Rae RAELink3 User manual

RAELink3 Mesh
User’s Guide
Rev. A
June 2012
P/N 029-4508-100

FCC Part 15 statement
This device contains FCC ID: QNT PT2400GS20-A. This device
complies with Part15 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.
© Copyright 2012 RAE Systems, Inc.

1
Contents
1Regulatory Information ...............................................................3
2Standard Contents........................................................................6
3General Information.....................................................................6
3.1 Configuration Options ........................................................7
3.1.1 Connection With Third-Party Devices ...............................8
3.2 Key Features .......................................................................9
4Specifications.............................................................................10
5Charging The Battery ................................................................11
5.1 Detaching The Charging Adapter .....................................12
5.2 Replacing The Li-ion Battery ...........................................13
5.3 Alkaline Battery Adapter ..................................................13
5.4 User Interface....................................................................15
6Backlight....................................................................................16
7Display.......................................................................................16
8Operating The RAELink3 Mesh................................................17
9Modes Of Operation ..................................................................17
9.1 Host Mode.........................................................................18
9.2 Remote Mode....................................................................18
9.3 Repeater Mode..................................................................19
10 Turning The RAELink3 Mesh On.............................................20
11 Turning The RAELink3 Mesh Off ............................................21
12 Configuring The RAELink3 Mesh ............................................21
12.1 Accessing Programming Mode.........................................22
12.2 Setting The Network ID....................................................23
12.3 Setting The Operation Mode.............................................25
12.4 Setting The Unit ID...........................................................26
12.5 Mesh Radio Power Control...............................................30
12.6 PAN ID .............................................................................31
12.7 Channel .............................................................................32
12.8 Cable Menu In Remote Mode...........................................35
12.8.1 Cable Setting...................................................................37
12.8.2 Simultaneous Mesh And Cable Operation......................37
12.9 Baudrate ............................................................................38
12.10 GPS Status ........................................................................38
12.11 GPS Coordinates Check....................................................39
12.12 Modem Configuration Menu ............................................40
13 Connecting A RAELink3 Mesh Remote Via Cable ..................41

2
14 GPS And Unobstructed Line Of Sight.......................................42
14.1 Cleaning The RAELink3 Mesh.........................................43
14.2 Ordering Replacement Parts .............................................43
14.3 Special Servicing Note......................................................43
15 Troubleshooting.........................................................................44
16 Technical Support......................................................................45
17 RAE Systems Contacts..............................................................46

3
1 Regulatory Information
CAUTION!
To reduce the risk of electric shock, never open the modem cover
during normal operation. This modem is certified to be used in Class
I, Division 2 hazardous locations.
WARNINGS
Use only RAE Systems supplied charging adapter to charge the
rechargeable battery pack inside the modem. Use only RAE Systems
Lithium-Ion battery pack 029-3501-000 or alkaline battery pack, 029-
3502-000. Recharge/replace batteries only in non-hazardous
locations. The serial connection port may not be used in hazardous
area.
STATIC HAZARD: Clean only with a damp cloth.
For safety reasons this equipment must be operated and serviced by
qualified personnel only. Read and understand instruction manual
completely before operating or servicing.
Proper Product Disposal At End Of Life
This symbol (crossed-out wheeled bin) indicates
separate collection of waste electrical and electronic
equipment in the EU countries. This product may
contain one or more Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH),
Lithium-ion, or Alkaline batteries. Specific battery
information is given in this user guide.
Batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly.
At the end of its life, this product must undergo separate
collection and recycling from general or household
waste. Please use the return and collection system
available in your country for the disposal of this product.

4
Specifications
Dimensions
4.73″ x 3.4″ x 1.85″
(120 mm x 86 mm x 48 mm)
Weight
17.3 oz (490 g)
Battery
Rechargeable 7.4V Lithium-Ion battery
pack
Alkaline battery pack (7.5V, five
alkaline batteries)
LCD Display
Backlit with icons and text
Attachment
Belt Clip
Temperature
-20o C to 55o C (-4o F to 131o F)
Humidity
0% to 95% relative humidity
(Non-condensing)
Safety Certification
Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D,
T4
For rechargeable battery pack, 029-3501-000:
WARNING
To reduce the risk of ignition of hazardous atmospheres,
recharge/replace battery only in area known to be non-hazardous.
Ne charger les batteries que dans l’emplacement désigné non
dangereux.
For alkaline battery pack, 029-3502-000:
Note: Do not mix old and new or different types of batteries. Do not
change batteries in hazardous locations.

5
Antenna Lock
Caution: To reduce risk when operating in potentially explosive
atmospheres, ensure the antenna is locked in place with set-screw to
prevent inadvertent disconnection.
Note: Antenna must be locked
in place with set-screw

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
6
2 Standard Contents
•RAELink3 Mesh
•Charging adapter with AC cable
•Alkaline battery adapter
•RS-232 computer interface cable
•Coiled serial cable (for connection to devices without mesh radio)
•RAELink3 Mesh Quick Reference Guide
•RAELink3 Mesh Resource CD
•Whip antenna (for use when RAELink3 Mesh is in Remote
mode)
•5dBi antenna with 12' cable and magnetic mount (for use when
RAELink3 Mesh is in Host or Repeater mode)
•Hard transport case
3 General Information
The RAELink3 Mesh is a compact, portable radio-frequency modem
that provides long-range wireless communication between remote
portable gas monitors (PGMs) such as RAE Systems’ ToxiRAE Pro,
MultiRAE Series, etc., and a base station/computer for
comprehensive monitoring. Up to eight monitors can connect to a
RAELink3 Mesh in Remote mode at the same time, and up to 64
monitors equipped with RAELink3 Mesh units can be networked with
a single Host. In addition, for applications requiring long-distance
monitoring or monitoring in locations with obstructions to clear line-
of-sight communication, RAELink3 Meshes configured as Repeaters
extend the effective reach of the system.

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
7
3.1 Configuration Options
The RAELink3 Mesh can be configured to act in one of the following
three modes:
1. Remote. The RAELink3 Mesh in Remote mode functions as a
slave modem and communicates to a host modem or RAELink3 with
the same network ID.
2. Host. The RAELink3 Mesh in Host mode functions as a host
modem and communicates with multiple RAELink3-compatible
radio-enabled RAE Systems products with the same network ID. It
must be connected via cable to a PC running ProRAE Guardian
software.
3. Repeater. The RAELink3 Mesh in Repeater mode functions as a
repeater for RAELink3 Mesh modems in Remote mode or other
RAELink3 modems with the same Network ID.

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
8
Connection With Third-Party Devices
The RAELink3 Mesh can be configured as a slave modem to
communicate sensor data from select third-party monitors to a host
modem with the same Network ID. Third-party monitors available to
choose from include ChemRAE, DustTrak2, and AP4C.
Note: Some third-party monitors require a custom cable for
connection with a RAELink3 Mesh.

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
9
3.2 Key Features
•Onboard mesh license-free radio modem for linking with
instruments within 10 meters
•Onboard long-range license-free radio for transmission of data up
to 2 miles
•Onboard microcomputer provides flexible protocol translation in
order to interface to most monitoring devices via a serial port
•Onboard GPS receiver provides global positioning capability
•Onboard LCD displaying radio signal strength, GPS tracking
status, and battery life
•Long operating time from built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery
pack (up to 14 hours of continuous operation)
Note: Up to nine monitors can connect to one RAELink3 Mesh using
mesh-radio (8) and serial cable (1) connection.

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
10
4 Specifications
Dimensions
4.73″x 3.4″x 1.85″
(120 mm x 86 mm x 48 mm)
Weight
17.3 oz (490 g)
Battery
Rechargeable 7.4V/1650mAh Lithium-
Ion battery pack
Alkaline battery pack (7.5V, five
alkaline batteries)
Operating Time
Up to 14 hours of continuous operation.
LCD Display
Backlit with icons and text
Keypad
3 keys: Y/+, N/-, and MODE
Sensitivity
-108dBm at 10-6 bit error rate
Data Rate
Up to 115.2 kbps
Error Detection
32 bps CRC, retransmit on error
Data Interface
Mesh radio, RS-232
GPS Accuracy
Within 5 meters
Temperature
-20o C to 55o C (-4o F to 131o F)
Humidity
0% to 95% relative humidity
(Non-condensing)
IP Rating
IP-65
Safety Certification
Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D,
T4

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
11
5 Charging The Battery
It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the
RAELink3 Mesh. The Li-ion battery is charged by attaching the
instrument to the Charging Adapter.
Follow this procedure to charge the instrument:
1. Align the Charging Adapter with the back of the RAELink3 Mesh
(two guides match indents on the back of the Charging Adapter.
2. Slide the Charging Adapter onto the back of the RAELink3
Mesh.
3. Make sure the latch clicks into place.
4. Plug the power supply’s barrel connector into the input on the
side of the Charging Adapter.
5. Plug the power supply into the wall outlet.
The LED Charging Indicator in the Charging
Adapter should glow red to indicate it is charging,
and glow green when the battery is fully charged.
Charging
Indicator

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
12
5.1 Detaching The Charging Adapter
To detach the Charging Adapter, press in on the latch. While pressing
the latch, slide the Charging Adapter down.
Press latch
Slide down
while pressing
Release
Side view

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
13
5.2 Replacing The Li-ion Battery
1. Turn off the instrument.
2. Located on the rear of the instrument are three screws. Loosen all three
screws, and lift the battery out of the RAELink3 Mesh. Remove the
battery pack from the battery compartment by lifting it out.
3. Replace a fully charged spare battery pack inside the battery
compartment. Make sure the battery pack is oriented properly
inside the compartment.
4. Press the battery into place with your hand, and then tighten the
three screws.
5.3 Alkaline Battery Adapter
An alkaline battery adapter is supplied with the RAELink3 Mesh. The
adapter (part number 029-3502-000) accepts five AA alkaline
batteries (use only Duracell MN1500 or Energizer E91) and provides
approximately 12 hours of operation. The adapter is intended to be
Loosen
Screws
Lift
Battery
Remove
Battery

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
14
used in emergency situations when there is no time to charge the Li-
ion battery pack.
To insert batteries into the adapter:
1. Remove the three Philips-head screws to remove the battery
(alkaline or rechargeable).
2. Turn over the alkaline battery adapter and remove the two
Philips screws.
3. Lift off the cover (there are two small indexing tabs at the end
opposite the two screws).
4. Insert five fresh AA batteries as indicated by the polarity
(+/-) markings.
5. Replace the cover. Replace the two Philips screws.
6. Set the alkaline battery adapter into the RAELink3 Mesh.
7. Tighten the three Philips screws.
IMPORTANT!
Alkaline batteries cannot be recharged. If you place the RAELink3 Mesh
in its Charging Cradle, the alkaline batteries will not be recharged.
Note: When replacing alkaline batteries, dispose of old ones properly.
Note: Do not mix old and new or different types of batteries. Do not
change batteries in hazardous locations.

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
15
5.4 User Interface
The instrument’s user interface consists of the display and three
keys. The keys are:
Y/+
MODE
N/-
The LCD display provides visual feedback that includes the reading,
time, battery condition, and other functions.
[Y/+] increases values, [MODE] acts as on/off and save, and [N/-]
selects “no” and advances to the next function. In addition, [Y/+],
[MODE], and [N/-] act as “soft keys” that control different
parameters and make different selections within the instrument’s
menus. From menu to menu, each key controls a different parameter
or makes a different selection.
Display
Y/+ key
N/- key
MODE key

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
16
6 Backlight
The LCD display is equipped with an LED backlight to assist in
reading the display under poor lighting conditions. Press any key to
turn on the backlight. It automatically turns off after 15 seconds.
7 Display
The display shows the following information:
Radio Signal Strength Indicates signal strength in network.
GPS Satellite Shows number of GPS satellites that
RAELink3 Mesh is receiving data
from. (It must see 3 satellites for
proper mapping in ProRAE
Guardian.
Battery Charge Indicates battery level via bar graph.
Mesh Connection Status Shows which monitor the RAELink3
is connected to via mesh radio.
Mesh Radio Connection And Indicates when a Mesh link is
Other Status Information established and how many
instruments are connected via Mesh
radio (shown here as 2STD, two
standard connections). It also shows
the number of other devices such
as MeshGuard Routers, etc., on the
same network.
Radio Signal
Strength
Battery
Charge
GPS Satellite
Mesh Link 2STD 0RTR
Mesh radio connection and other
status information

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
17
8 Operating The RAELink3 Mesh
The RAELink3 Mesh operates with two simultaneous modes of data
transfer. First, it can use wireless mesh radio or a cable to connect to a
portable gas monitor or other compatible detector. Second, it uses
radio-frequency communication to transmit and receive data with a
base station.
The following section covers configuration and operation of the
modem portion of the RAELink3 Mesh.
IMPORTANT!
Before operating any RAELink3 Mesh modems in the field, test them
to make sure they are properly configured for your network.
Each RAELink3 Mesh must have the proper network ID so that it is
compatible with the RAELink3 wireless monitoring system.
9 Modes Of Operation
The RAELink3 Mesh can be configured to operate in one of three
modes:
•Host
•Remote
•Repeater
Unless specified otherwise, the RAELink3 Mesh is factory-
configured to operate in the Remote Mode. You can change the
operation mode via the menus that you reach when you enter
Programming Mode (see page 22 for details).

RAELink3 Mesh User’s Guide
18
9.1 Host Mode
This mode designates the RAELink3 Mesh as Host (master) in a network.
It can simultaneously communicate with numerous Remotes and
Repeaters.
Note: There can only be one Host in a network. It is typically connected to
a computer (PC) running ProRAE Guardian software for monitoring.
After the modem is properly configured, connect the serial interface
cable to the PC’s serial (RS-232) port. If the computer does not have
a serial port, use a USB-to-9-pin Serial Adapter (part number 410-
0210-000) to connect the cable to the computer. The DB9 connector
should be firmly attached to the computer’s DB9 serial port (insert the
connector into the receptacle and then finger-tighten the connector’s
two long screws). Connect the other end of the cable to the data
connector on the RAELink3 Mesh. Turn on power to the RAELink3
Mesh. It is now ready for data communication.
9.2 Remote Mode
In this mode, the modem passes all data from the monitor to the Host.
The LCD displays the radio signal strength, GPS satellites, and
battery charge. The mesh connection status is also displayed on the
LCD screen.
For ChemRAE, DustTrak2, and AP4C. In these sub-modes of
Remote Mode, the modem passes all data from the selected third-
party device to a host.
RAELink3
Mesh
Serial Interface
Cable
USB to 9-pin
Adapter
Computer’s
USB Port
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