Error Conditions/Recovery....................................................................................................106
Execution and Menu Examples ............................................................................................106
8.4 COM1 Operating Modes ...........................................................................................................108
Options..................................................................................................................................108
Changing COM1 Modes .......................................................................................................108
8.5 Implementing Sleep Mode .........................................................................................................110
8.6 User-Programmable I/O Functions ............................................................................................ 111
8.7 Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................ 111
9.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................113
9.1 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart ...........................................................................................118
Entering Commands.............................................................................................................120
Detailed Command Descriptions ..........................................................................................122
Copyright and Trademark
This manual and all software described herein is protected by Copyright: 2009 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.

iv SD Series Ref. Manual (Packet & Transparent Mode) MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. C
RF Safety Notice
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.
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.
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 often be found on our web site at
www.gemds.com.
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
substancescontained within. To avoiddissemination of these substancesinto our environment, and
to limit the demand on natural resources, we encourage you to use the appropriate recycling sys-
temsfor disposal. Thesesystems will reuse or recycle most of the materials found in this equipment
in a sound way. Please contact GE MDS or your supplier for more information on the proper dis-
posal of this equipment.
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
Safety Distance (SD9) 0.46 meter .82 meters 1.74 meters
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 SD models): Consult factory prior to operation
RF Exposure

MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. C SD Series Ref. Manual (Packet & Transparent Mode) v
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.
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.
EXPLOSION
HAZARD!

vi SD Series Ref. Manual (Packet & Transparent Mode) MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. C

MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. C SD Series Ref. Manual (Packet & Transparent Mode) 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Reference Manual is one of two books provided for users of the
MDS SD Series Transceiver (Figure 1). It contains an overview of
common applications, installation planning data, technical specifica-
tions, troubleshooting, and a listing of software menus. This manual
should be available to technical personnel who perform network design,
configuration, and troubleshooting of the equipment.
A companion Instruction Sheet is also available (Part no. 05-4847A01).
The scope of the Instruction Sheet is limited to installing the transceiver
and placing it in service for the first time.
Invisible place holder
Figure 1. MDS SD Series Transceiver
1.1 Conventions Used in This Manual
Software & Menu
Notations This product is designed for software control via a connected PC. To
show the names of software commands, keyboard entries, or other infor-
mation displayed on a PC screen, a distinctive, bolded font is used as fol-
lows:
Bolded font example (used for software commands and keyboard entries)
To show the navigation path leading to a particular menu, this same font
is used with forward-pointing arrows between menu names. For
example, suppose you wish to access the radio’s Packet Settings Menu.
The navigation string shown would appear as follows:
Main Menu>>Device Configuration>>Packet Settings
NOTE: The menu screens shown in this manual were obtained from a
transceiver operating in a lab environment. They are provided
as examples only. The parameters and settings displayed may
not reflect actual field service conditions.

2 SD Series Ref. Manual (Packet & Transparent Mode) MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. C
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
SD2 (216-235 MHz), MDS SD4 (350-512 MHz), and MDS SD9
(928-960 MHz) are used only when necessary to reference model-spe-
cific features.
Authorization
Features Some features of the radio are dependent on purchased options and
applicable regulatory constraints. A “key” icon is shown near the
headingof any suchfeatures. If yourradio is not currently authorized for
a needed feature, contact your factory representative for information on
obtaining a new authorization code/key.
1.2 Electronic Manuals
All SD Series manuals are available in printed or electronic form. Elec-
tronic manuals may be downloaded from our web site at
www.gemds.com. The website also contains links to Application Bul-
letins and other product information.