Pacific Crest ADL Sentry User manual

ADL Sentry
User Guide

2ADL Sentry User Guide
Contact Information
Customer support and sales contacts
Quality, technology, and service are the hallmarks of Pacic Crest. We
provide easy access to our customer service department to keep you
running eciently.
Support hours are 8 am to 5 pm Pacic Time. Please visit our website for
up-to-date news and product announcements. Firmware and software
upgrades are available from our website, usually free of charge.
Legal notices
©2012 Pacic Crest. All rights reserved. Adaptation, or translation of
this manual is prohibited without prior written permission of Pacic
Crest, except as allowed under the copyright laws. is document
contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All
rights reserved. e information contained in this document is subject
to change without notice.
Trimble is a trademark of Trimble Navigation Limited, registered in
the United States and in other countries. TRIMMARK and TRIMTALK
are trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited. Microsoft, Windows,
and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Warranty
PACIFIC CREST MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD
TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITYAND FITNESS FORA PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. Pacic Crest shall not be liable for errors contained herein or
for incidental consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material.
Warranty
One-Year limited warranty
is warranty gives you specic legal rights. You may also have other
rights which vary from state to state or area to area.
Pacic Crest warrants ADL family products, inclusive of cables and
batteries, against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of
one year from receipt by the end-user.
Exclusions
Should Pacic Crest be unable to repair or replace the product within a
reasonable amount of time, a refund of the purchase price may be given
upon return of the product.
e warranty on your radio shall not apply to defects resulting from:
• Improper or inadequate maintenance by the customer
• Unauthorized modication, negligence, or misuse
• Operation outside of the environment specications
Warranty limitations
is warranty set forth above is exclusive and no other warranty,
whether written or oral, is expressed or implied. Pacic Crest specically
disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and tness for a
particular purpose.
Notices
Class B Statement – Notice to Users. is equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC rules. ese limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
is equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communication. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that
to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or Pacic Crest directly for help.
Changes and modications not expressly approved by the manufacturer
or registrant of this equipment can void your authority to operate this
equipment under Federal Communications Commission rules.
Canada
is digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B
prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par
le ministère des Communications du Canada.
Europe
is product has been tested and found to comply with the requirements
for a Class B device pursuant to European Council Directive 1999/5/
EC on R&TTE, thereby satisfying the requirements for CE Marking and
sale within the European Economic Area (EEA). ese requirements are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a residential or commercial
environment, and to ensure that the equipment is safe.
Australia and New Zealand
is product conforms with the regulatory requirements of the
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) EMC
framework, thus satisfying the requirements for C-Tick Marking and
sale within Australia and New Zealand.
Notice to Our European Union Customers
For product recycling instructions and more information, please go to
www.trimble.com/ev.shtml.
Recycling in Europe: To recycle Trimble WEEE (Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment, products that run on electrical power.), Call +31
497 53 24 30, and ask for the “WEEE Associate”. Or, mail a request for
recycling instructions to:
Trimble Europe BV
c/o Menlo Worldwide Logistics
Meerheide 45
5521 DZ Eersel, NL
Headquarters
Pacic Crest
510 DeGuigne Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
U.S.A
Tel: [phone] (U.S.A toll free)
[phone] (outside the U.S.A)
Fax: [phone]
Sales email: sales@PacicCrest.com
Support email: support@PacicCrest.com
Repair info: pccservice@PacicCrest.com
Web www.PacicCrest.com
EMEA Office
HAL Trade Center
Bevelandseweg 150
1703 AX Heerhugowaard
e Netherlands
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
March 2012

3ADL Sentry User Guide
Safety Information
Before you use your radio, ensure that you have read and understood this publication, as
well as safety requirements.
CAUTION – A license is required before operating radio communication equipment.
Warnings and cautions
An absence of specific alerts does not mean that there are no safety risks involved.
Always follow the instructions that accompany a Warning or Caution. The information
they provide is intended to minimize the risk of personal injury and/or damage to the
equipment. In particular, observe safety instructions that are presented in the following
formats:
WARNING – A Warning alerts you to a likely risk of serious injury to your person and/
or damage to the equipment. A warning identifies the nature of the risk and the extent
of possible injury and/or damage. It also describes how to protect yourself and/or the
equipment from this risk. Warnings that appear in the text are repeated at the front of the
manual.
CAUTION – A Caution alerts you to a possible risk of damage to the equipment and/or loss of
data. A Caution describes how to protect the equipment and/or data from this
Exposure to radio frequency energy
The radio is designed to comply with the following national and international standards
and guidelines regarding exposure of human beings to radio frequency electromagnetic
energy, in addition to protection against harmful interference of neighboring electrical
equipment:
• FCC Report and Order FCC 96-326 (August, 1996)
• American National Standards Institute (C95.3-1992)
• National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement (NCRP - 1986)
• International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNRP - 1986)
• European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)
• FCC CFR47 Part 15
• FCC CFR47 Part 90
• Industry Canada RSS 119
• ETSI EN 300 113-2
• ETSI EN 300 489
• ACA AS/NZS 4295
• iDA Spec 111
• OFTA STD-1E
• RRC CMII

4ADL Sentry User Guide
Contact your sales representative for model specific country approval.
To assure optimal radio performance and to ensure that exposure to RF energy is within
the guidelines in the above standards, observe the following operating procedures:
• Do not operate a transceiver when someone is within the distance noted below of
the antenna (unity gain).
–30 cm (approximately 12 in) for the ADL Sentry radio @ 2 W
–60cm (approximately 2 ft) for ADL Sentry @ 4 W
–15 cm (approximately 6 in) for the ADL Sentry radio @ 1 W
• Do not operate the transceiver unless all RF connectors are secure and any open
connectors are properly terminated.
• Avoid contact with the antenna while operating the transceiver.
• Do not operate the transceiver with a damaged antenna. If a damaged antenna
comes in contact with the skin, a minor burn may result.
• Do not operate the equipment near electrical blasting caps or in an explosive
atmosphere.
• Antennas are excellent conductors of electricity, so use extreme caution when
operating near power lines and other sources of electric current or during stormy
weather.
CAUTION – Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the FCC could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Rechargeable batteries
The radio uses a 12 V, deep-discharge, lead-acid battery (portable power battery).
CAUTION – Storing batteries for an extended time in a discharged state damages them.
Note – For specific safety information, refer to the documentation included with your battery.
WARNING – Do not damage the battery. A damaged battery can cause an explosion or fire,
and can result in personal injury and/or property damage. To prevent injury or damage:
• Do not use or charge the battery if it appears to be damaged. Signs of damage include,
but are not limited to, discoloration, warping, and leaking battery fluid.
• Do not expose the battery to fire, high temperature, or direct sunlight.
• Do not immerse the battery in water.
• Do not use or store the battery inside a vehicle during hot weather.
• Do not drop or puncture the battery.
• Do not open the battery or short-circuit its contacts.
WARNING – Avoid contact with the battery if it appears to be leaking. Battery fluid is
corrosive, and contact with it can result in personal injury and/or property damage. To
prevent injury or damage:
• If the battery leaks, avoid contact with the battery fluid.
• If battery fluid gets into your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with clean water and seek
medical attention. Do not rub your eyes!
• If battery fluid gets onto your skin or clothing, immediately use clean water to wash off
the battery fluid.

5ADL Sentry User Guide
WARNING – Charge and use the rechargeable battery only in strict accordance with
the instructions. Charging or using the battery in unauthorized equipment can cause an
explosion or fire, and can result in personal injury and/or equipment damage. To prevent
injury or damage:
• Do not charge or use the battery if it appears to be damaged or leaking.
• Charge the battery only in a Trimble product that is specified to charge it. Ensure that you
follow all instructions that are provided with the battery charger.
• Discontinue charging a battery that gives off extreme heat or a burning odor.
• Use the battery only in Trimble equipment that is specified to use it.
• Use the battery only for its intended use and according to the instructions in the product
documentation.
CAUTION – Do not use any battery charger as a power supply for any radio. This may damage
the radio. Do not recharge any battery while it is connected to a radio.
Tranmission Rules and Regulations
Licensing requirements
It is the responsibility of the owner to comply with applicable rules and regulations
concerning the operation of a radio transmitter. In the United States, the FCC regulates
the licensing of this equipment. The ADL Sentry transceiver uses extended frequencies
and may contain functions that are not operational in the United States and its
territories. Users should check with the radio authority of the country of operation for any
restrictions that might apply.
Application for a license is made by submitting FCC Form 600 along with evidence of
frequency coordination (if required) and applicable fees. Similar licensing requirements
exist worldwide. Penalties for broadcasting without a license can be severe, and may
include the confiscation of your radio.
For more information, contact our customer service department.
WARNING: Always obey local licensing requirements and restrictions. It is illegal to transmit
in the United States while CSMA is turned off. CSMA is not required within the European
Union and should be turned off.
Equipment compliances
The radios have been tested and found to comply with Parts 15 and 90 of Title 47 of the
Code of Federal Regulations. They have also been tested and found compliant for type
certification and approval in many other countries worldwide.
For more information concerning our worldwide compliances, contact customer support.
Being part of the RF community
Operation of a licensed radio product makes you a member of the RF community.
Be aware that virtually all frequencies licensed are provided on a shared basis with
other users. Each frequency dedicated specifically to RTK surveying activities has
certain restrictions and limitations. For complete information, refer to the appropriate
documentation from the licensing agency in your country of operation, e.g., Part 90, Title

6ADL Sentry User Guide
47, of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Most frequencies sharing data transmissions and voice transmissions give priority to voice
users. Be mindful of the persistent nature of a GPS RTK data transmission and always limit
your RF transmission output power when performing close-in survey situations to avoid
interference with co-channel users. Pacific Crest recommends using the low RF power
setting for construction site and other line-of-site surveys with baselines less than two miles
(depending on terrain).
WARNING: If you are in conflict with a co-channel user, select another frequency to avoid
formal actions by government agencies. In most cases, you are required to vacate a frequency
upon complaint by a shared channel voice user.
Most survey operations are itinerant in that the system is moved on a frequent basis. For
fixed system installations, you should not use frequencies set aside for itinerant operations,
but should coordinate a frequency based on the fixed area operation.
Regulations differ from country to country, please be aware of the local regulations before
using radio equipment.
Automatic station identification
For operation in the United States, the FCC requires that radio transmitters broadcast a
station identifier every 15 minutes. The station identifier is the call sign assigned to you on
the station license.
The radios support the broadcast of station identification in a manner that meets the
requirements of the FCC. Upon receipt of equipment, use the ADLCONF software to program
your FCC call sign into the configuration of the radio. This is only required for transmitters.
The call sign is transmitted every 15 minutes in Morse code. It is not included in any
data packet and so is not processed by the receiving radio. However, data transmission is
interrupted for a few seconds while the call sign is being transmitted. If you leave the Call
sign field blank (on the ADLCONF’s Identification screen), the radio programmed with this
configuration file will not transmit any call sign.
WARNING: Failure to transmit your station identification is in violation of FCC regulations.
If you are operating outside the United States, check with the local authorities if you need to
transmit a call sign.
Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA)
CSMA is a technology implemented in the radios to meet the United States Federal
Communication Commission (FCC) transmitter requirements. It is illegal to transmit on any

7ADL Sentry User Guide
UHF radio within the United States without CSMA enabled. CSMA holds off the radio
transmission if the frequency is currently being used by a co-channel user. On occasion,
you may note that the radio broadcasts stop for short periods of time. Most often, this
is a case of co-channel interference and the radio is holding off broadcasts due to the
FCC-mandated CSMA.
Note – You should turn CSMA off when transmitting within the European Union.
GPS RTK equipment is designed to function with intermittent gaps in the data. Heavy
co-channel use may limit the ability of the radio to transmit the required information. In
areas of heavy co-channel usage, try changing channels to a less used frequency.

8ADL Sentry User Guide
Contents
Safety Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Note about this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Your Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Fast over-the-air data rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
User-selectable RF output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Rugged construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Software compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Configuring the Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
ADLCONF conguration software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Factory default settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Setup in the Oce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
ADL Sentry Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Setting up in the Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Wall Mounting Kit (PN K01134) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Mast Mounting Kit (PN K01135) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Tripod mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Antenna and antenna mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Data/Power cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Serial Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Antenna connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Battery care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Operating the Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Turning the radio on and o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Indicator LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Serial Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Security code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Scrambling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Forward Error Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Tips and Techniques for Best Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Line loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Power supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Equipment care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Use with Machinery and Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Vibration damping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Mounting inside/outside vehicle cabin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
DC power supply with power conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Protection from electromagnetic interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Pinouts and Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ADL Sentry Data Cable DE9 Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
ADL Sentry Data Cable’s DE9 Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
ADL Sentry SAE Power Connector Polarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Connector manufacturer contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

9ADL Sentry User Guide
Introduction
This manual describes how to set up and use the Advanced Data Link (ADL) Sentry radio,
model numbers ADLS-1 (390-430 MHz) and ADLS-2 (430-470 MHz).
The ADL Sentry is an advanced, high speed, wireless data link that is designed specifically
for environmental monitoring applications. Your success in using the radios is Pacific
Crest’s primary goal. Pacific Crest stands behind its products by providing expert support
and service. Your comments and questions are welcome.
This guide is written for the first-time user and gives details concerning system setup,
operation, and maintenance. We urge you to take the time to review this short manual
completely before you set up the system.
Note about this guide
We believe that the ADL Sentry system provides the best value and performance for the
user. As such, we provide our equipment in complete turnkey systems, including all of the
items necessary for operation with your GPS.
You may have purchased this radio from a third-party supplier. On occasion, the bundled
product provided by these sources may differ from the kits provided directly from Pacific
Crest. If this guide does not accurately reflect the equipment that you received, please
contact your supplier for specific instructions concerning the setup of items that differ.
Technical Support
If you have a problem and cannot find the information you need in the product
documentation, contact your local dealer or go to the Support area of the Pacific Crest
website (www.pacificcrest.com/support.php). Product updates, documentation, and any
support issues are available for download.
If you need to contact technical support, email [e-mail].
Your Comments
Your feedback about the supporting documentation helps us to improve it with each
revision. Email your comments to [e-mail].

10 ADL Sentry User Guide
Overview
Features
Compatibility
• Facilitates radio equipment mix and match
• Interoperable with Pacific Crest (RFM, PDL, and ADL), SATEL ®, and Trimble®radio
products
• All models support 12.5 kHz and 25 kHz channel bandwidth communications
• 40 MHz-wide channel tables (390 MHz–430 MHz and 430-470 MHz models)
• Provides upgrade path for existing installations
Fast over-the-air data rate
• 19,200 bits per second
• Reduced latency provides better GNSS position information
• Shorter transmit times reduces power consumption for longer battery life
User-selectable RF output
• Select between 0.1 W, 0.5 W, 1 W, 2 W, and 4 W
• Increase range by switching to a higher output power
• Increase battery life by reducing output power when you do not need the range
Rugged construction
Designed specifically for real-world working environments
• All metal construction and shock-mounted electronics ensure highest reliability and
EMI-resistance.
• Watertight, corrosion-resistant connectors stand up to bad weather conditions.
Software compatibility
Current versions of the following software were tested and verified for compatibility with
Windows® 7, Windows XP, and the Business Edition of the Windows Vista® operating systems:
• ADLCONF
• PCC Range Estimator

11 ADL Sentry User Guide
Configuring the Radios
ADLCONF configuration software
ADLCONF is the software application for configuring and troubleshooting all Advanced
Data Link (ADL) radios. Running the ADLCONF software on a computer attached
through a serial cable to an ADL radio enables you to check the status of the radio, enter
receive-only channel tables, and set radio parameters such as channel bandwidth and
output power. Channel tables for transmission of data must be obtained from authorized
Pacific Crest dealers. If your radio did not come with a channel table already installed, you
can obtain one from your dealer and then import it using the ADLCONF software.
The latest version is available for free download from www.PacificCrest.com. The
ADLCONF User Guide is also available on the Pacific Crest website. A user guide that
describes how to configure the ADL Sentry radio is available by running the ADLCONF
software and then selecting Help / User Guide.
Factory default settings
To return the radio to its factory default configuration, use the ADLCONF software. Click
Restore Factory to the right of the screen and then click Program. The following table
shows the factory default settings:
Description Default Setting
Device Status Battery status
Channel/Frequency Channel No. and frequency (MHz)
Channel Tx Frequency Channel No. and frequency (MHz)
Data Protocol Transparent EOT (End of Transmission)
Radio Link Rate 9600
Operation Mode (Trimble protocol) Base/Rover
Sensitivity High (Rover)
Rx LED Meaning Signal Received
Serial Baud 38000
Advanced Menus Hide
CSMA On
Security Code Off
Edit Configuration Enabled
Scrambling On
Forward Error Correction On

12 ADL Sentry User Guide
Setup in the Office
1. Plug the radio’s desktop power supply into the wall. You may alternatively use an approved
12 Volt battery for power. But you must never power a radio with a battery while it is being
recharged. is will damage the battery.
2. Attach the desktop power supply’s (or battery’s) SAE connector to the radio programming
cable’s SAE connector.
3. Attach the programming cable’s DE-9 connector into a serial port on your PC. If your PC
does not have a serial port, you should use a serial-to-USB adaptor.
4. Attach the programming cable’s Turck plug (with the red dot facing up) into the bottom of
the radio. is will turn the radio on.
5. Install ADLCONF, available for free download from http://www.paciccrest.com/support.
php?page=updates.
6. Launch ADLCONF and refer to its user guide for instructions on connecting to ADL radios.
e user guide is displayed when you click Help > User Guide on ADLCONF’s main menu.
In most cases, you simply click the Connect button on the right of the ADLCONF main
screen.
7. After connecting to the radio for the rst time you should click File > Export and save a
copy of the radio’s original conguration to your PC. You also can return the radio to its
factory conguration by clicking File > Import and selecting this le. You will not lose any
channel tables or personalized congurations such as Owner Name or Call Sign by
importing a conguration le.
ADL Sentry Setup

13 ADL Sentry User Guide
Setting up in the Field
1. Attach the antenna to the radio, either directly to the top of the radio or to an antenna cable.
2. Attach the radio to your tripod using the tripod clip on the back of the radio. See the gure be
low for setup suggestions.
3. Connect the radio to the source of the data you will transmit, for example, a GPS receiver, using
the data/power cable. e ADL Sentry radio uses the same data connector – with the same pin
outs - found on the PDL HPB radio. is makes the radios compatible with existing HPB data
cables.
4. Join the data/power cable’s SAE connector to the 12 Volt battery’s SAE connector. is will turn
the radio on. If the radio had previously been powered on and then o, turn it on again by
pressing the On/O button in the center of the front panel.

14 ADL Sentry User Guide
Wall Mounting Kit (PN K01134)
Before connecting any cables, attach the ADL Sentry wall mount onto the back of the raido
and then attach the wall mount to the wall
Mast Mounting Kit (PN K01135)
Alternatively attach the ADL Sentry mast mount onto the back of the radio and then attach
the mast mount to the antenna mast.

15 ADL Sentry User Guide
Tripod mount
Each ADL Sentry radio includes a tripod clip on the rear of the radio. Insert the clip into a
slot on the tripod:
Antenna and antenna mount
The most important activity in setting up a radio transmitter is determining the placement
and type of the antenna. Where flexibility permits, always place the antenna on the highest
point available and always select an antenna with a gain pattern (more on this later) which
optimizes the coverage. In general, use a directional gained antenna such as a Yagi for a
point-to-point fixed location application and a gained omnidirectional antenna for mobile
point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication systems.
Note –Safety Concerns
- Be aware of power lines or other obstacles that can inadvertently come in contact with the
antenna and cause potentially lethal conditions.
- Guy-wire antenna masts higher than 10 feet.
- Use lightning arrestors for equipment and personal protection if erecting an antenna in
areas prone to lightning.
- Installation of antennas on buildings or other structures (towers, etc.) must be done in
accordance with local building regulations. Contact a local antenna installer who is familiar
with building codes and proper antenna installation for any permanent installation.

16 ADL Sentry User Guide
If you have an antenna with a male TNC connector, you can attach it directly to the RF
connector on the top of the radio. We highly recommend, however, that you elevate the
RF antenna as much as possible. The most common set up is similar to that shown in the
following illustration where an antenna cable with male TNC connector is attached to the
radio. The other end of this cable is attached to a tripod or elevated section of range pole.
The RF antenna is then attached to the end of the cable. Pacific Crest offers an antenna
cable that attaches to standard 5/8-in threaded tripods and range poles and antennas with
NMO connectors.
Inspect the antenna center push-pin contact to ensure that it makes good contact with
the antenna mount. A good antenna connection is critical to system performance.
Note – Always ensure that an antenna is connected before transmitting with any radio. A
good field practice is to attach the antenna before you turn on the radio and then turn off the
radio before you detach the antenna. Using a gained antenna raises the Effective Isotropic
Radiated Power (EIRP) of the radio. Ensure that the resultant EIRP does not exceed your
licensed limit.

17 ADL Sentry User Guide
Data/Power cable
The radio is connected to a data source using a data/power cable (see below). This cable
is available with different connectors for attaching to a large variety of data sources.
Contact your sales representative for selecting the best cable to meet your needs:
Each data/power cable also connects the radio (and in some cases, the data source) to
external power through an SAE-type connector. Pacific Crest strongly recommends you
use the external battery, which includes an SAE connector. It is sold both separately and
as part of the battery/charger kits.
Serial Port
The ADL Sentry supports one full RS-232 data port on an 8-pin I/O port. This port is
used to receive or transmit data in “data mode.” Attaching the ADL Sentry to a source of
power and a source of data is all you need to do to put Port 1 into “data mode.” Port 1 may
also be used in “command mode” to configure or troubleshoot the radio. To put Port 1 in
“command mode” apply power to the radio and connect it to a PC running ADLCONF
configuration software. Contact Pacific Crest Sales for information on incorporating into
your own software application a set of RS-232 commands for communication with the
ADL Sentry.
Enclosure
The radio enclosure is made from a tough, impact-resistant aluminum alloy. The
enclosure receives an anti-corrosion treatment and is further protected with a chemical-
and scratch-resistant polyurethane coating. Elastomer end caps provide the first level of
shock protection for the internal components. An internal isolation system reduces the
effects of vibration on the radio receiver board.
Antenna connector
The integrated antenna connector provides an industry standard TNC-female RF
connector that is compatible with a wide range of mobile whip antennas. Pacific Crest
also sells cables that connect the radio to remote antennas.
Data Source Connector
Radio Connector
SAE Power Connector

18 ADL Sentry User Guide
Battery care
The ADL Sentry Battery/Charger kit includes a 12 V, 12-AHr, battery. The battery is deep-
cycle, deep-discharge, sealed lead-acid battery, also known as portable power batteries.
The battery provide all-day operation for the respective radio and can be recharged
approximately 300 times over a period of three years if proper care is maintained.
A deep-discharge battery will last longer if it is never fully discharged during use and
always fully charged before storage. If the battery is discharged entirely, the capacity will
diminish. Transmitting at a high power level for a long period of time may cause the
battery to reach the automatic shut off level before eight hours of use and will need to be
recharged.
If you use your own battery, select a deep-discharge battery with a minimum capacity
of 30 AHr. If necessary, you can use an automotive battery, but it will be damaged by
repetitive discharge/charge cycles. An automotive battery will lose capacity in just a few
cycles. Pacific Crest does not recommend this practice.
To protect the battery from over-discharge, an ADL Sentry will flash a low voltage
warning when the input voltage declines to 10 V DC. If the voltage continues to decline,
the radio will shut itself off at 9 V DC. At 10 V DC, the LEDs on the front of the radio will
flash twice, pause, flash twice again, pause, etc. indicating low input voltage. If a radio has
shut itself off because of low input voltage, it will automatically turn itself back on when
the voltage returns to 9 V DC or higher.
The 10 V warning and 9 V shut-off levels are the factory defaults. If you wish, you can use
ADLCONF software (Radio Link - Advanced screen) to configure other power levels. You
can input a lower value for the ADL Sentry, but please be advised that values lower than 9
V might permanently damage your battery.
Charging
The charger supplied with the radio Battery/Charger kit provides two-stage charging and
must be connected to the battery following every full day of operation to ensure good
battery life and performance. The first stage quickly charges the battery to capacity, and
the second stage trickle charges the battery to maintain a full charge. It is important
to recharge your battery every time it is used. Do not allow a battery to remain in a
discharged state any longer than necessary.
It is important to periodically charge any battery that is stored for an extended length of
time. Storing batteries for an extended time in a discharged state damages them and will
reduce the capacity of the battery. To recharge a user-supplied battery, select a charger
of appropriate type. A battery charge designed for use with a deep-cycle, deep-discharge,
sealed lead acid battery may damage an automotive battery. An automotive battery
charger may not fully charge a deep-cycle, deed-discharge, sealed lead acid battery. Never
recharge any battery while it is connected to a radio as it could damage the radio and/or
the battery.

19 ADL Sentry User Guide
Operating the Radio
Turning the radio on and off
To turn on the radio, attach the radio to power using either the programming cable
(attached to wall/mains current) or the data/power cable (attached to the external
battery of the radio). Once the radio detects power on its data connector, it automatically
turns on and is ready for communication within 5 seconds. If the wall/mains current is
interrupted, the radio automatically turns itself on and resumes transmitting data within
5 seconds of power restoration. If the radio is attached to an antenna when the radio is
turned on, it automatically runs an antenna test before it will communicate. Wait until
this test is complete before transmitting any data.
To turn off the radio, either detach its power cable or depress the On/Off button in the
center of the front panel for 5 seconds..
To turn the radio on again, either press the On/Off button or remove and reinsert the
data/power cable.

20 ADL Sentry User Guide
Indicator LEDs
LED Description
Tx Shows that the radio is broadcasting.
In most GPS RTK applications, the Tx LED flashes approximately once per second.
Pwr Shows the power status and also provides a high and low external voltage supply
indicator.
When lit, power is turned on. If the power is too high or too low, the LEDs will flash
the number of the Error Code (see page 20). The PWR LED blinks when the external
voltage drops to a level determined using ADLCONF software. (The default
level is 10 VDC.)
If the PWR LED does not turn on/off when pressing the On/Off button on the radio’s front
panel, inspect the external voltage supply. The minimum voltage required by the radio is
9 VDC.
Rx Shows that the radio is receiving signals from another radio or from a source of
interference.
The default is Signal received, but you can reset the radio so that when its Rx LED flashes
it means Data packets received. You can reset the meaning either through the radio or
with the ADLCONF software.
During normal operation, the Rx LED flashes at once per second to show reception of
transmissions from the transmitting radio. If the Rx LED is on continuously, a source of
interference may be affecting the radio’s ability to receive data.
To reduce or eliminate the interference, reposition the antenna, or change to another
channel at both the transmitter and receiver.
PGM Can be programmed to behave in user-definable ways. For more on programming contact
your Pacific Crest dealer.
Serial Port
The ADL Sentry supports one full RS-232 data port on an 8-pin I/O port. This port is
used to receive or transmit data in “data mode.” Attaching the ADL Sentry to a source of
power and a source of data is all you need to do to put Port 1 into “data mode.” Port 1 may
also be used in “command mode” to configure or troubleshoot the radio. To put Port 1 in
“command mode” apply power to the radio and connect it to a PC running ADLCONF
configuration software. Contact Pacific Crest Sales for information on incorporating into
your own software application a set of RS-232 commands for communication with the
ADL Sentry.
Security code
You can use the ADLCONF software to configure ADL radios to send and receive
encrypted data via the Transparent EOT/EOC or Packet Switched protocols. When
an ADL Sentry radio is programmed for encryption and is set to one of these three
supporting protocols, only similarly configured radios will be able to communicate with it.
Note – With the Security Code feature on, the radio will be unable to communicate with
other radios that are not set to use the same code. When you enable this feature for one radio,
therefore, you should enable it for all the radios in the same communication network. ADL
radios with button/LCD interfaces can turn the Security Code feature on or off in the field, but
all other Pacific Crest radios, such as the ADL Sentry, must be attached to a computer running
the appropriate configuration software to disable the Security Code feature.