Raveon Technologies Corporation TK8 User manual

Company Confidential 1Raveon Technologies Corp.
TK8 / RV-M8S
DART VHF/UHF Data Modem
Technical Ma nual
Version E1
January 2015
Raveon Technologies Corporation
2320 Cousteau Ct.
Vista, CA 92081
www.raveon.com

Company Confidential 2Raveon Technologies Corp.
Table of Contents
1. General Information about the RV-M8...........................................................4
1.1. Congratulations!.............................................................................................................................4
1.2. NOTICE.........................................................................................................................................4
1.3. Safety / Warning Information .........................................................................................................4
1.4. OEM Use.......................................................................................................................................5
2. Overview .......................................................................................................6
2.1. Features.........................................................................................................................................6
3. Specifications ................................................................................................8
3.1. General..........................................................................................................................................8
3.2. Transmitter Specifications (TK8-xx)...............................................................................................8
3.3. Receiver Specifications ................................................................................................................. 8
3.4. Interface Specifications.................................................................................................................. 9
4. Electrical Inputs and Outputs.......................................................................10
4.1. LEDs............................................................................................................................................10
4.2. I/O Pinout.....................................................................................................................................10
4.3. Heatsinking.................................................................................................................................. 11
4.4. Mounting Holes............................................................................................................................ 11
5. User Serial Port Commands........................................................................12
5.1. Overview......................................................................................................................................12
5.2. Command Mode.......................................................................................................................... 12
5.3. Setting a Parameter..................................................................................................................... 13
5.4. Reading a Parameter................................................................................................................... 13
5.5. CONFIG Button ...........................................................................................................................13
5.6. Exiting the Command Mode......................................................................................................... 14
6. Command Mode Commands.......................................................................15
6.1. General Command Common to Data Mode and Paging Mode.................................................... 15
6.2. Data Modem Mode Related Commands...................................................................................... 17
6.3. Paging Receiver Related Commands.............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4. Factory Default Settings...............................................................................................................18
7. Using the TK8 in Paging Mode...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.1. Setting Cap Codes..........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.2. Setting Paging Data Format............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3. Numeric Messages.........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4. Alphanumeric Messages.................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
8. Using the TK8 –Packet Data Mode .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.1. Setup ..............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.2. Programming Channels and Frequencies ...................................................................................19
8.3. Data Transmission.......................................................................................................................20
Serial Port Baud Rate..........................................................................................................................20
Busy-Channel Lock Out..........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4. Addressing (Packetized Mode only) ...............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Addressing Basics ..................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Group Numbers......................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Hexadecimal Numbers............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Setting A System-Wide Address.............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Broadcast Transmissions........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
The Address Mask..................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Addressing Examples:............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.5. Store-and-Forward Repeating ........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Automatic Repeater Configuration..........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Manual Configuration of the Repeat Feature..........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
9. Debug Related Commands .........................................................................20

Company Confidential 3Raveon Technologies Corp.
10. TK8 Diagnostic Provisions........................................................................22
10.1. Overview of Diagnostics ..............................................................................................................22
10.2. Reading the Diagnostic Information.............................................................................................22
10.3. Status and Statistics Command................................................................................................... 22
11. Tune-up and Alignment ............................................................................23
11.1. Periodic Calibration...................................................................................................................... 23
11.2. Calibration Commands ................................................................................................................23
11.3. Center Frequency........................................................................................................................24
11.4. TX Deviation................................................................................................................................ 24
11.5. TX Modulation Balance................................................................................................................ 24
11.6. RX Carrier Detect ........................................................................................................................25
12. Troubleshooting.......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Symptom: Unit will not receive...............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Symptom: Unit will not transmit..............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Symptom: Receive light blinks, but no data is received.........................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Symptom: Long delay before transmitting..............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Symptom: Cannot enter Command Mode..............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Symptom: Modem appears dead...........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Symptom: Repeater will not repeat........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
13. Mechanical................................................................................................27

Company Confidential 4Raveon Technologies Corp.
1. General Information about the RV-M8
1.1. Congratulations!
Congratulations on your purchase of a TK8 OEM radio modem –the most advanced radio
modem of its kind available today.
Please take a few minutes to read this manual carefully. The information presented here
will allow you to derive maximum performance from your radio modem. After reading it,
keep the manual handy for quick reference, in case questions arise later on.
1.2. NOTICE
There are no user-serviceable points inside this transceiver. All service work must be
referred to your Authorized Service Center or Raveon Technologies Service Department.
IMPORTANT NOTICE !
Because of the nature of wireless communication, transmission and reception of data can never be
guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors), or be totally lost. Significant delays
or losses of data are rare when wireless devices, such as the Viper SC, are used in a normal
manner with a well-constructed network.
This radio should not be used in situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in
damage of any kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death,
or loss of property.
Raveon accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data
transmitted or received using Viper SC, or for the failure of Viper SC to transmit or receive such
data.
1.3. Safety / Warning Information
Service
This equipment should be serviced by qualified technicians only.
Blasting Caps and Blasting Areas
To avoid possible interference with blasting operations, turn off this radio or remove the DC
power when you are near electrical blasting caps, in a blasting area, or in areas posted:
“Turn off two-way radio.” Obey all signs and instructions.
Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
Turn off your radio prior to entering any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere. Do
not install this product for use in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres. Do not
remove, install, or charge batteries in such areas. Sparks in a potentially explosive
atmosphere can cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death.
Note: The areas with potentially explosive atmospheres referred to above include fueling areas such as
below decks on boats, fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities, areas where the air contains chemicals or
particles, such as grain, dust or metal powders, and any other area where you would normally be advised to
turn off your vehicle engine. Areas with potentially explosive atmospheres are often but not always posted.
FCC MPE Regulations
WARNING: It is the responsibility of the user to guarantee compliance with the FCC MPE
regulations when operating this device in a way other than described in this manual.

Company Confidential 5Raveon Technologies Corp.
Human body Exposure:
This equipment is approved only for mobile and base station transmitting devices,
separation distances of
(i) 36 centimeters or more for antennas with gains of 0 dBi or less or
(ii) 1 meters or more for antennas with gains 0 to 6 dBi should be maintained between the
antenna of this device and nearby persons during operation. To ensure compliance,
operation at distances closer than this is not recommended.
1.4. OEM Use
This radio module is for OEM use, and it is the responsibility of the OEM user to notify the
end-users of RF and electrical safety issues.
It is the user's responsibility to check his/her FCC license to determine the correct
parameters and settings for the channel frequencies, power level, and bandwidth.
It is the responsibility of the OEM implementing this product to ensure the user is aware of
this.
1.5. Part 15 Note:
This 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. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
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
communications. 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 off 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 receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Company Confidential 6Raveon Technologies Corp.
2. Overview
The TK8 RF DART compliant Data radio modem is capable of high-speed narrow-band
data communications. It contains a receiver, a transmitter, and modem, creating an easy-
to-use transparent data radio link. The built-in DART protocol is compatible with Raveon’s
DART data radio protocol. (www.raveon.com/DART ) This radio modem is not compatible
with Raveon’s M7 series of data radio modems.
The TK8’s user interface is asynchronous digital data into and out of the TK8. Modem
operation is virtually transparent to the user and the configuration of the modem is via the
user serial port.
The command-line interface is similar to Raveon’s other data radio products, and
configuring the mode is very easy. The TK8 is an easy to use and its re-programmability
makes it extremely versatile. Most parameters within the modem may be re-configured to
optimize it for specialized operations, extended range, or higher data throughput.
2.1. Features
General Features
Serial input and output. Programmable serial baud rates up to 57600.
Small sized and single-board construction.
Very efficient circuitry. ( < 700mW receiving, < 8W transmitting)
Easy to use. Transmit data in = Receive data out.
Easily configured using “AT” commands
Extensive diagnostic capabilities
WMX serial protocol may be enabled on the serial port..
Wide input voltage with high-efficiency switching voltage regulator.

DART Radio Modem Features
Quickly deploy new radios into complex systems
Configures radio modems dynamically, based upon current system needs and settings.
Over-the-air channel/frequency assignments
Data transmission bandwidth allocation
Assigns channel bandwidth dynamically to devices needing to communicate
Retry interval and duration is managed by local base station based on loading and QOS
Wireless Devices (WDs) automatically find the a local base station to link-up to when they power on.
Balance the data communication loads based upon device priorities, system configuration and minimum QOS
WDs may be assigned to groups. Single messages may be sent to groups of WDs. Messages may be routed
to/from groups.
2.2. Firmware Updating
The TK8 is a software based radio and modem. There are times an existing unit needs to
get updated with a new feature, and this can often be done by loading the new firmware

Company Confidential 7Raveon Technologies Corp.
into the older radio modem. In firmware program called the “Boot Loader” is permanently
installed inside the TK8’s microcontroller. During power up, it checks to see if the user
wants to update the application program in the microcontroller.
The STAT1 pin is used to trigger the Boot Loader. See application note AN186 for details
on how to boat load new firmware into the TK8.

Company Confidential 8Raveon Technologies Corp.
3. Specifications
3.1. General
Model Number, transceiver:.............................................................RV-M8S-xx-b (220MHz bands)
Model Number, transceiver:.............................................................RV-TK8-xx-b (VHF and UHF)
Frequency Bands:...............................................................................-UC 450-470MHz
..............................................................................................................-UA 405-430MHz
..............................................................................................................-VC 216-220MHz
..............................................................................................................-VB 150-174MHz
IF Bandwidth......................................................................................12.5kHz standard, 25kHz optional (-W)
Serial Port Baud Rates ......................................................................1.2k, 2.4k, 4.8k, 9.6k, 19.2k, 38.4k, 57.6k, 115.2k
Over-the-air baud rates .................................................................... 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 (N) up to 19200 -W
Operating Mode.................................................................................DART over-the-air protocol
Full Spec Operating Temperature range.........................................-30°C to +60°C
Wake-up time .....................................................................................<700mS from OFF
RF I/O Connector ...............................................................................MMCX female
Enable Input Low...............................................................................400mV
Digital Output High (1K load) .........................................................3.0 - 3.3V
Digital Output Low (1K load) ..........................................................0 - 0.2V
Digital Input High .............................................................................> 3.0V
Digital Input Low ..............................................................................< 0.3V
Enable input High..............................................................................1.40V
3.2. Transmitter Specifications (TK8-xx)
RF Power Output (VHF/220Mhz)...................................................100mW –3.0 W (programmable)
RF Power Output (UHF)..................................................................100mW –2.0 W (programmable)
Maximum Duty Cycle (500mW) ......................................................80% to 40C, 20% to 60C
Maximum Duty Cycle (2W, measured over 60 seconds)..............10% to 50C, 5% to 60C
Frequency Deviation .........................................................................± 2.2kHz
Channel spacing.................................................................................12.5kHz
RF Bandwidth, 220MHz....................................................................3MHz no-tune
RF Bandwidth, VHF ..........................................................................8MHz no-tune
RF Bandwidth, UHF ..........................................................................20MHz no-tune
Occupied bandwidth.........................................................................11 kHz
TX Spurious outputs..........................................................................< -70dBc
Occupied Bandwidth.........................................................................Per FCC
FCC Emissions Designator ...............................................................11K0F1D
Frequency Stability ............................................................................Better than ±1.0ppm
3.3. Receiver Specifications
Data RX sensitivity (.1% BER), 4800bps (VHF/220MHz/UHF)....< -114/114/113dBm
RF No-tune bandwidth .....................................................................Full Band
Current Consumption .......................................................................<80mA at 12.5V DC input
Channel spacing.................................................................................12.5kHz or 25kHz (-N or –N )
Adjacent Channel Selectivity 12.5kHz ............................................-50dB
Alternate Channel Selectivity...........................................................-60dB
Blocking and spurious rejection.......................................................-70dB
RX intermodulation rejection ...........................................................-70dB

Company Confidential 9Raveon Technologies Corp.
3.4. Interface Specifications
Connector Type..................................................................................20-pin 2mm header
DC Input ............................................................................................10-28V volts DC
DC power draw, RX mode ...............................................................< 600mW
DC power draw, TX mode, 2W........................................................< 11 W
IO Voltage Levels...............................................................................3.3V digital logic
RX and TX data ..................................................................................Transparent Async
Word length........................................................................................8 bits
Format .................................................................................................N, O, or E
Modem handshake signals ...............................................................RTS, CTS, CD

Company Confidential 10 Raveon Technologies Corp.
4. Electrical Inputs and Outputs
4.1. LEDs
Status LED (TX) This LED blinks indicates the status of the device as follows:
Color
Power LED (PWR) This LED does a short blink, once every two seconds, indicating to the
user that the power to the modem is ON and the modem is working. When the modem is in
the command mode, this LED will blink on and off, once per second.
4.2. I/O Pinout
The I/O connector is a 20-pin header, 2mm pin spacing.
Pin #
Function
I/O
Function
1
GND
-
Ground
2
Vcc
I
DC Input
3
CD
O
Carrier Detect Out. Low for carrier. Logic high for no carrier. RF or
DATA carrier detect set with ATR1 command. Default: RF.
4
TX On
O
Pin is High when module is transmitting. Low when off, receiving, or
sleeping.
5
Data In (TXD)
I
Transmit data input.
6
Data Out (RXD)
O
Receive data output.
7
Enable
I
Low (<.7V) to shut down the module. High (>2.5V) to enable it.
8
Sleep
i
CPU Sleep input
9
CTS
O
Clear to send output. Indicates state of internal input buffer.
ATJF command sets the threshold where CTS is negated.
10
RTS
I
RTS input for serial flow control.
11
RSSI
0
Receiver signal strength indicator
12
3.3V out
O
3.3V out of the M8 module. 50mA max current draw.
13
IOA
AUDIO IN
I/O
General purpose digital I/O. 3V digital logic from CPU on M8. If the
Audio option is used, this pin is used to input transmit audio.
14
IOB
I/O
General purpose I/O. 3V digital logic from CPU on M8. By default
functions as DSR. 0= ready&running. 1=sleeping. If enable=0, this
line will =0.
15
IOC
I
Reserved.
16
STAT1
O
Output to drive external dual-color LED. Connect led between
STAT1 and STAT2.
17
RX Audio
O
Receive and transmit audio output for factory test. Do not connect to
anything. If the AUDIO option is used, this pin is the receive audio
output.
18
STAT2
O
Output to drive external dual-color LED. Do not connect the LED to
ground or DC voltage.
19
GND
-
System Ground to M8
20
Vbu
I
Backup battery input to CPU to retain memory. Not required to be
connected to anything.

Company Confidential 11 Raveon Technologies Corp.
4.3. Heatsinking
The TK8 operates at up to 10% transmit duty cycle at ambient temperatures up to 50°C.
For duty cycles up to 50%, the module requires additional heat sinking.
If an external heat sink presses against the “GND PAD” are of the PCB, the RF power
transistor will run cooler, and allow higher duty cycles.
4.4. Mounting Holes
6 mounting holes are provided on the module. For best RF performance, the TK8 module
should be mounted to the system ground, using metal stand-offs.
4.5. STAT LED Outputs
An external dual-color LED may be connected to STAT1 and STAT2 pins to show the
status of the modem. Do not connect the LED to power or ground! Connect the LED as
show below.
Because the STAT2 signal is also used to put the modem into the “bootloader’ mode, the
led must be wired as shown above to ensure a reliable start-up. The Red LED will blink
when the modem transmits, and the green LED will blink on receive of data.

Company Confidential 12 Raveon Technologies Corp.
5. User Serial Port Commands
5.1. Overview
The serial portion the RF modem is used to send and receive data over the
air, as well as to configure the RF modem. In normal operation, the user
sends data into the TXD pin of the IO connector, and this data is transmitted
over the air. Received data from another RF modem is output to the user via
the RXD pin of the IO connector. This is the default operating condition of the
RF modem. No special characters, hardware control lines, or timing is
required to operate the TK8 modem.
There is also a “Command Mode” used to program and configure the M8. In
the Command Mode, the TK8 modem accepts commands via the serial port
TxD pin. The commands can be used to change certain internal parameters
of the TK8 modem as well as to read-out the current configuration and
diagnostic statistics.
5.2. Command Mode
The TK8 modem may be put into a “Command Mode”, by entering a
sequence of three plus characters (+++). To keep the TK8 modem from
unintentionally entering the Command Mode because of the +++ pattern
occurring in a stream of data entering the modem, there must be a pause in
the data stream before the +++ as well as a pause after the +++ is sent. If
either pause is missing, the modem will not enter the command mode.
Using serial communications software such as HypterTerminal, send the 3-
character command sequence “+++” while observing times of silence before
[BT (Silence Before Sequence) Command] and after [AT (Silence After
Sequence) Command] the command characters. The default BT and AT
times are 500mS.
The default sequence for entering into AT Command Mode:
1. No characters sent for ½ a second.
2. Input three (3) plus characters (“+++”) within ½ of a
second.
3. No characters sent for ½ a second.
When the TK8 modem first enters the Command Mode, it sends the phrase
Raveon TK8 (transceiver version)
or
Raveon M8R (receive only version)
out of its serial port, and then an “OK” sequence. The “OK” sequence is a
sequence of 4 characters:
An “O”, “K”, <CR>, and <LF> characters
(<CR> = ASCII 0D, <LF> = ASCII 0A)

Company Confidential 13 Raveon Technologies Corp.
5.3. Setting a Parameter
To set a parameter in the TK8 modem, enter the Command Mode as
described above. Then enter the proper AT command, a space, the
parameter, and then a carriage return. For Example, to set the address of the
TK8 modem to 1234, enter the following command:
ATDT 1234 <CR>
Once a Parameter is changed, the modem will begin using the new
parameter and the new parameter is saved to non-volatile.
5.4. Reading a Parameter
To read the value of a particular setting, issue the command, with no
parameter. The modem will return the value followed by an “OK”. The
modem’s OK response is:
The value in ASCII decimal format.
A <CR> <LF> (<CD> = ASCII 0D, <LF> = ASCII 0A).
An “O”, “K”, <CR>, and <LF> sequence.
For example, if the user enters the command to read the M8’s modem
address and its address was 1234, the user would issue the following
command:
ATDT<cr>
and the modem will respond with:
1234 <CR> <LF>OK <CR> <LF>
To get on-line help with a command, enter the command and put a question
mark in for the parameter. For example, to see what the ATDT command is
for, type:
ATDT ?
The modem will respond by listing a brief description of the command. To
see a list of all commands, type HELP.
Many commands support the “MIN” and “MAX” parameters to read the
minimum and maximum allowable settings. For example, type ATJF MAX to
find the maximum value the CTS negation threshold may be set to.
5.5. CONFIG Button
If certain parameters within the modem are modified in a manor that causes
the modem to cease functioning or if the user cannot enter the command
mode via the “+++” method described above, there is a small push button
internal to the TK8 modem to assist in this case. This CONFIG button may
be pressed at any time, and forces the modem into a known operational state.
The CONFIG button is located inside the modem. Remove the rear cover,

Company Confidential 14 Raveon Technologies Corp.
exposing the two circuit boards. The button is in the front edge of the radio
module’s circuit board.
The default settings that the modem will revert to when the CONFIG button is
pressed are:
1. Serial port 9600 baud, 8 data bits 1 stop, no parity
2. ATCT setting set to 60000 (60 second time-out)
3. Serial port on the front of the unit in RS232 mode, 9600bps, N/8/1.
Even though the serial baud rate reverts to 9600 baud when the CONFIG
button is pressed and the IO port is RS232, it will revert back to the settings
programmed into the TK8 modem once the Command Mode is exited.
5.6. Exiting the Command Mode
There are three ways to exit the command mode. They are:
1. ATCN Issuing the ATCN. The TK8 radio will exit the command mode,
and begin normal operation.
2. EXIT Issuing the EXIT. The TK8 radio will exit the command mode, and
begin normal operation.
3. Time Out. After a pre-set amount of time (60 seconds is the factory
default time), the modem will automatically exit the Command Mode, and
continue normal operation. Changes will not automatically be saved. This
time-out duration may be set with the ATCT command.

Company Confidential 15 Raveon Technologies Corp.
6. Command Mode Commands
6.1. General Common Commands
These commands apply to the general configuration of the TK8, and are
applicable in both the data modem mode and paging mode.
Command
Command Description
Parameters
Factory
Default
ATAT
Silence AFTER Sequence - Sets period of silence after the
command sequence characters in mS.
Range:0 –1000
(mS)
500
ATBD
Baud Rate –Sets serial com port baud rate (bps). Type the
range index (0-7) or the actual desired baud rate.
Range: 0 –7
0 = 1200 5=
38400
1 = 2400
6=57600
2 = 4800
7=115200
3 = 9600
4 = 19200
3
ATBT
Silence BEFORE Sequence –Sets period of silence before
the command sequence character in mS.
Range: 0-1000
mS
500
ATCD
Carrier Detect Threshold –Read/set the carrier detect
threshold, in dBm. -113 means -113dBm.
-113
-120 to -60
ATCH
Configure Hardware Flow Control –Enable (1) or disable (0)
flow control. When enabled, the modem will monitor the RTS
line, and if it is negated, stop sending data out the serial port. If
disabled, the modem will ignore the state of RTS, and always
send out characters.
1 = Enable
0 = Disable
0
ATCT
Command Time Out –If no valid commands have been
received via the serial port within this time period (in
milliseconds), modem returns to normal operation mode from
Command mode. If the CONFIG button inside the TK8 is
pressed, this parameter will be automatically set to 60000.
Range: 100-
60000mS
60000
ATE
Echo –Character echo set on (E1) or off (E0). This applies to
the Command Mode only.
Range: 0 , 1
1 (echo)
ATFC
Set/read channel –Program the transmit frequency for this
channel. Enter in Hz or in MHz.
ATFC cc tt rr oo Where cc is the channel number, tt is the TX
frequency, rr is the RX frequency, oo is optional.
If oo is included, it is stored as the channel option bits. oo is a
two digit HEX parameter.
Enter ATFC ALL to display all channels.
ATFS
Show frequencies –Display all of the frequencies
programmed into all of the channel memories.
N/A
ATFT
Transmit Frequency –Program the transmit frequency for this
channel. Enter in Hz or in MHz. The frequency will
automatically be saved in non-volatile memory (flash) for this
current channel number.
Range: See product
data sheet. For MURS
products, frequency
cannot be changed.
See product data
sheet.
ATFR
Receive Frequency –Program the receive frequency for this
channel. Enter in Hz or MHz. The frequency will automatically
be saved in non-volatile memory (flash) for this current channel
number.
Range: See product
data sheet. For MURS
products, frequency
cannot be changed.
See product data
sheet.
ATFX
TX and RX Frequency –Program the receive and transmit
frequency for this channel. Enter in Hz or MHz. Same as
Range: See product
data sheet.
N/A

Company Confidential 16 Raveon Technologies Corp.
issuing an ATFR and an ATFT command. The frequency will
automatically be saved in non-volatile memory (flash) for this
current channel number.
ATHP
Channel Number –Select current radio channel number. The
channel number is stored in EEPROM memory.
Range: 1 - 6
1
ATIC
Read Current Draw Read the current draw in mA. Accuracy is
within 20% of actual current draw.
Range: 0-9999
N/A
ATL
Enable/Disable the LEDs –1 = LEDs always off. This reduces
some power consumption. 0 = LED operate normally.
0 or 1
0
ATMT
Protocol Select –The over-the-air communication protocol.
0=Packetized mode, 5=DART
Range: 0 or 5
5
ATNB
Parity –Selects parity format. Settings 0-4 transfer 8-bits over
antenna port and generate the parity bit on the RF receiving side.
Range: 0 –5
0 = none
1 = Odd
2 = Even
3 = Mark (1)
4 = Space (0)
0
ATR3
Serial Port Time Out –The time in milliseconds for the serial
port to time out. When data is entering the serial port, and this
amo0unt of time passes with no more data, the TK8 will begin
to transmit the data over the air.
Range: 1 - 999
20
20mS is the
default.
ATR8
Frequency Offset. Used to set the radio on the center of the radio
channel.
Range: -500 to
+500
0**
ATRQ
Receiver Signal Level –Reads the Receiver Signal strength
this instant, and returns the level in dBm.
Range: -40 to –
130 (dBm)
-
ATRS
RSSI (Receive Signal Strength Indicator) –Returns the signal
level of last received packet. The reading is in dBm. Usable for
relative comparison of signals, but absolute value is within10dB
at -90dBm.
No parameters.
Returns a number :
-50 to –140 (dBm)
varies by model.
none
ATSL
Serial Number –Reads and returns a unique serial number for
thjs unit.
Read Only
1 - 999999999
unique
ATSM
LPM Operation Enable –When set to 1, the DTR input line
controls the M8’s low-power operation. When set to 0, the TK8
will not go into LPM, regardless of the state of the DTR pin.
When set to 2, the modem is forced into a low-power mode,
disabling the receiver.
Range: 0, 1, 2
0
ATST
Statistics –Show the unit’s operational statistics. See Statistics
section of user manual.
0, 1,2, 3, 4, or 5
None
ATTD
Transmit Test Data –When issued, the modem will begin
transmitting data. The type of data sent is set in the parameter.
Entering a <CR> will terminate the transmission.
0 = Go back to normal
1 = Random
3 = 1010… at ¼ baud rate
4 = TX all 0s
5 = TX all 1s
6 = Test Points ON
7 = Transmit CW
8 = Transmit 1010101…
ATTE
Read product temperature –Read the internal temperature of
the unit’s circuit board in degrees Celsius.
-40 to +99
-
ATVB
Read DC input Voltage–Returns the DC input voltage reading,
in mV (12500 = 12.5VDC input).
None
none
ATVR
Firmware Version –Returns firmware version currently loaded
on the module.
Read Only, 3
characters
none
AT&F
Restore Factory –Restore the factory default values. This
command will not erase the calibration values. After this
command executes, the modem will still be in the CONFIG mode.
none

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BAND
Read the Band –Reads the frequency band of the radio. First
parameter is the text version (UA, UC, VC, …), second
parameter is the lower limit, and the third parameter is the upper
limit in MHz. Use to read the band that the radio is tuned to
cover.
None
-
CONFIG
Display configuration. Displays most all variables.
0, 1, or 2
-
CHNUM
Read number of channels. This command will return the
number of channels this product has.
6
RTC
Read the Real Time Clock value. Returns value in V hh:mm:ss
format where V is synchronization valid flag Y for yes, N for NO.
hh is hours, mm is minutes, ss is seconds. If not valid, the RTC
time is free-running and not synchronized to UTC time.
none
N/A
MODEL
Read Model number. Read the model number of the unit.
None
TK8 or M8R
SHOW
Show/display an overview of the radio’s configuration.
None
-
** indicates values that are calibrated in the factory and are unit-specific. If the “Radio
Type” is changed, these will need to be re-calibrated.
6.2. Data Modem Mode Related Commands
These commands apply to the operation of the TK8 when it is in the data
modem communication mode.
Command
Command Description
Parameters
Factory
Default
ATPO
RF Power Output. Set or show the RF power output setting.
Value is in percent, from 0% to 100%. Use and RF wattmeter to
confirm the power setting, and adjust the % accordingly to obtain
the desired RF power level.
0-100
100
ATR0
Symbol Peak Deviation –Set the peak FM deviation of the
transmit symbols. Note: This can be a negative number to invert
the modulation.
Range: -1000 –1000
120**
ATRV
Disable Remote Access –When enabled (set to a 0), the
modem will respond to over-the-air RPR requests, Pings, and
over-the-air commands. Default is OFF (1).
0 = Remote Access on
1 = Remote Access off
1
ATTT
Max Packet Size –Set the maximum number of bytes in an
over-the-air packet.
1 - 512
80
ATXT
Read/set repeater delay –Read or set the repeater delay. This
is the time between receiving a data packet, and the time the
repeater will re-send it.
** indicates values that are calibrated in the factory and are unit-specific.
6.3. DART Related Commands
The following commands are specific to the operation of the TK8 when used on a
DART Dynamic Automatic Radio Transmission system. DART features are
enabled when the Modem type (ATMT) parameter is set to DART, which is type
5.
ATEN
Set the Security Level ATEN X
Where X is the security level 1-3.
1-3
1
DCB
Display Channel Bank DCB X
Display channel bank X frequencies and settings.
1-10
1
SCB
Set Channel Band. Configure a channel bank or read a channel
bank.SCB B Y C P
B: bank number 1-10, Y:Entry Number C:Channel Number
a(optional):

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P is optional. Set to “C”if this entry is a control channel.
SCB X to read and display a bank’s settings.
SCB X ERASE will erase all entries in bank X.
SCB X Y DELETE will delete channel Y from bank X.
SYSKEY
SET the encryption key. Set the SYSTEM encryption key. This
is an ASCII hex representation of the 128 bit key. It must contain
32 hex characters.
SYSKEY DEFAULT sets the factory default key.
Key, 32 hex characters.
NETKEY
SET the encryption key. Set the NET encryption key. This is an
ASCII hex representation of the 128 bit key. It must contain 32 hex
characters.
NETKEY DEFAULT sets the factory default key.
Key, 32 hex characters.
SID
Read Set the System ID. Normally, this setting should not be
changed.
0-255
1
RDP
Read Dart Parameter. RDP X where X is an index specifying
which internal parameter to read. This command is used for
system testing and diagnosis by the factory and technical support.
1(DNA) 2(authorization status) 3(connection status) 4(base
station ID) 5(sequence) 6(system ID) 7(device class) 8(LNA)
9(home) 10(communication state)
20(GPS mode) 21(1PPS count) 22(GPS status) 23(GPS
features) 24(TX Rate)
TABLE
Read the channel table version information. Returns two
integers, comma separated. X, Y where X is the band code and
Y is the version of this band’s table.
6.4. GPS Related Commands
The following commands are specific to the operation of the TK8 when the
device has the GPS option installed.
GXF
Display/Set Feature GXF X Y
Display, set, or disable various GPS features.
Xis numeric feature code:
1 = Periodic GPS position reporting.
Y= 0 for off, 1 for on.
1-10
1
6.5. Diagnostic Related Commands
The following commands may be helpful in diagnosing communication problems
or system performance.
GXF
Display/Set Feature GXF X Y
Display, set, or disable various GPS features.
Xis numeric feature code:
1 = Periodic GPS position reporting.
Y= 0 for off, 1 for on.
1-10
1
6.6. Factory Default Settings
(DART Data Transceiver)
For the UHF TK8, model TK8-UC, the main factory defaults are:
General Settings
Primary Protocol: (ATMT 0)...............................Packet Data
WMX (WMX 0)..................................................OFF

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Data Modem Settings:
Over-the-air data modem baud rate:.................4800 baud, 2-level
Serial port..........................................................9600baud, N/8/1
Hardware flow control .......................................Off
RF Power Output ..............................................100% (2watts)
Channel number selected .................................1
ID (ATMY).........................................................1234
Address Mask (ATMK)......................................FFFF
Frequencies
Ch 1..................462.2125 MHz
7. Programming Channels and Frequencies
The TK8 modem has memory for up to 100 channels. A channel is a pair of
frequencies, one for transmit and one for receive. They may be different or they
may be the same. You may program any valid frequency into any channel
number. To program a channel, perform the following steps.
1. Change to the channel you wish to program, using the ATFC command.
ATFC x tt rr c ab
where x is the channel number,
tt is the TX frequency in HZ or MHz,
rr is the Rx frequency in Hz or MHz
cis 4 for control channel, 0 for non-control channels,
ab are the over-the air modulation options.
a. ais the bit rate index corresponding to the over-the-air bit rate to use:
0=4800 2L, 5=9600 2L, 6=19200 4L, 8=9600 4L, 0=4800 2L,
b. bis the channel bandwidth. 0=12.5kHz, 1=25kHz.
2. For Example, enter ATFC 3 217.425 219.425 4 00 to set the channel 3
TX frequency to 217.425MHz and RX frequency to 219.425MHz, 4800 bps,
two-level modulation, narrow band channel.
3. Review the frequency setting with the ATFC x where x is the channel number
to display.
4. To display all channel’s, use the ATFC ALL command.
5. Some data rates are not suitable for use on certain channel bandwidths. For
example, 19200 4-level modulation will not work on a 12.5kHz narrow-band
radio channel.
7.1. Initializing a new TK8 to factory defaults
Warning, this will erase all parameters, and may cause your TK8 to stop working
on your network.
AT&F Loads defaults
ATRT 4 CONFIRM Radio Type 4

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ATFC INITIALIZE ALL Loads factory defaults into channel table
SCB INITIALIZE Loads the channel banks with default channels
ATIO 5 Digital I/O mode
HWMODE 0 Hardware mode 0
Once the TK8 is ready to be used on a DART network, make sure all of these
settings are set.
ATMT 5 Hyper/DART modem type
SID xx Set the system ID
On TK8 and TK9 GPS transponders, the periodic reporting must be enabled.
This command is set at the factory to enable GPS periodic reporting.
GXF 1 1 Enable periodic GPS tracking reporting
8. Data Transmission
To transmit data, send one or more bytes of data into the serial port of the
modem. When a full packet of data has been collected into the internal buffer of
the modem, or when there is a pause in the data, the modem will automatically
key its transmitter, and send the data over the air.
Serial Port Baud Rate
While the TK8 modem is transmitting and receiving data on the DART network,
the user may continue to send more data into the TK8.Because the buffers in
the TK8 are full-duplex, the serial port data rate and the over-the-air data rates
are independent. The serial port baud-rates may be set slow to accommodate
legacy equipment, or set at high-speed to minimize latency.
9. Debug Related Commands
Bench Testing
(Must be in command mode to test. Enter +++ at the keyboard to put unit into config/test mode.)
ATTD x Various transmit test routines.
0 = Go back to normal mode. Stops the test.
1 = Random data transmit.
3 = Force PLL to fast lock mode
4 = Transmit all 0s
5 = Transmit all 1s
7 = Transmit CW on center of channel
8 = Transmit preamble (101010 pattern)
ML x Debug Message Level. By default and at power on, this level is set to 0
(no debug messages).