MDS MDS 4710 Series Operating instructions

Installation and Operation Guide
MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B
SEPTEMBER 2000
400 MHz/900 MHz
Remote DataTransceiver
MDS 4710/9710 Series
(Including MDS 4710A/C and MDS 9710 A/C)

QUICK START GUIDE
Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. Detailed instructions are given in “INSTALLA-
TION” 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 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.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 (110–38400 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 5 on page 16 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
GN
D
DSR
RTS
RXD
TXD
DCD
GN
D
As required for a lication
5
18
7
6
CTS
DSR
RTS
CTS8
6
4
5
77
GND GND
8 8
DCD DCD
As required for a lication

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 GENERAL....................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................1
1.2 Applications ......................................................................................2
Point-to-Multipoint, Multiple Address Systems (MAS) ........................2
Point-to-Point System.........................................................................3
Continuously Keyed versus Switched Carrier Operation....................3
Single Frequency (Simplex) Operation...............................................3
1.3 Model Number Codes ......................................................................3
1.4 Accessories ......................................................................................4
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
Feedlines..........................................................................................12
3.4 Power Connection ..........................................................................13
3.5 Data Interface Connections ............................................................13
3.6 Using the Radio’s Sleep Mode .......................................................13
System 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]...............................................................................24
CKEY [ON–OFF]..............................................................................24
CTS [0–255] .....................................................................................24
DATAKEY [ON, OFF] ........................................................................24
DEVICE [DCE, CTS KEY]................................................................25
DKEY................................................................................................25
DLINK [ON/OFF/xxxx]......................................................................25

ii MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B
DMGAP [xx]......................................................................................25
DTYPE [NODE/ROOT].....................................................................26
DUMP...............................................................................................26
HREV................................................................................................26
INIT...................................................................................................26
INIT [4710/9710]...............................................................................26
INIT [4720/9720]...............................................................................27
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.xxxx]....................................................................................28
RXTOT [NONE, 1-255].....................................................................28
SCD [0-255]......................................................................................29
SER..................................................................................................29
SHOW [DC, PORT, PWR].................................................................29
SNR..................................................................................................29
SREV................................................................................................29
STAT .................................................................................................29
TEMP................................................................................................30
TOT [1-255, ON, OFF]......................................................................30
TX [xxx.xxxx] ....................................................................................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.........................................................32
Event Code Definitions.....................................................................32
7.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE ....................................................... 33
7.1 MDS 4710/9710 Transceiver Specifications ...................................33
7.2 Helical Filter Adjustment ................................................................36
7.3 Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics .............................37
7.4 Upgrading the Radio’s Software .....................................................38
7.5 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart ................................................40

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide iii
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 Inc. 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 closer than 5 meters 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' adheres to this internationally accepted
quality system standard.
MDS Quality Policy Statement
We, the employees of Microwave Data Systems Inc., 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

iv MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B
Thetransceiver hasbeen recognized for use inthese hazardous locations
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
anotherpiece of equipmentwhich 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 —EXPLOSION HAZARD— Do not disconnect
equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is known
to be non-hazardous.
Refer to Articles 500 through 502 of the National Electrical Code
(NFPA 70) for further information on hazardous locations and approved
Division 2 wiring methods.

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide v
Revision 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-
tactour Customer ServiceTeam using theinformation at the back of this
guide. In addition, manual updates can often be found on the MDS Web
site at www.microwavedata.com.
Distress Beacon Warning
In the U.S.A., the 406 to 406.1 MHz band is reserved for use by distress
beacons. Since the radio described in this manual is capable of transmit-
ting in this band, take precautions to prevent the radio from transmitting
between 406 to 406.1 MHz in U.S. applications.

vi MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide 1
1.0 GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
This guide presents installation and operating instructions for the MDS
4710/9710 Series (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, 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.
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 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.
Invisible place holder
Figure 1. Transceiver Connectors and Indicators
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 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B
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 transparentto 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
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, a desirable alternative may be replacing the
phone line with a radio path.
Invisible place holder
Figure 2. Typical MAS Point-to-Multipoint Network

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
CONTINUOUSLY
KEYED
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide 3
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.
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.
NOTE: 4710/9710 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
Theradio model number is printed on the end of the radioenclosure, 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.
REMOTE
MASTER
HOST
COMPUTER
RTU

4 MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B
Invisible place holder
Figure 4. 4710 Model Number Codes
Invisible place holder
Figure 5. 9710 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. 4710A/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= 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
(L4) 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
(L4) 406-430 MHz
THIS INFORMATION IS
SUBJECT TO
CHANGE.
DO NOT USE FOR
PRODUCT ORDERING. 9710A/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= 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

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide 5
Table 1. MDS 4710/9710 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 radio’s
DIAG. port 03-3246A01
EIA-232 to EIA-422
Converter Assembly Externaladapterplugthatconvertsthe radio’s DATA INTERFACE connector
to EIA-422 compatible signaling.
03-2358A01
Radio Configuration
Software Providesdiagnosticsofthetransceiver (Windows-based PC required.) 03-3156A01

6 MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B
2.0 GLOSSARY OFTERMS
If you are new to digital radio systems, some of the terms used in this
guidemay be unfamiliar.The following glossaryexplains many ofthese
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.
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 MDS 4710/9710 is a
DCE device.
Digital Signal Processing—See DSP.

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide 7
DSP—Digital Signal Processing. In the MDS 4710/9710 transceiver,
the DSP circuitry is responsible for the most critical real-time tasks; pri-
marily 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.
Fade Margin—The greatest tolerable reduction in average received
signal strength that will be anticipated under most conditions. Provides
anallowance for reduced signal strengthdue tomultipath, slightantenna
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.

8 MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B
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).
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
4710/9710 radios 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 guideline, reflected power should not exceed 10%
of the forward power (≈2:1 SWR).

MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide 9
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 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.
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
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 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B
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 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
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.
a. Set the operating frequencies using theTX 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. B MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide 11
3.2 Transceiver Mounting
Figure 7 shows the mounting dimensions of the transceiver.
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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
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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 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B
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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