GE SD2 4 9 - Ref - Man
GE SD2 4 9 - Ref - Man
GE SD2 4 9 - Ref - Man
MDS SD Series
Manual
Secure, Long Range Data Communications
Operation
Reference
Installation and
Covering Units Operating in x710 Mode
with Firmware Version 3.x
3.0 Applications........................................................................................................................... 7
7.0 TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................ 36
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. Toavoid dissemination of these substances into our environment, and
to limit the demand on natural resources, we encourage you to use the appropriate recycling sys-
tems for disposal. These systems will reuse or recycle most of thematerials 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.
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 theapproving 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 accor-
dance 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 throug h 502 of the National El ectrical Code
EXPLOSION (NFPA 70) for further information on hazardous locations and approved Division 2 wiring
HAZARD! methods.
Software Notations This product is designed for software control via a connected PC. To
show the names of software commands, keyboard entries, or other infor-
mation displayed on a PC screen, a distinctive, bolded font is used as fol-
lows:
Bolded font example (used for software commands and keyboard entries)
Model Number The term “SD” or “SD Series” is used in this manual to denote all
Notations models in the SD product line. Specific model numbers such as “MDS
SD2” (216-235 MHz) “MDS SD4” (350-512 MHz) and MDS SD9
(928-960 MHz) are used only when necessary to reference model-spe-
cific features. This manual applies to all SD radios operating in x710
Mode.
Authorization Some features of the radio are dependent on purchased options and
Features applicable regulatory constraints. A “key” icon is shown near the
heading of any such features in thismanual. If your radio is not currently
authorized for a needed feature, contact your factory representative for
information on obtaining a new authorization code/key.
The radio’s x710 Mode is designed primarily for use in serial polled net-
works where a central station communicates with each remote, one at a
time to convey data and control signals. For models operating in this
mode, the radio offers direct, drop-in compatibility with existing x710
networks while providing additional functionality not found in MDS
x710 radios.
DC INPUT
POWER
SERIAL DATA ANTENNA
CONNECTORS (DB-9) CONNECTOR (TNC)
COM1 used for radio management
NOTE: Some features may not be available on all units, depending on the
options purchased and regulatory constraints for the region in which
the radio will operate.
RTU
REMOTE RADIO
OR: SDA-Augmented
Master Station
HOST SYSTEM
HOST
COMPUTER
RTU
The keying behavior of the master station can be used to describe the
operation of an MAS system.
ANTENNA SYSTEM
Master Stations typically use
omni-directional antenna
TRANSCEIVER
DC POWER SUPPLY
Negative Ground Only
IAL
SER
E
LIN
ED
FE
S
OS
-L
O W
L
TO
DATA TELEMETRY
DEVICE
2.75˝ (7 cm)
6.675˝ (16.95 cm)
NOTE: To prevent moisture from entering the radio, do not mount the case
with the c able connectors pointin g up. Also, dress all ca bles to
prevent moisture from running along the cables and into the radio.
The DIN Rail bracket attaches to the unit’s case as shown in Figure 8.
The entire assembly then attaches to the mounting rail.
Release Tab
Step 1: Attach the bracket using the Step 2: Clip the assembly onto the
two screws provided. (Attach to DIN Rail. Removal is performed by
the end opposite the unit’s connectors.) pulling down on the Release Tab.
Feedlines
The selection of an antenna feedline is very important. Poor quality
cable should be avoided as it will result in power losses that may reduce
the range and reliability of the radio system.
Table 3, Table 4, and Table 4 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.
NOTE: The radio is designed for use in negative ground systems only.
Other custom cables or adapter kits are only needed for analog operation
or other special-use applications.
5 GND GND 5
Table 6 and Table 7 provide detailed pin descriptions for theCOM2 data
port in RS/EIA-232 mode and RS/EIA-485 mode, respectively.
5 1
Figure 12. COM2 Connector (DB-9F)
As viewed from outside the radio
9 6
Pin Descriptions— Table 6 lists the COM2 port pin functions when configured to operate in
RS/EIA-232 Mode RS/EIA-232 mode.
Pin Descriptions— Table 7 lists the COM2 port pin functions for radios configured to operate
RS/EIA-422/485 in RS/EIA-422/485 mode. See Figure 13 for wiring schemes.
Mode
Table 7. COM2 Connector Pin Descriptions—RS/EIA-485 Mode
Pin Input/
Number Output Pin Description
1 OUT Carrier Detect/Link—A low indicates signal received.
2 OUT TXD+/TXA (Received Data +)—Non-inverting driver output.
Supplies received payload data to the connected device.
3 IN RXD+/RXA (Transmitted Data +)— (Transmitted Data +).
Non-inverting receiver input. Accepts payload data from the
connected device.
4 IN Sleep Mode Input—Grounding this pin places the radio in a
low power consumption mode.
5 -- Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential) on
the radio’s PC board.
6 OUT Alarm Output—Behavior is user-configurable. Default
behavior: A high on this pin indicates an alarm condition; a low
indicates normal operation.
7 IN RXD-/RXB (Transmitted Data -)— Inverting receiver input
8 OUT TXD-/TXB (Received Data -)—Inverting driver output.
9 -- Reserved—User I/O for special applications
EXTERNAL DEVICE
EXTERNAL DEVICE
DATA CONNECTOR
DATA CONNECTOR
TXD + 2 RXD + TXD + 2
RXD+/TXD+
RADIO
RADIO
RXD + 3 RXD – RXD + 3
RXD – 7 TXD + RXD – 7
RXD–/TXD–
TXD – 8 TXD – TXD – 8
The Ethernet port may be used tosupport radio management via Telnet.
Telnet provides the same user interface available via COM1.
87654 321
2. Install the antenna and feedline. The antenna used with the radio
must be designed to operate in the radio’s frequency band, and be
mounted in a location providing a clear path to the associated sta-
tion(s). At Remote sites, aim directional antennas toward the master
unit. Low loss coaxial feedline should be used and it should be kept
as short as possible.
If all parameters are correctly set, operation of the radio can be started
by following these steps:
1. Apply DC power.
2. Observe the LED status panel for proper indications (Table 9).
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
RSSI command can be used to display signal strength. Turn the
antenna heading slowly so that the RSSI display can be updated.
NOTE: The RSSI faci lity limits the max imum di splayed signal stren gth to –60
dBm.
Invisible place holder
NOTE: Not all PCs include a serial port. If one is not available, a USB port may be
used, along wit h a USB -to-Serial adapter (wi th appropriate dri ver soft -
ware). Adapters are available from many manufacturers.
NOTE: If COM1 has been configured to boot into data mode, pressing ENTER
within 10 seconds of boot-up switches it into console (management) mode.
Console mode is required for the following steps.
Transceiver
NOTE: TX and RX frequencies may not be set when the radio is shipped from the
factory, depending on ordering options. If frequencies have not been set,
the PWR led will flash, in dicating an alarm condition. The alarm will be
cleared after the frequencies are set. In all cases, users shoul d verify that
the frequencies are properly set in accordance with the station license.
Entering Commands
To enter a command, type the command, followed by an ENTER key-
stroke. For programming commands, the command is followed by
SPACE and the appropriate information or values, then ENTER .
INIT Details Page 28 Set radio parameters to factory defaults for the
radio outside the P-20 Protected Network
Chassis.
INIT [SDx] Details Page 28 Configure radio for use outside of the Protected
Network Chassis (SDxP). Restores certain
transceiver defaults changed by the INIT P-20
command.
INIT [P-20] Details Page 28 Configure radio for service within a P-20
Protected Network Chassis.
KEY Details Page 29 Key the radio (transmitter ON). This is generally a
radio test command.
MENU Details Page 29 Activates the radio’s menu-based program (if
supported).
MODEL1 Details Page 29 Shows configuration order entry string associated
with the radio. Programmed at the factory.
MODEL2 Details Page 29 Shows an identifier string associated with the
radio’s hardware bill of materials and revision.
Programmed at the factory.
MODEM [xxxx] Details Set the modem characteristics of the radio.
Page 29
In many cases, the commands shown here can be used in two ways.
First, you can type only the command name to view the currently pro-
grammed data. Secondly, you can set or change the existing data by
typing the command, followed by a space, and then the desired entry. In
the list below, allowable programming variables, if any, are shown in
brackets following the command name.
ALARM
Alarm Summary The ALARM command displays a summary of the radio’s current oper-
ating condition. An eight-digit code will be presented which can be
decoded as described in “Major Alarms vs. Minor Alarms” on Page 37.
Alarm Mask The AMASK command displays or sets which events cause an alarm
output signal to be active.Normally, the mask is FFFF FFFF, meaning that
any of the 32 possible events will activate the alarm output signal.
Entering the AMASK command alone displays the current setting of alarm
events in hexadecimal format.
Entering the ASENSE command alone shows whether the alarm output is
active high or low. Entering the ASENSE command followed by HI or LO
resets the alarm output to active high or low.
a = Data bits (7 or 8)
b = Parity (N for None, O for Odd, E for Even)
c = Stop bits (1 or 2)
The factory default setting is 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
(Example: 9600 8N1).
NOTE: 7N1, 8O2, and 8E2 are invalid communication settings and are
not supported by the transceiver.
BIN
Data Counters Used to display or clear the data counters. Use BIN DATA to display. Use
BIN CLEAR to clear the counters.
BOOT
Software Reboot Used to initiate a software reboot. Use BOOT alone to reboot the cur-
rently running firmware image. Use BOOT 1 or BOOT 2 to reboot to firm-
ware image 1 or image 2, respectively.
If data buffering is OFF, the radio operates with the lowest possible
average latency. Data bytes are thus sent out the DATA INTERFACE port
as soon as an incomingRF data frame is disassembled. Average and typ-
ical latency will both be below 10 ms, but idle character gaps may be
introduced into the outgoing data flow.
If data buffering is ON, the radio operates in seamless mode. Data bytes
will be sent over the air as quickly as possible, but the receiver buffers
(stores) the data until enough bytes have arrived to cover worst-case
gaps in transmission. This mode of operation is required for protocols
such as MODBUS™ that do not allow gaps in their data transmission.
Note that seamless mode (BUFF ON) is intended only for applications
where the transmitter’s baud rate is greater than or equal to the
receiver’s baud rate. Enforcement of this rule is left up to the user.
CKEY [ON–OFF]
Key TX The CKEY command enables or disables the continuously-keyed func-
Continuously tion of the radio. WhenCKEY is set to ON, the radio is continuously keyed
and the Timeout Timer is disabled.
CTS [0–255]
Clear-to-Send Time The CTS (clear-to-send) command selects or displays the timer value
associated with the CTS line response. The command parameter ranges
from 0 to 255 milliseconds.
For DCE operation, the timer specifies how long to wait after the RTS
line goes high, before the radio asserts CTS and the DTE can transmit
the data. A CTS value of zero keys the radio and asserts the CTS line
immediately after the RTS line goes high.
For CTS Key operation (see DEVICE command), the timer specifies how
long to wait after asserting the CTS, before sending data out the DATA
INTERFACE port. A timer value of zero means that data will be sent out
the data port without imposing a key-up delay. (Other delays may be
present based on selected radio operating parameters.)
Clear-to-Send Hold Used in DEVICE CTS KEY mode, this command sets the amount of time in
Time milliseconds that CTS remains present after transmission of the last
character out the RXD pin of the DATA port. This “hold time” can be
used to prevent squelch tail data corruption when communicating with
other radios.
Key on Data Activity The DATAKEY command enables or disables the ability of the radio to key
the transmitter as data is received at the DATA INTERFACE connector.
Asserting RTS keys the radio regardless of this command setting.
If DATAKEY is set to ON, the radio will key when a full data-character is
received at the transceiver’s DATA INTERFACE connector. If DATAKEY is
set to OFF, the radio needs to be keyed by asserting RTS.
DEV
Modem Deviation Displays modem control deviation in Hertz (Hz). This is a read-only
command, and cannot be changed in the field.
Data Device Mode The DEVICE command controls or displays the device behavior of the
radio. The command parameter is either DCE or CTS KEY.
In DCE mode (the default setting), CTS will go high following RTS, sub-
ject to the CTS programmable delay time. If the DATAKEY command is
set to ON, keying can be stimulated by the input of characters at the data
port. Hardware flow control is implemented by signaling the CTS line if
data arrives faster than it can be buffered and transmitted.
DKEY
Unkey Transmitter This command deactivates the transmitter after it has been keyed with
the KEY command.
Diagnostic Link This command is used to configure the local diagnostic link protocol
used in network-wide diagnostics.
Entering DLINK ON enables the diagnostic link. Entering DLINK OFF dis-
ables the diagnostic link.
To change the diagnostic link, enter DLINK followed by one of the fol-
lowing baud rates: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 (default), 38400,
57600, 115200.
DTYPE [NODE/ROOT]
Unit’s Diagnostics This command establishes the local radio as a root radio or node radio
Type for network-wide diagnostics. Entering DTYPE NODE configures the
radio as a node radio. EnteringDTYPE ROOT configures the radio as a root
radio. Entering the DTYPE command alone displays the current setting.
DUMP
Read Current Unit This command causes all of the programmed settings to be displayed.
Profile
EMP [ON/OFF]
ETHADDR
HELP
IPCONFIG
IPCONFIG NET [netmask] and IPCONFI GW are used to set subnet mask and
gateway, respectively.
INIT
Initialize EEPROM The INIT command is used to re-initialize the radio’s operating parame-
Defaults ters to the factory defaults. This may be helpful when trying to resolve
configuration problems that may have resulted from the entry of one or
more improper command settings. If you are unsure of which command
setting may have caused the problem, this command allows you to get
back to a known working state. The following changes to the radio are
made when INIT is entered:
• CTS is set to 0
• DATAKEY is set to ON
• DEVICE is set to DCE
• PTT is set to 0
• SCD is set to 0
• TOT is set to 30 seconds and set to ON
• PWR is set to +37 dBm (5 watts)
INIT [SDx]
(Where “x” denotes SD radio model)
Initialization (for This command sets the transceiver for “normal” operation outside the
standalone radio) P-20 chassis by setting the following parameters to the values shown
below:
ASENSE ACTIVE HI
INIT [P-20]
Initialization for P-20 This command sets the transceiver for service inside a P-20 redundant
Implementation chassis by setting the following parameters to the values shown below:
ASENSE ACTIVE LO
KEY
TX Key This command activates the transmitter. See also the DKEY command.
MENU
Menu Activate Activates the menu-based program within the transceiver (when sup-
ported), used for reprogramming the unit’s firmware.
MODEL1
Displays the software configuration of the radio when as left the factory.
MODEL2
Displays the hardware configuration bill of material identifier,
MODEM [xxxx]
Analog/Digital This command selects the radio’s modem characteristics. For digital
Modem Selection operation enter MODEM xxxx, where xxxx equals the modem selection of
the radio. Table 11 shows the supported modem types.
Modem 96001 9600 12.5 -112 dBm -112 dBm -112 dBm
Modem 48001, 2 4800 12.5 -112 dBm -112 dBm -112 dBm
Modem 9600M1, 2 9600 12.5 -106 dBm -106 dBm -106 dBm
Modem 4800F 4800 6.25 -108 dBm -108 dBm -108 dBm
Modem 9600B 1 9600 12.5 -106 dBm -106 dBm -106 dBm
Modem 4800B1 4800 12.5 -110 dBm -110 dBm -110 dBm
Modem BELL1 1200 12.5 -110 dBm -110 dBm -110 dBm
Modem V23 1200 12.5 -110 dBm -110 dBm -110 dBm
Modem 19200N 19200 12.5 -100 dBm -100 dBm -102 dBm
Modem 19200E2 19200 12.5 -96 dBm -96 dBm -96 dBm
Modem 9600N 9600 6.25 -98 dBm -98 dBm -98 dBm
Modem 19200 19200 25.0 -105 dBm -105 dBm -105 dBm
Modem NONE For analog operation with an external modem. See below.
For analog operation with an external modem, enter NONE for this
parameter. When the MODEM is set toNONE, the analog TX Input and RX
Audio outputs of the DATA INTERFACE will be used to interface with the
connected external modem, and digital operation is disabled. These
levels must be set to complement the audio signal level requirements of
the external modem. See “RXLEVEL [–20 to 0]” on page 32 and
“TXLEVEL [–20 to 0, AUTO]” on Page 35 for details on setting these
levels.
To display the owner’s message, type OWM then ENTER . The owner’s
message appears on the display.
OWN [XXX...]
PTT [0–255]
RSSI
Received Signal This command continuously displays the radio’s Received Signal
Strength Indicator Strength Indication (RSSI) in dBm units, until you press the Enter key.
Incoming signal strengths up to -60 dBm can be read.
RTS Keying Used to set/display how the radio responds to RTS keying. The default
Behavior setting is RTSKEY OFF, which causes the radio to respond to RTS by
keying the transmitter. When RTSKEY OFF is selected, key-on-RTS is
suppressed.
RTU [ON/OFF/0-80]
RTU Emulator This command enables or disables the radio’s internal RTU simulator,
which runs with proprietary polling programs such as poll.exe and
rsim.exe. The internal RTU simulator is available whenever a radio has
diagnostics enabled. This command also sets the RTU address that the
radio will respond to.
The internal RTU can be used for testing system payload data or pseudo
bit error rate testing. Itcan be helpful in isolating a problem to either the
external RTU or the radio.
RX [xxx.xxxx]
Receive Frequency This command selects ordisplays the radio’s receive frequency in MHz.
The frequency step size is 625 Hz.
RXLEVEL [–20 to 0]
RX Audio Output The RXLEVEL command selects or displays the desired receive audio
Level output level. For more information, refer to the detailed description of
analog operation beginning on Page 42.
Loss of RX Data The RXTOT command selects or displays the receive time-out timer value
Alarm Time in minutes. This timer triggers an alarm (event 12)if data is not detected
within the specified time.
SCD [0-255]
Soft-Carrier Dekey This command displays or changes the soft-carrier dekey delay in milli-
seconds.
This timer specifies how long to wait after the removal of the keying
signal before actually releasing the transmitter. A value of 0 millisec-
onds will unkey the transmitter immediately after the removal of the
keying signal.
SER
Radio’s Serial This command displays the radio’s serial number as recorded at the fac-
Number tory.
SNR
RX Signal-to-Noise This command continuously displays the signal-to-noise ratio of the
Ratio received signal expressed in dB, until you press the Enter key. As used
in this guide, the signal-to-noise measurement is based upon the signal
level following equalization, for received frames.
When the SNR command is used, it causes the DIAG. port to enter an
update mode, and the signal-to-noise ratio is updated and redisplayed
every 2 seconds. The SNR continuously updates until the ENTER key is
pressed.
SPECTRUM [xxx.xx]
Internal Spectrum Activates the built-in spectrum analyzer tool (see Figure 16) that can be dis-
Analyzer played on a connected PC. This tool is helpful in diagnosing interference prob-
lems on or near your channel frequency.
Access the spectrum analyzer by entering spectrum at the command prompt. A
display appears showing detected signals on your current channel.
SREV
Software/Firmware This command displays the software revision level of the transceiver
Revision Level firmware.
STAT
Alarm Status This command displays the current alarm status of the transceiver.
If more than one alarm exists, the word MORE appears at the bottom of
the screen and additional alarms are viewed by pressing the ENTER
key. Detailed descriptions of event codes are provided in Table 13 on
Page 37.
TFTP Settings Used to set/display all TFTP settings for upgrading the radio’s firmware
through the Ethernet port using TFTP transfer. The command may be
used in several different ways:
TFTP HOST[ipaddr] is used to set the IP address of the TFTP server hosting
the firmware.
TFTP GET is used after the above commands to begin the TFTP transfer.
TEMP
TX Timeout-Timer This command sets or displays the transmitter Time-out Timer value
(1–255 seconds), as well as the timer status (ON or OFF). If the timer is
on, and the radio remains keyedfor a longer duration than theTOT value,
the transmitter is automatically unkeyed.
TX [xxx.xxxx]
TX Audio Input Level The TXLEVEL command selects or displays the expected transmit audio
input level from an external modem. For more information, refer to the
detailed description of analog operation beginning on Page 42.
Unit Address The unit address is the radio’s unique identity for the network’s diag-
nostic activities. The unit will respond to a request for diagnostics code
broadcast by the Master Station to all Remotes in an MAS network, if
its unit address matches the number broadcast. The default number is
programmed by the factory to the last five digits of the serial number.
VERSION
Firmware Version Displays package version information for each firmware image.
7.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
Successful troubleshooting of the radio system is not difficult, but it
requires a logical approach. It is best to begin troubleshooting at the
master station, as the rest of the system depends on the master for
polling commands. If the master station has problems, the operation of
the entire network can be compromised.
RECEIVER
Maximum Usable Sensitivity: –112 dBm at 1x10–6 BER (9600 BPS)
NOTE: This is a typical sensitivity rating at 9600 BPS. See Table 11 on Page 29 for
detailed listings by modem type.
TRANSMITTER
Carrier Power: 0.1 Watts to 5 Watts
Power Measurement Accuracy: +/- 1.5 dB
NOTE: RF output limited to 2 watts for SD2 radios operating in Band B (220-222 MHz).
DATA CHARACTERISTICS
PRIMARY POWER
ENVIRONMENTAL
DIAGNOSTICS INTERFACE
RTU DTYPE
NODE
RTU
DTYPE
NODE
TO DATA PORT
(DB-25)
TO DIAGNOSTICS
PORT (DB-9)
DTYPE
ROOT
MASTER STATION
DIAGNOSTICS DATA
(TO InSite) PAYLOAD DATA
(TO SCADA APPLICATION)
HOST COMPUTER
1. Program one radio in the network as the root radio by entering the
DTYPE ROOT command at the radio.
2. At the root radio, use the DLINK ON and DLINK [baud rate] commands
to configure the diagnostic link protocol on the Management Port.
7. Launch the InSite application at the PC. (See the InSite User’s
Guide for instructions—Part No. 05-3696A01.)
Physical Interface
The physical interface for analog operation utilizes pins on radio'sCOM1
(management) connector. This connector is multiplexed with the serial
data lines used for software commands. The applicable pins of the DB-9
are as follows:
Operational Characteristics
Analog operation is available in two general modes: Analog-only or
Mixed Analog/Digital.
Audio signal levels are governed by the RXLEVEL and TXLEVEL com-
mand. Both commands support a rangefrom -20 dbm to 0 dbm. For RX
operation, this means that a received signal at the peak deviation will be
scaled to the specified RXLEVEL. For TX operation, this means that a
transmit input signal of the specified TXLEVEL will translate into the
specified peak deviation for transmit. Note that TXLEVEL can also be set
to AUTO to automatically scale the input to the target deviation. Values
outside the expected range will cause clipping of the RF signal.
NOTE: Only firmwa re spe cifically de signed for this model of radio
may be installed in the unit.
1. A valid firmware file (see web address above). This will be a file
with a .mpk extension.
TP R ETHERN
TFRVE ET ET
S TELN
E CA
& BLE
TO LAN
PORT
INITIATE UPLOAD
FROM HERE
TFTP HUB/LAN/WAN/MAN
SERVER TCP/IP
ETHERNET
PORT
TRANSCEIVER
IP ADDRESS: w.x.y.z
TO LAN
PORT
INITIATE UPLOAD
FROM HERE
Upgrade Procedure To load a new firmware file (filename.mpk) into the transceiver via TFTP,
(TFTP) follow these steps:
1. Connect an Ethernet cable between the radio’s LAN port and the PC
(refer to Figure 18 or Figure 19, as applicable). Verify that the
yellow LED on the radio’s LAN port lights and stays lit. This verifies
that the network is functioning.
2. Launch the TFTP server on the PC. If using the GE MDS TFTP
Server, click the Options tab (A in Figure 20 below) and modify the
Outgoing path (B) using your browser to point to the folder where the
reprogramming package (.mpk file) is located. The path (C) will be
displayed once the operation is completed. Leave the application
running until reprogramming on the radio is complete.
3. Launch a Telnet session and connect to the radio using its pro-
grammed IP address. (The radio and PC must be on the same IP net-
work to connect via Telnet.)
5. Enter tftp get to begin reprogramming. The file is loaded into the
radio’s inactive image. A series of progress messages display every
few seconds indicating the reprogramming status, followed by
Reprogramming Complete when the process is finished.
6. Reboot the radio to the other image using the boot other command.
(At the Are you sure? message, make sure to enter y within 5 seconds
or the operation will be cancelled and you will be returned to the >
prompt.) After y is pressed, the message Rebooting to image... will be
displayed.
7. Enter the SREV command to verify the radio is running the new
application image. This completes the TFTP upgrade procedure.
NOTE: If a firmware installation fails, the radio is left with the original
active image intact, and the in active image will be unusable.
Reprogramming should be attempted again.
What You Will Need To install firmware by serial transfer, you will need:
1. A valid firmware file (see web address given under “Upgrading the
Radio’s Firmware” on Page 44). This will be a file with a .s28
extension.
Transceiver
2. At the > prompt, enter program and at the ARE YOU SURE? prompt
enter yes.
4. At the LOADER> prompt enter program. Do not type any more charac-
ters at the prompt.
This process initiates the file transfer and causes the radio to repro-
gram the inactive image. When using HyperTerminal to perform
reprogramming, no status indication is available.
7. Reboot the unit by typing the exit command at the LOADER> prompt.
This completes the serial upgrade procedure. To verify that the radio
is running the newly loaded firmware image, enter the srev com-
mand after rebooting.
Bits-per-second—See BPS.
Byte—A string of digital data usually made up of eight data bits and
start, stop and parity bits.
Decibel (dB)—A measure computed from the ratio between two signal
levels. Frequently used to express the gain (or loss) of a system.
Poll—A request for data issued fromthe host computer (or master PLC)
to a remote radio.
S
SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition),
defined 53
SCD command 33
SER command 33
Set
alarm output state (ASENSE command) 24
alarm triggers (AMASK command) 23
receive time-out timer value (RXTOT command) 32, 33,
35
SHOW command 33
Signal
loss due to coaxial cable length at 960 MHz, table 12
Simplex 8
single-frequency operation 8
special case of switched carrier operation 8
Sleep mode
shown by PWR LED status indicator 18
SNR command 33
Software
diagnostics and control used from PC 44
display revision level 34
upgrading 44
Specifications
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Technical assistance for GE MDS products is available from our Technical Support Department during
business hours (8:30 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Eastern Time). When calling, please give the complete model
number of the radio, along with a description of the trouble/symptom(s) that you are experiencing. In many
cases, problems can be resolved over the telephone, without the need for returning the unit to the factory.
Please use one of the following means for product assistance:
Phone: 585 241-5510 E-Mail: gemds.techsupport@ge.com
FAX: 585 242-8369 Web: www.gemds.com
FACTORY SERVICE
Component level repair of this equipment is not recommended in the field. Many components are installed
using surface mount technology, which requires specialized training and equipment for proper servicing.
For this reason, the equipment should be returned to the factory for any PC board repairs. The factory is
best equipped to diagnose, repair and align your radio to its proper operating specifications.
If return of the equipment is necessary, you must obtain a Service Request Order (SRO) number. This
number helps expedite the repair so that the equipment can be repaired and returned to you as quickly as
possible. Please be sure to include the SRO number on the outside of the shipping box, and on any corre-
spondence relating to the repair. No equipment will be accepted for repair without an SRO number.
SRO numbers are issued online at www.gemds.com/support/product/sro/. Your number will be issued
immediately after the required information is entered. Please be sure to have the model number(s), serial
number(s), detailed reason for return, “ship to” address, “bill to” address, and contact name, phone number,
and fax number available when requesting an SRO number. A purchase order number or pre-payment will
be required for any units that are out of warranty, or for product conversion.
If you prefer, you may contact our Product Services department to obtain an SRO number:
Phone Number: 585-241-5540
Fax Number: 585-242-8400
E-mail Address: gemds.productservices@ge.com
The radio must be properly packed for return to the factory. The original shipping container and packaging
materials should be used whenever possible. All factory returns should be addressed to:
GE MDS, LLC
Product Services Department
(SRO No. XXXX)
175 Science Parkway
Rochester, NY 14620 USA
When repairs have been completed, the equipment will be returned to you by the same shipping method
used to send it to the factory. Please specify if you wish to make different shipping arrangements. To
inquire about an in-process repair, you may contact our Product Services Group using the telephone, Fax,
or E-mail information given above.
GE MDS, LLC
175 Science Parkway
Rochester, NY 14620
Telephone: +1 585 242-9600
FAX: +1 585 242-9620
www.gemds.com