Rae Mesh Router User manual

Rev. B
December 2012
P/N F04-4002-000
Mesh Router
User’s Guide

Mesh Router User’s Guide
2
© Copyright 2012 RAE Systems, Inc.

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Contents
1Warnings.................................................................................. 5
1.1 Operation Area and Conditions ................................. 7
1.1.1 Hazardous Areas classified by Zones ................. 7
1.1.2 Hazardous Areas classified by Divisions............ 7
1.2 Instruction For Safe Use ............................................ 7
1.3 Use In Hazardous Areas............................................. 7
2Standard Kit............................................................................. 8
3General Information................................................................. 8
4Physical Description .............................................................. 10
4.1 LCD Display (Monitoring) ...................................... 11
5Specifications......................................................................... 12
6Operation................................................................................ 13
6.1 Turning The Mesh Router On.................................. 13
6.2 Turning The Mesh Router Off................................. 15
6.3 Battery Charge Indicator.......................................... 15
7Button Functions.................................................................... 16
7.1 Backlight.................................................................. 16
8Deploying Mesh Routers ....................................................... 17
8.1 With FMC 2000 Controller...................................... 17
8.2 With Portable Monitors............................................ 18
9Programming The Mesh Router............................................. 19
9.1.1 LCD Contrast.................................................... 21
9.1.2 Serial Number................................................... 22
9.1.3 Firmware Version ............................................. 22
9.1.4 Factory Reset .................................................... 23
9.1.5 Edit Password.................................................... 24
9.1.6 Exit.................................................................... 25
9.2 Wireless.................................................................... 25
9.2.1 Ping Net ............................................................ 26
9.2.2 PAN ID Setup................................................... 27
9.2.3 Join Net............................................................. 28
9.2.4 Channel Setup................................................... 29
9.2.5 Exit.................................................................... 31
10 “Panic” Function............................................................. 32
10.1 Enabling/Disabling The “Panic Button” Function... 32

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10.2 Using The “Panic” Function .................................... 34
10.2.1 Trigger All Relays...................................... 34
10.2.2 Trigger A Selected Relay........................... 34
10.2.3 Clear Relays............................................... 35
11 Internal Battery Replacement ......................................... 36
11.1 Proper Battery Disposal........................................... 37
12 Troubleshooting.............................................................. 38
13 Mesh Router Alarm Signal Summary............................. 40
14 Appendix A: Mesh Router Installation........................... 41
14.1 Magnet-Mount Installation ...................................... 41
14.2 Fixed Installation ..................................................... 42
14.3 Magnetic Mount Alternative Installation................. 45
15 Appendix B: Mesh Router External Battery
Replacement.................................................................... 46
15.1 External Battery Usage ............................................ 46
15.2 External Battery Replacement Process.................... 49

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1 WARNINGS
Read Before Operating
This manual must be carefully read by all individuals who have or will
have the responsibility of using, maintaining, or servicing this product.
The product will perform as designed only if it is used, maintained, and
serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Warning:
Use only the Lithium battery or external rechargeable battery provided
by RAE Systems. This instrument has not been tested in an explosive
gas/air atmosphere having an oxygen concentration greater than 21%.
Substitution of components may impair suitability for intrinsic safety.
Replace batteries only in non-hazardous locations.
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. Any rapid up-scale reading
followed by a declining or erratic reading may indicate a gas
concentration beyond upper scale limit, which may be hazardous.

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Marking
The Mesh Router is certified according to the IECEx scheme, ATEX and
CSA for US and Canada as protected by intrinsic safety.
The product is marked with the following information:
RAE SYSTEMS
3775 N. 1st. St., San Jose
CA 95134, USA
FMC-400
Serial No/barcode: XXX-XXXX-000
IECEx TSA
10.0016X
Ex ia IIC T4
Ex ia I
0575
IM1/II 1G
Ex ia IIC T4
Ex ia I
DNV 10 ATEX 83388X
Class I, Gr. A,B,C,D
T4
Intrinsically Safe
-40º C ≤Tamb ≤50º C
Warnings:
Use only RAE 500-0111-000 for internal battery. Do not replace
internal battery in hazardous locations.
Ui: 3.6V; Ci: 78µF; Li/Ri: 3.5µH/ohm
Understand User’s Manual before operating or servicing.
Substitution of components may impair intrinsic safety.
To prevent ignition of flammable or combustible atmospheres,
disconnect power before servicing.
Applied Standards
IECEx
ATEX
North America
IEC 60079-
0:2004
EN 60079-0:2006
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 0-M91
IEC 60079-
11:2006
EN 60079-
11:2007
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 157-92
C22.2 No. 142-M1987
UL 913
UL916

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1.1 Operation Area and Conditions
1.1.1 Hazardous Areas classified by Zones
Mesh Router is intended to be used in hazardous areas or mines
susceptible to firedamp classified zone 0, zone 1 or zone 2, within
the temperature range of -40º C to +50º C, where gases of
explosion groups IIA, IIB or IIC and T4 may be present.
1.1.2 Hazardous Areas classified by Divisions
Mesh Router is intended to be used in hazardous areas classified
for Class I Div. 1 or 2, within the temperature range of
-40º C to +50º C, where gases of explosion groups A, B, C or D
and temperature class T4 may be present.
1.2 Instruction For Safe Use
Strictly follow the instructions for safe use. Application of the
Mesh Router requires full understanding and strict observation of
the instructions.
1.3 Use In Hazardous Areas
Equipment which is intended for use in explosive atmospheres and
which has been assessed and certified according to international
regulations may be used only under specified conditions. The
components may not be modified in any way.
The appropriate regulations for service and repair must be properly
observed during such activities.

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2 Standard Kit
Router with antenna
Maintenance tool
User’s Guide
3 General Information
The Mesh Router is a dedicated router for relaying the wireless signals in
a Mesh network and does not include a toxic gas sensor. The Mesh
Router enables a flexible, robust wireless network that provides reliable,
low-cost operation. It also works in a ProRAE Guardian network with a
PC, and it supports point-to-point and point-to-multi-point networks.
MeshGuard
network with
ProRAE Guardian
running on a
PC controller
MeshGuard network with an
FMC-2000 controller
Portable monitors in a
network with an
EchoView Host (Mesh
Routers with 869MHz
or 900MHz radios only;
2.4GHz is not supported
in systems with
portable monitors)

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2.1 Key Features
Up to 45 days continuous operation using external battery box
IEEE 802.15.4 Mesh network functionality with 64-bit encryption
Mesh network with auto network forming and configuration
Operating distance: up to 300 m, line of sight
Very low-cost installation −no hardwiring involved
Large area coverage with multi-hop mesh network
Field-replaceable battery
Loud audio alarm, 90dB @ 30cm (12″)
Easy-to-read continuous display of signal strength
Bright red flashing alarm
Highly resistant to RFI interference
IP-65 rated for outdoor use in harsh environments

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4 Physical Description
1
LED alarm
2
LCD (with backlighting)
3
Buzzer alarm
4
Battery cover (on bottom)
5
Y/+, MODE, and N/- keys
6
Antenna
1
2
3
6
4
5

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4.1 LCD Display (Monitoring)
1
Online/Offline status
2
Pan ID
3
Channel
4
EUI (Extended Unique Identifier)
5
Battery strength indicator (percentage)
6
Signal strength indicator (percentage)
When you press [MODE], Online/Offline status is replaced by
signal strength:
4
5
1
2
3
6

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5 Specifications
RF
Certifications
FCC Part15
R&TTE Directive 1995/5/EC
Display
Customized LCD (1 x 1.5″) with backlight
Audible alarm
90dB @ 30cm
Visual alarm
2 super-bright red LEDs
Calibration
None necessary
RF
IEEE 802.15.4/Zigbee with mesh stack
EM Immunity
No effect when exposed to 0.43mW/cm2RF
interference (5-watt transmitter at 12")
Operating
Range
Minimum of 300 meters, line of sight
Receiver
Sensitivity
Minimum -95dBm
User Interface
Three keys (Y/+, MODE, N/-)
Power Supply
D-size Lithium primary battery, +3.6V
Max Current
Consumption
300mA@3.6V during transmission
<30mA@3.6V during standby
Operation
Time
Internal Battery: >10 days
External Battery: >45 days
Operating
Temperature
-40° to +50° C (-40° to 122° F)
Humidity
0% to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing
Dimensions
26.5cm x 9.5cm x 5.5cm
(10.5″L x 3.7″W x 2.1″H)
Weight
0.6 kg (1.3 lbs)
Package
IP-65
Mounting
Optional stainless-steel bracket mount or magnetic
mount; wall mount for external battery
FCC Part 15 Statement
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.

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6 Operation
The Mesh Router only operates in RTR mode. Therefore, when it is
turned on, it is always operational.
Whenever you start Mesh Router, it tries to rejoin the last network it was
part of. Therefore, if the network is within range and if the channel and
Pan ID have not changed, the Mesh Router should be able to rejoin the
network without action on your part.
Make sure the battery is installed before operating the Mesh Router.
Refer to page 36 for information on battery installation and replacement.
6.1 Turning The Mesh Router On
Hold down the [MODE] key and release it when the Mesh Router beeps.
The display indicates that it is now on:
The Mesh Router performs a self-test. The display briefly shows the
firmware version:
Next, it shows the firmware’s build date and time:

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This is followed by the Modem Type:
Then the Mesh Router initializes connection with the wireless network.
When the network is found and communication is established, the main
reading screen is shown. It includes the Pan ID, EUI (Extended Unique
Identifier), channel number, and battery charge (percentage):
If the Mesh Router is unable to find a radio network to connect with, it
searches, but if it is unsuccessful, it displays this screen:
If you see this screen, check the following:
Is the antenna is attached?
Does the Pan ID match the network you want to join?
Does the Channel match the channel on which the other instruments
are operating?
Are the other instruments turned on and within range?
Did you change the Pan ID or Channel? If so, restart the instrument.

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6.2 Turning The Mesh Router Off
Hold down the [MODE] key through the “5…4…3… 2… 1… Power
Off” sequence. When you see “Power off,” release the [MODE] key.
The Mesh Router is off when the display is blank.
6.3 Battery Charge Indicator
The Mesh Router’s internal battery is designed to provide power for up
to 10 days. When the battery gets low, the Mesh Router beeps once per
minute and the battery icon is empty. It is recommended that the battery
be changed immediately, to minimize disruption.
Battery power is indicated by “B:” followed by a number and a percent
sign. For example, B: 100%. The battery should be replaced before it is
completely discharged. See page 36 for the replacement procedure.
When the battery is completely depleted, the LCD displays “Power off.”
and the LED and buzzer alarm activate once per second. The Mesh
Router shuts down after you press any key, or shuts down automatically
if you do not press a key for 60 seconds.
Note: An external power source, the RAE PowerPak, can be used as a
substitute for the internal battery. See page 46 for installation details.

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7 Button Functions
The three buttons provide fast access to functions in the Mesh Router.
Press [MODE] to view signal strength.
Press [Y/+] to initialize connection with the network.
Press [N/-] to ping the network.
7.1 Backlight
Whenever you press the [Y/+], [MODE], or [N/-] key while
viewing the data, the backlight turns on for two seconds and then
shuts off.

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8 Deploying Mesh Routers
Important! Before deploying a Mesh Router, it is important to
have the Pan ID and Channel number on which the rest of the
network is operating. Without these numbers programmed into
your Router, you cannot make it communicate with the network.
8.1 With FMC 2000 Controller
When deploying a MeshGuard network that utilizes Mesh Routers,
follow this setup order:
1. Turn on the FMC2000 Controller.
2. Turn on a Mesh Router and use it to measure signal strength at
each prospective detection location. Press [MODE] on the
Mesh Router to see the signal strength:
a. If the signal strength reading on the Mesh Router is 30% or
greater, then that indicates a MeshGuard or MeshGuard
LEL will communicate reliably from this location with the
FMC2000 controller. Locate and turn on a MeshGuard or
MeshGuard LEL detector here.
b. If readings are below 30%, relocate the Mesh Router until
the reading is 30% or higher. If this new location is
unacceptably far from the desired detection location, an
additional Mesh Router or MeshGuard in RTR mode is
needed to relay the signal from this new location.
Signal strength

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3. Follow this procedure until all MeshGuard or MeshGuard LEL
detectors in the network are deployed. Check communication
reliability for all detectors and routers at the FMC2000.
8.2 With Portable Monitors
When deploying a wireless network that utilizes Mesh Routers,
portable monitors (such as the ToxiRAE Pro, MultiRAE family,
etc.), and an EchoView Host, check that all units on the network
use the same PAN ID and Channel. Then follow this setup order:
1. Turn on the Mesh Routers.
2. Turn on the EchoView Host.
3. Turn on the monitors.
4. If any of the units do not automatically join the network,
check their network settings and perform a Join Network.

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9 Programming The Mesh Router
Programming Mode is accessed by first providing the correct password.
Press and hold [MODE] and [Y/+] until you see this screen:
Input the 4-digit password:
Increase the number from 0 through 9 by pressing [Y/+].
Decrease the number from 9 through 0 by pressing [N/-].
Step from digit to digit using [MODE].
Once all the four digits have been entered, press [MODE] again to
see the following screen appear. Press [Y/+] to enter the password.
If you make a mistake, you can cycle through the digits by
pressing [MODE] and then using [Y/+] and [N/-] to change the
number in each position.
Note: The default password is 0000.
If your password is incorrect, you see this screen:
After a few seconds, the Mesh Router exits to its main screen.

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When you have successfully entered Programming Mode, you see
this screen:
Note: If you do not make a selection in 60 seconds, the Mesh Router
automatically exits to the main screen.
Press [Y/+] or [N/-] to scroll to “Settings,” “Wireless,” or “Exit.” Then
press [MODE] to select your choice.
Settings provides information about your instrument. Some screens are read-
only (you cannot edit them), but other screens allow you to change settings.
Wireless consists of parameters you can set/change that affect wireless
functionality, network configuration, etc.
Settings include some read-onlyinformation (Serial Number and Firmware
Version) and some settings that you can change.
Press [Y/+] to scroll up or [N/-] to scroll down.
Note: The next screen contains additional options:
Note: The scrolling “wraps,” so once you reach the first or last item, it
starts scrolling through the items again.