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.