RFM HN-591 User manual

HN-591
900MHz Desktop Wireless Modem
User’s Guide

Important Regulatory Information
Cirronet Product FCC ID: HSW-910M
IC 4492A-910M
Note: This unit has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in
FCC s MPE Requirements
Information to user/installer regarding FCC s Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits.
Notice to users/installers using the 8.5 dBi Yagi antenna with the WIT910.
FCC rules limit the use of this antenna, when connected to the WIT910 module, to point-to-point
applications only. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the system is prohibited
from being used in point-to-multipoint applications, omni-directional applications, and
applications where there are multiple co-located intentional radiators transmitting the same
information. Any other mode of operation using this antenna is forbidden.
Notice to WIT910 users/installers using the following fixed antennas:
Cushcraft 8.5 dBi Yagi
The field strength radiated by this antenna, when connected to a transmitting WIT910, may
exceed FCC mandated RF exposure limits. FCC rules require professional installation of these
antennas in such a way that the general public will not be closer than 23 cm from the radiating
aperture of this antenna. End users of these systems must also be informed that RF exposure
limits may be exceeded if personnel come closer than 23 cm to the aperture of this antenna.
Notice to WIT910 users/installers using the following fixed antennas:
Cushcraft 6 dBi Monopole Cushcraft 3 dBi Omni Ace 2dBi dipole
The field strength radiated by any one of these antennas, when connected to a transmitting
WIT910, may not exceed FCC mandated RF exposure limits. FCC rules require professional
installation of these antennas in such a way that the general public will not be closer than 20 cm
from the radiating aperture of any of these antennas. End users of these systems must also be
informed that RF exposure limits may be exceeded if personnel come closer than 20 cm to the
apertures of any of these antennas.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible may void the users ability to
operate the equipment.

Table of Contents
Introduction .....................................................................................................................1
HopNet Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Advantages........................................1
HopNet Data Integrity...................................................................................................1
Flexible Power Management........................................................................................1
Data Transmission .......................................................................................................2
LED Status...................................................................................................................2
Power Connection........................................................................................................2
Antenna Connection.....................................................................................................2
Configuring the HN-591...................................................................................................3
Overview......................................................................................................................3
Introduction ..............................................................................................................3
HopNet Configuration Wizard (HNWizard)......................................................................4
Parameters Tab .......................................................................................................6
Network Tab.............................................................................................................9
Protocol Tab...........................................................................................................12
RF Tools ................................................................................................................14
Saving Configurations............................................................................................18
Modem Commands.......................................................................................................18
Serial Commands.......................................................................................................19
Set Data Rate Divisor.............................................................................................19
Set Protocol Mode..................................................................................................20
Network Commands...................................................................................................21
Set Transceiver Mode............................................................................................21
Set Default Handle.................................................................................................21
Enable Global Network Mode ................................................................................22
Set Hopping Pattern...............................................................................................22
Set Transmit Power................................................................................................22
Read Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).....................................................22
Protocol Commands...................................................................................................23
Set Alternative Frequency Band.............................................................................23
Set Hop Duration....................................................................................................24
Set Minimum Data Length......................................................................................24
Get Maximum Data Length (read only)..................................................................24
Set Maximum Number of Remotes (base only) .....................................................24
Set Packet Attempts Limit......................................................................................24
Set Data Transmit Delay........................................................................................25
Set Slot Assignment Mode (base station only).......................................................25
Set Base Slot Size (base station only)...................................................................25
Set ARQ Mode.......................................................................................................25
Status Commands......................................................................................................26
Banner Display Disable..........................................................................................26
Set Escape Sequence Mode..................................................................................26
Read Factory Serial Number High, Middle and Low Bytes. ...................................27
Set Duty Cycle .......................................................................................................27
Memory Commands...................................................................................................28

Recall Factory Defaults..........................................................................................28
Recall Memory.......................................................................................................28
Store Memory.........................................................................................................28
Modem Command Summary .....................................................................................29
Typical HopNet Applications .........................................................................................30
Introduction ................................................................................................................30
Point to Multipoint...................................................................................................30
Point-to-Point .........................................................................................................31
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................32
Overview....................................................................................................................32
Introduction ............................................................................................................32
Transceiver Requirements.....................................................................................32
Common System Problems........................................................................................33
Guidelines for Reducing Interference.........................................................................34
Introduction ............................................................................................................34
Guidelines for Selecting Your Site..........................................................................34
Guidelines for Avoiding Terrain Obstructions.............................................................34
Customer Support.........................................................................................................35
Introduction ................................................................................................................35
Technical Assistance..................................................................................................35
Factory Repairs..........................................................................................................35
Glossary of Terms.........................................................................................................36
Technical Specifications................................................................................................37
General ......................................................................................................................37
Mechanical.................................................................................................................37
Mechanical.................................................................................................................38
Environmental ............................................................................................................38
Appendix A....................................................................................................................39
HNWizard INIT.INI File...............................................................................................39
HNWizard’s WinCom Window....................................................................................40
Function Keys ........................................................................................................43
Recover..................................................................................................................43
Restart ...................................................................................................................44
Warranty........................................................................................................................45

HN-591
Introduction
The HN-591 provides reliable wireless connectivity for either point-to-point or point-
to-multipoint applications. The HN-591 is built around the WIT910 radio transceiver,
which employs frequency hopping spread spectrum technology. This technology
ensures:
•Maximum resistance to noise
•Maximum resistance to multipath fading
•Robustness in the presence of interfering signals
In addition, the HN-591 includes a rechargeable battery pack allowing 2+ hours of
operation without mains power. Battery operation makes the HN-591 ideal for site
surveys. The sleek, rugged styling of the HN-591 enclosure enables deployment in
any environment.
HopNet Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Advantages
In the frequency domain, a multipath fade can be described as a frequency selective
notch that shifts in location and depth over time. Multipath fades typically occupy
five percent of the band. A conventional radio system typically has a five percent
chance of signal impairment at any given time due to multipath fading.
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum reduces the vulnerability of a radio system to
both interference from jammers and multipath fading by distributing or spreading the
signal over a larger region of the frequency band.
The fade resistant, HopNet frequency-hopping technology employs up to 54 channels
and switches channels over 40 times a second to achieve high reliability throughput.
HopNet Data Integrity
An on-board 512B buffer and error correcting over-the-air protocol ensure data
integrity even in the presence of weak signals or jammers. The serial interface
handles both data and control of asynchronous data rates of up to 115Kbps.
Flexible Power Management
The power can be set at 10 milliwatts, 100 milliwatts or 500 milliwatts using the
included software. Reduced power can reduce the size of the coverage zone, which
may be desirable for multiple network indoor applications. You can also place the
transceiver module in a power-save mode, which enables smart power management.
Smart power management allows a remote unit to drop into a lower current standby
mode during transmission or receiving gaps.
This feature also allows Hopnet products to be used in various countries where the
output power requirements may vary due to regulation.
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 1M-910-0012 Rev A

HN-591
Data Transmission
The HN-591 can be used as either a base or as a remote. The HN-591 can usually
transmit to 1000 feet indoors and in excess of 20 miles outdoors under ideal
conditions.
The automatic repeat requests (ARQ) and multinode protocol are transparent to the
user equipment. User data rates of 115Kbps are supported with built-in CRC/ARQ
error protocols. Data signals are EIA RS-232 standard for Data Communications
Equipment (DCE) devices.
Data and control of the radio are passed through a standard DB9 connector. See the
following illustration for the signal description.
LED Status
The four LED indicators are included on the front panel to provide the status of the
HN-591 Indoor Base/Remote station. See the illustration below. These built-in flow
control indicators allow you to quickly check the operational status.
PWR TX RX CD
The table below describes the function of each LED.
Name Color Description
PWR Green/Red Continuous DC power is applied
TX Red RS-232 signal input
RX Red RS-232 signal output
CD Red Normal operation is asserted
Power Connection
The HN-591 is supplied with a 110VAC wall mount power supply. However, you can
operate the HN-591 from any well-filtered 5 VDC power source. The power supply
should be capable of providing 1 Amp of current.
The HN-591 also has a built in battery pack that allows use of the modem without
being tethered to a power source. The battery pack charges any time the unit is
plugged in. An amber colored LED on the rear of the unit next to the power
connector indicates that the internal battery pack is charging.
Antenna Connection
The RF signal is brought in on a reverse male SMA jack connector located on the
back panel. The HN-591 comes with a 2 dB omni-directional antenna. Be sure to
securely fasten the antenna.
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 2M-910-0012 Rev A

HN-591
Configuring the HN-591
Overview
Introduction
You can configure the HopNet network using the HNWizard software provided or a
PC running a terminal emulation program. HNWizard is a software package that runs
under Windows 98/NT/2000/XP. This chapter provides the information you need to
configure your HN-591.
The HN-591 is shipped from the factory initially configured as a remote with a 9600
baud rate.
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 3M-910-0012 Rev A

HN-591
HopNet Configuration Wizard (HNWizard)
Open the Wizard by double-clicking on the icon on the desktop. When the Wizard
boots up, it will automatically detect the serial port to which the HopNet radio is
connected and its baud rate. This process takes a few seconds to complete. During
this process, the “Please wait” screen is displayed. Once the radio has been found and
the Baudrate determined, the “Finished” screen is displayed. Click on the Continue
button to enter the Wizard.
NOTE: HNWizard is used with a variety of Cirronet radios. Not all radios support
all the functions and features of every Cirronet radio. Thus, some selections in the
Wizard will be grayed out if they are not applicable to the radio in use.
After detecting the serial port and baud rate of the HopNet radio, the Wizard reads the
settings of the HopNet radio that is connected to the PC and will display them in the
various parameter windows. In the bottom left corner of the Wizard window, the
Base/Remote status, the serial number and the communication port are always
displayed.
NOTE: The S/N displayed in the bottom left corner is the serial number of the
radio inside the unit and is different from the serial number of the HopNet unit.
Both the HopNet unit serial number and the radio serial number are on the radio
unit of the HopNet product. The Wizard will also prompt to save the configuration
settings to a file.
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 4M-910-0012 Rev A

HN-591
When a parameter value is changed from the value currently in the HopNet radio, the
parameter label and value will turn red and the Apply Settings button will appear.
When the value is changed back to the value that is currently in the attached HopNet
radio, the label and parameter value will return back to black. When new values are
applied to the HopNet radio, the red values will turn black indicating the updated
values in the radio.
NOTE The changes are not sent to the HopNet radio until the Apply Settings
button is clicked.
Context sensitive help is available through the F1 key or Help menu.
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 5M-910-0012 Rev A

HN-591
Parameters Tab
The Wizard program opens the main screen with the Parameters Tab displayed. The
parameters screen of the Wizard allows the following variables to be set;
1. Base or Remote
2. Point-to-Point or Multipoint
3. Baud rate
4. Network number
5. Lockout Key
6. Roaming Mode
7. Protocol Mode
Depending on whether HopNet radio is configured as a Remote or Base when first
connected, the heading on the Parameters page will display either “Remote
Parameters” or “Base Parameters.”
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 6M-910-0012 Rev A