Summary of Contents for RF Technologies ART400
- Page 1 ART SERIES INSTALLATION, OPERATION & PROGRAMMING MANUAL COVERS ART400, (ART400T), (ART400R) SYNTHESISED RADIO MODEMS & REPEATERS October 2001 ISSUE 1. rev1.2...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Products Covered Introduction Overview 1.3.1 Radio Frequency (RF) Section 1.3.2 Transmitter 1.3.3 Receiver 1.3.4 MPU Control & Interface Board 1.3.5 Software 1.3.6 Custom Software 1.3.7 Continuos Development Channel Selection Programmability Low Power operation Power Save Mode 1.7.1 Internal Power Save Mode 1.7.2 External Power Save Mode 1.7.3... - Page 3 1.25 Compatibility with other products SPECIFICATIONS Technical Specification: 2.1.1 General 2.1.2 Transmitter 2.1.3 Receiver 2.1.4 Internal Modem 2.1.5 Bit Error Rates Approvals and Licensing 2.2.1 UK Approvals 2.2.2 European Approvals 2.2.3 Other Approvals Operating Channels 2.3.1 UK Telemetry Channels 2.3.2 MPT1411 Channels 2.3.3 MPT1329 Channels...
- Page 4 3.16.2 Transmission without Hardware Handshaking 3.16.3 Data Reception 3.16.4 Transmit & Receive Timing 3.16.4.1 Receiver to transmitter Switching Times 3.16.4.2 Message Duration 3.16.4.3 Transmit to Receive Switching Times 3.16.5 Radio Data Format 3.16.6 Synchronous/Asynchromus Format 3.16.7 Transmit/Receive Timing 3.17 Error Reports 3.18 Time Out Timer 3.19...
- Page 5 Introduction Medium Configuration of the A4P Program Starting the Program Connecting the ART for local PC Programming Programming/Reading Radio Opening Menu 6.7.1 Directory Display 6.7.2 Version Number & Compatibility Message 6.7.3 Edit Notes Description of Main Edit Functions 6.8.1 Main Menu 6.8.2 Radio Mode 6.8.3...
- Page 6 6.10.5 Editing Channel 6.11 Calibrate Menu (Factory & Service Centre Options) 6.11.1 Test Max Power/Mod Balance 6.11.2 Set TX Frequency 6.11.3 Set RX Frequency 6.11.4 Calibrate Power 6.11.5 Set Peak Deviation 6.11.6 Internal Mod Level 6.11.7 Set Line Level 6.11.8 Cal RSSI 6.11.9 RSSI Test...
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Page 7: Fcc Compliance Statement
FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with part 15 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. WARNING Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. -
Page 8: Products Covered
INTRODUCTION PRODUCTS COVERED This Manual covers the R.F. Technologies ART Series Radio Modems and repeaters. Information is provided to program, install, and operate the products in various configurations. With the built-in test software, first line “Go-No Go” testing can be easily performed. Component level servicing is not covered in this document, if the product fails its first line testing it should be returned to a service centre. -
Page 9: Mpu Control & Interface Board
1.3.3 RECEIVER The receiver is a very low current double conversion superheterodyne with an active balanced mixer for very good intermodulation. Careful attention to spurious response, adjacent channel and blocking performance, makes the product ideal for crowded telemetry channels. 1.3.4 MPU CONTROL &... -
Page 10: Low Power Operation
LOW POWER OPERATION The ART’s processor controls all the circuitry and power saves as a matter of course. With no large DSP chips taking heavy current loads, the ART has probably the lowest current consumption of any comparable radio modem on the market. Although the 5watt product has very low current consumption, for extremely low current applications the 1Watt version is recommended. -
Page 11: Status Led's
1.16.2 Tone Operated Switch (TOX) When using an external modem via the 600 ohm port, the soft decoder within the ART400 can be programmed to detect incoming FFSK or PSK signals. Once detected the transmitter will key up and pass the incoming data. -
Page 12: Modes Of Operation & Protocol Handling
1.17 MODES OF OPERATION & PROTOCOL HANDLING: 1.17.1 Radio Modem Modes of Operation The basic modes of operation of the radio modem are as follows: 1.17.1.1 Dumb modem The radio has no knowledge of the data it is transmitting, data is simply transmitted and received under hardware control with the option of RTS control or initiation of transmit after receipt of serial data, with CTS providing an optional flow control. -
Page 13: Custom Protocols
1.17.2.4 Custom Protocols Custom protocols can be written and downloaded via a PC or over the air as systems require change, thereby minimising disruption. Should a special protocol or interface be required please contact the sales office. 1.18 NETWORK MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE Network management software provides the user with direct access to the radio modems, for diagnostics, programming &... -
Page 14: Compatibility With Other Products
1.24.3 Service Software Service software is available to enable competent engineers to perform first line testing of the product and re-alignment when used in conjunction with suitable test equipment. 1.24.4 Network Management Software Network Management software has been designed to enable system operation and performance to be monitored. -
Page 15: Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS Commercial In Confidence... -
Page 16: Technical Specification
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: 2.1.1 GENERAL Frequency Range: ART400TR 406 - 512MHz Alignment Range: 25Mhz Programmable Bandwidth: 12MHz Minimum Programmable Channel Step: 6.25KHz or 5KHz TX/RX Channel Spacing: Any within the programmable band. Number of Channels: 80 sequential or 32 discrete user programmable channels, field selectable via two BCD switches, or by remote Channel Spacing:... -
Page 17: Transmitter
DC Power 2Way pluggable terminal block I.O. Connector 8way pluggable terminal block LED indicators: RF Carrier Detect/Busy Transmit System Request to Send Clear to Send Data Carrier Detect Receive Data Transmit Data Ring Indication Data Set Ready Data Terminal Ready Switches 2 x 0-9 for channel change 2.1.2... -
Page 18: Receiver
2.1.3 RECEIVER: Sensitivity: Better than 0.25µV (-120dBm) for 12dB SINAD (de-emphasised response) Spurious Response: >80dB Blocking: >90dB relative to 1µV Intermodulation: >70dB with 9600bps data Adjacent Channel: >65dB at 12.5KHz IF Frequencies: VHF & UHF 45MHz and 455KHz 900MHz 70MHz and 455KHz Spurious Emissions: <2nW External Audio Output:... -
Page 19: Approvals And Licensing
manufacturers quote a BER based on an alternating data pattern, which will obviously give much better BER results. In the interest of improvement the above specifications are subject to change without notice. APPROVALS AND LICENSING The ART Series meets relevant world wide standards as outlined below, should others be required, please contact the sales office.: 2.2.1 UK Approvals... -
Page 20: Operating Channels
OPERATING CHANNELS 2.3.1 UK TELEMETRY CHANNELS IN SETUP PROGRAM From the PC Setup program the ART400 can be programmed with either all MPT1411 or MPT1329 channels. A mixture of both channels can be entered discretely from the PC program. MPT1411 Channels... - Page 21 458.01875 463.51875 458.03125 463.53125 458.04375 463.54375 458.05625 463.55625 458.06875 463.56875 458.08125 463.58125 458.09375 463.59375 458.10625 463.60625 458.11875 463.61875 458.13125 463.63125 458.14375 463.64375 458.15625 463.65625 458.16875 463.66875 458.18125 463.68125 458.19375 463.69375 458.20625 463.70625 458.21875 463.71875 458.23125 463.73125 458.24375 463.74375 458.25625 463.75625 458.26875 463.76875 458.28125...
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Page 22: Mpt1329 Channels
2.3.3 MPT1329 Channels: If all MPT1329 channels are programmed via the PC software , access to channels 26, 27 & 32 will be denied, in line with MPT1329 band plan. CHANNEL FREQUENCY 458.5000 Guard Ch. 458.5125 458.5250 458.5375 458.5500 458.5625 458.5750 458.5875 458.6000... -
Page 23: Options & Accessories
Lightning Arrester with “N” Connectors Lightening Arrester with “BNC” Connectors 2.4.6 ENCLOSURES 19 inch rack to take an ART400 and power supply Lockable IP51 wall cabinet to take an ART400, power supply and backup battery. IP67/68 Enclosures available to take most modules 2.4.7 MANUALS Programming, installation and operations manual 2.4.8... -
Page 24: Exploded View
OPERATION & INTERFACE EXPLODED VIEW Commercial In Confidence... -
Page 25: Simplex, Semi-Duplex & Full Duplex
The exploded view shows the main components of the radio modem; the milled enclosure, MPU control & interface board, transmitter module, receiver module and LED board. The view also shows the internal links JP1, JP5, JP11 & JP12 that are set during production. Normally once the equipment is deployed, these links would never be changed. -
Page 26: Single Or Dual Antenna Operation
The ART product can be operated in single frequency simplex, two frequency simplex (semi- duplex) or full duplex, provided the channels are within the bandwidth of the product. This is particularly useful when using the unit in the UK, as MPT1411 (two frequency simplex/duplex) and MPT1329 (single frequency simplex) channels can be programmed and used together. -
Page 27: Repeater/Store & Forward
Link 1-2 for 2 antenna operation Link 2-3 for single antenna operation REPEATER/STORE & FORWARD OPERATION To achieve greater distances the ART product can be used in a “repeater” or “store & forward” mode. However, the success of this mode of operation may depend on the system’s protocol, further details are in section 5. -
Page 28: Two Unit Operation
3.3.2.2 Two Unit Operation A better solution than using one product is the use of two units connected together via a cable. When one unit receives the incoming signal, it buffers the message, turns on the other unit’s transmitter and commences the transmission. The same applies in the opposite direction. -
Page 29: View Showing Memory Expansion Board
VIEW SHOWING MEMORY EXPANSION BOARD EXPANSION MEMORY CARD The expansion memory card contains FLASH ROM, RAM and a control PIC processor, it can be used for three different functions as outlined below: 3.6.1 Firmware download tool During production or firmware changes, the card can be loaded with the required firmware and plugged into the port to transfer the new firmware upgrades or changes. -
Page 30: Serial And Rs232 Interface
SERIAL AND RS232 INTERFACE The ART400 serial port is used to program and control the modem/transceiver. The comms port is selectable to provide full RS232 or 5V TTL signal levels, either mode can be run true or inverted, these modes are selected by links on the processor pcb, which are normally specified by the client and configured prior to despatch. -
Page 31: Serial Port Pin Connections
DTR is inactive. For lowest current consumption both options must be enabled. SERIAL PORT PIN CONNECTIONS The ART400 is equipped with a 9 way D connector for all serial port connections, the pins of this connector are allocated as follows: Pin No. -
Page 32: 12Vdc Power
The two front panel BCD switches select channels, or if both are set to zero program mode is entered. When viewing the ART400 with the aerial connector(s) at the top the left hand rotary switch is the "tens" switch and the right is the "units" switch, thus to set channel 37 set the left switch to 3 and the right to 7. -
Page 33: External Audio Path
The RSSI signal is represented by a voltage from 0-5VDC TX LED The anode of a transmit LED may be connected to this pin and its cathode should be connected to ground, the LED supply current will be approximately 3mA so a low current LED should be used. The LED will illuminate whenever the CMD400 enters transmit mode. -
Page 34: Transmission Using Rts/Cts Handshaking
The serial interface can be programmed either to use RTS/CTS handshaking to initiate transmission, or to transmit whenever data is present at the serial input. In the latter mode CTS is still operated to implement flow control but can be ignored unless message sizes exceed 1k byte and the serial port baud rate is higher than the radio signal baud rate. - Page 35 receive cannot operate in full duplex mode, they can operate in half duplex mode but must reload their synthesiser when changing direction, the ART does not have this limitation as it is equipped with two synthesisers. In simplex mode the same channel is used for transmit and receive, the radio synthesiser must be reloaded whether one or two synthesisers are fitted.
- Page 36 zero, it is only of use where a controller makes use of the DCD signal to suppress data processing but suffers some delay in processing received data. 3.16.4.1 RECEIVE TO TRANSMIT SWITCHING TIME When using the internal modem the action that initiates transmission can be either receipt of a character at the serial port or the operation of RTS.
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Page 37: Transmit To Receive Switching Times
3.16.4.2 MESSAGE DURATION The time taken to transmit a message can be simply derived by multiplying the number of characters in a message by the values given in table C making any appropriate corrections for data format. The exception is 9600 baud where extra synchronisation sent during the message must be taken into account, 8 synchronisation bits lasting a total of 8.3ms are sent after every eighth message character. -
Page 38: Synchronous/Asynchromus Format
with other radios. The Communique CMD400 does not set these parameters independently, with one exception the radio signal format in this radio is set to be the same as that of the serial port even though the baud rates can be different. The exception is mode C where the radio signal format did not include parity, if compatibility with this radio is required parity must be disabled in the radio signal regardless of the serial port configuration. -
Page 39: Time Out Timer
corrupted (failed checksum) in the general program area. Internal comms with a high power amplifier have failed. The contents of the microprocessor's EEPROM are corrupted (failed checksum) in the calibration area. The contents of the microprocessor's EEPROM are corrupted (failed checksum) in the factory program area. The programmed R.F. -
Page 40: Rssi Output
when DTR is not active, this allows the radio current to be reduced to its bare minimum. In applications where DTR is not connected this link option must of course be disabled. 3.20 RSSI OUTPUT The RSSI (received signal strength indicator) output available at the I/O connector provides an aid in antenna installation, the DC output level from this pin varies in proportion to the strength of the received radio signal. -
Page 41: Installation
INSTALLATION Commercial In Confidence... -
Page 42: Introduction
INTRODUCTION The ART Series are DIN rail mountable Radio Modems/Repeater for outstation applications, although with the upgraded internal heat sink they could be used as base station/scanners, providing the transmit duty cycle is less than 75%. Correct installation should ensure reliable data communications for many years. The most important installation points to remember are: Suitable antenna system mounted at the correct height &... -
Page 43: Safe Distance Calculation
For example if the ERP allowed for a link is 5Watts, then an ART 5Watt product operating into a unity gain antenna, would require a supply current of 2Amps to provide an ERP of 5Watts. If however, we use an 8 element directional Yagi with a Gain of 10dB, we would only need 500mW for the same performance. -
Page 44: Omni-Directional Antennas
unwanted radiation must be kept to minimum. Patch Antenna Vertical/Horizontal Kiosk or wall mounting 4.5.3 DIRECTIONAL ANTENNAS For point to point communications, a directional Yagi or corner reflector is probably the best type of antenna to use. As directional antennas provide relatively high gain in the forward direction within a limited beamwidth and very good rejection of unwanted signals at the rear. -
Page 45: Coax Connectors
important but for distant stations the loss is very important. As a rule of thumb, never operate a system with a loss of more than 3dB. To illustrate the point, a 3dB loss in the feeder will result in a 50% loss in transmitted RF power and a 50% reduction in the received signal strength. -
Page 46: Art Dimensions
The ART Series are built into tough durable milled aluminium enclosures that can be mounted in any plane, but should not be exposed to rain etc. as the enclosure and connectors do not meet the relevant IP ratings. If IP65, 67 or 68 is required then an additional enclosure will be required, details of suitable enclosures are covered in the following pages. -
Page 47: Art Mounting
4.6.2 ART MOUNTING The ART Series can be DIN rail mounted or panel mounted with the optional mounting bracket. Commercial In Confidence... -
Page 48: Antenna Connection An Enclosure
“N” type adapter kit shown above. For IP68 installations, please consult the office for different enclosures. 4.6.4 WALL MOUNTING ENCLOSURE The wall mounting enclosure has space for an ART400, power supply and re-chargeable battery. Commercial In Confidence... -
Page 49: Protocols & Applications
PROTOCOLS & APPLICATIONS PROTOCOLS & APPLICATIONS With the large available space in the ART’s flash memory, we hope to be able to develop a range of PC selectable protocols to suit many different applications. Commercial In Confidence... -
Page 50: Store & Forward Using Clients Protocol
RS232 port. NETWORK ROUTING MODE The RF Tech ART400 radio has a programmable, easy to use, low power, network mode using the Hayes AT command set. The radios are capable of relay operation and routing is under the control of the high level application. - Page 51 be issued to return to command mode. Note that a faster disconnect is possible using the RTS hardware handshake link. &V View the settings of all of the S registers and also the error code reporting mode. The values in the S registers are loaded from Eeprom on power up or following a reset command, they may be subsequently modified using other commands, issuing “AT&V”...
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Page 52: Power Saving
result code is returned for this command. Hello Fred Hello Bill Fred and Bill exchange data. This data can be text or binary information, the link is transparent to all except the escape code. The escape code was entered, no response is given to the code. -
Page 53: Radio Routing
Note that if RTS is dropped before a dial up command has been completed the link members will be left in an undefined state waiting to time out. Also if the dialling radio is power saved it will return to sleep before completing transmission of the AT error code to the host resulting in corrupt serial data. - Page 54 GUARD TIME Sets the time in 20ms units required to separate the escape code sequence from other data. SYSTEM ID LSB SYSTEM ID MSB Both bytes are transmitted and checked as part of every radio message. MIN POWER SAVE ADDRESS MAX POWER SAVED ADDRESS All radios within the range max to min inclusive will operate in power saved mode.
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Page 55: Programming
The time in 10ms units that a radio checks for a wake up signal before returning to sleep. Note that the radio requires an additional 20ms to initialise before starting this timer and also that the awake time is terminated 30ms early if no carrier and data signal are detected. The minimum recommended value for this S register is 8 resulting in a total awake time of 100ms if a signal is present or 70ms if not. - Page 56 INTRODUCTION The ART Series can be programmed with any PC operating DOS via a standard 9W – 9W RS232 cable. The programming software will allow user to configure the product to work within many systems. At the time of writing this manual a Win98 version is under development.
- Page 57 6.7 OPENING MENU "Arrow Keys" are used to move round the menu and the RETURN key is used to make the selection required. Whenever a programme is produced for a Radio Modem, it may be given a name and stored and retrieved from disc by using the SAVE TO DISC and LOAD FROM DISC options.
- Page 58 The PC program has a text editor accessed from the main menu that will allow the user to enter the unit’s hard link configuration and add notes if required. The file has defaults but these can be over typed and changed as required. The print command will print the notes together with all the programmed parameters.
- Page 59 DESCRIPTION OF MAIN MENU EDIT FUNCTIONS: 6.8.1 MAIN MENU To edit the radio modem programme data select “EDIT PROGRAMME” and the menu above will be displayed: The up/down arrow keys are used to move the cursor round the fields on the screen.
- Page 60 This reads from programmable range and the channel spacing of the connected radio e.g. F3 458 – 4760MHz 12.5KHz TX F3 458 – 470MHz RX F2 430 – 442MHz 12.5KHz 6.8.5 CHANNEL SELECTION MODE There are two ways of setting up channels on the radio, in INCREMENTAL mode a start frequency for both RX and TX is set up along with a channel increment and the desired number of channels, for example entering 450MHz as the RX and TX start frequency, 5 as the number of channels, and 12.5kHz as the channel increment, will result in frequencies of...
- Page 61 6.8.8.2 Save Off Time This is for power save programming and sets the time the transceiver is switched on for during the power save cycle (Power Save Off). The Save Off Time is programmable from 100 - 1500ms in 50ms steps. The default setting is 100ms. 6.8.8.3 Save Resume Time When a carrier is received during power save mode, the unit will come out of its powersave...
- Page 62 MODEM EDIT MENU 6.9.1 RADIO BAUD RATE Sets the baud rate of the internal radio modem, (currently 150 – 9600 baud within the prescribed 12.5KHz channel) this setting does not govern the speed at which the serial port operates which should be set either at the same speed or a higher speed. The radio baud rate should be set at the minimum possible to maintain the required throughput, lower speeds will give better results in poor signal conditions.
- Page 63 6.9.11 RTS/CTS HANSHAKE On or Off can be selected 6.9.12 DCD OPERATION This option is used in conjunction with the internal modem and is used to select DCD line active on detection of RF Only or RF and Data. 6.9.13 DTR SHUTDOWN Enables DTR to be used for external power save.
- Page 64 6.10.2 DESCRIPTION OF CHANNEL DATA MENU FUNCTIONS: The channel data screen is displayed when "EDIT CHANNEL DATA" is selected from the main edit menu. Up to 32 channels may be edited in discrete channel selection mode, and up to 80 in incremental mode. The channel number displayed at the top right of the screen corresponds to the channels that may be selected by the bcd channel switches in the modem.
- Page 65 6.11.3 SET RX FREQUENCY This adjusts the receiver’s frequency by varying the voltage to the VCTCXO. It is normally set to the mid point +/-2.5V and the frequency is then set up with the variable capacitor in the VCTCXO. This enables later electronic adjustment to be carried out via a PC or over the radio link.
- Page 66 SOFTWARE & ANCILLARY ITEMS PC SOFTWARE Commercial In Confidence...
- Page 67 Dedicated PC software has been written to support the ART series, to enhance its operation, and provide unrivalled versatility. The software covers local & remote programming, installation, network management, local & remote firmware upgrades, first line service and factory testing. CLIENT PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE Programming software in DOS (with Windows 95/98 being written) is available for the ART Series, a full description of the DOS version is outlined in section 6.
- Page 68 ART790 Duplicated controller 7.8.4 ENCLOSURES 19 inch rack to take an ART400 and power supply Lockable IP51 wall cabinet to take an ART400, power supply, I.O. and backup battery. IP67/68 Enclosures available to take most modules 7.8.5 LEADS & CABLES RS232 cable 9 Way "D"...
- Page 69 “N” to BNC Coax Cable Adapter for Chassis Mounting 7.9 ADAPTERS & PARTS Duplexer Transmitter circulator Receiver Antenna Splitter External Solid State Antenna Switch Lightning Arrester with “N” Connectors Lightening Arrester with “BNC” Connectors 7.10 MANUALS Programming, installation and operations manual 7.11 BACKUP BATTERY PACKS Full range in stock to fit the above enclosures.
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