MDS NETio Series Original operating instructions

Installation & Operation Guide
Invisible place holder
MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A
MARCH 1, 2007
Wireless Communication Transceivers
for Analog & Digital I/O Signals
MDS NETioTM Series
Microwave Data Systems Inc.
Base
Module Expansion
Module

MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide i
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCINGTHE MDS NETio SYSTEM................ 1
1.1 ABOUT THIS MANUAL...................................................................................................... 3
1.1.1 Conventions Used ...................................................................................................................3
1.2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION................................................................................................ 3
1.3 HOW IT WORKS................................................................................................................ 5
1.3.1 I/O Operating Modes ...............................................................................................................5
1.3.2 Configuration Levels ................................................................................................................6
1.3.3 Module Profiles ........................................................................................................................6
1.4 CONNECTOR OVERVIEW................................................................................................ 8
1.5 DIN RAIL MOUNTING & REMOVAL............................................................................... 10
1.6 ACCESSORIES ...............................................................................................................12
2 CONFIGURINGWIRELESS SYSTEM
PARAMETERS........................................................ 15
2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 17
2.2 INITIAL SETUP................................................................................................................ 17
2.2.1 NETio Backplane Communication .........................................................................................18
2.2.2 Measure & Connect DC Power ..............................................................................................18
2.3 SET BASIC CONFIGURATION OF THE NETio BASE MODULE ................................... 19
2.3.1 Starting Information Screen ...................................................................................................20
2.3.2 Main Menu .............................................................................................................................22
2.3.3 Wireless Configuration Menu ................................................................................................22
2.3.4 entraNET Configuration Menu ...............................................................................................23
2.3.5 Basic Configuration Menu .....................................................................................................24
2.3.6 WeXP Configuration Menu ....................................................................................................25
2.3.7 Wireless Expansion Module Configuration ............................................................................26
2.4 ASSIGNING MODULE IDs .............................................................................................. 27
2.4.1 ID Conflict List Menu .............................................................................................................29
2.4.2 Conflict (Resolution) Menu ....................................................................................................30
2.4.3 Configuring WeXP Wireless Expansion Modules ..................................................................31
2.4.4 I/O Module Configuration Menu .............................................................................................31

ii MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A
2.4.5 I/O Module Menu ...................................................................................................................32
2.4.6 Check for Normal Operation ..................................................................................................32
2.5 USING & CONFIGURING THE entraNET AP (if present) ............................................... 33
2.6 INITIAL SETUP................................................................................................................ 34
2.6.1 Measure & Connect DC Power ..............................................................................................35
2.7 SET BASIC CONFIGURATION OF entraNET AP ........................................................... 35
2.7.1 Log-in & Configuration at entraNET AP .................................................................................36
2.7.2 Set Key AP Parameters .........................................................................................................37
2.7.3 Starting Information Screen ...................................................................................................37
2.7.4 Main Menu .............................................................................................................................38
2.7.5 Network Configuration Menu .................................................................................................39
2.7.6 Wireless MAC Configuration Menu ........................................................................................39
2.7.7 IP Configuration Menu ...........................................................................................................40
2.8 ACCESSING NETio UNITS VIA AN entraNET AP .......................................................... 41
2.8.1 Wireless Network Menu .........................................................................................................42
2.8.2 Remote Management Menu ..................................................................................................43
2.8.3 Over-the-Air Configuration of Remotes .................................................................................44
3 I/O POINT CONFIGURATION.................................... 45
3.1 I/O POINT CONFIGURATION ......................................................................................... 47
3.2 I/O NETWORK MENU ..................................................................................................... 47
3.2.1 I/O Module Configuration Menu .............................................................................................48
3.2.2 Discrete Input Menu ..............................................................................................................49
3.2.3 Analog Input Menu ................................................................................................................50
3.2.4 Discrete Output Menu ............................................................................................................51
3.2.5 Analog Output Menu .............................................................................................................52
3.3 MAPPING INPUTS TO OUTPUTS FOR SIGNAL EXTENSION AND REGENERATION 53
3.3.1 Setting the Source Field for Mapping ....................................................................................53
3.3.2 Mapping Between NETio Units ..............................................................................................55
3.4 FAILSAFE SETTINGS ..................................................................................................... 55
3.4.1 Configuring Failsafe Settings .................................................................................................56
3.4.2 Configuring Failsafe Timeouts ...............................................................................................57
WeXP Failsafe Timeout...............................................................................................................57

MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide iii
4 WIRING &TERMINATIONS................................... 59
4.1 I/O & POWER CONNECTIONS....................................................................................... 61
4.1.1 Module Dimensions ...............................................................................................................61
4.1.2 I/O Configurations .................................................................................................................61
4.2 I/O POINTS WIRING & TERMINATION........................................................................... 62
4.2.1 Analog Input Wiring ...............................................................................................................62
Current Mode ..............................................................................................................................62
Voltage Mode ..............................................................................................................................63
4.2.2 Discrete Points Wiring ...........................................................................................................63
4.2.3 Module Wiring Diagrams .......................................................................................................64
5 CONFIGURING SERIAL AND IP/ETHERNET
COMMUNICATIONS............................................... 71
5.1 CONFIGURING SERIAL AND IP/ETHERNET COMMUNICATIONS .............................. 73
5.1.1 Configuring the NETio Serial Port .........................................................................................73
5.1.2 Configuring the IP Ethernet Port ...........................................................................................75
6 MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT FUNCTIONS...... 77
6.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 78
6.2 NETio entraNET RADIO MAINTENANCE & SUPPORT ................................................. 78
6.2.1 Modifying NETio entraNET RF Output Power .......................................................................78
6.2.2 Performance, Statistics, RSSI Information ............................................................................79
6.2.3 Setting Approved Access Points and Passwords ..................................................................80
6.2.4 Maintenance/Tools/Date and Time ........................................................................................81
6.3 WeXP & NETio MODULE MAINTENANCE ..................................................................... 81
6.3.1 View/Set Expansion Module WeXP RF Power ......................................................................82
6.3.2 Changing Base Module WeXP RF Output Power ..................................................................82
6.3.3 Changing WeXP RF Channel ................................................................................................83
6.3.4 WeXP RSSI and Backplane Communication Statistics .........................................................83
6.4 DEVICE, MODULE and I/O POINT DESCRIPTIONS ..................................................... 84
6.4.1 Changing the NETio Device Name ........................................................................................84
6.4.2 Changing NETio Module and I/O Point Names .....................................................................85
6.5 dBm-WATTS-VOLTS CONVERSION CHART ................................................................. 86

iv MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A
Copyright Notice
This publication is protected by U.S.A. copyright law. Copyright 2007, Microwave Data Systems,
Inc. All rights reserved.
ISO 9001 Registration
Microwave Data Systems adheres to the internationally-accepted ISO 9001 quality system stan-
dard.
Related Materials on the Internet
Data sheets, frequently asked questions, application notes, information on firmware upgrades, and
other valuable information can be found on the MDS Web site at www.microwavedata.com.
About Microwave Data Systems Inc.
Over two decades ago, MDS began building radios for business-critical applications. Since then,
we’ve installed more than 500,000 radios in over 110 countries. To succeed, we overcame impass-
able terrain, brutal operating conditions and disparate, complex network configurations. We also
became experts in wireless communication standards and system applications worldwide. The
result of our efforts is that today, thousands of utilities around the world rely on MDS-based wire-
less networks to manage their most critical assets.
OPERATIONAL & SAFETY NOTICES
FCC Transmitter Identifications
An MDS NETio Base Module can contain two internal FCC-approved transmitters:
¥ FCC ID: E5MDS-EL806 MDS OEM TransNET 900MHz FHSS transceiver
IC ID: 3738A-MDSEL806
¥ FCC ID: OUR-XBEEPRO 2.4 GHz Zigbee module
IC ID: 4214A-XBEEPRO
NETio Expansion Modules equipped with wireless expansion services (WeXP) contain one FCC-approved transmitter:
¥ FCC ID: OUR-XBEEPRO 2.4 GHz Zigbee module
IC ID: 4214A-XBEEPRO
U.S. Installations: 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. For 900 MHz units, do not
allow people to come closer than 23 cm (9 inches) to the antenna. For 2.4 GHz units, do
not allow people to come closer than 5 cm (2 inches) to the antenna. These distances apply
whether the transmitter is operated in indoor or outdoor environments.
For units with the optional wireless expansion service (WeXP) installed, a minimum sepa-
ration distance of 23cm (9.05") must be maintained between the two antennas (Link and
WeXP) when mounted in their final locations.
More information on RF exposure is available on the Internet at
www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins .
ETSI Installations: In regions where the European Telecommunications Standards Insti-
tute (ETSI) standards apply, 2.4 GHz units with a maximum output power of 100 mW EIRP
are supplied. Do not allow people to come closer than 2.2 cm (1 inch) to the antenna.
RF Exposure

MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide v
CSA
/US
Notice
This product is available for use in Class I, 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 recognized for use by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The
certification for the transceiver is as a Recognized Component in hazardous locations, in accor-
dance with the CSA Certification STD C22.2 No. 213-M1987.
CSA/
US 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 haz-
ardous locations, or installed within guidelines, or conditions of approval, as set forth by the
approving agencies. The conditions of approval are as follows:
1. The transceiver must be mounted in a separate enclosure suitable for the intended application.
2. The antenna feedline, DC power cable and interface cable must be routed through conduit in
accordance with the National Electrical Code.
3. Installation, operation and maintenance of the transceiver should be in accordance with the
transceiver's installation manual, and the National Electrical Code.
4. Tampering or replacement with non-factory components may adversely affect the safe use of
the transceiver in hazardous locations, and may void the approval.
5. When installed in a Class I, Div. 2, Groups A, B, C or D hazardous location, observe the fol-
lowing:
WARNING — EXPLOSION HAZARD— 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 informa-
tion on hazardous locations and approved Division 2 wiring methods.
FCC Part 15 Notice
The transceiver complies with Part 15 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 is
specifically designed to be used under Section 15.247 of the FCC Rules and Regulations. Any
unauthorized modification or changes to this device without the express approval of Microwave
Data Systems may void the user’s authority to operate this device. Furthermore, this device is
intended to be used only when installed in accordance with the instructions outlined in this manual.
Failure to comply with these instructions may also void the user’s authority to operate this device.
Manual Revision and Accuracy
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual, product
improvements may result in minor differences between the manual and the product shipped to you.
If you have additional questions or need an exact specification for a product, please contact our
Customer Service Team using the information at the back of this guide. In addition, manual
updates can often be found on the MDS Web site at www.microwavedata.com.

vi MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A
Environmental Information
The equipment that you purchased has required the extraction and use of natural resources for its
production. Improper disposal may contaminate the environment and present a health risk due to
hazardous substances contained within. To avoid dissemination of these substances into our envi-
ronment, and to diminish the demand on natural resources, we encourage you to use the appropriate
recycling systems for disposal. These systems will reuse or recycle most of the materials found in
this equipment in a sound way. Please contact MDS or your supplier for more information on the
proper disposal of this equipment.

MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide 1
1
INTRODUCING THE
MDS NETio SYSTEM
1 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph
1.1 ABOUT THIS MANUAL ........................................................... 3
1.1.1 Conventions Used .................................................................... 3
1.2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ..................................................... 3
1.3 HOW IT WORKS ..................................................................... 5
1.3.1 I/O Operating Modes ................................................................ 5
1.3.2 Configuration Levels ................................................................. 6
1.3.3 Module Profiles ........................................................................ 6
1.4 CONNECTOR OVERVIEW...................................................... 8
1.5 DIN RAIL MOUNTING & REMOVAL ...................................... 10
1.6 ACCESSORIES....................................................................... 12

2 MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A

MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide 3
1.1 ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This guide provides installation and operating instructions for MDS
NETio Series products. It is arranged into the following chapters:
• Chapter 1—Introducing the MDS NETio System (Page 3)
• Chapter 2—Configuring Wireless System Parameters (Page 15)
• Chapter 3—I/O Point Configuration (Page 45)
• Chapter 4—Wiring and Terminations (Page 59)
• Chapter 5—Serial or IP/Ethernet Configuration (Page 71)
• Chapter 6—Maintenance & Support Functions (Page 77)
1.1.1 Conventions Used
Quick Start Steps—
How to Use Them...
You will find Quick Start Step headings presented in the left-hand mar-
gins of Chapters 2 and 3. These headings indicate essential steps for get-
ting the NETio system up and running. If you only need to perform basic
setup and configuration, look for these headings and follow the instruc-
tions given. The steps should be performed in sequence.
Additional detail is provided for each menu screen to assist those
requiring more detail.
Menu Routing—
Accessing the Menu
You Need...
To help show the path to a menu selection, routing entries are used in
several places in this manual. As an example, suppose you wished to
access the I/O Module Configuration Menu. The Routing example
shown in the text would appear like this:
Main Menu>>I/O Network>>I/O Module Configuration
By navigating through this string of menus, you will quickly reach the
I/O Module Configuration Menu.
1.2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
MDS NETio is an integrated, scalable family of communication prod-
ucts designed for wirelessly transmitting analog and discrete I/O signals.
It supports three primary functions that can be implemented separately
or concurrently:
• I/O Signal Extension —This function allows acquiring, trans-
mitting and regenerating I/O signals between control and mon-
itoring devices such as PLCs or RTUs.
•
Protocol Node —Allows direct addressing of I/O using a com-
mercial protocol such as MODBUS.
•
Payload Communication —Accommodates the serial or
IP/Ethernet connection of a separate PLC, RTU or other periph-
eral device for wireless connectivity to host devices or systems.

4 MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A
Invisible place holder
Figure 1-1. MDS NETio Unit
(Consisting of Base & Optional Expansion Module)
Basic NETio
Architecture
A NETio Unit consists of a Base Module and if needed, one or more I/O
Expansion Modules to achieve the I/O capacity required at a given loca-
tion.
The Base and Expansion Modules communicate with each other over an
internal power and communication bus. Optionally, Expansion Modules
can be wirelessly distributed up to 3,000 feet (914 meters) away from
the Base Module, if equipped with the WeXP option. WeXP is a com-
pletely separate 2.4 GHz 802.15.4 wireless network designed for
short-range communication. Actual range depends on the quality of the
2.4 GHz transmission path, but is generally suited for on-premises com-
munication.
Figure 1-2 illustrates the “NETio Unit” concept in three different
arrangements; Base Module alone, Base Module connected with an
Expansion Module, and Expansion Modules linked to the Base via
WeXP.
PLC or RTU devices can optionally be connected at the Base Module’s
serial port ( COM1 ) or the LAN port for payload communication to host
devices or systems.
Base Module
Expansion Module
(Optional)

MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide 5
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Figure 1-2. NETio “Unit Concept”
1.3 HOW IT WORKS
NETio reads analog and discrete input signals and generates analog and
discrete output signals. In this guide, any analog or discrete signal is
generically referred to as a “Point.”
1.3.1 I/O Operating Modes
“Signal Extender”
Mode
NETio supports two operating modes. The first is called Signal
Extender
mode. In this mode, an analog or discrete input point read by
a NETio module at one location is transmitted to one or more NETio
modules at other locations and regenerated as an output. An input point
can be output at up to four different locations.
“Protocol Node”
Mode
(Future Availability)
The second operating mode is called Protocol Node . In this mode, the
desired protocol can be selected from the NETio Protocol Library. The
NETio Unit becomes “protocol aware” and you can monitor inputs and
generate outputs using the selected protocol.
Both modes can operate simultaneously. The only restriction is that
NETio does not allow an output point to be generated by both protocol
and signal extender modes. You must specify one or the other when con-
figuring an output point.
NOTE:
NETio only supports one protocol for I/O while running in
Protocol Node mode. Other protocols can be used however, for
externally attached devices.
WEXP
Up to
3,000 Feet/
914 meters
NETio Unit Concept
•A NETio Unit
•Always has a NETio Base Module
•Optionally has one or more expansion
modules to meet users I/O count
•Expansion Modules can
either connect physically to
Base Module or via WeXP.
•Is always a remote to a Master Radio or
Access Point
NETio Unit NETio Unit
NETio Unit

6 MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A
1.3.2 Configuration Levels
There are several configuration levels associated with a NETio Unit
depending upon the functionality that needs to be implemented.
• NETio entraNET-class Radio Parameters (Required if com-
municating with another NETio Base Module or with an MDS
entraNET AP)
• Configure the wireless Network Address at the Access Point
and each NETio Unit. The Network Address must be identi-
cal for all radios in a network.
• WeXP 2.4 GHz Parameters (As needed, if WeXP is used)
• WeXP Network Address—Base Module and Wireless
Expansion Modules.
• NETio Module Activation (Required)
• Unit ID—Base Module ID
• Module ID—Expansion Module ID (if used)
• I/O Points (Required)
• I/O Point parameters such as signal type and range
• Signal Extender Functions (As Needed)
• Protocol Node Functions (Future Availability)
•Optional Payload Communication (As Needed)
•Support for an external RTU or PLC connected to NETio
IP/Ethernet or serial communication port.
These Configuration Levels are discussed within Chapters 2 and 3.
1.3.3 Module Profiles
NETio Base Module The NETio Base Module operates in the license-free 902–928 MHz
Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. It has the following I/O
capacity:
• 1 Analog Input (AI) @ 4–20 mA, 0-5 V, 0-10 V
• 1 Analog Output (AO) @ 4–20 mA
• 2 Discrete Inputs (DI) @ 5–36 Vdc
• 2 Discrete Outputs (DO) 36 Vdc rated at 2 A continuous load.

MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide 7
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Figure 1-3. NETio-EB Base Module with WeXP Functionality
Invisible place holder
NETio-XM
Expansion Module Multiple NETio-XM Expansion modules can optionally attach to the
Base Module if a higher I/O count is needed. No additional power or
interconnection wiring is required for Expansion Modules that are phys-
ically attached to the Base Module. Expansion Modules can also be
equipped with WeXP 2.4 GHz functionality, which allows them to be
installed up to 3000 feet (914 meters) from a Base Module and Wireless
Expansion Modules then associate with each other as though they were
physically connected. There are six Expansion Module configurations
summarized in Table 1-1. Expansion Modules are available with or
without the WeXP capability.
ETH
COM1
PWR
LINK
COM1
ETH
DI-1
DI-2
DO-1
DO-2
LINK
ETH
WeXP

8 MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A
1.4 CONNECTOR OVERVIEW
Figure 1-4 shows all of the interface connectors and LEDs present on a
NETio-EB Base Module. Figure 1-5 shows this information for a
NETio-XM Expansion Module. A review of these items will assist you
in making the connections described later in this section.
Table 1-1. Expansion Module Configurations
(Shown with the WeXP Option present. Note that a Type 5 Module is not available.)
Type 1
NIOXM-1W
Type 2
NIOXM-2W
Type 3
NIOXM-3W
Type 4
NIOXM-4W
Type 6
NIOXM-6W
Type 7
NIOXM-7W
• 1 Analog
Input (0–5 V,
0–10 V,
4–20 mA)
• 1 Analog
Output
(4–20 Ma)
• 2 Discrete
Inputs
• 2 Discrete
Outputs
• 6 Discrete
Inputs
• 6 Discrete
Outputs
• 2 Analog
Inputs
(0–5 V, 0–10
V, 4–20 mA)
• 4 Discrete
Inputs
• 2 Analog
Inputs—
non-isolated
(0–5 V)
• 2 Analog
Outputs—
non-isolated
(0–5 V)
• 2 Discrete
Inputs
• 2 Discrete
Outputs
• 2 Analog
Inputs—
(4–20 mA)
isolated
• 1 Discrete
Inputs
• 3 Discrete
Outputs
PWR
WeXP
DI-1
DI-2
DO-1
DO-2
WeXP
CONFIG
PWR
WeXP
DI-1
DI-2
DI-3
DI-4
DI-5
DI-6
WeXP
CONFIG
WeXP
CONFIG
PWR
WeXP
DO-1
DO-2
DO-3
DO-4
DO-5
DO-6
PWR
WeXP
DI-1
DI-2
DI-3
DI-4
WeXP
CONFIG
PWR
WeXP
DI-1
DI-2
DO-1
DO-2
WeXP
CONFIG
PWR
WeXP
DI-1
D0-1
DO-2
DO-3
WeXP
CONFIG

MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide 9
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Figure 1-4. NETio Base Module Interface Connectors & LEDs
Figure 1-5 shows the interface connectors for a typical NETio Expan-
sion Module. The number and function of LEDs, as well as the presence
of the WeXP antenna connector and the 24 Vdc power output, is depen-
dent on the model.
Invisible place holder
Figure 1-5. Expansion Module Interface Connectors & LEDs
(Typical Model)
Together, the NETio Base and Expansion modules offer deployment
alternatives that are uniquely scalable to a user’s I/O count, distance and
location requirements.
ETH
COM1
PWR
LINK
COM1
ETH
DI-1
DI-2
DO-1
DO-2
LINK
ETH
WeXP
COM1
◆ DCE Console/Terminal
◆ 19,200 bps/8N1
◆ No Handshaking
◆ RS/EIA-232
MDS entraNET RF CONNECTOR
◆ 50ΩTNC connector
◆ +30 dBm/1W Output (Max.)
◆ –30 dBm Input (Max.)
ETH—ETHERNET
◆ 10BaseT
◆ IP/Ethernet Port
WeXP RF CONNECTOR
◆ Wireless Expansion
◆Antenna
◆ 2.4 GHz (IEEE 802.15.4)
09–12
13–16
TERMINATIONS
LED PANEL
◆ PWR —Primary Power
◆ MDS entraNET Radio Lin
◆ COM1 —COM Port Activity
◆ ETH —ETHERNET Port Activity
◆ DI-1 —Digital Input 1 Active
◆ DI-2 —Digital Input 2 Active
◆ DO-1 —Digital Output 1 Active
◆ DO-2 —Digital Output 2 Active
01–04
05–08
TERMINATIONS +
PRIMARY POWER
◆ 13.8 Vdc @ 600 mA
 (6–30 Vdc)
◆ Negative Ground
◆ 01 +/ 02 –
24 VDC POWER OUTPUT
◆ 24.0 Vdc @ 40 mA
◆ Isolated from Ground
◆ Pins 03 (+) & 04 (–)
–
–
+
WeXP RF CONNECTOR
◆Wireless Expansion
◆Antenna
◆2.4 GHz
◆(IEEE 802.15.4)
CONFIGURATION
◆DCE Console/Terminal
◆19,200 bps/8N1
◆No Handshaking
◆RS/EIA-232
01–04
05–08
TERMINATIONS
09–12
13–16
TERMINATIONS
LED PANEL
◆Power
◆WeXP
◆Digital Input or Output Active
+
–
–
+
PWR
WeXP
DI-1
DI-2
DI-3
DI-4
WeXP
CONFIG
PRIMARY POWER
◆13.8 Vdc @ 600 mA
 (6–30 Vdc)
◆Negative Ground
◆01 +/ 02 –
24 VDC POWER OUTPUT
◆24.0 Vdc @ 40 mA
◆Isolated from Ground
◆Pins 03 (+) & 04 (–)

10 MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A
The NETio Base Module can be purchased with two different levels of
service:
NETio Signal Extender/Protocol Node—Supports I/O signal
extension to receive, transmit and regenerate I/O signals
between devices. Also supports access to the protocol library
when available, plus direct protocol addressability.
NETio Complete—Adds concurrent payload communication
for an attached RTU, PLC or other peripheral device, communi-
cation to signal extension and protocol capabilities. Both trans-
parent serial and IP/Ethernet connections are supported. WeXP
is also included for short-range linkage to Wireless Expansion
Modules installed up to 3,000 feet (914 meters) away.
Key Operating
Features • Ability to read analog inputs and discrete inputs
• Ability to generate analog outputs and discrete outputs
• Protocol-addressable analog and discrete points via a serial or
Ethernet protocol
• Analog and discrete signal regeneration between devices
• NETio Wireless Expansion capability—WeXP
• Serial or IP/Ethernet Payload communication for an external
RTU or PLC
Rugged Packaging MDS NETio modules are housed in compact and rugged high-impact
cases that need only be protected from direct exposure to the weather.
The modules are supplied with 35 mm DIN-rail brackets for quick and
easy installation.
Robust Radio
Operation The transceivers are designed for frequency-hopping spread-spectrum
operation in the license-free 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz band. They can pro-
vide reliable long distance communications over line-of-sight signal
paths. They employ digital signal processing (DSP) techniques for high
performance operation, even in the presence of weak signals or interfer-
ence.
Multiple Services Users with a mixture of equipment requiring Ethernet and serial data
interfaces can employ a combination of both NETio modules and MDS
entraNET Remotes communicating with a common MDS entraNET
Access Point.
1.5 DIN RAIL MOUNTING & REMOVAL
NETio Base and Expansion Modules are equipped for direct mounting
to a 35 mm DIN rail without the need for tools. To mount a module,
simply hook the bracket over the top portion of the DIN rail, and then
push the bottom of the radio in until it locks in place. Figure 1-6 shows
the NETio being attached to a DIN rail.

MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide 11
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Figure 1-6. Mounting NETio Equipment to DIN Rail
(Hook unit over top of rail, and push in at bottom)
Removal from the DIN rail requires only a flat-blade screwdriver or
other tool to pull down on the spring-loaded tab at the bottom of the
radio’s mounting bracket (see Figure 1-7). With the tab held down,
swing the bottom of the radio away from the rail, then lift the unit up
slightly to fully release it from the mount.
Invisible place holder
Figure 1-7. Removal of NETio Equipment from DIN Rail
(Pull down on tab and swing bottom of unit away from rail)

12 MDS NETio Installation & Operation Guide MDS 05-4457A01, Rev. A
1.6 ACCESSORIES
MDS NETio equipment may be used with one or more of the accesso-
ries listed in Table 1-1. Contact the factory for ordering details.
Table 1-1. Accessories
Accessory Description MDS Part No.
AC Power
Adapter Kit
A small power supply designed for continuous
service. UL approved. Input: 120/220; Output:
13.8 Vdc @ 2.5 A
01-3682A02
Omni-
Directional
Antennas
Rugged antennas well suited for use at Access
Point installations. Consult with your factory
Sales Representative for details
Contact factory
Yagi Antenna
(Directional)
Rugged antennas well suited for use at Remote
installations. Consult with your factory Sales
Representative for details.
Contact factory
TNC Male-to-N
FemaleAdapter
One-piece RF adaptor plug. 97-1677A161
TNC Male-to-N
FemaleAdapter
Cable
Short length of coaxial cable used to connect
the module’s TNC antenna connector to a Type
N commonly used on large diameter coaxial
cables.
97-1677A159
(3 ft./1m)
97-1677A160
(6 ft./1.8m)
Ethernet RJ-45
Straight-thru
Cable (CAT5)
Cable Assy, 84" RJ45 to RJ45 03-2198A10
Ethernet RJ-45
Straight-thru
Cable (CAT5)
Cable assembly normally used to connect an
Ethernet device or LAN to the transceiver. Both
ends of the cable are wired identically.
(Cable length ≈3 ft./1M)
97-1870A20
Ethernet Surge
Protector
Protects against voltage spikes or surges on
Ethernet lines. These conditions may be
caused by nearby lightning strikes or transient
conditions.
29-4018A01
RJ-12 to DB-9
Female Adapter
Allows access to CONFIG port on Expansion
Modules.
73-2434A02
RJ-45 to DB-9
Female Adapter
Allows access to COM1 on Base Modules. 73-2434A12
EIA-232
Shielded Data
Cable
Shielded cable terminated with a DB-9 male
connector on one end, and a DB-9 female on
the other end, 6 ft./1.8m long.
97-1971A03
Fuse Small, board-mounted fuse used to protect
against over-current conditions.
29-1784A03
Coaxial Cable
Assembly
SMA M to N Male 50 OHM RG142B Coax Assy
12 IN
97-2036A23