Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Version 7.0 FreeWave Technologies, Inc. 1880 South Flatiron Court Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 444-3862 (303) 786-9948 Fax www.FreeWave.com SPREAD SPECTRUM WIRELESS DATA TRANSCEIVER USER MANUAL Copyright © 1995-2009 by FreeWave Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Published 2009. LUM0002AG Rev A Version 7.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual WARRANTY FreeWave Technologies warrants your FreeWave® Wireless Data Transceiver against defects in materials and manufacturing for a period of two years from the date of shipment. In the event of a Product failure due to materials or workmanship, FreeWave will, at its option, repair or replace the Product. The Product must be returned to FreeWave upon receiving a Return Material Authorization (RMA) for evaluation of Warranty Coverage.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual UL NOTIFICATION Models FGR2-C-U, FGR2-CE-U, FGR2-IOS-C-U, and FGR2-IOS-CE-U are suitable for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D or non-hazardous locations only. Input voltage for the above models is 6 to 30 volts DC. Model FGRO9CSU is suitable for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D or non-hazardous locations only. Input voltage for Model# FGRO9CSU is 6 to 30 volts DC.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual FCC NOTIFICATIONS 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. This device must be operated as supplied by FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Table of Contents ABOUT FREEWAVE TRANSCEIVERS.................................................................................................................7 CHOOSING POINT-TO-POINT OR POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT OPERATION ........................................................................8 QUICK START ON A POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT NETWORK ..........................................................................9 POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT OPERATION LED'S. ........
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Transmit Current (mA) ........................................................................................................................................39 Average Noise Level ............................................................................................................................................39 Average Signal Level ................................................................................................................
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual About FreeWave Transceivers FreeWave transceivers operate in virtually any environment where data communications occur. A pair of transceivers function as a 9-pin null modem cable. If the FreeWave transceivers are to be used in an application where a null modem cable is used, such as communication between two computers, then the FreeWave transceivers can be connected directly.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Choosing Point-to-Point or Point-to-MultiPoint Operation A Point-to-Point network is limited to one Master and one Slave transceiver. Up to 4 Repeaters may be added to extend the reach of the network, but no other Master or Slave may be added. In a Point-to-MultiPoint network (also referred to as MultiPoint network) the transceiver, designated as a Master, is able to simultaneously communicate with numerous Slaves.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Quick Start on a Point-to-MultiPoint Network The following is a quick start guide for setting up two transceivers in Point-to-MultiPoint mode. This mode allows for a Master to communicate with several Repeaters and Slaves simultaneously. 1. Connect the transceiver to the serial port of a computer either through a serial cable or via the diagnostics cable. Make sure to connect the radio to a power source (typically, 6 to 30 VDC). 2.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Quick Start on a Point-to-Point Network When purchased as a pair, the FreeWave® Wireless Data Transceivers are shipped from the factory preconfigured with most of the settings to operate in Point-to-Point applications. To establish communications between a pair of FreeWave Wireless Data Transceivers just received from the factory: 1. Connect the transceiver to the instrument with the RS232 cable and also attach power.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Choosing a Location for the Transceivers Placement of the FreeWave transceiver is likely to have a significant impact on its performance. The key to the overall robustness of the radio link is the height of the antenna. In general, FreeWave units with a higher antenna placement will have a better communication link. In practice, the transceiver should be placed away from computers, telephones, answering machines and other similar equipment.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Setting up the Transceiver using HyperTerminal Note: The terms Modem and Transceiver are used interchangeably in this manual and in the text of the Setup menu. While the words have different meanings, the two terms should be treated as one and the same when referring to FreeWave products. Note: Included on the User Manual CD is the optional “EZConfig” transceiver setup program and instructions.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 2. Double-click on the Hypertrm.exe icon. The following window appears. 3. In the Name text box, type in a descriptive name. Select an icon from the Icon selection box. 4. Click on the OK button. The following “Connect To” dialog box appears: 5. Select the connection type to be used from the Connect using drop-down menu. In most cases the connection type will be either Direct to Com1 or Direct to Com2. LUM0002AG Rev A Version 7.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 6. Click on the OK button. The Properties dialog box appears for the selected connection type. The following are the port settings which must be set for a proper connection: Port Setting Bits per second Data bits Parity Stop bits Flow control 7. Menu Option to Select 19200 8 None 1 None After selecting the appropriate menu items for each setting, click on the OK button. The following HyperTerminal dialog box appears: LUM0002AG Rev A Version 7.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 8. To connect HyperTerminal to the transceiver, press the Setup button on the back of the FreeWave transceiver. If connected to the diagnostics port, type U (Capital ‘U’) to invoke the Setup menu. Setup Button Model FGR2-CE(-U) Ways to invoke the Setup menu in board level radios: 1) Short pins 2 & 4 (Brown to Black) on the 10 pin header next to the LED’s. 2) If using a Programming Cable (P/N ASC3610Dx), press the Setup button.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual When Setup is invoked, the FreeWave Setup Main Menu will display in the HyperTerminal dialog box. All three LED’s on the transceiver will light green and stay green as long as the transceiver is in the Setup mode. 9. Save the HyperTerminal connection settings by selecting Save from the File menu.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Troubleshooting HyperTerminal The following are some common issues encountered while using HyperTerminal. 1. 2. 3. 4. Nothing appears on the screen after pressing the Setup button on the transceiver. This usually indicates one of two things; either the wrong Com port is selected or a null modem RS-232 cable is being used. Follow the steps below to change the Com ports. 1. Click on the Disconnect button. 2. Select Properties from the File menu. 3.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Setting up a Transceiver Note: Once Setup mode has been invoked in HyperTerminal, the process of exiting Setup mode involves pressing the Escape (Esc) key several times, allowing the transceiver to connect to the network. Otherwise, cycling the power is the alternative way to exit Setup mode. Note: Do not “hot plug” radios to cycle power as this may cause damage to the circuitry and render the radio unusable.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Operation Mode Description Point-to-Point Master (0) This mode designates the transceiver as the Master in Point-to-Point mode. The Master may call any or all Slaves designated in its Call Book. In Point-to-Point mode the Master determines the setting used for most of the radio transmission characteristics, regardless of the settings in the Slave and/or Repeaters.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Set Operation Mode 1. Selecting 0 Set Operation Mode from the Main Menu displays the following window: 2. Select the appropriate operation mode by typing the associated number or letter after Enter Choice. 3. When the selection is accepted, the Set Modem Mode menu will refresh and display the updated mode. 4. Press the Esc key once to return to the Main Menu. LUM0002AG Rev A Version 7.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Baud Rate This setting is the communication rate between the transceiver and the instrument to which it is connected. It is important to note that this is independent of the baud rate for the other transceiver(s) in the network. For example, a pair of transceivers may be used in an application to send data from remote process instrumentation to an engineer's computer.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Baud Rate Description Actual Baud Rate (selections 0-9) The actual baud rate for the transceiver’s data port. Data, Parity (A) Modbus RTU (B) It is desirable to set the baud rate to the highest level supported by the device to which it is connected. With a poor radio link, however, this may actually result in slower data communications. Six data word length and parity configurations are available to be used with FreeWave transceivers.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Setup Port (D) Note: DO NOT change this setting unless the correct programming cable is available for the new setting. This setting determines which port, Main or Diagnostics, is used to enter the Setup Main Menu. Menu Port Additional Information 1 Main Only The terminal is connected to the Main Data Port. 2 Diagnostics Only The terminal is connected to the Diagnostic Port. 3 Both Ports The terminal may be connected to either port.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Call Book The Call Book is required to be used in Point-to-Point networks. While the call book is an option in Pointto-MultiPoint networks, the Network ID feature is strongly recommended in most applications. The instructions provided in this section are for Point-to-Point mode only. Use of the Call Book for MultiPoint networks is explained later in this chapter.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 4. The system will prompt for Repeater 1’s number. If no Repeaters are being used, press the Esc key. (skip step 5) Otherwise, enter the 7-digit serial number of the Repeater. 5. The system will then prompt for Repeater 2’s number. Enter the 7-digit serial number of the second Repeater. If only one Repeater is being used, press the Esc key. 6. The system refreshes the transceiver’s Call Book menu with the new changes. 7.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual PROGRAMMING POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT CALL BOOK In a MultiPoint network, the Slaves and Repeaters are not listed in the Master's Call Book. A Slave must have the Master and any Repeater it is going to use in its Call Book. Note: If the Network ID feature is used in a MultiPoint network, no entries are needed in the Call Book of any of the transceivers. See the Network ID feature in the MultiPoint Parameters section.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Radio Transmission Characteristics The Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics option allows the user to modify several different parameters in the transceiver. Many of these parameters must be maintained throughout the network for proper functionality. Note: This menu is only for the sophisticated user who has a good understanding of the principles of radio data transmission.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Available options (0) 900 MHZ HOP TABLE VERSION Entry 0 allows the user to choose the portion of the band in which the transceiver will operate. Selection 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Note: Band Full 902-928 MHz 915-928 MHz 902-928 MHz, 16 fewer frequencies than full U.S.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (3) 900MHZ FREQUENCY ZONE – THIS SETTING ONLY NEEDS TO BE SET ON THE MASTER RADIO Frequency Zone: The idea of frequency zoning is to divide the available band (902MHz to 928 MHz) into smaller bands, in this case 16 smaller bands each consisting of 5, 7, and 8 Frequency channels depending on the frequency zone. These 16 Zones are stored in a Word, which is made up of 16 bits numbered 0-15.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual WARNING: FCC regulations require a minimum of 50 separate channels for 900MHz be used within a hop pattern. Use the above table to determine the number of frequency zones are required for legal communication. EXAMPLE: 1. Using zones 1-7 is equal to 49 channels; this is not legal according to the FCC. 2. Using Zones 0-6 is equal to 50 channels; this is legal according to the FCC.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual FREQKEY IN 2.4 GHZ TRANSCEIVERS The Frequency Key for the 2.4GHz transceivers behaves identically to that of the 900MHz transceivers. The selection of 15 FreqKeys (0-9 and A-E) is the same as the 900MHZ, allowing for 15 different pseudorandom patterns. (0) 2.4GHZ HOP TABLE VERSION Entry 0 allows the user to choose the portion of the band in which the transceiver will operate. Selection Band 0 Entire band, 2.400 - 2.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (3) 2.4GHZ FREQUENCY ZONE – THIS SETTING ONLY NEEDS TO BE SET ON THE MASTER RADIO Frequency Zone allows the user to select which portions of the band the network will use. Setting a zone to 1 will include it in the hopping pattern, while setting the zone to 0 will exclude that zone. Below is the frequency zone table displaying the beginning frequency and ending frequency in each of the 16 zones.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual WARNING: FCC regulations require a minimum of 50 separate frequency channels be used within a hop pattern. Using the Standard hop table, a minimum of 5 frequency zones are required for legal communication. For more information, contact FreeWave Technical Support at (303) 381-9200. FREQKEY IN 1.4GHZ TRANSCEIVERS Please see Addendum LAD0012xx Add User Mnl 1.4GHz V1.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 42 63 85 106 127 149 170 191 213 234 5 47 69 90 111 133 154 175 197 218 239 6 53 74 95 117 138 159 181 202 223 245 7 58 79 101 122 143 165 186 207 229 250 8 63 85 106 127 149 170 191 213 234 255 9 The following table defines the Maximum packet size in bytes by way of charting the Min Packet Size setting versus the Max Packet Size setting where the RF Data Rate is set to 3. Using the default settings, the actual maximum packet size, in bytes, is 172.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Note: The FGR2 has an added RF setting of 1. This allows the RF Data Rate to be increased to 230.4kbps. As with all FreeWave networks the RF Data rate MUST be the same throughout the network. A new network of only FGR2 transceivers may be set to run at the faster data rate of 1. However, if even 1 DGR or FGR transceiver is introduced into the network that site will not function at the higher speed.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Note: The RTS to CTS feature does not function in Point-to-Point networks that contain a Repeater. If this feature is needed in such network, the mode should be changed to Point-to-MultiPoint. Note: If DTRConnect is enabled and set to 2, the RTS to CTS feature will not work. Note: If the DTRConnect is enabled and set to 1, RTS to CTS mode takes precedence over the functionality of the CTS line on the Slave relating to the DTRConnect feature.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual IMPORTANT NOTES 1. Lowpower Mode is used only in MultiPoint Slaves using serial protocol. Power savings occur only when the Slave is linked. No power savings occur when the Slave is transmitting data. Lowpower Mode is of little value when a Slave has a constant, high throughput. MCUSpeed must be set to ‘0’ and RF Data Rate must be set to ‘3’ for Lowpower Mode to operate properly. 2.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual NOTE: When using Remote LED’s the center (TX) LED will not turn Green when in Setup mode. This line is not pinned out. NOTE: This feature may be used to save power in Repeaters. By turning off the on board LED’s (setting = 2) the current consumption is reduced. To reduce current consumption in Slaves, use the setting “Low Power = 1”. Low Power does not work with Repeaters because they are constantly transmitting.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual TRANSMIT CURRENT (MA) This measures the current draw of the transmitter in milliamps. Refer to Transceiver specs for typical values. AVERAGE NOISE LEVEL The average noise level indicates the level of background noise and interference at this transceiver and at each of the Repeaters in the link. The number is an average of the noise levels measured at each frequency in the transceiver’s frequency hop table.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual MultiPoint Parameters When installing MultiPoint networks it is important to do some up front planning. Unlike Point-to-Point networks, a Point-to-MultiPoint network requires several parameters are set consistently on all transceivers in the network. This includes RF data rate, Min and Max Packet Size, and FreqKey. Note: If several independent MultiPoint networks are to be located in close proximity the planning becomes more critical.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual transmitted 10 times). For networks with solid RF links, this parameter should be set to a low value such as 1 or 2. If a network has some weak or marginal links it should be set with higher values. If a Slave receives a good packet from a Master more than once it will discard the repeated packets. Similarly, once a MultiPoint Repeater receives a good packet from the Master, it will discard any further repeated packets.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Note: If ‘DTRConnect’ is set to 1 and the ‘RTS to CTS’ function is enabled on the radio, then ‘RTS to CTS’ takes precedence over ‘DTRConnect’. Note: If ‘DTRConnect’ is set to ‘2’ and ‘RTS to CTS’ is enabled, then ‘RTS to CTS’ is ignored. The transceiver has two separate transmit and receive user data buffers. For the FGR series radios, these buffers are 2 Kbytes each. In case of a buffer overflow, the transceiver will output unpredictable data.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 542.534nS. Changing the parameter to higher values decreases the Slave time delay and changing the parameter to lower values increases the time delay. When properly calibrated the CD line of a Slave radio will output a pulse that goes high for about 2mS in synch with the 1 PPS pulse on the Master radio. The output on the Slave will occur within 20 microseconds of the input to the Master.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual If both Rcv Subnet ID and Xmt Subnet ID are set to 0 the Subnet ID will show Roaming in the menu. This setting will allow a mobile Slave to roam from subnet to subnet and possibly from network to network. This drawing depicts a Network in which Subnet ID’s are used to force communications. In this example, Repeater1 must talk directly to the Master; Repeater2 must talk directly to Repeater1.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (E) LOCAL MODE Option (E) allows the user to access an FGR2 or IM series Multi-point slave with a local master. This Master is not the network master. This feature is only available with firmware versions 2.64 (FGR) and 3.64 (IM) or newer firmware. Please see Application note #5457 Local Mode for more information. (G) RADIO NAME Option (G) allows the user to set a unique 20 character Radio name. LUM0002AG Rev A Version 7.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Overlapping MultiPoint Networks Overlapping MultiPoint networks may be set up effectively with FreeWave transceivers when several key parameters are set correctly. Overlapping MultiPoint networks are defined as networks using different Masters which share or overlap in a specific geographic area. It may also include co-located transceivers configured into different networks. See application note 5412 Synch Colloc Master in Sync Mode for more details.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 2. Release the Alt key. 3. Repeat this step 3 more times (hold Alt and type 0255 a total of 4 times). Important Note: If the password feature is enabled and the password is forgotten, the transceiver will need to be returned to FreeWave to have the password disabled. Important Note: The 0255 must be typed on the NUM Pad of the computer, not the top row of numerals.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Factory Default Settings FreeWave serial 900MHz transceivers are shipped from the factory with the following Default Settings: Operation Mode Default Ethernet Options: Point to Point Slave 1 (0) Ethernet Mode 0 Set Baud Rate Default (1) Half/Full Duplex 0 Baud Rate 115200 (2) Slave IP Stack 0 (A) Data Parity 0 (3) Slave UDP Mode 0 (B) Modbus RTU 0 (4) IP Address 255.255.255.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Examples of Data Communication Links FreeWave transceivers’ versatility allows data communication links to be established using a variety of different configurations. The example below shows the most common and straightforward link; a Master communicating to a Slave in a Point-to-Point link. The example below shows how a link might be set up using a Repeater.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual The example below shows a configuration where a Master routinely calls a number of Slaves at different times. The Master is communicating with a transceiver designated as a Slave/Repeater that is connected to a remote device. Since this device is placed in an elevated location, the transceiver may also be used as a Repeater when it is not used as a Slave.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual The last example is a Point-to-MultiPoint network which uses one of the sites as a Slave/Repeater. This network functions in the same manner as a standard MultiPoint network with Repeaters. However, the number of radios may be reduced with the use of the MultiPoint Slave/Repeater feature. LUM0002AG Rev A Version 7.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Additional Transceiver information This section contains additional important information about FreeWave transceivers. The following topics are included in this section: Operational RS422 and RS-485 Information RS232 Pin Assignments FGR2 OEM Board Pin Assignments FGR-115WC Waterproof Enclosure Pin out for 11-pin Waterproof Cable, part ASC0612WW.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual RS-422 and RS-485 Full Duplex Pin-Outs Function RX+ RXTX+ TXSignal Ground Bare Board Pin Number 7 9 5 10 4 or 6 DB-9 Pin Number 3 7 2 8 5 Bare Board Pin Number Short 5 and 7 Short 9 and 10 4 or 6 DB-9 Pin Number Short 2 and 3 Short 7 and 8 5 RS-485 HALF DUPLEX PIN-OUTS Function Wire to both pins for Bus + Wire to both pins for Bus Signal Ground RS-422 AND RS-485 FULL DUPLEX PIN-OUTS WATERPROOF ENCLOSURE Function RX+ RXTX+ TXSignal Ground Bare Boa
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual RF Board Level Pinout The RF Board Level transceivers are available in both TTL and RS232 versions. The TTL versions use reverse polarity from standard RS-232 at 0 to 5 Volt levels. All pin descriptions and pin numbering are the same as the RS232 version.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Waterproof Enclosure pin out for Cable ASC0613WW Pin Color Function Signal 1 Brown Carrier Detect (DCD) Output 2 Red Transmit Data (TXD) Output 3 Orange Receive Data (RXD) Input 4 Yellow Data Terminal Ready (DTR) Input 5 Green Ground Signal ground 6 Blue Diagnostics TXD Output 7 Violet Request to Send (RTS) Input 8 Gray Clear to Send (CTS) Output 9 White, shield Power ground, shield Power ground 10 Black B+ Pow
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 900 MHz Transceiver Specifications Specification Frequency 902 to 928 MHz Transmit Output Power 5mW to 1W (+30dBm) See RF transmit power settings.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 900 MHz Transceiver Specifications (cont.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 2.4 GHz Transceiver Specifications Specification Frequency 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz Transmitter Output power 0.5mW to 500mW (+27dBm) See RF transmit power settings. Range 20 miles Line Of Sight with 5dB Omni antenna Modulation GFSK, 115.2 or 153.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual FGR2 OEM Full Size Board Level Mechanical Drawing LUM0002AG Rev A Version 7.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual FGR OEM Full Size Board Level Mechanical Drawing LUM0002AG Rev A Version 7.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual OEM Mini- Board Level Mechanical Drawing LUM0002AG Rev A Version 7.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual FGR Errata data Firmware Version 2.29 Features added: UDP mode 2 - broadcast UDP. Point to point diagnostics when calling. Firmware Version 2.32 Fixes a power current issue Firmware Version 2.33 Added Modbus for Slave/Repeater Firmware Version 2.34 Fixed Retry odds issue. Firmware Version 2.40 Several new features, details were not provided. Firmware Version 2.44 Fixes a repeater issue Firmware Version 2.47 Added Vendor ID option Firmware Version 2.
