GE MDS SD Series Technical Manual
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GE MDS SD Series Technical Manual

Secure, long range ip/ethernet & serial
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See also: Reference Manual, Technical Manual
MDS SD Series
Secure, Long Range IP/Ethernet & Serial
Covering ES/SS Units with Firmware Version 4.x
MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D
OCTOBER 2010
RSPSupply - 1-888-532-2706 - www.RSPSupply.com
http://www.RSPSupply.com/p-8461-MDS-UP-SD9-MS2ES-Upgrade-Key-SD9-MS-to-SD9-ES.aspx
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  • Page 1 MDS SD Series Secure, Long Range IP/Ethernet & Serial Covering ES/SS Units with Firmware Version 4.x MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D OCTOBER 2010 RSPSupply - 1-888-532-2706 - www.RSPSupply.com http://www.RSPSupply.com/p-8461-MDS-UP-SD9-MS2ES-Upgrade-Key-SD9-MS-to-SD9-ES.aspx...
  • Page 2 Need Quick-Start instructions for this product? Please refer to publication 05-4847A01. All GE MDS user guides are available online at www.gemds.com RSPSupply - 1-888-532-2706 - www.RSPSupply.com http://www.RSPSupply.com/p-8461-MDS-UP-SD9-MS2ES-Upgrade-Key-SD9-MS-to-SD9-ES.aspx...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................... 1 1.1 Conventions Used in This Manual ..................1 Software & Device Manager Notations ................1 Model Number Notations ....................1 Authorization Features ...................... 2 2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ......................3 2.1 Front Panel Connectors and Indicators .................. 3 2.2 Key Product Features ......................
  • Page 4 COM2 (Data) Connections...................... 23 Pin Descriptions—RS-232 and RS-422/485 Mode ............23 5.0 STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION ....................25 5.1 Initial Configuration ....................... 26 Web-Based Management ....................... 26 Alternative Management Methods ..................27 Web Browser Connection ....................... 27 Logging On........................27 Using the Basic Setup Wizard..................28 Using the Remote Management Wizard .................
  • Page 5 Alarm Summary ........................55 All Alarms / Events......................55 Alarm Signal Configuration ..................... 56 Performance ........................... 57 Radio Performance ......................57 I/O Statistics ........................57 Ethernet Statistics ......................58 Radio Test ..........................58 RTU Simulator......................... 58 Link Test.......................... 59 Ping Test ......................... 60 RF Keying Test .......................
  • Page 6 9.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS ................84 Copyright and Trademark This manual and all software described herein is protected by Copyright: 2010 GE MDS, LLC. All rights reserved. GE MDS, LLC reserves its right to correct any errors and omissions in this publi- cation. Modbus ®...
  • Page 7 These systems will reuse or recycle most of the materials found in this equipment in a sound way. Please contact GE MDS or your supplier for more information on the proper dis- posal of this equipment.
  • Page 8 BSD License ------- Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted pro- vided that the following conditions are met: 1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Setup Guide is limited to installing the transceiver and placing it in service for the first time. All product documentation may be downloaded free of charge from the GE MDS website at . The website also contains links to Application Bulletins www.gemds.com...

  • Page 10: Authorization Features

    Some features of the radio are dependent on purchased options and Authorization Features applicable regulatory constraints. A “key” icon is shown near the heading of any such features. In some cases a feature upgrade may be available. Contact your sales representative for additional information. SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev.

  • Page 11: Product Description

    2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The SD Transceiver is a software-configurable, industrial radio for use in licensed data acquisition networks. It may be interfaced with a variety of data control equipment including remote terminal units (RTUs), pro- grammable logic controllers (PLCs), flow computers, and similar devices.

  • Page 12: Key Product Features

    2.2 Key Product Features The transceiver is designed to meet the demanding needs of today’s wireless networks in a compact, and rugged package. It offers an array of features in a single hardware platform: • Software-configurable via a built-in Device Manager—no man- ual controls or adjustments.

  • Page 13: Data Validation

    Additionally, the MAC validates all messages and purges corrupted data Data Validation from the system. Successful delivery of data is ensured through the use of retries and acknowledgements. Minimal overhead is used to accom- plish these tasks, which translates to increased bandwidth efficiency of the radio channel.

  • Page 14: Accessories And Spares

    (see Table 1). 2.5 Accessories and Spares Table 1 lists common accessories and spare items for the transceiver. GE MDS also offers an Accessories Selection Guide listing additional items that may be used with the product. Visit or contact www.gemds.com...

  • Page 15: Protected Network Station

    Table 1. Accessories & Spare Items (Continued) Accessory Description Part Number DIN Rail Mounting Contains bracket for mounting the 03-4125A04 Bracket Kit transceiver to standard 35 mm DIN rails commonly used in equipment cabinets and panels. Reprogramming Automated software program for 06-6241A01 Application for upgrading the radio’s internal...

  • Page 16: Dual Protected Configuration

    Dual Protected Configurations Two dual transceiver configurations are offered for the SD Series. They are known as the SDxDT and the SDxDP. These configurations are used for the following purposes: • When full duplex operation is desired using dedicated Transmit and Receive transceivers.

  • Page 17: Typical Applications

    A number of variations are possible; If you have unique requirements not found here, it is recommended that you consult a support specialist at GE MDS. Contact information is provided at the back of this manual. 3.1 Operating Parameters The transceiver can operate in both poll-response and “push”...

  • Page 18: Example Systems

    3.2 Example Systems The following sections describe common system arrangements for the SD transceiver. Other variations are possible, and if you have questions about a specific application not covered here, you may contact your fac- tory representative using the information at the back of this guide. For typical radio settings in these systems, refer to Table 2 on Page 9.

  • Page 19: Ip/Ethernet Polling

    Invisible place holder HOST COMPUTER REMOTE RADIO MASTER RADIO Figure 6. Typical Point-to-Point Link IP/Ethernet Polling Modern data/control networks often employ IP/Ethernet connectivity throughout the system. The SD transceiver is well suited to provide con- nectivity between such sites using its RJ-45 modular connector on the front panel and enabling Ethernet Bridging capabilities.

  • Page 20: Port Sharing With Multiple Hosts

    Port Sharing with Multiple Hosts The transceiver allows for several external data networks to use the same RF network without confusing the data streams. In such a system, multiple host computers at the Master Unit poll their respective RTUs, which may be alone or co-located at the Remote sites. Figure 8 shows an example of such a system.

  • Page 21: Report-By-Exception

    Device Settings Screen Radio Mode: Packet w/MAC MASTER RADIO To Ethernet Port HOST COMPUTER (Host B) HOST COMPUTER (Host A) Ethernet Serial HOST C To COM2 Serial Port REMOTE RADIO REMOTE RADIO (One of several possible sites) (One of several possible sites) Ethernet Co-located RTUs Responding to...

  • Page 22: Serial Remotes With Two Serial Ports

    In this example, the Host Computer is connected directly to the radio’s Ethernet port, and the RTUs at the Remote sites are connected to the transceiver via the radio’s serial data ports. The IP Payload fea- COM2 ture, used at the master, efficiently passes TCP payload over the air, and eliminates the need for an external terminal server.
  • Page 23 Packet With MAC is the recommended method of operation when both serial ports are used to pass payload data if there are two hosts (e.g., Post Sharing with multiple host case). If there is a single host polling all units, packet or transparent mode is the better option (depending on whether encryption is required or not) even if there are two RTUs connected to a remote radio.

  • Page 24: Installation Planning

    4.0 INSTALLATION PLANNING This section discusses the factors to be considered before installing the radio. Careful planning of the installation site will help achieve optimal performance from the transceiver. Step-by-step installation procedures begin on Page 25. Figure 11 shows a typical remote station arrangement. The specific details at an installation site may vary, but there are three main requirements for installing the transceiver in all cases: •...

  • Page 25: Optional Din Rail Mounting

    Invisible place holder 6.675˝ (16.95 cm) Figure 12. Mounting Bracket Dimensions NOTE: To prevent moisture from entering the radio, do not mount the case with the cable connectors pointing up. Also, dress all cables to prevent moisture from running along the cables and into the radio. Optional DIN Rail Mounting The unit may be mounted with an optional 35 mm DIN Rail Mounting Bracket Kit (Part No.

  • Page 26: Antennas And Feedlines

    Antennas of this type are available from several manufacturers, including GE MDS. Contact your factory representative for details. Invisible place holder Figure 14. Typical Yagi Antenna (mounted to mast) Feedlines The selection of an antenna feedline is very important.

  • Page 27: Dc Power Connection

    Table 3, Table 4, and Table 5 show the approximate losses that will occur when using various lengths and types of coaxial cable in the 200, 400 and 960 MHz bands, respectively. Regardless of the type used, the cable should be kept as short as possible to minimize signal loss. Table 3.

  • Page 28: Grounding Considerations

    A power connector with screw-terminals is provided with each unit (see Figure 15). Strip the wire leads to 6 mm (1/4 inch) and insert in the wire ports, tightening securely. Be sure to observe proper polarity as shown in Figure 15. Invisible place holder Lead Binding...

  • Page 29: Serial Data Interfaces

    NOTE: Not all PCs have a serial port. If one is not available, a USB-to-Serial adapter and appropriate driver software may be used to provide serial connectivity. These adapters are avail- able from several manufacturers, including GE MDS. MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D SD Series Technical Manual RSPSupply - 1-888-532-2706 - www.RSPSupply.com...

  • Page 30: Com1 (Serial) Connection

    COM1 (Serial) Connection The default factor settings for the radio’s port (Figure 17) assigns COM1 it for management or diagnostics of the radio via a serial connection to a PC. may be used to set basic parameters such as output power, COM1 modem type and operating frequency of the radio.

  • Page 31: Com2 (Data) Connections

    Table 7. COM1 Pin Descriptions Radio Number Input/ Pin Description Output No function No function in most applications—User I/O for special applications No function No function in most applications—User I/O for special applications COM2 (Data) Connections Typically, the port (Figure 19) is used for connecting the radio to COM2 an external DTE serial device supporting the RS-232 or RS-485 serial data format.
  • Page 32 Table 8. COM2 Pin Descriptions—Radio in RS-232 Radio Number Input/ Pin Description Output CTS (Clear-to-Send)—Goes “high” after the programmed CTS delay time has elapsed (DCE), or keys another connected radio when RF data arrives (CTS KEY). Reserved—User I/O for special applications Table 9.

  • Page 33: Step-By-Step Installation

    5.0 STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION In most cases, the steps given here are sufficient to install the trans- ceiver. Refer to “INSTALLATION PLANNING” on Page 16 for addi- tional details, as required. 1. Mount the transceiver. Attach the mounting brackets to the bottom of the transceiver case (if not already done), using the four 6-32 x 1/4 inch (6 mm) screws supplied.

  • Page 34: Initial Configuration

    5. Configure the Radio Settings. Connecting a new radio shipped from the factory to a PC via the Ethernet connector, causes the built-in Device Manager to launch automatically and starts the Basic Setup Wizard. The wizard steps you through the essential radio settings in a quick, and streamlined, way.

  • Page 35: Alternative Management Methods

    • Serial—( DB9 connector). This is the “console terminal” COM1 method of control commonly used on earlier GE MDS radios. For more information, refer to the Serial/Tenet Management Supple- ment available from the GE MDS website at www.gemds.com • Telnet—( RJ-45 connector).

  • Page 36: Using The Basic Setup Wizard

    2. Configure your PC network settings to an IP address on the same subnet as the radio. The default subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 3. Enter the radio’s IP address in a web browser window, just as you would enter a website address. When the login screen appears (Figure 1), enter the User Name and Password for the radio.

  • Page 37: Using The Remote Management Wizard

    Invisible place holder Figure 22. Basic Setup Wizard 5. At the conclusion of the wizard, click . Configuration is now Done complete for the connected radio. Log out of the Device Manager by clicking in the upper right hand side of the screen. If desired, Logout you may proceed with the additional functions described below.

  • Page 38: Ethernet Connector Leds

    3. If not done earlier, refine the antenna heading of the station to maxi- mize the received signal strength (RSSI) from the Master Unit. The screen may be used to observe RSSI. Turn the antenna Performance heading slowly so that the RSSI display can be updated. NOTE: The RSSI facility limits the maximum displayed signal strength to –60 dBm.

  • Page 39: Inter-Packet Gap Settings

    Inter-Packet Gap Settings For radios operating in Packet Mode, the inter-packet gap is a timing set- ting used to delimit a packet on the serial interface. Too short of a time can cause serial streams to be combined into one large packet instead of two smaller ones.

  • Page 40: Antenna Swr Check

    Antenna SWR Check Before placing the radio into final service, a check should be made of the antenna system’s standing wave ratio (SWR). Use a directional watt- meter suited to the frequency of operation for this check. High SWR (above 2:1) may indicate an antenna, connector, or feedline problem, and should be corrected.

  • Page 41: Using The Device Manager

    6.0 USING THE DEVICE MANAGER The radio contains a built-in management system known as a Device Manager. This web-based tool is accessed with a PC connected to the radio’s Ethernet port as shown in Figure 23. It offers an intuitive, easy to use method for managing your radio and performing common main- tenance tasks.

  • Page 42: Overview Screen

    Invisible place holder Figure 24. Overview Summary Screen Overview Screen The Overview screen (Figure 24) provides a read-only view of all key settings and operating conditions for the radio. The Health & Maintenance , in particular, can help you quickly spot changes in operating Summary conditions.

  • Page 43: Management Tasks

    6.2 Management Tasks Table 11 shows a listing of commonly-needed tasks and the appropriate sections of the Device Manager to refer to. The table can be used as a quick reference before consulting the more detailed screen information which follows in this section. Table 11.
  • Page 44 Table 11. Common Tasks with Device Manager (Continued) Task If you wish to... Refer to this Screen Category Set RF Output Power, Modem Type, RX/TX Configuration>>Radio, Frequency Basic Settings, Page 39 View/Set Soft-Carrier Dekey status, RX/TX Configuration>> Time-Out options Radio>> Advanced Settings, Page 45 Data-Key and RTS-Key settings (ON/OFF) Configuration>>...
  • Page 45 Table 11. Common Tasks with Device Manager (Continued) Task If you wish to... Refer to this Screen Category Set Password for radio Configuration>> Security>> Login Password, Page 53 Set Device Security (enable/disable local login Configuration>> requirement, enable/disable Telnet access) Security>> Device Security, Page 52 Set Wireless Security parameters (Encryption Configuration>>...
  • Page 46 Table 11. Common Tasks with Device Manager (Continued) Task If you wish to... Refer to this Screen Category View Radio Performance data (Power Output, Maintenance & Status>> Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Received Signal Performance>> Strength, DC Input voltage, operating Radio Performance, Page temperature) Perform radio tests (Radio Keying, run Maintenance &...

  • Page 47: Configuration Screens

    The remainder of this section covers the screens for Configuration, Maintenance, and Status of the transceiver. The emphasis is on available selections, how to access them, and their effect on radio operation. If you are unsure of the setting required for a particular radio in your net- work, consult your Network Administrator for assistance.
  • Page 48 • —The RF output power may be set between RF Output Power (dBm) 20 and 37 dBm (0.1 to 5 watts) in 1 dB increments. The default setting is . Full power is not required in many cases, and 37 dBm lower settings will place less demand on the DC power supply and reduce the chance of interference with other stations.

  • Page 49: Device Settings

    • —The receive and transmit frequencies Transmit/Receive Frequency may be viewed or set here. If no frequencies have been entered, the fields will be blank and the radio’s led will flash, indi- cating that an entry is needed. Frequencies must be entered for the radio to operate.

  • Page 50: Packet Settings

    • —The radio can operate in one of several modes. The Radio Mode available selections are: Packet, Packet with MAC, x710, and Transparent. • —This parameter selects the method of radio man- User Interface agement. The default selection is , which presents the type of Menu screens shown in this manual.

  • Page 51: Media Access Control

    Media Access Control • —Selects either Access Point or Remote. An Access Device Type Point serves as the Controller of the RF network. Only one radio should be configured as an AP. Typically this is the “polling mas- ter.” A Remote is connected to end devices in the field (e.g. PLC, RTU), and there can be any number of these in a network.

  • Page 52: Diagnostic Settings

    Diagnostic Settings • —This parameter identifies the radio in the wireless network Unit # with a specific ID during diagnostic sessions. • —This setting identifies the radio as either a Node, Root, Dlink Type Repeater, Peer, or Gate. Each of these are operating modes of the transceiver with respect to diagnostic/management activities.

  • Page 53: Advanced Settings

    Advanced Settings • —Specifies how long (in ms) to wait after Soft-Carrier Dekey (ms) the removal of the keying signal before actually dropping the transmitter’s carrier. The default setting is , but it may be set to any value up to ms.
  • Page 54 disruption of the wireless network. The TX time-out is cleared when the keying source goes away and the radio keys again.The default selection is (transmitter shuts down when time limit is reached). • —Sets the time delay, after which a keyed TX Time-Out Delay (sec) transmitter is taken offline.

  • Page 55: Features

    Features Bridge Configuration • —Used to enable or disable Ethernet Bridging on the Bridge Mode radio. Default setting is • —Sets the type of bridge filter to be used. Basic Bridge Filter Sel Available selections are: Broadcast/Unicast (All), Unicast and ARP, Unicast Only •...
  • Page 56 NOTE: The Listen Before Transmit (LBT) feature requires radios to be configured for Packet Mode operation. Packet with MAC operation provides an alternative media access method. • —LBT can be configured to behave in one of two LBT Behavior ways; either listen on the radio’s transmit frequency (TX) or listen on the radio’s receive frequency (RX).

  • Page 57: Ip Payload Configuration (1/2/3)

    IP Payload Configuration (1/2/3) • —Enables or disables the IP Payload port. Status • —The operating mode for the IP port may be set to Mode , or Socket TCP Client Socket TCP Server Socket TCP Server/Client to match the service in which it will operate. Socket •...

  • Page 58: Communications Ports

    • —Enables or disables multihost capability. Multihost Enable • —Sets the desired delay time (in ms) for switching Multihost Delay between hosts during multihost operation. Communications Ports COM1 Port Settings • —The default mode for when the COM1 Startup Mode Console transceiver is first powered up, but the startup mode may also be set to...

  • Page 59: Ip Configuration

    • —The port can operate in either RS-232 or RS-485 COM2 Mode mode. The default is RS-232. • —The default data rate for is 9600 bps, but it may COM2 Baud Rate be set to any of the following speeds: 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200.

  • Page 60: Security

    • —Read-only indication of the current IP address Current IP Address programmed. • —Read-only indication of the subnet mask Current Subnet Mask programmed. • —Read-only indication of the current Current Default Gateway default gateway programmed. • —The radio requires a local IP address to support Static IP Address remote management and serial device (terminal server) services.

  • Page 61: Wireless Security

    might be useful in cases where only a small number peo- Required ple with administrative duties have physical access to the radio, and need to access the menu frequently. In this mode, the menu operation behaves identically to the Administrator level login. •...

  • Page 62: Encryption Phrase

    TIP: For enhanced security, consider using misspelled words, a combi- nation of letters and numbers, and a combination of upper and lower case letters. Also, the more characters used (up to 13), the more secure the password will be. These strategies help protect against sophisticated hackers who may use a database of common words (for example, dictionary attacks) to determine a password.

  • Page 63: Event Log

    Event Log The Event Log is used to display all events stored by the transceiver, even if the radio has been power-cycled. It also shows a running total of the alarms stored. • —Displays the number of events that have Total Event Log Events been logged by he transceiver.

  • Page 64: Alarm Signal Configuration

    This screen contains settings to determine what events are detected, and Alarm Signal Configuration what will be done with them. At the bottom section of the screen are selections for displaying specific alarms, conditions, and informational events that will be reported. Select events to be reported by clicking the box to the left of the item.

  • Page 65: Performance

    Performance Radio Performance This screen contains several measurement parameters that can be used to check the operating conditions of the radio. • —Read-only indication of the measured RF Measured RF Power output power (in dBm). • —Read-only indication of the signal-to-noise ratio Signal to Noise of received signal.

  • Page 66: Ethernet Statistics

    This screen presents a detailed summary of packets received and trans- Ethernet Statistics mitted, dropped packets, errors, overruns of the buffer, RX data rate (bps), and RX/TX data for Unicast, Multicast, and Broadcast transmis- sions. • —Clicking this button resets the displayed statistic Clear Statistics counts.

  • Page 67: Link Test

    The primary use of the Link Test is to verify that a specific radio's set- Link Test tings are consistent with the initiator including: Assigned frequency, unit number setting, encryption (if enabled), etc. Also collected at the same time is an indication of link quality. All radios are always ready to respond to a Link Test message.

  • Page 68: Ping Test

    A connectivity test to a specific destination address may be performed Ping Test using the radio’s Ping Test screen. • —Enter the IP Address of the other radio being Destination Address ping tested. • —Enter the number of pings to send across the radio link. Count •...
  • Page 69 To use the Spectrum Graph, you must first specify a center frequency and a span frequency. The center frequency is the frequency that you wish the spectrum display to be centered on. The span frequency defines the width of the overall spectrum to be examined. •...

  • Page 70: Firmware Utilities

    Firmware Utilities Version Information This screen shows Bootloader version information and indicates which firmware image (1 or 2) is currently active, as well as the firmware ver- sion of each image. The information on this screen is read-only. • —Clicking this button updates the displayed information Refresh on demand.

  • Page 71: Tftp Reprogramming

    The TFTP Reprogramming screen contains settable parameters for TFTP Reprogramming TFTP file transfers and selections for Importing/Exporting configura- tion files via TFTP. • —Use this field to enter a valid IP address for the host com- Host IP puter (where the configuration file resides). •...

  • Page 72: Remote Reprogramming

    The transceiver has facilities for reprogramming key settings of other Remote Reprogramming radios in the network. These functions are contained on the Remote Reprogramming screen shown below. Additional information on remote reprogramming is given in “Over-the-Air Firmware Upgrades” on Page 76. •...

  • Page 73: Verify Image

    This screen is used to verify the integrity of an image stored in flash Verify Image memory. You may wish to verify an image after reprogramming or as part of a troubleshooting sequence. • —Click this button to verify the firmware image selected in Verify the drop-down box at the top of the screen.

  • Page 74: Device Reboot

    Device Reboot • —Shows the firmware package currently being used Active Image by the transceiver (1 or 2). • —Shows the version of firmware package 1. Package 1 • —Shows the version of firmware package 2. Package 2 • —Allows selection of the firmware image to use when Image rebooting: Current active Image, Image 1, Image 2, Inactive Image...

  • Page 75: Configuration Files

    Configuration Files Dump/Load The transceiver provides a Dump/Load Configuration File utility to ease Configuration File programming of operating parameters. This is especially useful if you have a large number of radios to configure, or simply want to ensure that each radio is uniformly configured. •...

  • Page 76: Save/Restore Configuration

    This screen allows saving or restoring a configuration file for the trans- Save/Restore Configuration ceiver. Saving a configuration file can be helpful in future trouble- shooting tasks, as it allows reverting to a “known good” configuration of the radio. • —Click this button to restore the radio's Restore to Factory Defaults configuration settings to the factory defaults.

  • Page 77: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING Successful troubleshooting of the radio system requires a logical approach. It is best to begin troubleshooting at the master unit, as the rest of the system depends on the master for polling commands. If the master unit has problems, the overall operation of the network will be affected. It is good practice to start by checking the simple things.
  • Page 78 Table 14. Troubleshooting Guide Difficulty Recommended System Checks Unit is a. Check for the proper supply voltage at the power inoperative. connector. b. The transceiver’s internal fuse may have opened. Factory repair is required. Interference or a. Use the Spectrum Analyzer/Graph function to check for signal overload is interference near the radio channel.

  • Page 79: Led Indicators

    Correct as necessary. c. Re-enable Sleep Mode on Device Settings Screen, re-connect device to COM2, and check for proper operation. Password lost or Contact GE MDS for password reset authorization code. forgotten Proof of authorized user required. Alarm message No load on Antenna connector or poor/shorted/open load.

  • Page 80: Major Alarms Vs. Minor Alarms

    Table 15 contains a listing of event codes that may be reported by the transceiver. The codes shown are a subset of a larger pool of codes used for various GE MDS products. For this reason, the table does not show a sequential listing of all code numbers. Only the codes applicable to this product series are shown.
  • Page 81 Table 15. Event Codes (Continued) Event Event Code Class Description Major Flash write failure. Major Checksum fault. Major Receiver time-out. No data received within the specified receiver time-out time. Major Transmitter time-out. Major #14 Reserved. Major VSWR fault. Possible antenna/feedline problem. Major Excessive Ethernet traffic on interface.

  • Page 82: Operating Constraints

    7.3 Operating Constraints The SD transceiver is a flexible unit offering a wide variety of features needed in the industry today. While many system arrangements and applications are possible, there are a few constraints that system plan- ners should be aware of when designing a radio network. Table 16 lists these constraints and explains how to avoid difficulty in operation.

  • Page 83: Technical Reference

    8.1 Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics Diagnostics data from a remote radio can be obtained by connecting a laptop or personal computer running GE MDS diagnostic software, such as MDS PulseNET or MDS InSite to any radio in the network. Figure 28 shows a sample arrangement for performing network-wide remote diag- nostics.

  • Page 84: Setting Up Diagnostics

    With a PC connected to any radio in the network, intrusive polling (polling that interrupts payload data transmission) can be performed. To perform diagnostics without interrupting payload data, connect the PC to a radio defined as the “root” radio. This is defined using the Device Manager on a connected PC.

  • Page 85: Intrusive Vs. Passive (Non-Intrusive) Mode

    Intrusive vs. Passive (Non-Intrusive) Mode Firmware code may be transmitted to stations in either intrusive or pas- sive (non-intrusive) mode using the built-in diagnostic capabilities of the radio. When OTA reprogramming is initiated from either a root or node the firmware image is broadcast to all Remotes in intrusive or pas- sive use of the channel.

  • Page 86: Ota Reprogramming Overview

    The disadvantage to passive operation is that it takes longer to convey the reprogramming information since it is must be attached to existing data transactions. See Table 18 for the approximate times needed for passive reprogramming. Table 18. Approximate Reprogramming Times—Passive Mode Modem Speed Approximate Time Required (bps)

  • Page 87: Cancelling Ota Reprogramming

    Receiving stations can automatically reboot to the new image after suc- cessful reprogramming. Alternatively, there is an OTA reboot command that can be broadcast from the initiator to all receiving stations. This last option instructs the receivers to reboot to a specific firmware revision if available, and not already running at that revision.

  • Page 88: Com1 Operating Modes

    Data mode or Manage- ment mode, where user input can be accepted via either a menu inter- face, a command line interface, or a diagnostic interface such as GE MDS-proprietary DLINK protocol. The list below shows all possible...

  • Page 89: Implementing Sleep Mode

    8.4 Implementing Sleep Mode Sleep Mode places the transceiver into a low power “hibernating” state, with a nominal current draw of less than 10 mA (at 13 Vdc) and a “wake-up” time of approximately 50 milliseconds. Sleep Mode is often used at battery/solar-powered sites to conserve power.
  • Page 90 and wait for a poll and response before lowering it again. Connect the RS-232 line to Pin 4 of the radio’s port. This allows each Remote COM2 to be polled once per hour with a significant savings in power consump- tion.
  • Page 91 IC ID: SD2: 101D-SD2 SD4: 101D-SD4 SD9: 101D-SD9 FCC Emission Designators (SD2): 6.25 kHz B/W (MODEM 4800F): 3K24F1D, F2D, F3D 12.5 kHz B/W (MODEM 9600, 19200N): 9K322F1D, F2D, F3D 25.0 kHz B/W (MODEM 19200): 16K8F1D, F2D, F3D 5.0 kHz B/W (MODEM 3200): 2K80F1D, F2D, F3D 15.0 kHz B/W (MODEM 9600M, 19200E):...
  • Page 92 8.7 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart Table 19 is provided as a convenience for determining the equivalent wattage or voltage of an RF power expressed in dBm. Table 19. dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion—for 50 Ohm Systems dBm V dBm V dBm mV dBm µV 100.0 200W .225 1.0mW...
  • Page 93 9.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS If you are new to digital radio systems, some of the terms used in this guide may be unfamiliar. The following glossary explains many of these terms and will prove helpful in understanding the operation of the trans- ceiver.
  • Page 94 The transceiver described in this manual is hardwired as a DCE device. Digital Signal Processing—See DSP. DLINK—Data Link Mode. This is a GE MDS-proprietary protocol used when the transceiver is in diagnostics mode. DSP—Digital Signal Processing. The transceiver’s DSP is the core operating unit of the transceiver through which nearly all functions depend.
  • Page 95 Multiple Address System—See MAS. Network-Wide Diagnostics—An advanced method of controlling and interrogating GE MDS radios in a radio network. Node—An operating mode of the transceiver with respect to diag- nostic/management activities. See also GATE, PEER, and ROOT.
  • Page 96 Payload data—This is the application’s user communication data which is sent over the radio network. It is the transfer of payload data that is the primary purpose of the radio communications network. Peer—An operating mode of the transceiver with respect to diag- nostic/management activities.
  • Page 97 “transparent” to connected equipment at each end of a link. TX—Abbreviation for “Transmit.” WAN—Wide Area Network x710—The generic name for GE MDS legacy transceiver-family prod- ucts, including the MDS 9710 (900 MHz), MDS 4710 (400 MHz), 2710 (200 MHz) and MDS 1710 (100 MHz).
  • Page 98 NOTES SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D RSPSupply - 1-888-532-2706 - www.RSPSupply.com http://www.RSPSupply.com/p-8461-MDS-UP-SD9-MS2ES-Upgrade-Key-SD9-MS-to-SD9-ES.aspx...
  • Page 99 INDEX Hardware flow control, defined 85 Host computer, defined 85 Illustrations Active messaging (defined) 84 antenna, Yagi 18 Alarms MAS network 10, 14 alarm code definitions 72 network-wide diagnostics 75 major vs. minor 72 point-to-point link 11 Antenna remote station arrangement 16 installation 25 InSite software system gain, defined 84...
  • Page 100 RF, chart for converting dBm-Watts-Volts 89 mounting 25 specifications 83 mounting instructions 17 Procedures upgrading software 76 checking for alarms (STAT command) 71 Transmitter downloading new software 76 specifications 82 mounting the transceiver 17 system specifications 82 network-wide diagnostics 75, 81, 83 Troubleshooting 69–73 troubleshooting 69–73 performing network-wide diagnostics 75, 81, 83...
  • Page 101 IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY... GE MDS products are designed for long life and trouble-free operation. However, this equipment, as with all electronic equipment, may have an occasional component failure. The following information will assist you in the event that servicing becomes necessary.
  • Page 102 GE MDS, LLC 175 Science Parkway Rochester, NY 14620 Telephone: +1 585 242-9600 FAX: +1 585 242-9620 www.gemds.com RSPSupply - 1-888-532-2706 - www.RSPSupply.com http://www.RSPSupply.com/p-8461-MDS-UP-SD9-MS2ES-Upgrade-Key-SD9-MS-to-SD9-ES.aspx...

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