RFM HN-2010 User manual

HN-2010
Repeater
User’s Guide

Important Regulatory Information
Cirronet Product FCC ID: HSW-2410
IC 4492A-2410
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 a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at their expense.
FCC s MPE Requirements
Information to user/installer regarding FCC s Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits.
Notice to users/installers using the 24 dBi parabolic dish antenna in conjunction with all Cirronet
RF products.
FCC rules limit the use of this antenna, when connected to Cirronet RF products for 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 users/installers using the following fixed antennas, with Cirronet RF products:
Andrews 24dBi parabolic dish
Andrews 18dBi parabolic dish
Cushcraft 15dBi Yagi,
Mobile Mark 14dBi Corner Reflector,
Mobile Mark 9dBi Corner Reflector
The field strength radiated by any one of these
antennas, when connected to Cirronet RF
products, 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 2 m 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 2 m to the apertures of any of
these antennas.
Notice to users/installers using the following mobile antennas, with Cirronet RF products:
Mobile Mark 12dBi omni-directional,
Mobile Mark 9dBi omni-directional,
MaxRad 5dBi whip,
Cirronet Patch antenna,
Ace 2dBi dipole,
Mobile Mark 2dBi Stub
The field strength radiated by any one of these
antennas, when connected to Cirronet RF
products, 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
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.

Declaration of Conformity
Warning! The RLAN transceiver within this device uses a band of frequencies that are not completely harmonized within the
European Community. Before using, please read the European Operation Section of the Products User’s Guide for limitations.
0889 is the identification number of RADIO FREQUENCY INVESTIGATION LTD - Ewhurst Park, Ramsdell RG26 5RQ
Basingstoke, United Kingdom – the Notified Body having performed part or all of the conformity assessment on the product.
The WIT2410 to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the essential requirements
of the R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC and complies with the following standards and/or other
normative documents:
For Interfaces For RLAN Transceiver
EN 55022
EN 55024 EN 300 328 EN 301 489 -1, -17
EN 60950
Use Within the European Union
The WIT2410 is intended for use within the European Community States and in the following
non-European Union States: Norway & Switzerland
Use of the WIT2410 in France
When used in France, the WIT2410 can only be operated with the France hopping pattern
selected. This is accomplished by setting the pe parameter to 1. Refer to European Union
Settings in this manual for details.
Canadian Department of Communications Industry Canada (IC) Notice
Canadian Department of Communications Industry Canada (IC) Notice
This apparatus complies with Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 / IC RSS 102.
"To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated
indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit
antenna) that is installed outdoors may be subject to licensing."
ICES-003
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils
numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par Industrie Canada.

Table of Contents
Overview.......................................................................................................................................1
Introduction................................................................................................................................1
HopNet Products .......................................................................................................................1
External Antenna...................................................................................................................1
Built-In Antenna.....................................................................................................................1
Accessories...........................................................................................................................1
Design Features ........................................................................................................................2
Glossary of Terms .....................................................................................................................3
About HopNet Products................................................................................................................4
Introduction................................................................................................................................4
Operating Frequency.................................................................................................................4
HopNet Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Advantages.....................................................4
HopNet Data Integrity................................................................................................................4
Flexible Power Management.....................................................................................................4
HN-2010 Repeater........................................................................................................................5
Introduction................................................................................................................................5
Design Features ........................................................................................................................5
Antenna and Power Connections..............................................................................................6
RF Antenna Connectors............................................................................................................6
Conxall Power Connector..........................................................................................................6
DB-9 Connector.........................................................................................................................7
Three-Way Switch .....................................................................................................................7
LED Status.................................................................................................................................8
Power.........................................................................................................................................8
Antenna Connectors..................................................................................................................9
Configuring the Repeater............................................................................................................10
Technical Specifications..........................................................................................................11
General ...............................................................................................................................11
Mechanical..........................................................................................................................12
Environmental.....................................................................................................................12
Configuring the Network .............................................................................................................13
Overview..................................................................................................................................13
Introduction .........................................................................................................................13
Five Command Types.........................................................................................................13
WinCOM .....................................................................................................................................14
Starting the program...................................................................................................................16
Function Keys.............................................................................................................................19
WinCom Tools ............................................................................................................................20
Script Commands .......................................................................................................................22
Demonstration Procedure...........................................................................................................25
Modem Commands .................................................................................................................26
Serial Commands....................................................................................................................26
Set Data Rate Divisor..........................................................................................................27
Set Protocol Mode...............................................................................................................27
Network Commands................................................................................................................28
Set Transceiver Mode.........................................................................................................28
Set Default Handle..............................................................................................................28
Enable Global Network Mode .............................................................................................29
Set Hopping Pattern............................................................................................................29

Set Transmit Power.............................................................................................................29
Read Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) .................................................................29
Set Point-to-Point Direct Mode............................................................................................29
Set Range Optimization......................................................................................................30
Protocol Commands................................................................................................................31
Set Alternative Frequency Band .........................................................................................32
Set Hop Duration.................................................................................................................32
Set Minimum Data Length...................................................................................................32
Get Maximum Data Length (read only)...............................................................................32
Set Maximum Number of Remotes (base only)..................................................................33
Set Packet Attempts Limit...................................................................................................33
Set Data Transmit Delay.....................................................................................................33
Set Slot Assignment Mode (base station only) ...................................................................33
Set Base Slot Size (base station only)................................................................................34
Set ARQ Mode....................................................................................................................34
Status Commands...................................................................................................................35
Banner Display Disable.......................................................................................................35
Set Escape Sequence Mode...............................................................................................35
Read Factory Serial Number High, Middle and Low Bytes.................................................36
Set Duty Cycle ....................................................................................................................36
Enable Low Power Acquisition Mode..................................................................................36
Memory Commands ................................................................................................................37
Recall Factory Defaults.......................................................................................................37
Recall Memory....................................................................................................................37
Store Memory......................................................................................................................37
Modem Command Summary...................................................................................................38
Guidelines for Installation ........................................................................................................39
Guidelines for Placing the Repeater........................................................................................39
Typical HopNet Applications.......................................................................................................40
Introduction..............................................................................................................................40
Point to Multipoint....................................................................................................................40
Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................................41
Overview..................................................................................................................................41
Introduction .........................................................................................................................41
Transceiver Requirements..................................................................................................41
Common System Problems.....................................................................................................42
Guidelines for Reducing Interference......................................................................................43
Introduction .........................................................................................................................43
Guidelines for Setting Up the Network................................................................................43
Guidelines for Selecting Your Site ......................................................................................43
Guidelines for Avoiding Terrain Obstructions..........................................................................44
Customer Support....................................................................................................................45
Introduction .........................................................................................................................45
Technical Assistance ..........................................................................................................45
Factory Repairs...................................................................................................................45
Warranty .....................................................................................................................................46

HN-2010
Overview
Introduction
The HopNet 10 Series family of products provides reliable wireless connectivity for
either point-to-point or point-to-multipoint applications. The HopNet products are
built around the WIT2410 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
HopNet Products
The HopNet family of products is built with rugged enclosures compliant with IP 66
and NEMA 4X standards for outdoor and harsh industrial environments. All Hopnet
products work with each other and can be mixed and matched in a single network. All
HopNet Products are WIT2410 compatible and can be used with the WIT2410 OEM
based products as well as with the SNAP2410 10Base T access point. The HopNet
family consists of the following products:
External Antenna
HN-210X Base/Remote Unit
HN-510 Indoor Base/Remote Station
HN-1010 Outdoor Base/Remote Station
HN-1510 Indoor Base/Remote Station
HN-2010 Repeater
Built-In Antenna
HN-210 Base/Remote Unit
HN-3010 Base/Remote Unit
Accessories
Antennas
Adapter
Power Supplies
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 1 M-2410-0011 Rev B

HN-2010
Design Features
The HopNet modems have many advanced features:
•Employ frequency hopping technology with up to 75 channels in the 2401 to
2475 MHz frequency range
•Support RS-232 and RS 485 interfaces (HN-210 and HN-510 are RS-232
only)
•Support digital addressing for up to 64 networks, with 62 remotes per
network.
•Use transparent ARQ protocol
•Use same hardware for all supported data rates
•Supports up to 230 Kbps asynchronous data rates
•Full Duplex
•Stores setup configuration in nonvolatile memory (FLASH)
•Provide fast acquisition – less than 2 seconds is the typical time to acquire
hopping pattern
•Use smart power management features
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HN-2010
Glossary of Terms
Refer to the following list of terms that may be unfamiliar to you. These terms are
used throughout this document.
Term Definition
ARQ Automatic Repeat Request. The operation in which the radio
will re-send the data until it is received correctly.
bps Bits-per-second. A measure of information transfer rate of
digital data across a channel.
Decibel A measure of the ratio between two signal levels. Used to
express either loss or gain.
dBi Decibels referenced to an ideal isotropic radiator in free space.
Used to express antenna gain.
dBm Decibels referenced to 1 milliwatt. An absolute unit used to
measure signal power. Transmitter power output or received
signal strength.
DCE Data Communications Equipment. A device that receives data in
the form of digital signals at its input. The modem side of a
computer-to-modem connection.
DCD Data Carrier Detect.
DTE Data Terminal Equipment. A device that provides data in the
form of digital signals at its output. The computer side of a
computer-to-modem connection.
EIRP Effective Isotropic Radiated Power.
ISM Industrial, Scientific, or Medical band operating at 2.4 GHz.
Allows use of a radio without a license, but the equipment must
be immune to interference from other users in the band and
approved for use in the intended country.
Latency The delay between when data is received on TX until it is output
on RX.
RMA Return Material Authorization.
RTU Remote Terminal Unit. A device used in data collection.
TDMA Time Division Multi Access. A time slot multiplexing protocol
for multinode networking.
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 3 M-2410-0011 Rev B

HN-2010
About HopNet Products
Introduction
This section provides operational information about the HopNet products.
Operating Frequency
The HopNet family operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band that allows for license-free use
and worldwide compliance.
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
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 75 channels
and switches channels over 100 times a second to achieve high reliability throughput.
HopNet Data Integrity
An on-board 3 KB 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 230 Kbps.
Flexible Power Management
You can set the transmit power at 10 milliwatts or 100 milliwatts. 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 4 M-2410-0011 Rev B

HN-2010
HN-2010 Repeater
Introduction
The HopNet Repeater (HN-2010) provides extended range capability between two
HopNet networks. This repeater capability allows HopNet networks to be “daisy-
chained” in series to send and receive data from remote locations that would
otherwise be outside the coverage area of a single network.
If a remote unit is unable to communicate with the Base because of distance or
obstruction, you can install a repeater. Repeaters work by re-transmitting the data
from the outlying remote to the base and vice versa. The repeater will introduce a
small amount of transmission delay. However, as a dual modem repeater, the HN-
2010 does not halve the data throughput which is common in store -n- forward
repeaters.
Design Features
The HopNet Repeater consists of the following:
•Two modems. One for communicating with out-of-range units. The other re-
transmits to the base.
•A backup battery supply (with built-in charging circuitry)
All components of the repeater are located inside a rugged, NEMA 4X weatherproof,
aluminum enclosure. Connections into and out of the box have been kept to a
minimum to reduce the chances of industrial agents getting inside the unit. The
enclosure is weatherproof and will resist the normal grime associated with industrial
environments.
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 5 M-2410-0011 Rev B

HN-2010
Antenna and Power Connections
There are three external connections going into the repeater enclosure and one
internal connection:
•Two RF ports
•A 2-pin Conxall power connector
•An internal DB-9 connector
RF Antenna Connectors
The two RF antenna connectors are standard female TNC. These ports connect to the
output of each internal modem. You can attach remote antenna cables to these
connectors.
Conxall Power Connector
The Conxall power connector is waterproof and specifically engineered for industrial
use. This connector supplies 9 VDC nominal operating power to the HN-2010
Repeater. The view below is looking at the connector on the front of the HN-2010.
1 Ground
2 VCC
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 6 M-2410-0011 Rev B

HN-2010
DB-9 Connector
The DB-9 connector is located inside the back panel of the enclosure and is used to
configure the HN-2010. See the illustration below for the pin-out of the DB-9
connector.
Three-Way Switch
A miniature 3-way switch is located inside the back panel of the enclosure. See the
illustration below.
Use this switch to select one of three functions for the repeater:
•Remote configuration
•Base configuration
•Repeater operation (normal setting)
When you select Base or Remote configuration mode, you can program either side of
the repeater through the DB-9 connector.
When you select repeater mode, the RX and TX data lines between the modems are
tied together so that data is passed back and forth between the remote unit and the
base unit.
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 7 M-2410-0011 Rev B

HN-2010
LED Status
Three external LEDs are on the front panel to inform you of the status of the repeater.
The following illustration shows the three LEDs.
Refer to the following table for a description of the LEDs.
Name Color Description
PWR Green Continuous DC power is applied
RXD Amber Received Data of base unit
CD Amber Data Carrier Detect of remote unit
An additional LED is installed inside the unit to help you configure the transceivers.
The internal LED indicates whether the transceiver is in Remote configuration, Base
configuration, or Repeater mode. This visual indication is redundant and is included
for convenience. The switch positions are also marked on the circuit board to show
their function.
Power
Power for the repeater is +7.5 to +24 VDC. The current consumption of the repeater
depends on the radio operating mode and the state of battery charge, but is typically
330 mA.
Battery backup is provided to maintain power during outages. Approximate operating
time from this battery is 2 hours. A trickle charge is maintained on the battery
whenever the unit is externally powered. Sealed lead acid cells are used in the
repeater because of their long-term reliability and charge storage characteristics.
However, the batteries will discharge if the unit is not operated for a period of time.
Voltage limiting circuits are in place at the connector to ensure that incoming voltage
does not exceed +25 VDC. One-amp polyfuses are placed in series with the external
power supply and battery to avoid catastrophic current draw in case of an accidental
short. In addition, a low voltage lockout circuit is also included to shut off the unit
when the voltage-supplied drops lower than 5.5 volts at the connector.
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 8 M-2410-0011 Rev B

HN-2010
Antenna Connectors
The external antenna connectors are located on the front panel and are female TNC
connectors. See the illustration below.
Proper placement of the external antenna is important since two modems inside the
HN-2010 will be operating simultaneously. Be sure to physically separate the
antennas from each other because the output transmission of one side of the repeater
may interfere with the reception of the other. Use a remote cable between the repeater
and each antenna, and space the antennas at least 2 meters apart.
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 9 M-2410-0011 Rev B

HN-2010
Configuring the Repeater
Complete these steps to configure the HN-2010 Repeater to the desired mode:
1. Remove the back panel of the repeater to set the function. Once the panel is
removed, you should see the following:
•A DB-9 connector
•A 3-way switch
•An LED
2. Check the bicolor LED that is directly behind the switch to be sure that it
indicates which configuration mode has been selected and which unit is being
configured. The LED indicator works with the 3-way switch as follows:
3. The red LED will be on when you configure the Base modem
4. The green LED will be on when you configure the Remote modem
5. Neither LED will be on when you select repeater operation
6. Flip the 3-way switch to the Remote position and configure that modem as a
remote unit. Refer to Configuring the Network for details.
7. Flip the 3-way switch to the Base position and configure the other modem as a
base unit. Be sure the red LED is on. Refer to Configuring the Network for
details.
8. Once both modems have been configured correctly for repeater mode, set the
3-way switch back to repeater function and the unit should be ready to operate
in repeater mode.
9. Verify that the configuration LED is off; then, replace the back panel.
Note: The remote side of the repeater and the base unit with which it is communicating
must have the same network number. The base side of the repeater and the remote units
must also have the same network number and this network number should be different
from that used on the remote side. Additionally, the hop duration used on the remote side
of the repeater must differ from that used on the base side by at least +/- 5 counts of ph
(347 µsec).
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 10 M-2410-0011 Rev B

HN-2010
Technical Specifications
Refer to the following tables for the technical specifications for the HN-2010.
General
Specification Value
Transmitter FCC ID HSW-2410M
Transmit Power +18 dBm nominal out of each antenna port
Hopping Patterns User configurable, 64 patterns (networks) available
Number of Channels 75 US; 25 France, Spain, Japan & Canada
Line-of-Sight Range Greater than 5 miles with 9 dB omni (per leg of
repeater)
Frequency Band 2401-2475 MHz (USA)
2448-2478 MHz (France)
2448-2473 MHz (Spain)
2473-2495 MHz (Japan)
2452-2478 MHz ( Canada)
Approvals US FCC: Part 15. 203
European Community: ETS 300.328 Compliance
CE Mark
Receiver Sensitivity -93 dBm
Configuration
Interface RS-232
Power Supply
(not included) 7.5 - 24VDC Operating
(Can be purchased from Cirronet, Part #HNACPS)
Supply Current 350 mA normal operation (750 mA surge)
500 mA with battery charging
Battery Operating
Time Approximately 2 hours
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HN-2010
Mechanical
Specification Value
Case •NEMA 4X, IP 66
Size •8.4 in. x 5.65 in. x 3.0 in.
•213mm x 143.5mm x76mm (including
mounting flange and connectors)
Weight •3.5 lb
•1588 g
RF Connectors •TNC RF Jacks
Data Connector •9-pin, D-Sub type receptacle
Repeater power
connector
•Conxall model number 1728822PG-300
Mating power
connector
•Conxall model number 16282-2SG3XX
Environmental
Value
Temperature Range •-30 to +70 degrees C
Humidity •95% at +40 degrees C, Non condensing
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 12 M-2410-0011 Rev B

HN-2010
Configuring the Network
Overview
Introduction
You can configure the HopNet network using a PC and the WinCom 24 software
provided by Cirronet, Inc. WinCom24 is a software package that runs under Windows
95/98/NT/2000/XP. This chapter provides the information you need to configure your
network.
The HN-2010 is shipped from the factory initially configured as a remote with a
9600k baud rate.
Five Command Types
The WinCom24 software enables you to configure five types of commands:
•Serial Interface Commands
•Network Commands
•Protocol Commands
•Status Commands
•Memory Commands
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 13 M-2410-0011 Rev B

HN-2010
WinCOM
Provided with the developer’s kit is a configuration program designed especially for
Cirronet’s wireless industrial transceivers or WIT radios. WinCOM is located on the
Manuals and Software CD included in the developer’s kit. Install WinCOM by
navigating to the Software Tools directory on the Manuals and Software CD and
double-click on wincom2.1.exe follow the installation wizard. Once it has installed,
open WinCOM by double-clicking on the WinCOM icon on the desktop.
©2000- 2004 Cirronet™Inc 14 M-2410-0011 Rev B