RF INNOVATIONS PTY LTD RFI-9256 OPERATION MANUAL
R F D E S I G N & M A N U F A C T U R IN G EN G IN E ER S RFI-9256 Operation Manual 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. Caution: Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved by RF Innovations could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Table of Contents (L) Link Control Menu ..........................................................28 Protocol Configuration Menus...................................................28 Route Managing.....................................................................28 Protocol Decoding/Routing................................................29 Route Types .......................................................................29 (R) Route Manager Menu......................................................
ATV Verbal Response Codes....................................................58 ATW Delayed Response............................................................58 AT&C Controlling Data Carrier Detect.....................................58 AT&D Controlling Data Terminal Ready.................................59 AT&F Restore Factory Defaults................................................59 AT&G Exclusive Port Control..................................................59 AT&K Flow Control........................
IN T R O D U C T IO N 1 Introduction RFI-9256 Data Strike 3 Spread Spectrum Radio Modem T he RFI-9256 Data Strike Series3 Spread Spectrum Radio Modem Transceiver will open up new lines of unparalleled high speed reliable data communications in hostile environments. A Spread Spectrum Radio Modem has a wide band of frequencies allocated to it. The transceiver uses a pseudo-random code to hop throughout this frequency band sending packets of data at different frequencies.
R S - 2 3 2 2 R A D IO M O D E M S RS-232 Radio Modems C ommunication systems cannot directly transport digital data without distortion affecting the signal. A device is required to ‘transform’ the digital signal into one that can be transported without distortion. A radio modem is a device used to convert serial digital data into a form that can be transmitted by Radio Frequency (RF). This is exactly like the landline modem except that it transmits its data down your phone line instead.
R S - 2 3 2 R A D IO M O D E M S serial, binary and digital data. Communication is generally asynchronous and full duplex. Reliable communication can be achieved up to 50 feet. The RS-232 transmitter sends logic 1 as -5 to -25 Volts and logic 0 as +5 to +25 Volts. The hardware handshaking lines are used for interactive device control. The lines used for handshaking are RTS (Ready to Send), CTS (Clear to Send), DTR (Data Terminal Ready) and DCD (Data Carry Detect).
IN S T A L L A T IO N 3 Installation B asic steps can achieve a connection straight away but, if you require a more comprehensive setup then the information in the main data manual should be read. However, it is recommended that you set up a simple connection to gain familiarization with the units and their internal menu system.
IN S T A L L A T IO N Now configure the Device for a Radio Connection. Point to Multipoint Connection In Point-to-Multipoint communication, the master dials a slave or visa versa. Communication is then established between these two modems and is controlled by HayesTM AT command set. This Mode is used when the master is required to communicate with more then one slave. Both modems are configured point-to-multipoint by default.
IN S T A L L A T IO N Press ‘Esc’ (escape) twice. Press ‘Y’ to exit3 Menu. This will establish a communications link. The NETWORK LINK, CARRIER DETECT and ONLINE LEDs will be activated and the TRANSMIT and RECEIVE LEDs will flash as information is passed. RFI-9256 Location Placement of your RFI-9256 unit is likely to have a significant impact on its performance. A general rule-of-thumb is that the higher the placement of the antenna the better the communication link.
C O N F IG U R A T IO N 4 Configuration Y our radio modem allows you to change several parameters to optimise its performance for a particular application. All adjustments can be made through a menu system or by the HayesTM command set. A standard terminal program can be used to access the menu system, which eliminates the need for custom software or Dipswitch settings. The menu invoked is displayed in Figure 4-1.
U S IN G 5 F R O N T P AN E L M O D E S Using Front Panel Modes T he RFI-9256 has a unique front panel user interface that can be used to assess the Radio performance without any additional test equipment. A picture of the front panel is shown in Figure 5-1 below. The interface is controlled by means of a small push button switch located on the front panel. A dual colour LED bar graph display is used to signal various settings to the user.
U S IN G LED NAME NETWORK LINK CARRIER DETECT P AN E L M O D E S MODE 1 • • • • TRANSMIT DATA • RECEIVE DATA • ONLINE • • POWER F R O N T • • Green - Modem has locked onto a signal from the same network. Red - Modem has just lost link to the operational network and will drop out if the connection is not established within the required time (as set in software). Green - An RF carrier has been detected and contains valid information.
U S IN G F R O N T P AN E L M O D E S Mode 3 When the RFI-9256 is in Mode 3 the display changes to an LED bar graph display that indicates the Transmitted RF power. The display has a resolution of 3dBm steps from a maximum output power of +30dBm or 1Watt using the RED LEDs. Table 5-3, below, show the relationship between the LEDs and the indicated output power (included on the front panel) under the heading Mode 3.
U S IN G F R O N T P AN E L M O D E S Mode 5 When the RFI-9256 is in Mode 5 the display indicates the RS232 Port status. The user can then tell the logic states of the RS232 control lines, a red LED indicates +12volts(logic on) and a green -12volts or no connection (logic off). Table 5-5, below, shows the LED names and their equivalent function in Mode 5.
U S IN G 6 IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S Using Internal Menu Commands T he menu system was briefly described in Configuration. This menu provides the user with an interface that is controlled by the terminal device. It is here where configuration options are easily accessible. There are several methods of accessing the configuration menu. Note that some options do not come into effect until the menu system has been exited.
U S IN G *** MirOS Main Menu (Version 2.0) IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S *** XXXXX Version 1.23 Rev.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (M) Set unit as Master In any communications link, at least one modem must be configured as a Master. The Master synchronises communications with other Slaves. When this function is selected the radio is configured as a master. To change the modem to a Master, press (M). (S) Set unit as Slave In any communication link one unit must be set as a Master and the rest as Slaves. Slaves can initiate communication but follow the synchronisation of the Master.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S Point To Point requires a Tx Address Enter Tx Address value as (0-9999): 20 The Tx address is the address of the other unit. The Tx address is 20 by default. (D) Set Mode Point to Multipoint (Dialup) In this mode the Master unit will act the same as a Hayes telephone line modem, and may be used to dial out to any remote site. Repeaters can be used in this configuration and Slave devices can dial back to the Master as per normal Hayes modem conventions.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (1) Special Controls Menu When the antennas from more than one radio are placed within close proximity, the units must be synchronised so that they do not block the transmission of each other. Although the radios are individually configured to work within separate networks (with different hopping patterns, network addresses), they must transmit and receive information at the same time to prevent signal blocking.
U S IN G *** Link Control Menu IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S *** Main Port: ARQ Retries = 50 Aux Port: ARQ Retries = 50 Network fail timer = 5000ms Online request timer = 1000ms (A) (F) (O) (B) (D) (Esc) Number of retries for ARQ Network fail timeout Online requests timer Backoff Retry Enable/Disable Set to Defaults Previous Menu Enter Choice: Figure 6-4 Link Control Menu (A) Number of retries for ARQ The ARQ (automatic repeat request) controls the number of times the Radio Modem will try
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S To change the ARQ, press (A). The following will be displayed: Online requires a timer value, which must be less than the Network fail timer = 5000ms Timer value in milliseconds(40-5000): 1000 The value can be set from 40 to 5000 and must be less than the Network fail timer. It is 1000 by default.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S There are 32 hopping patterns available (0-31). It is zero by default (P) TX POWER MEN U The Tx Power allows the ‘transmit’ power to be changed. Figure 6-6 below shows what output power levels are available. System engineers should use the minimum amount of power consistent with maintaining a solid data link. This will minimize the amount of interference between units and other equipment.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S ( F) FRAM E TIM E M EN U This function changes the maximum length (in time) of each packet frame. If a frame was 8ms long, then there is less data transferred per frame than would be transmitted in a 35ms size frame. The throughput of data will decrease as the frame size decreases. The frame length also controls the data latency. The factory default is 20ms. The 5ms frame time is only available in Point-to-Point Mode. Figure 6-7 shows the frame size menu.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S Figure 6-9 Example Use of Directional Bias (L) Protocol Port Selection (Link/Port Protocol Menu) The following menus allow the user to select common protocols to be used between RS-232 devices connected to the radio modems.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (P) Protocol Selection Menu *** Protocol Selection Menu Main Port: (P) (B) (D) (M) (H) (3) (T) (X) (Esc) Protocol Type: *** Point to Point Point to Point Broadcast Hayes Dialup Modbus Honeywell DNP3 TDE Disabled Previous Menu Enter Choice: Figure 6-12 Port Selection Menu (P) Point to Point For more information see Point to Point on page 76. In this mode link control parameters and Timers can be set.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S In this mode the routing table, packet timer and link control parameters and Timers can be set (see Protocol Configuration Menu on page 27 ). (H) Honeywell This is a Honeywell protocol. Honeywell protocol works similar to Modbus in the protocol decoding and routing except packets are of specific size so there is no need for a packet timer.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (P) Tx (Out) Packetiser Timer The packet timer is used to in conjunction with Modbus protocol. When no data has been received from a remote modem for the Packet Timer duration then current cache of data is then passed out the serial port. To change the Tx (Out) Packetiser Timer value, press (P).
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S The protocol decoder for the packet protocols such as Modbus, DNP3 etc, allows a system of extracting the destination RTU address from the protocol and then mapping it to radio RX addresses. If a system contained a number of RTUs connected to a base unit then the Master/Base unit could decode the RTU address of each slave and convert it to a remote slave Rx address. RTU is an acronym for Remote Terminal Unit.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S could be 23 or more the Radios Rx address would be 1000. When the decoder sees RTU address 21 it subtracts it from the base RTU that would leave 1 this result is added to the Rx address would be Rx address 1001 (RTU 21). Range Route - This route mode routes any RTU address between a range of addresses to a single Radio Rx address. It requests a start address for the range of RTU address, an end address and an Rx address of the destination radio.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S ( R) RO UTE M AN A G ER M EN U This menu is for route-able protocols such as Modbus, Honeywell, DNP3 or TDE. If a new protocol is assigned to a port then any previous route settings for that port are removed. Please refer to Route Managing on page 28 for information regarding routing.
U S IN G Idx IN T E R N A L 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Route Type Single Route Single Route Single Route Mapped Route Mapped Route Range Route Range Route Default Route M E N U C O M M A N D S Route Source | | | | | | | | Address Address Address From [ From [ From [ From [ All Other 10 12 16 20 50 80 130 Destination Radio to to to to 30 60 120 150 ] ] ] ] --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> Dest. Dest. Dest. Base Base Dest. Dest. Dest.
U S IN G *** Hayes Command Control Menu IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S *** Main Port: Hangup on DTR Dropped, Echo is ON, Response is ON Escape character = + Escape guard time = 1000(ms) Connect Timeout = 10000(ms) (C) (X) (G) (H) (Z) (L) (I) (E) (R) (D) (Esc) Connect Timeout Escape character (ie +) Escape guard time Hangup on DTR (low) Hangup on DTR Dropped Local on DTR (low) Ignore DTR Echo (ON/OFF) Modem returns response codes (ON/OFF) Set to Defaults Previous Menu Enter Choice: Figure 6-
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (H) Hangup on DTR (low) The DTR is an RS-232 signal used to indicate to the modem whether the local terminal is ready to communicate. This option, and the following three, tells the modem what to do when the DTR signal drops to low. Hang-up on DTR (low), is used to disconnect the call from a slave device when DTR drops to low.
U S IN G *** Advanced Functions Menu Main Port: Main Port: IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S *** Packet Timers: OutPut = Disabled, Input = Disabled Rx Buffer Limit = 1024 (T) (R) (L) Tx (Out) Packetiser Timer Rx (In) Packetiser Timer Rx Buffer Limit (Esc) Previous Menu Enter Choice: Figure 6-20 Advanced Functions Menu (T) Tx (Out) Packetiser Timer This selection allows a Packet timer value to be set.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (S) Serial Port Configuration Menu The Port Selection Menu, shown in Figure 6-21, lets the user select the desired modes of operation of each of the two serial ports and shows their current settings.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (N) No Parity / (E) Even Parity / (O) Odd Parity These selections change the parity used for the serial connection. When a selection is made it is displayed in the menu but not implemented until the menu is exited. To select the Parity simply press the corresponding letter. (1) One Stop Bit / (2) Two Stop Bits These selections change the number of stop bits used in the serial connection.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (F) Flow Control Menu This option allows you to select the type of flow control between the modem and local device. Flow Control is used to prevent data loss from a buffer overflow. The modem and terminal must use the same type of flow control. The type of flow control is selected when the menu option is chosen. This is shown in Figure 6-24 below.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S If handshaking (flow control) is enabled on the serial ports then the corresponding control lines will not be available within this menu selection, i.e. if hardware is enabled on the Main port then (1) DCD Control Menu will not be available. (H) Hayes Command Control Menu (Port Selection Menu) The Hayes Commands are a lower level of communication (then the menu system) between a modem and device.
U S IN G *** IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S DCD Output Control Menu *** DCD MODE: ONLINE controls DCD (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (Esc) ONLINE controls DCD NETWORK LINK controls DCD CARRIER DETECT controls DCD Remote DSR controls DCD Local DSR controls DCD Remote CTS controls DCD Local CTS controls DCD DCD Always ON DCD Always OFF DCD disabled Previous Menu Enter Choice: Figure 6-27 DCD Output Control Menu (0) ONLINE controls DCD DCD is active when the radio unit is ONLINE.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (R) RTS Control Menu RTS (Request to Send) is used in flow control. The following menu in Figure 6-28 allows the RTS signal7 to be asserted by one of the following conditions. This menu is not available if the Aux port handshaking is set to hardware.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (7) RTS Always ON RTS is always set to ON. (8) RTS Always OFF RTS is always set to OFF. (9) RTS disabled RTS control has been disabled. (A) Auxiliary I/O Port This menu configures the auxiliary Input/Outputs described in section Auxiliary Input/Output Port on page 79. The following menu in Figure 6-29 shows the options available.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (D ) A UX I/O D IRECTION MEN U Selecting this option allows the I/O line to be toggled between being either an input or an output. The following menu in Figure 6-30 is displayed when it is selected.
U S IN G *** BIT (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (Esc) IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S Powerup Defaults Menu *** MODE N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Previous Menu Enter Choice: Figure 6-31 Aux I/O Power-up Menu (P) Radio Personality Menu The personality menu is shown below in Figure 6-32. It is used to set the name, the menu password, the customer security ID and other personality options.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (R) Remove Menu Password This selection removes the password used to access the radio's menu. With the password removed the password protection is disabled. (S) Set Security Code This selection allows the user to set the security code. The security code protects the users radio network from interference from other networks using RFI-9256 modems. The code is a 32bit (9 digit) number, which allows 0 to 4294967295 combinations.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S -------------------------- STATUS -------------------------Unit Name: Serial Number: 010141CF1297 Manufactured Date: 21/02/2000 RFI-9256 Version 1.22 Rev.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S Channel Signal Noise 1 -098 -122 2 -099 -120 3 -097 -124 4 -126 -126 5 -100 -123 6 -104 -124 7 -095 -131 8 -102 -126 9 -099 -122 10 -098 -128 11 -103 -129 Channel Signal Noise 12 -123 -123 13 -104 -123 14 -098 -128 15 -095 -128 16 -100 -123 17 -103 -123 18 -102 -122 19 -097 -123 20 -099 -125 21 -095 -127 22 -099 -125 Channel Signal Noise 23 -096 -125 24 -104 -122 25 -102 -129 26 -099 -128 27 -096 -132 28 -098 -120 29 -100 -12
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S Idx Timer Handle Param Task Name 0 0 100 0 Serial Flow MAIN 1 10 101 0 Front Button 2 10 102 0 Front Panel 3 10 103 0 Modem Ctrl 4 10 104 0 AltComm Status 5 5 105 0 Hayes Modem MAIN 6 5 106 1 Hayes Modem AUX 7 10 107 0 Online Status 8 1 108 0 Link Layer 9 10 117 0 Console 10 12 118 0 Main Menu --------------------------------------Press Any Key to return Figure 6-36 Tasks Display (3) Display Links This display is for diagnostics only.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S (F) Fault log menu The following menu in Figure 6-38 shows the logging menu which is for general debugging information used only by RFI or to obtain feedback from a customer. *** Log Manager Menu *** Log Level = Debug Information (V) (L) (C) (Esc) View Log Set Logging Level Clear Log Previous Menu Enter Choice: Figure 6-38 Fault Log Menu (V) View Log Used to actually view the debugging information supplied by the radio modem.
U S IN G IN T E R N A L M E N U C O M M A N D S and use them to accurately predict the link performance, data throughput or other operational parameters. The following menu Figure 6-40 shows the functions available.
H A Y E S 7 A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T The HayesTM Compatible AT Command Set T he RFI-9256 supports many Hayes compatible commands and command sequences, this enables users and operators to fully control and operate the Radio Modem and in most cases emulate land line or phone modems for their communication needs. Some commands are implemented for completeness only and do not perform any function.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T Type in the command: ATI9I9 An AT is not required in front of the second I9 command8. You only need one attention code for each command line. To make this command more readable, you can add spaces between the two commands: Type in the command: AT I9 I9 The modem will execute the command as if the spaces are not there. Port Selection Modifier Unlike conventional modems the RFI-9256 has two serial ports. Each can be configured independently.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T Type: ATI2 Your command will be ignored. This is because the modem assumes you are typing characters to be sent to a remote system. Now type an escape sequence. Do not type any characters for one second, type +++ rapidly and wait another full second. The modem responds with an OK message. You may now view the modem’s firmware identity. Type: ATI2 The H0 command is used to hang-up and end the test.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T After a connection is established, the response is: CONNECT Dialing The AT commands may be used to initiate dialing with the modem. The D (Dial) command is used to initiate a telephone call. The most basic form of the D Command is: ATD number Where the number is the telephone number you are dialing. Having set your communications software for 19200 bps operation: Type: ATD1234 Your modem dials the number ‘1234’.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T The modem will return an OK response message9. Configuring the Modem Your modem allows you to tailor its operating parameters to suit your own particular requirements. The modem uses S Registers to alter the configuration profile. Each S Register contains a decimal value to represent a time delay, an ASCII character or the modems phone number (the interpretation of each value differs with each S Register).
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T Modem Commands AT? Menu Mode This command allows you to use a menu system to configure the modem. There are many extended modes of operation only available from the menu, the protocol settings for example. After you exit the menu through the Escape key the modem will return to the command mode.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T ATI Information To display various information about your modem including its firmware version.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T ATV Verbal Response Codes Your modem can display either verbal or numeric response codes in response to various commands. The V command enables you to select which type of response codes you want displayed. See Table 7-6 for a full list of the response codes supported by your modem.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T AT&D Controlling Data Terminal Ready DTR is an RS-232 signal used to indicate to the modem whether your local computer is ready to communicate. The &D command is used to tell the modem how it will react when the DTR signal goes low. Command Description AT&D0 AT&D1 AT&D2 AT&D3 The modem ignores the DTR signal and acts as if it is asserted (the modem assumes the computer is ready to communicate).
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T AT&K Flow Control The &K command enables you to select the type of flow control used between your modem and the local computer. You may want to do this to prevent possible data loss resulting from buffer overflow. Using flow control guarantees that data buffers in your modem and computer won’t overflow. Your modem and your terminal or computer must be using the same type of flow control.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T ‘S’ Register Commands To set the value of an S Register the command is in the form: ATSr=n – where r is the register and n is the value to be placed in the S Register. The value of the S Register can be read with the ATSr? Command where r is the register. Examples Type: ATS2=64 Sets S Register 2 with a value of 64 Type: ATS51? Displays S Register 51 with the Unit Address (Phone number).
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T ATS12 Escape Sequence Guard Time Range: 0-10000 ms Default: 990 ms The Escape Sequence Guard Time is the time delay required immediately before and after entering an escape sequence. For your modem to distinguish the escape sequence from ordinary data, there must be a period of silence both before and after the escape sequence is entered.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T ATS41 Number of retries for ARQ Range: 0-255 Default: 50 Set the number of retries ARQ Link control parameter. ATS42 Network fail timeout Range: 100-30000 ms Default: 5000 ms Set the Network fail timeout parameter. ATS43 Online requests timer Range: 0-30000 ms Default: 1000 ms Set the Online request timer parameter. ATS44 Hopping Pattern Sequence Range: 0-31 Default: 0 Set the Hopping Pattern Sequence parameter.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T ATS48 Frame Bias Range 0 1 2 Description Disable Outgoing/Upload Incoming/Download Set the Frame Bias parameter. Default: 0 (Disabled) ATS50 Network Address Range: 0-63 Default: 32 Set the Network Address parameter. ATS51 Unit Rx address Range: 0-9999 Default: 20 Set Unit Local Rx Address parameter (Phone number). ATS52 Unit Tx address Range: 0-9999 Default: 20 Set Remote Tx Address parameter (Phone number).
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T ATS61 Set UNIX Date/Time Range: 0-2147483647 Default: 0 Set the time in seconds since 1970 ATS62 Set System/Log Timer Range: 0-86400000 Default: 0 ATS70 Set Port Protocol Type Range 0 1 2 3 Description Disabled Point-to-Point Broadcast Hayes Dialup Default: 3 ATS80 Get Local Auxiliary I/O Hex data Range: 0x00-0xFF (0-255) Default: 0x00 Get/Set the 8 bit auxiliary I/O port ATS81 Get Remote Auxiliary I/O Hex data Range: 0x00-0xFF (0-255)
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T ATS83 Set Auxiliary I/O Power-up Default Range: 0x00-0xFF (0-255) Default: 0x00 Get/Set the power defaults for the 8 bit auxiliary I/O port. ATS84 Set Auxiliary I/O Sample Timer Range: 8-5000 ms Default: 500 ms Get/Set the sample timer for the 8 bit auxiliary I/O Port sample timer.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T ATS91 Set RTS control Range 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Description ONLINE controls RTS NETWORK LINK controls RTS CARRIER DETECT controls RTS Remote DSR controls RTS Local DSR controls RTS Remote CTS controls RTS Local CTS controls RTS RTS Always ON RTS Always OFF RTS disabled Set the RTS Control of a Serial Port.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T Set the Data Bits of the Main Serial Port. Must be used in conjunction with the AT&W1 command. Default: 8 ATS103 Set Port stop bits Range 1 2 Description One Stop Bit Two Stop Bits Set the Stop Bits of the Main Serial Port. Must be used in conjunction with the AT&W1 command.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T AT%20 Set Unit Name Set the Unit Name for this modem. Range: 16 alphanumeric characters. Default: Blank AT%22 Set Menu Password Set the Menu Password for this modem. If the password is already set then this command will not change it. You must first remove the password via the menu. Or reset the modem to factory defaults. Range: 12 alphanumeric characters. Default: Disabled AT%62 Set RTC Date/Time Set the time of day in seconds since midnight.
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E Command C O M M A N D Description L S E T &W Command ! ? E0 E1 L0 L1 L2 L3 M0 M1 M2 Q0 Q1 V0 V1 X0 W0 W1 X4 Z &A0 &A1 Help / Menu Echo OFF Echo ON Lowest speaker volume Low speaker volume Mid speaker volume Highest speaker volume Speaker off Speaker on when connecting Speaker on Response ON Response OFF Numeric response codes Verbal response codes Set to basic response codes Fast Response Delayed Connect Response Set to extended response codes Initialise (power on
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D S E T Command Description Command Description I Firmware ID I7 Modem ID I0 UNIMODEM PnP response I8 Get Connect Type I1 Return CRC 32 Firmware checksum I9 Internal Temperature in Deg C I2 CRC Firmware checksum Error or I10 Offline time in milliseconds OK I3 ROM Revision I11 Average RSSI I4 ROM Date I12 Average NOISE I5 Manufacture Date I13 Get current port ID I6 Modem Serial Number I14 Get Link Status Table 7-2 Information Commands Command A D DT H H0 O O
H A Y E S A T C O M P A T IB L E C O M M A N D Command %20 %22 %62 S E T Description Set Unit Name Set Menu Password Set RTC Date/Time (HH:MM:SS) Table 7-5 ‘%’ Register Commands S × × × Table 7-5 Notes The % register commands are single line commands and cannot be concatenated together with other commands.
D IA L U P 8 T N E T W O R K IN G Dialup Networking he RFI-9256 provides several features to allow networking, dual port control and remote configuration. The RFI-9256 has 2 independent serial ports that can be used in communication. Extension Numbers To allow access to internal and external ports the modem provides extension numbers. These extension numbers work like an internal PABX where the user appends a two-digit extension number to the destination radios dial string.
D IA L U P N E T W O R K IN G Repeaters To provide simple network functionality the RFI-9256 provides a several Repeater modes and uses a number analysis system. Figure 8-1 Back to Back Repeater Link Exchange The Back-to-Back Repeater mode configures the Main serial port and removes its control from the Serial Configuration Menu. To connect the modems for repeater operation the Main ports of each modem must be fully connected so that all the serial lines are exchanged.
D IA L U P N E T W O R K IN G This simple numbering system allows several repeaters to be concatenated and allows repeaters to branch to other repeaters in a tree like formation. Figure 8-3 Repeater - Logical Connection Figure 8-4 Repeater - Physical Connection © RF Innovations Pty Ltd, 1998 234839, Revision 2.
E S T A B L IS H IN G 9 C O M M U N IC A T IO N L IN K S Establishing Communication Links 10 Point to Point T he RFI-9256’s versatility allows data communication links to be established using a variety of different configurations. This, in turn, makes it possible to extend the range of RFI-9256’s and get around obstacles. Figure 9-1 and Figure 9-2 show the most common and straightforward link, a master communicating to a slave in a dedicated link.
E S T A B L IS H IN G C O M U N IC A T IO N L IN K S Point to Point Repeater Radios may be wired as back-to-back repeaters, to extend the range of a point-to-point system. The modems are not configured as repeaters (in the menu they configured in Point to Point Mode) but are wired together as back-to-back repeaters. Figure 9-3 Point to Point System with Repeater - Logical View Figure 9-3 and Figure 9-4 depict how a link might be set up using a repeater.
E S T A B L IS H IN G C O M M U N IC A T IO N L IN K S Point to Multipoint (+Repeater) In Figure 9-6 a setup is shown where a master routinely calls a number of slaves at different times. The master is communicating with a transceiver designated as a repeater/slave that is connected to a remote instrument in the field. Since this instrument is placed in an elevated location, the transceiver may also be used as a repeater when it is not used as a slave.
A U X IL IA R Y IN P U T / O U T P U T P O R T 10 Auxiliary Input/Output Port T he Auxiliary I/O Port has 8 digital I/O lines. These pins are not associated with the Main or Auxiliary serial ports, but are used as logical bit inputs or outputs to the modem. These lines are individually configurable as inputs or outputs and their default state can be configured to preset their power-up state.
F IR M W A R E A C O M P A T IB IL IT Y Firmware Compatibility The version numbering scheme The RFI-9256 products contain a firmware version string. This version information provides some information regarding compatibility with other firmware versions. Product Name: Identifies the modem hardware type such as RFI-419, RFI-9256 or RFI-156. Major and Minor Number: The major number generally reflects the hardware compatibility of the firmware but may be incremented if the firmware has had a major overhaul.
F IR M W A R E C O M P A T IB IL IT Y Air interface compatibility (AI) The ability for radios of different versions to still communicate. This is related to the air interface protocols, RF frequencies, modulation methods and channels hopping mechanisms. Firmware with the same Major and Minor revision numbers are always Air interface compatible. A difference in the Minor number may indicate some Air interface incompatibility in some modes.
D IA G R A M S B Diagrams The diagram in Figure B-1 (next page) shows the dimensions of the mounting holes on the RFI9256 radio. The diagram in Figure B-2 (next page) is a cable assembly diagram for the RFI-9256. The two communication ports are output via DB9 connectors and supply power to the radio. © RF Innovations Pty Ltd, 1998 234839, Revision 2.
Figure B-1 Mounting details of the RFI-9256 D IA G R A M S © RF Innovations Pty Ltd, 1998 234839, Revision 2.
+12 VDC © RF Innovations Pty Ltd, 1998 234839, Revision 2.2 Figure B-2.
T E C H N IC A L C S P E C IF IC A T IO N S Technical Specifications Radio Specifications Specifications Range# RS-232 Data Rates RS-232 Interface System Gain Minimum Receiver Decode Level Up to 30 km point to point 110 baud - 115.
T E C H N IC A L S P E C IF IC A T IO N S Pin Assignments PIN NO. & FUNCTION PIN NO.
T E C H N IC A L S P E C IF IC A T IO N S EIA Standard RS-232-C Pin Assignments RS-232 DB-25 Pin Assignments PIN Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 FG Tx Rx RTS CTS DSR SG DCD 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 D T E D C E OM (S)DCD (S)CTS (S)Tx NS TC (S)Rx DCT RC DCR (S)RTS DTR SQ RI (TC) Function Frame Ground Transmitted Data Received Data Request To Send Clear To Send Data Set Ready Signal Ground Data Carrier Detect Positive DC Test Voltage Negative DC Test Voltage Equalizer Mode SEC Data Ca
F A C T O R Y D D E F A U L T S Factory Defaults This section describes the factory defaults for the menu options of the radio.
F A C T O R Y D E F A U L T S Modem and I/O Configuration Menu HAYES COMMAND CONTROL MENU (settings are the same for both ports) Hang-up on DTR dropped. Echo is ON Response is ON Escape character = + Escape guard time = 1000 (ms) Connect timeout = 10000(ms) DCD CONTROLS DCD follows online RTD CONTROLS RTS disabled. AUXILIARY I/O Auxiliary I/O enabled. Radio Personality Menu Unit name is blank (unit has no name) Menu Password is disabled Security code is disabled Menu timeout is 15 minutes.
T R O U B L E S H O O T IN G E Trouble Shooting “I have two transceivers, one configured as a master and the other as a slave. When they are plugged in, the POWER % LED indicates they are receiving power, and yet they will not LINK. Why not?” There are many reasons why two modems will not LINK. First of all, make sure that the two modems have the same ‘Network Address’, ‘Hopping Pattern’, ‘Frame Time’ and finally, the same protocols (all these settings can be changed in the menu interface).
T R O U B L E S H OO T IN G “I have used the RFI-9256 with several different PC’s and portables using very similar settings, yet I have noticed % that the Transceivers range is reduced considerably when I am using certain computers. Why is this?” It is possible that certain laptop and desktop computers, which you are using, emit interference that is detrimental to the RFI-9256’s operation.
T R O U B L E S H O O T IN G % “My Terminal or communications program is losing characters.” First check that the flow control settings on the terminal or communications program match the settings on the radio. If they both have hardware handshaking enabled then check if you have an S3 based video card. This card often conflicts with your serial ports. To solve this you have to disable (or minimize) the ‘video acceleration’ feature of the card.
G L O S S A R Y F Glossary A Alphanume ric Roman Letters (alphabetic) and Arabic numbers (numeric). ARQ Automatic Request Repeat - A form of error correction that uses retries to correct bad packets of data. ARQ Retries The number of times the radio modem will try to send a packet of lost information before it gives up. ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange. Pronounced as-kee.
G L O S S A R Y Bridge Joins dissimilar networks and converts protocols such that data can be passed between them. For example, a bridge may allow data to be passed from a TCP/IP network to a ISDN network. Buffer Temporary storage area used to compensate for a difference in the rate of data flow into and out of a device. Byte A group of 8-bits that specifies a single character. See also Bit. C Carrier signal The base frequency that is modulated by another signal containing information to be transmitted.
G L O S S A R Y D Data Any type of information, such as numbers, letters and symbols, that can be processed by a computer. Data Bits The actual characters being transmitted between two computers when asynchronous communications is being used. Usually 7 or 8 data bits are used. A normal byte has 8 bits. 7 data bits are used for ASCII/alphanumeric data. Data Communications Equipme nt (DCE) Equipment that is used to access a communications network.
G L O S S A R Y Digital Signal A signal composed of discrete signal levels as opposed to the continuous signal levels of an analog signal. DIP Switch Acronym for Dual In-line Package. Options chosen by pushing a switch to one of two positions. Distortion Undesired change in a signal's original waveform resulting from the characteristics of the transmission circuits or other external influences. Downloading Refers to the transferring of software from a remote system to your computer.
G L O S S A R Y Frame See Block. Frame Time Specifies the maximum length of each packet frame (larger the time, the more information that can be contained within the frame). Forward Error Correction (FEC) Technique of transmitting additional information with the original data so that if small errors are detected the correct information can be recreated by the receiving end without requiring a retransmission. Full Duplex Data transmission, which allows data to flow in two directions at the same time.
G L O S S A R Y Input/Output Device A device that transfers information into or out of a computer. Interface A physical point of interconnection between two devices where electrical signal levels, timing, handshaking and pin numbers are defined. The devices, rules or convention by which one component of a system communicates with another. Interference Undesirable disturbances or distortions in a data transmission signal. I/O Input/Output. The transfer of information into and out of a computer.
G L O S S A R Y Mode m Eliminator A usually passive device, which takes the place of a modem between a local terminal, which requires a modem, and a computer. Also called Null Modem. Modulate To modify or alter a signal so as to transmit information. For example, conventional broadcast radio transmits sound by modulating the amplitude or the frequency of a carrier signal. See also Demodulate and Modem. Multiplex To interleave or simultaneously transmit two or more messages on a single channel.
G L O S S A R Y On-line Time The amount of time spent on-line with an information service. P PABX Private Automatic Branch Exchange. An automatic switchboard for handling large concentrations of telephones (extensions). Packet Group of bits including data and control elements that are transmitted as a whole. Packet Switched Network System where messages are transmitted in packets, each individually addressed and routed through the network.
G L O S S A R Y Redundancy Check Technique of error detection involving the transmission of additional data related to the message so that the receiving device can determine if the data transmitted is valid (error-free). % Registers Registers inside the modem that usually contain string values. Can be read and altered on a remote modem using a Communications Link. Examples include Unit Name, Security Code and Local Address.
G L O S S A R Y Serial Port Port that receives/transmits serial data. The RFI-9256 has two serial ports, the Main and Auxiliary (Aux) ports. Simplex Data communications in one direction only. Slave Passive modem. Requires a Master to synchronise timing to enable successful transmission. May initiate communication, but can only communicate with the Master. Software Computer program or set of computer programs held in storage, and loaded into RAM for execution.
G L O S S A R Y Turnaround Time The time required to, reverse the direction of transmission when operating in half duplex mode. Tx Abbreviation for Transmit. U UNIMODEM PnP Response The unit response to a PnP (Plug and Play) query. Unit Name User defined name for radio. May be used to indicate radio position or other identifying feature. Upload Refers to sending files or text from the user’s computer to another user.
G L O S S A R Y © RF Innovations Pty Ltd, 1998 234839, Revision 2.
B L A N K P A G E © RF Innovations Pty Ltd, 1998 234839, Revision 2.
