9409 E. 55th Pl. S. • Tulsa, OK 74145 • Ph: (918) 622-7052 • Fax: (918) 664-8557 MCDT INSTRUCTION MANUAL MCDT Multi-Channel Data Transceiver P/N 10D1067 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of Qual-Tron, Inc.
MCDT Instruction Manual Table of Contents Section 1: MCDT Multi-Channel Data Transceiver ............................................................ 3 Description .................................................................................................................................................. 3 Model Numbers (9 models) ......................................................................................................................... 3 Design Features ................................
Section 1: MCDT Multi-Channel Data Transceiver Description The Multi-Channel Data Transceiver (MCDT) is an OEM modular modem for users who need lowpower and small size with serial communications. The MCDT can be constructed as a transmitter, a receiver or as a transceiver. The MCDT is equipped with a RS-485 communications port which is a simple, low-cost interface, utilizing few components and allows for daisy-chaining multiple receivers.
Current Draw Approximations: Mode Current Sleep 20uA Active 5.0mA Transmission(1Watt) 57ms @ 1.5A Transmission(2Watt) 57ms @ 3A Receiver On 11 to 12.6mA Receiver Active 16.
Fig. 1 MCDT Transmitter/Transceiver Fig.
Section 2: MCDT Operation Using the settings provided in Section 3: Serial Interface, open a serial communication program such as HyperTerminal and supply power to the MCDT. A USB to RS485 cable is available that can connect directly to the MCDT. The USB port from a computer is capable of powering the “receiver only” version. However, it is not recommended that the MCDT “transmitter only” and transceiver units be powered from the USB port.
NOTE: Elevating an antenna will increase transmission and/or reception range significantly. The use of relays/repeaters can also be used to increase transmission ranges. Also transmitting and receiving antennas should both point in the same direction (typically up) so they have the same polarization. Section 3: Serial Interface The MCDT defaults to a low-power shut down mode with the receiver still operating (if installed).
Good Parity Bad Parity MIDS 07h 87h EMIDS 0Dh 8Dh TRSS 1Dh 9Dh REMBASS 06h 86h Message Type Table NOTE: TRSS and REMBASS message formats available upon request.
ID CODE (YYY) The unit ID code consists of three (3) decimal characters, but only EMIDS messages use all three. MIDS, TRSS and REMBASS are limited to ID codes 000-063. EMIDS uses 000-999. STATUS CODE (ZZ) Status Codes depend upon the message format. MIDS has no status code, and these characters will always be 00. EMIDS status codes are listed in the previous table. MCDT Serial Commands: Note: It is recommended that when using a processor to control the MCDT that the format described under Checksum be used.
CHR… Get/Set the receive channel. (Follow with SAV command.) Z is the channel number, [1 = DEFAULT]: Low Band 0-600; Mid Band 0-1600; High Band 0-1920 Get the channel: CHR Returns: CHR Z Set the channel: CHR Z Returns: CHR Z OK Invalid returns: CHR Z ERR CHT… Get/Set the transmit channel. (Follow with SAV command.
NEW cont… Poll for a new message: Returns: If no new message Returns: Mark message as read: Returns: NEW RXM TT III SS R RXM NEW 1 NEW 1 OK PSH… Get/Set to push new messages out the serial port. [1 = DEFAULT] Z = 2; ON (Pushes prior to sending the new message) Version 0.2.8.A and above. Z = 1: ON (New messages pushed out the serial port when received) Z = 0; OFF (Master must poll for new messages – Receiver sends RS485 ID on receipt of new message when in power-down mode).
RST… Reset the unit. On start up the MCDT outputs version. Reset the unit: RST Returns: RST OK SAV… Save the current parameters in flash memory. Use this to store any parameter changes. Save current settings: SAV Returns: SAV OK MCDT SID… Get/Set the RS-485 serial identifier. [T = DEFAULT] Capital character (A-Z). All MCDT’s will respond to X so it should not be used. The purpose and use of this command is described below in Checksum.
VER… Get the unit version. MCDT is the model, , VVVV is the firmware version (Major.Minor.Build.Rev), , M is the message types supported (0 = standard [MIDS/EMIDS], 1 = custom), B is the frequency band (0 = low, 1 = mid, 2 = high), H is the hardware capabilities (1 = receive only, 2 = transmit only, 3 = both), R is the hardware board revision.
Section 4: Maintenance OPERATOR MAINTENANCE: The MCDT has been designed as low cost low maintenance equipment. All components are conformal coated which reduces the amount of maintenance required. The only required operator maintenance is to inspect the equipment for damage and keep the equipment clean of dirt, grime, and caked on mud. NOTE: Do not submerge the equipment in water. This could result in damage. DEPOT MAINTENANCE: Upper echelon maintenance will be performed by the supplier of the equipment.
Section 5: Frequency Range Low Mid High Frequency/Channel Calculations Frequency Ranges Frequency Min Max 138 MHz 153 MHz 154 MHz 162 MHz 162 MHz 174 MHz Channel Steps 25 kHz 5 kHz 6.25 kHz Max Channels 600 1600 1920 Channel to Frequency Calculation Channel * Channel Step + Min Frequency = Frequency for Channel Examples: - Low Band Channel 20 - 20 * 0.025 +138 =138.5 MHz - Mid Band Channel 300 - 300 * 0.005 + 154 = 155.
