MDSTM Orbit ECR

Setup Guide

1.0

2.2

INTRODUCTION
TM

The MDS Orbit ECR (Edge Connect Router) Series is a flexible

industrial router for critical applications. The Orbit ECR offers
advanced networking capabilities including concurrent bridging and
routing, route failover, advanced QoS and GRE tunneling to enable
the transport of GOOSE, SCADA, and other critical automation
protocols over cellular and other RF uplinks reliably. The ECRs
advanced cyber security capabilities include IPSec VPNs, stateful
firewalling, MAC filtering, secure boot and tamper detection.
The Orbit ECR supports a single radio/modem uplink plus an
optional Wi-Fi. Its diverse portfolio includes 900MHz ISM,
multi-carrier cellular modems, WiFi, 400MHz/900MHz licensed
narrowband. It further packs a flexible Terminal Server to transport
serial/SCADA protocols over IP efficiently. Its user-friendly GUI
device manager uses configuration wizards to simplify provisioning.

Installation Steps

Installation details for the product may vary, depending on

site-specific factors. The steps here provide the basic tasks needed
at most sites.
1. Mount the unit. Attach the supplied brackets to the bottom of
the case (if not already attached), using the screws provided.
Mounting bracket dimensions are shown in Figure 2: Mounting
Bracket Dimensions. If DIN Rail mounting brackets are to be
used, consult the Technical Manual for details.
NOTE: To prevent moisture from entering the unit, 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 enclosure.

The Orbit ECR series shares the same firmware with the Orbit MCR
as well as the same portfolio of radio modules for full compatibility.
Units are offered with of 1 Ethernet/1 Serial and USB interfaces.

Figure 2: Mounting Bracket Dimensions

Figure 1: ECR Sample Unit, Showing Connectors & Indicators

1.1

2.

Technical Manual

This Setup Guide covers basic installation and startup instructions

for the unit. A more detailed Technical Manual is also available
(05-6632A01). Refer to the Technical Manual for important warnings, cautions and notes. GE MDS manuals, Setup guides, Firmware, drivers and Application Notes are available free of charge at
www.gemds.com.

Often, at least one of the antennas will be connected directly to

one of the coaxial connectors on the units front panel. When
remotely mounted antennas are used, coaxial feedlines should
be low loss and be kept as short as possible.

GE MDS has produced a series of instructional

videos for configuration and setup of the Orbit
products on YouTube. These are available free of
charge at: http://tinyurl.com/pey2ull

2.0
2.1

Proper grounding techniques should be applied. As an added

convenience, there is a tapped 6-32 hole on the underside of
the unit that can be used an screw and braid or ground
strap.

INSTALLATIONS
3.

Main Requirements

WARNING: When the unit is to be installed in hazardous

locations, use only the serial or Ethernet connections on the units
front panel. Do not use the USB port in hazardous locations.
There are three main requirements for installation:
Adequate and stable primary power (10-60 VDC).
Efficient and properly installed antennas for configured options.
Correct interface connections between the unit and associated data equipment.

05-6709A02, Rev. A

Install the antennas and feedlines. The antennas used must

be designed to operate in the appropriate frequency band and
be mounted in a location providing a clear path to the associated station(s). Antennas should be mounted away from large
masses of metal and other obstructions.

Connect the data equipment. Connection may be made

using any combination of Serial protocols (RS-232/RS-485),
Ethernet signaling, or USB. Refer to the Technical Manual for
wiring details.
Serial connection: Attach data equipment to the front panel
COM port. The unit is hardwired as a DCE device, thus a
straight-through Ethernet cable can be used with an RJ45 to
DB9-F adapter (GE MDS part no. 73-2434A12).
Ethernet connection: Attach data equipment to the front
panel ETH port. The auto-sensing MDIX feature allows either
a straight-through or crossover cable to be used.

GE MDS ECR Setup Guide

 USB connection: Attach data equipment to the front panel

mini USB port. The unit supports USB 2.0 with proper drivers
installed. Drivers available at www.gemds.com.
4. Connect primary power. Input power must be 10.0 to 60 Vdc
and capable of providing at least 15 watts. A power connector
with screw-terminals is provided (Figure 3, DC Power Connector). Strip the wire leads to 6 mm (1/4 inch) and insert them
into the wire ports. Be sure to observe proper polarity as
shown. Tighten the binding screws securely.
Key items that should be set/reviewed:

Create one-time programmable passwords for device

recovery.

Change login passwords (to maintain security).

Evaluate default factory configuration and lock it down to

required security level.

Figure 3, DC Power Connector

CAUTION: The unit is designed for negative-ground power
power systems only. The power supply should be equipped with
NEC Class 2 overload protection, to guard against a short circuit
between its output terminals and the units power connector.

2.3

Unit Configuration

2.3.1

Default Settings

As shipped from the factory, the unit is configured with a set of

pre-defined defaults. For example, when equipped with Cell, the
unit is configured to operate as a WiFi hotspot. (3G requires
carrier-specific configuration.) For 4G WiFi hotspot operation, the
unit normally contains the following settings:
WiFi enabled as an Access Point (AP)
SSID = GEMDS_SERNUM (SERNUM refers to the units
serial number, printed on a chassis sticker.)
SSID broadcast enabled
Security = WPA2-PSK, CCMP with passphrase:
GEMDS_ORBIT
Default Ethernet IP address 192.168.1.1/24
Firewall/NAT/DNS proxy enabled
DHCP enabled (192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.10)
If 900 MHz radio present (unlicensed), radio set to Remote
This configuration allows connection of a PC to the unit via WiFi or
the LAN port and access to the Internet via cellular, if equipped and
supported by a suitable service plan.

2.3.2

Connecting via Ethernet/WiFi

The configuration PC may be connected to the unit by hardwired

cable (USB, serial or Ethernet), or by WiFi. The following steps
describe a WiFi or Ethernet connection to the built-in web server.
This connection can be made using the WiFi or Ethernet information above. The initial sign-in prompt appears as shown below:

1.

Enter the username (default is admin).

2.

Enter the Password (default is admin). Press

. Upon
successful login, the Device Overview page appears.
For initial configuration the Setup Wizard appears and provides
guidance in typical setups. This will be disabled after the initial
setup, but may be re-run at any time from the Wizards page.

3.

Refer to the Technical Manual for detailed information on the above

items.

2.3.3

Connecting via Serial

The configuration PC may be connected to the unit by hardwired

cable (USB, serial, or Ethernet), or by WiFi. The following steps
describe a cabled serial cable connection, as illustrated in Figure 5.
Note that 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

Figure 4. Setup for PC ConfigurationSerial Port

(RJ-45 adapter is required)
Connect a PC to the units COM port and establish a console
terminal session, using HyperTerminal or a similar
communications program. The following parameters must be
used: 115200 bps, 8 bits, no parity, one stop bit (8N1), flow
control disabled, VT100 emulation.
NOTE: As an alternative, the unit may be configured via a
Secure Shell (SSH) terminal. For enhanced security, the unit does
not support Telnet configuration. Refer to the Technical Manual for
further information.
2. Press the ENTER key to receive the login prompt. The COM
LED flashes to indicate data communications.
3. Enter the username (admin is the default) and press ENTER .
4. At the Password prompt, enter the password (admin is the
default). Press ENTER . Upon successful login, the connection
message appears.
5. Enter the configuration mode by typing configure followed by
the ENTER key.
1.

6.

Review and configure all key settings for the required application. Built-in help is available by pressing the Tab key. A
summary of all unit settings may be viewed by entering the
% show | details command.
Tab-completion is a useful feature that presents CLI users
with assistance while typing commands. Depending on the text
that was already entered, tab-completion will display different
possible completions. When the Tab key is pressed and no text

GE MDS ECR Setup Guide

05-6709A02, Rev. A

7.

has been entered, the CLI shows all possible commands that
can be typed.
Key items that should be set/reviewed for the unit are:

Create one-time programmable passwords for device

recovery.

Change login passwords (to maintain security).

Evaluate default factory configuration and lock it down to

required security level.
Refer to the Technical Manual for detailed information on the
above items.
When finished, log out of the console session and disconnect
from the PC.

2.3.4

2.3.5

900 MHz Unlicensed Operation

An Orbit device configured as an ECR-900 provides

next-generation LAN extension operating in the FCC 900 MHz ISM
TM
band. Similar to the older MDS iNET-II 900 transceivers, it supports connection of Ethernet and/or Serial devices in the field in a
Point-to-Multipoint or Point-to-Point wireless network topology.
In its simplest configuration, the Network Name (3rd item down)
must be changed in all units. For the AP, you must change Device
Mode to AP and change Network Name to a valid entry. All other
parameters can remain at their default settings.

Cellular Setup and Connection

The MDS Orbit ECR is available with the following Cell options:

4G LTE, HSPA+,GSM/GPRS, CDMA (North America)

4G LTE, HSPA+,GSM/GPRS (EMEA/APAC)

3G GSM/UMTS/HSPA+ (Global)
Insert the SIM card with the power OFF and then information regarding the cellincluding IMEI and ICCIDcan be found in the
Cell Status section. Navigate to:
Home / Interfaces State / Interface = Cell
or type the following at the CLI prompt:
> show interfaces-state interface Cell cell-status
NOTE: 3G Dual SIM functionality is a selective order-entry
feature. Default units are shipped with only SIM-A enabled; SIM-B
is not supported.
For most setups all that is needed is to set the Access Point Name
(APN). Use the Interface Setup Wizard

Figure 6. Orbit ECR-900 -Remote Setup

Configure the remote to match the AP:
1. Set Device Mode to Remote.
2. Set Modem Mode - choices: 125kbps, 250kbps, 500kbps,
1000kbps, 1000Wkbps - 1250kbps, or auto.
3. Set Network Name - The name of the network.
4. Set Radio Mode to Mac 1.
5. Set Power - Valid values: 20 to 30 dBm.
6. Set Data Compression - LZO or none.

Figure 5. Cell Basic Setup Info

On the Web UI navigate to:

Review settings for the required application. Press the green Save
button at the top of the window.
NOTE: For ECR-900 MHz configurations, DHCP is typically
disabled to allow for configuration of a specific IP address. On the
Web UI, navigate to Services / Dhcp Server / Basic Config /General
, click on the Enabled box and press the green Save button at the
top of the window.

Interfaces / Cell / Basic Config / Cellular / Connection Profile

In the Bearer Config - enter the APN and press the Finish button
then the green Save button at the top of the window. (If Verizon 4G,
this field is pre-configured to vzwinternet.)
Or, use the following commands at CLI prompt:

2.4

Initial Checkout

In-service operation of the unit is completely automatic. The only

operator actions required are to apply power and observe the LEDS
for proper indications Table 1 summarizes the units LED functions.

LED Functions

4G LTE (Verizon Only):

> configure
% set interfaces interface Cell cell-config connection-profile PROFILE-1 bearer-config apn <APN>
% commit and-quit

Figure 7. LED Status Indicators

3G GSM (Global) and 4G LTE (EMEA/APAC):

> configure
% set interfaces interface Cell enable true
% set interfaces interface Cell cell-config connection-profile PROFILE-1 bearer-config apn <APN>
% commit and-quit

Table 1: Description of LED Status Indicators

LED Name

LED State

Description

PWR
(DC Power)

Off
Solid Green

No power to unit
Unit is powered, no problems
detected
Initializing-boot-up
Alarm indication

Solid Amber
Fast Blink/Red

05-6709A02, Rev. A

GE MDS ECR Setup Guide

(1x/sec.)

4.0
ETH
(Ethernet)

COM
(Serial
Comm. Port)

Off

No Ethernet link to network

Solid Green

Ethernet link present

Blinking Green

Ethernet traffic in/out

Off

No serial connection, or idle

Blinking Green

Serial traffic in/out

NOTE: As shown below, NIC1 and NIC2's operation will vary

depending on the interfaces installed. Refer to the Technical
Manual for further details.
LED -WiFi

State

Description

WiFi Interface

Off

Interface disabled

Access Point Mode

Solid Green

Operating as AP and at
least one client connection
Operating as an AP and no
client connection

Solid Red
Station Mode

Off
Solid Green

No connection
Wi-Fi connection
established.

LED - NIC - Cell

State

Description

Cell Interface

Off
Solid green

No cellular connection
Cell connection

The COM port (

Figure 8) is commonly used to connect an external DTE telemetry

device to the unit, supporting either the RS-232 or RS-485
(balanced) format, depending on how the device is configured. The
unit supports data rates of 300,1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200,
38400, 57600, 115200 and 230,000 bps (asynchronous data only).
This connector mates with a standard RJ-45 plug available from
many electronics parts distributors.

Figure 8. Com Connector (RJ-45)

As viewed from outside the unit.

4.1

Pin DescriptionsRS-232 Mode

Table 2 provides pin descriptions for the COM connector when

operating in RS-232 mode. Refer to the Technical Manual for
RS-422/485 descriptions.
Table 2: COM1 Pin DescriptionsRS-232
Pin #

LED NIC -900

MHz (NX915)

COM PORT REFERENCE

Input/
Output

Pin Description

Reserved

-- (Do not connect)

State

Description

Off

Interface disabled

Blink Red
Solid Red
Solid Green

NIC Initialization
No Remotes connected
Linked with at least 1
Remote

OUT

DCD (Data Carrier Detect)

Reserved

-- (Do not connect)

Blink Red

NIC Initialization / Not linked

to an Access Point
Linked with Access Point

Ground

Connects to ground (negative supply

potential) on chassis

OUT

RXD (Received Data)Supplies received

data to the connected device

NOTE: In addition to the LEDs above, the Ethernet

connector has two embedded LEDs. A flashing green indicates
Ethernet data activity. A yellow indicates 100 Mbps operation.

IN

TXD (Transmitted Data)Accepts TX data

from the connected device

3.0

OUT

CTS (Clear to Send)

IN

RTS (Request to Send)

Access Point Mode

Remote Mode

Solid Green

INSTALLATIONS

For proper operation, all units must meet the basic requirements
which follow. Check these items first when troubleshooting:
Adequate and stable primary power
Secure connections (antennas, data and power)
A clear transmission path between associated units
An efficient, properly installed antenna system
Proper configuration of unit settings
Correct interface between the unit and other equipment

3.1

LEDs & Event Logging

The units LED indicator panel can provide useful information when
troubleshooting. Refer to Table 1 for LED status indicators.
An event (such as an alarm condition) is a notification that something significant occurred on the unit. Events can be stored locally
and/or transported to a remote server. Consult the Technical
Manual for details on Event Logging, including Common Event
Expression (CEE) syntax.

NOTE: The unit is hardwired as a DCE device

Technical Assistance
Technical assistance is available by contacting the Technology
group GE MDS during business hours (8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern
Time). Please use one of the following means to contact the factory:
Telephone: (800) 474-0964 Option #3
E-mail: gemds.techsupport@ge.com
Web: www.gedigitalenergy.com/Communications
FAX: (585) 242-

GE MDS ECR Setup Guide

05-6709A02, Rev. A

REGULATORY AND PRODUCT

INFORMATIONMDS ORBIT ECR
Hazardous Locations Notice
EXPLOSION
HAZARD!

When installed in hazardous locations, use only

the serial and Ethernet connections on the units
front panel. Do not use the USB port in hazardous
locations.

RF Exposure Notice
To comply with RF exposure requirements, the antenna shall be installed to
ensure a minimum separation distance of 20 cm from persons. The antenna
may not be co-located or operated in conjunction with other transmitting
devices.
All RF modules contained within the Orbit ECR have a conducted RF power
maximum limit of 2W.

Approved Antennas
Only approved antennas may be used on the unit's RF output connectors,
examples are listed below. The use of non-approved antennas may result in
a violation of FCC rules and subject the user to FCC enforcement action.

standards for live electrical work should be followed to ensure personal

safety.
Manual Revision and Accuracy
This manual was prepared to cover a specific version of firmware code.
Accordingly, some screens and features may differ from the actual unit you
are working with. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure
the accuracy of this publication, product improvements may also result in
minor differences between the manual and the product shipped to you. If
you have additional questions or need an exact specification for a product,
please contact GE MDS, using the information at the back of this guide.
In addition, manual updates can be found on our web site at
www.gemds.com.
Environmental Information
The manufacture of this equipment has required the extraction and use of
natural resources. Improper disposal may contaminate the environment and
present a health risk due to hazardous substances contained within. To
avoid dissemination of these substances into our environment and to limit
the demand on natural resources, we encourage you to use the appropriate
recycling systems for disposal. 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 disposal of this
equipment.
Product Test Data Sheets

Antenna Application

GE MDS
Part Number

WiFi (indoor direct connect), RP SMA,

97-4278A34

Test Data Sheets showing the original factory test results for this unit are
available upon request from the GE MDS Quality Leader. Contact the
factory using the information at the back of this manual. Serial numbers
must be provided for each product where a Test Data Sheet is required.

WiFi (Magnetic Mount) 5 ft./1.52 m Cable, RP

SMA Plug (accessory) use with above

97-4278A78

CSA/US Notice

WiFi (outdoor external mount), Omni Ant. N M

Term., 2.4-2.5 GHz, 2 dBi Gain

97-4278A48

Cell (direct connect), 960/2170/2700MHz 2dBi SMA Paddle antenna (indoor)

97-2485A04

3G/4G Cellular (outdoor external mount, ground

plane),960/2170/2700MHz 4.5 DBi, N-FEMALE

97-2485A05

900 MHz NX915 - 5/8-wavelength Omni Ant. with

16" coax to N-Female connector

97-3194A17

2.4-2.5 GHz Antenna, 3.2dBi Gain

Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the

manufacturer could void the users authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Class A Notice
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.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if it
is not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, it may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.
Modifications: Any modifications made to this device that are not approved
by GE MDS LLC, Inc. may void the authority granted to the user by the FCC
to operate this equipment.
Industry Canada Notice
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numrique de la classe A est conforme la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.
Servicing Precautions
When servicing energized equipment, be sure to wear appropriate Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE). During internal service, situations could arise
where objects accidentally contact or short circuit components and the
appropriate PPE would alleviate or decrease the severity of potential injury.
When servicing radios, all workplace regulations and other applicable

05-6709A02, Rev. A

This product is approved for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C & D

Hazardous Locations. Such locations are defined in Article 500 of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publication NFPA 70, otherwise
known as the National Electrical Code. The transceiver has been recognized for use in these hazardous locations by the Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) which also issues the US mark of approval (CSA/US).
The CSA Certification is in accordance with CSA STD C22.2 No.
213-M1987.
CSA Conditions of Approval: The transceiver is not acceptable as a
stand-alone unit for use in the hazardous locations described above. It must
either be mounted within another piece of equipment which is certified for
hazardous locations, or installed within guidelines, or conditions of approval,
as set forth by the approving agencies. These conditions of approval are as
follows: The transceiver must be mounted within a separate enclosure
which is suitable for the intended application. The antenna feedline, DC
power cable and interface cable must be routed through conduit in accordance with the National Electrical Code. Installation, operation and
maintenance of the transceiver should be in accordance with the transceiver's installation manual and the National Electrical Code. Tampering or
replacement with non-factory components may adversely affect the safe
use of the transceiver in hazardous locations and may void the approval. A
power connector with screw-type retaining screws, as supplied by GE MDS,
must be used.
Do not disconnect equipment unless power has
been switched off or the area is known to be
non-hazardous. Refer to Articles 500 through 502 of
EXPLOSION
the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) for further
HAZARD!
information on hazardous locations and approved
Division 2 wiring methods.
Grounding Requirements
To minimize the chance of damage to the unit and connected equipment, a
safety ground (NEC Class 2 compliant) is recommended which bonds the
antenna system, chassis, power supply and connected data equipment to a
single-point ground, keeping all ground leads as short as possible.
Normally, the unit is adequately grounded if the supplied flat mounting
brackets are used to mount it to a well-grounded metal surface. If the unit is
not mounted to a grounded surface, it is recommended that a safety ground
wire be attached to one of the mounting brackets or a screw on the enclosure.
The use of a lightning protector is recommended where the antenna cable
enters the building. Bond the protector to the tower/support ground, if possible. All grounds and cabling must comply with applicable codes and regulations

GE MDS ECR Setup Guide