RF Innovations RFI-9256 User manual

RF INNOVATIONS PTY LTD
RFI-9256
OPERATION
MANUAL

RFI-9256 Operation Manual
RF Innovations Pty Ltd
22 Boulder Road Malaga, Western Australia
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
RF Innovations Pty Ltd reserves the right to change manual content, product specifications without prior notice to the product owner, although
all efforts will made to do so. RF Innovations Pty Ltd will not be held liable for any damages that may be caused by incorrect information
displayed in this manual.
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.
Caution: Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved
byRF Innovations could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................2
1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................5
2 RS-232 RADIO MODEMS...............................................6
The RS-232 Standard....................................................................6
DTE versus DCE Conventions .....................................................7
3 INSTALLATION................................................................8
Setting up for a connection...........................................................8
Point to Multipoint Connection...................................................9
Point to Point Communication.....................................................9
RFI-9256 Location.......................................................................10
Using an ExternalAntenna.........................................................10
4 CONFIGURATION ........................................................11
5 USINGFRONT PANEL MODES................................12
Mode 1..........................................................................................12
Mode 2..........................................................................................13
Mode 3..........................................................................................14
Mode 4..........................................................................................14
Mode 5..........................................................................................15
Mode 6 (config)............................................................................15
6 USING INTERNAL MENU COMMANDS..................16
Accessing the Configuration Menu............................................16
METHOD 1: Front PanelMode 6 (config) ..............................16
METHOD 2: Local Hayes Command ......................................16
METHOD 3: Remote Menu.....................................................16
(R) Radio Configuration Menu ..................................................17
(1) Special Controls Menu.........................................................20
(2) Link Control Menu...............................................................20
(3) Set Radio Characteristics .....................................................22
(P) Tx Power Menu...............................................................23
(F) Frame Time Menu...........................................................24
(B) Directional Bias Menu.....................................................24
(L) Protocol Port Selection (Link/Port Protocol Menu)...........25
(P) Protocol Selection Menu......................................................26
Protocol Configuration Menu....................................................27
(L) Link Control Menu..........................................................28
Protocol Configuration Menus...................................................28
Route Managing.....................................................................28
Protocol Decoding/Routing................................................29
Route Types.......................................................................29
(R) Route Manager Menu......................................................31
(M) Hayes Command Control Menu.....................................32
(A) Advanced Functions Menu..............................................34
(S) Serial Port ConfigurationMenu...........................................36
(B) Baud Rate Menu..................................................................37
(F) Flow Control Menu..............................................................38
(A) Advanced Functions Menu..................................................38
(M) Modem and I/O Configuration Menu.................................38
(H) HayesCommand ControlMenu (Port Selection Menu)..39
(D) DCD Control Menu.............................................................39
(R) RTS Control Menu..............................................................41
(A) Auxiliary I/O Port................................................................42
(D) AuxI/O Direction Menu.................................................43
(P) Powerup defaults Menu....................................................43
(P) Radio Personality Menu........................................................44
(D) Diagnostics Menu..................................................................45
(F) Fault log menu......................................................................49
(L) Set Logging Level............................................................49
(1) Statistics Menu.....................................................................49
7 THE HAYESTM COMPATIBLE AT COMMAND SET
51
The AT Commands......................................................................51
The Attention Code......................................................................51
Multiple Commands ....................................................................51
Port Selection Modifier................................................................52
The Escape Sequence...................................................................52
Response Codes............................................................................53
Dialing...........................................................................................54
Hanging Up...................................................................................54
Configuring the Modem..............................................................55
Viewing the Current Configuration...........................................55
Modem Commands ......................................................................56
AT? Menu Mode........................................................................56
ATD Dial....................................................................................56
ATE Echo...................................................................................56
ATH Hang Up............................................................................56
ATI Information.........................................................................57
ATO Return to On-Line State....................................................57
ATQ Quiet (Suppress Response Codes)....................................57

ATV Verbal Response Codes....................................................58
ATW Delayed Response............................................................58
AT&C Controlling Data Carrier Detect.....................................58
AT&D Controlling Data Terminal Ready.................................59
AT&F Restore Factory Defaults................................................59
AT&G Exclusive Port Control..................................................59
AT&K Flow Control..................................................................60
AT&V View Active Profile.......................................................60
AT&W Store Active Profile......................................................60
‘S’ Register Commands...............................................................61
ATS0 Rings Before Answer......................................................61
ATS2 Escape Character.............................................................61
ATS7 Wait for Carrier...............................................................61
ATS12 Escape Sequence Guard Time.......................................62
ATS21 Set Security Code..........................................................62
ATS30 Inactivity Time out........................................................62
ATS40 Packet Timer.................................................................62
ATS41 Number ofretries for ARQ...........................................63
ATS42 Network fail timeout .....................................................63
ATS43 Online requests timer ....................................................63
ATS44 Hopping Pattern Sequence............................................63
ATS45 Max TX Power..............................................................63
ATS47 Frame Time...................................................................63
ATS48 Frame Bias....................................................................64
ATS50 Network Address...........................................................64
ATS51 Unit Rx address.............................................................64
ATS52 Unit Tx address.............................................................64
ATS60 Set Logging Level.........................................................64
ATS61 Set UNIX Date/Time.....................................................65
ATS62 Set System/Log Timer...................................................65
ATS70 Set Port Protocol Type ..................................................65
ATS80 Get Local Auxiliary I/O Hex data.................................65
ATS81 Get Remote Auxiliary I/O Hex data..............................65
ATS82 Get Auxiliary I/O Direction Mask ................................65
ATS83 Set AuxiliaryI/O Power-up Default.............................66
ATS84 Set Auxiliary I/O Sample Timer ...................................66
ATS90 Set DCD control...........................................................66
ATS91 Set RTS control.............................................................67
ATS100 Set Port baud rate ........................................................67
ATS101 Set Port parity..............................................................67
ATS102 Set Port data bits..........................................................67
ATS103 Set Port stop bits..........................................................68
ATS104 Set Port flow control...................................................68
‘%’ Register Commands.............................................................68
AT%20 Set Unit Name..............................................................69
AT%22 Set Menu Password......................................................69
AT%62 Set RTC Date/Time......................................................69
Other Commands ........................................................................69
8 DIALUP NETWORKING.............................................. 73
Extension Numbers......................................................................73
Repeaters......................................................................................74
9 ESTABLISHINGCOMMUNICATION LINKS........... 76
Point to Point .............................................................................76
Point to Multipoint Dial connection..........................................76
Point to Point Repeater..............................................................77
Point to Multipoint (+Repeater).................................................78
10 AUXILIARY INPUT/OUTPUT PORT .........................79
A FIRMWARE COMPATIBILITY....................................80
The version numbe ring sche me..................................................80
Compatibility Types ....................................................................80
Hardware compatibility..............................................................80
Air interface compatibility (AI).................................................81
Feature Compatibility (F)...........................................................81
Version Inter-Compatibility Guide............................................81
B DIAGRAMS.....................................................................82
C TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.................................85
Radio Specifications.....................................................................85
Pin Assignments ...........................................................................86
Power supply Notes .....................................................................86
EIA Standard RS-232-C Pin Assignments ................................87
D FACTORY DEFAULTS................................................88
Radio Configuration....................................................................88
Protocol Port Selection................................................................88
Serial Port Configuration Menu (settings are the same for both
ports) .............................................................................................88
Modem and I/O Configuration Menu........................................89
Radio Personality Menu..............................................................89
Diagnostics Menu.........................................................................89
E TROUBLE SHOOTING.................................................90
F GLOSSARY....................................................................93

INTRODUCTION
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1Introduction
RFI-9256 Data Strike 3 Spread Spectrum Radio Modem
he RFI-9256 Data Strike Series3 Spread Spectrum Radio Modem Transceiver will open up new lines of
unparalleled high speed reliable data communications in hostile environments.
A Spread Spectrum Radio Modem has a wide band of frequencies allocated to it. The transceiver uses a
pseudo-random code to hop throughout this frequency band sending packets of data at different
frequencies. The receiver uses the same hopping code to synchronize and receive the data. This pseudo-
random code allows many radio devices to share frequencies and operate on independent networks on the
same frequency bands with negligible interference.
The RFI-9256 is essentially a full duplex radio modem capable of emulating a standard telephone
modem. The units can be configured for several types of standard link formats, including point to point
(Direct) where modems continually transmit to one another and point to multipoint dialup connections
where one unit can talk to many units by the use of a dialing mechanism to address the units. There is also a
protocol router mode, which can map protocol addresses to radios and forward the data to the correct unit.
The radio modems come from the factory configured as point to multipoint dialup.
The modem unit can be connected to a PC, laptop or any RS-232 device (e.g. terminals), to display the
inbuilt configuration menus or to directly control the operation of the modem via the inbuilt protocols.
One special feature of the modem is the two RS-232 ports provided (Main and Auxiliary). This allows the
user to monitor the operation of the radio whilst it is in communication with other units. Protocols on each
port are mostly independent of each other hence you can have two different protocols running
simultaneously.
Figure 1-1 shows a possible configuration for a pair of RFI-9256 units. The local modem is generally
configured as the Master and the remote/distant modem(s) as the Slave(s). It is the Master modems
responsibility to synchronise communication with other Slave modems, meaning a Master can initiate
communication with a Slave (and visa versa), but two Slaves or two Masters cannot communicate with each
other as communication will not be synchronised.
The RFI-9256 provides two methods of
configuration. There is a Menu System
and/or a set of HayesTM compatible AT
Commands available through either the
Auxiliary or the Main port. The menu
system provides a user-friendly interface with
prompts and the AT command set enables
the user to automate the operation of the
modem, by using scripts, and to dial remote
units.
T
Figure 1-1Configuration Example for theRFI-9256

RS-232 RADIO MODEMS
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2RS-232 Radio Modems
ommunication systems cannot directly transport digital data without distortion affecting the signal. A
device is required to ‘transform’ the digital signal into one that can be transported without distortion. A
radio modem is a device used to convert serial digital data into a form that can be transmitted by Radio
Frequency (RF). This is exactly like the landline modem except that it transmits its data down your phone
line instead. The receiving modem ‘transforms’ the signal back into serial data. This is summarised in Figure
2-1.
Da
ta is
transfer
red in
blocks
or
‘chunks
’.The communicating modemsmust be synchronised so that they both recognise the beginning and end of
the data blocks. Data transmitted in the RF path is typically sent in large blocks or packets, where many data
bits represent a packet. The data on the Terminal or DTE/DCE end by comparison is sent asynchronous
where start and stop bits are included in every block of 8 data bits. This decreases the amount of useful data
inside each block
If data is transferred in one direction at one time only, it is known as Simplex Communication. If data is
transferred in both directions at the same time, it is known as Duplex Communication and is divided into
twosystems, Half and Full. In Half Duplex Communication, data can only flow in one direction at a given
time and in Full Duplex Communication data flows in both directions simultaneously. This is illustrated in
Figure 2-2.
Th
e
RS-
23
2
Sta
nd
ard
R
S-
232
is a
standard that defines the characteristics of point-to-point communication. It is suitable for transferring
C
Figure 2-1 Modem Function in Data Transfer
Figure 2-2Simplex/Duplex Modes

RS-232 RADIO MODEMS
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serial, binary and digital data. Communication is generally asynchronous and full duplex. Reliable
communication can be achieved up to 50 feet. The RS-232 transmitter sends logic 1 as -5 to -25 Volts and
logic 0 as +5 to +25 Volts. The hardware handshaking lines are used for interactive device control. The
lines used for handshaking are RTS (Ready to Send), CTS (Clear to Send), DTR (Data Terminal Ready) and
DCD (Data Carry Detect).
DTE versus DCE Conventions
This is one of the most misunderstood areas of RS-232. DTE stands for Data Terminal Equipment,
and DCE stands for Data Communications Equipment. DTE is typically either a dumb terminal or the
serial port on a computer/workstation. DCE is typically a modem or other piece of data communications
equipment. Where it gets confusing is when you start to talk about signal definitions and direction. For
example, it's easy for someone to understand that when you transmit data, you send it out. However, when
you talk in terms of the DCE, it becomes an input. This is because the specification was written from the
perspective of the DTE end of the link. Another example is that the Receive Data signal is an input to
DTE, but anoutputfrom DCE. Refer to Figure 2-3 for a visual understanding. Radio modems can perform
the function of both DTE and DCE
Figure 2-3 DTE and DCE Conventions for RFI-9256

INSTALLATION
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3Installation
asic steps can achieve a connection straight away but, if you require a more comprehensive setup
then the information in the main data manual should be read. However, it is recommended that
you set up a simple connection to gain familiarization with the units and their internal menu system.
Setting up for a connection
The following steps should be followed for setting up communication between a pair of wireless data
transceivers received from the factory with factory default settings:
Connect the Main Ports of each radio modem to a serial port of a computer or device, using a suitable
cable1.
Run a suitable terminal package2or emulator (on the computer) using the following settings:
Communications Settings (RS-232 Com Port)
Baud Rate: 19200
Data Bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop Bits: 1
Flow Control: No Flow
Terminal Settings
Emulator Mode: None or Standard TTY
Local Echo: off
LF to CR on incoming: off
LF to CR on outgoing: off
Fasten the correct type of antennas, as required, to the modems ensuring they are properly seated.
Make one of the modems a Master (by default they are Slave) and set its Rx address (modem’s
number) by doing the following:
Connect the Local modem’s Auxiliary Port to a COM port of a terminal.
Hold Mode Select Button on the front panel of the unit to select Mode 6 – config.
This will bring up the Configuration Menu on the terminal.
Press ‘R’ to select the “Radio Configuration Menu”.
Press ‘M’ to set the unit to a Master.
Press ‘L’ to set the Local Rx Address (modem’s number)
Press ‘Esc’ (escape) twice.
Press ‘Y’ to exit the Menu.
At this point a Network Link will be established, and the Slave modem will have the NETWORK LINK
and CARRIER DETECT LEDs activated and the POWER LED Flashing. The Master will only have a Flashing
POWER LED.
1using an RFI pre-made cable [optional] or by a user constructed cable in accordance to the pin configuration in Technical Specifications
2If you don’t have a terminal program that can be setto 19200 baud, youcan download our shareware terminal program (RFI’s InTerm) from the RF
Innovations Web site (http://www.rfinnovations.com.au/).
B

INSTALLATION
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Now configure the Device for a Radio Connection.
Point to Multipoint Connection
In Point-to-Multipoint communication, the master dials a slave or visa versa. Communication is then
established between these two modems and is controlled by HayesTM AT command set. This Mode is used
when themaster is required to communicate withmore then oneslave.
Both modems are configured point-to-multipoint by default.
Dial remote modem (it does not matter whichmodem dials)
Type ‘ATDT nnnnXX’
nnnn - Receiving Modem’s Address (number)
XX - Extension Address of the port:
00 for Main Port
01 for Auxiliary Port
92 for Remote Menu
99 for Loop Back Port
This will establish a communications link. The front panel LEDs NETWORK LINK, CARRIER
DETECT and ONLINE will be activated on both modems. Each modem will echo the message
“CONNECT” onto the terminal.
The Rx (RECEIVE) and Tx (TRANSMIT) data LEDs will flash as information is passed. If both modems
are connected to a terminal, information typed at the computer connected to one modem will be
shown on the screen connected to the other.
Once communication is finished, hang-up the modem with the following sequence:
Type ‘+++’ on the terminal rapidly (within 1 second).
Wait 1 second and the modem should echo “OK”.
Type ‘ATH0’
Both modems should echo “NO CARRIER”.
Point to Point Communication
Point-to-Point Communication is similar to a wire that directly connects two devices together for data
transfer. Radio communication is established automatically and is transparent. This is used when data is to
be sent between two devices only.
Set both modems to Point-to-Point Communication Mode by:
Ensuring the Auxiliary Port of the modem is connected to a Com port and that the
terminal package has the settings as in Setting up for a connection Step 1 on page 8.
Hold Mode Select Button on the front panel of the unit to select Mode 6 – config.
This will bring up the Configuration Menu on the terminal.
Press ‘R’ to select “Radio Configuration Menu”.
Press ‘P’ to select Mode Point to Point (Direct).
Enter receiving modem’s address (20 by default).

INSTALLATION
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Press ‘Esc’ (escape) twice.
Press ‘Y’ to exit3Menu.
This will establish a communications link. The NETWORK LINK, CARRIER DETECT and ONLINE LEDs
will be activated and the TRANSMIT and RECEIVE LEDs will flash as information is passed.
RFI-9256 Location
Placement of your RFI-9256 unit is likely to have a significant impact on its performance. In general,
the rule of thumb with RFI-9256’s is that the higher the placement of the antenna the better the
communication link. In practice you should also place the transceiver away from computers, telephones,
answering machines, and other similar equipment. It is also advisable to keep units away from each other
unless you synchronise their transmissions (see (1) Special Controls Menu, page 20).
Using an External Antenna
The RFI-9256 has been designed to operate with the supplied antenna. In the case that a different
antenna is required please contact RF Innovations. The antenna should not be located within 20cm of
where people may come in contact.
Placement of antennas is critical to a solid data link. Other antennas in close proximity are a potential
source of interference; use the Radio Statistics to help identify potential problems. It is possible that slight
adjustments in antenna placement (as little as 1 meter) will solve noise problems. Antennas systems should
not belocated within 20cm of where people may comein contact.
Long RS-232 cable runs should also be avoided in areas with frequent lightning activity or static
electricity build up unless they are properly isolated from the transceiver. Nearby lightning strikes or
elevated levels of static electricity may lead to voltage spikes on the line, causing failure in the transceiver’s
RS-232 interface. RF Innovations manufactures a range of external Data interface converters for
applications that require long cable runs.
WARNING: Any antennas placed outdoors must be properly grounded. Use extreme caution when installing antennas
and follow all instructionsincluded with the antennas.Theuse ofexternal antennas subjects the
transceiver to greater exposure todirect lightning strikes.
3The HayesTM commands will NOT work in Point-to-Point Mode by default.

CONFIGURATION
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4Configuration
our radio modem allows you tochangeseveral parameters to optimise its performance for a particular
application. All adjustments can be made through a menu system or by the HayesTM command set. A
standard terminal program can be used to access the menu system, which eliminates the need for custom
software or Dipswitch settings.
The menu invoked is displayed in Figure 4-1. The user can configure the Modem or obtain diagnostic
and statistical information from the Radio. The changes made to the operation of the transceiver are stored
innon-volatile memory tomaintain thelatest configuration even withloss of power.
*** MirOS Main Menu (Version 2.0) ***
XXXXX Version 1.23 Rev.B
Unit Name:
Unit is a: MASTER
Serial No: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Manufactured Date: DD/MM/YYYY
(R) Radio Configuration Menu
(L) Protocol Port Selection
(S) Serial Port Configuration Menu
(M) Modem and I/O Configuration Menu
(P) Radio Personality Menu
(D) Diagnostics Menu
(Esc) To Exit Menu
Enter Choice:
Figure 4-1 Main Menu
Y

USING FRONT PANEL MODES
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5Using Front Panel Modes
he RFI-9256 has a unique front panel user interface that can be used to assess the Radio performance
without any additional test equipment. A picture of the front panel is shown in Figure 5-1 below. The
interface is controlled by means of a small push button switch located on the front panel. A dual colour
LED bar graph display is used to signal various settings to the user.
When the Modem is first turned on the display defaults to Mode 1. The Operational Mode is
numbered down the left-hand side of the LED Display. In this mode, the purpose of each LED is
indicated in the first column on the front panel (under the heading Mode 1), for example the top-most
LED indicates the status of the Network Link. If the switch is pressed the display will change and indicate
the currentmode of operation by a RED LED. If the switch is held down longer than 1 second the Mode
LED indicator will begin cycling through each mode. While the unit is in this cycling operation, the rate at
which the mode selection cycles can be increased by pressing the button at a faster rate than the automatic
toggle. Once the desired operational mode is reached then the switch can be released and after
approximately one second delay the LED display will indicate the function for that mode.
Details of the scale for Mode 2 (the receive signal power indicator mode) and Mode 3 (the transmit
powerindicator mode) arealsoincluded on the front panel, under the respective headings.
Mode 1
The LED indicators in Mode 1 show the general flow of data and other radio characteristics. Table 5-1
describes the front panel indicators in Mode 1.
T
Fi
g
ure 5-1 Exam
p
le of the front
p
anel indicator li
g
hts

USING FRONT PANEL MODES
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LED NAME MODE 1
NETWORK LINK •Green - Modem has locked onto a signal from the same network.
•Red - Modem has just lost link to the operational network and will
drop out if the connection is not established within the required time
(as set in software).
CARRIER DETECT •Green - An RF carrier has been detected and contains valid
information.
•Red - An RF carrier has been detected and contains invalid
information.
TRANSMIT DATA •RS232 Data is being moved out the RS232 port through either the
mainor auxiliaryport (to the terminal).
RECEIVE DATA •RS232 Data is being received from the RS232 port from either the
main or auxiliary port (from the terminal).
ONLINE •Green - Data is being received from a remote modem that contains the
receiving modems address.
•Red - A data packet has been lost or has not been able to be sent to
the remote modem (automatic ARQ function fail).
POWER •Green - This indicator will flash on and off at one-second intervals to
indicate the Radio internal functions are OK.
•Red - This indicator will flash when the Modem has serious faults,
such as channel synthesiser out of lock, low power or power supply
problems, or software CRC errors. The user Fault event log can be
used to find the cause of any intermittent problems (AUX port
configuration).
Table 5-1 LED Indicators Mode 1
Mode 2
When the RFI-9256 is in Mode 2 the display changes to a LED bar graph that indicates the RSSI
(Received Signal Strength Indicator) value, the display has a resolution of 5dB. Intermediate steps are
indicated by a RED display and whole numbers by a GREEN display i.e., the bottom two LEDs on green
would indicate a received signal of -100dBm while a display of RED on the –100dBm level would indicate
-105dBm. Table 5-2 below shows the scale RSSI according to the LEDs. Details are also shown on the
front panel under the heading Mode 2. -60dBm is the strongest signal, and -110dBm the weakest. Any
signal above -90dBm will result in a very strong signal, with high throughput. Weaker strengths will still
transmit, but throughput may be affected.
LED NAME MODE 2 (dBm)
NETWORK LINK -60
CARRIER DETECT -70
TRANSMIT DATA -80
RECEIVE DATA -90
ONLINE -100
POWER -110
Table 5-2 LED Indicators Mode2

USING FRONT PANEL MODES
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Mode 3
When the RFI-9256 is in Mode 3 the display changes to an LED bar graph display that indicates the
Transmitted RF power. The display has a resolution of 3dBm steps from a maximum output power of
+30dBm or 1Watt using the RED LEDs. Table 5-3, below, show the relationship between the LEDs and
the indicated output power (included on the front panel) under the heading Mode 3. This display is used as
an indicator to show the current level of the transmitted RF power.
To meetSpreadSpectrum Standards, the total power rating leaving the antenna is not allowed to radiate
more than 1 Watt. The power settings, in the software, allow the user to adjust the power level to maintain
the maximum possible EIRP. For example, if the user wishes to use a gain antenna, he/she must set the
powerlevel in themodem so the total power radiated by the antenna does not exceed the EIRP.
LED NAME MODE 3 (dBm)
NETWORK LINK 30
CARRIER DETECT 27
TRANSMIT DATA 24
RECEIVE DATA 21
ONLINE 18
POWER 15
Table 5-3 LED Indicators Mode 3
Mode 4
When the RFI-9256 is in Mode 4 the display changes to a LED bar graph display that indicates the
Temperature of the RFI-9256 Radio. The temperature is displayed using green LEDs for steps of 10°C
from 10°to 60°C. Table 5-4 below shows the radio temperature according to the LEDs on the front panel.
When the unit is operating within the green area the radio is operating inside its operating window.
Temperatures above 65°C are displayed as a full red bar. Temperatures below 5°are displayed as a
single redLED.These are both fault conditions.
LED NAME MODE 4 (°
°°
°C)
NETWORK LINK 60
CARRIER DETECT 50
TRANSMIT DATA 40
RECEIVE DATA 30
ONLINE 20
POWER 10
Table 5-4 LED Indicators Mode 4

USING FRONT PANEL MODES
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Mode 5
When the RFI-9256 is in Mode 5 the display indicates the RS232 Port status. The user can then tell the
logic states of the RS232 control lines, a red LED indicates +12volts(logic on) and a green -12volts or no
connection (logic off). Table 5-5, below, shows the LED names and their equivalent function in Mode 5.
LED NAME MODE 5
NETWORK LINK DSR (input)
CARRIER DETECT DCD (output)
TRANSMIT DATA TX (RS232 data out of external port)
RECEIVE DATA RX (RS232 data in from external port)
ONLINE CTS (input)
POWER RTS (output)
Table 5-5 LED Indicators Mode 5
Mode 6 (config)
When the display is set to Mode 6, the Configuration Menu options are available on the Auxiliary port
at 19200,8,N,1. A terminal must be connected to the Auxiliary port with appropriate terminal software to
communicate with the radio. A brief introduction to the menu command structure is given in the next
section.
The LED display on the front panel is the same as Mode 1. To determine which mode a unit is at any
time just press the button on the front panel.

USING INTERNAL MENU COMMANDS
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6Using Internal Menu Commands
he menu system was briefly described in Configuration. This menu provides the user with an interface
that is controlled by the terminal device. It is here where configuration options are easily accessible.
There are several methods of accessing the configuration menu. Note that some options do not come into
effect until the menu system has been exited.
Accessing the Configuration Menu
METHOD 1: Front Panel Mode 6 (config)
The setup menu is invoked by:
Connecting the Auxiliary Port of the RFI-9256 to any terminal program.
Set the baud rate for that terminal to 19200, 8, N, 1.
On the modem press and hold the front panel switch until Mode 6 - config is activated then release
the switch.
METHOD 2: Local Hayes Command
If the front panel of the radio is inaccessible and the modem has a port configured as a Dialup then
setup menu can be invoked by:
Connecting either RFI-9256 Port configured as Dialup any terminal program.
Ensure the terminal communications settings are the same as those set on the modem.
Type the AT? Command.
METHOD 3: Remote Menu
If the modem itself is in accessible the setup menu can be invoked by:
Dialthe remote modem with port address 92, e.g. ‘ATDT 2092’.
The internal menu, onceinvoked from Mode 6 - config, will display on the terminal screen as below in
Figure 6-1.
T

USING INTERNAL MENU COMMANDS
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223889, Revision 2.2
*** MirOS Main Menu (Version 2.0) ***
XXXXX Version 1.23 Rev.B
Unit Name:
Unit is a: MASTER
Serial No: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Manufactured Date: DD/MM/YYYY
(R) Radio Configuration Menu
(L) Protocol Port Selection
(S) Serial Port Configuration Menu
(M) Modem and I/O Configuration Menu
(P) Radio Personality Menu
(D) Diagnostics Menu
(Esc) To Exit Menu
Enter Choice:
Figure 6-1RFI-9256 Main Menu
(R) Radio Configuration Menu
The Radio Configuration Menu allows the radio’s function within a network to be changed for different
applications. The following menu in Figure 6-2 is an example of what is displayed.
*** Radio Configuration Menu ***
Unit is a MASTER
Network Address = 32
Rx Address = 20
Hopping Pattern = 0
Point to Point Connection
(M) Set unit as Master
(S) Set unit as Slave
(N) Set Network address
(L) Set Local Rx address
(P) Set ports as Point to Point Direct
(D) Set ports as Point to MultiPoint Dialup
(R) Set ports as Dialup Repeater
(1) Special Controls Menu
(2) Link Control Menu
(3) Radio Characteristics Menu
(F) Restore Factory defaults
(Esc) Previous Menu
Enter Choice:
Figure 6-2 Radio Configuration Menu

USING INTERNAL MENU COMMANDS
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© RF Innovations Pty Ltd, 1998 Page: 18
223889, Revision 2.2
(M) Set unit as Master
In any communications link, at least one modem must be configured as a Master. The Master
synchronises communications with other Slaves. When this function is selected the radio is configured
as a master.
To change themodem toa Master, press (M).
(S) Set unit as Slave
In any communication link one unit must be set as a Master and the rest as Slaves. Slaves can initiate
communication but follow the synchronisation of the Master. Modems are configured as Slaves, by
default.
To change themodem toa Slave, press (S). Modems are configured asSlaves, by default
(N) Set Network address
The Network Address is the network identification number. Slaves synchronise with a Master that has
the same Network Address. Radios ignore data originating from modems with another network
address. The network address must be the same for every Radio on that particular network.
To change the Network Address, press (N). The following will be displayed:
Enter Network Address value (0-63): 32
The unit allowsforup to 64 networkaddresses (0-63)4. The network address is 32 by default.
(L) Set Local Rx address
The Local Rx Address is used to identify individual modems within a point to multipoint network.
Each Radio must have a unique address, otherwise more than one modem will answer when the
address is dialed and destructive collisions will occur. Point to point communication does not use
dialing, therefore both modems may have the same Rx number.
Radio units configured as Repeaters (see Repeaters on page 74 ) are often given the same Rx number.
Radios in different networks can have the same Local RX Address.
To change the Rx Address, press (L). The following will be displayed:
Enter Rx Address value as (1-9999): 20
The unit allows forup to 9999 Rx addresses (1-9999). The Rx address is 20 by default.
(P) Set Mode Point to Point Direct
Point to point communication is used to for links between two devices only and is equivalent to having
the units linked by a cable, effectively making the radios transparent. For more information see Point to
Point on page 76.
To change the radio configuration toPoint to Point, press (P). The following will be displayed:
4Address 0 is special address and should not be used as it is reserved for special broadcast modes. Also the general
address convention is that the Rx address of either a Base unit or a destination unit be a 4 digit number and
repeaters are 2 digit numbers without zero prefixes.