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

MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide 3
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. Continuously keyed operation is inherently full duplex.
The master station is always simultaneously transmitting and continu-
ously listening. Different frequencies must be used for transmit and
receive. This is the method used in most MAS systems and is shown in
Figure 2.
Switched Carrier operation is a half-duplex mode of operation where
the master station transmitter is keyed to send data and unkeyed to
receive.
For proper operation, x710B radios must be specifically configured to
listentoeither acontinuouslykeyed or switchedcarriermaster. The
SWC
command is used to select whether or not a radio is listening to a
switched carrier master. The default setting is
SWC OFF , for communica-
tions with a continuously keyed master.
MDS x710B radios always transmit using switched carrier operation. If
a radio system is configured with an x710B as the master, all radios
(master and remotes) must be configured with
SWC ON . This situation is
shown in a point-to-point system in Figure 3.
Single Frequency (Simplex) Operation
Single frequency operation (also known as simplex) is a special case of
switched carrier operation. The
SWC command must be set to ON . Single
frequencyoperationis automatically selectedwheneverthetransmit and
receive frequencies are set to the same value. Note that data turn-around
times are increased when a single frequency configuration is used.
1.2 Model Number Codes
Theradiomodelnumberisprintedontheendoftheradioenclosure,and
provides key information about how the radio was configured when it
was shipped from the factory. See Figure 4 for an explanation of the
model number characters.

4 MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
Invisible place holder
Figure 4. Model number codes
1.3 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.
OPERATION
(X) Base/Remote PRIMARY POWER
(1) 10.5–16 VDC MODEM (0) 4-Wire Audio
(1) 1200 BPS
(A) 4800 BPS ASYNC
(B) 9600 BPS ASYNC
0
BANDWIDTH
(1) 12.5 kHz
DIAGNOSTICS
(Ø) None
(1) Remote
(2) Master
1
9
REGULATORY CERT.
(N) N/A
BMOUNTING BRACKETS
(A) Standard
(B) None
MODE
(N) Non-Redundant
TRANSMIT FREQ.
SAFETY CERT.
(N) N/A
(A) 800–860 MHz
(B) 860–900 MHz
(C) 900–960 MHz
(1) 800–880 MHz
(2) 880–960 MHz
RECEIVE FREQ.
7
FEATURES
(0) Full
(1) No Sleep mode,
No Diagnostics,
Less than 4800 bps
OPERATION
(X) Base/Remote
PRIMARY POWER
(1) 10.516 VDC
MODEM
(0) 4-Wire Audio
(1) 1200 B S
(A) 4800 B S ASYNC
(B) 9600 B S ASYNC
0
BANDWIDTH
(1) 12.5 kHz
DIAGNOSTICS
(Ø) None
(1) Remote
(2) Master
1
4
REGULATORY CERT.
(N) N/A
B
MOUNTING BRACKETS
(A) Standard
(B) None
MODE
(N) Non-Redundant
TRANSMIT FREQ.
SAFETY CERT.
(N) N/A
(A) 380400 MHz
(B) 400420 MHz
(C) 420450 MHz
(D) 450480 MHz
(E) 480512 MHz
(J) 457.5458.5 MHz
(K) 463.0464.0 MHz
(1) 380400 MHz
(2) 400450 MHz
(3) 450512 MHz
(D) 457.5458.5 MHz
(E) 463.0464.0 MHz
RECEIVE FREQ.
7
FEATURES
(0) Full
(1) No Sleep mode
No Diagnostics
Less than 4800 bps
Table 1. MDS x710B 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

MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide 5
2.0 INSTALLATION
There are three main requirements for installing the transceiver—ade-
quate and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the correct
interface between the transceiver and the data device. Figure 5 shows a
typical remote station arrangement.
Invisible place holder
Figure 5. Typical remote station arrangement
RJ-11 to DB-9 adapter Used to connect a PC to the radio’s
DIAGNOSTICS port 03-3246A01
RS-232 to RS-422
Converter Assembly Externaladapterplugthatconvertsthe radio’s DATA INTERFACE connector
to RS-422 compatible signaling.
03-2358A01
Radio Configuration
Software Providesdiagnosticsofthetransceiver (Windows-based PC required.) 03-3156A01
Synchronous to
Asynchronous Data
Converter
Allows synchronous operation of the
x710 transceiver. Contact MDS
Table 1. MDS x710B optional accessories (Continued)
Accessory Description MDS P/N
13.8 VDC
POWER
CABLE
13.8 VDC
2.5 A (Minimum)
POWER SUPPLY
REMOTE TERMINAL
UNIT ANTENNA SYSTEM
LOW-LOSS FEEDLINE
RADIO
TRANSCEIVER

6 MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
2.1 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. Connect the
feedline to the radio and preset directional antennas in the appropri-
ate direction.
3. Connect the data equipment to the transceiver’s INTERFACE connec-
tor. Typical applications require the use of only Pins 1 through 8 for
RS-232-type signaling. When using an external modem (4-wire
audio arrangement), only Pins 7, 9, 11 and 16 are typically required.
Additional connections may be required for some installations.
Refer to the complete list of pin functions provided in Table 5 on
page 11.
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: The radio is designed for use only in negative ground systems.
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 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 fre-
quencies to be used, and follow the steps below to program them. It
is always best to verify the frequencies using the steps below. (See
Figure 4 on page 4 for the frequency range of your radio.)
a. Connect a hand-held terminal (HHT) to the DIAGNOSTICS con-
nector. When the HHT beeps, press to receive the ready
“>”prompt.
b. Set the operating frequencies using theTX xxx.xxxxx (transmit)
and RX xxx.xxxxx (receive) commands. Press . After pro-
gramming, the HHT reads PROGRAMMED OK to indicate success-
ful entry.
ENTER
ENTER

MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide 7
6. Refine the antenna heading of the station to maximize the received
signal strength (RSSI) from the master station.
Use the RSSI command from an HHT connected to the radio’s DIAG-
NOSTICS connector.—See TRANSCEIVER PROGRAMMING on
page 15. This can also be done with a DC voltmeter as described in
3.3 RSSI Chart
2.2 Using the Radio’s Sleep Mode
In some installations, such as at solar-powered sites, it may be necessary
to keep the transceiver’s 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.
Sleep mode can be enabled under RTU control by asserting a ground (or
RS-232 low) on Pin 12 of the radio’s 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.
Allnormalfunctions are suspendedwhilethe radio isinsleepmode. The
PWR LED will be off.
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.
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
radio’sDATAINTERFACEconnector.This will alloweachRTUto
be polled once per hour with a significant savings in power con-
sumption.

8 MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
2.3 Transceiver Mounting
Figure 6 shows the mounting dimensions of the transceiver.
Invisible place holder
Figure 6. Transceiver mounting dimensions
2.4 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.
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
AA
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
AA
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
2.75"
70 mm
7.25"
184 mm
ALTERNATE
POSITION
AAAAAAAAA
5.625"
143 mm
2.25"
57 mm
2.0"
50 mm

MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide 9
2.5 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.
Invisible place holder
Figure 7. Typical Yagi antenna (mounted to mast)
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
lengthsandtypesofcableat400and900MHz,respectively.Regardless
of the type 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

10 MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
Invisible place holder
2.6 Data Interface Connections
The transceiver’s DATA INTERFACE connector is used to connect the
transceiver to an external DTE data terminal that supports the
RS-232-type format. The transceiver supports asynchronous data rates
of up to 9600 bps, depending on the radio’s modem setting. (See
Table 4.) The data interface speed may differ from the data rate used
over the air.
If synchronous data transmission is required, an external synchro-
nous-to-asynchronous converter is required. Contact MDS for addi-
tional information.
Table 5 lists each pin on the DATA INTERFACE connector and describes its
function.
Table 3. Length vs. loss in coaxial cables at 900 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
Table 4. Modem type versus speed
Modem Type Data Speeds Supported
1200 bps (Bell) Up to 1200 bps
4800 bps Up to 4800 bps
9600 bps 9600 bps

MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide 11
Do not use a 25 wire (fully pinned) interface cable for connection to the
DATA INTERFACE connector. Use only the required pins for the applica-
tion. Damage will result if improper connections are made. Typical
applications require the use of only Pins 1 through 8 for RS-232-type
signaling. When using an external modem (4-wire audio arrangement),
only Pins 7, 9, 11 and 16 are typically required.
CAUTION
USE ONLYTHE
REQUIRED PINS!
Table 5. Data interface connector pinouts
Pin
Number Input/ Output Pin Description
1--Protective Ground. Connects to ground (negative supply
potential) on the radio’s PC board and chassis.
2INTXD—Transmitted Data. Accepts TX data from the connected
device.
3 OUT RXD—Received Data. Outputs received data to the connected
device.
4INRTS—Request-to-SendInput.KeysthetransmitterwhenRTS
asserted.
5 OUT CTS—Clear-to-Send Output. Is active after the programmed
CTS delay time has elapsed.
6 OUT DSR—Data Set Ready. Provides a +6 Vdc DSR signal through
a 2.5 kΩresistor.
7--Signal Ground. Connectstoground(negative supply potential)
at radio’s PC board.
8 OUT DCD—Data Carrier Detect. Goes active when the radio
detects an on-frequency signal.
9INTransmit Audio Input. Connects to the audio output of an
external (AFSK) modem. The input impedance is 600 Ω. Use
Pin 7 for the modem’s return lead. The audio level can be
adjusted using the TXLEVEL [–20...+3, AUTO] command.
10 OUT RUS—Receiver Unsquelched Sensor. Not used in most
installations,butisavailableasaconvenience.Provides+8Vdc
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
thelevel is factory settosuit most installations. UsePin7for the
modem’sreturnlead. The audio levelcan beadjusted usingthe
RXLEVEL [–20...+3] command.
12 IN Radio Inhibit. A ground on this pin places the radio into the
“sleep”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
radio’s ability to be quickly brought on-line.
13 -- Do not connect—Reserved for future use.
14 -- PTT—Push to Talk. This line is used to key the radio with an
active-high signal of +5 Vdc.

12 MDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
3.0 OPERATION
This section contains procedures and information regarding the setup
and configuration of the transceiver.
3.1 Initial Start-up
If all parameters are correctly set, operation of the radio can be started
by following these steps:
1. Apply DC power to the transceiver.
2. Observe the LED status panel for the proper indications (Table 6).
15 OUT Remote RTU Reset. This line can be used to reset an RTU
from a command issued remotely with MDS InSite software.
See “Remote RTU Reset”on page 14 for additional information.
This pin can be toggled remotely, using InSite software or
locally using the radio configuration software. The required
signal levels are either a nominal +10 Vdc or –10 Vdc and the
signal source must be capable of supplying 20 ma.
16 -- PTT—Push to Talk. This line is used to key the radio with an
active-low signal of 0 Vdc.
17 -- Do not connect—Reserved for future use.
18 IN/OUT Accessory Power. Unregulated Input/Output. Provides a
source of input power for low current accessories. Excessive
drain on this connection will trip self-resetting fuse F1 on the
transceiverPCboard.The voltage at thispinwillmatchtheinput
voltage to the transceiver.
19 OUT 9.9 Vdc Regulated Output. Provides a source of regulated
voltage at 100 mA for low power accessories.
20 -- Do not connect—Reserved for future use.
21 OUT RSSI—Received Signal Strength Indication. A DC voltmeter
may be connected to this pin to read the relative strength of the
incoming signal. Figure 9 is a chart showing RSSI vs. DC
voltage.
22 -- Do not connect—Reserved for future use.
23 IN Diagnostic Channel Enable. A ground on this pin causes the
radio’s microcontroller to open the DB-25 DATA INTERFACE
for diagnostics and control instead of the normal RJ-11
diagnostics connection.
24 -- Do not connect—Reserved for future use.
25 OUT Alarm. A logic low (less than 0.5 volts) on this pin indicates
normal operation. A logic high (greater than 4 volts) indicates
that some alarm condition is present. This pin can be used as
an alarm output, provided the internal series resistance of 1 kΩ
is considered.
Table 5. Data interface connector pinouts (Continued)
Pin
Number Input/ Output Pin Description