Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Version 1.0 FreeWave Technologies, Inc. 1880 South Flatiron Court Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 444-3862 (303) 786-9948 Fax www.FreeWave.com LUM0031AA Version 1.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual This product is licensed by The United States. Diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited. Shipment or re-export of this product outside of The United States may require authorization by the U.S. Bureau of Export Administration. Please contact FreeWave Technologies for assistance and further information.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Table of Contents APPROVED ANTENNAS FOR USE WITH GXM FAMILY OF RADIOS .........................................................7 ABOUT FREEWAVE TRANSCEIVERS.................................................................................................................8 CHOOSING POINT-TO-POINT OR POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT OPERATION...............................................9 QUICK START ON A POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT NETWORK ....................
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Transmit Current (mA) ........................................................................................................................................37 Average Noise Level ............................................................................................................................................37 Average Signal Level ................................................................................................
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Approved Antennas for use with GXM family of radios The following antennas have been approved by the FCC for use with the GXM family of radios. Antennas having a greater gain than those listed here MUST be approved separately by the FCC before use.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual About FreeWave Transceivers FreeWave transceivers operate in virtually any environment where data communications occur. The radios act as data transmission devices, duplicating data in either a Point-to-Point mode (one data transmitter to 1 data receiver) or Point-to-Multipoint mode (1 data transmitter to multiple data receivers). LUM0031AA FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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 (3.3 to 5 VDC). 2.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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 data cable and also attach power. 2.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 8. To connect HyperTerminal to the transceiver, briefly short Pin 2 of the 14-pin I/O port or Pin 8 of the 24-pin I/O port on the FreeWave transceiver to ground. If connected to the diagnostics pins, type U (Capital ‘U’) to invoke the Setup menu. When Setup is invoked, the FreeWave Setup Main Menu will display in the HyperTerminal dialog box.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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 shorting the Interrupt pin (Pin 2 on the 14-pin connector, pin 8 on the 24-pin connector) on the transceiver to ground. This usually indicates one of two things; either the wrong COM port is selected or a null modem RS-232 cable is being used.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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 Slaves designated in its Call Book. In Point-to-Point mode the Master determines the settings used for most of the radio transmission characteristics, regardless of the settings in the Slave and/or Repeaters.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Set Operation Mode 1. Selecting 0 Set Operation Mode from the Main Menu displays the following window: Current Operation Mode 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. LUM0031AA FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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 could result in slower data communications. Six data word length and parity configurations are available to be used with FreeWave transceivers.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual TurnOn/OffDelay (E) These settings are not utilized in the GXM. FlowControl (F) This menu specifies the hardware flow control for the Data port. The options for 0-3 are described below.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Call Book Use of the Call Book is required in Point-to-Point networks. While the call book is an option in Point-toMultiPoint 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Available options (0) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual pattern as well. For example, if Hop Table Version 3 were selected, only the middle of the band would be available in the pattern. Then, if Frequency Zones 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were set to 0 no allowable frequencies would be available for the radio to use. WARNING: Binary Zone Number (LSB First) Beginning Freq. (MHz) Ending Freq. (MHz) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 2400.6528 2405.8368 2411.0208 2416.2048 2421.3888 2426.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (4) GOVERNMENT RULES This section allows the user to view the government rules settings with which the transceiver is set to comply. Setting Definition 0 FCC rules – Radio power output can be set to a maximum of 27 dBm (500 mW). 1 ETSI 328 – Radio power output can be set to a maximum of 20 dBm (100 mW). For more information, contact FreeWave Technical Support at (303) 381-9200.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 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 2.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (3) XMIT RATE Two settings for the Transmit Rate parameter are available. The setting for normal operation of the transceiver is a Transmit Rate 1. Transmit Rate 0 is useful to qualitatively gauge signal strength in Point to Point mode. When set to Transmit Rate 0, the transceivers will transmit back and forth continuously, even if no data is being applied to the serial port.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual The default setting of 0 disables this function, where as a setting of 1 enables RTS-CTS control. RTS-CTS setting 2 is described in detail in the application note #5437 “DTR to CTS Line Alarm Feature”. With an RTS to CTS setting of 1, the Master senses the RTS line prior to all scheduled packet transmissions. If the state has changed, the Master will then transmit a message to the Slave with the new status.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (9) LOWPOWER MODE The Lowpower Mode feature allows a MultiPoint Slave to consume less power. This is achieved primarily by dimming the transceiver's LED’s. When set to 2 through 31, the transceiver will sleep between slots. For example, at a setting of 2 the transceiver sleeps 1 out of 2 slots; at a setting of 3 the transceiver sleeps 2 out of 3 slots, and so on. The following table shows the changes at different Lowpower Mode settings.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual When a noise problem is shown to be helped by way of the High Noise option, chances are that the noise may be further squelched by use of a bandpass filter available for sale from FreeWave Technologies. (B) MCU SPEED MCU Speed controls the speed of the Micro Controller Unit in the transceiver. The default setting is 0 for low speed. A setting of 1 is required for Ethernet and UDP operation.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Show Radio Statistics Radio Statistics in the Main Menu allows the user to view data transmission statistics gathered by the transceiver during the most recent session. This is valuable when the user needs to know the signal strength and noise levels of the link. Statistics are gathered during each data link and are reset when the next link begins. See display below.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual packets. In turn, the Repeater will send the packet out to the next Repeater or Slaves the number of times corresponding to its own Master Packet Repeat setting. Increasing the Master Packet Repeat setting will increase the probability of a packet getting through, but will also increase latency in the network because each packet from the Master or Repeater is being sent multiple times.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (4) DTR CONNECT With the setting of 0 in the Slave, the transceiver will transmit when serial data is received. A setting of 1 will form a Point-to-Point link with the Master when the DTR line is high. With a setting of 2, the transceiver will transmit in bursts. This mode is valuable when a network has many low data rate devices and it is desirable to increase overall network capacity.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Calibrating a Slave in 1PPS Enable/Delay mode 1. Trigger an oscilloscope on the 1 PPS pulse on the DTR line of the Master. 2. Monitor the CD line of the Slave. 3. If the timing on the Slave differs from the Master it may be adjusted via the value in the Slave's 1 PPS Enable/Delay parameter. The difference in time between each incremental integer value is 542.534nS.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Notes: A Master with firmware before x.40 will always transmit and receive on 0. With firmware of 2.40 and greater (900MHz) or 3.40 and greater (2.4GHz) the Master may be set to use alternate Subnet ID values. Changing these settings on the Master is not recommended under normal circumstances. In some MultiPoint Networks, the FreqKey will be at the same setting for all transceivers.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Note: With firmware x.40 and above, the Subnet ID default is F,F. A Multipoint Master with an F,F Subnet ID will behave the same as if the Subnet ID was set to 0,0. A Multipoint Slave with a Subnet ID of F,F will not roam from one repeater or network to the next, it will only link to a Master or Repeater that has either a Transmit Subnet of 0 or an F,F Subnet ID.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual DISABLING A PASSWORD The process to disable the password is similar to the process to change the password. However, when prompted to enter the new password the follow the steps below: 1. Hold down the Alt key and type 0255. 2. Release the Alt key. 3. Repeat this step 3 more times (hold Alt and type 0255 a total of 4 times).
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Factory Default Settings FreeWave serial 900MHz transceivers are shipped from the factory with the following Default Settings: Default (A) High Noise 0 Point to Point Slave 1 (B) MCU Speed 0 Set Baud Rate Default (C) Remote LED 0 Baud Rate 115200 (A) Data Parity 0 (B) Modbus RTU 0 (0) NUMBER OF REPEATERS 1 (C) RS232/485 0 (1) MASTER PACKET REPEAT 2 (D) Setup Port 3 (2) MAX SLAVE RETRY 9 (E) TurnOffDelay/OnDelay
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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. LUM0031AA FreeWave Technologies, Inc. 1180 S Flatiron Ct Ste F Boulder, CO 80501 (303) 381-9200 Version 1.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) 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: Board level pinouts for the 14-pin and 24-pin I/O ports GXM Specifications GXM board dimensional drawing LUM0031AA FreeWave Technologies, Inc. 1180 S Flatiron Ct Ste F Boulder, CO 80501 (303) 381-9200 Version 1.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Additional Transceiver information Board Level Pinout – Model #GXM-T14 J1 - 14 pin, 2.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Board Level Pinout – Model #GXM-T24 J1 - 24 pin, 2.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual GXM Specifications Specification Transmitter Frequency Range 2400 – 2483 MHz ISM Band Output Power 0 dBm (10 mW) to 27 dBm (500 mW) with option to limit to 20 dBm (100 mW) Range – Line-of-sight 20 miles Modulation 2 level GFSK RF Data Rate Selectable speeds, 115.2 or 153.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual GXM Mechanical Drawing LUM0031AA FreeWave Technologies, Inc. 1180 S Flatiron Ct Ste F Boulder, CO 80501 (303) 381-9200 Version 1.
Global Transceiver Module (GXM) Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual FreeWave Technical Support For up-to-date troubleshooting information check the Support page at www.FreeWave.com. FreeWave provides Technical Support, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mountain Time (GMT -7) Call toll-free at 1-866-923-6168 or factory direct after hours at 303-381-9200 or email at moreinfo@FreeWave.com LUM0031AA FreeWave Technologies, Inc. 1180 S Flatiron Ct Ste F Boulder, CO 80501 (303) 381-9200 Version 1.
