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

Company Confidential 3Raveon Technologies Corp.
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

Company Confidential 11 Raveon Technologies Corp.
serial commands and it will still transmit characters over the air, albeit with
some latency as it has to power-up the radio each time it wishes to transmit.
The ATSM 0 command returns the M8 modem into the normal-operating
mode with the receiver and transmitter operational.
The factory default value for the ATSM setting is 0. When ATSM is a zero,
the M8 will not ever enter the LPM mode, and the DTR input signal is ignored.

Company Confidential 12 Raveon Technologies Corp.
4.User Serial Port Commands
4.1. 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 M8 modem.
There is also a “Command Mode” used to program and configure the M8. In
the Command Mode, the M8 modem accepts commands via the serial port
TxD pin. The commands can be used to change certain internal parameters
of the M8 modem as well as to read-out the current configuration and
diagnostic statistics.
4.2. Command Mode
The M8 modem may be put into a “Command Mode”, by entering a sequence
of three plus characters (+++). To keep the M8Smodem 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 M8 modem first enters the Command Mode, it sends the phrase
“M8” out it 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)
4.3. Setting a Parameter
To set a parameter in the M8 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
M8 modem to 1234, enter the following command:
ATDT 1234 <CR>.

Company Confidential 13 Raveon Technologies Corp.
Once a Parameter is changed, the modem will begin using the new
parameter and the new parameter is saved to non-volatile.
4.4. 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.
4.5. Radio Manager
Radio Manager is a Windows XP/Vista software application that is used to
configure Raveon's data radio products. It is compatible with all Raveon radio
models, and provides configuration management, as well as programming
assistance, diagnostic information, and a helpful "band scope" feature.
Radio Manager features:
Supports all Raveon Radios (M3, M5, M8 and M8 GX series)
An easy to use graphical interface
Simplified editing of a radio's configuration
Configurations may be stored to a file or retrieved from a file
Intelligent parameter verification to help configure technical parameters
On-line help
Built-in terminal mode
"Auto-Detect Radio" feature searches through possible serial port settings
Band Scope feature graphically displays on and off channel signal levels
You can use Radio Manager in lieu of learning all of the M8’s commands and
programming protocol. In most situations, it is very useful for configuring the
M8. There are certain very advanced configurations that will require manual

Company Confidential 14 Raveon Technologies Corp.
programming, but in most cases Radio Manger will be the easiest way to
setup your radio.
4.6. 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 M8 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,
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 M8 modem once the Command Mode is exited.

Company Confidential 15 Raveon Technologies Corp.
Note: If the user-interface is password protected, and the Config button on
the M8 is pressed, for security reasons, the encryption phrase is
automatically erased.
4.7. Exiting the Command Mode
There are three ways to exit the command mode. They are:
1. ATCN Issuing the ATCN. The M8 radio will exit the command mode, and
begin normal operation.
2. EXIT Issuing the EXIT. The M8 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.
4.8. Password Protection
On M8 series products with firmware version C0 or higher, the user interface
may be password protected. If it is password protected, the radio will output a
“password:” prompt when entering the command mode.
When in the command mode, to enable the use of a password enter:
Password xxxx <CR>
Where xxxx is the 2-7 digit password you would like to protect the user
interface with.
To disable password protection, enter:
Password 0 <CR>
Note: If the user-interface is password protected, and the Config button on
the M8 is pressed, for security reasons, the encryption phrase is
automatically erased.

Company Confidential 16 Raveon Technologies Corp.
4.9. Command Mode Commands
AT
Command
Command Description
Parameters
Factory
Default
AK
Enable/Disable ARQ –When ARQ is enabled, this modem
will automatically send an ACK packet back to a modem that
sends it data. 0=off, 1=on.
Range: 0 –1
0 (no AKCs
sent)
AT
Silence AFTER Sequence - Sets period of silence after the
command sequence characters in mS.
Range:0 –1000
(mS)
500
BD
Baud Rate –Sets serial com port baud rate (bps). Over-the-
air (throughput) baud rate is set with ATR2 command.
If a PC’s serial baud rate is set higher than the fixed over-the-
air baud rate of the module, hardware handshaking may be
required.
Range: 0 –7
0 = 1200 5= 38400
1 = 2400 6=57600
2 = 4800 7=115200
3 = 9600
4 = 19200
3
BC
Busy Channel Lock Out –Enable/disable the BCL. If
enabled, the modem will not transmit on a radio channel that
is busy (has RF on if). 0-OFF, 1=ON.
Range: 0-1
0
BT
Silence BEFORE Sequence –Sets period of silence before
the command sequence character in mS.
Range: 0-1000
mS
500
BW
Set/Read IF Bandwidth - Sets the IF bandwidth to narrow
(N) or wide (W). Narrow is for 12.5kHz channels, and wide is
for 25 or 30kHz spaced channels. This command is only
used on the VHF version of the product. The UHF does not
support w
N
N or W
CD
Carrier Detect Threshold –Read/set the carrier detect
threshold, in dBm. -113 means -113dBm. Version firmware
and higher.
-113
-120 to -60
CH
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
CT
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 M8 is
pressed, this parameter will be automatically set to 60000.
Range: 100-60000mS
60000
DCD
Invert DCD line. Use in conjunction with ATR1 to set DCD
line functionality
0-1
0
DT
Destination Address to call–Sets address of the modem to
send data to. Note, this parameter is entered in HEX format.
Each digit may be a 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,A,B,C,D,E,or an F.
Range: 0-FFFF
1234
E
Echo –Character echo set on (E1) or off (E0). This applies to
the Command Mode only.
Range: 0 , 1
1 (echo)
F
Display frequencies –Display all of the frequencies
programmed into all of the channel memories.
N/A
FT
Transmit Frequency –Program the transmit frequency for
this channel. Enter in Hz or in MHz. The frequency will
Range: See product data
sheet. For MURS products,
See product
data sheet.

Company Confidential 17 Raveon Technologies Corp.
automatically be saved in non-volatile memory (flash) for this
current channel number.
frequency cannot be changed.
FR
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.
FX
TX and RX Frequency –Program the receive and transmit
frequency for this channel. Enter in Hz or MHz. Same as
issuing an ATFR and an ATFT command. The frequency will
automatically be saved in non-volatile memory (flash) for this
current channel number.
Range: See product data
sheet.
N/A
GP
Group Number –Set/read the group number for this unit.
0 means ignore the group number. 1-255 is a group identifier.
Only M8s with the same Group Number will communicate
together.
0-255
0 (ignore
group
numbers)
HP
Channel Number –Select separate channels to minimize
interference between multiple sets of modules operating in the
same vicinity. The channel number is stored in EEPROM
memory.
Range: 1 –6
1
HS
Show History –Show a table of listing the most recent
receptions, and the IDs that the data was sent from
No parameter
HX
Enable/Disable single-hop repeating –0=any number of
repeats, 1 –unit will not repeat a packet that was already
repeated.
0 or 1
0 (multi-hop OK)
IO
Configure the I/O The proper hardware option must be
installed in the modem. All M8 modems support RS-232
mode.
Range: 0 –5 0=RS232
1=Ethernet 2=RS485 dup
3=RS485 simplx 4=RS422
5=GPS
0
IC
Read Current Draw Read the current draw in mA. Accuracy
is within 20% of actual current draw.
Range: 0-9999
N/A
JF
Read/set the CTS threshold –Set the serial buffer threshold
where the CTS line is negated. By default the ATJF level is at
80% of the internal buffer size.
1 - 2000
3800
L
Enable/Disable the LEDs –1 = LEDs always off. This
reduces some power consumption. 0 = LED operate normally.
0 or 1
0
MK
Address Mask –Configures local and global address space.
Each digit may be a 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,A,B,C,D,E,or F. In
most applications, this is kept at FFFF.
Range: 0000 –FFFF
FFFF
MT
Protocol Select –The over-the-air communication protocol.
0=Packetized mode, 2=Streaming data.
Range: 0-2
0
MY
Unit Address –Configures the individual; address for this unit.
Each digit may be a 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,A,B,C,D,E,or F. Note:
FF is interpreted as a group. See addressing section.
Range: 0000 –FFFF
1234
NB
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
ND
Number of Data Bits –Set/read the number of data bits.
Range: 5 –8
8
NS
Stop Bits –Selects the number of stop bits.
Range: 1-2
1
PE
Packet Error Display –Shows statistics to compute packet-
error rate. Displays Packets Per Minute (PPM) and a running
total.
None (display PER)
1 = reset counters
2 = Stop PER display
None
PO
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

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R0
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**
R1
Select CD pin output signal –CD may be RF carrier detect,
or modem data detect.
Range : 0 –3
3 = Framing
2 = Always assert CD
1 = Data CD
0 = RF CD
0
R2
Over-The-Air bit rate - This is the data rate the radio uses to
send data over the air. All RF modems in the network
must use the same over-the-air baud rate. Refer to
section 6.6 for information on how to set the OTA baud rate.
Range:
0 = 800 5 = 9600 2L
1 = 1200 6 = 19200 4L
2 = 2400 7 = 5142 2L
3 = 4800 8 = 9600 4L
4 = 8000 4L 9 = 2000 2L
3 (narrow)
R3
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 M8 will
begin to transmit the data over the air.
Range: 1 –999
20
20mS is the
default.
R5
Preamble length –The number of bytes to send over-the-air
in the pre-amble.
Range: 3 –255
5**
(Varies based on
data rate and
radio type. 7
typical)
R8
Frequency Offset. Used to set the radio on the center of the
radio channel.
Range: -500 to +500
0**
RB
Number of retries. If this modem does not get an ACK
back when it sends data, this is the number of times it will re-
transmit the packet and wait for an ACK. 0=disabled feature.
Range: 0-99
0
(ACKs are not
used)
RF
RF Carrier Required –When enabled, there must be RF
energy on the channel for the modem to output data.
Streaming data mode only. 1-RF required. 0=ignore RF
energy when receiving.
Range: 0, 1
0 (no RF
required)
RQ
Receiver Signal Level –Reads the Receiver Signal
strength this instant, and returns the level in dBm.
Range: -40 to –130 (dBm)
-
RS
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
RV
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
S120
Data Framing Pre-time (mS) 255 is data framing off. Use
with ATR1 3. See section 9.6
0-255
255
S121
Data Framing Post-time (mS) 255 is data framing off. Use
with ATR1 3. See section 9.6
0-255
255
SL
Serial Number –Reads and returns a unique serial number
for thjs unit.
Read Only
1 - 999999999
unique
SH
Show –Display the configuration of the modem. This will
return a page of ASCII characters, showing the main
configuration parameters.
none
None
SM
LPM Operation Enable –When set to 1, the DTR input line
controls the M8’s low-power operation. When set to 0, the
M8 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
Range: 0, 1, 2
0

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mode, disabling the receiver.
ST
Statistics –Show the unit’s operational statistics. See
Statistics section of user manual.
0, 1,2, 3, 4, or 5
None
TD
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…
TE
Read product temperature –Read the internal temperature
of the unit’s circuit board in degrees Celsius.
-40 to +99
-
TT
Max Packet Size –Set the maximum number of bytes in an
over-the-air packet.
1 - 512
80
VB
Read DC input Voltage–Returns the DC input voltage
reading, in mV (12500 = 12.5VDC input).
None
none
VR
Firmware Version –Returns firmware version currently
loaded on the module.
Read Only, 3
characters
none
Xn
Show or Configure the Repeat Table –Set the addresses
that this unit will store-and-forward data to/from. n = 1, 2, 3, or
4 designating the entry in the table to show or edit..
Four parameters
aaaa bbbb cccc dddd where
aaaa=Source Address
bbbb = S.A. Mask
cccc = Destination Address
dddd = D.A. Mask
XR
Enable/Disable Store and Forward Repeating –0=disabled,
1 –enabled.
0 or 1
0 (Off)
XT
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.
&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
** 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.
4.10. Other non-AT commands
BAND
Read the Band –Reads the frequency band of the radio.
First parameter is the text version (UA, UC, VB, …),
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 the M8’s configuration.
0, 1, or 2
-
MODEL
Read Model number. Read the model number.
None
-
PING
Ping another modem. Format is PING xxxx, where xxxx
is the ID of the modem to ping. If remote access is
enabled on xxxx, it will respond.
XXXX
-
REPEAT
Turn Repeater feature on/off. If 1, a quick way to
enable repeating all packets. I f 0, disables the repeat
feature.
0 (off) or 1 (on)
0
RPR
Remote Procedure Request. Used to request execution
of a command on a remote mode (over the air). See M8
System Protocol manual for information on using this
feature.
SHOW
Show/display an overview of the radio’s
configuration.
None
-

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4.11. Factory Default Settings
For the UHF M8S, model RV-MS8-Ux, the main factory defaults are:
Channel 1 (-UC model) ...................................464.500 MHz
Channel 1 (-UA model) ...................................413.100 MHz
Over-the-air baud rate:......................................4800 baud, 2-level
Serial port..........................................................9600baud, N/8/1
Hardware flow control .......................................Off
RF Power Output ..............................................20% (1W)
Channel number selected .................................1
ID (ATMY).........................................................1234