MDS 4710A Operating instructions

Installation and Operation Guide
MDS 05-3305A01, REV. A
JANUARY 1999
Data Transceiver
MDS 4710A/9710A

QUICK START GUIDE
Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. Detailed instructions are given in ÒINSTALLA-
TIONÓ on page 9 of this guide.
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.
2. Connect the data equipment to the radioÕs 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 conÞgured as DTE. (By default, the radio is conÞgured as DCE.)
3. Apply DC power to the radio (10.5Ð16 Vdc @ 2.5 A minimum)
¥ Observe proper polarity. The red wire is the positive lead; the black is negative.
4. Set the radioÕs basic conÞguration with a Hand-Held Terminal (HHT)
¥ Set the transmit frequency ( TX xxx.xxxx ).
¥ Set the receive frequency ( RX xxx.xxxx ).
¥ Set the baud rate/data interface parameters as follows. Use the BAUD xxxxx abc command, where
xxxxx equals the data speed (110Ð38400 bps) and abc equals the communication parameters as
follows:
a = Data bits (7 or 8)
b = Parity (N for None, O for Odd, E for Even
c = Stop bits (1 or 2)
(Example: BAUD 9600 8N1 )
NOTE: 7N1, 8E2 and 8O2 are invalid parameters and are not supported by the transceiver.
5. Verify proper operation by observing the LED display
¥ Refer to Table 4 on page 14 for a description of the status LEDs.
¥ ReÞne directional antenna headings for maximum receive signal strength using the RSSI command.
DB-25 DB-25
TRANSCEIVER
(DCE)
2
3
2
3
RTU
(DTE)
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
TRANSCEIVER
(DCE)
2
3
3
2
RTU
(DTE)
5
20
7
RXD
TXD
DCD
GN
D
DSR
RTS
RXD
TXD
DCD
GN
D
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

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A Installation and Operation Guide i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 GENERAL.................................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................1
1.2 Applications ......................................................................................2
1.3 Model Number Codes ......................................................................4
1.4 Accessories ......................................................................................5
2.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS.............................................................. 6
3.0 INSTALLATION ............................................................................ 9
3.1 Installation Steps ..............................................................................9
3.2 Transceiver Mounting .....................................................................11
3.3 Antennas and Feedlines ................................................................11
3.4 Power Connection ..........................................................................13
3.5 Data Interface Connections ............................................................13
3.6 Using the RadioÕs Sleep Mode .......................................................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
5.4 Detailed Command Descriptions ................................................... 22
6.0 TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................... 31
6.1 LED Indicators ................................................................................32
6.2 Event Codes ...................................................................................32
7.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE ....................................................... 34
7.1 MDS 4710A/9710A Transceiver SpeciÞcations ..............................34
7.2 Helical Filter Adjustment ................................................................36
7.3 Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics .............................37
7.4 Upgrading the RadioÕs Software ..................................................... 39
7.5 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart ................................................40
INDEX................................................................................................ I-1
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY... ..................................... Inside Rear Cover

ii MDS 4710/9710 Installation and Operation Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A.1
Copyright Notice
This Installation and Operation Guide and all software described herein
are protected by
copyright: 1998 Microwave Data Systems , a division
of California Microwave, Inc. All rights reserved.
Microwave Data Systems reserves its right to correct any errors and
omissions.
Operational Safety Notices
The radio equipment described in this guide uses radio frequency trans-
mitters. 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 0.5 meter to the front of the antenna when the trans-
mitter is operating.
This manual is intended to guide a professional installer to install,
operate and perform basic system maintenance on the described radio.
ISO 9001 Registration
Microwave Data Systems' adherence to this internationally accepted
quality system standard provides one of the strongest assurances of
product and service quality available.
MDS Quality Policy Statement
We, the employees of Microwave Data Systems, are committed to
achieving total customer satisfaction in everything we do.
Total Customer Satisfaction in:
• Conception, design, manufacture and marketing of our products.
• Services and support we provide to our internal and external
customers.
Total Customer Satisfaction AchievedThrough:
• Processes that are well documented and minimize variations.
• Partnering with suppliers who are committed to providing quality and
service.
• Measuring our performance against customer expectations and
industry leaders.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and employee involvement.
FM/UL/CSA 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) publication NFPA
70, otherwise known as the National Electrical Code.
RF Exposure

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A Installation and Operation Guide iii
The transceiver has been recognized for use in these hazardous locations
by three independent agencies ÑUnderwriters Laboratories (UL), Fac-
tory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC) and the Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). The UL certification for the transceiver is as a Rec-
ognized Component for use in these hazardous locations, in accordance
with UL Standard 1604. The FMRC Approval is in accordance with
FMRC Standard 3611. The CSA Certification is in accordance with
CSA STD C22.2 No. 213-M1987.
FM/UL/CSA Conditions of Approval:
The transceiver is not acceptable as a stand-alone unit for use in the haz-
ardous locations described above. It must either be mounted within
another piece of equipment which is certified for hazardous locations, or
installed within guidelines, or conditions of approval, as set forth by the
approving agencies. These conditions of approval are as follows:
1. The transceiver must be mounted within a separate enclosure which
is 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 loca-
tions, and may void the approval.
5. When installed in a Class I, Div. 2, Groups A, B, C or D hazardous
location, observe the following:
WARNING ÑEXPLOSION HAZARDÑ 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 information on hazardous locations and approved
Division 2 wiring methods.

iv Installation and Operation Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A
Notice
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-
tact 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.
FCC Warning
The 406 to 406.1 MHz band is reserved for use by distress beacons.
Since the radio described in this manual is capable of transmitting in this
band, take precautions to prevent the radio from transmitting between
406 to 406.1 MHz.

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide 1
1.0 GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
This guide presents installation and operating instructions for the MDS
4710A/9710A (400/900 MHz) 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, lottery systems, 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 condi-
tions.
MDS 4710A/9710A radios use continuous-phase frequency (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 Ð30 to +60 degrees Centigrade. The use of
Digital Signal Processing eliminates the fluctuations and variations in
modem operation that degrade operation of analog circuits.
The transceiver is designed for trouble-free operation with data equip-
ment provided by other manufacturers, including Remote Terminal
Units (RTUs), flow computers, lottery terminals, automatic teller
machines, programmable logic controllers, and others.
NOTE: Some features may not be available on all radios, based on the
options purchased and based on the applicable regulatory
constraints for the region in which the radio will operate.

2 MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A
Invisible place holder
Figure 1. Transceiver Connectors and Indicators
1.2 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 operation of the radio system is transparent to the computer
equipment.
Often, however, a radio system consists of many widely separated
remote radios. A point-to-multipoint or SCADA (Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition) system may be a new installation for automatic,
remote monitoring of gas wells, water tank levels, electric power distri-
bution 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
remote monitor. In this type of system, there is 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, a desirable alternative may be replacing the
phone line with a radio path.
EXTERNAL
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
(DB-25)
DIAGNOSTICS
CONNECTOR (RJ-11)
13.8 VDC POWER
CONNECTOR
ANTENNA CONNECTOR
(TYPE ÒNÓ)
SERIAL NUMBER
LABEL
LED INDICATORS (4)

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide 3
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 radiosÑone
serving as a master and the other as a remoteÑas shown in Figure 3. It
provides a simplex or half-duplex communications link for the transfer
of data between two locations.
Invisible place holder
Figure 3. Typical Point-to-Point Link
Continuously Keyed versus 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 keyed and an RF carrier is always present, 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. This is the method used in many MAS systems,
and is shown in Figure 2. This is useful for high-speed polling applica-
tions.
Ð
IDIAG
13.8 VDC
PWR
+Ð
HOST SYSTEM
REMOTE RADIO
RTU
RTU
RTU
RTU
Ð
IDIAG
13.8 VDC
PWR
+Ð
Ð
IDIAG
13.8 VDC
PWR
+Ð
Ð
IDIAG
13.8 VDC
PWR
+Ð
Ð
IDIAG
13.8 VDC
PWR
+Ð
RTU
MDS MASTER
STATION
CONTINUOUSLY
KEYED
REMOTE RADIO
REMOTE RADIO
REMOTE RADIO
REMOTE RADIO
REMOTE
MASTER
HOST
COMPUTER
RTU

4 MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A
NOTE: 4710A/9710A remotes do not support full-duplex operation.
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.
1.3 Model Number Codes
The radio model number is printed on the end of the radio enclosure, and
provides key information about how the radio was configured when it
was shipped from the factory. See Figure 4 and Figure 5 for an explana-
tion of the model number characters.
Invisible place holder
Figure 4. 4710A Model Number Codes
THIS INFORMATION IS
SUBJECT TO
CHANGE.
DO NOT USE FOR
PRODUCT ORDERING. 4710A
OPERATION
X= Base/Remote
MODE
N= Non-redundant
INPUT VOLTAGE
1= 10.5 to 16 VDC
MODEM
B= 9600 BPS
DIAGNOSTICS
0= NONE
1= Non-Intrusive
BANDWIDTH
1= 12.5 KHz
2= 25 KHz (19.2 Kbps)
FEATURES
0= Full
AGENCY
N= N/A
SAFETY
N= N/A
MOUNTING BRACKETS
A= Standard
B= None
C= 19200 (25kHz)
RECEIVE FREQUENCY
(A) 380-400 MHz*
(B) 400-420 MHz
(C) 420-450 MHz
(D) 450-480 MHz
(E) 480-512 MHz
(L) 406-430 MHz**
TRANSMIT FREQUENCY
(1) 380-400 MHz
*Not Available with FCC or IC
(2) 400-420 MHz
(3) 420-450 MHz
(4) 450-480 MHz**
** Only available with RX option
F= FCC/IC
(F) CSA/FM/UL

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide 5
Invisible place holder
Figure 5. 9710A Model Number Codes
1.4 Accessories
The transceiver can be used with one or more of the accessories listed in
Table 1. Contact Microwave Data Systems for ordering information.
THIS INFORMATION IS
SUBJECT TO
CHANGE.
DO NOT USE FOR
PRODUCT ORDERING. 9710A
OPERATION
X= Base/Remote
MODE
N= Non-redundant
INPUT VOLTAGE
1= 10.5 to 16 VDC
MODEM
B= 9600 BPS
DIAGNOSTICS
0= NONE
1= Non-Intrusive
BANDWIDTH
1= 12.5 KHz
2= 25 KHz (19.2 Kbps)
FEATURES
0= Full
AGENCY
N= N/A
SAFETY
N= N/A
MOUNTING BRACKETS
A= Standard
B= None
C= 19200 (25kHz)
RECEIVE FREQUENCY
(A) 800-860 MHz*
(B) 860-900 MHz
(C) 900-960 MHz TRANSMIT FREQUENCY
(1) 800-880 MHz
*Not Available with FCC or IC
(2) 880-960 MHz
F= FCC/IC
(F) CSA/FM/UL
Table 1. MDS 4710A/9710A 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 and cable set.
02-1501A01
RTU Simulator Test unit that simulates data from a
remote terminal unit. Comes with
polling software 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
Order Wire Handset Used with Order Wire Module (above). 12-1307A01
RJ-11 to DB-9 adapter Used to connect a PC to the radioÕs
DIAG. port
03-3246A01
EIA-232 to EIA-422
Converter Assembly
External adapter plug that converts the
radioÕs DATA INTERFACE connector
to EIA-422 compatible signaling.
03-2358A01
TTL Converter
Assembly
External adapter plug that converts the
radioÕs DATA INTERFACE connector
to TTL compatible signaling.
03-2223A01
Radio Configuration
Software
Provides diagnostics of the transceiver
(Windows-based PC required.)
03-3156A01

6 MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A
2.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
If you are new to digital radio systems, some of the terms used in this
guide may be unfamiliar. The following glossary explains many of these
terms and will prove helpful in understanding the operation of the trans-
ceiver.
Active Messaging ÑThis 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.
Antenna System Gain ÑA 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 ÑThe 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 ÑSee BPS .
BPS ÑBits-per-second. A measure of the information transfer rate of
digital data across a communication channel.
Byte ÑA string of digital data usually made up of eight data bits and
start, stop and parity bits.
Decibel (dB) ÑA measure computed from the ratio between two signal
levels. Frequently used to express the gain (or loss) of a system.
Data Circuit-terminating Equipment ÑSee DCE .
Data Communications Equipment ÑSee DCE .
Data Terminal Equipment ÑSee DTE .
dBi ÑDecibels referenced to an ÒidealÓ isotropic radiator in free space.
Frequently used to express antenna gain.
dBm ÑDecibels referenced to one milliwatt. An absolute unit used to
measure signal power, as in transmitter power output, or received signal
strength.
DCE ÑData Circuit-terminating Equipment (or Data Communications
Equipment). In data communications terminology, this is the ÒmodemÓ
side of a computer-to-modem connection. The MDS 4710A/9710A is a
DCE device.
Digital Signal Processing ÑSee DSP .

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide 7
DSP ÑDigital Signal Processing. In the MDS 4710A/9710A trans-
ceiver, the DSP circuitry is responsible for the most critical real-time
tasks; primarily modulation, demodulation, and servicing of the data
port.
DTE ÑData Terminal Equipment. A device that provides data in the
form of digital signals at its output. Connects to the DCE device.
Equalization ÑThe process of reducing the effects of amplitude, fre-
quency or phase distortion with compensating networks.
Fade Margin ÑThe greatest tolerable reduction in average received
signal strength that will be anticipated under most conditions. Provides
an allowance for reduced signal strength due to multipath, slight antenna
movement or changing atmospheric losses. A fade margin of 20 to 30
dB is usually sufficient in most systems.
Frame ÑA 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 ÑA 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 ÑThe computer installed at the master station site,
which controls the collection of data from one or more remote sites.
Intrusive Diagnostics ÑA mode of remote diagnostics that queries and
commands radios in a network with an impact on the delivery of the
system ÒpayloadÓ data. See
Active messaging .
Latency ÑThe 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 ÑMultiple 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) ÑRadio which is connected to the host computer. It is
the point at which polling enters the network.
MCU ÑMicrocontroller Unit. This is the processor responsible for con-
trolling system start-up, synthesizer loading, and key-up control.
Microcontroller Unit ÑSee MCU .

8 MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A
Multiple Address System ÑSee MAS .
Network-Wide Diagnostics ÑAn advanced method of controlling and
interrogating MDS radios in a radio network.
Non-intrusive diagnostics ÑSee Passive messaging .
Passive messaging ÑThis 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 ).
Payload data ÑThis is the applicationÕs 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 ÑA radio communications network or
system designed with a central control station that exchanges data with
a number of remote locations equipped with terminal equipment.
PollÑA request for data issued from the host computer (or master PLC)
to a remote radio.
PLCÑProgrammable 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 ControllerÑSee PLC.
Remote (Station)ÑA radio in a network that communicates with an
associated master station.
Remote Terminal UnitÑSee RTU.
Redundant OperationÑA station arrangement where two transceivers
and two power supplies are available for operation, with automatic
switchover in case of a failure.
RTUÑRemote Terminal Unit. A data collection device installed at a
remote radio site. An internal RTU simulator is provided with
4710/9710 radios to isolate faults to either the external RTU or the radio.
SCADAÑSupervisory Control And Data Acquisition. An overall term
for the functions commonly provided through an MAS radio system.
Standing Wave RatioÑSee SWR.
Supervisory Control And Data AcquisitionÑSee SCADA.

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide 9
SWRÑStanding Wave Ratio. A parameter related to the ratio between
forward transmitter power and the reflected power from the antenna
system. As a general guideline, reflected power should not exceed 10%
of the forward power (≈2:1 SWR).
3.0 INSTALLATION
There are three main requirements for installing the transceiverÑade-
quate and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the correct
data connections between the transceiver and the data device. Figure 6
shows a typical remote station arrangement.
Invisible place holder
Figure 6. 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.
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 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A
3. Connect the data equipment to the transceiverÕs DATA INTERFACE
connector. Use only the required pins for the applicationÑDo not
use a fully pinned (25 conductor) cable. Basic applications may
require only the use of Pin 2 (transmit dataÑTXD), Pin 3 (Received
DataÑRXD) 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.
NOTE: Use the radio in negative ground systems only.
5. Set the radio conÞguration. The transceiver is designed for quick
installation with a minimum of software conÞguration required in
most cases. The selections that must be made for new installations
are:
¥ Transmit frequency
¥ Receive frequency
The operating frequencies are not set at the factory unless they were
speciÞed 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 Ò>Ó prompt.
a. Set the operating frequencies using the TX xxx.xxxx (transmit) and
RX xxx.xxxx (receive) commands.
Press after each command. After programming, the HHT
reads PROGRAMMED OK to indicate successful entry.
ENTER
ENTER

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide 11
3.2 Transceiver Mounting
Figure 7 shows the mounting dimensions of the transceiver.
Invisible place holder
Figure 7. 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 8) 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
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
AA
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
AA
A
A
A
A
AA
A
A
A
A
A
AA
A
A
A
A
AA
A
A
A
A
AA
A
A
A
A
AA
AA
2.75"
70 mm
7.25"
184 mm
ALTERNATE
POSITION
AAAAAAAAA
5.625"
143 mm
2.25"
57 mm
2.0"
50 mm

12 MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A
Invisible place holder
Figure 8. 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 2 and Table 3 show the losses that will occur when using various
lengths and types of cable at 400 and 960 MHz. Regardless of the type
of cable used, it should be kept as short as possible to minimize signal
loss.
Table 2. Length vs. Loss in Coaxial Cables at 400 MHz
Cable Type
10 Feet
(3.05 Meters)
50 Feet
(15.24 Meters)
100 Feet
(30.48 Meters)
500 Feet
(152.4 Meters)
RG-8A/U 0.51dB 2.53 dB 5.07 dB 25.35 dB
1/2 inch HELIAX 0.12 dB 0.76 dB 1.51 dB 7.55 dB
7/8 inch HELIAX 0.08 dB 0.42 dB 0.83 dB 4.15 dB
1-1/4 inch HELIAX 0.06 dB 0.31 dB 0.62 dB 3.10 dB
1-5/8 inch HELIAX 0.05 dB 0.26 dB 0.52 dB 2.60 dB
Table 3. Length vs. Loss in Coaxial Cables at 960 MHz
Cable Type
10 Feet
(3.05 Meters)
50 Feet
(15.24 Meters)
100 Feet
(30.48 Meters)
500 Feet
(152.4 Meters)
RG-8A/U 0.85 dB 4.27 dB 8.54 dB 42.70 dB
1/2 inch HELIAX 0.23 dB 1.15 dB 2.29 dB 11.45 dB
7/8 inch HELIAX 0.13 dB 0.64 dB 1.28 dB 6.40 dB
1-1/4 inch HELIAX 0.10 dB 0.48 dB 0.95 dB 4.75 dB
1-5/8 inch HELIAX 0.08 dB 0.40 dB 0.80 dB 4.00 dB

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide 13
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.
3.5 Data Interface Connections
The transceiverÕs DATA INTERFACE connector is used to connect the
transceiver to an external DTE data terminal that supports the EIA-232
(formally RS-232) format. The transceiver supports asynchronous data
rates of up to 38400 bps. The data rate at the DATA INTERFACE connector
may differ from the data rate used over the air.
Table 4 lists each pin on the DATA INTERFACE connector and describes
its function.
Do not use a 25 wire (fully pinned) cable for connection to the DATA
INTERFACE connector. Use only the required pins for the application.
Damage may result if improper connections are made. Typical applica-
tions require the use of only Pins 1 through 8 for EIA-232 signaling.
3.6 Using the RadioÕs Sleep Mode
In some installations, such as at solar-powered sites, it may be necessary
to keep the transceiverÕs power consumption to an absolute minimum.
This can be accomplished using the Sleep Mode. In this mode, power
consumption is reduced to less than 16 milliamperes (nominal).
Sleep mode can be enabled under RTU control by asserting a ground (or
RS-232 low) on Pin 12 of the radioÕs DATA INTERFACE connector.
When Pin 12 is opened (or an RS-232 high is asserted), the radio will be
ready to receive data within 75 milliseconds.
All normal functions are suspended while the radio is in sleep mode. The
PWR LED will be off, except for a quick flash every five seconds.
System Example
The following example describes Sleep Mode implementation in a typ-
ical system. Using this information, you should be able to configure a
system that will meet your own particular needs.
CAUTION
USE
ONLY REQUIRED
PINS

14 MDS 4710A/9710A Installation and Operation Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. A
Example:
Suppose you need communications to each remote site only
once per hour. Program the RTU to raise an RS-232 line once
each hour (DTR for example) and wait for a poll and response
before lowering it again. Connect this line to Pin 12 of the
radioÕs DATA INTERFACE connector. This will allow each RTU to
be polled once per hour with a significant savings in power con-
sumption.
Table 4. DATA INTERFACE Connector Pinouts
Pin
Number
Input/
Output Pin Description
1--Protective Ground. Connects to ground (negative supply
potential) on the radioÕs PC board and chassis.
2INTXDÑTransmitted Data. Accepts TX data from the
connected device.
3 OUT RXDÑReceived Data. Outputs received data to the
connected device.
4INRTSÑRequest-to-Send Input. Keys the transmitter when
RTS is at logic high.
5 OUT CTSÑClear-to-Send Output. Goes ÒhighÓ after the
programmed CTS delay time has elapsed (DCE) or keys
an attached radio when RF data arrives (CTS KEY).
6 OUT DSRÑData Set Ready. Provides a +6 Vdc DSR signal
through a 2.5 kΩresistor.
7--Signal Ground. Connects to ground (negative supply
potential) at radioÕs PC board.
8 OUT DCDÑData Carrier Detect. Goes ÒhighÓ when the modem
detects a data carrier from the master station.
9INTransmit Audio Input. Connects to the audio output of an
external (AFSK) modem. The input impedance is 600 Ω.
Use Pin 7 for the modemÕs return lead.
10 OUT RUSÑReceiver Unsquelched Sensor. Not used in most
installations, but is available as a convenience. Provides
+8 Vdc through a 1 kΩresistor whenever the receiver
squelch is open, and drops to less than 1 Vdc when the
squelch is closed.
11 OUT Receive Audio Output. Connects to the audio input of an
external (AFSK) modem. The output impedance is 600 Ω,
and the level is factory set to suit most installations. Use
Pin 7 for the modemÕs return lead.
12 IN Radio Inhibit (Sleep). A ground on this pin places the
radio into the ÒsleepÓ mode. It turns off most circuits in the
radio, including transmit, receive, modem and diagnostic
functions. This allows for greatly reduced power
consumption, yet preserves the radioÕs ability to be quickly
brought online.
13 -- Do not connectÑReserved for future use.
14 IN PTTÑPush to Talk. This line is used to key the radio with
an active-high signal of +5 Vdc.