Summary of Contents for RTcom Radio Modems
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Page 1: User Manual
User Manual RTcom-Universal, Global Max and Outback Radio Modems Copyright Radio-Tech Limited 1998-2000... -
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Antenna Options GENERAL ARANGEMENT RTcom-Global and Universal RTcom-Outback RTcom-Max CONNECTIONS Data and Power CONFIGURATION Operating Modes Table for the RTcom range Data format mode switch Interface mode switch Data rate setting chart OPERATION Status LED's All LED's Blinking COMMISIONING COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS... -
Page 3: Introdcution
Modem Master station Thousands or RTcom radio modems are now in service throughout the world, many operating 24hrs a day, all year round. However, for any radio communications system to be reliable care should be taken in the design of the whole system. Many countries impose restrictions on the frequency, power, channel power and occupied bandwidth of transmissions. - Page 4 Before using your RTcom Radio Modem please ensure that you have purchased the correct version and selected the correct frequency of operation. We have versions with many international approvals ranging from FCC-Part 90 through to Australia Standards and our European versions carry the CE mark.
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Page 5: Selecting The Frequency Of Operation
Frequency of operation Often there is not a choice over operating frequency. In most countries frequency allocations are very limited, by way of example in Europe there is only 433-435MHz UHF or 868-870MHz SHF. While the UK and many others offer VHF, UHF and SHF allocations. However other frequencies may be used subject to local government licence. -
Page 6: Installation Power Supplies
INSTALLATION Power Supplies: As with any radio communications system, the RTcom modem should be connected to a clean and stable supply. Switch mode power supplies are rich in RF harmonics and should not be used. Please note that in many cases as CE sticker on a power supply is insufficient protection against potentially damaging harmonics. -
Page 7: Antenna Feeders
For battery powered operation in cold and damp climates the only reliable way to achieve long term operation is to use double IP65/7 enclosures, with both the outer and inner enclosure fitted with silica gel desiccant sachets. Please be aware that solar heating and wind chill can take the modem beyond its designed operating temperature range. -
Page 8: Lightning Surge Protection
Note: Failure to connect the data terminal to the same Earth point compromises the protection of the apparatus. If however is not practical to implement, then a second surge protection device should be connected in series with the data and/or power connections, again bonded to the common Earth point. RTcom Coaxial feeder Modem... -
Page 9: Antenna Installation
Antenna Installation The type and location of the antenna used can have a profound effect on your overall system performance and its legality. In point to point links it is good practice to make efficient use of the radio spectrum by selecting an antenna that will project the R.F energy into the direction of desired operation and similarly at the receiver to collect transmissions only from the location of the transmitter. -
Page 10: Antenna Options
Warning: The use of gain antenna in some countries is not permitted. Similarly where ERP (transmitted power limits) are imposed the actual transmitted power must not exceed the limit stated. This means that the transmitter output power, less any coaxial feeder losses, plus the antenna gain must not exceed the specified maximum ERP. -
Page 11: Rtcom-Global And Universal
Guide to your RTcom-Global & Max Modem Reset Button 12-24V dc supply RS422 & RS485 Interface RS232 interface Carrier Detect LED (Global only) Channel selection switch (Global Only, See Table) Mode Switch for RS232 / RS485 Modes Status LED's Mode Switch for Data... - Page 12 Guide to your RTcom-Outback Optional Location for Battery Solar/12-24V supply Guide to your RTcom-Max (Please take care when opening cover) Radio Module mounted in cover RS422 & RS485 RS232 interface Interface Configuration Mode Switch Links to select 2-4 wire RS485...
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Page 13: Data And Power
Always use a common ground point. The RTcom Global, Eurpoa, MAX and Outback modems support RS232, RS422 and RS485 communications, both 2 and 4-wire. The RS232 port should be used for short cable runs of up to 10m and the RS422 and RS485 can be used for over 100m. -
Page 14: Rtcom-Outback
CONFIGURATION:- Depending upon the model of the modem you will be able to select one of the communication configurations listed below:- VHF : MPT1328 RTcom-Outback 1200-2400bps 7 & 8 bit ASCII Even & odd parity 1 or 2 Stop bits... -
Page 15: Data Format Mode Switch
Effectively the modem transmits a string of data at your desired data rate. This data message usually " Radio-Tech RTcom Modem" can be used during commissioning to prove the link both with respect to the radio and cable paths. -
Page 16: Operation
PLC's. Rather than duplicate the CRC and risk increasing the overall bit error rate the RTcom protocol leaves your protocol 100% intact and does not add any further error checking and subsequent time delay to your messages LED's Status LED's are provided to aid use. -
Page 17: Commisioning
Safety and Wiring Regulations etc. Exposed joints should be sealed using self-amalgamating tape and screw threads coated with rust proofing compound. COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS RTcom Protocol The RTcom Communication protocol does not make any attempt to correct communication errors. From experience the latency (delay) caused by error correction techniques is prohibitive for the majority of applications. -
Page 18: Emc Conformity
EMC CONFORMATY Finished products placed on the market with the EU must be EMC Type Examined. Where applicable the RTcom-Modems have been Type examined in their own right or contain a Type Examined radio transceiver module. Where applicable a Type Examination/ EMC Declaration of Conformity will be attached to this manual.
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