MDS 2710D Original operating instructions

Installation & Operation Guide
MDS 05-3447A01, REV. F
SEPTEMBER 2004
DataTransceiver
Microwave Data Systems Inc.
MDS 1710 A/C
MDS 2710A/C/D

QUICK START GUIDE
Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. Detailed instructions are provided in “Installation
Steps” on Page 9 of this manual.
1. Install and connect the antenna system to the radio
• Use good quality, low loss coaxial cable.Keep the feedline as short as possible.
• Preset directional antennas in the direction of desired transmission/reception.
2. Connect the data equipment to the radio’s INTERFACE connector
• Connection to the radio must be made with a DB-25 Male connector. Connections for typical sys-
tems are shown below.
• Connect only the required pins.Do not use a straight-through RS-232 cable with all pins wired.
• Verify the data equipment is configured as DTE. (By default, the radio is configured as DCE.)
3. Apply DC power to the radio (10.5–16Vdc @ 2.5 A minimum)
• Observe proper polarity.The red wire is the positive lead; the black is negative.
4. Set the radio’s basic configuration with a Hand-HeldTerminal (HHT)
• Set the transmit frequency ( TX xxx.xxxxx ).
• Set the receive frequency ( RX xxx.xxxxx ).
• Set/verify the data rate using the BAUD command.The default setting is BAUD 4800 8N1 . (Refer to
“TRANSCEIVER PROGRAMMING” on Page 17 for command details.)
5. Verify proper operation by observing the LED display
• Refer to Table 5 on Page 16 for a description of the status LEDs.
• Refine directional antenna headings for maximum receive signal strength using the RSSI com-
mand.
DB-25 DB-25
2
3
2
3
4
5
20
6DSR DSR
6
TXD
RXD
GND
RTS
CTS
TXD
RXD
GND
4
CTS
5
RTS
DB-9 DB-25
DB-9 to DB-25 ExampleDB-25 to DB-25 Example
11
4
5
2
3
3
2
5
20
7
RXD
TXD
DCD
GND
DSR
RTS
RXD
TXD
DCD
GND
As required for application
5
18
7
6
CTS
DSR
RTS
CTS8
6
4
5
77
GND GND
8 8
DCD DCD
As required for application
RTU
(DTE)
TRANSCEIVER
(DCE)
RTU
(DTE)
TRANSCEIVER
(DCE)

MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 GENERAL....................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................1
1.2 Differences Between Models ...........................................................2
1.3 Applications ......................................................................................2
Point-to-Multipoint, Multiple Address Systems (MAS) ....................2
Point-to-Point System.....................................................................3
Continuously Keyed versus Switched Carrier Operation................4
Single Frequency (Simplex) Operation...........................................4
1.4 Product Configurator Codes .............................................................4
1.5 Accessories ......................................................................................5
2.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS..............................................................5
3.0 INSTALLATION............................................................................8
3.1 Installation Steps ..............................................................................9
3.2 Transceiver Mounting .....................................................................11
3.3 Antennas and Feedlines ................................................................11
Feedlines......................................................................................12
3.4 Power Connection ..........................................................................12
3.5 Data Interface Connections ............................................................13
3.6 Using the Radio’s Sleep Mode .......................................................13
Sleep Mode Example ...................................................................13
4.0 OPERATION.............................................................................. 15
4.1 LED Indicators ................................................................................16
4.2 RSSI Measurement ........................................................................16
5.0 TRANSCEIVER PROGRAMMING ............................................17
5.1 Hand-Held Terminal Connection & Startup ....................................17
5.2 Hand-Held Terminal Setup .............................................................18
5.3 Keyboard Commands .....................................................................19
Entering Commands.....................................................................19
Error Messages ............................................................................19
5.4 Detailed Command Descriptions ...................................................22
AMASK [0000 0000–FFFF FFFF] ................................................22
ASENSE [HI/LO]...........................................................................23
BAUD [xxxxx abc].........................................................................23
BUFF [ON, OFF]...........................................................................23
CKEY [ON–OFF] ..........................................................................24
CTS [0–255] .................................................................................24
DATAKEY [ON, OFF] ....................................................................24
DEVICE [DCE, CTS KEY] ............................................................24
DKEY............................................................................................25

ii MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F
DLINK [ON/OFF/xxxx] ..................................................................25
DMGAP [xx]..................................................................................25
DTYPE [NODE/ROOT].................................................................25
DUMP...........................................................................................26
HREV............................................................................................26
INIT...............................................................................................26
INIT [2710]....................................................................................26
INIT [2720]....................................................................................26
KEY ..............................................................................................27
MODEL.........................................................................................27
MODEM [xxxx, NONE] .................................................................27
OWM [XXX...] ...............................................................................27
OWN [XXX...]................................................................................27
PTT [0–255]..................................................................................27
PWR [20–37] ................................................................................27
RSSI .............................................................................................28
RTU [ON/OFF/0-80]......................................................................28
RX [xxx.xxxxx] ..............................................................................28
RXTOT [NONE, 1-255].................................................................28
SCD [0-255]..................................................................................28
SER ..............................................................................................28
SHOW [DC, PORT, PWR].............................................................29
SNR..............................................................................................29
SREV............................................................................................29
STAT .............................................................................................29
TEMP............................................................................................29
TOT [1-255, ON, OFF]..................................................................30
TX [xxx.xxxxx]...............................................................................30
UNIT [10000...65000] ...................................................................30
6.0 TROUBLESHOOTING...............................................................30
6.1 LED Indicators ................................................................................31
6.2 Event Codes ...................................................................................31
Checking for Alarms—STAT command.........................................31
Major Alarms vs. Minor Alarms.....................................................31
Event Code Definitions.................................................................32
7.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE .......................................................33
7.1 Transceiver Specifications ..............................................................33
7.2 Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics .............................34
7.3 Bench Testing Setup ......................................................................36
7.4 Helical Filter Adjustment ................................................................37
7.5 Upgrading the Radio’s Software .....................................................38
Using Radio Software Upgrade Diskette ......................................38
Using Radio Configuration Software.............................................39
7.6 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart ................................................40

MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D iii
Copyright Notice
This Installation and Operation Guide and all software described herein
are protected by
copyright: © 2004 Microwave Data Systems Inc .All
rights reserved. MDS reserves its right to correct errors and omissions.
To Our Customers
We appreciate your patronage.You are our business. We promise to
serve and anticipate your needs. We will strive to give you solutions
that are cost effective, innovative, reliable and of the highest quality
possible. We promise to build a relationship that is forthright and ethi-
cal, one that builds confidence and trust.
RF Safety Notices
MDS 1710, 5 Watts
The radio equipment described in this guide emits radio frequency
energy.Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a
directional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to
come closer than
1.80 meters to the front of the antenna when the trans-
mitter is operating with a 7 dBd (9.15 dBi) gain antenna. Use of higher
gain antennas means increasing the distance accordingly.
This manual is intended to guide a
professional installer to install,
operate and perform basic system maintenance on the described radio.
MDS 2710A/C, 2 Watts
The radio equipment described in this guide emits radio frequency
energy.Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a
directional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to
come closer than
.813 meters to the front of the antenna when the
transmitter is operating with a 7dBd (9.2 dBi) gain antenna. Use of
higher gain antennas means increasing the distance accordingly.
This manual is intended to guide a
professional installer to install,
operate and perform basic system maintenance on the described radio.
MDS 2710D, 5 Watts
The radio equipment described in this guide emits radio frequency
energy.Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a
directional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to
come closer than
1.50 meters to the front of the antenna when the trans-
mitter is operating with a 7 dBd (9.15 dBi) gain antenna. Use of higher
gain antennas means increasing the distance accordingly.
This manual is intended to guide a
professional installer to install,
operate and perform basic system maintenance on the described radio.
RF Exposure

iv MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F
ISO 9001 Registration
Microwave Data Systems’adheres to this internationally accepted qual-
ity system standard.
FCC Approval Notice
Atthe printingdate, MDS1710models areapprovedfor operationinthe
USA from150 to 174 MHz. MDS 2710 models are approved for opera-
tion in the USA from 216 to 222 MHz. Contact MDS for current
approval status.
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 publication NFPA 70, other-
wise known as the National Electrical Code.
The product has been recognized for use in hazardous locations by the
Canadian Standards Association (CSA), which also issues the US mark
of approval (CSA/
US ). The CSA Certification is in accordance with
CSA STD C22.2 No. 213-M1987. The product has been evaluated in
accordance with the following standards:
• CSA Std C22.2 No. 142-M1987 - Process Control Equipment
• CSA Std C22.2 No. 213-M1987 - Non-Incendive Electrical Equipment for
Use in Class I, Division 2 Hazardous Locations
• ANSI/UL Std No. 508 - Industrial Control Equipment
• UL Std No. 1604 - Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division
2; Class III Hazardous (Classified) Locations
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. Further-
more, this device is intended to be used only when installed in accor-
dance with the instructions outlined in this manual. Failure to comply
with these instructions may also void the user’s authority to operate this
device.

MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D v
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 addi-
tional questions or need an exact specification for a product, please con-
tactour CustomerService Teamusing theinformation atthe backof this
guide. In addition, manual updates can often be found on the MDS Web
site at www.microwavedata.com. Microwave Data Systems Inc.
reserves the right to correct all errors or omissions in this document
without obligation to any party.

vi MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F

MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D 1
1.0 GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
This guide presents installation and operating instructions for
MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710 A/C/D series digital radio transceivers.
These transceivers (Figure 1) are data telemetry radios designed to
operate in a point-to-multipoint environment, such as electric utility
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and distribution
automation, gas field automation, water and wastewater SCADA, and
on-line transaction processing applications. They use microprocessor
control and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to provide
highly reliable communications even under adverse conditions.
MDS 1710/2710 Series radios use continuous-phase frequency shift
keying (CPFSK) modulation with root duo-binary filtering (the sum of
two Nyquist-shaped, root-raised cosine responses). Demodulation uses
a Virterbi decoder and equalization with soft decision decoding.
Modulation and demodulation is accomplished using Digital Signal Pro-
cessing (DSP). DSP adapts to differences between components from
unit to unit, and ensures consistent and repeatable performance in
ambient temperatures from –30 to +60 degrees Celsius. The use of Dig-
ital Signal Processing eliminates the fluctuations and variations in
modem operation that can degrade the operation of analog circuits.
Figure 1. Transceiver Connectors and Indicators
The transceiver is designed for trouble-free operation with data equip-
ment provided by many other manufacturers, including Remote Ter-
minal Units (RTUs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), flow
computers, lottery terminals, automatic teller machines, and others.
EXTERNAL
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
(DB-25)
DIAGNOSTICS
CONNECTOR (RJ-11)
13.8 VDC POWER
CONNECTOR ANTENNA CONNECTOR
(TYPE “N”)
SERIAL NUMBER
LABEL
LED INDICATORS (4)

2 MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F
NOTE: Some features may not be available, based on the options
purchased and the applicable regulations for the region in
which the radio will operate.
1.2 Differences Between Models
All models of the MDS 1710/2710 Series are very similar in appearance
and functionality. The major differences are in frequency coverage,
channel bandwidth and data speed. Table 1 summarizes the available
models and identifies the characteristics of each.
To determine the specific settings for your radio (as originally shipped
from the factory), please refer to the Product Configurator chart shown
in Figure 4.
NOTE: The operating software for A, C, and D models is not inter-
changeable.
NOTE: The narrow bandwidth of the MDS 2710D transceiver is not
compatible with standard analog modems, including the
widely used Bell 202T. The MDS 2710D is intended for digital
RS-232 data only.
1.3 Applications
Point-to-Multipoint, Multiple Address Systems (MAS)
This is the most common application of the transceiver. It consists of a
central master station and several associated remote units as shown in
Figure 2. An MAS network provides communications between a central
host computer and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection
devices.The operationof theradio systemis transparentto thecomputer
equipment.
Table 1. MDS 1710/2710 Series Characteristics
Radio
Model No. Operating Frequency Channel Bandwidth Over-the-Air Data Speed Output Power (W)
MDS 1710A 130–174 MHz 12.5 kHz 9600 bps 5
MDS 1710C 130–174 MHz 25 kHz 19200 bps 5
MDS 2710A 216–220 MHz 12.5 kHz 9600 bps 2
MDS 2710A 220–240 MHz 12.5 kHz 9600 bps 5
MDS 2710C 216–220 MHz 25 kHz 19200 bps 2
MDS 2710C 220-240 MHz 25 kHz 19200 bps 5
MDS 2710D 220–222 MHz 5 kHz 3200 bps 5
Consult factory for current regulatory approvals on these products.

MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D 3
Often, a radio system consists of many widely separated remote radios.
A point-to-multipoint or SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acqui-
sition) system may be a new installation for automatic, remote moni-
toring of gas wells, water tank levels, electric power distribution system
control and measurement, etc.
The radio system may replace a network of remote monitors currently
linked to a central location via leased telephone line. At the central
office of such a system, there is usually a large mainframe computer and
some means of switching between individual lines coming from each
remotemonitor. In thistypeof system,thereis a modulator/demodulator
(modem) at the main computer, and at each remote site, usually built
into the remote monitor itself. Since the cost of leasing a dedicated-pair
phone line is quite high, radio is often used as an alternative communi-
cation medium.
Invisible place holder
Figure 2. Typical MAS Point-to-Multipoint Network
Point-to-Point System
Where permitted, the transceiver may also be used in a point-to-point
arrangement.
A point-to-point system consists of just two radios—one
serving as a master and the other as a remote—as shown in Figure 3. It
provides a simplex or half-duplex communications link for the transfer
of data between two locations.
Figure 3. Typical Point-to-Point Link
RTU
RTU
RTU
RTU
RTU
REMOTE RADIO
REMOTE RADIO
REMOTE RADIO
REMOTE RADIO
REMOTE RADIO
HOSTSYSTEM
MASTER RADIO
REMOTE
MASTER
HOST
COMPUTER
RTU

4 MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F
Continuously Keyed vs. Switched Carrier Operation
The keying behavior of the master station can be used to describe an
MAS system.
Continuously Keyed operation means the master station transmitter is
always transmitting a carrier, even when there is no data to send. The
master station is always simultaneously transmitting and continuously
listening. Different frequencies must be used for transmit and receive.
NOTE: MDS 1710/2710 radios do not support full-duplex operation.
Therefore, switched carrier mode must be set to ON ( SWC ON ).
Switched Carrier operation is a half-duplex mode of operation where
the master station transmitter is keyed to send data and unkeyed to
receive.
Single Frequency (Simplex) Operation
Single frequency operation (also known as simplex) is a special case of
switched carrier operation. Single frequency operation is automatically
selected whenever the transmit and receive frequencies are set to the
same value. Note that data turn-around times are increased when a
single frequency configuration is used.
1.4 Product Configurator Codes
The full radio model number is printed on the radio enclosure. It pro-
vides key information about how the radio was configured when it was
originally shipped from the factory. See Figure 4 for an explanation of
the configurator codes.
Invisible place holder
Figure 4. MDS 1710x/2710x Product Configurator Codes
THIS INFORMATION IS
SUBJECT TO
CHANGE.
DO NOT USE FOR
PRODUCT ORDERING.
1710A/C,
OPERATION
X= Base/Remote
MODE
N= Non-redundant
INPUT VOLTAGE
1= 10.5 to 16 VDC
MODEM
B= 9600 bps
DIAGNOSTICS
0= None
1= Network-wide
BANDWIDTH
1= 12.5 kHz
3= 25 kHz FEATURES
0= Full
AGENCY
N= N/A
SAFETY
N= N/A
Mtg. Brackets.
A= Std.
B= None
5= 5 kHz
D= 3200 bps
0= None
C= 19200 bps
RX FRQ. (MHz)
A= 220-240**
A= 130-140
B=140-150
D= 150-165
E= 165-175
TX FRQ. (MHz)
1= 220-240**
2= 140-150
3= 150-165
D= Demo
C= China
F= FCC
I= Ind. Canada
(6.25 kHz @130-174)
2710A/C/D
4= 165-174
1= 130-140
** MDS 2710A/C Models
A= 220-222*
* MDS 2710D Models
1= 220-222*

MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D 5
1.5 Accessories
The transceiver can be used with one or more of the accessories listed in
Table 2. Contact Microwave Data Systems for ordering information.
2.0 GLOSSARY OFTERMS
If you are new to digital radio systems, some of the terms used in this
guidemay beunfamiliar. Thefollowing glossaryexplains manyof these
terms and will prove helpful in understanding the operation of the trans-
ceiver.
Active Messaging —This is a mode of diagnostic gathering that may
interrupt SCADA system polling communications (contrast with
pas-
sive messaging
). Active (or intrusive) messaging is much faster than
passive messaging because it is not dependent upon the RTU polling
cycle.
Table 2. MDS 1710/2710 Series Optional Accessories
Accessory Description MDS P/N
Hand-Held Terminal
Kit (HHT) Terminal that plugs into the radio for programming, diagnostics & control.
Includes carrying case, instructions and
cable set.
02-1501A01
RTU Simulator Test module that simulates data from a
remote terminal unit. Comes with MDS
polling software (02-2093Axx) that runs
on a PC. Useful for testing radio
operation.
03-2512A01
Order Wire Module External device that allows temporary
voice communication. Useful during
setup & testing of the radio system.
02-1297A01
Power Supply Kit AC adaptor that converts 110/220 Vac to
12 Vdc at 30 watts. 01-3682A01
Order Wire Handset Used with Order Wire Module (above). 12-1307A01
RJ-11 to DB-9 Adapter Used to connect a PC to the radio’s
DIAG. port 03-3246A01
EIA-232 to EIA-422
Converter Assembly External adapter plug that converts the radio’s DATA INTERFACE connector to
EIA-422 compatible signaling.
03-2358A01
TTL Converter
Assembly External adapter plug that converts the radio’s DATA INTERFACE connector to
TTL compatible signaling.
03-2223A01
Radio Configuration
Software Provides diagnostics of the transceiver (Windows-based PC required.) 03-3156A01
VOX Assembly External unit used to key the radio when
audio input is present. 03-1098A02
19-inchRack Mounting
Kit Allows mounting the transceiver in a standard 19 inch rack cabinet. (Power
supply and Interface Board not included.)
02-1983A02
Brown-Out Protection
Board PCB that protects against low voltage conditions. 03-2567A01

6 MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F
Antenna System Gain —A figure, normally expressed in dB, repre-
senting the power increase resulting from the use of a gain-type antenna.
System losses (from the feedline and coaxial connectors, for example)
are subtracted from this figure to calculate the total antenna system gain.
Bit —The smallest unit of digital data, often represented by a one or a
zero. Eight bits (plus start, stop, and parity bits) usually comprise a byte.
Bits-per-second —See BPS.
BPS—Bits-per-second. A measure of the information transfer rate of
digital data across a communication channel.
Byte—A string of digital data usually made up of eight data bits and
start, stop and parity bits.
Decibel (dB)—A measure computed from the ratio between two signal
levels. Frequently used to express the gain (or loss) of a system.
Data Circuit-terminating Equipment—See DCE.
Data Communications Equipment—See DCE.
Data Terminal Equipment—See DTE.
dBi—Decibels referenced to an “ideal” isotropic radiator in free space.
Frequently used to express antenna gain.
dBm—Decibels referenced to one milliwatt. An absolute unit used to
measure signal power, as in transmitter power output, or received signal
strength.
DCE—Data Circuit-terminating Equipment (or Data Communications
Equipment). In data communications terminology, this is the “modem”
side of a computer-to-modem connection. The transceiver described in
this guide is a DCE device.
Digital Signal Processing—See DSP.
DSP—Digital Signal Processing. In the transceiver, the DSP circuitry is
responsible for the most critical real-time tasks; primarily modulation,
demodulation, and servicing of the data port.
DTE—Data Terminal Equipment. A device that provides data in the
form of digital signals at its output. Connects to the DCE device.
Equalization—The process of reducing the effects of amplitude, fre-
quency or phase distortion with compensating networks.

MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D 7
Fade Margin—The greatest tolerable reduction in average received
signal strength that will be anticipated under most conditions. Provides
anallowance forreducedsignal strengthdueto multipath,slight antenna
movement or changing atmospheric losses. A fade margin of 20 to 30
dB is usually sufficient in most systems.
Frame—A segment of data that adheres to a specific data protocol and
contains definite start and end points. It provides a method of synchro-
nizing transmissions.
Hardware Flow Control—A transceiver feature used to prevent data
buffer overruns when handling high-speed data from the RTU or PLC.
When the buffer approaches overflow, the radio drops the clear-to-send
(CTS) line, which instructs the RTU or PLC to delay further transmis-
sion until CTS again returns to the high state.
Host Computer—The computer installed at the master station site,
which controls the collection of data from one or more remote sites.
Intrusive Diagnostics—A mode of remote diagnostics that queries and
commands radios in a network with an impact on the delivery of the
system “payload” data. See Active messaging.
Latency—The delay (usually expressed in milliseconds) between when
data is applied to TXD (Pin 2) at one radio, until it appears at RXD
(Pin 3) at the other radio.
MAS—Multiple Address System. A radio system where a central
master station communicates with several remote stations for the pur-
pose of gathering telemetry data.
Master (Station)—Radio which is connected to the host computer. It is
the point at which polling enters the network.
MCU—Microcontroller Unit. This is the processor responsible for con-
trolling system start-up, synthesizer loading, and key-up control.
Microcontroller Unit—See MCU.
Multiple Address System—See MAS.
Network-Wide Diagnostics—An advanced method of controlling and
interrogating MDS radios in a radio network.
Non-intrusive diagnostics—See Passive messaging.
Passive messaging—This is a mode of diagnostic gathering that does
not interrupt SCADA system polling communications. Diagnostic data
is collected non-intrusively over a period of time; polling messages are
carried with SCADA system data (contrast with active messaging).

8 MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F
Payload data—This is the application’s user communication data
which is sent over the radio network. It is the transfer of payload data
that is the primary purpose of the radio communications network.
Point-Multipoint System—A radio communications network or
system designed with a central control station that exchanges data with
a number of remote locations equipped with terminal equipment.
Poll—A request for data issued from the host computer (or master PLC)
to a remote radio.
PLC—Programmable Logic Controller. A dedicated microprocessor
configured for a specific application with discrete inputs and outputs. It
can serve as a host or as an RTU.
Programmable Logic Controller—See PLC.
Remote (Station)—A radio in a network that communicates with an
associated master station.
Remote Terminal Unit—See RTU.
RedundantOperation—A station arrangement where two transceivers
and two power supplies are available for operation, with automatic
switchover in case of a failure.
RTU—Remote Terminal Unit. A data collection device installed at a
remote radio site. An internal RTU simulator is provided with the trans-
ceiver to isolate faults to either the external RTU or the radio.
SCADA—Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition. An overall term
for the functions commonly provided through an MAS radio system.
Standing Wave Ratio—See SWR.
Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition—See SCADA.
SWR—Standing Wave Ratio. A parameter related to the ratio between
forward transmitter power and the reflected power from the antenna
system. As a general rule, reflected power should not exceed 10% of the
forward power (≈2:1 SWR).
3.0 INSTALLATION
There are three main requirements for installing the transceiver—ade-
quate and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the correct
data connections between the transceiver and the data device. Figure 5
shows a typical remote station arrangement.

MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D 9
Invisible place holder
Figure 5. Typical Remote Station Arrangement
3.1 Installation Steps
Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. In most cases,
these steps alone are sufficient to complete the installation. More
detailed explanations appear at the end of these steps.
1. Mount the transceiver to a stable surface using the brackets supplied
with the radio.
2. Install the antenna and antenna feedline for the station. Preset direc-
tional antennas in the desired direction.
3. Connect the data equipment to the transceiver’s DATA INTERFACE
connector. Use only the required pins for the application—Do not
use a fully pinned (25 conductor) cable. Basic applications may
require only the use of Pin 2 (transmit data—TXD), Pin 3 (Received
Data—RXD) and Pin 7 (signal ground). The radio can be keyed
with the use of the DATAKEY command.
Additional connections may be required for some installations.
Refer to the complete list of pin functions provided in Table 4 on
page 14.
4. Measure and install the primary power for the radio. The red wire on
the power cable is the positive lead; the black is negative.
13.8 VDC
POWER
CABLE
13.8 VDC
2.5 A (Minimum)
POWER SUPPLY
REMOTE TERMINAL
UNIT ANTENNA SYSTEM
LOW-LOSS FEEDLINE
RADIO
TRANSCEIVER

10 MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F
NOTE: Use the radio in negative ground systems only.
5. Set the radio configuration. The transceiver is designed for quick
installation with a minimum of software configuration required in
most cases. The selections that must be made or verified for new
installations are:
• Transmit frequency
• Receive frequency
The operating frequencies are not set at the factory unless they were
specified at the time of order. Determine the transmit and receive
frequencies to be used, and follow the steps below to program them.
6. Connect a hand-held terminal (HHT) to the DIAG. connector. When
the HHT beeps, press to receive the ready “>” prompt.
• Setthe operatingfrequencies usingtheTX xxx.xxxxx (transmit)and
RX xxx.xxxxx (receive) commands.
• Press after each command. After programming, the HHT
reads PROGRAMMED OK to indicate successful entry.
• Set other transceiver parameters as required. A complete list of
transceivercommandsisprovidedinSection 5.0,TRANSCEIVER
PROGRAMMING.
ENTER
ENTER

MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D 11
3.2 Transceiver Mounting
Figure 6 shows the mounting dimensions of the transceiver.
Invisible place holder
Figure 6. Transceiver Mounting Dimensions
3.3 Antennas and Feedlines
Antennas
The transceiver can be used with a number of antennas. The exact style
depends on the physical size and layout of the radio system. A direc-
tional Yagi (Figure 7) or corner reflector antenna is generally recom-
mended at remote sites to minimize interference to and from other users.
Antennas of this type are available from several manufacturers.
8.5"
216 mm
1.75"
4.44 CM
6.63"
168 mm
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2.75"
70 mm
7.25"
184 mm
ALTERNATE
POSITION
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5.625"
143 mm
2.25"
57 mm
2.0"
50 mm

12 MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F
Invisible place holder
Figure 7. Typical Yagi Antenna (mounted to mast)
Feedlines
The selection of antenna feedline is very important. Poor quality cables
should be avoided as they will result in power losses that may reduce the
range and reliability of the radio system.
Table 3 shows the losses that will occur when using various lengths and
types of cable at 200 MHz. Losses at 130-174 MHz will be slightly
lower. Regardless of the type of cable used, it should be kept as short as
possible to minimize signal loss
†Cable loss slightly lower at 130-174 MHz.
3.4 Power Connection
The transceiver can be operated from any well-filtered 10.5 to 16 Vdc
power source. The power supply should be capable of providing at least
2.5 amperes of continuous current.
The red wire on the power cable is the positive lead; the black is nega-
tive.
NOTE: The radio is designed for use only in negative ground systems.
Table 3. Length vs. Loss in Coaxial Cables at 200 MHz†
Cable Type 3 Meters
(10 Feet) 15 Meters (46 Feet) 30 Meters (91 Feet) 150 Meters (525 Feet)
RG-8A/U 0.32 dB 1.6 dB 3.2 dB 16 dB
1/2 inch HELIAX 0.10 dB 0.49 dB 0.98 dB 4.9 dB
7/8 inch HELIAX 0.05 dB 0.27 dB 0.54 dB 2.7 dB
1-1/4 inch HELIAX 0.04 dB 0.20 dB 0.40 dB 2.0 dB
1-5/8 inch HELIAX 0.03 dB 0.17 dB 0.33 dB 1.65 dB