Raveon RV-M8R User manual

Company Confidential 1Raveon Technologies Corp.
RV-M8S / RV-M8R
Data/Tracking/Paging Radio Modem
Technical Manual
Version D1
June 2019
Raveon Technologies Corporation
2320 Cousteau Court
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.......................................................................................................................................4
2. Overview .......................................................................................................5
2.1. Features.........................................................................................................................................5
3. Specifications ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.1. General...........................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2. Transmitter Specifications (RV-M8S-xx).........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3. Receiver Specifications ..................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4. Interface Specifications...................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
4. Electrical Inputs and Outputs.........................................................................7
4.1. LEDs..............................................................................................................................................7
4.2. I/O Pinout.......................................................................................................................................7
4.3. Heatsinking.................................................................................................................................... 8
4.4. Mounting Holes..............................................................................................................................8
5. User Serial Port Commands..........................................................................9
5.1. Overview........................................................................................................................................9
5.2. Command Mode............................................................................................................................9
5.3. Setting a Parameter.....................................................................................................................10
5.4. Reading a Parameter................................................................................................................... 10
5.5. CONFIG Button ...........................................................................................................................10
5.6. Exiting the Command Mode......................................................................................................... 11
6. Command Mode Commands.......................................................................12
6.1. General Command Common to Data Mode and Paging Mode....................................................12
6.2. Data Modem Mode Related Commands...................................................................................... 15
6.3. Paging Receiver Related Commands..........................................................................................16
6.4. Factory Default Settings...............................................................................................................17
7. Using the M8S in Paging Mode...................................................................19
7.1. Setting Cap Codes.......................................................................................................................20
7.2. Setting Paging Data Format......................................................................................................... 20
7.3. Numeric Messages...................................................................................................................... 20
7.4. Alphanumeric Messages.............................................................................................................. 21
8. Using the M8S –Packet Data Mode............................................................23
8.1. Setup ...........................................................................................................................................24
8.2. Programming Channels and Frequencies ...................................................................................25
8.3. Data Transmission.......................................................................................................................26
Serial Port Baud Rate.......................................................................................................................... 26
Busy-Channel Lock Out.......................................................................................................................26
8.4. Addressing (Packetized Mode only) ............................................................................................26
Addressing Basics ...............................................................................................................................26
Hexadecimal Numbers......................................................................................................................... 27
Setting A System-Wide Address.......................................................................................................... 27
Broadcast Transmissions..................................................................................................................... 28
The Address Mask...............................................................................................................................28
Addressing Examples:.........................................................................................................................29
8.5. Store-and-Forward Repeating .....................................................................................................30
Automatic Repeater Configuration.......................................................................................................30
Manual Configuration of the Repeat Feature.......................................................................................30
9. Debug Related Commands .........................................................................41

Company Confidential 3Raveon Technologies Corp.
10. M8S Diagnostic Provisions.......................................................................42
10.1. Overview of Diagnostics ..............................................................................................................42
10.2. Reading the Diagnostic Information............................................................................................. 42
10.3. Status and Statistics Command................................................................................................... 42
11. Tune-up and Alignment ............................................................................43
11.1. Periodic Calibration...................................................................................................................... 43
11.2. Calibration Commands ................................................................................................................43
11.3. Center Frequency........................................................................................................................ 44
11.4. TX Deviation................................................................................................................................ 44
11.5. TX Modulation Balance...................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
11.6. RX Carrier Detect ........................................................................................................................ 44
12. Troubleshooting........................................................................................47
Symptom: Unit will not receive............................................................................................................ 47
Symptom: Unit will not transmit...........................................................................................................47
Symptom: Receive light blinks, but no data is received......................................................................47
Symptom: Long delay before transmitting...........................................................................................48
Symptom: Cannot enter Command Mode...........................................................................................48
Symptom: Modem appears dead........................................................................................................ 48
Symptom: Repeater will not repeat..................................................................................................... 48
13. Mechanical................................................................................................49

Company Confidential 4Raveon Technologies Corp.
1. General Information about the RV-M8
1.1. Congratulations!
Congratulations on your purchase of an M8S 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.
1.3. Safety / Warning Information
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. 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.

Company Confidential 5Raveon Technologies Corp.
2. Overview
The M8S RF Paging/Data radio modem is capable of high-speed narrow-band data
communications and POCSAG paging decoding. Its powerful microprocessor enables it to
perform as both a data radio modem and a paging receiver. 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.
Unlike any other radio modem on the market, the M8 may be operated in either a
“Packetized Mode” or a “Streaming Real-Time Mode”. There are advantages to each
approach, and your choice depends upon how your system operates. Packet mode is the
default in in most all cases, it is the best way to use a radio modem.
The M8S can be configured in either a paging decoder mode or a data modem mode. The
command-line interface is similar to Raveon’s other data radio products, and configuring
the mode is very easy. The M8S also has a digital input pin that may be used to electrically
change modem types between data modem and paging modes.
The M8S 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.
It is also available in a receive-only version called the M8R. The M8R is the same electrical
design and has the same features as the M8S except the transmit circuits are not
populated.
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)
Lowest current draw in industry.
Easy to use. Transmit data in = Receive data out.
Receive-only version available
Easily configured using “AT” commands
Extensive diagnostic capabilities
Serial communication may be 7 or 8 bit ASCII, or WMX
Audio pass-through mode
Data Radio Modem Features
High-speed over the air data rates.
Built-in radio transceiver with integrated modem
Wide input voltage with high-efficiency switching voltage regulator.
Capable of store-and-forward repeating operation.

Company Confidential 6Raveon Technologies Corp.
16 bit addressing for up to 65,525 different unique device addresses per channel
Supports broadcast transmissions. Network mask allows groups of any size.
Up to 5 watts of RF output. –VM MURS band version is 2 watt limited. Other RF power levels available upon
request.
Very fast Transmit-to-Receive turn around time.
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.
Integrated Packet data protocol and built-in Streaming real-time operation.
Paging Receiver Features
POCSAG decoder mode operates at 512, 1200, and 2400 baud.
1-3 programmable cap codes.
Promiscuous mode to receive all pages on the air.
Automatic and manual switching between numeric and alpha-numeric modes.
Small sized and very rugged extruded enclosure.
2.2. Firmware Updating
The M8S 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
into the older radio modem. In firmware program called the “Boot Loader” is permanently
installed inside the M8S’s microcontroller. During power up, it checks to see if the user
wants to update the application program in the microcontroller. The STAT2 pin is used to
trigger the Boot Loader. See application note AN186 for details on how to boat load new
firmware into the M8S.

Company Confidential 7Raveon Technologies Corp.
3. Electrical Inputs and Outputs
3.1. LEDs
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. It turns orange when
decoding a paging message.
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.
3.2. 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 of outbound serial data. Enable with
In audio pass-through mod: functions as PTT. 0=TX, 1=RX.
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
Decode Mode
I
3V digital logic with 10k pull-up.
High/open = POCSAG paging receive mode,
Low/ground=data modem mode.
This feature enabled by setting the alternate protocol with the ATMA
command.
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 8Raveon Technologies Corp.
3.3. Heatsinking
The M8S 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” on the PCB, the RF power
transistor will run cooler, and allow higher duty cycles.
3.4. Mounting Holes
6 mounting holes are provided on the module. For best RF performance, the M8S module
should be mounted to the system ground, using metal stand-offs.
3.5. 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. It will also
blink orange when decoding a POCSAG message.

Company Confidential 9Raveon 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 M8S modem.
There is also a “Command Mode” used to program and configure the M8. In
the Command Mode, the M8S modem accepts commands via the serial port
TxD pin. The commands can be used to change certain internal parameters
of the M8S modem as well as to read-out the current configuration and
diagnostic statistics.
4.2. Command Mode
The M8S modem may be put into a “Command Mode”, by entering a
sequence of three plus characters (+++). To keep the M8S 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 M8S modem first enters the Command Mode, it sends the phrase
Raveon M8S (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)

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4.3. Setting a Parameter
To set a parameter in the M8S 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
M8S 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.
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.
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.
4.5. CONFIG Button
If certain parameters within the modem are modified in a manner 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 M8S 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,

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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 M8S modem once the Command Mode is exited.
4.6. Exiting the Command Mode
There are three ways to exit the command mode. They are:
1. ATCN Issuing the ATCN. The M8S radio will exit the command mode,
and begin normal operation.
2. EXIT Issuing the EXIT. The M8S 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 12 Raveon Technologies Corp.
5. Command Mode Commands
5.1. General Command
These commands apply to the general configuration of the M8S, and are
applicable in both the data modem mode and paging mode.
Command
Command Description
Parameters
Factory
Default
ATAK
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)
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
AFDC
Audio input DC ofset –The DC bias level on the audio input in
millivolt. Adjust this setting so the audio transmissions are on
the center of the channel. Set to 0 to have the M8S auto-detect
the average.
Range: 0-3300
mV
1650
AFLVL
Audio input level gain –internal gain of the audio input signal,
in % . Adjust this setting for the audio input deviation level.
Range: 0-2000%
mV
100
AFLIM
Audio deviation limit –Sets the peak audio deviation limit for
TX audio in the audio pass-through mode. In % of data
deviation 100% limits audio to same as data. .
Range: 0-300%
100
ATBT
Silence BEFORE Sequence –Sets period of silence before
the command sequence character in mS.
Range: 0-1000
mS
500
ATBW
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.
N or W
N
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 serial data characters.
1 = Enable
0 = Disable
0
ATCI
Handshaking Invert –Used to invert the RTS handshaking
signal. 0=normal, 1 = inverted.
1 = Invert
0 = Normal active low.
0
ATCM
Command Mode –This command sets the way command
mode can be entered. ATCM 1 will follow the RTS line –ATCT
and EXIT command are still intact
0 = “+++” mode
1 = RTS line
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 M8S 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)

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ATEN
Data Encryption –0:disable. 1:AES128 GPS messages
2:AES128 Data and GPS messages. If not disabled, the
transmitted data is encrypted with the selected encryption
method using the KEYPHRASE.
Range: 0, 1, 2
0 (off)
ATF
Display 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
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
ATHN
Channel Number Select current radio channel number. This
command does not store the channel number into EEPROM,
Range: 1 - 6
1
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
ATI0
Read/Set IO Mode Normal digital serial mode is 5. If plugged
into Tech Series enclosure (M21, M22), set this parameter to 8.
Cycle Power to radio after changing ATIO mode.
Range: 0-8
5
ATJF
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
ATL
Enable/Disable the LEDs –1 = LEDs always off. This reduces
some power consumption. 0 = LED operate normally.
0 or 1
0
ATMT
Modem Protocol Select –The over-the-air communication
protocol. 0=Packetized mode, 2=streaming, 3=POCSAG paging
receiver. 8=Audio pass-through.
Range: 0 or 3
0
ATMA
Alternate Protocol –If enabled, the alternate protocol is
selected with the Decode Mode input pin, 15.
Range: -1, 0, or 3
3
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
ATND
Number of Data Bits –Set/read the number of data bits.
Range: 5 - 8
8
ATNS
Stop Bits –Selects the number of stop bits.
Range: 1-2
1
ATR1
Select CD pin output signal –CD may be RF carrier detect, or
modem data detect.
Range : 0 - 4
4 = Data Framing
3= Always negate CD
2 = Always assert CD
1 = Data CD
0 = RF CD
0

Company Confidential 14 Raveon Technologies Corp.
ATS120
Set Data Framing Pre-Data Time –When enabled (set to
anything but 255), sets the pre-data time for CD Data Framing
(See Error! Reference source not found.for more information)
0-254 = Enabled
255 = Disabled
255
ATS121
Set Data Framing Post-Data Time –Enabled by ATS120.
Sets the post-data time for CD Data Framing (See Error!
Reference source not found.for more information)
0-254 = Enabled
255 = Disabled
255
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 M8S
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. When set to 4, the receiver is off. The
transmitter will still send data.
Range: 0, 1, 2, 4
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
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
-
CHNUM
Read number of channels. This command will return the
number of channels this product has.
6
MIMIC
MIMIC mode. MIMIC X Y X number of seconds to TX if input is
low. Y is number of seconds between transmissions when the
input is high.
None
MODEL
Read Model number. Read the model number of the unit.
None
M8S or M8R
QSIZE
Read the number of queued WMX frames in the WMX queue.
None
-

Company Confidential 15 Raveon Technologies Corp.
QCLR
Remove all WMX frames from the WMX frame queue.
None
-
SHOW
Show/display an overview of the radio’s configuration.
None
-
WMX
Read/set the WMX serial port protocol. 0=off, 1= enabled.
0, 1
0
WMXVR
Read the WMX version
None
WMXINFO
Read WMX information. Returns: Aa, bb, ccc, dd where
AA = Number of WMX message buffers in the product’s WMX
queue.
bb = Number of WMX messaged queued up in the product’s
WMX frame queue.
ccd = Total size of WMX message buffers in bytes.
dd = WMX version implemented in the product.
** 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.
5.2. Data Modem Mode Related Commands
These commands apply to the operation of the M8S when it is in the data
modem communication mode.
Command
Command Description
Parameters
Factory
Default
ATBC
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
ATDT
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
ATHS
Show History –Show a table of listing the most recent
receptions, and the IDs that the data was sent from. The time
shown is time in seconds since the reception, 2mS resolution.
No parameter
ATHX
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)
ATLA
Listen Address –Configures the listen address for this unit. The
unit will receive data if this listen address matches the destination
address in a data transmission. FFFF to disable it.
Range: 0000 - FFFF
1234
ATMK
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
ATMY
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
ATPE
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
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**

Company Confidential 16 Raveon Technologies Corp.
ATR2
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 9.6 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
ATR5
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)
ATRB
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)
ATRF
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)
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
ATGP
Group Number –Set or read the unit’s Group Number. 0 means
this feature is not used. If GP is set to any number other than 0,
then all radios communicating with this unit must have the same
group number programmed into them.
Range 0-255
0
ATTT
Max Packet Size –Set the maximum number of bytes in an
over-the-air packet.
1 - 512
80
TXHOLD
TX Hold ON –Will hold the transmitter on between transmissions
for x amount of milliseconds waiting for more data
0
ATXn
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
ATXR
Enable/Disable Store and Forward Repeating –0=disabled, 1
–enabled.
0 or 1
0 (Off)
ATXT
Read/set TX delay –Read or set the repeater/ACK delay in mS.
This is the time between receiving a data packet, and the time
the repeater will re-send it. If ACK feature is enabled, the delay in
the ACK will also use this value. Default is 0, no delay.
0 –2000
milliseconds
0
(No Delay)
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 M8S System
Protocol manual for information on using this feature.
** indicates values that are calibrated in the factory and are unit-specific.
5.3. Paging Receiver Related Commands
The following commands are specific to the operation of the M8S in the paging
decoder mode. The ATMT and ATMA commands configure the M8S to operate
in the paging decoder mode.
DF
Data Format. 0=Numeric, 1= Alpha-numeric, 2=tone,
3=voice, 4=auto detect based on function bits.
0, 1, 2, 3, or 4
4

Company Confidential 17 Raveon Technologies Corp.
CC x
Set/Read Cap Code. Two parameters, CC x yyyy
x= 1,2 or 3 which is the cap code number.
yyyy is the pager code 1 –2097152. -1 to disable the
particular cap code. Enter “CC” to see a list of all pager cap
codes.
CC 1 12345
CC 2 -1
CC 3 -1
PM
Promiscuous Mode. Enable/disable promiscuous mode.
0 = off, 1 = ON (receive all paging messages).
0 or 1
0
PR
Pager Data Rate. Parameter is 512, 1200, or 2400
512, 1200, 2400
512
5.4. Factory Default Settings
RV-M8S-xx (Transceiver)
For the UHF M8S, model RV-M8S-UC, the main factory defaults are:
General Settings
Primary Protocol: (ATMT 0)...............................Packet Data
Alternate Protocol: (ATMA 3) ............................POCSAG
WMX (WMX 0)..................................................OFF
Paging Settings
Over-the-air paging baud rate:..........................512 baud
Alternate protocol (pin 15 = 1)...........................POCSAG 512
Paging data format (DF)....................................Auto detect
Paging Cap Code 1 (CC 1 279001) ..................279001
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
RV-M8R-xx (Receive Only)
For the UHF M8R receiver, model RV-M8R-xx, the main factory defaults are:
General Settings
Primary Protocol: (ATMT 0)...............................Packet Data
Alternate Protocol: (ATMA 3) ............................POCSAG
Channel number selected .................................1
WMX (WMX 0)..................................................OFF
Paging Settings
Over-the-air paging baud rate:..........................512 baud

Company Confidential 18 Raveon Technologies Corp.
Alternate protocol (pin 15 = 1)...........................POCSAG 512
Paging data format (DF)....................................Auto detect
Paging Cap Code 1 (CC 1 279001) ..................279001
Data Modem Settings:
Over-the-air data modem baud rate:.................4800 baud, 2-level
Serial port..........................................................9600baud, N/8/1
Hardware flow control .......................................Off
ID (ATMY).........................................................1234
Address Mask (ATMK)......................................FFFF
Frequencies
Ch 1..................462.2125 MHz

Company Confidential 19 Raveon Technologies Corp.
6. Using the M8S-VM MURS version
This section describes the operation of the M8S MURS version.
The five MURS authorized frequencies (47 CFR 95.632) and associated channel
emission bandwidths (47 CFR 95.633) are:
1: 151.820 MHz (11.25 KHz bandwidth)
2: 151.880 MHz (11.25 KHz bandwidth)
3: 151.940 MHz (11.25 KHz bandwidth)
4: 154.570 MHz (20 KHz bandwidth)
5: 154.600 MHz (20 KHz bandwidth)
The ATHP command can be used to change between these 5 frequencies.
The M8S-VM MURS band transmit power is limited to 2 watts maximum.
The ATFX and ATFT commands do not change frequencies in the M8S-VM MURS radio modem.
When using the narrow channels (1, 2, 3) set the over-the-air baud rate to 2-level 4800 baud (ATR2
3) or slower if desired.
When using the wide channels (4, 5) set the over-the-air baud rate to 2-level 9600 baud (ATR2 5) or
slower if desired.
The M8S-VM radio modems are exclusively MURS frequencies radios. These devices also comply
with FCC Rules Part 15.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device does not cause harmful interference.
2. This device does accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation. FCC License is not required.
This device operates on frequencies authorized for use in the Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS).
MURS frequencies are available for unlicensed business or personal use.
To comply with FCC requirements, transmitter adjustments should be made only by or under the
supervision of a person certified as technically qualified to perform transmitter maintenance and
repairs in the private land mobile and fixed services as certified by an organization representative of
the user of those services.
Do not Replace any transmitter component (capacitor, semiconductor, etc.).
7. Using the M8S in Paging Mode
This section describes the operation of the M8S when it is in the paging receive
mode.
There are two ways to configure the M8S to operate as a paging receiver. The
M8S may be configured to use just one protocol 100% of the time as defined by
the ATMT command. Or, the M8S may be configured with a second “Alternate
Protocol”, that may be selected using the input pin 15.
1. Configured by Command. With ATMA set to -1 to disable the
alternate protocol, the ATMT command will select the current operating
mode, either data modem or paging. ATMT 0 selects data modem

Company Confidential 20 Raveon Technologies Corp.
mode, and ATMT 3 selects POCSAG paging receiver command. With
ATMA set to -1, the ATMT command will always determine the
protocol the M8S is using.
2. Hardware Select: Issue the ATMA 3 command to set the Alternate
Protocol to paging decode. When ATMA is set to any number other
than -1, the M8S will use input pin number 15 to select between two
possible protocols. Protocol numbers are: 0=data radio, 3= POCSAG
decode. Pull input pin 15 high, enabling the alternate protocol.
The factory default configuration is ATMA 3 and ATMT 0.
7.1. Setting Cap Codes
Cap Codes are the “ID” of the paging receiver. When a paging message is
receive dover-the-air with a cap code that matches any one of the M8S’s
configured cap code registers, the M8S will receive the paging message. The
M8S has multiple cap code registers. To configure a cap code register, use the
CC x command, where x is the cap code register number. Setting a cap code to
-1 or 0 disables the particular cap code.
For example, to configure the M8S to receive pages sent to cap code 12345,
issue the following command:
CC 1 12345
By factory default, the cap code is set to 12345, and all other cap code registers
are disabled. If you issue the AT&F command, the cap codes will be reset to
factory defaults.
For test purposes, the promiscuous receive mode may be enabled using the PM
x command. If PM is set to PM 1, then the cap codes are ignored, and the M8S
will receive all paging messages.
7.2. Setting Paging Data Format
Pagers are generally either numeric, alpha-numeric, or tone. Most paging
transmitters specify the type of pager message they are sending, by setting the
function bits in the pager message. If they do, then the M8S can be set to
automatically select paging format.
If the user wishes to force the M8S to decode messages in a particular format,
then set the data format manually using the DF command.
DF 0 (numeric), DF 1 (alphanumeric), DF 2 (tone), DF 3 (auto select).
7.3. Numeric Messages
When the pager receives a numeric page, it outputs the numeric digits via its
RXD output pin on the I/o connector. The baud rate of the serial port is set with
the ATBD command. The outputted characters are ACSII representations of the
BCD numeric digits.