Raveon RV-M8S User manual

Company Confidential 1Raveon Technologies Corp.
RV- M 8 S D a t a Radio Modem
T e c h n i c a l M a n u a l
Version B4
January 2018
Raveon Technologies Corporation
2320 Cousteau Court
Vista, CA 92081
www.raveontech.com

Company Confidential 2Raveon Technologies Corp.
Table of Contents
1. General Information about the RV-M8S.........................................................4
1.1. Congratulations!........................................................................................................................... 4
1.2. NOTICE ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3. Safety / Warning Information ....................................................................................................... 4
1.4. OEM Use ..................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Overview........................................................................................................7
2.1. Features....................................................................................................................................... 7
3. Specifications.................................................................................................8
3.1. General........................................................................................................................................ 8
3.2. DC Input....................................................................................................................................... 8
3.3V Input Specifications....................................................................................................................... 8
5.0V Input Specifications....................................................................................................................... 8
3.3. Transmitter Specifications............................................................................................................ 8
3.4. Receiver Specifications................................................................................................................ 9
3.5. Interface Specifications................................................................................................................ 9
3.6. LEDs...........................................................................................................................................10
3.7. I/O Pinout....................................................................................................................................10
3.8. Low Power Mode (LPM) .............................................................................................................10
4. User Serial Port Commands........................................................................12
4.1. Overview.....................................................................................................................................12
4.2. Command Mode .........................................................................................................................12
4.3. Setting a Parameter....................................................................................................................12
4.4. Reading a Parameter..................................................................................................................13
4.5. Radio Manager ...........................................................................................................................13
4.6. CONFIG Button...........................................................................................................................14
4.7. Exiting the Command Mode........................................................................................................15
4.8. Password Protection...................................................................................................................15
4.9. Command Mode Commands......................................................................................................16
4.10. Other non-AT commands............................................................................................................19
4.11. Factory Default Settings..............................................................................................................20
5. Using the M8S Modem –Packet Mode........................................................21
5.1. Setup ..........................................................................................................................................22
5.2. Programming Channels and Frequencies...................................................................................23
5.3. Data Transmission......................................................................................................................23
Serial Port Baud Rate...........................................................................................................................24
Flow Control .........................................................................................................................................24
Packet Size...........................................................................................................................................24
Key-On_Data........................................................................................................................................24
Busy-Channel Lock Out........................................................................................................................25
5.4. Addressing (Packetized Mode only)............................................................................................25
Addressing Basics................................................................................................................................25
Group Numbers....................................................................................................................................25
Hexadecimal Numbers .........................................................................................................................26
Setting A System-Wide Address...........................................................................................................26
Broadcast Transmissions .....................................................................................................................27
The Address Mask................................................................................................................................27
Addressing Examples:..........................................................................................................................28
5.5. Error Correction ..........................................................................................................................29
5.6. Store-and-Forward Repeating.....................................................................................................30
Automatic Repeater Configuration........................................................................................................30
Manual Configuration of the Repeat Feature........................................................................................30
6. Using the M8S Modem –Streaming Mode..................................................34
6.1. Streaming Mode Operation.........................................................................................................34
6.2. Baud Rate Selection...................................................................................................................34

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6.3. Bit Errors.....................................................................................................................................35
6.4. Carrier Detect..............................................................................................................................35
6.5. Serial Data Flow Control.............................................................................................................35
6.6. Setting the Over-The-Air Data Rate............................................................................................36
7. Debug Related Commands..........................................................................38
8. M8S Diagnostic Provisions..........................................................................39
8.1. Overview of Diagnostics .............................................................................................................39
8.2. Reading the Diagnostic Information............................................................................................39
8.3. Status and Statistics Command..................................................................................................39
9. Tune-up and Alignment................................................................................41
9.1. Periodic Calibration.....................................................................................................................41
9.2. Calibration Commands ...............................................................................................................41
9.3. Center Frequency.......................................................................................................................42
9.4. TX Deviation ...............................................................................................................................42
9.5. TX Modulation Balance.................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.6. RX Carrier Detect........................................................................................................................42
10. Troubleshooting .......................................................................................45
Symptom: Unit will not receive.............................................................................................................45
Symptom: Unit will not transmit ...........................................................................................................45
Symptom: Receive light blinks, but no data is received.......................................................................45
Symptom: Long delay before transmitting ...........................................................................................46
Symptom: Cannot enter Command Mode ...........................................................................................46
Symptom: Modem appears dead.........................................................................................................46
Symptom: Repeater will not repeat......................................................................................................46
11. Mechanical...............................................................................................48

Company Confidential 4Raveon Technologies Corp.
1. General Information about the RV-M8
1.1. Congratulations!
Congratulations on your purchase of an M8SOEM 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.
1.3. Safety / Warning Information
WARNING - DO NOT operate the RV-M8S radio modem when bystanders
are near the antenna.
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.
1.4. FCC /IC (or Regulatory Agency?) Compliance Information
a. FCC Compliance Notice
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.

Company Confidential 5Raveon Technologies Corp.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV
interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment.
Such modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
This product also complies with FCC Part 22, 90 and Part 95 Subpart J of
the FCC rules and regulations.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with its action in ET
Docket 93-62, has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to
Radio Frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC-certified
equipment. This product meets the uncontrolled environmental limits as
stated in OET-65C (01-01) when operated in accordance with the
operation guidelines described in this manual. Proper operation of this
radio device according to the instructions in this publication will result in
user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits.
This equipment generates, uses, and radiates radio frequency energy,
and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur. If this equipment does cause interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to correct the interference
by one of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from which
the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
b. ISED RSS-Gen Notice (in English and French?)
This device complies with Industry Canada RSS for unlicensed radio
devices. Operation is permitted under both of the following conditions:
1) the device shall not cause interference;
2) the equipment must accept any interference received, even if the
interference is likely to compromise its operation
“Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada
applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est
autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;

Company Confidential 6Raveon Technologies Corp.
2) l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement”
c. ISED RF Exposure Guidance (in English and French?)
In order to comply with FCC/ISED RF Exposure requirements, this device
must be installed to provide at least 100 cm separation from the human
body at all times.
“Afin de se conformer aux exigences d'exposition RF FCC / ISED, cet
appareil doit être installé pour fournir au moins 100 cm de séparation du
corps humain en tout temps.“ In order to comply with the FCC / ISED RF
exposure requirements, this device must be installed to provide at least
100 cm of separation from the human body at all times”
1.5. 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.
This module is not FCC approved. ( Check if this statement is needed!(??))

Company Confidential 7Raveon Technologies Corp.
2.Overview
The M8SRF data radio is a rugged high-performance, high-speed narrow-
band data modem. It contains a receiver, a transmitter, and modem, creating
an easy-to-use transparent data radio link. The M8S’s user interface is
asynchronous digital data into and out of the M8S. Modem operation is
virtually transparent to the user and the configuration of the modem is via the
user serial port.
For privacy and network versatility, the M8Sincorporates a 16 bit
identification code. Its protocol also uses a 16bit CRC to guarantee the
integrity of the data. Perfect for SCADA and telemetry applications, the M8S
can be used for simple point-to-point data communication applications, or for
more sophisticated point-to-multipoint, peer-to-peer, or mesh networks.
Although the M8Sis the easiest to use modem on the market, 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
High-speed over the air data rates.
Built-in radio transceiver with integrated modem
Easy to use. Plug-in, Turn-on, and GO. Transmit data in = Receive data out.
Lowest current draw in industry.
Wide input voltage with high-efficiency switching voltage regulator.
Integrated Packet data protocol and built-in Streaming Real-Time operation.
ARQ error correction and retransmission capability. Totally transparent to the application.
Capable of store-and-forward repeating operation.
Small sized and very rugged extruded enclosure.
16 bit addressing for up to 65,525 different unique device addresses per channel
Supports group and broadcast transmissions. Network mask allows groups of any size.
500-5000mW of RF output. Other RF power levels available upon request.
Easily configured using “AT” commands
Very fast Transmit-to-Receive turn around time.
RS-232 serial input and output. Programmable serial baud rates up to 57600.
Programmable over-the-air data rates for long-range or high-speed
Automatic key of transmitter on data.
RF carrier-detect is not required receiving. No squelch setting required.

Company Confidential 8Raveon Technologies Corp.
3.Specifications
3.1. General
Frequency Bands: RV-M8S-UC 450-470MHz
RV-M8S-VB 150-174MHz
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 Narrow: 1200, 2400, 4800
Wide: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600
Operating Mode Half-duplex
Full Spec Operating Temperature range -30°C to +60°C
Extended Temp Range { extended temp specs} -40°C to +60°C
TX-RX and RX-TX turn-around time <3mS
Wake-up time <500mS from OFF
Back-side LEDs Power , Status
RF I/O Connector SSMT
Digital signal levels 3.3V logic
Enable Input Low 400mV
Enable input High 1.40V
DC Input 10 –30 VDC
3.2. DC Input
3.3V Input Specifications
DC Current Draw, RX mode < 100mA
DC Current Draw, TX mode 100mW RF out < 700mA {750mA}
Module disabled using pin 7 (?) < 200uA
5.0V Input Specifications
DC Current Draw, RX mode < 150mA
DC Current Draw, TX mode 100mW RF out < 400mA {500mA}
DC Current Draw, TX mode 500mW RF out < 800mA
Module disabled using pin 7 (?) <200uA
3.3. Transmitter Specifications
RF Power Output ........................... ... 500mW –5W programmable
RF Frequency Range ………………. 450-470 Mhz
Maximum Duty Cycle ............... 100% @ 100mW to 40C, 25% @600mW
Frequency Deviation.......................... ± 2.2kHz (-N) ± 3.5kHz (-W)
RF Bandwidth..................................... 20 MHz no-tune
Occupied bandwidth ......................... 8 kHz
TX Spurious outputs.......................... < -70dBc
Occupied Bandwidth......................... Per FCC
FCC Emissions Designator ............... 8K20F1D
Frequency Stability ............................ Better than ±1.5ppm {2.5ppm}

Company Confidential 9Raveon Technologies Corp.
3.4. Receiver Specifications
RF Frequency Range ……………….. 450-470 Mhz
RX sensitivity (.1% BER).................... 9600bps < -108dBm
4800bps < -116dB {-110}
1200 & 2400baud ................................ Contact Factory
RF No-tune bandwidth ..................... 20MHz
Adjacent Channel Selectivity............ -65dB
Alternate Channel Selectivity ........... -70dB
Blocking and spurious rejection....... -75dB
RX intermodulation rejection ........... -70dB
3.5. Interface Specifications
Serial Interface Port 20-pin male header
IO Voltage Levels 3.3V digital logic. < 1000pF load capacitance.
RX and TX data Transparent Async.
Word length 7 or 8 bits
Format N, O, or E
RF Connector MMCX

Company Confidential 10 Raveon Technologies Corp.
Electrical Inputs and Outputs
3.6. LEDs
The status LED visually show the current status of the radio.
Status LED (TX) This LED blinks red when the transmitter keys and is
putting out RF power. It blinks green upon the reception of data or RF carrier.
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.
3.7. I/O Pinout
The I/O connector is a 20-pin header. Pin-out and connector type to match
MaxStream 9XTend.
I/O Pin Out
Pin
#
Function
I/O
Function
1
GND
-
Ground
2
Vcc
I
DC Input
3
Carr Det
O
CD Out. High for carrier. Low for no carrier.
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 to shutdown the module. High to enable it.
8
Sleep
i
CPU Sleep input
9
CTS
O
Clear to send output. Indicates state of internal buffers.
10
RTS
I
RTS input for serial flow control.
11
RSSI
0
Receiver signal strength indicator
12
I
13-
20
To be determined. Raveon may use these pins for
test functions and certain data-radio features.
3.8. Low Power Mode (LPM)
The M8 modem, has the ability to be put into a low power mode (LPM). In
LPM the modem draws much less current from the DC input. In LPM, the
internal radio in the M8 is disabled, as well as certain current-consuming
hardware circuits. The ability of the M8 to go into LPM is set with a
configuration bit, using the ATSM 1 command. ATSM 1 configures the M8 to
monitor the DTR input line, and enter the LPM mode whenever DTR is
negated. If the DTR signal is asserted, the M8 modem will operate normally.
The ATSM 2 command forces the M8 modem into the low-power mode. In
the Low Power mode, the M8’s radio circuits are off, but it will still respond to