GE MDS TransNEXT User manual

GE Renewable Energy
GE MDS LLC
GE MDS TransNEXT
05-7267A01 REV 04. Quick Start Guide
The transceiver, shown in Figure 1, is a spread spectrum radio
designed for license-free operation. These units employ Digital
Signal Processing (DSP) technology to provide highly-reliable
long-distance communications, even in the presence of weak
signals or interference.
The transceiver is housed in a compact and rugged die-cast
enclosure that need only be protected from direct exposure to
the weather. It contains a single printed circuit board with all
necessary components for radio operation. No jumper settings
or manual adjustments are required to configure the radio for
operation.
Figure 1. GE MDS TransNEXT Transceiver. Dual transceiver
version (left) and single transceiver (right).
About This Guide
This guide covers the GE TransNext operating in Transnet
Compatible Mode. All GE MDS manuals are available free of
charge at www.gemds.com.
Transceiver Features
Listed below are several key features of the transceiver. These
are designed to ease the installation and configuration of the
radio, while retaining the ability to make changes in the future.
•902–928 MHz operation using the TransNEXT 900
•User-selectable option to skip sub-bands with
constant interference
•65,000 available network addresses
•Network-wide configuration from the Master station
eliminates most trips to Remote sites
•Data transparency ensures compatibility with virtually
all asynchronous SCADA system RTUs
•Peak-hold RSSI averaged over eight hop cycles
•Operation at up to 115,200 bps continuous data flow
•Store-and-Forward repeater operation
•Data latency typically less than 10 ms
•Same hardware for Master or Remote configuration
•Supports RS/EIA-232 and RS/EIA-485 user interface
•Low current consumption; less than 3 mA in “sleep”
mode
NOTE: Some radio features may not be available on all
models. Features may be limited by the options purchased or
the applicable regulatory constraints for the region in which the
radio will operate.
Typical Applications
Multiple Address Systems (MAS)
This is the most common application of the transceiver. It
consists of a central control station (Master) and two or more
associated Remote units, as shown in Figure 2. An MAS
network provides communications between a central host
computer and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data
collection devices. The operation of the radio system is
transparent to the computer equipment. When used in this
application, the transceiver provides an excellent alternative to
traditional (licensed) MAS radio systems.
Figure 2. Typical MAS Network
Point-to-Point System
A point-to-point configuration (Figure 3) is a simple
arrangement consisting of just two radios—a Master and a
Remote. This provides a half-duplex communications link for
the transfer of data between two locations.
Figure 3. Typical Point-to-Point Link
Adding a Tail-End Link to an Existing Network
A tail-end link can be used to extend the range of a traditional
(licensed) MAS system. This might be required if an outlying
site is blocked from the MAS Master station by a natural or
man-made obstruction. In this arrangement, a TransNEXT
1.0 INTRODUCTION

GE Renewable Energy
GE MDS LLC
GE MDS TransNEXT
05-7267A01 REV 04. Quick Start Guide
radio links the outlying Remote site into the rest of a licensed
MAS system by sending data from that site to an associated
TransNEXT installed at one of the licensed Remote sites (see
Figure 4.)
As the data from the outlying site is received at the licensed
Remote site, it is transferred to the licensed radio (via a local
cable connection) and is then transmitted to the MAS Master
station in the usual manner.
Figure 4. Typical Tail-End Link Arrangement
Extending a TransNEXT Network with a Network
Repeater
Similar to a Tail-End Link, Store-and-Forward (SAF) offers a
way to physically extend the network range, but in a simple
and economical manner. SAF works by dividing a network into
a vertical hierarchy of two or more sub-networks. Extension
radios (designated as MODE X) serve as single-radio
repeaters that link adjacent sub-networks, and move data from
one sub-network to the next one.
Figure 5. TransNEXT Repeater Network
Accessories
GE MDS offers an Accessories Selection Guide listing
additional items that may be used with our products. Contact
your factory representative or visit www.GEmds.com for the
latest copy.
Invisipbllhaeoc led er
TransNEXT Installation
Figure 6 shows a typical Remote station arrangement. Master
stations are similar, but an omni-directional antenna is normally
used instead of a directional type, and a host computer
replaces the data terminal equipment.
Figure 6. Typical Remote Station Arrangement
The following steps provide an overview of the installation
procedure.
1. Select a site that provides stable power, protection from the
weather, entrances for antenna and other cabling, and an
antenna location with an unobstructed transmission path in
the direction of the associated station(s).
2. Select and install an appropriate antenna and feedline for
your system requirements. Professional Installation is
required. Feedline losses and antenna gains must be
properly accounted for. Please refer to Table 5.1 and Table
5.2 in section “5.0 Antennas” for more details on approved
antennas and feedline requirements.
3. Mount the transceiver to a stable surface using the
brackets supplied with the radio (fasteners/anchors are not
supplied).
4. Connect the data equipment to the transceiver’s DATA
connector. Use only the required pins for the application.
Refer to Figure 7.
5. Measure and install the primary power for the transceiver.
It must be within 6–36 Vdc (including transients) and be
capable of providing 12 watts over this voltage range.
(Typical current draw is 860mA @13.8 Vdc; 2.0A at 6 Vdc.)
A power connector with screw-terminals is provided with
each unit.
Figure 7: Interface Connector Functions
2.0 INSTALLATION
Primary Power
(6-36VDC)
Ethernet
Serial Data
(Payload)
Diagnostics
(USB-C)
Primary
Transceiver
Antenna Port
Optional
Secondary
Antenna
Port

GE Renewable Energy
GE MDS LLC
GE MDS TransNEXT
05-7267A01 REV 04. Quick Start Guide
6. Set the radio’s basic configuration with a PC terminal
connected to the DIAGNOSTICS connector via a USB-C
cable.
7. Four essential settings for the transceiver are:
a. Mode: AP/Remote (Mode M or Mode R)
b. Network Address: A unique number from 1
to 65000
c. Data Interface Parameters: bps, data bits,
parity, stop bits
d. Single/Dual Transceiver Operation
8. Perform the initial start-up of the transceiver:
a. Apply primary power.
b. Observe top panel display for proper boot up.
Figure 8: Top Panel display of initialized unit
In a normally operating system, you will see the GE
MDS and TransNEXT screen as shown in Figure 8,
above.
9. Configure unit for single or dual transceiver operation
(NET9S only)
a. Select Radio 2
TransNEXT>radio 2
b. To Enable Radio 2
TransNEXT>radio mode transnet
To Disable Radio 2
TransNEXT>radio mode test
Note: for NET9S applications with a single transceiver,
terminate the unused secondary TNC antenna port (See
Figure 7) of the radio, and the unused antenna port of the dual
polarized antenna, with suitable 50-ohm terminations.
10. Optimize the installation:
a. Aim the antenna properly
b. Verify antenna system VSWR
c. Configure Hoptime setting
d. Configure Payload baud rate setting
e. Perform radio interference checks
The following is a list of commands available for configuring
this unit
radio help List available
commands
radio rx <on|off> Enable/Disable RX
mode
radio tx <on|off> <mode>
<on|off> Enable/Disable TX
mode
<mode> 0-CW 1-PN9 2-10 3-
CW_PN 4-RAMP 5-
CW_SHIFT
radio power <pwr> Get/Set Power (integer)
radio rssi Get RSSI (dBm)
radio channel <chnl> Get/Set Channel #
radio rssioffset <offset> Get/Set Rssi Offset
radio debugmode <mode> Get/Set Debug Mode
radio setfrequency <freq> Set Frequency Hz
radio hoptime <hoptime> Set radio dwell time (7
or 28ms). Dwell time is
total of TX and RX time
per channel in the hop
sequence.
radio skip <1,2,3,4> Set hopping channel
zones to skip. Up to 4
zones can be skipped
and are identified 1-8,
use 0 for a zone that
should not be skipped.
The zones available for
skipping are shown
below
radio state Get State
radio getvswr Sample VSWR
radio update Update radio firmware
radio mode <mode> Get/Set Radio Mode
test transnet
radio init Restore defaults
cfg set radio.mode Set the radio network
mode to Master “M”or
Remote “R”
3.0 RADIO PROGRAMMING

GE Renewable Energy
GE MDS LLC
GE MDS TransNEXT
05-7267A01 REV 04. Quick Start Guide
All radios in the network must meet the following requirements
for proper operation. Check these items first when
troubleshooting a communication problem:
• Adequate and stable primary power
• Secure cable connections (RF, data, and power)
• A clear transmission path between Master and each Remote
• An efficient and properly aligned antenna system providing
adequate received signal strength.
• Proper programming of the transceiver’s parameters
• The correct interface between the transceiver and the
connected data equipment (correct cable wiring, proper data
format, timing, etc.)
LEDs
The radio’s power LED indicator panel provides useful
information when troubleshooting a system problem.
PWR
Continuous—Power is applied to the radio; no problems
detected
Flashing (5 times-per-second)—Fault indication. Use PC
or top panel screen for more information on fault
condition
Off—Radio is unpowered or in Sleep mode
Event Codes
When an alarm condition exists, the transceiver creates a
message that can be read on a connected PC by using the
ALARM command.
Types of Alarms
Minor Alarms—report conditions that, under most
circumstances, will not prevent transceiver operation. These
include out-of-tolerance conditions, baud rate mismatches,etc.
The cause of these alarms should be investigated and
corrected to prevent system failure.
Major Alarms—report serious conditions that generally
indicate a hardware failure, or other abnormal condition that
will prevent (or hamper) further operation of the transceiver.
Major alarms may require factory repair. Contact your factory
representative for assistance.
This product has been approved for use with only the antennas
listed in Table 5.1, below
Table 5.1: Approved Antennas for TransNEXT
Professional installation is required. The installation site must
conform to 15.247/RSS-247 Conducted and Radiated Power
limits. Proper feedline selection and/or radio power setpoints
must be set accordingly for use with each antenna type as
detailed in Table 5.2.
Table 5.2: Feedline losses and radio power setpoints for ERP
and Conducted Power compliance for TransNEXT installations.
Product Labels
Figure 9: E5MDS-NET9L Label
Figure 10: E5MDS-NET9S Label
Figure 11: 101D-NET9L Label
4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
6.0 REGULATORY INFORMATION
5.0 ANTENNAS

GE Renewable Energy
GE MDS LLC
GE MDS TransNEXT
05-7267A01 REV 04. Quick Start Guide
Figure 12: 101D-NET9S Label
RF Exposure Notice
Professional Installation Required. The radio equipment
described in this guide emits radio frequency energy. Although
the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a
directional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow
people to come closer than 34 centimeters to the front of the
antenna when the transmitter is operating with a 10dBd
(12.15dBi) antenna and so configured for the maximum
allowable EiRP of +36dBm. Use of higher gain antennas is
prohibited. More information on RF exposure is available
online at: www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins
Installation professionnelle requise. L'équipement radio décrit
dans ce guide émet de l'énergie radiofréquence. Bien que le
niveau de puissance soit faible, l'énergie concentrée d'une
antenne directionnelle peut présenter un danger pour la santé.
Ne laissez personne s'approcher à moins de 34 centimètres de
l'avant de l'antenne lorsque l'émetteur fonctionne avec une
antenne de 10 dBd (12,15 dBi) et qu'il est ainsi configuré pour
l'EiRP maximum autorisé de +36 dBm. L'utilisation d'antennes
à gain plus élevé est interdite. Plus d'informations sur
l'exposition aux RF sont disponibles en ligne sur :
www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins
FCC Part 15 and Industry Canada RSS Notices
Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
a) Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter
may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or
lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the
antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the
equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more
than that necessary for successful communication.
b) The radio transmitters described herein (IC ID: 101D-NET9L
and 101D-NET9S) have been approved by Industry Canada to
operate with the antenna types listed in Table 5.1 with the
maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance
for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in
this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated
for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Cet appareil est conforme à la Partie 15 des règlements de la
FCC et Industrie Canada exempts de licence standard RSS
(s). Son utilisation est soumise à deux conditions:
(1) ce dispositif ne peut causer des interférences,
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence pouvant causer
un mauvais fonctionnement du dispositif.
a) En vertu des règlements d'Industrie Canada, cet émetteur
radio ne peut fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et un
maximum (ou moins) approuvés pour gagner de l'émetteur par
Industrie Canada. Pour réduire le risque d'interférence aux
autres utilisateurs, le type d'antenne et son gain doivent être
choisies de façon que la puissance isotrope rayonnée
équivalente (PIRE) ne dépasse pas ce qui est nécessaire pour
une communication réussie.
b) Les émetteurs radio décrits ici (IC ID : 101D-NET9L et
101D-NET9S) ont été approuvés par Industrie Canada pour
fonctionner avec les types d'antennes répertoriés dans le
tableau 5.1 avec le gain maximum autorisé et l'impédance
d'antenne requise pour chaque type d'antenne indiqué. Les
types d'antennes non inclus dans cette liste, ayant un gain
supérieur au gain maximum indiqué pour ce type, sont
strictement interdits pour une utilisation avec cet appareil.
Technical Assistance
Factory technical assistance is available by contacting GE
MDS during business hours (8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern
Time). Use one of the following means to contact the factory:
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.GEmds.com
FAX: [phone]

GE Renewable Energy
GE MDS LLC
GE MDS TransNEXT
05-7267A01 REV 04. Quick Start Guide
Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
GE MDS LLC
175 Science Parkway
Rochester, NY 14620 USA
Phone [phone]
www.gemds.com
declare under our sole responsibility that the
products
GE MDS TransNEXT
And
GE MDS TransNEXT Lite
comply with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
(2) This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation