MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Table of Contents Introduction.....................................................3 MReX Features......................................3 MReX Versions......................................3 Safety Information...........................................4 Operation.........................................................8 Configuration...................................................9 Transmit Commands.................................10 *TX_FREQ..................
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Introduction Thank you for choosing the MReX. The MReX is a low cost, very high sensitivity transceiver module for mobile paging and general telemetry use. The MReX is also a compliant mobile and base station transmitter. MReX Features • Sends and receives 512, 1200 and 2400 baud POCSAG paging messages. • Sends telemetry data from 512 baud to 9600 baud using 4GFSK. • Paging store and forward repeater operation with configurable duplicate reject (optional).
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Safety Information Read these instructions carefully, and look at the equipment to become familiar with the device before trying to install, operate, or maintain it. The following special messages may appear throughout this documentation or on the equipment to warn of potential hazards or to call attention to information that clarifies or simplifies a procedure. ! This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to a potential personal injury hazards.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware !WARNING LOSS OF CONTROL • The designer of any control scheme must consider the potential failure modes of control paths and, for certain critical control functions, provide a means to achieve a safe state during and after a path failure. Examples of critical control functions are emergency stop and over travel stop. • Separate or redundant control paths must be provided for critical control functions. • System control paths may include communication links.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware NOTICE HAZARD OF EQUIPMENT DAMAGE • This product is not chemical resistant, detergent, alcohol, aerosol sprays, and/or petroleum products may damage the front panel. Clean using a soft cloth moistened in water. • The radio can be damaged if there is any potential difference between the chassis-ground, Serial • • • • • • signal ground, power (-) input, or antenna coaxial shield.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware FCC NOTICE This device complies with Part 15.247 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device must be operated as supplied by the equipment supplier.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Operation When the MReX is operating normally, the status green LED flashes briefly once every second. When Decoding messages, the green LED is held on for approximately one second. When transmitting the green LED flashes approximately 3 times a second and if fitted, the red LED will illuminate for the duration of the transmission. Under normal operation, on start-up there is a sign-on message sent out the serial port.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Configuration Parameters can be changed using any common serial terminal program. A serial terminal program that also allows saving and loading of configuration files can be downloaded from wte.co.nz/tools.html Start-up operation is always at 9600:8-N-1. All configuration commands always start with the asterisk ‘*’ character. All messages that do not start with the * character are processed by the protocol decoder.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Transmit Commands *TX_FREQ *TX_FREQ specifies the transmit frequency in Hz e.g. *TX_FREQ=458600000 *TX_BAUD *TX_BAUD Specifies the baud rate and channel width of the transmitter when using a protocol that does not permit a baud rate and channel width to be specified. This includes whether the modulation is 2 or 4 levels GFSK plus the channel width: 512_25 indicates 512 baud with 25kHz channel spacing (2 level GFSK). 1200_12 indicates 1200 baud with 12.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware *TX_MODE *TX_MODE specifies the transport method of the transmitter (how the information is transmitted over the air). • POSCAG_A must be used in order to transmit alphanumeric messages. • POSCAG_N must be used in order to transmit numeric messages. • WTE_EN must be used in order to transmit 8 bit characters (POSCAG_A transmits 7 bit characters only). Accepts POSCAG_A, POCSAG_N and WTE_EN. E.g.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware *TX_PREAMBLE *TX_PREAMBLE set the preamble length in multiples of 32 bits. Short preambles allows the messages to be transmitted quickly. Long preambles are typically used in conjunction with a matching receiver to save battery power when the receivers is in deep sleep mode. The POCSAG standard uses a setting of 18 (576 bits).
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware *TX_PWR *TX_PWR set the Transmitter Power Output levels. Levels value ranges from 0 to 127, please use the following graph to determine the transmitter level value to use. Note that settings above 80 will have very little effect on output power.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Receive Commands *RX_FREQ *RX_FREQ specifies the receive frequency in Hz (range limited to the variant of product) e.g. *RX_FREQ=460000000 *RX_BAUD *RX_BAUD specifies the baud rate and channel width of the receiver. This includes whether the modulation is 2 or 4 levels GFSK plus the channel width: 512_25 indicates 512 baud with 25kHz channel spacing (2 level GFSK). 1200_12 indicates 1200 baud with 12.5kHz channel spacing (2 level GFSK).
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware *RX_MODE *RX_MODE specifies the transport method of the receiver (how the information is received over the air). • POSCAG_A must be used in order to receive alphanumeric messages. • POSCAG_N must be used in order to receive numeric messages. • WTE_EN must be used in order to receive 8 bit characters (POSCAG_A transmits 7 bit characters only). Accepts POSCAG_A, POCSAG_N, WTE_EN and FLEX. E.g.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware *RX_ENABLE *RX_ENABLE Enables or disables the receiver. When the receiver has been disabled, the MReX will use less than 1uA standby current and will able to be powered from a CR2032 coincell. By default the receiver is enabled. When the receiver is disabled, the green LED will only flash prior to a transmission.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Base Commands *REBOOT *REBOOT forces the unit to immediately restart. Usage: *REBOOT *CONFIG *CONFIG displays current configuration. *CONFIG *SAVE *SAVE saves all configuration settings (all config changes are restored on start-up). Usage: *SAVE *LIST *LIST displays all available commands. This command also lists many specific field names that need to be used with listed commands.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware *FREQ_OFFSET *FREQ_OFFSET specifies an offset to compensate for errors and to allow calibration of the internal frequency reference (in Hz). E.g. *FREQ_OFFSET =-200 *SERIAL_LINK *SERIAL_LINK sets default RS232 point to point configuration. See Serial Point To Point Operation Usage: *SERIAL_LINK *VER *VER sends the MReX sign on message back to the user. This is useful to determine the model and serial number of the unit.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware *BYPASS Allows messages to be entered via serial to simulate as if decoded across the air. This can be useful for testing. Commands take the format: *BYPASS=[1234567:1]Message_Payload Where: [ is the character ‘[’ 1234567 is the simulated RIC : is the character ‘:’ 1 is the beep level of the messages ] is the character ‘]’ Message_Payload is any message to inject as if received across the air.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware *LOW_BATT *LOW_BATT specifies the voltage (multiplied by 10) that the low battery sounder will be heard at. This option is only used when *RX_ENABLE=0. When *LOW_BATT is set to 0, low battery checking is not performed. Max value is 33 (3.3 volts) Typical usage: *LOW_BATT=26 *LAB Set the unit in transmit mode, it can be configured to transmit carrier only or modulated.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Store Forward Commands For the MReX this is an optional feature that by default is not supplied. Store forward operation is when the unit is used to listen to transmissions in the area, decode the messages and retransmit again to provide greater coverage than would normally be possible. Note: In order to forward messages the decoded message CAP codes must fall within the configured CAP ranges.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Input Commands The input commands allow messages to be configured for transmission when changing state. Debouncing (how long an input is settled before acting on the new level) can be configured with the number of times to transmit the input message. Note: Even if an input is configured to transmit a certain number of messages, should the input level change before all messages are transmitted, then the remaining transmissions will be cancelled.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware : = the colon character ‘:’ N = number of transmissions (0 = no transmissions, 9 is max transmission count) , = the comma character ‘,’ D = debounce in 100 ms steps (from 0-255) , = the comma character ‘,’ R = time in seconds between retransmissions. Example: *IN_CONFIG_H=1:1,10,15 *IN_MSG_L *IN_MSG_L specifies the low level message that will be transmitted if configured. E.g.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Output Commands The output commands allows the output to be enabled (disabling input 1). Following configuration of the pins as outputs, they are controlled using the WTE Output Control Protocol. Note: Please refer to Input Output Hardware Connection section on this manual for examples of how to connect the input and output pins on the MReX board.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Protocols Serial input into and out of the MReX can be formatted differently by selecting an appropriate protocol. WT Protocol The WT Protocol is the default protocol used by WTE products. It allows for a variety of over the air transport methods (such as POCSAG paging) to be used and a variety of baud rates.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware D = 4800 Baud 2 Level GFSK X = 9600 Baud 4 Level GFSK Y = 1800 Baud 2 Level GFSK 6.25 kHz Channel Space Settings a = 512 Baud 2 Level FSK d = 4800 Baud 4 Level GFSK is a single space character. MMM... is the payload, up to 240 characters.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware RAW Protocol The Raw protocol uses all default settings to determine the data rate, transport method, cap code etc. This protocol is the protocol used when using a point to point serial link. Default transmission settings are configured with the commands: *TX_BAUD *TX_CAP *TX_LEVEL In addition, the following command is used with RAW protocol: *RAW_CONFIG *RAW_CONFIG specifies all RAW protocol parameters.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Serial Point to Point Operation The MReX is well suited for use as a wireless point to point serial link. In this application, the RAW protocol is used with a transport format that allows any ASCII character to be transmitted. Raw serial data in any format presented to the MReX is transmitted across the air and is output from a remote MReX. The behaviour of this feature is the same as if a serial wire cable would be fitted between the units.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Maximum over the air data rate is 9600 baud. Transmission time for a 100 byte payload at this rate is approximately 120mS. NOTE: While operating using the RAW protocol, the MReX will NOT respond to any configuration commands 10 seconds after start-up. After the 10 second start-up delay the MReX will output “RAW ENABLED”. This is to prevent accidental misconfiguration during normal operation.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware *SAVE IMPORTANT NOTES: *TX_CAP for efficient transmission the CAP code should be any number that can be divisible by 8 without remainder. *RAW_CONFIG inactivity timeout Transmission timer is reset after receiving every character, to allow transmission to wait this full period after the last character. *RAW_CONFIG immediate transmission character accepts decimal value from 0-255 to configure a character such as 13 to immediately transmit on a ‘\r’ character sy
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Input Handling Note: Please refer to Input Output Hardware Connection section on this manual for examples of how to connect the input and output pins on the MReX board. The MReX supports 5 programmable inputs. Each input can be programmed with a short message up to 50 characters in length. Input messages must always be formatted as WT Protocol. By default IO pins are all configured as inputs. The output function is determined by the *OUT_CONFIG command.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Both Input 1 and 2 configured to disable all high level processing. *IN_CONFIG_H=1:0,0,0 *IN_CONFIG_H=2:0,0,0 Both input 1 and 2 are configured as per the full example details above. *IN_CONFIG_L=1:5,20,10 *IN_CONFIG_L=2:5,20,10 Configured messages to be transmitted once triggered.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Output Handling Note: Please refer to Input Output Hardware Connection section on this manual for examples of how to connect the input and output pin on the MReX board. All inputs can be configured to be outputs. Input/Output 1 additionally drives a separate open collector output pin to control loads of up to 100mA. All outputs operating from input pins have a 1K output impedance sourcing a maximum of 3.3mA. There are 2 additional LED output pins.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware WTE Output Control Protocol Introduction This section describes how to control the outputs of WTE Products via transmission payloads. The WTE protocol needs to be able to switch many outputs on, and many off in a single message. Receivers need to be able to be uniquely addressed, and in a manner that is maintainable.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Remote Command Output Format The WTE output control protocol allows the direct control of remote units. This allows specific MReX units to accept commands or protocols for processing “over the air”. Care must be taken issuing commands that leave the MReX unable to process further remote commands (such as changing frequency, RIC range, modulation settings).
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Example 3 - To transmit a message only from a specific remote unit: In this case, the remote unit is configured to accept WT protocol. Remote unit configured to have UNIT_ID of “UNIT-10”. Message payload: [[UNIT-10]U0[WT1234560A10 Test Message]] The message transmitted by UNIT-10 will be “Test Message” at 512 baud, but the message may have been received at a different configured baud rate.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Store Forward Operation The MReX can operate as a stand-alone repeater to forward paging messages and also extend wireless serial operation. This is an optional feature for the MReX that is not supplied by default. Transmit and receive configuration should be configured to be the same when forwarding messages. *RX_PROTO should equal the *TX_PROTO and *RX_MODE should equal *TX_MODE.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Installation The MReX should be situated away from direct sunlight, extreme vibration and heat sources, and high power transmission sources. An external aerial correctly designed to operate at your intended frequency of operation will result in best performance. Do not situate the aerial immediately next to the aerial of a high power transmission source – position greater than 2 M from any other aerial.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Connecting to the MReX The minimum required connections for a usable system: 1. Connection to an antenna. 2. Power supply of 5-9Vdc connected to pin 12 or 3V battery connected to pin 18. 3. Connection to a GND pin. SMA connector is female type. The module must be connect to a 50 ohm antenna designed for use at the intended frequency of operation. The MReX module can be mounted on header pins or soldered hard against another PCB.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Module Pin descriptions Inputs/Outputs Pin Number Description 1 GND 2 GND 3 Input/Output – Digital 5 4 Input/Output – Digital 4 5 Input/Output – Digital 3 6 Input/Output – Digital 2 7 Input/Output – Digital 1 8 Output – Digital 1 (open drain) 9 TX Serial TTL (out 3.3V) 10 RX Serial TTL (in 3.3V) 11 GND 12 Power IN + (5-9Vdc, 150mA) 13 GND 14 GND 15 LED 2. (open drain). Red Transmit. 16 LED 1. (open drain). Green Status.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Input Hardware Connection Examples following describe how to connect external devices to the MReX input/output pins. Input Example 1: Switch connected directly to an MReX input with ESD varistor. Other ESD protection methods are permissible, but should follow accepted normal guidelines taking into account the likelihood of exposure to ESD events. ESD typical device should clamp at approximately 5Vdc.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Output Hardware Connection Output Example: Shown in the example below is the equivalent MReX internal electronics of the output that is shared with input 1. The output is an open collector suitable for sinking a maximum of 50mA. The example is being used to drive an LED from an external supply. Should the output be presented to potential ESD conditions (such as any terminal screw or external connection), ESD devices should be fitted.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware MReX Mounting Details The MReX is a surface or through hole mountable module. The module dimensions are shown in the following image. PCB thickness is 1.2mm. Top view Side View Note: Images are not to scale. Minor differences to the SMA connector may be possible depending on manufacturer variations and tolerances.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Recommended PCB Footprint All dimensions are in millimetre (mm) Please visit the MReX page on the www.wte.co.nz for Gerber footprint and DWG CAD files.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware OEM Integration The use of the MReX as a module must obey the following OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) instructions in order to comply with FCC regulations.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Label and compliance information The product designed using the MReX as module must contain a label showing the MReX FCC ID: 2ASGC-MREX460, this label must follow the FCC label rules. This includes advising host product manufacturers that they need to provide a physical or e-label stating “Contains FCC ID” with their finished product. See Guidelines for Labelling and User Information for RF Devices – KDB Publication 784748.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware MReX Firmware Upgrade In order to update the MReX firmware you will need: 1. The WTE Bootloader Tool (available from http://www.wte.co.nz or provided if required from info@wte.co.nz). 2. Serial TTL cable. 3. An appropriate encrypted hex file supplied by WTE Limited. Note: Attempting to load a hex file not intended for use with the MReX will render the MReX inoperable.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Firmware Upgrade Process 1. Run the application WTEBoot.exe – this is the WTE Firmware Update Tool as shown above. 2. MReX must be powered and connected to a TTL serial cable, please refer to Connecting to the MReX section of this manual for more information. 3. Press the “Select Hex” button on the WTE Firmware Update Tool and select the appropriated MReX firmware file. 4. Confirm that the App FW Ver displayed is the version described in the file name. 5.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Antenna It is common in radio systems to consider an omni or directional antenna. Both have their advantages and disadvantages as follows. If in doubt, consult a local aerial specialist who will be able to advise and construct an aerial best suited to your application. Omni antenna Omni antenna have the advantage of transmitting and receiving signals equally well in all horizontal directions.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Where: D is the distance to the horizon in NM, r 0 is the mean radius of the earth (3440.1 NM), hf is the height of your antenna, β 0 (0.8279) accounts for terrestrial refraction. This formula can be simplified to: d=1.17∗√ hf Where: d = range in nautical miles, hf = the height of your antenna in feet. Working with metric units this formula becomes: km=2.17∗√ 0.305∗hm Where: km = range in kilometres, hm = the height of your antenna in metres.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware 6dB increase in link budget (either increase in TX power, or increase in RX sensitivity). From testing, these ranges can be expected from a 20dBm transmitter at the indicated elevation. (credit to www.offshoreblue.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Disclaimer THE RESPONSIBILITY LIES COMPLETELY ON THE USER TO ENSURE THAT THIS DEVICE IS TESTED, THROUGH METHODS THAT ARE APPROPRIATE, TO CONFIRM THAT ALL SYSTEM COMPONENTS (THAT THIS DEVICE AND PC SOFTWARE MAY BE PART OF) ARE WORKING CORRECTLY. This document has been prepared in good faith and produced to assist in the use of this product, however WTE Limited reserves the right to modify, add or remove features without notice.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Manufacturing marking and labels MReX serial number can found on the unit, also serial number and model information are sent to serial on start-up. Maintenance No User-Serviceable Components. Servicing is only to be performed by WTE Limited, or agent appointed by WTE Limited. Servicing outside of the warranty period is at the discretion of WTE Limited.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Product End Of Life It is your responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help conserve natural resources and help ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Product Warranty WTE Limited products are warranted for a period of 12 months after purchase date against faulty workmanship or materials. Return the product, all freight paid by the customer and the product will be repaired or replaced. The MReX can be damaged through improper handling and system integration. ESD handling precautions must be observed. The product warranty will be invalidated through evidence of: • Unauthorised work carried out.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware Specification Frequency Range: • MReX-460: 421 - 480 MHz Tx/Rx Frequency Accuracy: • 0.5ppm. 235Hz max error at 480MHz over entire temperature range. Fixed Supply Voltage • 5-9V Internally fused at 250mA (not self resetting) Battery Supply Voltage • 3V. Internally fused at 250mA (not self resetting) Inputs • Five. Inputs accessible when used as a module. To operate tie to GND. Max input voltage is 3.3V. Inputs are lost when configured to operate as an outputs.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.92 Firmware • SMA female. Operating Current • 21mA receiving, up to 95mA transmitting into matched 50 ohm antenna. • <2uA in transmit only standby when used with external supply (wake on input change). • <300nA in transmit only standby when used with 3V battery (wake on input change). Firmware • Field upgradable. Physical Dimensions (L x W x H) • MODULE without SMA connector is 45mm X 21mm X 5mm Serial Output • Serial 9600:8-N-1 baud. • WTE protocol format.
MReX Transceiver User Manual v1.
