RA440 Remote Wireless Modem User Guide SMART WIRELESS SOLUTIONS
Proprietary Notice The Adcon logo, Adcon Telemetry, Smart Wireless Solutions, the A720, A723 and A730 series, RA440, addIT, addWAVE, the A840 and A850 series and Telemetry Gateway, AgroExpert, addVANTAGE®, addVANTAGE Lite and addVANTAGE Pro are trademarks or registered trademarks of Adcon Telemetry GmbH. Neither the whole nor any part of the information contained in this publication may be reproduced in any material form except with the prior written permission of Adcon Telemetry GmbH.
Contents Chapter 1. Introduction____________________________________ 5 About the RA440 remote wireless modem _____________________ 5 Compliance statement and warnings _________________________ 6 Conventions _____________________________________________ 6 Chapter 2.
Contents Chapter 3.
Chapter 1. Introduction This manual explains the hardware aspects of Adcon’s RA440 remote wireless modems, including installation issues and certain parameter configurations. The manual is divided as follows: • • • • Introduction, which gives some general information and document conventions. Using the RA440, which details the installation and use of the remote wireless modem. Performing Advanced Functions, which discusses connectors and controllers and provides other information for advanced users.
CHAPTER 1 Compliance statement and warnings Due to its construction as well as to the software controlling it, the power consumption is extremely low. The unit operates off an internal 6.2 volt rechargeable battery, which is charged either by a solar panel or an external power adapter. A special configuration can be implemented where an external 12 volt (rechargeable) battery can be used in addition to or instead of the internal rechargeable batteries.
CHAPTER 1 Conventions fixed font Indicates characters you must type or system messages. File Save Indicates menu selection. For example, select the File menu, then the Save option. Note Indicates information of interest. Notes appear after the information they apply to. 0 CAUTION Indicates that you may get unexpected results if you don’t follow the instructions. Cautions appear before the information they apply to.
Chapter 2. Using the RA440 The RA440 remote wireless modem is part of Adcon's radio communication network. For testing purposes, you should have an A850 Telemetry Gateway preinstalled and an Adcon RTU next to you, before you install the RA440. An active SIM card is also necessary. For information about installing the A850, refer to device's user's guide.
CHAPTER 2 Installing the remote wireless modem Installing the remote wireless modem Two views of the RA440 are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The following restrictions apply: • In general, the typical “line-of sight” distance the RA440 can communicate is 10 km (6 mi.). This is valid if both the ISM antenna of the remote wireless modem and the antenna of its partner device are mounted on a 3 m mast (9 ft.). Figure 1.
CHAPTER 2 Installing the remote wireless modem Figure 2. RA440 Remote Wireless Modem (top down) • • The GSM/GPRS antenna and the ISM antenna must be separated by at least 1 meter (3 feet). As with all wireless communication devices, the higher the transmitter is installed, the better the communication will be. Special notes on GSM/GPRS functionality The RA440 incorporates a GSM/GPRS modem that uses a GSM cellular network to interact with the A850 gateway.
CHAPTER 2 Installing the remote wireless modem Figure 3. Loosen the Bolts on the RA440 Figure 4.
CHAPTER 2 Installing the remote wireless modem 2. Locate the SIM card holder and open it by sliding it as indicated in Figure 5. 3. Raise the holder top and slide the SIM card into it (see Figure 6). 4. Snap the holder top back on and slide it back as shown in Figure 7. 5. Close the lid, taking care that the rubber gasket seal is inside its track and free of dust or dirt. Put the four screws back in place, applying moderate force, tightening crosswise.
CHAPTER 2 Installing the remote wireless modem Adcon Telemetry or your local reseller of Adcon Telemetry products. This completes the SIM-card installation. Now you need to activate the card by using a personal identification number (PIN). This number is in the package you received from your cellular service provider. Before you can activate your card, the RA440 must be properly powered.
CHAPTER 2 Installing the remote wireless modem PIN required: yes PIN accepted: yes PIN count: 3 PUK required: no GSM network: registered Operator: T-Mobile Austria Signal quality: 31 99 Phone call: no GPRS network: registered IP address: no TCP connection: no 0 # The above system output shows that: • • • Note: The user can enter the PIN code a maximum of three times. Because the PIN count in the example shows three entries left, the PIN code was correctly entered on the first try.
CHAPTER 2 Installing the remote wireless modem GPRSAPNUN "[username]" where [username] is the name of the GPRS user's name for the network provider (might be optional) GPRSAPNPW "[password]" where [password] is the password for the GPRS user (might be optional) The following examples show the GRPS parameters for an Austrian mobile phone services provider: GPRSAPNSERV "A1.net" GPRSAPNUN "ppp@A1plus.at" GPRSAPNPW "ppp" 0 CAUTION Parameter values are case sensitive.
CHAPTER 2 Installing the remote wireless modem GPRSCONNALIGN [align] alignment of calls in seconds (default: 0, i.e.
CHAPTER 2 Installing the remote wireless modem GPRS network: registered IP address: 172.19.0.1 TCP connection: 172.17.1.153:83 0 # Field installation Installing a preset RA440 in the field is a fairly simple process. By performing a connectivity check using an LED tool (not included in the delivery of a RA440, but available from Adcon), you will be able to prove connectivity to the A850 gateway. The LED tool is shown in Figure 8. Figure 8.
CHAPTER 2 Installing the remote wireless modem 3. 4. 5. Note: The solar panel can be mounted under or behind the RA440, but be sure that the unit does not shadow the panel. You can avoid certain communication problems by not settling the panel directly behind one of the antennas. 6. Note: Fasten the external ISM antenna’s mounting bracket to the top of the pole using another ring clamp and place the RA440 at least 1 meter (3 feet) under the ISM antenna.
CHAPTER 2 Configuring an RA440 in the telemetry gateway More about the LED tool The LED tool allows you to rapidly check the status of an RA440. After you insert the LED tool into the SOLAR CELL connector, the unit tries to reconnect to the A850 gateway configured previously on the RA440. Table 1 on page 17 describes the LED blinking codes for the RA440. If the RA440 is not connected to the A850, the unit flashes rapidly to let you know the unit is alive. These flashes occur every half second.
CHAPTER 2 Maintaining and servicing the remote wireless modem The internal electronics manage the batteries’ charging/discharging process, ensuring a long lifetime. This approach, coupled with a remarkably low average power consumption, allows an RA440 to operate approximately one week on two fully charged battery packs, under the following conditions: • • The radio quality of the GPRS cellular network and the Adcon proprietary network is classified as good.
CHAPTER 2 Maintaining and servicing the remote wireless modem Replacing the internal battery If you have verified that the batteries need to be replaced, follow these steps to do so: 1. 2. Open the lid of the RA440 by unscrewing the four bolts in the corners of the unit and opening the lid onto the right side, as shown in Figure 3 on page 11 and Figure 4 on page 11. The battery packs are connected to the electronics board by means of a PCB connector.
Chapter 3. Performing Advanced Functions With the appropriate knowledge, you can configure RA440 remote wireless modems in the field by using a hyperterminal window. To configure the devices, you will need a special serial cable adapter (not supplied, but available from your Adcon distributor). 0 CAUTION Do not try to configure your devices if you are not sure what to do— the unit might not communicate with the remote measuring station or function with the addVANTAGE software.
CHAPTER 3 Understanding connectors The SOLAR CELL connector The RA440 remote wireless modem has a SOLAR CELL connector used to interact with the device. The connector features the following pins: 0 CAUTION • Solar Input, which enables charging the internal batteries.
CHAPTER 3 Understanding connectors The DC INPUT connector The DC INPUT connector enables the RA440 devices to power the unit by an external power supply or battery. This function mode is restricted by the following statements: • 0 CAUTION The external supply circuit in the RA440 is designed for a standard 12 volt rechargeable battery.
CHAPTER 3 Communicating with the RTU Communicating with the RTU You can use a Windows Hyperterminal window to connect to the RA440 remote wireless modem. After you have installed the system, follow these steps to configure the device and set the default parameters: Note: To configure the RA440, you must have a special adapter cable (item number 200.720.540 from your Adcon distributor) and plug it into the SOLAR CELL connector. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Note: Open a Hyperterminal window.
CHAPTER 3 Upgrading the firmware In bootloader mode, the command line interface’s prompt is the character >. Therefore, to reboot the RA440 type the following after you see the > prompt: reboot An alternative way to boot the unit is to disconnect the battery and after a few seconds reconnect it. For a list of the available commands, type Help at the > prompt. Available commands: upgrade [baudrate] ... upgrade from Y-modem download version ... show the version of the bootloader state ...
CHAPTER 3 Upgrading the firmware you will work within a Windows HyperTerminal window on your computer. Before upgrading the firmware, you must reboot the RA440 to access the bootloader mode’s command line interface. Follow the procedure described under Booting the RA440 to get into the bootloader. Before you start the upgrade, it is very important that you copy the firmware image to the hard drive of the computer you use in the field. You also need to know which version of the bootloader you are running.
CHAPTER 3 Upgrading the firmware Figure 13. Hyperterminal and Com Port Properties Dialogs 5. 6. 7. 8. In the Bits per second field, select 115200. Select OK in the com port’s Properties dialog to close it. Select OK in the hyperterminal’s Properties dialog to close it. Back in the hyperterminal window, press Enter to continue the upgrade. --------------------------------------------------The current firmware image must be erased for the upload.
CHAPTER 3 Serial communication protocol Starting flash blankcheck and erase process. . . done --------------------------------------------------Start the Y-modem upload now! Starting CCCCC 10. From the hyperterminal window’s menu bar, select Transfer Send File to display the dialog shown in Figure 14. Note: You must start the image upload within 60 seconds or a timeout will occur. 11. Browse to and select the firmware image. 12. Select the Ymodem Protocol and click Send. Figure 14.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands • • Command is the command proper, which can be composed of a variable string of characters (for example, SLOT). Each node can implement a set of commands depending on the functionality of the node itself. However, as a minimum requirement, a node recognizes the CMDS command, which returns a list with the commands accepted by the node. Param1 Param2 ... ParamN represent the parameters, which are command dependent.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands Following is a list of available commands and an explanation of their use. Note: You can type uppercase or lowercase characters because the commands are not case sensitive. A440TMOUT AVAILABLE FOR RA440 DESCRIPTION Sets a timeout, after which the RA440 will turn on the A440, if no communication to the device occurs and a command for the unit is pending. PARAMETERS The time in seconds. REMARKS SET/GET. RETURNS Error code or the seconds set. REMOTE Yes.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands BLST AVAILABLE FOR A440 DESCRIPTION Lists the stations heard after the last broadcast command was issued. PARAMETERS None. REMARKS GET only. RETURNS The date and time the broadcast was performed, the number of stations heard, and a list with the heard stations’ IDs and their respective RF levels. REMOTE Yes. The remote version will list only the first nine stations heard.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands REMARKS Remote only. Support for pre Series 4 RTUs. RETURNS A pre Series 4 data frame. REMOTE Yes. EXAMPLE # 9999 DATA 9999 DATA 13 9 1999 19 26 36 21 37 255 255 79 0 0 0 0 87 148 149 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3148 0 # # 9999 DATA 9999 30/9/1999 14:50:00 9999 DATA 30 9 1999 14 54 55 21 37 255 255 77 0 0 0 0 89 156 126 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3197 0 # DATASDI AVAILABLE FOR A440 DESCRIPTION Retrieves SDI-12 data frames from RTUs earlier than Series 4.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands configuration and second parameter is the index size. The RA440 factory setting is: • • 1st parameter: 1 2nd parameter: 384 REMARKS GET/SET. RETURNS Current memory setting. REMOTE Yes. EXAMPLE # 441 FDEV 441 FDEV 1 16+0 64..1024 384/383 9216/9192 0 # # 441 FDEV 1 384 441 FDEV 0 # FREQ 0 CAUTION Do not change the frequency of your device without reason.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands RETURNS If no parameter was entered, the current access point password is returned. Otherwise the error code of the operation is returned. REMOTE No. EXAMPLE # GPRSAPNPW "t-mobile" 441 GPRSAPNPW 0 # # GPRSAPNPW 441 GPRSAPNPW "t-mobile" 0 # GPRSAPNSERV AVAILABLE FOR RA440 DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the GPRS operator network’s access point name. PARAMETERS None or the GPRS operator network’s access point name. REMARKS GET/SET.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands 441 GPRSAPNUN "t-mobile" 0 # GPRSCONN AVAILABLE FOR RA440 DESCRIPTION Enable/Disables the GPRS functionality. PARAMETERS • • • REMARKS SET only. RETURNS The error code. REMOTE No. EXAMPLE # GPRSCONN 441 GPRSCONN 0 # None 1 enables GPRS function. 0 disables GPRS function. GPRSCONNADDR AVAILABLE FOR RA440 DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the IP address and the port of the A850 Telemetry Gateway.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands GPRSCONNALIGN AVAILABLE FOR RA440 DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the connection setup alignment point, in seconds, from 0:00 (UTC). This value and GPRSCONNINT determine when the device checks the connection to the A850 Telemetry Gateway and eventually reestablishes it. Note: A value of 3600 seconds means that the alignment point for the first connection check with the A850 Telemetry Gateway is at 1:00 (UTC) in the morning.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands 441 GPRSCONNINT 900 0 # GPRSDNS AVAILABLE FOR RA440 DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the IP address of the GPRS network operator’s DNS servers. Note: You can enter two different DNS servers that are indexed. If the first DNS server is unreachable, the second one will be contacted. PARAMETERS None or the IP address followed by the index of the DNS server. REMARKS GET/SET. RETURNS If no parameter was entered, the set DNS server IPs are returned.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands EXAMPLE # GPRSPING "172.17.5.99" 3 5 441 GPRSPING 1: 172.17.5.99 833ms 2: 172.17.5.99 445ms 3: 172.17.5.99 398ms 0 # GPRSSECRET AVAILABLE FOR RA440 DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the secret value. This secret is used to authenticate the device at the A850 Telemetry Gateway. PARAMETERS The chosen secret. The range is limited to 0 to 4294967295. REMARKS GET/SET. RETURNS The current value. REMOTE No.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands GSMOPER AVAILABLE FOR RA440 DESCRIPTION Returns the currently used cellular network operator. PARAMETERS None. REMARKS GET only. The command works only if no GPRS connection has been established. If a GPRS connection has been established, use GSMSTAT instead. RETURNS The current network operator. REMOTE No.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands GSMPUK AVAILABLE FOR RA440 DESCRIPTION Sets a new PIN-code for the SIM-card or returns the SIM-card unlock state. PARAMETERS The PUK-code and the new PIN-code, or none (for SIM-card check). REMARKS GET/SET. RETURNS Refer to the command GSMPIN. REMOTE No. EXAMPLE # GSMPUK 441 GSMPUK Ready 0 # # GSMPUK 56789 1234 441 GSMPUK 0 # GSMSQ AVAILABLE FOR RA440 DESCRIPTION Returns the signal quality and the bit error rate of the used cellular network.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands REMOTE Yes.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands INFO AVAILABLE FOR RA440 A440 DESCRIPTION Returns various status information. PARAMETERS None. REMARKS GET only. RETURNS A list of a device’s internal variables: ID INFO rf_in rf_out date time ver clk stack cop batt temp days_uptime hr:min_uptime rssi pmp_low pmp_high type slot samples po err_level # The formats for the above parameters are as follows: • • • • • • Note: rf_in and rf_out as a decimal. date as dd/mm/yyyy. time as hh:mm:ss. ver as x.x.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands Note: • type is used to represent the device type. The following types are assigned currently: — 0 for A730MD — 1 for A720 — 2 for A730SD — 3 for A720B — 4 for A733 — 5 for A723 — 6 for A440 — 7 for A733 GSM — 8 for A731 — 9 for A732 — 10 for A740 — 11 for A740 GSM — 12 for A724 — 15 for A723_Series 4 — 16 for A724_Series 4 — 21 for A753GSM — 24 fir RA440 • slot and samples are the actual values programmed by means of the SLOT command.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands RETURNS The lower (switch on) and the higher limit (switch odd), both in volts x 10. REMOTE Yes, SET only. EXAMPLE # PMP 65 72 441 PMP 0 # # PMP 441 PMP 65 72 0 # ROUTE AVAILABLE FOR A440 DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the routing information of a device. PARAMETERS None, or a route (with destination) containing up to eight intermediaries. When only the destination ID is given, the route for this device is deleted. REMARKS GET/SET.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands EXAMPLE # RSSI 50 442 RSSI 0 # # RSSI 41239 RSSI 34 50 0 # Note: The values of the RSSI threshold are arbitrary and have no units. RX AVAILABLE FOR A440 DESCRIPTION Switches the unit to permanent receive mode (for tuning purposes). PARAMETERS None. REMARKS The system stops, and exits the command only when a key is pressed. This command returns no message. RETURNS Nothing. REMOTE No.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands DESCRIPTION Switches the unit to transmit mode (for tuning purposes). PARAMETERS • • • • REMARKS The system stops, and exits the command only when a key is pressed. This command returns no message. RETURNS Nothing. REMOTE No.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands RETURNS The current version. REMOTE Yes. EXAMPLE # VER 441 VER 1.3.2 0 # VERB AVAILABLE FOR RA440 A440 DESCRIPTION Sets the verbosity level of the device. This command is used for debugging only. 0 WARNING The device will consume a lot more power when the verbosity level is greater than 0. This could discharge your battery and/or prevent proper operation. PARAMETERS A verbosity level (0...255). REMARKS SET only. RETURNS Error code. REMOTE No.
CHAPTER 3 Using terminal commands EXAMPLE # 441 XDATA 0 8 0 255 1 0 441 XDATA 0 199 0x18 0x4A4211BC 1 0 0xF6 :8F0384645739 0 # XIMME AVAILABLE FOR RA440 DESCRIPTION Samples all inputs and immediately returns the sampled data. PARAMETERS First parameter specifies the sample mode, which has to be 2 for raw data. The second parameter sets the maximum packet size. If you specify the third parameter, you can select a specific input connector. Note: Only sample mode 2 is supported on the RA440.
CHAPTER 3 Returned errors list • • • Note: raw_cabl2 is the raw value read on cabling 2 by the analog-digital converter. raw_cabl3 is the raw value read on cabling 3 by the analog-digital converter. cnt is the current value of the counter. The braces, {...}, show that this part may repeat, depending on the device type. For an RA440 the output will show the logical channels 0, 1, and 2. REMOTE Yes.
CHAPTER 3 Performing connectivity checks • 18 — attempt to insert a reserved device ID number (0 or 65535) • 20 — incorrect time supplied (no conversion to time_t was possible) Real time clock Radio interface (including GSM/GPRS Modem) • • • • • • • • • • 30 — error at receive (CRC, etc.
CHAPTER 3 Performing connectivity checks 4. 5. 6. 7. Enter the BLST command and wait for the response, which shows you the heard responses of the broadcast sent by the RA440. Pick the RTUs that will communicate with the RA440. Check every RA440-RTU connection by entering the INFO command, where RTU_ID is the serial number of the RTU picked from the broadcast response list. Check the radio link quality of the connection displayed at rf_in and rf_out at the ping response.
Appendix. Specifications The RA440 remote wireless modem was intended to fulfill the specification of the ETSI 300 220, Class I, Subclasses a and b, but other national norms are similar to this (for example, the CFR 47, Part 90, Subpart J). Table 3 shows the main operational parameters of the RA440. Table 3. Operational Parameters Parameter Min Type Max Unit Common Supply Voltage (internal battery) +5.6 +10 V Supply Voltage (external battery) +11.
APPENDIX Table 3. Operational Parameters (Continued) Parameter Operating Frequency (high-band version)c Min Type 450 Frequency Stability Max Unit 470 MHz ±1.5 kHz ±2.5 kHz (-20 to +50 °C / -4 to +122 °F) Frequency Stability (-30 to +60 °C / -22 to +140 °F) Receive Mode Sensitivity (12 db S/S+N) Image Frequency Attenuation (first IF = 45 MHz) -118 dBm -70 dB Local Oscillator Leakage 2 nW Adjacent Channel Attenuation (12.
APPENDIX Table 3. Operational Parameters (Continued) Parameter Min Type Output Power EGSM 1800 / GSM1900 Operating Current (avg. GPRS Class 10 - 2TX / 3RX) Max Unit 30dBm (± 2dB) 450 Peak Current (at TX burst) mA 2.0 A SIM Interface Interface Type SIM Card Voltage GSM 11.11 & GSM 11.12 1.8 / 3 V a. This value relates to the voltage needed to enable the DC INPUT connector circuit. After activation the voltage may drop to approximately 9.
Index A A440, commands to, 30 A440TMOUT command, 31 A850 gateway, 5, 8 about LED, 19 RA440, 5 adaptability, 5 answer format, 30 B B command, 31 battery changing, 21 description, 19 operation, 20 usage, 6 BLST command, 32 booting RA440, 25 bootloader mode, 25 C cell use, GSM, 10 changing the battery, 21 CMDS command, 32 command line interpreter errors, 50 commands A440TMOUT, 31 answer format, 30 B, 31 BLST, 32 CMDS, 32 DATA, 32 DATASDI, 33 FDEV, 33 FREQ, 34 general format, 29 GPRSAPNPW, 34 GPRSAPNSER
INDEX GPRSSECRET, 39 GPRSTMOUT, 39 GSMOPER, 40 GSMPIN, 40 GSMPUK, 41 GSMSQ, 41 GSMSTAT, 41 ID, 42 INFO, 43 PMP, 44 ROUTE, 45 RSSI, 45 RX, 46 TIME, 46 to the A440, 30 TX, 46 TYPE, 47 VER, 47 VERB, 48 XDATA, 48 XIMME, 49 communicating with RA440, 25 compliance statement, 6 configuring GPRS connection, 15 GPRS parameters, 14 TCP parameters, 15 connectivity check, 17 connector DC input, 24 solar cell, 23 conventions, document, 6 D DATA command, 32 DATASDI command, 33 DC input connector, 24 definitions connect
INDEX GSMSTAT command, 41 M compliance statement, 6 GPRS connection settings, 15 installing, 17 mainenance, 19 misery state, 19 package contents, 8 SIM card, 10 specifications, 53 upgrading firmware, 27 radio interface errors, 51 real time clock errors, 51 restrictions for installation, 9 ROUTE command, 45 RSSI command, 45 ruggedized, 6 RX command, 46 maintaining the RA440, 19 misery state, 19 S I ID command, 42 INFO command, 43 inserting SIM card, 12 install RA440, 17 installation issues, 9 internal
