Honeywell RAELink3 2.4GHz User manual

RAELink3 2.4GHz
User’s Guide
Rev. A
July 2017
P/N 029-4508-300

RAELink3 2.4GHz User’s Guide
© Copyright 2017 RAE Systems by Honeywell.

RAELink3 2.4GHz User’s Guide
3
Contents
1 Regulatory Information .................................................... 5
2 Standard Contents........................................................... 8
3 General Information......................................................... 9
4 Configuration Options.....................................................10
4.1 Connection With Third-Party Devices .....................11
4.2 Key Features ..........................................................12
5 Specifications.................................................................13
6 Charging The Battery .....................................................15
6.1 Detaching The Charging Adapter............................16
6.2 Replacing The Li-ion Battery...................................17
6.3 Alkaline Battery Adapter .........................................17
6.4 User Interface.........................................................19
7 Backlight.........................................................................20
8 Display ...........................................................................20
9 Operating The RAELink3 2.4GHz...................................21
10 Modes Of Operation.......................................................21
10.1 Host Mode..............................................................22
10.2 Remote Mode.........................................................22
10.3 Repeater Mode.......................................................23
11 Turning The RAELink3 2.4GHz On.................................24
12 Turning The RAELink3 2.4GHz Off.................................25
13 Configuring The RAELink3 2.4GHz ................................25
13.1 Accessing Programming Mode ...............................25
13.2 Setting The Network ID...........................................26
13.3 Setting The Operation Mode...................................28
13.3.1 Remote Mode’s Bluetooth And Cable
Sub-Modes..........................................................29
13.3.2 Simultaneous BT And Cable Operation ...............32
13.4 GPS Power Control.................................................35
13.5 GPS Coordinates Check.........................................36
13.6 Bluetooth Power Control.........................................38
13.7 Setting The Unit ID..................................................38
13.8 Modem Configuration Menu....................................41
14 Connecting A RAELink3 2.4GHz Remote Via Bluetooth.42
15 Connecting A RAELink3 2.4GHz Remote Via Cable.......45
15.1 GPS And Unobstructed Line Of Sight.....................45
15.2 Cleaning The RAELink3 2.4GHz.............................47

RAELink3 2.4GHz User’s Guide
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15.3 Ordering Replacement Parts...................................47
15.4 Special Servicing Note............................................47
16 Troubleshooting..............................................................48
17 Technical Support...........................................................49

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1 Regulatory Information
CAUTION!
To reduce the risk of electric shock, never open the modem
cover during normal operation. This modem is certified to be
used in Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations.
WARNINGS
Use only RAE Systems supplied charging adapter to charge
the rechargeable battery pack inside the modem. Use only
RAE Systems Lithium-Ion battery pack 029-3501-000 or
alkaline battery pack, 029-3502-000. Recharge/replace
batteries only in non-hazardous locations. The serial
connection port may not be used in hazardous area.
STATIC HAZARD: Clean only with a damp cloth.
For safety reasons this equipment must be operated and
serviced by qualified personnel only. Read and understand
instruction manual completely before operating or servicing.

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Specifications
Dimensions
4.73″ x 3.4″ x 1.85″
(120 mm x 86 mm x 48 mm)
Weight
17.3 oz (490 g)
Battery
Rechargeable 7.4V Lithium-Ion
battery pack
Alkaline battery pack (7.5V, five
alkaline batteries)
LCD Display
Backlit with icons and text
Attachment
Belt Clip
Temperature
-20o C to 55o C (-4o F to 131o F)
Humidity
0% to 95% relative humidity
(Non-condensing)
Safety
Certification
Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C,
D, T4
For rechargeable battery pack, 029-3501-000:
WARNING
To reduce the risk of ignition of hazardous atmospheres,
recharge/replace battery only in area known to be non-
hazardous.
Ne charger les batteries que dans l’emplacement désigné non
dangereux.
For alkaline battery pack, 029-3502-000:
Note: Do not mix old and new or different types of batteries.
Do not change batteries in hazardous locations.

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Antenna Lock
Caution: To reduce risk when operating in potentially explosive
atmospheres, ensure the antenna is locked in place with set-
screw to prevent inadvertent disconnection.
Note: Antenna must be locked
in place with set-screw

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2 Standard Contents
•RAELink3 2.4GHz
•Charging adapter with AC cable
•Alkaline battery adapter
•RS-232 computer interface cable
•Coiled serial cable (for connection to devices without
Bluetooth)
•RAELink3 2.4GHz Quick Reference Guide
•RAELink3 2.4GHz Resource CD
•Whip antenna (for use when RAELink3 2.4GHz is in
Remote Mode)
•3dBi antenna with 12' cable and magnetic mount (for use
when RAELink3 2.4GHz is in Host or Repeater mode)
•Hard transport case

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3 General Information
The RAELink3 2.4GHz is a compact, portable radio-frequency
modem that provides long-range wireless communication
between AreaRAE Plus and AreaRAE Pro monitors, portable
gas monitors (PGMs) such as RAE Systems’ ppbRAE 3000,
MultiRAE Plus, etc., and a base station/computer for
comprehensive monitoring via ProRAE Guardian. Up to 64
monitors equipped with RAELink3 2.4GHz units can be
networked with a single Host. In addition, for applications
requiring long-distance monitoring or monitoring in locations
with obstructions to clear line-of-sight communication, one or
more RAELink3 2.4GHz modems configured as Repeaters
extend the effective reach of the system.
AreaRAE
Pro
AreaRAE
Plus
AreaRAE
Pro
AreaRAE
Plus
RAELink3 2.4GHz
Host
RAELink3
2.4GHz
Host
RAELink3
2.4
GHz
Repeater
PC running
ProRAE Guardian
PC running
ProRAE Guardian

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4 Configuration Options
The RAELink3 can be configured to act in one of the following
three modes:
1. Remote. The RAELink3 Remote functions as a slave
modem and communicates to a host modem with the same
network ID.
2. Host. The RAELink3 Host functions as a host modem and
communicates with multiple wireless modems (such as the
RAELink3 Remote and RAELink3 Repeater, as well as
AreaRAE products equipped with RAELink-family Remote
Modems) with the same network ID.
3. Repeater. The RAELink3 Repeater functions as a repeater
for RAELink3 Remote slave modems (or AreaRAE or
RAELink series products) with the same network ID.
AreaRAE
Plus
AreaRAE
Pro
BioHarness
ppbRAE 3000
TSI DustTrak
ChemRAE
MultiRAE Plus
GammaRAE IIR
PC running
ProRAE Guardian
RAELink3
2.4GHz
Host

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4.1 Connection With Third-Party Devices
The RAELink3 can be configured as a slave modem to
communicate sensor data from select third-party monitors to a
host modem with the same network ID. Supported third-party
monitors include BioHarness, ChemRAE, and DustTrak2.
Note: Some third-party monitors require a custom cable for
connection with RAELink3.

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4.2 Key Features
•Onboard long-range radio for transmission of data up to
1.2 miles (2 km)
•Onboard microcomputer provides flexible protocol
translation in order to interface to most monitoring devices
via a serial port
•Onboard Bluetooth master provides Bluetooth wireless
connection with other Bluetooth devices
•Onboard GPS receiver provides global positioning
capability
•Onboard LCD displaying radio signal strength, GPS
tracking status, and battery life
•Long operating time from built-in rechargeable Li-Ion
battery pack (up to 18 hours of continuous operation)
Note: Two compatible monitors can connect to one RAELink3
2.4GHz using a Bluetooth and serial cable connection.
IMPORTANT!
The RAELink3 2.4GHz uses standard Bluetooth 2.0
communication. It does not use BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
and cannot communicate with instruments that use BLE.
Therefore, refer to the section labeled “Remote Mode’s
Bluetooth And Cable Sub-Modes,” which begins on page 29,
for details regarding operational support of RAE Systems and
third-party instruments with a RAELink3 2.4GHz modem.

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5 Specifications
Dimensions
4.73″x 3.4″x 1.85″
(120 mm x 86 mm x 48 mm)
Weight
17.3 oz (490 g)
Battery
Rechargeable 7.4V/1650mAh
Lithium-Ion battery pack
Alkaline battery pack (7.5V, five
alkaline batteries)
Operating Time
Up to 18 hours of continuous
operation.
LCD Display
Backlit with icons and text
Keypad
3 keys: Y/+, N/-, and MODE
Sensitivity
-105dB @ 115.2 kbps for BER 10-4
-105dB @ 153.6 kbps for BER 10
-6
Data Rate
Up to 115.2 kbps
Error Detection
32 bps CRC, retransmit on error
Data Interface
Bluetooth, RS-232
GPS Accuracy
Within 5 meters
Temperature
-20o C to 55o C (-4o F to 131o F)
Humidity
0% to 95% relative humidity
(Non-condensing)
IP Rating
IP-65
Safety
Certification
Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C,
D, T4

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Radio Specifications
Radio model: GXM-T14
Frequency range: 2.4 to 2.483GHz
Modulation: GFSK
RF power(Tx): 10mW to 500mW with options to limit to
100mW
Data rate: 115.2kbps
Bluetooth Specifications
Standards Supported: Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR
Transmit Class: Class 2
Frequency: 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz
Channels: 79 channels, Frequency Hopping, Adaptive
Frequency Hopping
Maximum Transmission Power: +4dBmi from integrated
antenna
Minimum Transmission Power: -27dBmi from integrated
antenna
Receiver Sensitivity: -84dBm
Data Transfer Rate: Up to 300kbps
Range: Up to 30 meters free space

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6 Charging The Battery
It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the
RAELink3 2.4GHz. The Li-ion battery is charged by attaching
the instrument to the Charging Adapter.
Follow this procedure to charge the instrument:
1. Align the Charging Adapter with the back of the RAELink3
2.4GHz (two guides match indents on the back of the
Charging Adapter.
2. Slide the Charging Adapter onto the back of the RAELink3
2.4GHz.
3. Make sure the latch clicks into place.
4. Plug the power supply’s barrel connector into the input on
the side of the Charging Adapter.
5. Plug the power supply into the wall outlet.
The LED Charging Indicator in the Charging
Adapter should glow red to indicate it is charging,
and glow green when the battery is fully charged.
Charging
Indicator

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6.1 Detaching The Charging Adapter
To detach the Charging Adapter, press in on the latch. While
pressing the latch, slide the Charging Adapter down.
Press latch
Slide down
while pressing
Release
Side view

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6.2 Replacing The Li-ion Battery
1. Turn off the instrument.
2. Located on the rear of the instrument are three screws. Loosen
all three screws, and lift the battery out of the RAELink3 2.4GHz.
Remove the battery pack from the battery compartment by
lifting it out.
3. Replace a fully charged spare battery pack inside the
battery compartment. Make sure the battery pack is
oriented properly inside the compartment.
4. Press the battery into place with your hand, and then tighten
the three screws.
6.3 Alkaline Battery Adapter
An alkaline battery adapter is supplied with the RAELink3
2.4GHz. The adapter (part number 029-3502-000) accepts five
AA alkaline batteries (use only Duracell MN1500 or Energizer
Loosen
Screws
Lift
Battery
Remove
Battery

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E91) and provides approximately 12 hours of operation. The
adapter is intended to be used in emergency situations when
there is no time to charge the Li-ion battery pack.
To insert batteries into the adapter:
1. Remove the three Philips-head screws to remove the
battery (alkaline or rechargeable).
2. Turn over the alkaline battery adapter and remove the
two Philips screws.
3. Lift off the cover (there are two small indexing tabs at
the end opposite the two screws).
4. Insert five fresh AA batteries as indicated by the polarity
(+/-) markings.
5. Replace the cover. Replace the two Philips screws.
6. Set the alkaline battery adapter into the RAELink3
2.4GHz.
7. Tighten the three Philips screws.
IMPORTANT!
Alkaline batteries cannot be recharged. If you place the RAELink3
2.4GHz in its Charging Cradle, the alkaline batteries will not be
recharged.
Note: When replacing alkaline batteries, dispose of old ones
properly.
Note: Do not mix old and new or different types of batteries. Do
not change batteries in hazardous locations.

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6.4 User Interface
The instrument’s user interface consists of the display and
three keys. The keys are:
Y/+
MODE
N/-
The LCD display provides visual feedback that includes the
reading, time, battery condition, and other functions.
[Y/+] increases values, [MODE] acts as on/off and save, and
[N/-] selects “no” and advances to the next function. In addition,
[Y/+], [MODE], and [N/-] act as “soft keys” that control different
parameters and make different selections within the
instrument’s menus. From menu to menu, each key controls a
different parameter or makes a different selection.
Display
Y/+ key
N/- key
MODE key

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7 Backlight
The LCD display is equipped with an LED backlight to assist in
reading the display under poor lighting conditions. Press any
key to turn on the backlight. It automatically turns off after 15
seconds.
8 Display
The display shows the following information:
Radio Signal Strength Indicates signal strength in
network.
GPS Satellite Shows number of GPS satellites
that RAELink3 2.4GHz is
receiving data from. (It must see
3 satellites for proper mapping in
ProRAE Guardian.
Battery Charge Indicates battery level via bar
graph.
Bluetooth Connection Shows which monitor the
Status RAELink3 2.4GHz is connected
to via Bluetooth.
Radio Signal
Strength
Battery
Charge
GPS Satellite
BT Linked to xxx-xxxxxx
Bluetooth connection and other
sta
tus information