ProSoft Technology RadioLinx RLX-IFH E Series User manual

RLX-IFHE
RadioLinx Industrial Wireless
RadioLinx®Industrial Frequency
Hopping Ethernet Radios
November 19, 2013
USER MANUAL

Your Feedback Please
We always want you to feel that you made the right decision to use our products. If you have suggestions, comments,
compliments or complaints about our products, documentation, or support, please write or call us.
How to Contact Us
ProSoft Technology
5201 Truxtun Ave., 3rd Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93309
[phone]
[phone] (Fax)
www.prosoft-technology.com
[email protected]
Copyright © 2013 ProSoft Technology, Inc., all rights reserved.
RLX-IFHE User Manual
November 19, 2013
ProSoft Technology ®, ProLinx ®, inRAx ®, ProTalk ®, and RadioLinx ®are Registered Trademarks of ProSoft
Technology, Inc. All other brand or product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products
and services of, their respective owners.
ProSoft Technology®Product Documentation
In an effort to conserve paper, ProSoft Technology no longer includes printed manuals with our product shipments.
User Manuals, Datasheets, Sample Ladder Files, and Configuration Files are provided on the enclosed CD-ROM in
Adobe®Acrobat Reader file format (.PDFs). These product documentation files may also be freely downloaded from
our web site: www.prosoft-technology.com

Important Safety Information
The following Information and warnings pertaining to the radio module must be heeded.
WARNING –EXPLOSION HAZARD –DO NOT REPLACE ANTENNAS UNLESS POWER HAS BEEN SWITCHED
OFF OR THE AREA IS KNOWN TO BE NON-HAZARDOUS.
"THIS DEVICE CONTAINS A TRANSMITTER MODULE, FCC ID: . PLEASE SEE FCC ID LABEL ON BACK OF
DEVICE."
"THIS DEVICE USES AN INTERNAL COMPACT FLASH RADIO MODULE AS THE PRIMARY RADIO
COMPONENT. THE COMPACT FLASH RADIO MODULE DOES NOT HAVE AN FCC ID LABEL. THE COMPACT
FLASH RADIO MODULE HAS NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS."
"THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING
TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE
MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE
UNDESIRED OPERATION."
"CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR
COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’s AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT."
Industry Canada Requirements
"THIS DEVICE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO OPERATE WITH AN ANTENNA HAVING A MAXIMUM GAIN OF 24 dB.
AN ANTENNA HAVING A HIGHER GAIN IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED PER REGULATIONS OF INDUSTRY
CANADA. THE REQUIRED ANTENNA IMPEDANCE IS 50 OHMS."
"TO REDUCE POTENTIAL RADIO INTERFERENCE TO OTHER USERS, THE ANTENNA TYPE AND ITS GAIN
SHOULD BE CHOSEN SUCH THAT THE EQUIVALENT ISOTROPICALLY RADIATED POWER (EIRP) IS NOT
MORE THAN THAT REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL COMMUNICATION."
"THE INSTALLER OF THIS RADIO EQUIPMENT MUST INSURE THAT THE ANTENNA IS LOCATED OR
POINTED SUCH THAT IT DOES NOT EMIT RF FIELD IN EXCESS OF HEALTH CANADA LIMITS FOR THE
GENERAL POPULATION; CONSULT SAFETY CODE 6, OBTAINABLE FROM HEALTH CANADA."
RLX-IFHxE Recommended Antennas
Recommended Antennas
Part Number
Max Gain
Part Number
Max Gain
Part Number
Max Gain
A902S-OA
2 dBi
A2424NJ-DB
24 dBi
A2410NJ-DY
10 dBi
A907NJ-OC
7 dBi
A082503-80-OBH
3 dBi
A2415NJ-DY
15 dBi
A908NJ-DY
8 dBi
A911NJ-DY
11 dBi
A2402S-OS
2 dBi
A2402S-OSLP
2 dBi
A2403NBH-OC
3 dBi
A2404NBHW-OC
4 dBi
A2404NJ-OC
4 dBi
A2405S-OA
5 dBi
A2405S-OM
5 dBi
A2505S-OS
5 dBi
A2406NJ-OC
6 dBi
A2406NJ-OCD
6 dBi
A2408NJ-OC
8 dBi
A2409NJ-OCD
9 dBi
A2415NJ-OC
15 dBi
A902NJ-OC
2 dBi
A902S-OA
2 dBi
A903NBH-OC
3 dBi
A903S-OM
3 dBi
A905NJ-OC
5 dBi
A907NJ-OC
7 dBi
A2408NJ-DP
8 dBi
A2413NJ-DP
13 dBi
A2416NJ-DP
16 dBi
A2419NJ-DP
19 dBi
A912NJ-DP
12 dBi
A2419NJ-DB
19 dBi

Antenna spacing requirements for user safety
It is important to keep the radio's antenna a safe distance from the user. To meet the requirements of FCC part
2.1091 for radio frequency radiation exposure, this radio must be used in such a way as to guarantee at least 20 cm
between the antenna and users. Greater distances are required for high-gain antennas. The FCC requires a
minimum distance of 1 mW *cm2 power density from the user (or 20 cm, whichever is greater).
If a specific application requires proximity of less than 20 cm, the application must be approved through the FCC for
compliance to part 2.1093.
Important Installation Instructions
This equipment is suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D OR non-hazardous locations only.
WARNING –EXPLOSION HAZARD –DO NOT DISCONNECT EQUIPMENT UNLESS POWER HAS BEEN
REMOVED OR THE AREA IS KNOWN TO BE NON-HAZARDOUS.
WARNING –EXPLOSION HAZARD - SUBSTITUTION OF ANY COMPONENTS MAY IMPAIR SUITABILITY FOR
CLASS I, DIVISION 2.
Power must be provided from NEC Class 2 Circuit or a Limited Power Source.
EU Requirements
1. For outdoor use, France has a frequency restriction of 2.4 GHz to 2.454 GHz for an output power greater than 10
mW and below 100 mW.
2. For outdoor use in France, the output power is restricted to 10 mW in the frequency range of 2.454 GHz to 2.4835
GHz.
3. 5.15 GHz to 5.35 GHz is restricted to 200 mW EIRP throughout the European Union.
RadioLinx IFH: FCC Part 15 & Industry Canada Rules
The statements contained in this "Regulatory Approvals" section are required. If the ProSoft Technology, RadioLinx
wireless modem and switches are used as a component of any device, these statements must be a component of
that device’s product documentation.
RadioLinx IFHE: COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
The ProSoft Technology, RadioLinx devices comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules as well as Industry Canada Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference, and,
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
In Canada, this device is to be operated indoors only and away from windows to provide maximum shielding and to
prevent radio interference to the Canadian licensed service. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed
outdoors in Canada is subject to licensing.
Note: The ProSoft Technology, RadioLinx module is labeled with an FCC ID number and a Canadian Certification
Number. If this label is not visible when installed in an end-device, the outside of the device MUST also display a
label referring to the enclosed RadioLinx. Use wording on the label similar to the following:
RLX-IFH9E: "Transmitter Module FCC ID: NS906P21, Canada 3143AO6P21"
RLX-IFH24E: "Transmitter Module FCC ID: IC NS907P23, Canada 3143AO7P23"
OR
RLX-IFH9E: "This device contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: NS906P21, Canada 3143AO6P21"
RLX-IFH24E: "This device contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: NS907P23, Canada 3143AO7P23"
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this radio module not expressly approved by its manufacturer, ProSoft
Technology, may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Agency Approvals & Certifications
Wireless Approvals
Visit our web site at www.prosoft-technology.com for current wireless approval information.
Hazardous Locations
ANSI/ISA
CSA
ATEX
UL/cUL; Class 1, Div 2
Ordinary Locations
CSA/CB
FCC/IC
ETSI
Agency Approvals & Certifications
Wireless Approvals
Visit our website at www.prosoft-technology.com for current wireless approval information.

RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Contents
RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios User Manual
ProSoft Technology, Inc. Page 7 of 109
November 19, 2013
Contents
Your Feedback Please........................................................................................................................2
How to Contact Us..............................................................................................................................2
ProSoft Technology®Product Documentation....................................................................................2
Important Safety Information...............................................................................................................3
RLX-IFHxE Recommended Antennas...............................................................................................3
Recommended Antennas ...................................................................................................................3
Antenna spacing requirements for user safety ...................................................................................4
Important Installation Instructions.......................................................................................................4
EU Requirements................................................................................................................................4
RadioLinx IFH: FCC Part 15 & Industry Canada Rules......................................................................4
RadioLinx IFHE: COMPLIANCE STATEMENT..................................................................................4
Agency Approvals & Certifications......................................................................................................5
Agency Approvals & Certifications......................................................................................................5
Guide to the RLX-IFHE User Manual 11
1Start Here 13
1.1 About the RadioLinx Industrial Frequency Hopping Radios ...................................13
1.1.1 Product Specifications - RLX-IFH9E.......................................................................13
1.1.2 Product Specifications - RLX-IFH24E.....................................................................15
1.2 Package Contents...................................................................................................16
1.3 System Requirements.............................................................................................17
1.4 Installing ControlScape FH Configuration Software................................................18
1.5 Planning the Network..............................................................................................19
1.5.1 Installation Questions..............................................................................................20
1.5.2 ProSoft Wireless Designer......................................................................................21
1.6 Configuring the Radios............................................................................................23
1.6.1 Start ControlScape FH ............................................................................................23
1.6.2 Set Up the Network.................................................................................................24
1.6.3 General Radio Configuration...................................................................................34
1.6.4 Set Up the Master Radio.........................................................................................35
1.6.5 Adding Remote Radios ...........................................................................................40
1.6.6 Add Repeaters ........................................................................................................41
1.6.7 Graphically Defining the RF Link.............................................................................43
1.6.8 Saving the Network Configuration...........................................................................45
1.6.9 Transfer the Configuration to the Remote Radios ..................................................46
1.7 Planning the Physical Installation............................................................................48
1.8 Testing the Network Installation Plan......................................................................49
1.9 Verifying Communication ........................................................................................50
1.9.1 Viewing Operating Network.....................................................................................50
1.9.2 Viewing Signal Strength..........................................................................................51
1.9.3 Getting Radio Status ...............................................................................................52
2Installing the Radios 55
2.1 Radio Hardware ......................................................................................................56
2.1.1 Radio power requirements......................................................................................56
2.1.2 Connecting antennas ..............................................................................................56

Contents RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless
User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios
Page 8 of 109 ProSoft Technology, Inc.
November 19, 2013
2.2 Connecting the Radio to a Network Device............................................................ 58
2.2.1 Cable Connections ................................................................................................. 58
3Diagnostics and Troubleshooting 67
3.1 Diagnostics Overview ............................................................................................. 68
3.2 LED Status Indicators............................................................................................. 69
3.3 Sources of Interference .......................................................................................... 70
3.3.1 Changing a Network's Channel .............................................................................. 70
3.3.2 Viewing Radio Channel Noise Level ...................................................................... 71
3.3.3 IFHE Spectrum Analyzer Dialog Box...................................................................... 73
3.4 Troubleshooting ControlScape FH Error Messages............................................... 74
3.4.1 Radio Configuration Status Dialog Box .................................................................. 74
3.4.2 Invalid Password Dialog Box.................................................................................. 74
3.4.3 Check the Ethernet cable ....................................................................................... 74
3.4.4 Connection Errors................................................................................................... 75
3.5 Troubleshooting Missing Radios............................................................................. 76
3.6 RadioLinx OPC Server ........................................................................................... 77
3.6.1 System Requirements ............................................................................................ 77
4Reference 79
4.1 Antennas................................................................................................................. 80
4.1.1 Antenna location, spacing, and mounting............................................................... 80
4.1.2 Antenna Pattern...................................................................................................... 81
4.1.3 Antenna Gain.......................................................................................................... 81
4.1.4 Antenna Polarity ..................................................................................................... 82
4.1.5 Whip antennas........................................................................................................ 82
4.1.6 Collinear array antennas......................................................................................... 83
4.1.7 Yagi Array Antenna................................................................................................. 84
4.1.8 Parabolic reflector antennas................................................................................... 85
Glossary of Terms 86
5Support, Service & Warranty 99
Contacting Technical Support .......................................................................................................... 99
5.1 Return Material Authorization (RMA) Policies and Conditions............................. 101
5.1.1 Returning Any Product.......................................................................................... 101
5.1.2 Returning Units Under Warranty........................................................................... 102
5.1.3 Returning Units Out of Warranty........................................................................... 102
5.2 LIMITED WARRANTY.......................................................................................... 103
5.2.1 What Is Covered By This Warranty ...................................................................... 103
5.2.2 What Is Not Covered By This Warranty................................................................ 104
5.2.3 Disclaimer Regarding High Risk Activities............................................................ 104
5.2.4 Intellectual Property Indemnity ............................................................................. 105
5.2.5 Disclaimer of all Other Warranties........................................................................ 105
5.2.6 Limitation of Remedies ** ..................................................................................... 106
5.2.7 Time Limit for Bringing Suit................................................................................... 106
5.2.8 No Other Warranties............................................................................................. 106
5.2.9 Allocation of Risks ................................................................................................ 106
5.2.10 Controlling Law and Severability .......................................................................... 106

RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Contents
RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios User Manual
ProSoft Technology, Inc. Page 9 of 109
November 19, 2013
Index 107

Contents RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless
User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios
Page 10 of 109 ProSoft Technology, Inc.
November 19, 2013

RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Guide to the RLX-IFHE User Manual
RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios User Manual
ProSoft Technology, Inc. Page 11 of 109
November 19, 2013
Guide to the RLX-IFHE User Manual
Function
Section to Read
Details
Introduction
(Must Do)
Start Here (page 12)
This section introduces the customer to the
module. Included are: package contents,
system requirements, hardware installation, and
basic configuration.
Configuring the Radios
Set Up the Network
(page 24)
Set Up the Master
Radio (page 35)
Add Remote Radios
and Repeaters
(page 40)
Save the Radio
Configuration (page
39)
This section describes the procedure for
designing and configuring a network of RLX-
IFHE radios.
Installing the Radios
Radio Hardware
(page 56)
Connecting
antennas (page 56)
Connecting Radios
to a Device Network
(page 58)
This section describes how to install the radio
hardware, connect antennas, and connect the
radios to networked devices.
Diagnostic and
Troubleshooting
Verify
Communication
(page 50)
Diagnostics and
Troubleshooting
(page 67, page 68)
This section describes how to verify
communications with the network. Diagnostic
and Troubleshooting procedures.
Reference
Physical Installation
Antenna Selection
Glossary
Reference (page 79)
Product
Specifications (page
13)
These sections contain general references
associated with this product, Specifications, and
the Functional Overview.
Support, Service, and
Warranty
Index
Support, Service
and Warranty (page
99)
This section contains Support, Service and
Warranty information.
Index of chapters.

Guide to the RLX-IFHE User Manual RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless
User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios
Page 12 of 109 ProSoft Technology, Inc.
November 19, 2013

RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Start Here
RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios User Manual
ProSoft Technology, Inc. Page 13 of 109
November 19, 2013
1 Start Here
In This Chapter
About the RadioLinx Industrial Frequency Hopping Radios ..................13
Package Contents.................................................................................16
System Requirements...........................................................................17
Installing ControlScape FH Configuration Software ..............................18
Planning the Network ............................................................................19
Configuring the Radios..........................................................................23
Planning the Physical Installation..........................................................48
Testing the Network Installation Plan....................................................49
Verifying Communication.......................................................................50
1.1 About the RadioLinx Industrial Frequency Hopping Radios
1.1.1 Product Specifications - RLX-IFH9E
The RLX-IFH9E provides powerful and secure wireless Ethernet communications
and is well suited for demanding, long-range (up to 30+ miles) SCADA and other
Ethernet applications in tough environments. Operating in the license-free 900
MHz band, the RLX-IFH9E penetrates foliage and walls / ceilings better than
higher frequency radios. The RLX-IFH9E is user configurable as a master,
repeater and remote radio and employs the 128 bit AES encryption algorithm
approved by the United States government for top secret information.
RLX-IFH9E radios are quickly and easily configured using the included, graphical
ControlScape software. An OPC server software is also included and allows
users to monitor radio network health with any OPC client based HMI software.

Start Here RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless
User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios
Page 14 of 109 ProSoft Technology, Inc.
November 19, 2013
Radio Specifications
Frequency
902 MHz to 928 MHz
Protocols
All standard IEEE 802.3 protocols
Security
128 bit AES encryption
Network Topology
Point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, store and forward
repeater
Error Detection
32 bit CRC, ARQ (Automatic Resend Query)
Radio Type
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
Transmit Power
(Programmable)
100 mW to 1 W (Programmable)
20 dBm to 30 dBm (Programmable)
Channel data rates
1.1 Mbps or 345 kbps (Programmable)
Receiver Sensitivity
(Typical)
1.1 Mbps: -98 dBm @ 10-6 BER
345 kbps: -106 dBm @ 10-6 BER
Outdoor Range
30+ miles pt-pt with high gain directional antennas and RF
line-of-sight
Hardware Specifications
Enclosure
Extruded aluminum with DIN and panel mount
Size
117 x 112 x 41 mm / 4.6 x 4.4 x 1.6 inches (W x H x D)
Ethernet Port
10/100 Base-T connector, shielded RJ45
IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3x
Serial Data Port
RS-232, DB9 / RS-422 and RS-485
300 bps to 230 kbps
Antenna Ports
(1) RP-SMA connector
Weight
1.0 lbs (454g)
Operating Temp
-40°F to 149°F (–40°C to +65°C)
Humidity
Up to 100% RH, without condensation
Vibration
IEC 60068-2-6 (20g, 3-Axis)
Shock
IEC 60068-2-27 (5g, 10 Hz to 150 Hz)
External Power
9 Vdc to 24 Vdc
Power Consumption
12 W peak

RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Start Here
RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios User Manual
ProSoft Technology, Inc. Page 15 of 109
November 19, 2013
1.1.2 Product Specifications - RLX-IFH24E
The RLX-IFH24E provides powerful and secure wireless Ethernet
communications and is well suited for demanding, long-range (up to 15+ miles)
SCADA and other Ethernet applications in tough environments. Operating in the
internationally license-free 2.4 GHz band, the RLX-IFH24E offers an alternative
when 900 MHz radios cannot be used due to government regulations, band
saturation, or customer preference. The RLX-IFH24E is user configurable as a
master, repeater and remote radio and employs the 128 bit AES encryption
algorithm approved by the United States government for top secret information.
RLX-IFH24E radios are quickly and easily configured using the included,
graphical ControlScape software. An OPC server software is also included and
allows users to monitor radio network health with any OPC client based HMI
software.
Radio Specifications
Frequency
2.400 GHz to 2.4835 GHz
Protocols
All standard IEEE 802.3 protocols
Security
128 bit AES encryption
Network Topology
Point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, store and forward
repeater
Error Detection
32 bit CRC, ARQ (Automatic Resend Query)
Radio Type
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
Transmit Power
100 mW to 1W (FCC - A model –Programmable)
10 mW to 100 mW (ETSI - E model –Programmable)
Channel data rates
1.1 Mbps or 345 kbps (Programmable)
Receiver Sensitivity
(Typical)
1.1 Mbps: -98 dBm @ 10-6 BER
345 kbps: -106 dBm @ 10-6 BER
Outdoor Range
15+ miles pt-pt with high gain directional antennas and RF
line-of-sight (Americas version)
Hardware Specifications
Enclosure
Extruded aluminum with DIN and panel mount
Size
117 x 112 x 41 mm / 4.6 x 4.4 x 1.6 inches (W x H x D)
Ethernet Port
10/100 Base-T connector, shielded RJ45
IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3x
Serial Data Port
RS-232, DB9/ RS-422 and RS-485
300 bps to 230 kbps
Antenna Ports
(1) RP-SMA connector
Weight
1.0 lbs (454 g)
Operating Temp
-40°F to 149°F (–40°C to +65°C)
Humidity
Up to100% RH, with no condensation
Vibration
IEC 60068-2-6 (20g, 3-axis)
Shock
IEC 60068-2-27 (5g, 10 Hz to 150 Hz)
External Power
9 Vdc to 24 Vdc
Power Consumption
12 W peak

Start Here RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless
User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios
Page 16 of 109 ProSoft Technology, Inc.
November 19, 2013
1.2 Package Contents
The following components are included with your RLX-IFHE radio, and are all
required for installation and configuration.
Important: Before beginning the installation, please verify that all of the following
items are present.
Qty.
Part Name
Part Number
Part Description
1
RLX-IFHE Radio
RLX-IFHE
RadioLinx®Industrial Frequency Hopping
Ethernet Radios
1
Cable
085-1007
DB9 M/F, 6 foot Straight Thru Serial Cable
1
Cable
Cable #15, RS232
For RS232 Connection to the CFG Port
1
Cable
RL-CBL025
5-foot Ethernet Straight-Thru Cable (Gray)
1
Cable
RL-CBL024
5-foot Ethernet Crossover Cable (Red)
1
Antenna
A2502S-OA
A902S-OA
2dBi Omni Articulating Antenna (RLX-
IFH24E)
2dBi Omni Articulating Antenna (RLX-
IFH9E)
1
Power Supply
RL-PS007-2
AC Power Adapter, 12V1.6A w/2 pin & 4
plug Set
1
ProSoft Solutions CD
Contains sample programs, utilities and
documentation for the RLX-IFHE module.
If any of these components are missing, please contact ProSoft Technology
Support for replacement parts.

RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Start Here
RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios User Manual
ProSoft Technology, Inc. Page 17 of 109
November 19, 2013
1.3 System Requirements
The following system requirements are the recommended minimum
specifications to successfully install and run ControlScape FH:
Microsoft Windows compatible PC
Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2 or higher, or Windows XP Professional
with Service Pack 2 or higher, or Windows 2003.
300 mHz Pentium processor (or equivalent)
128 megabytes of RAM
20 megabytes of free disk space
Ethernet hub with standard RJ45 Ethernet cable
or
Ethernet port with RJ45 crossover cable for direct connection to module
In addition, you will need
A connection to an existing wired or wireless Ethernet network, with a Static
or Dynamic IP address for your computer
Static IP address, Subnet Mask and Gateway address for each RadioLinx
device you plan to install. Obtain this information from your system
administrator.

Start Here RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless
User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios
Page 18 of 109 ProSoft Technology, Inc.
November 19, 2013
1.4 Installing ControlScape FH Configuration Software
1 Insert the ProSoft Solutions CD in your CD-ROM drive. On most computers,
a menu screen will open automatically. If you do not see a menu within a few
seconds, follow these steps:
a Click the Start button, and then choose Run.
b In the Run dialog box, click the Browse button.
c In the Browse dialog box, click "My Computer". In the list of drives,
choose the CD-ROM drive where you inserted the ProSoft Solutions CD.
d Select the file prosoft.exe, and then click Open.
e On the Run dialog box, click OK.
2 On the CD-ROM menu, select Setup Software under RLX-FH Frequency
Hopping. This action opens the Setup Wizard for ControlScape FH.
3 Follow the instructions on the installation wizard to install the program with its
default location and settings.
4 When the installation finishes, you may be prompted to restart your computer
if certain files were in use during installation. The updated files will be
installed during the restart process.

RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Start Here
RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios User Manual
ProSoft Technology, Inc. Page 19 of 109
November 19, 2013
1.5 Planning the Network
Before you configure and install the network, you should create a plan for it. To
begin, determine where you need radios and then choose locations for them
accordingly. For example, you might decide to install your master radio near a
PC in a central plant location (You can use the PC to configure the radios
through ControlScape FH). If the plant is an oil refinery, for example, you might
decide to install radios near the oil tanks.
The following illustration shows how a radio network of RLX-IFH24E radios could
be deployed to connect a variety of PLCs using a variety of industrial protocols.
You could deploy a similar network of RLX-IFH9E radios.
The next important issue is how to link the radios. Unless the radios are very
close together, you must make sure that each pair of radio antennas in the
network has a line of sight between them. In other words, you must be able to
see from one antenna to another, either with the naked eye or binoculars.
If a line of sight does not exist between antennas, you must choose a site for
installing a repeater radio, which will create a bridge between the radio antennas.
As part of your planning, you may need to conduct a site survey. ProSoft
Technology can perform this survey, you can do it yourself, or you can hire a
surveyor.

Start Here RLX-IFHE ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless
User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Ethernet Radios
Page 20 of 109 ProSoft Technology, Inc.
November 19, 2013
The simplest way to design the physical network of radios, antennas, connectors,
cables, amplifiers and other accessories, is to use ProSoft Wireless Designer
(page 21). This application determines your hardware needs based on your
answers to a few questions, and then generates a Bill of Materials specifying all
the components you will need for your installation.
Consider printing your network plan from ProSoft Wireless Designer for
references as you configure your network in ControlScape FH.
Protect radios from direct exposure to weather, and provide an adequate, stable
power source. Make sure that your plan complies with the radio’s power
requirements (page 56) and cable specifications (page 59, page 16, page 38,
page 17).
Important: Radios and antennas must be located at least 8 inches (20 cm) away
from personnel.
1.5.1 Installation Questions
Answer the following questions to make your installation easier, and to familiarize
yourself with your system and what you want to do.
How many radios in your network?
Static IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway
addresses for each RadioLinx device
Connection to an existing wired or wireless Ethernet network, either
directly from the PC, or through an Ethernet switch or hub
Master ID
Repeater ID
Remote ID
Locations
Is there a Line of Sight between them?
Selected the appropriate antennas for your network?
What type of network protocols do you need to
support?
What type of cable connections do your network
devices require?