RF Neulink NL6000 User manual

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RF Neulink 2 NL6000 User Guide
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 by RF Neulink. This manual may be reproduced for distribution
with the NL6000 as long as the manual remains intact, in its entirety, with all
appropriate Copyright, Intellectual property, and Trademark notices.
This product contains intellectual property and copyrighted material owned by RF
Neulink. Unless expressly agreed to in writing, no one may copy, disassemble, or
distribute in any form, any computer readable information contained within this
product, and in particular information contained within the EEPROM, EPROM, or
ROM memory circuits. All rights, title, and copyrights to the software or firmware in
this product are owned by RF Neulink.
NL6000 is a registered trademark of RF Neulink, a division of RF Industries. RF
Neulink reserves all rights not expressly granted to the purchaser of this product.

R F Industries
7610 Miramar Road,
San Diego, CA 92126
858.549.6340
[e-mail]
www.rfneulink.com

RF Neulink 3 NL6000 User Guide
Table of Contents
1. Product Overview ....................................................................................................... 6
1.1. Features............................................................................................................. 7
2. Regulatory Information............................................................................................... 9
3. Specifications............................................................................................................ 11
4. Hardware Installation and Operation........................................................................ 13
4.1. Parts Description............................................................................................. 13
4.2. Power Connections ......................................................................................... 13
4.3. Mounting Instructions..................................................................................... 13
4.4. Serial Port........................................................................................................ 14
4.5. Antenna Connection........................................................................................ 15
4.6. LEDs ............................................................................................................... 15
4.7. Operation......................................................................................................... 15
4.8. Technical Support ........................................................................................... 16
5. Software Configuration............................................................................................. 17
5.1. Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 17
5.2. Preparation ...................................................................................................... 17
5.3. Unique Data Requirements for a Base Station ............................................... 18
5.4. Source and Destination Addressing................................................................ 18
5.5. Behavior of Repeater Units............................................................................. 19
5.6. Packet Data Options........................................................................................ 22
5.6.1. Transmission Mode ........................................................................... 22
5.6.2. Maximum Packet Size....................................................................... 25
5.6.3. Over-the-Air Data Rates.................................................................... 25
5.6.4. Acknowledgements ........................................................................... 25
5.6.5. Carrier Sense Multiple Access .......................................................... 25
5.7. Serial Connection to an I/O Device ................................................................ 25
5.7.1. Basic Serial Parameters..................................................................... 25
5.7.2. Flow Control...................................................................................... 26
5.7.3. DCD Mode ........................................................................................ 26
5.7.4. Pre- and Post-Data DCD Time.......................................................... 26
5.8. Planning the RF Channel ................................................................................ 27
5.9. Factory Default Parameters............................................................................. 27
6. Procedures................................................................................................................. 28
6.1. General Procedures ......................................................................................... 29
Entering Programming Mode ......................................................................... 29
Setting the Program Mode .............................................................................. 29
Saving Configuration Changes to Flash Memory........................................... 29
Saving Configuration Changes Temporarily .................................................. 29
Reverting to the Prior Configuration .............................................................. 29
Returning to the Previous Menu ..................................................................... 30
Displaying the Configuration Summary Window .......................................... 30
6.2. Radio Network Setup...................................................................................... 31
Setting the Unit Type...................................................................................... 31
Setting the Unit ID (MYID)............................................................................ 31

RF Neulink 4 NL6000 User Guide
Setting the Target Unit ID (TOID) ................................................................. 31
Setting the Active Channel ............................................................................. 31
Setting the Receive Frequency........................................................................ 31
Setting the Transmit Frequency...................................................................... 31
6.3. Serial Connection Setup.................................................................................. 32
Setting the Baud Rate...................................................................................... 32
Setting the Data Bits ....................................................................................... 32
Setting the Stop Bits........................................................................................ 32
Setting the Transmit Character Timeout......................................................... 32
Setting the Flow Control Option..................................................................... 32
Setting the DCD Mode.................................................................................... 32
Setting the Pre-Data DCD Time ..................................................................... 33
Setting the Post-Data DCD Time.................................................................... 33
6.4. Data Setup....................................................................................................... 33
Setting the Maximum Packet Size.................................................................. 33
Setting the Packet Mode ................................................................................. 33
Setting the Data Rate ...................................................................................... 34
Setting the Request ACKs Option .................................................................. 34
Setting the Contention Option ........................................................................ 34
6.5. Repeater Setup ................................................................................................ 35
Selecting the Repeater Entry to Edit............................................................... 35
Setting the Repeater Trigger........................................................................... 35
Setting the Repeater Trigger ID...................................................................... 36
Setting the Repeater Transmit Channel .......................................................... 36
Setting the Repeater Transmit Delay.............................................................. 36
6.6. File Management ............................................................................................ 36
Downloading a Software Upgrade.................................................................. 36
Saving Parameters to Disk.............................................................................. 37
Restoring Parameters from Disk..................................................................... 37
Restoring Default Parameters ......................................................................... 38
7. Menu Quick Reference ............................................................................................. 39
7.1. Main Menu...................................................................................................... 39
7.2. Summary Screen ............................................................................................. 39
7.3. Serial Menu..................................................................................................... 40
7.4. DCD232 SubMenu.......................................................................................... 40
7.5. Network Menu ................................................................................................ 41
7.6. Repeater SubMenu.......................................................................................... 41
7.7. Radio Menu..................................................................................................... 42
7.8. Diagnostics Menu ........................................................................................... 42
7.9. Save/Restore Parameters Menu ...................................................................... 43
8. Other Considerations ................................................................................................ 44
8.1. Duty Cycle ...................................................................................................... 44
8.2. Troubleshooting.............................................................................................. 44
8.2.1. Use a Good Antenna.......................................................................... 44
8.2.2. Three-wire Interface.......................................................................... 44
8.2.3. Hardware Flow Control..................................................................... 45

RF Neulink 5 NL6000 User Guide
8.2.4. Use a Fully-Wired RS-232 Cable...................................................... 45
8.2.5. Use a Slower Baud Rate.................................................................... 45
8.2.6. Use a Faster Baud Rate ..................................................................... 45
8.2.7. Unit Does Not Enter Programming Mode......................................... 45
Appendix A – Diagnosing and Correcting Performance Problems.................................. 46
Setting the Power Value............................................................................................ 46
Setting the Frequency Trim (includes setting Power)............................................... 46
Setting the Deviation and Balance............................................................................ 47
Setting the Receive Gain........................................................................................... 48
Appendix B - Factory Default Parameters........................................................................ 50
Index ................................................................................................................................. 51

RF Neulink 6 NL6000 User Guide
1. Product Overview
The RF Neulink NL6000 is an integrated radio modem that provides reliable
bi-directional RS-232 data transmissions on a land mobile radio channel.
Configurable RS-232, radio, and packet data parameters provide the NL6000 with the
flexibility necessary for use in both simple and complex networks.
In its simplest configuration, the NL6000 transmits wireless data from one modem to
another to send instructions and receive a response. In many cases, the factory-
configured default parameters make the unit ready to use after just setting two address
IDs. Figure 1 shows a simple system to transmit data between two terminals.
Figure 1: Use the NL6000 in a Simple Configuration
In a more sophisticated configuration, the NL6000 provides wireless communication
between multiple units in a network. A unit configured as a base station can transmit
instructions to multiple remote units and collect responses from those remotes for
analysis and management reporting. Configuration of multiple units is a simple task
using the menu-driven user interface. Figure 2 shows a system for maintaining the
water level for a number of water tanks.
Figure 2: Use the NL6000 in a Multi-Unit Network

RF Neulink 7 NL6000 User Guide
The NL6000’s powerful and efficient packet communications protocol provides a
solution to many of the problems affecting conventional wireless data networks.
Bursts of noise, RF interference, inter-modulation, overload, and signal fade can
corrupt and interrupt radio data links. The NL6000 eliminates these problems through
the use of advanced technologies including sophisticated forward error correction
technology.
The NL6000 can transmit in any of the following frequency ranges:
•UHF 400 - 420 MHz
•UHF 450 – 470 MHz
•VHF 136 – 162 MHz
•VHF 148 – 174 MHz
1.1. Features
The following list highlights the primary features of the NL6000:
Product Reliability The NL6000 makes extensive use of Digital Signal
Processing (DSP) technology resulting in outstanding
performance under adverse environmental conditions.
Data Reliability Advanced signaling end error control technologies
provide exceptional performance under poor channel
conditions.
RF Data Rate The NL6000 can transmit or receive at over-the-air rates
of 12,000 bps or 22,050 bps.
Protocol Flexibility The NL6000 provides three data transmission modes
resulting in peak system performance for a wide range of
data communication scenarios.
Easy User
Interface
An easy to follow menu-based user interface makes
configuring the NL6000 a simple task.
Base Station
Configuration
The NL6000 can be configured as a remote or a base
station. A remote transmits data to a specific unit or
group of units. A base station transmits data to multiple
units or groups.

RF Neulink 8 NL6000 User Guide
Repeater
Configuration
In areas where you lack a reliable path, you can
configure an NL6000 unit as a repeater to reach a hidden
unit. This feature can fill in RF blind spots or extend the
usable range of the system’s desired coverage area.
Single and Multi-
Point Addressing
An NL6000 can be configured to transmit to a single
unit, a group of units, or to broadcast to all units within
range.
Acknowledgement The NL6000 can be configured to request an
acknowledgement (ACK) from the destination modem
with each transmission. If it does not receive an ACK,
the unit will retransmit.
Auto-Transmit Two events will automatically trigger transmission of
data over the RF link: a pause between bytes equal to a
user-defined number of milliseconds, or the buffer
reaching a user-defined number of bytes.
Configuration
Templates
The NL6000 software lets you save a configuration as a
template and download the parameters in that template to
other units that share the same configuration. This saves
time when configuring a large network.

RF Neulink 9 NL6000 User Guide
2. Regulatory Information
Notices
It is the responsibility of the user of this equipment to obtain the proper FCC license
to operate this product on the desired channel of operation.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
FCC Part 15
This product complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and regulations (Code of Federal
Regulations 47CFR Part 15). It may not be modified without the expressed consent of
RF Neulink. Modification of this product could void the user’s authorization to use
the product.
FCC Part 90
The NL6000 has been type accepted for operation by the FCC in accordance with
Part 90 of the FCC rules (47CFR Part 90). See the label on the unit for the specific
FDD ID and any other certification designations.
FCC Part 101
The NL6000 has been type accepted for operation by the FCC in accordance with
Part 101 of the FCC rules (47CFR Part 101). See the label on the unit for the specific
FDD ID and any other certification designations.
406.0 to 406.1 MHz Operation
The frequency band from 406.0 to 406.1 MHz is reserved for use by distress beacons.
As such, the NL6000 should not be programmed to transmit on any frequency within
this band. Caution should be used when programming frequencies into the NL6000 to
eliminate the possibility of NL6000 users interfering with rescue operations on this
band.
Safety Warning
In order to ensure the safe operation of this radio equipment, the following practices
should be observed.
•DO NOT operate radio equipment near electrical blasting caps or in an explosive
atmosphere.
•DO NOT operate any radio transmitter unless all RF connectors are secure and
any open connectors are properly terminated.
•DO NOT allow the antenna to come close to, or touch, the eyes, face, or any
exposed body parts while the radio is transmitting.

RF Neulink 10 NL6000 User Guide
•DO NOT operate the radio unless it has been installed and inspected by a
qualified radio technician.
•DO NOT let children operate transmitter equipment.