Honeywell XYR301E User manual

Honeywell Process Solutions
XYR301E Wireless Ethernet
& Device Server
User Manual
34-XY-25-41
Version 1.8.1
April 2012

Page ii April 2012

User Manual XYR301E Wireless Ethernet
34-XY-25-41 Page iii
Notices and Trademarks
Copyright 2011 by Honeywell International Inc.
Version 1.8.1 April 2012
While this information is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate, Honeywell disclaims the implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and makes no express warranties except as may be stated in its
written agreement with and for its customers.
In no event is Honeywell liable to anyone for any indirect, special or consequential damages. The information and
specifications in this document are subject to change without notice.
Honeywell, PlantScape, Experion PKS, and TotalPlant are registered trademarks of Honeywell International Inc.
Other brand or product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
Honeywell Process Solutions
1860 West Rose Garden Lane
Phoenix, Arizona 85027

XYR301E Wireless Ethernet User Manual
Page 4 April 2012
About This Document
This document describes preparation, operation and maintenance of the XYR301E Wireless Ethernet device.
Revision Information
Document Name
XYR301E Wireless Ethernet User Manual
Document ID Revision
Number Publication Date
New 34-XY-25-41 1.5 September 2010
Updates 34-XY-25-41 1.6 April 2011
34-XY-25-41 1.8.1 April 2012
References
The following list identifies all documents that may be sources of reference for material discussed in this publication.
Document Title
34-XY-25-41_XYR301E Wireless Ethernet User Manual

User Manual XYR301E Wireless Ethernet
34-XY-25-41 Page 5
Support and contact info
United States and Canada
Contact: Honeywell Process Solution
Global Technical Support - Phone: [phone]
Customer Service (HFS) - Phone: [phone]
Outside Unisted States - Phone: [phone]
Calls are answered by dispatcher between 6:00 am and 4:00 pm Mountain Standard Time.
Emergency calls outside normal working hours are received by an answering service and
returned within one hour.
Email support: [email protected]
Mail: Honeywell Process Solutions
1860 West Rose Garden Lane,
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
For Europe, Asia Pacific and North & South America contact details see pack page.
World Wide Web
Honeywell Solution Support Online:
www.honeywellprocess.com
Elsewhere
Call your nearest Honeywell office.
Training Classes
Honeywell Automation College:
http://www.automationcollege.com

XYR301E Wireless Ethernet User Manual
Page 6 April 2012
Symbol Definitions
The following table lists those symbols used in this document to denote certain conditions.
Symbol Definition
ATTENTION: Identifies information that requires special consideration.
TIP: Identifies advice or hints for the user, often in terms of performing a task.
CAUTION Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, may result in equipment or work (data) on
the system being damaged or lost, or may result in the inability to properly operate
the process.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe
practices.
CAUTION symbol on the equipment refers the user to the product manual for
additional information. The symbol appears next to required information in the
manual.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in serious injury or death.
WARNING symbol on the equipment refers the user to the product manual for
additional information. The symbol appears next to required information in the
manual.
WARNING, Risk of electrical shock: Potential shock hazard where HAZARDOUS
LIVE voltages greater than 30 Vrms, 42.4 Vpeak, or 60 VDC may be accessible.
ESD HAZARD: Danger of an electro-static discharge to which equipment may be
sensitive. Observe precautions for handling electrostatic sensitive devices.
Protective Earth (PE) terminal: Provided for connection of the protective earth
(green or green/yellow) supply system conductor.
Functional earth terminal: Used for non-safety purposes such as noise immunity
improvement. NOTE: This connection shall be bonded to Protective Earth at the
source of supply in accordance with national local electrical code requirements.
Earth Ground:Functional earth connection. NOTE: This connection shall be
bonded to Protective Earth at the source of supply in accordance with national and
local electrical code requirements.
Chassis Ground: Identifies a connection to the chassis or frame of the equipment
shall be bonded to Protective Earth at the source of supply in accordance with
national and local electrical code requirements.
continued

User Manual XYR301E Wireless Ethernet
34-XY-25-41 Page 7
Thank you for your selection of the XYR301-E Wireless Ethernet Modem. We trust it will give you many
years of valuable service.
ATTENTION!
Incorrect termination of supply wires may cause internal damage and will void
warranty. To ensure your XYR301-E enjoys a long life, double check ALL
connections with the user manual before turning the power on.
CAUTION:
To comply with FCC RF Exposure requirements in section 1.1310 of the FCC Rules, antennas used with this device
must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons to satisfy RF exposure
compliance.
DO NOT:
operate the transmitter when someone is within 20 cm of the antenna
operate the transmitter unless all RF connectors are secure and any open connectors are properly terminated.
operate the equipment near electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere
All equipment must be properly grounded for safe operations. All equipment should be serviced only by a qualified
technician.

XYR301E Wireless Ethernet User Manual
Page 8 April 2012
FCC Notice:
This device complies with Part 15.247 of the 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.
This device must be operated as supplied HONEYWELL. Any changes or modifications made to the device without
the written consent of HONEYWELL may void the user’s authority to operate the device.
End user products that have this device embedded must be installed by experienced radio and antenna personnel, or
supplied with non-standard antenna connectors, and antennas available from vendors specified by HONEYWELL.
Please contact HONEYWELL for end user antenna and connector recommendations.
Notices: Safety
Exposure to RF energy is an important safety consideration. The FCC has adopted a safety standard for human
exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated equipment as a result of its actions in
Docket 93-62 and OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01.
FCC Notice:
Part 15 – This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part15 of the FCC rules (Code of Federal Regulations 47CFR Part 15). Operation is subject to the
condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.
Notice Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by HONEYWELL could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
This Device should only be connected to PCs that are covered by either FCC DoC or are FCC certified.

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Important Notice
HONEYWELL products are designed to be used in industrial environments, by experienced industrial engineering
personnel with adequate knowledge of safety design considerations.
HONEYWELL radio products are used on unprotected license-free radio bands with radio noise and interference. The
products are designed to operate in the presence of noise and interference, however in an extreme case, radio noise and
interference could cause product operation delays or operation failure. Like all industrial electronic products,
HONEYWELL products can fail in a variety of modes due to misuse, age, or malfunction. We recommend that users
and designers design systems using design techniques intended to prevent personal injury or damage during product
operation, and provide failure tolerant systems to prevent personal injury or damage in the event of product failure.
Designers must warn users of the equipment or systems if adequate protection against failure has not been included in
the system design. Designers must include this Important Notice in operating procedures and system manuals.
These products should not be used in non-industrial applications, or life-support systems, without consulting
HONEYWELL first.
1. A radio license is not required in some countries, provided the module is installed using the aerial and
equipment configuration described in the XYR301-E Installation Guide. Check with your local distributor for
further information on regulations.
2. Operation is authorized by the radio frequency regulatory authority in your country on a non-protection basis.
Although all care is taken in the design of these units, there is no responsibility taken for sources of external
interference. Systems should be designed to be tolerant of these operational delays.
3. To avoid the risk of electrocution, the aerial, aerial cable, serial cables and all terminals of the XYR301-E
module should be electrically protected. To provide maximum surge and lightning protection, the module
should be connected to a suitable earth and the aerial, aerial cable, serial cables and the module should be
installed as recommended in the Installation Guide.
4. To avoid accidents during maintenance or adjustment of remotely controlled equipment, all equipment should
be first disconnected from the XYR301-E module during these adjustments. Equipment should carry clear
markings to indicate remote or automatic operation. E.g. "This equipment is remotely controlled and may start
without warning. Isolate at the switchboard before attempting adjustments."
5. The XYR301-E module is not suitable for use in explosive environments without additional protection.
6. The XYR301-E Operates using the same Radio frequencies and communication protocols as commercially
available off-the shelf equipment. If your system is not adequately secured, third parties may be able to gain
access to your data or gain control of your equipment via the radio link. Before deploying a system make sure
you have considered the security aspects of your installation carefully.
Release Notice:
This is the December 2011 release of the XYR301-E Ethernet Modem User Manual version 1.8.1 which applies
to version 2.0 Modem firmware

XYR301E Wireless Ethernet User Manual
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WARRANTY & SERVICE
We are pleased that you have purchased this product.
Honeywell products are warranted to be free from manufacturing defects for the “serviceable lifetime” of the product.
The “serviceable lifetime” is limited to the availability of electronic components. If the serviceable life is reached in
less than 18 months following the original purchase from Honeywell, Honeywell will replace the product with an
equivalent product if an equivalent product is available.
This warranty does not extend to:
- failures caused by the operation of the equipment outside the particular product's specification, or
- use of the module not in accordance with this User Manual, or
- abuse, misuse, neglect or damage by external causes, or
-repairs, alterations, or modifications undertaken other than by an authorized Service Agent.
Honeywell’s liability under this warranty is limited to the replacement or repair of the product. This warranty is in lieu
of and exclusive of all other warranties. This warranty does not indemnify the purchaser of products for any
consequential claim for damages or loss of operations or profits and Honeywell is not liable for any consequential
damages or loss of operations or profits resulting from the use of these products. Honeywell is not liable for damages,
losses, costs, injury or harm incurred as a consequence of any representations, warranties or conditions made by Honeywell
or its representatives or by any other party, except as expressed solely in this document..
Full product specifications and maintenance instructions are available from your Service Agent, your source of
purchase, or from the master distributor in your country upon request and should be noted if you are in any doubt
about the operating environment for your equipment purchase
In the unlikely event of your purchase being faulty, your warranty extends to free repair or replacement of the faulty
unit, after its receipt at the master distributor in your country. Our warranty does not include transport or insurance
charges relating to a warranty claim.
Should you wish to make a warranty claim, or obtain service, please forward the module to the nearest authorised
Service Agent along with proof of purchase. For details of authorised Service Agents, contact your sales distributor.
GNU Free Documentation Licence:
Copyright (C) 2009 HONEYWELL
HONEYWELL is using a part of Free Software code under the GNU General Public License in operating the
“XYR301-E ” product. This General Public License applies to most of the Free Software Foundation’s code and to any
other program whose authors commit by using it. The Free Software is copyrighted by Free Software Foundation, Inc.
and the program is licensed “As is” without warranty of any kind. Users are free to contact Honeywell at the following
Email Address: [email protected] for instructions on how to obtain the source code used in the “XYR301-E”.
A copy of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free Documentation License".

User Manual XYR301E Wireless Ethernet
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................14
1.1 NETWORK TOPOLOGY .....................................................................................................................................14
1.2 GETTING STARTED QUICKLY........................................................................................................................... 17
CHAPTER TWO INSTALLATION............................................................................................................. 19
2.0 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................19
2.1 ANTENNA INSTALLATION........................................................................................................................ 19
Antenna Diversity............................................................................................................................................20
Bench test and Demo System setup................................................................................................................. 20
Plant and factory installations..........................................................................................................................20
Line-of-sight installations................................................................................................................................ 21
Antennas.......................................................................................................................................................... 21
Installation tips................................................................................................................................................. 21
Dipole and Collinear antennas.........................................................................................................................22
Directional antennas. .......................................................................................................................................23
2.2 POWER SUPPLY .......................................................................................................................................23
2.3 SERIAL CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................................24
RS232 Serial Port ............................................................................................................................................24
DB9 Connector Pinouts................................................................................................................................... 24
RS485 Serial Port ............................................................................................................................................25
3.4 DISCRETE (DIGITAL)INPUT/OUTPUT...............................................................................................................26
CHAPTER THREE OPERATION...............................................................................................................27
3.0 START-UP................................................................................................................................................ 27
“Access Point” Start-up...................................................................................................................................27
“Client” Start-up.............................................................................................................................................. 27
Link Establishment..........................................................................................................................................27
How a Link connection is lost ......................................................................................................................... 27
Roaming Clients ..............................................................................................................................................27
LED Indication ................................................................................................................................................28
3.1 SELECTING A CHANNEL ..........................................................................................................................28
Radio Throughput............................................................................................................................................29
Throughput and Repeaters...............................................................................................................................30
3.2 CONFIGURING THE UNIT FOR THE FIRST TIME.......................................................................................... 31
Default Configuration...................................................................................................................................... 31
Accessing Configuration for the first time.......................................................................................................31
Method 1 - Set PC to same network as XYR301-E.........................................................................................32
Method 2 - Set XYR301-E Network address to match the local network.......................................................33
3.3 QUICK START CONFIGURATION ..............................................................................................................34
3.4 NETWORK CONFIGURATION....................................................................................................................35
Network Settings Webpage Fields................................................................................................................... 36
3.5 SPANNING TREE ALGORITHM /REDUNDANCY ........................................................................................37
3.6 SECURITY MENU .............................................................................................................................................38
3.7 NORMAL OPERATION..............................................................................................................................40
Transparent Bridge Operation .........................................................................................................................40

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Router Operation .............................................................................................................................................40
3.8 RADIO CONFIGURATION......................................................................................................................... 41
Channel Selection............................................................................................................................................ 42
3.9 ADVANCED RADIO SETTINGS.................................................................................................................. 43
Fixed Noise Floor............................................................................................................................................44
3.10 SERIAL PORT CONFIGURATION ...............................................................................................................45
RS-232 PPP Server.......................................................................................................................................... 45
Serial Gateway.................................................................................................................................................46
Modbus TCP to RTU Gateway........................................................................................................................47
3.11 SERIAL MENU .........................................................................................................................................48
3.12 MULTICAST PIPE MANGER ......................................................................................................................50
3.13 DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT.......................................................................................................................... 51
3.14 MODBUS I/O TRANSFER.......................................................................................................................... 51
3.15 ROAMING................................................................................................................................................ 55
3.16 REPEATER (WDS)...................................................................................................................................56
3.11.1 Example – Extending range using WDS ..............................................................................................58
3.11.2 Example - Roaming with WDS Access Points.....................................................................................58
3.11.3 Example – Adding Redundancy........................................................................................................... 59
3.11.4 Example – WDS Routed Network........................................................................................................ 61
3.17 ROUTING RULES...................................................................................................................................... 64
3.18 FILTERING...............................................................................................................................................66
MAC Address Filter Configuration:................................................................................................................67
IP Address Filter Configuration:...................................................................................................................... 67
ARP Filter Configuration.................................................................................................................................68
3.19 DHCP CLIENT CONFIGURATION .............................................................................................................69
3.20 DHCP SERVER CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................69
3.21 DNS SERVER CONFIGURATION............................................................................................................... 70
3.22 MODULE INFORMATION CONFIGURATION...............................................................................................70
3.23 CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES ...................................................................................................................71
Setting an XYR301-E to Factory Default Settings..........................................................................................71
Extending a wired network..............................................................................................................................71
Connecting two separate networks together.................................................................................................... 72
Extending range of a network with a Repeater hop.........................................................................................73
CHAPTER FOUR DIAGNOSTICS..............................................................................................................74
4.1 DIAGNOSTICS CHART..............................................................................................................................74
4.2 CONNECTIVITY........................................................................................................................................ 75
Connectivity..................................................................................................................................................... 75
Site Survey....................................................................................................................................................... 75
4.3 CHANNEL SURVEY ..................................................................................................................................76
Channel Utilisation on a Live System: ............................................................................................................76
Using Channel Utilisation for Channel Selection or RF Path Testing:............................................................76
Diagnosing Low Throughput:.......................................................................................................................... 76
Solutions for High Channel Utilisation: ..........................................................................................................76
4.4 CUSTOM SURVEY....................................................................................................................................79
4.5 THROUGHPUT TEST.................................................................................................................................81
Internal Throughput Test................................................................................................................................. 81
4.6 STATISTICS..............................................................................................................................................83
Wireless Statistics............................................................................................................................................ 83
Access Point: ...................................................................................................................................................83
Client: ..............................................................................................................................................................83
Network Traffic Analysis ................................................................................................................................84

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4.7 SYSTEM TOOLS .......................................................................................................................................84
4.8 TESTING RADIO PATHS ...........................................................................................................................85
Connection and Signal Strength ......................................................................................................................85
Throughput Test...............................................................................................................................................85
Internal Radio Test...........................................................................................................................................85
RSSI Test......................................................................................................................................................... 86
Throughput Test...............................................................................................................................................86
4.9 REMOTE CONFIGURATION....................................................................................................................... 87
4.10 INTERNAL DIAGNOSTICS MODBUS REGISTERS........................................................................................88
Statistic Registers............................................................................................................................................. 89
4.11 UTILITIES ................................................................................................................................................90
“Ping” ..............................................................................................................................................................90
”Ipconfig”........................................................................................................................................................ 91
”Route”............................................................................................................................................................92
CHAPTER FIVE SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................93
APPENDIX A FIRMWARE UPGRADE................................................................................................94
APPENDIX B GLOSSARY...................................................................................................................95
APPENDIX C POWER CONVERSION................................................................................................ 99
Power Conversion............................................................................................................................................99
APPENDIX D IPERF DATA THROUGHPUT TEST..........................................................................100
Materials ........................................................................................................................................................100
Installation .....................................................................................................................................................100
IPerf Applications..........................................................................................................................................100
JPerf Application ...........................................................................................................................................102
APPENDIX E GNU FREE DOCUMENTATION LICENCE ........................................................... 103

XYR301E Wireless Ethernet User Manual
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Chapter One INTRODUCTION
The XYR301-E Industrial 802.11 Wireless Ethernet module provide wireless connections between Ethernet devices
and/or Ethernet wired networks (LAN’s) and complies with relevant IEEE 802.11 standard.
XYR301-E 802.11 630mW max power
The XYR301-E uses a 900 MHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) wireless transceiver. There are four bands
with each band utilizing different frequencies and bandwidths dependent on the country and their radio regulations. See
Section 3.1 “Selecting a Channel” for a more detailed overview.
The XYR301-E unit also provides two serial connections as well as the Ethernet connections. It is possible to use all
three data connections concurrently, allowing the XYR301-E to act as a Device Server. Wireless connections can be
made between serial devices and Ethernet devices. The XYR301-E provides connection functionality between serial
“Modbus RTU” devices and Ethernet “Modbus TCP” devices. Appropriate driver applications will be required in the
host devices to handle other protocols.
The XYR301-E has a standard RJ45 Ethernet connection which will operate at up to 100Mbit/sec. The module will
transmit the Ethernet messages on the wireless band at rates between 1 and 54 Mbit/sec & 6 and 54 Mbit/sec depending
on model, band, encryption methods, and radio paths.
1.1 Network Topology
The XYR301-E is an Ethernet device, and must be
configured as part of an Ethernet network. Each
XYR301-E must be configured as an:
“Access Point” or “Sta”, “Station”, Client”
Also needs to be configured as a:
“Bridge” or “Router”.
You can also connect to the XYR301-E via a RS232 or RS485 serial port using serial server or PPP (point-to-point)
protocol. PPP allows the XYR301-E to connect serial communications into the Ethernet network.
Access Point vs Client
The Access Point unit acts as the “wireless master” unit. The Access Point accepts and authorises links initiated but
client units, and controls the wireless communications.
Clients (Stations) are slave units and when connected to the
Access Point becomes transparent ethernet link.
The first diagram shows a connection between two Ethernet
devices using XYR301-E ethernet modems. In this example
one XYR301-E is configured as an Access Point and the
other as a Client - the Access Point can be connected.

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The second diagram shows an existing LAN being extended using XYR301-E’s. In this example, the Access Point is
configured at the LAN end - although the wireless link will still work if the Client is at the LAN end.
An Access Point can connect to multiple Clients. In this case, the Access Point should be the “central” unit.
An Access Point could be used as a
“Repeater” unit to connect two XYR301-
E Clients, which do not have direct
reliable radio paths.
There is no “Special” repeater module,
any XYR301-E can be a repeater and at
the same time, can be connected to an
Ethernet devices or on a LAN
Multiple Access Points can be set-up in a “mesh”
network to provide multiple repeaters
Ethernet Devices
Client
Access
Point
Client
Client
LAN
Client Bridge
Access Point
Bridge
LAN 192.168.0.73
192.168.0.72
192.168.0.71
A B
C D
E
192.168.0.69 192.168.0.70

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Client
Bridge
Access Point
Router
192.168.102.54
192.168.0.34
LAN A
192.168.102.17
192.168.102.53
LAN B
.
Bridge vs Router
Each XYR301-E is configured with an IP address for the Ethernet side, and another for the wireless side.
A Bridge connects devices within the same Ethernet network - for example, extending an existing Ethernet LAN. For
a Bridge, the IP address for the wireless side is the same as the Ethernet side.
A Router connects devices on different LAN’s.
The IP addresses for the Ethernet and wireless sides are different. In this example, the wireless link is part of LAN A,
with the Client unit acting as a Router between LAN A and LAN B.
Alternately, the Access Point could be configured as a Router - the wireless link is then part of LAN B.
If more than two routers are required within the same radio network, then routing rules may need to be configured (refer
section 3.17 “Routing Rules” for further details). There is no limit to the number of Bridges in the same network - although
there is a limit of 128 Client units linked to any one Access Point.

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1.2 Getting Started Quickly
Most applications for the XYR301-E require little configuration. The XYR301-E has many sophisticated features,
however if you don’t require these features, this section will allow you to configure the units quickly.
First, read Chapter 2, “Installation”. The XYR301-E requires an antenna and a power supply.
Power the XYR301-E and make an Ethernet connection to your PC (for further information on how to do this,
refer to section 3.2 “Configuring the Unit for the first time”)
Set the XYR301-E address settings as per section 3.2 “Configuring the Unit for the first time”
Save the configuration - the XYR301-E is now ready to use.
Before installing the XYR301-E, bench test the system. It is a lot easier to locate problems when the equipment is all
together.
There are other configuration settings, which may or may not improve the operation of the system. For details on these
settings, refer to section 3.0 “Start-up”.

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Chapter Two INSTALLATION
2.0 General
The XYR301-E modules are housed in a rugged aluminium case, suitable for DIN-rail mounting. Terminals will accept
wires up to 2.5 mm2(12 gauge) in size.
All connections to the module must be SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage). Normal 110-250V mains supply must
not be connected to any terminal of the XYR301-E module. Refer to Section 2.3 Power Supply.
Before installing a new system, it is preferable to bench test the complete system. Configuration problems are easier to
recognize when the system units are adjacent. Following installation, the most common problem is poor
communications caused by incorrectly installed antennas, or radio interference on the same channel, or the radio path
being inadequate. If the radio path is a problem (i.e. path too long, or obstructed), a higher performance antennas or a
higher mounting point for the antenna may rectify the problem. Alternately, use an intermediate XYR301-E Module as
a repeater.
The XYR301-E Installation Guide provides an installation drawing appropriate to most applications. Further
information is detailed below.
Each XYR301-E module should be effectively earthed via the "GND" terminal on the back of the module - this is to
ensure that the surge protection circuits inside are effective.
2.1 Antenna Installation
The XYR301-E module will operate reliably over large distances however the achievable distances will vary with the
application, radio model, type and location of antennas, the degree of radio interference, and obstructions (such as
buildings or trees) to the radio path.
The maximum range achievable depends on the radio model, the regulated RF power permitted in your country, and
whether you use separate transmit and receive antennas.
An XYR301-E (900MHz) with a single antenna, 6.2 miles can be achieved in USA, Canada (4W ERP) and
10km in Australia, New Zealand (1W ERP).
To achieve the maximum transmission distance, the antennas should be raised above intermediate obstructions so the
radio path is true “line of sight”. The modules will operate reliably with some obstruction of the radio path, although
the reliable distance will be reduced. Obstructions which are close to either antenna will have more of a blocking affect
than obstructions in the middle of the radio path.
The XYR301-E modules provide a diagnostic feature which displays the radio signal strength of transmissions (refer
Chapter 4 “Diagnostics”).
Line-of-sight paths are only necessary to obtain the maximum range. Obstructions will reduce the range, however may
not prevent a reliable path. A larger amount of obstruction can be tolerated for shorter distances. For short distances, it
is possible to mount the antennas inside buildings. An obstructed path requires testing to determine if the path will be
reliable - refer the section 6 of this manual.
Where it is not possible to achieve reliable communications between two XYR301-E modules, then a third XYR301-E
module may be used to receive the message and re-transmit it. This module is referred to as a repeater. This module
may also have a host device connected to it.
The XYR301-E unit has two antenna connections at the top of the module, allowing for two antennas to be fitted to the
module if need be. By default the right connector labeled TX/RX is the main connection used to transmitter and
receiver. The left connector labelled ―RX is not connected unless configured under the Advanced Radio
Configuration in Section 3.10. Each antenna port can be configured for TX only, RX only or Diversity (TX and RX).
Selection can be made by choosing one of the options from TX Antenna / RX Antenna on the Advanced Radio
Configuration page.
Note: When only one antenna is used, it must be connected to the TX/RX connector.

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Antenna Diversity
One reason to use multi antennas is because of local radio licensing regulations. All countries have a limit on the
amount of transmitted power and radiated power from the antenna. In the US this is 630 milliwatts transmit power and
4 watts EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power). In a normal system if a high gain antenna is used it improves the
receive signal as well as boosting the transmit signal and possibly pushing it over the EIRP regulation limit. Using
Antenna diversity we can use two antennas, one for receive and the other for transmit. The receive antenna has no
regulatory limits as it does not radiate power so any gain antenna can be used. To calculate the transmit antenna limit
see the examples below. Example If using the XYR301-E in the US the maximum radio transmit power level will be
630mA which will allow up to 4 watts EIRP, what this means is that we can add a gain of approximately 10dB
(including cable loss) without infringing the EIRP. This is calculated by using the general rule of thumb when working
with dB and Power which is doubling the power is a 3dB gain. If using 10m (33ft) of Cellfoil coax cable
(approximately 3dB of loss) and an 8 dBi Antenna this would equate to approximately 5dB of gain, well below our
10dB limit. If using 20m (66ft) of Cellfoil coax cable (approximately 6dB of loss) and a 15 dBi Antenna this would
equate to approximately 9dB of gain, which is also below our 10dB limit. Another application where antenna diversity
may be needed is in industrial plants and factories installations which can suffer from ―multi-path fading∥effects
where multiple reflected radio signals adversely affect the signal strength. In a ―static∥installation, where the radio
path is not changing, moving an antenna to the position of maximum signal solves this problem. However where the
radio path changes because the XYR301-E is mounted on moving equipment, or if there is moving equipment in the
area, then the solution is to use two antennas. Because the two connectors are separated, the RF signal at each
connector will be different in the presence of multi-path fading. The XYR301-E unit will automatically select the
higher RF signal provided RX diversity has been enabled on radio Config page. See Section 3.9 ―Advanced Radio
Configuration for details of configuring Antenna Diversity
Bench test and Demo System setup
Care must be taken with placement of antenna in relation to the radios and the other antennas. Strong radio signals can
saturate the receiver, hindering the overall radio communications.
When setting up a Benchtest/Demo or a short range system the following considerations should be taken into account
for optimum radio performance and reduced signal saturation.
If using Demo Whip antennas (WL-DG900-1 and WL-WH900-SMA) it is recommended that only the Access
Point be fitted with an antenna.
If using Demo Whip antennas on each end, 20dB coax attenuator must be connected in-line with the coax
cable.
If using Demo Whip antennas, modules and antennas must be kept a suitable distance from each other. Check
the receive signal strength on the “Connectivity page” of the module and ensure the level is not greater than -
45dB
Demo Whip antennas should not be used in the final installation as the maximum performance of the modem cannot be
guaranteed.
If using a DG-900 antenna, it is better to keep the antennas at least 3ft (1m) away from the module so as to limit RF
saturation.
Plant and factory installations
Another application where antenna diversity may be needed is in industrial plants and factories installations which can
suffer from ―multi-path fading effects where multiple reflected radio signals adversely affect the signal strength. In a
―static installation, where the radio path is not changing, moving an antenna to the position of maximum signal solves
this problem. However where the radio path changes because the XYR301-E is mounted on moving equipment, or if
there is moving equipment in the area, then the solution is to use two antennas. Because the two connectors are
separated, the RF signal at each connector will be different in the presence of multi-path fading. The XYR301-E unit
will automatically select the higher RF signal provided RX diversity has been enabled on radio Config page.