RF Linx 2400 D Series User manual

USER’S GUIDE
2400 D Series
Tunable AntennafierTM
Manual Ver 1.4
05/25/06

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
General Information
Introduction ………………………………….. 1
Customer Support …………………..……… 1
Chapter 1 Getting Started
How it Tunes ………………………………….. 2
Kit Contents ..………………………………… 3
Tunable AntennafierTM Applications ………... 6
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
How to connect your AntennafierTM ….……… 7
Mounting your AntennafierTM ………………. 9
Powering up and Indicator Lights ………….. 10
How to manually Tune your AntennafierTM…. 11
Chapter 3 Remote USB Control
Installing USB Control Software ………….... 12
Chapter 4 Remote Ethernet Control
Establishing Communications and Passwords.. 13
Connecting the Ethernet Cable and
Programming an IP address into the
Tunable Controller ………………………….. 13
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting .………………………………. 15
Chapter 6 Firmware Updates
Controller firmware updates ………………… 16
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General Information
Introduction
The Tunable AntennafierTM is a bidirectional amplifier with integrated narrow band high Q filtering
which is capable of being electronically tuned over an existing RF coax. Parameters such as center
frequency, TX power output, and RX gain can be remotely adjusted by the user with ease. Also,
status information such as center frequency lock detect, high RF input level, Temperature and
Amplifier personality information can be easily monitored.
Remotely tuning your AntennafierTM requires a Tunable Controller and either an Ethernet or USB
connection. Manually tuning of center frequency is also possible with a recessed push button switch
on the Tunable Controller faceplate.
Customer Support
Customer Support is available at:
PH: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rflinx.com

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Chapter 1 Getting Started
How it Tunes:
Controlling and reading your AntennafierTM parameters is easily accomplished with a Tunable Controller.
This device works together with your Tunable AntennafierTM to send and receive tuning and status
information via the 50 Ohm coax cable
connecting these devices. A typical setup is as shown below:
The Tunable Controller performs several operations. First it injects DC and 2.4GHz radio traffic onto the 50
Ohm Coax to feed the Bi-Directional Amplifier (AntennafierTM). Secondly it is an interface which controls
the Antennafier’sTM status and tune information via an Ethernet or USB connection.
The information exchanged between the Tunable Controller and AntennafierTM is also carried through the
50 Ohm coax and does not interfere with the 2.4GHz radio traffic.
When +12VDC is applied to the Tunable Controller a Built In Test (BIT) is initiated. During BIT the
Controller pulls vital status information from the AntennafiersTM built in memory. After passing BIT one can
easily change the Antennafier’sTM Channel with a recessed “SET” switch located on the Tunable
Controllers front panel or electronically change all parameters via the USB or Ethernet connection. Once
new information has been sent to the AntennafierTM it stores this in its internal memory.
The AntennafierTM always remembers its last tune information even when power is cycled. This is important
since the AntennafierTM can be used as a stand-alone device without a Tunable Controller. Just like our
standard non tunable amplifiers, this device can be operated in the same fashion.
2.4GHz
Radio Card Tunable Controller Tunable Antennafier
Ethernet or
USB Interface 50 Ohm
DC Power

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Kit Contents:
The D series of Antennafier’sTM come in outdoor and indoor configurations. Below is a listing of various
kits .
Kit
Number Indoor Amp Outdoor Amp Tunable Controller Basic DC Feed
2400DZ X X
2400DX X X
2400DE X
2400CTL X
2400DZ Outdoor Kit:
This kit is intended for most applications where the Tunable AntennafierTM is remotely placed on a tower
and the radio is placed indoors with the Tunable Controller.
2400DZ Outdoor Kit
Quantity Description
1 2400DX Series Outdoor Rated
AntennafierTM
1 2400CTL Tunable Controller also know
as DC Feed with USB Software CD
1 12 VDC (110/220 VDC) Power Supply
1 Aluminum ‘L’ shaped Mounting Bracket
1pk 1/4” Stainless Steel Mounting Hardware
and Coax Seal
1 2” Stainless Steel ‘U’ bolt
1 2400 D Series User’s Manual
1 Ethernet Cable
1 USB Jumper Cable

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2400DE Indoor Kit:
This kit is intended for indoor applications where the AntennafierTM is pre-tuned to customer
parameters and/or is placed inside or near the radio/antenna.
DC Power is applied to the unit via a 2.1mm jack located on AntennafierTM side.
2400DE Indoor Kit
Quantity Description
1 2400 DE Series Indoor Rated
AntennafierTM
1 12 VDC (110/220 VDC) Power Supply
1 Aluminum ‘L’ shaped Mounting Bracket
1pk 1/4” Stainless Steel Mounting Hardware
1 2400 D Series User’s Manual
* Tuning your indoor AntennafierTM requires a Tunable Controller (sold separately).
One Tunable Controller can do it all:
With one Tunable Controller alignment and monitoring can be performed on any Tunable
AntennafierTM. Once tuned parameters are sent to the amplifier the Controller can be removed if
desired. The AntennafierTM will remember its last tune information, even when power is cycled.
In the case of the Outdoor Model a basic DC Feed can be inserted. Likewise, in the case of indoor
setup the Tunable AntennafierTM receives its DC power via a 2.1mm jack located on the unit side.

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Tunable AntennafierTM Applications:
The Tunable AntennafierTM is suited for applications where multiple co-located WLAN systems are located
and filtering of unwanted channel interference is desired. It accomplishes this by placing a tunable- high Q,
22 MHz Band Pass Filter around one of 14 user selectable channels. It also has user adjustable RX gain
and TX power output as well as status information such as BIT and Temp.
This product also automatically compensates for RF Coax losses induced in typical installation scenarios.
Many applications require the radio to be separated from the Transmitting Antenna, thus the need for an
AntennafierTM. The AntennafierTM is bi-directional and senses the incoming RF signal to determine either RX
or TX mode of operation. Receive is the default mode and Transmit is initiated once the input level
becomes greater than +2dBm. In transmit, the Power Output is held constant via AGC to the programmed
value even over an input range of +2 to +20dBm.
The Tunable AntennafierTM is intended for IEEE 802.11b WLAN radio systems operating in the 2.4 to 2.485
GHz. These systems are Half Duplex in nature and require fast turn-around times. The RF sensing circuits
and AGC are quick to lock and switch between TX and RX within typically 3 µSec or less.

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Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
How to connect your AntennafierTM:
AntennafierTM connection can be accomplished in many ways. We suggest keeping the RF Coax Loss
between your AntennafierTM and Antenna to a minimum for maximum RF performance. This will maintain a
low System Noise Figure and ensure Maximum Output Power.
Connection for Outdoor Operation with full tuning capabilities (2400DZ Setup):
Connection for Outdoor Operation with fixed or pretuned AntennafierTM (2400DX Setup).
2.4GHz
Radio Card Tunable Controller Tunable Antennafier
Ethernet or
USB Interface 50 Ohm Coax
DC Power
2.4GHz
Radio Card Basic
DC Feed Tunable
Antennafier
50 Ohm Coax
DC Power

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Connection for Indoor Operation with full tuning capabilities: (2400DE with 2400CTL Setup):
The DC power jack on the Tunable AntennafierTM is not needed since it receives power and tune info
via the controller.
Connection for Indoor Operation with fixed or pretuned AntennafierTM (2400DE Setup):
WARNING: DC POWER IS ON THE CENTER CONDUCTOR OF TUNALBE CONTROLLER – TUNABLE
ANTENNAFIERTM RF PORTS!!! Care must be taken when connecting to splitters and other RF devices to
ensure proper DC isolation.
2.4GHz
Radio Card Tunable Controller Tunable Antennafier
Ethernet or
USB Interface 50 Ohm Coax
DC Power
2.4GHz
Radio Card Tunable Antennafier
Ethernet or
USB Interface 50 Ohm Coax
DC Power

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Mounting your AntennafierTM:
Outdoor Mounting:
Each AntennafierTM is supplied with an “L” shaped mounting bracket. This bracket attaches to the
AntennafierTM chassis via two 1/4” x 20 Pan Head Screws. The 1/4” threads in the chassis are separate
from the watertight compartment containing the amplifier. Thus no need to seal the screw holes in the
chassis since they are not part of the inner amplifier seal. Next mount this assembly to a tower post via the
“U” bolt and associated hardware (see diagram below). It is important, for weather related reasons, that the
Amplifier be mounted with the RF Connectors pointing downwards. Alternative mounting methods such as
panel mounting can be accomplished via extra holes located on the mounting bracket.
Outdoor installations will require attention to sealing all RF connectors to prevent water from leaking into
coax connector joints. The AntennafierTM itself is watertight, but the RF connectors which tie into the
AntennafierTM must be water sealed. We have enclosed two pieces of Coax SealTM to seal this critical
juncture. Just wrap the sealing tape around the N connector joints and coax.
Indoor Mounting:
Mounting indoors is similar to the Outdoor installation except no Coax Seal or U bolt is reqired.

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Powering Up and Indicator Lights:
Indicator LEDs on Tunable Controller:
TX PWR RX CHANNEL Condition
- GREEN GREEN 1 thru 14 RX Mode
RED - - 1 thru 14 TX Mode
- - - - Fault 1
- GREEN GREEN - Fault 2
When DC power is applied to the Tunable Controller it will query the Antennafier for a Built in Test (BIT) and
receive it’s previous Tuned channel on the two segment display. Also, the green RX LED and PWR LED
should be “ON”. The red TX light will only turn “ON” whenever the amplifier senses a RF level greater than
+2dBm on it’s TX input port. Durning normal RX/TX operation of the radio, these two LEDs flicker back and
forth.
If Fault 1 occurs, check to see that power is applied or if there is a potential “short” on the coax between the
Controller and AntennafierTM.
If Fault 2 occurs, Antennafier failed BIT test. Check coax cable connecting these devices.

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How to manually tune your AntennafierTM:
Manually tuning you AntennafierTM is possible with a recessed “SET” switch located on a Tunable Controller.
Select from Channel 1 thru Channel 14.

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Chapter 3 Remote USB Control
The USB software is intended for Window 98 thru XP operating systems.
Before installing the software connect the supplied Type A male to Type A male USB cable from you
computer or USB hub to the Tunable Controller. Also, connect a RF coax cable from the Tunable Controller
to the Tunable AntennafierTM. This allows the Controller to interface with the AntennafierTM. Apply DC
power to the Tunable Controller.
Installing USB Control Software:
Insert CD into drive
Select <install>
When finished installing start the program by either double clicking on Tunable Icon located on
desktop or selecting Start –Programs -Tunable Antennafier.
The software should detect a COM port automatically.
If not you will need to select the correct COM port. This can be found in the Windows Device
Manager which is located in the Settings-Control Panel Menu. Double click the System Icon then
select Hardware-Device Manager. Under Directory Ports (Com & LPT) there will be USB serial Port
(COMx). Simply type in this COM port and begin and begin remotely tuning your AntennafierTM.
If errors occur or no communications are established see troubleshooting section in Chapter 5.

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Chapter 4 Remote Ethernet Control
Establishing Communications:
Ethernet control of your AntennafierTM requires a simple setup of programming an IP address into the
Tunable Controller. This is easily accomplished with the USB communications port. To choose an IP
address, refer to your network and use an address within range. Or ask assistance from your System
Administrator if connected to a LAN network, they will provide you with an IP address. The factory default
IP address is 192.168.1.110 and the interface is accessed with a standard internet browser like
Internet Explorer using HTML. The Ethernet interface requires a four digit alpha-numeric password
to enter its web page. The factory default password is “LINX” and can easily be changed via the
USB user software.
To determine your computers IP address and a potential IP address for your AntennafierTM, refer to the
following steps:
•Select Start-Run, type “CMD” ,
•at the DOS prompt type “C:\ipconfig “ <Return>
There will be a screen showing the Ethernet Adapter Local Area IP address. Select an IP address which is
within this sub range. For example:
Computer IP Address ………………… 192. 168.1.101
Select an IP Address for the Tunable Controller between:
192.168.1.(0 to 100 or 102 to 255)
Connecting the Ethernet Cable and Programming an IP address into the Tunable Controller:
The Tunable Controller needs to have an IP address programmed into its memory to function with an
Ethernet Connection.
Perform the following steps:
1. Choose an IP address
2. Connect the USB Type A male to male cable from your computer to your Tunable Controller.
3. Connect the supplied Ethernet Cross Over Cable from computer to Tunable Controller. A standard
Ethernet Cable can also be used if connected to the Uplink port on a Hub or router.
4. Connect an RF jumper cable from your Tunable Controller to your Tunable AntennafierTM
5. Apply DC power to the Tunable Controller
6. Initiate the USB software
7. On the USB control panel type in the chosen IP address then <Update>
8. <Read> this will read the IP address back from the Tunable Controller. The read IP address should
be the same.
9. Important: The next step, is to Disconnect DC power and re-apply. This resets the IP address
to the new address.
10. With your favorite Internet browser simply type in the Tunable Controllers IP address i.e.
http://192.168.1.102
11. The Tunable Controller will return asking for a four digit alpha-numeric password. The
factory default is “LINX”. This password can easily be updated via the USB interface
software.

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12. After the correct password has been entered a menu displays the Tunable Antennafier’s
parameters which can be modified.
Once the IP address has been programmed into the Controller it will always remember. It can easily be
reprogrammed if needed.
Both the USB and Ethernet connections can be used at the same time, if desired, for control of your
Tunable AntennafierTM.

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Chapter 5 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting:
USB:
The USB COM port does not seem to communicate with the Tunable Controller.
•Check connection
•Check for proper COM port selection in USB Tunable software.
•Be sure Windows is recognizing the COM port. Under Device Manager there will be a Directory labeled
Universal Serial Bus controllers. The driver for this USB device is labeled USB High Speed Serial
Converter.
•Check for proper power up indicator lights.
Ethernet:
The Ethernet connection is not communicating with the Tunable Controller.
•Check connection. Make sure you are using a Cross over type cable or a standard Ethernet patch
cable connected to the Uplink port on either a router or hub.
•Insure you have the proper IP addressing
•Ensure proper IP address is loaded into Tunable Controller with the USB software.
•Check for proper power up indicator lights.
I’ve got proper connections yet the RED TX indicator is not turning ‘ON’.
•The AntennafierTM needs >+2dBm on the Radio RF port to turn “ON” transmit. Check RF cable
losses from Radio to Tunable AntennafierTM.

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Chapter 6 Firmware Updates
Firmware Updates:
Ver 0.2 Mar, 11 2003
USB updates from Ver 0.1 to Ver 0.2:
Updates to the USB user software include the following:
1. Password protection is now available on the Ethernet interface. A four digit alpha-numeric password
can be set via the USB interface software. The factory default password is “LINX”. One can
easily find the password if forgotten by simply connecting through the USB interface.
2. The controller no longer needs to be connected to an amplifier to initialize V0.2 USB user software.
3. The USB software installation program now auto-detects the COM port upon initial installation.