Laird CL4490 User manual

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
1
© Copyright 2021 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
CL4490-1000-232, CL4490-1000-485, CL4490-1000-PRO v1.1
The goal of this guide is to outline how to configure the CL4490 ConnexLink units with the most basic settings to establish a
Point-to-Point (P2P) or Point-to-MultiPoint (P2MP) connection between two or more CL4490 units.
Note: CL4490-1000-PRO requires slightly different steps to configure due to the DIP switches. These instructions are
covered in Configure DIP Switches (CL4490-1000-PRO ONLY).
To configure these units, the following are required:
▪Two (or more) CL4490-1000-xxx units (for demonstration purposes, we worked with the RS232 variant)
▪RSxxx-to-USB interface adapters (to enable connection to PC) –not included with CL4490 units
–RS232-to-USB
(examples: FTDI RS232-to-USB Model: UC232R-10, Tripp-Lite Keyspan RS232-to-USB Model: USA-19HS)
–RS485-to-USB
(example: ULinx RS485-to-USB Model 485USBTB-2W
–RS485-to-RS232 combined with RS232-to-USB adapter
(example: B&B Electronics Model: 485SD9TB)
▪PC Operating Windows XP or newer
▪Laird Configuration and Test Utility Software v6.07 from CL4490 Product Page
▪(Optional) Female-to-female pin jumper wire (to tie TX/RX RS232 pins for loopback test) or serial loopback plug
(example: SeaLevel DB9 Female Serial Loopback Adapter)
You will need to download the Laird Configuration and Test Utility Software v6.07 from the CL4490 Product Page.
Note: Downloading the configuration utility will require the completion of a Software Request Form, which will pop up when
you click on the download link. This Software Request Form is required so that we have valid contact information to
use for product update notifications, such as new software releases. Once you submit this form a download link
should be made available at the top of the Product Page. Additionally, you should receive a download link via email.
To install the CU, follow these steps:
1. Once the files have been downloaded, extract them (right-click on file and select Extract All).

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
2
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
Figure 1: Extract All
2. Install the extracted files. Be sure to run the installation software as administrator (right-click on Setup.exe application
and select Run as administrator)
Figure 2: Run as Admin
3. Follow the prompts of the Installation software to install the Utility
a. Click OK.
Figure 3: Follow prompts

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
3
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
b. Note directory the files will be installed into. Click the button to install.
Figure 4:Begin installation
c. Click Continue.
Figure 5:Continue
d. Reboot your system to complete the installation
Figure 6: Reboot
Note: Be sure to install and run the CU as Administrator otherwise it does not have the required permissions
to properly configure the port(s) to communicate with the ConnexLink device(s).

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
4
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
Note: Skip to Connect CL4490 to PC if you are working with CL4490-1000-232 or CL4490-1000-485
The CL4490-1000-PRO radios have DIP switches on the side of the radio, near the antenna and LEDs as shown below, which
enable you to select the Serial Interface, Termination Settings, and TX/RX Mode of the radio. These settings override any
EEPROM configurations, and so must be configured correctly to operate as expected with the settings that will be configured
on the radio with the Laird Configuration and Test Utility software.
In order to configure the radios so they can be connected via the RS232 Interface to a PC, to enable configuration with the
Laird Configuration and Test Utility software follow these steps:
1. On 1st radio configure the DIP switches, as per the diagram on the bottom of the CL4490-1000-Pro unit for Serial
Interface: RS232, Termination: None, TX/RX Mode: Client Addressed
Figure 7: DIP Switch Config Diagram –Client
Figure 8: Client DIP Switch Settings

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
5
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
2. On the 2nd Radio, configure the DIP switches, near the antenna, as per the diagram on the bottom of the CL4490-1000-
Pro unit for Serial Interface: RS232, Termination: None, TX/RX Mode: Server/Broadcast.
Figure 9: DIP Switch Config Diagram –Server
Figure 10: Server DIP Switch Settings
3. After the radios have been configured with the Configuration Software, the selections for pins 1-2, and 3-4 can be set
as per the requirements for the host equipment that the radio will be interfacing with.
Note: RS232 Forced 9600 is for recovery mode ONLY. It should never be used in an application. If a baud rate of
9600 is required, it should be configured using the Laird Configuration and Test Utility.
Warning:Operating the CL4490 Unit without the Antenna attached can damage the radio and void warranty!
To connect the CL4490 to your PC, follow these steps:
1. Attach the antenna to the CL4490.
2. Connect the CL4490 unit to your PC. Depending which variant of the CL4490 is being used, you must connect to your
PC using one of the following setups:
a. CL4490-1000-232/CL4490-1000-PRO can be directly connected to a DB9 serial port on PC using the serial cable
included with the unit.
b. CL4490-1000-232 can be connected using RS232-to-USB serial cable to PC.

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
6
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
Figure 11: Connected with serial cable
c. CL4490-1000-485 can be connected using an RS485-to-USB adapter or combination RS485-to-RS232 + RS232-
to-USB adapter, as shown in Figures 7 & 8 below.
Figure 12: RS485-to-USB (ULINX 485USBTB-2W)
Figure 13: RS485-to-RS232 + RS232-to-USB (485SD9TB + USA-19HS)

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
7
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
3. Connect the power adapter to power on the radio and verify LEDs as shown in the following Figure 10:
▪Client radio - Green Power LED (Red Link LED shows only when in range of paired server)
▪Server radio –Green Power LED & Red Link LED
Figure 14: Client LEDs (not paired) Server LEDs (or client in range of paired server)
To verify the COM port in the Device Manager, follow these steps:
1. Open Device Manager on your PC.
2. Verify the COM port is properly installed and available. If any issues are indicated on the COM port, verify that the
correct drivers are properly installed for the serial adapter used.
Note: The assigned COM port should be less than 16 otherwise it will not register in the CU.

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
8
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
Figure 15: Verify COM port
To configure PC settings, follow these steps:
1. Open the Configuration and Test Utility (CU).
2. Click on the PC Settings tab to configure the following PC settings to enable you to communicate with the ConnexLink
Unit as shown in Figure 4.
a. If Select the product from the Product
drop-down menu.
b. Select the COM Port verified in
Device Manager from the drop-down
menu. If none are listed, click the
[Find Ports] button
c. Default baud rate of 57600 should be
selected, but if it is known that the
unit has been configured to a
different baud rate, select it here.
Note: If connecting to a previously
configured radio, set baud rate
to what is configured on the
radio.
d. Set Parity to None (recommended)
e. Set Handshaking to the following –
depending on the interface:
RS232: Hardware (recommended)
RS485: None
f. Set Data Bits to 8
g. Set Stop Bits to 1
Figure 16: PC Settings

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
9
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
h. Enable the Options shown in Figure 4
i. Verify Port 1 Status
3. Click on the Configure tab.
4. Select Read Radio to read the current settings and confirm communication.
Figure 17: Read Radio
Figure 18: Read Successful
Note: If you receive a message that the read was not successful or Unable to enter command mode, verify the Baud setting
on PC settings tab. You can use AutoBaud mode when prompted to see if the utility can connect with a different Baud
setting. If still having issues we recommend referencing the Troubleshooting Appendix on page 14 of the CL4490 User
Guide. It may be necessary to recover communication with the radio by enabling Force 9600 as per the Application
Note - Force 9600 Baud for ConnexLinks

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
10
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
By default, single units are configured as a client. Each CL4490 system requires one unit to be configured as a server.
1. Configure the client with the following basic settings:
a. Set client/server to Client
b. Set RF Channel –16 by default (must be set the same on server)
c. Set System ID –1 by default (must be set the same on server)
d. Ensure Auto-Destination is enabled
e. Ensure Broadcast Mode is disabled
f. Interface Baud –should be set to host device requirements (for demo we set to 9600)
g. All other settings –Leave as default
Figure 19: Client configuration
2. Click Write Radio to save the configuration changes to the radio.
3. Click OK when prompted. The CU will return Write Successful message when complete. Click OK.
Figure 20: Write successful

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
11
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
4. If Interface Baud was changed, return to PC Settings tab. Change baud rate for this connection to match.
Figure 21: Interface baud
5. Return to Configure tab. Read the radio again to confirm communications and that changes were written correctly to
the radio.
To configure the server, follow these steps:
1. Return to PC Settings Tab.
2. Click Close Port.
Figure 22: Close port
3. Disconnect from the client and connect to the second radio as per sections 6 & 7 above.
4. Configure the server with the following basic settings:
a. Set Client/Server setting to Server
b. Set RF Channel –Default 16 (must be set the same on client)
c. Set System ID -Default 1 (must be set the same on client)
d. Disable Auto-Destination if it is enabled.
e. Enable Broadcast Mode.
f. Interface Baud –should be set to Host device requirements. (for demo we set to 9600).
g. All other settings leave as default.
h. Click Write Radio to save the configurations to the radio.

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
12
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
Figure 17: Server settings
Note: The RF Channel and System ID must be set the same on the Server and the Client for them to Pair
5. Click OK when prompted. The CU returns Write Successful message when complete. Click OK.
6. If Interface Baud was changed, return to PC Settings tab and change baud rate for this connection to match.
Figure 24: Write Successful

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
13
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
Figure 25: Change baud rate
7. Return to Configure tab. Read the radio again to confirm communications and that changes were written correctly to
the radio.
To set the test configurations, follow these steps:
1. Ensure the power supply is connected to both the client and the server radios.
2. Ensure the radios are at least five feet apart.
3. Verify both the green Pwr (Power) and red Link LEDs are lit on both units. This indicates they are linked (paired) and
ready to pass data.
Figure 26: Lit LEDs

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
14
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
Now that the radios are paired, the Range Test tab can be used to perform a Loopback test (RS232 Only) to confirm the
radios are paired and transmitting data.
1. On the first unit (client) jumper pins 2-3 together to tie RX and TX (loopback) using female to female pin jumper wire.
Alternatively, a serial loopback plug (example: SeaLevel DB9 Female Serial Loopback Adapter) can be used.
Figure 27: Jumper pins together
2. Connect power to the first radio (client) and make sure that it is at least five feet away from the second unit (server).
3. With the second unit still connected to the Configuration Utility via the PC, click on Range Test tab.
▪Test Selection: Port 1 Loopback
▪Test Type: Continuous
▪Receive Packet Display: ASCII
▪Port 1: View RX Packets
4. Click Run to run the test.
Figure 28: Range Test Tab - Loopback
Note: Testing CL4490-1000-RS485 configurations with Range Test Tab requires two RS485-to-USB (or RS485-to-
RS232) adapters, so that both radios can be connected to the Configuration Utility, as RS485 does not support
Loopback configurations. See the Laird Configuration and Test Utility Software - RAMP Modules User Guide
for additional information about using the Range Test feature for alternate testing options.

https://www.lairdconnect.com/
15
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
For additional security and resistance to crosstalk the radios can be direct addressed to each other, rather than using the
Broadcast and Auto-Destination features which were used in steps 8 & 9. To do this you would
1. Disable Broadcast on the server and add the MAC address of the client to the Destination field.
2. Disable Auto Destination on the client and add the MAC address of the server to the Destination field.
3. Save the changes to each radio after making the configuration changes using the Write Radio button.
Radios can be tested using the same process in step 10.
Figure 2918: Direct Addressed
To configure a P2MP system follow steps 1-8 to configure the first client and server. The Server MUST be configured in
Broadcast mode for P2MP systems.
Then repeat step 7 for as many clients as will be configured for the system. The clients can be direct addressed to any other
radio in the same network, typically they are addressed to the server, or you can use auto-destination to automatically set the
transmission address based on last received packet, which is typically the server. All clients must be in range of the server and
have the same System ID and RF Channel settings in order to communicate.
* Client-to-Client communication is possible using direct addressing as long as both Clients are within range of each other and
their synchronizing server.
Version
Date
Notes
Contributor(s)
Approver
1.0
15 Sept 2021
Initial Release
Rikki Horrigan
Jonathan Kaye
1.1
23 May 2022
Added Configure DIP Switches (CL4490-
1000-PRO ONLY)
Rikki Horrigan
Jonathan Kaye