Viatron Agri-Alert Instruction Manual

WIRELESS MODULE
USER’S & INSTALLER’S MANUAL
AGRI-ALERT WIRELESS MODULE

2AGRI-ALERT WIRELESS MODULE rev.04
AGRI-ALERT WIRELESS MODULE
WARNINGS
The warranty can be void if this product is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer.
Every effort has been made to ensure that this manual is complete, accurate and up-to-date. The
information contained in it is however subject to change without notice due to further developments.
Manufacturer:
Viatron Electronics
5200, Armand-Frappier
St-Hubert (Quebec)
Canada
J3Z 1G5

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Table of Contents
1. System Overview .................................................................................... 4
1.1 Typical Site ........................................................................................ 5
1.2 Typical Installation .............................................................................. 6
2Connecting the Equipment........................................................................ 7
2.1 Supply Inputs ...................................................................................... 7
2.1.1Master Wireless Module ............................................................. 7
2.1.2Auxiliary Wireless Modules......................................................... 8
2.1.2.1 Battery Connection ...................................................................................... 8
2.1.2.2 Transformer Connection ............................................................................... 8
2.2 Connecting the Earth Ground ............................................................... 9
3Serial Bus Interface (SBI) Connections .................................................... 10
3.1 Connecting Devices to the Wireless module....................................... 10
3.2 End of Line Jumpers.......................................................................... 10
4Installation............................................................................................. 11
4.1 Mounting Instructions........................................................................ 11
4.2 Antenna Installation .......................................................................... 12
4.2.1Antenna Mounting Instructions ................................................. 12
4.2.2Antenna Placement.................................................................. 14
4.2.2.1 Recommended Placement ........................................................................... 14
4.2.2.2 Antenna Height .......................................................................................... 15
4.2.2.3 Choosing the Mounting Location ................................................................. 16
4.2.3Verifying the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) ............. 18
4.2.3.1 Verifying the Signal on the Auxiliary Wireless Module .................................. 18
4.2.3.2 Verifying the Signal on the Agri-Alert 9600 ................................................ 19
5Controller’s Operation ............................................................................ 20
5.1 Status LEDs...................................................................................... 20
6Troubleshooting ..................................................................................... 21
7Technical Specifications ........................................................................ 22
8Wiring Diagram...................................................................................... 24
8.1 Master Wireless Module Powered by an Agri-Alert 9600 .................... 24
8.2 Auxiliary Wireless Module Powered with a Battery and Transformer ... 25
ANNEXE A DEFINING THE RF PATH .......................................................... 26
INDEX ........................................................................................................ 27

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1. SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Agri-Alert Wireless module allows transparent wireless communication of the
Agri-Alert 9600 alarm system and its sub-modules between livestock buildings. In all,
up to 8 barns (1 master & 7 slaves) can remotely communicate together without
having to bury wires underground.
Hardwired connections usually offer the highest level of reliability. However, in many
situations where traditional cabling is problematic, wireless networking can provide
an interesting alternative.
Why Choose the Agri-Alert Wireless module ?
•Easy installation and advanced radio technology will save you
time and money;
•Overcome the distance and topography problems of hardwire:
- Risky digging situations (presence of buried pipes, cables, gas lines, etc.);
- Obstacles impede the connection between barns (roads, fields, rivers, etc.);
- Barns are a long way apart.
•Seamlessly integrate wireless communication with current
in-place hardwire.
•Use wireless communication to connect a remote distance house
to an existing Agri-Alert system.
Key to Symbols in the Manual
Danger. There is a risk of electrical shock or hazard
if the following instructions are not followed.
Caution. Carefully read the following text for it con-
tains important information which, if ignored, may
cause the controller to operate improperly.
Pay attention. The following text contains very use-
ful information.

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HOUSE
MASTER BARN
HARDWIRED SUB-NETWORK
AUXILIARY BARN
1.1 Typical Site
The typical site is composed of a master building and auxiliary buildings. All buildings
(or hardwired subnetworks) have a Wireless module to communicate with each other
using radio frequency (RF) signals. In all, the Agri-Alert Wireless system allows estab-
lishing communication between up to 8 buildings (1 master & 7 slaves) at distances
as far as 6,500 feet (2 kilometers).
The following graphic shows a case where the master building is used in combination
with two auxiliary buildings (house & hardwired subnetwork).
There should be only one Master
Wireless module per site installation.
To know if your module is a
Master or Auxiliary unit, check if there
is a
M
sticker on the radio module.
Auxiliary Wireless modules do not
have this sticker on their radio.
Figure 1 Typical Application
RADIO
M
Figure 2 Master Radio

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1.2 Typical Installation
Master Building & Master Wireless Module:
A site must have one master building that gathers information from other buildings.
The master building is the place where the Master Wireless module can be found; this
type of module has a radio transmitter that is specially configured to achieve this
function. The Master Wireless module is normally used in combination with an Agri-
Alert 9600 and uses the SBI 28V of the AA9600 system as power source. Hooking up
these two devices allows optimizing the overall wireless communication between
buildings.
Auxiliary Buildings & Auxiliary Wireless Modules:
An auxiliary building is a place where an Auxiliary Wireless module can be found; this
type of module has a radio transmitter configured to transmit information to the
Master Wireless module. In all, up to 8 modules (1 master & 7 auxiliary modules) can
be installed on a site. Auxiliary modules are self supplied using a transformer and
battery box; they are also used to power the alarm system’s sub-modules: TP-800,
KBP-400, KP-400, LB-9600 and Relay boxes.
House:
No distinction is made between barns and houses. In most cases the house is an
auxiliary building that has a keypad and an Auxiliary Wireless module. However, it
becomes the master building if the AA9600 alarm system and the Wireless module are
directly located in the house.
BATTERY
BOX
SBI
DEVICE
(TP-800)
WIRELESS
MODULE
AA9600
TRANSFO
BOX
BATTERY
BOX
WIRELESS
MODULE
SBI
BATTERY
BOX WIRELESS MODULE
SBI
KP-400
HOUSE
MASTERBUILDING
AUXILIARYBUILDING
Figure 3 Typical Installation

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2CONNECTING THE EQUIPMENT
When connecting the equipment to the terminals provided on the main board, strip
the wires as little as possible (about 1/4”) to avoid electrical short circuits. Once the
wires are connected, run them through the electrical knockouts provided on the
bottom of the enclosure and use a watertight cable holders. Additional holes made in
the enclosure will void the warranty.
Use adequate wire gauges when the Wireless module is
placed far from the Agri-Alert sub-modules.
2.1 Supply Inputs
2.1.1 Master Wireless Module
The Master Wireless module is generally powered by the 28V SBI of the AA9600 alarm
system. Make sure the battery and transformer boxes are properly connected to the
AA9600. Do not connect an additional battery and transformer to the Wireless module
when the module is hooked up to a AA9600.
16VAC
SUPPLY INPUTS
14 15 16 17
BATTERY
+
REFER TO AA9600’s
WIRING DIAGRAM
BATTERY BOX
TRANSFO BOX
REFER TO AA9600’s
WIRING DIAGRAM
AGRI-ALERT 9600
4
5
6
7
SERIAL BUS
1234
MASTER WIRELESS
MODULE
SERIAL BUS
1 2 3 4
16VAC BATTERY
SUPPLY INPUTS
+
DO NOT CONNECTA
BATTERY AND TRANSFORMER
TO THE WIRELESS MODULE
WHEN SUPPLIED BY THE
AGRI-ALERT 9600 SYSTEM
Figure 4 Master Wireless Module’s Supply

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2.1.2 Auxiliary Wireless Modules
Auxiliary Wireless Modules are supplied using
a 16VAC/40V transformer and a battery box.
2.1.2.1 Battery Connection
The terminals marked BATTERY are used for
the backup battery. The Wireless module
uses a 12VDC/5Ah sealed lead acid battery.
No other type of battery can be used. The
battery wires run through the tube provided
(see figure 5). Make sure the positive wire
of the battery is connected to the positive
terminal.
DO NOT CONNECT A BATTERY
AND TRANSFORMER TO THE
WIRELESS MODULE WHEN SUP-
PLIED BY AN AGRI-ALERT 9600.
BATTERY PROTECTION:
The system goes in shutdown mode whenever the battery voltage decreases
below the shutdown battery threshold. This may happen when the system
runs on the standby battery.
The Wireless module does not recharge a battery that has a voltage below
5 Volts or a battery that is connected with reversed polarity.
2.1.2.2 Transformer Connection
The terminals marked 16VAC on the main board are used for connecting the
16VAC/40 VA transformer. It must be plugged into a 120VAC/60Hz outlet. Make sure
there is no switch on the power outlet.
DAMAGE TO THE UNIT MAY OCCUR
IF THE TRANSFORMER IS CONNECTED
TO THE BATTERY TERMINAL
16VAC BATTERY
SUPPLY INPUTS
+
16VAC, 40VA
TRANSFORMER
BATTERYBOX
+
AUXILIARY
WIRELESS MODULE
+
+
-
-
Figure 5 Auxiliary Wireless Module’s Supply

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2.2 Connecting the Earth Ground
The earth ground terminal of Wire-
less modules and the grounding con-
nection of lightning arrestors must
be connected to the earth ground.
Use a rod at least 5/8” (1.6cm) in
diameter at least 10’ (3m) long. The
rod must have a clean metal surface
free of paint, enamel or other non-
conducting substances. Drive the rod
at least 10’ (3m) into the ground. If
the bedrock is more than 47” (1.2m)
deep, drive the rod into the ground
to bedrock level and bury any remain-
der horizontally at least 2’ (600mm)
below ground level. If the bedrock is
less than 47” (1.2m) deep, bury the
rod horizontally at least 2’ (600 mm)
below ground level (ref. article 10-
702, 3d of the Canadian Electricity
Code C22.10-99).
Use a CSA certified wire of TEW type
or a UL certified wire of type 1015:
Green/yellow, #12AWG, 600V,
105°C insulated wire. We suggest
using a Belden #9912 (color code
#189) or equivalent.
The rod must be connected to the wire described above. It is recommended to let the
rod going out of the ground to connect it. The wire length must not exceed 50’ (15m).
It is extremely important that the earth ground terminal be connected
to a proper ground to protect the electronic components from damage
due to lightning surges and electrostatic discharges. Do not use the
electrical ground for this purpose.
IF OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS ARE USED, MOUNT THE ENCLOSURE
AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE ENTRY POINT OF THE OUTDOOR
WIRING.
AN IMPROPER EARTH GROUND CONNECTION IMMEDIATELY
VOIDS THE SYSTEM WARRANTY WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.
Lightning
Arrestor
(optional)
WIRELESS
MODULE
EARTH
3MMETAL
ROD
3M METAL
ROD
Grounding the
Wireless Module
Grounding the
Lightning Arrestor
(when equipped)
2” copper
braid
1
0
'
(
3
M
)
10' (3M)
2'(0.6M)
2'(0.6M)
10'
(3M)
METALLIC
ROD
BEDROCK
<47"
(1.2M)
>47"
(1.2M)
Figure 6 Earth Ground

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3SERIAL BUS INTERFACE (SBI) CONNECTIONS
3.1 Connecting Devices to the Wireless module
The serial bus interface is used to connect different Agri-Alert devices together.
A shielded twisted pair cable is recommended for this purpose. Each device includes
four terminals marked SERIAL BUS and numbered from 1 to 4. Connect all the number
1 terminals together, all the number 2 terminals together, etc. as shown in figure 8.
SBI Maximum Load = 500mA.
A maximum of 6 devices (excluding the Wireless Module)
can be connected to the serial bus (SBI).
Maximum distance between a wireless module and any device= 500 ft.
3.2 End of Line Jumpers
Identify the first and the last device
on the communication loop by select-
ing the “YES” position with the end
of line jumpers. For other devices, place
the jumper at the NO position.
END OF LINE
NO
END OF LINE
NO
END OF LINE
YES
Serial Bus
1 2 3 4
Wirelessmodule
KPB-400
Serial Bus
1234 Serial Bus 1234
TP-800
Serial Bus
1234
LB-9600
END OF LINE
YES
Figure 8 Example of End of Line Jumper Positions and SBI Connections
RADIO
M
END OF LINE
SBI
COMMUNICATION
TERMINALS
J8
END OF LINE
Figure 7 Location of the End of Line Jumper
and Communication Terminals