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B&B Electronics ZP8 Series Manual

Zlinx 868
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Zlinx 868 Radio Modem
ZP8 Series
Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR-0912m
This product designed and manufactured in Ottawa, Illinois USA
of domestic and imported parts by
707 Dayton Road -- P.O. Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350 USA
Website:
www.bb-elec.com
European Headquarters
B&B Electronics
Westlink Commercial Park -- Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
Website:
www.bb-europe.com
B&B Electronics Mfg. Co. Inc. – 2009
Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m
1
B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - www.bb-elec.com
B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – www.bb-europe.com

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  • Page 1 Zlinx 868 Radio Modem ZP8 Series Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR-0912m This product designed and manufactured in Ottawa, Illinois USA of domestic and imported parts by 707 Dayton Road -- P.O. Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350 USA Website: www.bb-elec.com European Headquarters B&B Electronics...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction ADIO REQUENCY ASICS What is dBm? Lower Frequencies = Better Propagation Range performance is not just function of transmit power You Must Consider RF Noise Fade margin is critical for reliable operation in rain, snow, or the presence of interference Remember Your Math RF Attenuation and Line of Sight...
  • Page 3 RS232 S ERIAL PECIFICATION EPEATERS AND ETWORKS Command Mode AT C OMMAND To Enter AT Command Mode: To send AT Commands To Exit AT Command Mode: OMMAND EFERENCE ABLES Special Commands Addressing Serial Interfacing (I/O) I/O Commands Diagnostic Commands AT Command Options Node Identification Security Commands API O...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Introduction Radio Frequency Basics What is dBm? Radio Frequency (RF) power is measured in milli-Watts (mW) or, more usefully, in a logarithmic scale of decibels (dB), or decibels referenced to 1 mW of power (dBm). Since RF power attenuates as a logarithmic function, the dBm scale is most useful.

  • Page 5: Range Performance Is Not Just Function Of Transmit Power

    Range performance is not just function of transmit power The more sensitive the radio, the lower the power signal it can successfully receive, stretching right down to the noise floor. There is so much variety in “specsmanship” for radio sensitivity, that it is difficult to make a meaningful comparison between products.

  • Page 6: Fade Margin Is Critical For Reliable Operation In Rain, Snow, Or The Presence Of Interference

    Fade margin is critical for reliable operation in rain, snow, or the presence of interference Fade margin is a term critical to wireless success. Fade margin describes how many dB a received signal may be reduced by without causing system performance to fall below an acceptable value.

  • Page 7: Remember Your Math

    Remember Your Math Contrary to popular opinion, no black art is required to make a reasonable prediction of the range of a given radio signal. Several simple concepts must be understood first, and then we can apply some simple rules of thumb. The equation for successful radio reception is: TX power + TX antenna gain –...
  • Page 8 Be sure you know the distance between antennas. This is often underestimated. If it’s a short-range application, pace it off. If it’s a long- range application, establish the actual distance with a GPS or Google Maps. The most effective way to reduce path loss is to elevate the antennas. At approximately 6 feet high (2 m), line of sight due to the Earth’s curvature is about 3 miles (5 km), so anything taller than a well-manicured lawn becomes an obstacle.
  • Page 9 Antennas Antennas increase the effective power by focusing the radiated energy in the desired direction. Using the correct antenna not only focuses power into the desired area but it also reduces the amount of power broadcast into areas where it is not needed. Wireless applications have exploded in popularity with everyone seeking out the highest convenient point to mount their antenna.

  • Page 10: Latency And Packetization

    Latency and Packetization Before you lift a finger towards the perfect wireless installation, think about the impact of wireless communications on your application. Acceptable bit error rates are many orders of magnitude higher than wired communications. Most radios quietly handle error detection and retries for you - at the expense of throughput and variable latencies.

  • Page 11: Package Contents

    The radio modem has 4 operating modes: Idle Mode Checks for Valid RF Data received and discards invalid data. Checks for serial data to be packaged and RF transmitted Received Valid RF data in buffer to be output serially Checks for Command Mode commands Transmit Mode Exits Idle mode Packages serial data (256 bytes max)

  • Page 12: Hardware Installation

    Hardware Installation RECOMMENDED PRACTICE BEFORE INSTALLATION Please set up, bench test and familiarize yourself with a pair or set of these radios using RS-232 connections before taking them out into the field for installation. If using RS422 or RS-485 connections, verify your settings and operation using RS-232 connections and the RSSI Range Test before connecting as 4- wire RS422/485 or as 2-wire RS485.

  • Page 13: Serial Connections

    Serial Connections RS-232 RS-232 Always present on DB9 RS-232 (DCE) Pinouts & Signals DB9F Signal Name Direction Carrier Detect Receive Data Transmit Data Data Terminal Ready Signal Ground Data Set Ready Request To Send Clear To Send Not used Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc –...

  • Page 14: Rs-422/485

    RS-422/485 RS-422/485 (4Wire) RS-485 (2Wire) Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com...
  • Page 15 Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – www.bb-europe.com...

  • Page 16: Wireless Rf Link Output

    Wireless RF Link Output Zlinx Radio modems offer a source (PNP) transistor output when the wireless signal strength drops below a critical level (link failure or missed packets) 40 mA max current Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics –...

  • Page 17: Radio Frequency Information

    Note: In order for the RSSI LED to continuously indicate the signal strength, set the RP command (RSSI PWM timer) to FF. The RSSI light typically goes out after the last data is received. Radio Frequency Information The ZP8D-24RM-LR has an indoor range of up to 550m and an outdoor range of up to 40km Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc –...

  • Page 18: Zlinx Manager Software

    These ranges are for line of sight installations using the supplied antenna. Performance may vary depending on your particular installation. The antenna connection on the radio modem is an RPSMA (Reverse Polarity SMA) female plug. B&B Electronics has a wide variety of accessory antennas. Visit www.bb-elec.com for more information.

  • Page 19: Set Up

    The installation program should auto start. Follow the on screen prompts. Set Up 1. Connect your PC to the modem using a straight through serial cable. 2. Start the Zlinx Manager Software and click on the radio modem button. Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc –...
  • Page 20 3. The radio modem launcher screen will appear 4. Click on the Radio Modem Configuration button to configure the modem on-line or the Radio Modem Configuration Button (offline) to configure the modem offline. Follow the on screen directions to configure the modem. Note: using the off-line configuration button skips the auto modem discovery process.

  • Page 21: Off-Line Configuration Screen

    Off-Line Configuration Screen The Off-Line Configuration is used to view the normal default settings for the radio modem when a modem is not connected. This can be used when providing telephone assistance to a field technician, and to look at the settings available, when going through the manual.
  • Page 22 Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com...
  • Page 23 The EE & KY values are used for Security Encryption Enable and for entering the AES Encryption Key when connected. Notes on each parameter are shown when the parameter is selected Note that the Update button is disabled, you must connect to the radio modem to read and change the settings.

  • Page 24: On-Line Configuration

    On-Line Configuration 1. Click the Radio Modem Configuration Button. The following screen will appear. 2. Use the pull down menu items to set the communication parameters. Next click the Connect button. If the software doesn’t find the modem, use the Auto Modem Search button. Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc –...
  • Page 25 4. When the modem is found, the following screen will appear. Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – www.bb-europe.com...
  • Page 26 5. Click OK. The following screen will appear. CAUTION: Never interrupt the update, wait until finished. 5. On the Basic Modem setting tab, the default settings will generally be okay unless you have other radio modems of this model installed nearby.
  • Page 27 will prevent interference from other modems. Before Click the Update button to save the parameters. If you need to restore the factory defaults, the Restore Defaults button will revert to the default configuration. CAUTION: Never interrupt the update, wait until finished. 6.

  • Page 28: Test / Troubleshoot

    Click the Update button to save the parameters. Click the Restore Defaults button to revert to the default configuration. Test / Troubleshoot 1. The RSSI Range Test is used to check communication between two radio modems. One modem must be connected to the computer to run the test, another modem must have a loop back connection.
  • Page 29 2. The basic screen shows test results and signal strength. Check the Show Advanced Options Box to customize the test. Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics –...

  • Page 30: Firmware Update

    Firmware Update CAUTION: Never interrupt the download process, wait until finished. 1. Connect your PC to the radio modem using a straight through serial cable, then use Auto Modem Search. If the modem is not at 9600 baud, change the modem baud rate to 9600, then update. Exit and reboot the modem.
  • Page 31 Next Click Connect. 3. Once connected, the software will determine which firmware versions are available on the PC and what version is loaded in the modem. The following screen allows you to choose which firmware version to load. 5. Select the firmware version to load from the pull down menu and click the UPDATE button.

  • Page 32: Specifications

    Specifications RF Properties Physical Standard Proprietary radio Range up to 1800 ft. (550m) indoor or 25 miles (40km) outdoor Frequency SRD g3 Band (865.525 MHz) Transmit Power 1mW, 23mW, 100mW, 158mW. 316mW Receiver Sensitivity -112dBm @ 24Kkps RF Data Rate 24kbps 2.4kbps –...
  • Page 33 Transistor link failure No wireless signal or RSSI LED off Connector Removable terminal block with RS-422/485 Output type Open collector, dry contact, 40mA Power Supply Connector Removable terminal block Input Voltage 10–48VDC, 18-30VAC Power Consumption 6.0W max Dimensions 1.2W x 3.3D x 4.7H Environmental Intended for indoor use only Operating...

  • Page 34: Things To Think About

    Things to think about History European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) had developed standards for the majority of these devices and governs their use. The respective radio spectrum is specific to the European market and falls within the 868.000 - 870.000 MHz frequencies and is separated into 4 sections, G1-G4.

  • Page 35: Over-The-Air Data Rate

    ETSI mandates a limited data transmission throughput when using the G-3 band 868 MHz frequencies. This affects all 868 MHz radio manufactures equally. There are several specifications we will look at in this article; (a) Duty Cycle, (b) RF data rate and (c) receive sensitivity. These elements have a direct relationship to each other.

  • Page 36: Receive Sensitivity

    If a user sends continuous serial data faster than 2400 baud, the duty cycle will be exceeded and the radio will lower the CTS line and stop transmitting until the throughput falls below the 10% limit. The duty cycle is calculated continuously over a rolling one hour period.

  • Page 37: Repeaters And Mesh Networks

    How does serial parity, stop bits, etc, play into the throughput? With the B&B Electronics 868 radio this is not a issue. Serial settings for parity, number of data bits or stop bits will not affect radio throughput. Repeaters and Mesh Networks Although not supported at this time, applying repeater and mesh features will affect the throughput and consume duty cycle.

  • Page 38: To Send At Commands

    NOTE: Failure ot enter AT Command Mode is most commonly due to baud rate mismatch. To send AT Commands Send AT commands and parameters using the syntax shown below. To read a parameter value stored in the RF module’s register, omit the parameter field.

  • Page 39: Command Reference Tables

    If no valid AT Commands are received within the time specified by the CT (Command Mode Timeout) Command, the RF module automatically returns to Idle Mode. Command Reference Tables Special Commands Addressing Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics –...
  • Page 40 Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com...

  • Page 41: Serial Interfacing (I/O)

    Serial Interfacing (I/O) Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – www.bb-europe.com...

  • Page 42: I/O Commands

    I/O Commands Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com...
  • Page 43 Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – www.bb-europe.com...

  • Page 44: Diagnostic Commands

    Diagnostic Commands AT Command Options Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com...

  • Page 45: Node Identification

    Node Identification Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – www.bb-europe.com...

  • Page 46: Security Commands

    Security Commands Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com...

  • Page 47: Api Operation

    API Operation As an alternative to Transparent Operation, API (Application Programming ) Operations are available. API operation requires that communication with the module be done through a structured interface (data is communicated in frames in a defined order). The API specifies how commands, command responses, and module status messages are sent and received from the module using a UART Data Frame.

  • Page 48: Api Operation - With Escape Characters (Ap Parameter = 2)

    API Operation – with Escape Characters (AP Parameter = 2) When this API mode is enabled (AP=2), the UART data frame structure is defined as follows UART Data Frame Structure – with escape control characters: Escape Characters – When sending or receiving a UART data frame, specific data values must be escaped (flagged) so they do not interfere with the data frame sequencing.

  • Page 49: Api Frames

    API Frames Frame data of the UART data frame forms an API-specific structure as follows: The cmdID frame (API-identifier) indicates which API messages will be contained in the cmdData frame (Identifier-specific data). The modules support the following API frames: API Frame Names Values Modem Status 0x8A...

  • Page 50: Modem Status

    Modem Status API Identifier Value: (0x8A) RF module status messages are sent from the module in response to specific conditions. Modem Status Frame Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics –...

  • Page 51: At Command

    AT Command API Identifier Value (0x08) Allows for module parameter registers to be queried or set. Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – www.bb-europe.com...

  • Page 52: At Command - Queue Parameter Value

    AT Command – Queue Parameter Value AP Identifier Value: (0x09) This API type allows module parameters to be queried or set. In contrast to the “AP Command”. AP type, new parameter values are queried and not applied until either the “AT Command” (0x08) API type or the AC (apply changes) command is issued.

  • Page 53: At Command Response

    AT Command Response API Identifier Value: (0x88) Response to previous command. In response to an AT Command Message, the module will send an AT Command Response message. Some commands will send back multiple frames (for example, the NP (Node Discover) command). AT Command Response Frames.

  • Page 54: Remote At Command Request

    Remote AT Command Request AP Identifier Value: (0x17) Allows for module parameter registers on a remote device to be queried or set . Remote AT Command Request Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics –...

  • Page 55: Remote Command Response

    Remote Command Response API Identifier Value (0x97) If a module receives a remote command response RF data frame in response to a Remote AT Command Request, the module will send a Remote AT Command Response message out the UART. Some commands may send back multiple frames –...

  • Page 56: Transmit Request

    Transmit Request API Identifier Value: (0x10) A TX Request Message will cause the module to send RF Data as an RF Packet, TX Packet Frames. Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics –...

  • Page 57: Explicit Addressing Command Frame

    Explicit Addressing Command Frame API Identifier Value: (0x11) Allows application layer fields (endpoint and cluster ID) to be specified for a data transmission. Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics –...

  • Page 58: Transmit Status

    Transmit Status API Identifier Value (0x8B) When a TX Request is completed, the module sends a TX Status Message. The message will indicate if the packet was transmitted successfully or if there was a failure. Receive Packet API Identifier Value (0x90) When the module receives an RF packet, it is sent out the UART using this message type.

  • Page 59: Explicit Rx Indicator

    Explicit RX Indicator API Identifier Value: (0x91) When the modem receives a RF packet it is sent out of the UART using this message type (when AO=1). Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics –...
  • Page 60 Manual Documentation Number: ZP8D-24RM-LR -0912m B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com B&B Electronics – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com...

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