WTE MReX-5B User manual

MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
MReX-5B
MESSAGING TRANSMITTER
User Manual
© WTE Limited 2020 – Christchurch New Zealand Page 1 of 35

MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
Table of Contents
Introduction.....................................................3
MReX-5B Features................................3
MReX Versions......................................3
Safety Information...........................................4
Operation.........................................................8
DMR Messaging..............................................9
Configuration.................................................10
Transmit Commands.................................12
*TX_FREQ..........................................12
*TX_MODE.........................................12
*TX_PREAMBLE...............................12
*TX_PWR............................................13
Base Commands.......................................14
*REBOOT............................................14
*CONFIG.............................................14
*SAVE..................................................14
*LIST...................................................14
*DEFAULTS........................................14
*VER....................................................15
Input Commands.......................................16
*IN_CONFIG_L..................................16
*IN_MSG_L........................................16
WT Protocol..............................................17
Support for Multiple Messages............18
DMR Message Format.........................20
Input Handling...............................................21
Hardware and Configuration.........................23
Battery Installation....................................24
Loading Configuration..............................25
Firmware Upgrading.....................................27
Firmware Upgrade Utility.........................27
Firmware Upgrade Process.......................28
Disclaimer......................................................29
Manufacturing marking and labels................30
Maintenance..................................................30
Product End Of Life......................................31
Product Warranty...........................................32
Specification..................................................33
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the MReX-5B.
The MReX-5B is a portable 5 button messaging and control transceiver. The MReX-5B incorpor-
ates the MReX-460 telemetry module.
MReX-5B Features
•Sends 512 1200 and 2400 baud POCSAG paging messages.
•Transmits DMR Tier 1 text messages (optional).
•Configured inputs can be programmed to send messages when triggered.
•Firmware upgradable.
•High stability oscillator ensuring minimal drift over the entire specified temperature range.
•Output power up 100mW.
•“Polite” operation checking the channel is clear before transmission.
•Operates from 2 AA batteries.
•Approved for use as a mobile or base station transmitter.
•Approved for use at rates up to 9600 bps for fast telemetry control.
•Approved for use with any antenna - allows the user to choose between size performance or
elevated external antennas.
•Transmit LED and sounder.
MReX Versions
The MReX can be supplied as these variants:
•MReX-460 (421MHz to 480MHz) Telemetry and Messaging Module.
•MReX-460-SF Store and Forward Repeater with IO.
•MReX-460-5IO Telemetry and messaging Transceiver.
•MReX-460-5B 5 Button Handheld Messaging Transmitter.
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
Safety Information
Read these instructions carefully and look at the equipment to become familiar with the device be-
fore trying to install operate or maintain it.
The following special messages may appear throughout this documentation or on the equipment to
warn of potential hazards or to call attention to information that clarifies or simplifies a procedure.
!This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to a potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
!WARNING
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which if not avoided could result in death or serious injury.
!CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which if not avoided could result in minor or moderate injury
NOTICE
NOTICE is used to address practices not related to physical injury.
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
!WARNING
LOSS OF CONTROL
•The designer of any control scheme must consider the potential failure modes of control paths and
for certain critical control functions provide a means to achieve a safe state during and after a path
failure. Examples of critical control functions are emergency stop and over travel stop.
•Separate or redundant control paths must be provided for critical control functions.
•System control paths may include communication links. Consideration must be given to the implic-
ations of anticipated transmission delays or failures of the link.
Failure to follo these instructions can result in death or serious injury
!WARNING
To comply with both FCC RF Exposure requirements in section 1.1310 of the FCC Rules and
EN50383 antennas used with this device must be installed to provide a separation distance of at
least 8 cm from all persons to satisfy RF exposure compliance.
DO NOT:
•Operate the transmitter when someone is within 8cm of the antenna. EN50383 regulatory
limits have deemed that 8cm is a safe clearance distance from this product while operating
at full power.
•Operate the transmitter unless all RF connectors are secure and any open connectors are
properly terminated.
•Use within 15cm of sensitive electronic devices and medical equipment while operating at
full power.
•Operate the equipment near electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere. All
equipment must be properly grounded for safe operations.
!WARNING
THIS EQUIPMENT IS NOT INTENDED FOR MAINS VOLTAGES
•The MReX was NOT designed to operate and/or be connected directly to live main voltages. The
MReX must be connected to a certified suitably rated low voltage DC supply.
Failure to follo these instructions can result in death or serious injury
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
NOTICE
HAZARD OF EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
•This product is not chemical resistant detergent alcohol aerosol sprays and/or petroleum products may
damage the front panel. Clean using a soft cloth moistened in water.
•The radio can be damaged if there is any potential difference between the chassis-ground Serial
signal ground power (-) input or antenna coaxial shield. Before connecting any wiring ensure
that all components are earthed to a common ground point.
•The antenna port will be damaged if signals greater than 13 dBm are injected/received.
•Do not connect any other transmitter to the RF connector or share the antenna with any other
device.
•Extreme Heat or High temperatures can damage MReX components. DO NOT expose or oper-
ate the unit in extreme heat (above 70 degrees Celsius) or leave in direct sunlight or any other
UV source.
•Although this product is designed to be rugged it will not survive excessive shock or vibration
abuse.
•The MReX IP rating is IP-51. This product is not waterproof or dustproof. DO NOT directly
expose to rain or use in a condensation forming environment.
•When antennas are co-located on a community (shared) site the correct site engineering must be
performed to ensure that RF exposure limits are met.
NOTICE
CARE REQUIRED WHEN TRANSPORTING
Safety and care must be taken when transporting handling installing and/or replacing radio equip-
ment.
•Packaging should be adequate to ensure connectors are not damaged
•Store and handle the radio equipment in dry clean safe environment
•Handle the equipment with care
•Care when stacking MReX boxes must be taken to not damage part of the radio such as
connectors.
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
FCC NOTICE
This device complies with Part 15.247 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference and
2. This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This device must be operated as supplied by the equipment supplier. Any changes or modifications
made to the device without the written consent of the equipment supplier may void the user’s au-
thority to operate the device.
End user products that have this device embedded must be installed by experienced radio and an-
tenna personnel or supplied with non-standard antenna connectors and antennas available from
vendors specified by the equipment supplier. Please contact the equipment supplier for end user
antenna and connector recommendations.
Exposure to RF energy is an important safety consideration. The FCC has adopted a safety stand-
ard for human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated
equipment as a result of its actions in General Docket 79-144 on March 13 1996.
This equipment complies with the FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a
minimum distance of 11cm between the radiator and any part of your body
NOTICE
This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product must not be
disposed of with other waste.
Instead it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing it over to a
designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help
conserve natural resources and help ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human
health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equip-
ment for recycling contact the dealer from whom you originally purchased the product.
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
Operation
The MReX-5B will illuminate the red front panel LED while transmitting. Prior to transmitting an
audible beep will be heard.
Under normal operation on start-up there is a sign-on message sent out the 3.3V TTL serial port. 10
seconds after power is applied. The sign on message indicates the firmware revision serial number
other software related information.
Commands may be issued and firmware updated from this 3.3V TTL serial port. Messages and fre-
quency can be preconfigured on order or a serial may be purchased for qualified end user configur-
ation.
Replace AA cells if LED does not light or sounder does not operate.
Ensure an antenna is attached before transmitting.
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
MR Messaging
The MReX supports the transmission of short Digital Mobile Radio text messages allowing direct
messaging to DMR radios. This is an optional feature.
The MReX has a partial implementation of the ETSI TS 102 361-1 DMR standard allowing for
DMR “Tier 1” messaging and therefore cannot be used in systems that have repeaters.
This is not a full implementation and as a result has the following restrictions:
•Messages are limited to a maximum length of 50 characters.
DMR messages can be sent when an input is triggered or through use of the WT protocol in a sim-
ilar manner as sending POCSAG paging messages. Refer to WT Protocol for usage information.
The MReX concurrently supports POCSAG and DMR paging allowing an input to send messages
to both legacy paging systems and newer DMR radios.
Different DMR manufacturers have interoperability limitations. The MReX is similar in this re-
gard. Please refer to the Specification section for a list of tested DMR radios. The MReX WT pro-
tocol allows for switching between supported radio types to allow support for Hytera Kirisun and
other brands.
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
Configuration
Parameters can be changed using any common serial terminal program. A free serial terminal pro-
gram that also allows saving and loading of configuration files can be downloaded from
wte.co.nz/tools.html
Start-up operation is always at 9600:8-N-1.
The MReX-5B integrates the MReX-460 module therefore has available the MReX-460 command
set. However only a subset of those commands are relevant to the MReX-5B. Relevant commands
are listed below.
All configuration commands always start with the asterisk ‘*’ character.
All messages that do not start with the * character are processed by the protocol decoder.
All messages are terminated by a Carriage Return character shown in this manual as <CR>
All commands that accept a value can have that value read back by using the ‘?’ suffix. E.g.
*TX_FREQ?
Returns
*TX_FREQ=460000000 (for example)
There are some commands that support multiple entries (such as the same command but for differ-
ent inputs). In this case the question mark can be followed by the parameter to be interrogated. E.g.
*IN_CONFIG_L?<CR>
Returns (lists all ranges)
*IN_MSG_L=1:WT1234560A10 IN_LOW_1
*IN_MSG_L=2:WT1234560A10 IN_LOW_2
*IN_MSG_L=3:WT1234560A10 IN_LOW_3
*IN_MSG_L=4:WT1234560A10 IN_LOW_4
*IN_MSG_L=5:WT1234560A10 IN_LOW_5
To find the first range only usage would be:
*IN_CONFIG_L ?1<CR>
Returns
*IN_CONFIG_L=1:WT1234560A10 IN_LOW_1
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
Note: It is a good practice to restart the unit after changing configuration. This can be achieved by
removing power to the unit or sending the *RE OOT<CR> command.
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
Transmit Commands
*TX_FREQ
*TX_FREQ specifies the transmit frequency in Hz e.g.
*TX_FREQ=458600000<CR>
*TX_MO E
*TX_MODE specifies the transport method of the transmitter (how the information is transmitted
over the air).
•POSCAG_A must be used in order to transmit alphanumeric messages.
•POSCAG_N must be used in order to transmit numeric messages.
•WTE_EN must be used in order to transmit 8 bit characters (POSCAG_A transmits 7 bit
characters only).
Accepts POSCAG_A POCSAG_N and WTE_EN. E.g.
*TX_MODE=POSCAG_A<CR>
*TX_PREAMBLE
*TX_PREAMBLE set the preamble length in multiples of 32 bits.
Short preambles allows the messages to be transmitted quickly.
Long preambles are typically used in conjunction with a matching receiver to save battery power
when the receivers is in deep sleep mode.
The POCSAG standard uses a setting of 18 (576 bits). This very long preamble means that paging
receivers need only to wake once per second (at 512 baud) in order to check for an incoming mes-
sage. If the receiver is always powered and receiving then much shorter preambles can be used
and in some cases halve the channel activity.
Typical usage:
*TX_PREAMBLE=18<CR>
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
*TX_PWR
*TX_PWR set the Transmitter Power Output levels. Levels value ranges from 0 to 127 please use
the following graph to determine the transmitter level value to use. Note that settings above 80 will
have very little effect on output power.
Output Tx Po er vs Set Level
Set Level
Examples :
Setting MReX to transmit at 10mW (10dBm ±2dBm):
*TX_PWR=20<CR>
Setting MReX to transmit at 50mW (17dBm ±2dBm):
*TX_PWR=55<CR>
Setting MReX to transmit at 100mW (20dBm ±2dBm):
*TX_PWR=80<CR>
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
Base Commands
*REBOOT
*REBOOT forces the unit to immediately restart.
Usage:
*RE OOT<CR>
*CONFIG
*CONFIG displays current configuration.
*CONFIG<CR>
*SAVE
*SAVE saves all configuration settings (all config changes are restored on start-up).
Usage:
*SAVE <CR>
*LIST
*LIST displays all available commands. This command also lists many specific field names that
need to be used with listed commands.
Usage:
*LIST<CR>
* EFAULTS
*DEFAULTS forces to reset temporary to factory default settings.
Usage:
*DEFAULTS<CR>
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
*VER
*VER sends the MReX sign on message back to the user. This is useful to determine the model and
serial number of the unit.
Usage:
*VER<CR>
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
Input Commands
The input commands allow messages to be configured for transmission when changing state. De-
bouncing (how long an input is settled before acting on the new level) can be configured with the
number of times to transmit the input message.
Note: Even if an input is configured to transmit a certain number of messages should the in-
put level change before all messages are transmitted then the remaining transmissions will be
cancelled.
Please refer to Input Hard are Connection section on this manual for examples of how to
connect the input pins on the MReX board.
*IN_CONFIG_L
*IN_CONFIG_L specifies all input Low configuration parameters. Inputs are triggered by con-
necting the input to ground for a time exceeding the specified debounce period. The input message
is configured using the *IN_MSG_L command. Usage is as follows:
*IN_CONFIG_L=I:N D R
Where:
I = The input to configure (1-5 valid)
: = the colon character ‘:’
N = number of transmissions (0 = no transmissions 9 is max tx count)
= the comma character ‘ ’
D = debounce in 100 ms steps (from 0-255)
= the comma character ‘ ’
R = time in seconds between retransmissions.
Example. Configure input 1 to send two message after input is debounced by 300 milliseconds and
repeat/retransmit this message 4 times.
*IN_CONFIG_L=1:2,3,4<CR>
*IN_MSG_L
*IN_MSG_L specifies the low level message that will be transmitted if configured. E.g.
*IN_MSG_L=1:WT1234560A10 IN_1_LOW<CR>
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
WT Protocol
The WT Protocol is the default protocol used by WTE products. It allows for a variety of over the
air transport methods (such as POCSAG paging) to be used and a variety of baud rates.
Transmitting Messages
Message format:
WTNNNNNNNABC<SPACE>MMMMM<CR>
Where:
WT are the 2 characters WT
NNNNNNN are 7 ASCII digits from 0000000-9999999
A is the Transport method:
A = POCSAG Alpha
N = POCSAG Numeric
D = DMR Text Message
D = DMR Text Message (directed to a group)
d = DMR Text Message (directed to an individual)
W= POCSAG WTE (WTE 8 bit format allowing all 8 bit characters to be
transmitted)
B is the Level 1-9. Note that POCSAG only supports levels 1-4 which is the same as the
“Beep Level”. When the Transport method is ‘D’ this is the DMR “colour code”
C is the data rate (specified in channel width ranges):
25 kHz Channel Space Settings
0 = 512 Baud 2 Level FSK
1 = 1200 Baud 2 Level FSK
12.5 kHz Channel Space Settings
A = 512 Baud 2 Level FSK
B = 1200 Baud 2 Level FSK
C = 2400 Baud 2 Level GFSK
D = 4800 Baud 2 Level GFSK
X = 9600 Baud 4 Level GFSK
Y = 1800 Baud 2 Level GFSK
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
6.25 kHz Channel Space Settings
a = 512 Baud 2 Level FSK
d = 4800 Baud 4 Level GFSK
<SPACE> is a single space character.
MMM... is the payload up to 240 characters.
<CR> is the carriage return character
Example:
To send a 512 baud alpha message to 1234567 level 1 with payload of “TEST”
WT1234567A10<SPACE>TEST<CR>
After processing/transmitting responds with:
WT[NNN]<CR>
where:
NNN is the number of characters from W until but not including <CR> the test message above
results in the following response
WT[017]<CR>
Support for Multiple Messages
The WT protocol allows for the same message to be sent to a variety of different radio types. This
allows for an efficient way to send to several different RIC codes or technology types. Many mes-
sage transmissions can be supported until the max message length for the message is exceeded.
Example:
To send the message “TEST” to RIC codes 1234560 and 1222222 as a 512 baud POCSAG mes-
sage.
WT1234560A10WT1222222A10<SPACE>TEST<CR>
2 messages will be transmitted batched in a single transmission.
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
Note: The format is the standard WT Protocol format, but repeated without a space in-between
headers.
Example:
To send the message “TEST” to RIC code 1234560 as a 512 baud POCSAG message and also a
DMR message to group 1001 colour code 6 for a Hytera radio.
WT1234560A10W 0001001D60<SPACE>TEST<CR>
2 messages will be transmitted as 2 transmissions. First message is in a POCSAG format second
transmission is in a DMR format.
Example:
To send the message “TEST” to RIC codes 1234560 and 1222222 as a 512 baud POCSAG message
and also RIC codes 0201234 and 0005647 as a 1200 baud POCSAG message.
WT1234560A10WT1222222A10WT0201234A11WT0005647A11<SPACE>TEST<CR>
4 messages will be transmitted batched in 2 transmissions one for 512 baud messages and another
transmission for the 1200 baud messages.
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MReX-5B Transmitter User Manual v2.07 Firmware
MR Message Format
The WT Protocol can be used for sending DMR tier 1 messages. The protocol allows for an ID
(group or individual) colour code radio type and message to be specified.
Different DMR Radio manufacturers frequently have differing DMR implementations that often al-
lows only same brand to same brand communication.
The WT protocol uses the commonly used “baud” field to set the DMR radio type. Sending a DMR
message to an incorrect radio type may result in the radio not receiving messages or the message
being corrupted. Ensure that the group ID used is common to all same brand radios.
Basic Format:
WT1234567D6x TEST\r
Where all fields are previously defined but ‘x’ is now a DMR “Type”.
Type ‘0’ – This is a short message type often used by Hytera.
Type ‘1’ – This is a short message type often used by Kirisun.
Example:
To send a DMR message to group ID 1001 colour code 6 with payload of “TEST MESSAGE” and
to a type ‘0’ radio (Hytera)
WT0001001D60<SPACE>TEST MESSAGE<CR>
Example:
To send a DMR message to individual ID 104 colour code 6 with payload of “TEST MESSAGE”
and to a type ‘0’ radio (Hytera)
WT00001041d60<SPACE>TEST MESSAGE<CR>
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