MDS 4710B Operating instructions

Installation and Operation Guide
MDS 05-3316A01, REV. E
SEPTEMBER 2000
DataTransceiver
MDS 4710B/9710B

QUICK START GUIDE
Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. Detailed instructions are given in “INSTALLA-
TION” on page 5 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 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 ).
• If the transceiver will be listening to a switched carrier master station, set switched carrier mode
operation with the SWC command.
• If the modem is 9600 bps, set the data interface parameters as follows.Use the BAUD 9600 abc com-
mand, where 9600 is the data rate and abc are 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 6 on page 13 for a description of the status LEDs.
• Refine 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
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

MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 GENERAL....................................................................................1
1.1 Applications ......................................................................................1
Multiple Address System (MAS).....................................................1
Point-to-Point System.....................................................................2
Continuously Keyed versus Switched Carrier Operation................2
Single Frequency (Simplex) Operation...........................................3
1.2 Model Number Codes ......................................................................3
1.3 Accessories ......................................................................................4
2.0 INSTALLATION............................................................................5
2.1 Installation Steps ..............................................................................6
2.2 Using the Radio’s Sleep Mode .........................................................7
System Example.............................................................................7
2.3 Transceiver Mounting .......................................................................8
2.4 Power Connection ............................................................................8
2.5 Antennas and Feedlines ..................................................................9
2.6 Data Interface Connections ............................................................10
3.0 OPERATION..............................................................................12
3.1 Initial Start-up .................................................................................12
3.2 Reading LED Status Indicators ......................................................13
3.3 RSSI Chart .....................................................................................14
3.4 Remote RTU Reset ........................................................................14
3.5 Remote Maintenance and Diagnostics Levels ...............................15
Mode 1—Loopback.......................................................................15
Mode 2—Advanced......................................................................15
Mode 3—Remote Maintenance....................................................15
4.0 TRANSCEIVER PROGRAMMING ............................................15
4.1 Hand-Held Terminal Connection & Start-up ...................................16
4.2 Hand-Held Terminal Setup .............................................................17
5.0 TRANSCEIVER COMMANDS...................................................18
5.1 General Command Information ......................................................18
Error Messages ............................................................................18
5.2 Command Summary ......................................................................19
5.3 Command Equivalents for Older Transceivers ...............................21
5.4 Detailed Command Descriptions ...................................................22
BAUD [9600 abc]..........................................................................22
CTS [0–255] .................................................................................23
DECF [0–100]...............................................................................23

ii MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
DECP [0–100]...............................................................................23
DF.................................................................................................23
DIAGLEV [OFF, 1,2,3]...................................................................23
DKEY............................................................................................24
DP.................................................................................................24
DSTE............................................................................................24
DUMP...........................................................................................24
EMP [ON, OFF] ............................................................................24
ESTE ............................................................................................24
HREV............................................................................................25
IF ..................................................................................................25
INCF [1–99] ..................................................................................25
INCP [1–99]..................................................................................25
INIT...............................................................................................25
IP ..................................................................................................26
KEY ..............................................................................................26
LBC [xxxx] ....................................................................................26
MODEL.........................................................................................26
MODEM [NONE, BELL, 4800B, 9600B].......................................26
OWM [XXX...] ...............................................................................27
OWN [XXX...]................................................................................27
PTT [0–255]..................................................................................27
PWR [20–37] ................................................................................27
RMIS.............................................................................................27
RMOV...........................................................................................27
RMRD...........................................................................................28
RMST ...........................................................................................28
RSSI .............................................................................................28
RTU [ON/OFF/0-80]......................................................................28
RX [xxx.xxxxx] ..............................................................................28
RXLEVEL [–20...+3] .....................................................................28
SCD [0-255]..................................................................................29
SER ..............................................................................................29
SHOW [DC, PORT, PWR].............................................................29
SREV............................................................................................29
STAT .............................................................................................29
STE...............................................................................................30
SWC [ON, OFF]............................................................................30
TEMP............................................................................................30
TOT [1-255 ON/OFF]....................................................................31
TX [xxx.xxxxx]...............................................................................31
TXLEVEL [–20...+3, AUTO]..........................................................31
6.0 TROUBLESHOOTING...............................................................31
6.1 LED Status Indicators ....................................................................32
6.2 Event Codes ...................................................................................32
Checking for Alarms—STAT command.........................................32
Major Alarms vs. Minor Alarms.....................................................33
Event Code Definitions.................................................................33

MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide iii
7.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE ....................................................... 34
7.1 Transceiver Specifications ..............................................................34
7.2 Helical Filter Adjustment ................................................................35
7.3 Using PC Software with the Radio .................................................37
Connecting a PC ..........................................................................37
Upgrading the Radio’s Software...................................................37
7.4 Bench Testing Set-up .....................................................................38
7.5 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart ................................................39
Copyright Notice
This Installation and Operation Guide and all software described herein
are protected by
copyright: 2000 Microwave Data Systems Inc. All
rights reserved.
Microwave Data Systems reserves its right to correct any errors and
omissions in this publication.
Operational Safety Notices
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 within 6 meters of the front of the antenna when the transmitter 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 adheres to this internationally accepted
quality system standard.
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.
RF Exposure

iv MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
•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.
Thetransceiverhasbeenrecognized for use in these hazardouslocations
by three independent agencies —Underwriters 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
anotherpieceofequipmentwhichiscertifiedforhazardouslocations,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 —EXPLOSION HAZARD— Do not disconnect
equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is known
to be non-hazardous.

MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide v
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.
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-
tactourCustomerServiceTeamusingtheinformationatthe back of this
guide. In addition, manual updates can often be found on the MDS web
site at www.microwavedata.com.

vi MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E

MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide 1
1.0 GENERAL
This guide presents installation and operating instructions for the MDS
9710B (900 MHz) and MDS 4710B (400 MHz) radio transceiver. For
brevity, the model number “MDS x710B”is used in this guide to repre-
sentbothmodels, except whereitisnecessary to distinguishbetweenthe
two.
The transceiver (Figure 1) is a data telemetry radio suitable for Multiple
Address System (MAS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) operation. It uses microprocessor control and Digital Signal
Processing (DSP) technology to provide highly reliable communica-
tions even under adverse conditions.
These radios are designed for over-the-air compatibility with earlier
MDS remote transceivers such as the MDS 2300 and MDS 4300 Series
as well as the MDS 1000µ. The radios will operate in systems using
MDS 2100 and 4100 master stations.
An MDS 4710 is also available which is adherent to the United
Kingdom’s MPT1411 specifications for radio performance and fre-
quency assignment criteria. The MPT1411 compliant version of the
MDS 4710 is covered in MDS manual 05-3634A01.
Invisible place holder
Figure 1. Transceiver connectors & indicators
1.1 Applications
Multiple Address System (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
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 4710B/9710B I/O Guide MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
Figure 2. An MAS network provides communications between a central
host computer and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection
devices.Theoperationoftheradiosystem is transparent to the computer
equipment.
Invisible place holder
Figure 2. Typical MAS network
Point-to-Point System
Where permitted, the transceiver may also be used in a point-to-point
arrangement as shown in Figure 3.
A point-to-point system consists of
just two radios. It provides a simplex or half-duplex communications
link for the transfer of data between two locations. Refer to
Continu-
ously Keyed versus Switched Carrier Operation on page 2
for additional
information.
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.
–
IDIAG 13.8 VDC
PWR
+–
HOST SYSTEM
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF
RTU
RTU
RTU
RTU
–
IDIAG 13.8 VDC
PWR
+–
–
IDIAG 13.8 VDC
PWR
+
–
–
IDIAG 13.8 VDC
PWR
+–
–
IDIAG 13.8 VDC
PWR
+–
RTU
MDS MASTER
STATION
SIDEB
POWER
ORDER
WIRE
CONTINUOUSLY
KEYED
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF
HOST
COMPUTER
RTU SWC ON
SWC ON