For long-range wireless SCADA, use our data radios or our SCADA RTUs for Remote Autonomous Zone Nodes (RAZNs)

Serial Data Communications

The most common serial communication protocols are RS232, RS485, RS422, USB, and Ethernet.  But because USB and Ethernet require powerful interfaces with complex protocols, many efficient devices utilized RS232, RS485, and RS422 which is what this note is all about. For more information, read Application AN236(SerialComm)

Serial Protocol Comparison Chart

The Advantages of RS485 and RS422 vs RS232

RS485 and RS422 use differentiation. Two wires are required for each signal.  The figure below shows a single RS485 / RS422 signal being transmitted. To transmit a logic 1, line B is high and line A is low. To transmit a logic 0, line B is low and line A is high. The advantage of this arrangement is that signals can be transmitted faster and over greater distances than is possible with a single wire.

The main differences between RS422 and RS485 is the types of communications allowed.

RS422 allows only one-way (simplex) communications between one driver, and as many as ten receiving devices. To control devices and need no feedback from them, RS-422 multi-drop network will work well. The output data driver from the master is always enabled. Full Duplex communication.

RS422 (One Master and up to 10 Slaves)

1 Driver up to 10 Receivers

RS485 was designed to address the multi-drop limitation of RS422, allowing up to 32 devices to communicate. In RS485 each driver can be switched off allowing multiple units to send data. The Output data drivers from the masters are disabled unless data is coming out of a master.

RS485 (Many Masters and Many Slaves)

Up to 32 Driver/Receiver Pairs

RS-422 and RS-485 transceivers are sometimes confused with each other.  One type is assumed to be a full-duplex version of the other. RS-485 meets most all the RS-422 specifications, RS-485 drivers can be used in RS-422 applications. RS-422 drivers cannot be used with RS-485. 4-Wire RS-485 networks are the same as RS-422 Multi-Drop Networking. An RS-422 device is used as the master and an RS485 device is used as a slave in a 4-Wire RS-485 bus.

RS-232 Information

RS232 serial ports consists of just two communication wires:

A. one for sending data and another for receiving. As such, serial devices should have two serial pins:
B. the receiver, RX, and the transmitter, TX.

Communication data is based upon the voltage on the wires, relative to the ground level. A ground connection must be made between devices that communicate with RS-232.  This is an RS232 wiring diagram:

A digital 1 voltage is:  -3V to -25V

A digital 0 voltage is:  +3V to +25V

RS232 data is sent serially, each bit is sent one after the next because there is only one data line in each direction. This mode of data transmission also requires that the receiver knows when the actual data bits are arriving so that it can synchronize itself to the incoming data. To achieve this a logic 0 is sent as a synchronization start bit.

RS422 (Single Driver Communications)

RS422 is designed to be tolerant of noise and forgiving of long cable runs. It is typically used between one transmitter receiver pair to one other transmitter receiver pair. Each output can drive up to 10 receivers. It achieves this by using a differential current drive output which has high immunity to noise. The noise immunity enables RS422 systems to operate over very long connections, much better than RS232, US, and Ethernet.

Each signal uses two wires to pass the data. The differential voltage on the A and B wires represent the digital value. If B>A the value is 1. If A>B then value is 0.

A multi-drop wiring has many desirable advantages, RS422 devices cannot be used to construct a truly multi-point network. A true multi-point network consists of multiple drivers and receivers connected on a single bus, where any node can transmit or receive data.

RS422 Multi-Drop

A multi-drop wiring has many desirable advantages.

RS422 devices cannot be used to construct a truly multi-point network.

A true multi-point network consists of multiple drivers and receivers connected on a single bus where any node can transmit or receive data.

RS422 networks are often used in a half-duplex mode similar to RS485. The RS-422 products that can do multi-drop communications, are actually RS-485 4-wire systems.

RS485(Multiple Driver Communications)

RS485 is similar to RS422 upon which it is based. The main difference is that up to 32 transmitter receiver pairs may be present on the RS485 lines at one time. RS-485 is generally a 2-wire half duplex system. AN RS485 4-wire full duplex system is very similar to RS-422.

In RS485 half-duplex, only one signal pair (A, B) is used.  When instruments are described as having an RS485 interface this tells you nothing for sure about the signals being transmitted. Usually though only the Transmit Data (TX) and Receive Data (RX) of a normal serial port are converted to RS485 or RS422. The other signals of the serial port are not used. Three arrangements are commonplace: Write only, 4-wire (full duplex) and 2-wire (half duplex).  The  “2-wire” RS-485 connection is shown below.

RS485 half-duplex

RS485 half-duplex can use just two wires to communicate with up to 32 device, one at a time.

Each device has the ability to turn off its output drivers, so only the one device that is linking to the host outputs a signal on its TX lines.

Wireless Data Communications

Serial data can be converted to RF signals in wireless data communication modems, and then the data can be sent over un-wired areas.

To extend range, Go Wireless for remote access over 10s to 100+ square miles, us an RV-M7 or RV-M21 data radio modem. They have RS232, RS485, and RS422 options.

Wireless Connection to SCADA Slave  (Long Range. Many miles)

A single master device initiates all transactions on the network.  Slave devices respond to the master’s queries, by returning data or performing an requested action. Slaves are often connected using RS485 or RS422 serial connections.

To Reduce Cost and increase flexibility, use a Wireless Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) with build in Slave Devices.  Raveon’s RV-M21 radio modem can control lights, pumps, and read switches and many other things. M21 has digital IOs, switched DC, open collector switches, and analog inputs.

For Short Range SCADA systems: Use wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Zigbee. They work reliably over 1-10 meters.

Wide Area SCADA and Telemetry systems rely on low-power technologies operating on licensed radio bands and license free bands.
In the  unlicensed bands, popular technologies are: LoRaWAN and Sigfox. Raveon provides many long-range wireless solutions.
For use on private licensed bands, long-range radio modems cover hundreds of square miles.

For Global Coverage: Systems utilize cellular technologies, such as the 4G based LTE-M and NB-IoT technologies and 5G in the future.
Cellular networks work well, but may not have coverage in all areas you need, and they do charge monthly fees. If you setup your own wireless SCADA or Telemetry system, you have not monthly fees, and it will keep working when Cellular networks fail or are over-busy.

Wireless Communication Range

The range of a communication system is determined by:

1. Antenna gains and antenna heights.
2. Transmit power
3. Receive sensitivity
4. Frequency of the system
5. The energy per bit (data rate)

Raveon’s data radio modems have many different range limitations because every radio  and every system has a variety of parameters that determine range. To see the advantages of LoRa technology long-range RF, see AN205(LoRa_Range) application note, and for general RF coverage information see this App Note: AN206(RadioCoverage)

Antenna gains and antenna heights can make hug improvements to the range of a communication system.  Antenna performance is some of the most economical ways to improve a system.  But Antenna gains are sometimes limited by regulatory rules or practical considerations.

Every RF engineer knows the equation for RF communication that shows the higher the frequency of the system, the more the loss.

L = C + 20 * log(D) + 20 * log(F)

C is 36.6 if D is measured in miles. L is the free space path loss. You can see that the loss goes up as the distance (D) goes up and as the frequency (F) goes up. If you use a frequency like 900MHz instead of 150MHz, the path-loss is 15dB more. This common formula is often cited as proof that the atmosphere attenuates high frequencies more than lower.

Learn about the types of SCADA terminals available on Raveon’s products with SCADA terminals and General Purpose IOs.

The Remote Autonomous Zone Node (RAZN) has Ethernet interface features, RS-485, and it may include wireless data radio modems inside it also.

Raveon also provides wireless SCADA RTUs  with a myriad of IO features and Autonomous operations.
These Remote Autonomous Zone Nodes (RAZN) products are low-cost and easy to use in your system.

They also have interface features using:  RS-484, or Ethernet,  or long-range wireless modems.

There are more than a dozen different IO options on the RAZN terminals.
The is a myriad of IO features are listed

The post SCADA and Telemetry Communications appeared first on Raveon Technologies.

Adaptation and consumer value of connected devices will be driven by the user’s overall experience and benefit to all this great data now capable of being shared. Today the largest benefactors of IoT are from tracking objects, even if it’s just themselves, and utility scale telemetry. Smart Homes are projected to be the largest market segment representing over 3.5 billion devices by 2020, followed by smart building at 1.7 billion, then general industry at 1.5 billion, medical and transport at 400 million each.

The money typically leads a market. With homes and commercial buildings being a primary driver in connected devices the most likely connectivity protocol will be wi-fi and Bluetooth connected devices. This is primary driven by our current devices in which we’ve grown very dependent on. The average US home has 6 mobile devices, the average UK home has 7.

The carriers are pushing hard to build out the IoT market with LTE standards while these same subscription based services are driving the market towards other solutions such as wi-fi and Bluetooth. The question is do you really want to pay a subscription package fee per month to connect your fridge to your toaster? I feel adaption of IoT within the home will be driven by the manufacturers in incorporating connective capabilities that leverage the most common free accessible tools available. A majority of the protocols out there today are dependent on the LTE subscription based services. Similar to the web the IoT space in order to evolve will need one common protocol and like the web it will be difficult to charge a subscription fee within a culture already expecting free connectivity.

An important factor in determining the most promising standard protocol will depend greatly on its ability to handle the projected billions of devices soon to be talking to each other. Major networks are already planning for that future. Cellular has 5G just around the corner with carriers already separating out their networks into mobile and IoT sectors allowing for lower band allocation to IoT devices and IPv6 available today is gaining fast ground allowing for substantial increase in networkable IP based devices.

There are approximately 57 major US cities with citywide free wi-fi connectivity with a user base of less than 2%. Will this not be 200 cities in the next 5 years and open access means a new opportunity for free device connectivity.[:]

The post What protocol will make it through the innovation stage? appeared first on Raveon Technologies.

In a number of radio operating environments, whether data radios or voice radios, either system logistics or regulations may suggest a radio device listen for a signal on the intended frequency prior to transmission. This can serve a very useful purpose, as two radio transmissions occurring on the same frequency simultaneously within the same area will likely interfere with a receiver’s ability to clearly distinguish one transmission from another. This occurrence is conventionally called a collision, and thus collision avoidance is the goal.

One way to avoid two simultaneous transmissions on the same frequency interfering with a receiver is to physically space the two competing radio systems far apart. This is the primary reason why the Federal Communications Commission licenses radio frequencies to individual users. As the use of specific radio frequencies are licensed, their location of use is noted and the relicensing of the same frequency is coordinated to ensure that the competing systems are far enough apart to avoid interference with one another. This is also the reason why Raveon recommends the use of licensed frequencies in most applications. Still, upon occasion interfering signals will appear unexpectedly and a radio collision will occur. Certainly this occurs with regularity when unlicensed frequencies are available for anyone to use. Finally, even within a single radio system it is important to coordinate transmissions effectively and avoid collisions.

In systems operating within any particular area the most common technique utilized by transmitters in collision avoidance is to first listen on the air for potential interference before transmitting. This technique is called Carrier Detect or alternatively Carrier Sense. Raveon radios feature Carrier Detect capabilities where the radio modem listens on the intended transmit frequency. When the frequency appears busy either from a transmission within the system, from another system, or simply due to background noise, the radio can be prevented from transmitting, waiting a brief random duration before once again preparing to transmit the same message. This prevention of transmission feature is termed Busy Channel Lockout. It is important to note that the transmit and receive frequencies on the radio modem must be identical for this feature to work. Following is how Carrier Detect and Busy Channel Lockout features are used in concern on Raveon data radio modems for Collision Avoidance. The commands and parameters discussed can be found in the Raveon RV-M7 data radio modem Technical Manual.

First, a Carrier Detect Threshold is specified. This is the signal strength level the radio will listen for to determine another transmission may be taking place, and is measured in dBm. By factory default the threshold is -113, which correctly implies that Carrier Detect capability is always enabled. The larger the absolute value (the further from zero) the weaker the external signal strength is at the receiver, although it may still be detected. One immediate effect of signal detection is that the STAT LED on the radio (if available) will flicker green This is very roughly analogous to a squelch setting in a voice radio. The command mode command to set or read this value is ATCD. Typing ATCD will read back the current value, and typing ATCD “x” (where x is the dBm value) will reinitialize the parameter. For instance ATCD -105 will reset the parameter so that signal levels less than -105dBm (-106, -107 and beyond) are ignored. The command syntax calls for the minus sign to precede the integer value. The Carrier Detect Threshold may alternatively be set utilizing Raveon Radio Manager software.

If the threshold is changed, the value should be carefully selected by comparing the background or interfering signal level to the received signal level of an intentional transmission. While Raveon radios are very good at distinguishing intentional signals above background noise and receiving data correctly, a minimum of a 20dBm difference should exist between intentional and background signals. A 30dBm difference is even better. For example, if your intentional transmission is received at -85dBm, you want to ensure that background signals stronger than -105dBm are heeded, and your system does not attempt to transmit. Thus you may set the Carrier Detect Threshold to -105dBm, a smaller value, or use the default of -113dBm.

You can take an instantaneous sample of the signal level heard by your receiver, by typing the command ATRQ. You can also determine the peak background signal found within a defined period by using the Bandscope feature of Radio Manager. Finally, you can determine the received signal strength of any specific transmitter in your network by the PING command and function. When a remote radio responds to a PING, the local radio will also display the RSSI (Relative Signal Strength Indicator) signal level of the response. The PING function is also available on the Interaction tab of Radio Manager.

Bear in mind that you want to be selective in determining your Carrier Detect threshold or trigger level. If you set your Carrier Detect threshold too close to the ambient noise level, any ambient noise variations may prevent the radio from transmitting. It is best to balance your Carrier Detect threshhold somewhere between your ambient noise level and weakest true signal level, trying to ensure your Carrier Detect threshold is at least 20dB stronger than ambient, if this is possible within your environment.

Once your Carrier Detect threshold is established (or if you choose to use the default), enabling Busy Channel Lockout is as simple as turning it on. It is important to note that the Raveon factory default has Busy Channel Lockout disabled. When this is the case, the radios still respond to background noise in excess of the threshold by blinking the STAT LED green. This STAT LED function is useful for a quick assessment of ambient interference, in an otherwise quiet system. To enable Busy Channel Lockout, either issue the command ATBC 1 (ATBC 0 turns BCL off), or check the Busy Channel Lockout box in the Basic Settings Tab of Radio Manager:

When Busy Channel Lockout is enabled, the Raveon radio will first listen to the radio channel and if no signal is detected above the Carrier Detect Threshold, the radio will transmit. However, if an excessve carrier signal is detected the radio will not transmit, and will retry upon some random minimum delay. The delay period is randomized intentionally, and random backoff times are the de facto industry standard. The number of retries can be set by the ATRB command with 0-99 being the valid range of retries.

Use caution when setting your Carrier Detect Threshold and enabling Busy Channel Lockout, as a carrier wave interferer, PC with poor shielding, or some other source of RF can prevent the modem from transmitting.

Finally, while Carrier Detect with Busy Channel Lockout is an often used Collision Avoidance technique, it is not the most efficient use of bandwidth. Statistically, approximately 30% of overall bandwidth utilization is achieved with this technique. In systems where internal interference (where other in-system transmitters are the potential offenders), more sophisticated and deterministic mechanisms such as TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) may be used. Statistically TDMA is projected to come close to 100% available bandwidth utilization, and for busy systems may be the technique of choice. A number of Raveon devices are available with TDMA. For more details, click here.[:]

The post Carrier Detect & Busy Channel Lockout – Collision Avoidance appeared first on Raveon Technologies.

• Small enclosure contains both a VHF radio transceiver and modem
• Interchangeable I/O, to connect to your radio however you want
• Configurable power setting for receiving and transmitting
• Adjustable data rates for higher efficiency, or for longer range
• Data encryption option, for secure transmissions across your whole network
• GPS capabilities
• Over-The-Air (OTA) configurable, change the report rate, ID, or other parameters without needing a physical connection

Frequency Bands Available

• 132-155 MHz……….VA (not for use within the US)
• 150-175 MHz……….VB
• 216-222 MHz……….VC

Transmitter Specifications

• RF Power Output VHF……………500mW – 3W (programmable)
• RF Power Output UHF……………100mW – 2W (programmable)
• Maximum Duty Cycle…………….10% over 60 seconds
• Frequency Deviation…………….± 2.2kHz (-N) ± 3.5kHz (-W)
• RF Bandwidth (UHF)…………….20MHz no-tune
• RF Bandwidth (VHF)…………….8MHz no-tune
• Occupied bandwidth……………11 kHz (-N)  16kHz(-W)
• TX Spurious outputs……………..< -70dBc
• Occupied Bandwidth…………….Per FCC
• FCC Emissions Designator……..11K0F1D (-N)
• Frequency Stability………………Better than ±1.5ppm

Reciever Specifications

• RX sensitivity (.1% BER)…………………..9600bps  < -108dBm
• ……………………………………………….4800bps  < -114dBm
• 1200 & 2400baud…………………………..< -118dBm
• RF No-tune bandwidth (UHF)……………..20MHz
• RF No-tune bandwidth (VHF)……………..8MHz
• Adjacent Channel Selectivity 12.5kHz….-50dB
• Adjacent Channel Selectivity 25kHz…….-60dB
• Alternate Channel Selectivity…………….-65dB
• Blocking and spurious rejection…………-75dB
• RX intermodulation rejection…………….-70dB

Interface Option Connections

• RS-232 Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………DB-9 female
  • IO Voltage Levels……….RS-232
• RS-485 Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Phoenix 6-pin
  • IO Voltage Levels……….RS-485
• USB Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Mini B
• Analog Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………DB-15 female
• GPIO Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Mini B

Raveons Product Numbering System

[tabby title=”Downloads”]

M21 Tech Series data sheet

Programming Software:

Radio Manager Radio Manager is a Windows XP/Vista software application that is used to configure Raveon’s radio products. It is compatible with all Raveon models, and provides configuration management, as well as programming assistance, diagnostic information, and a helpful “band scope” feature. More…

	PS-60 AC-DC power supply for any of our series of data radios. Specifications: Output Voltage 12V DC Input Voltage 100-240 VAC 50-60Hz Maximum DC Current Out 5A DC Connector 1J165-3 type for connection to M7
RT-CB-H1	RT-CB-H1 DC power cord for Raveons data radio modems. Each radio is shipped with one, RT-CB-H1.
Rv-SP-1	RV-SP-x In-Line DC Surge Protector. The RV-SP-x is designed to be plugged in-line with the DC input to electrical devices that may be subject to over-voltage (> 16V) events, large transient voltage spikes, electrical noise, or RF noise. It filters the DC and protects the connected device from over-voltage and transient events.

The post TechSeries VHF Secure Data Radio appeared first on Raveon Technologies.

• Small enclosure contains both a UHF radio transceiver and modem
• Interchangeable I/O, to connect to your radio however you want
• Configurable power setting for receiving and transmitting
• Adjustable data rates for higher efficiency, or for longer range
• Data encryption option, for secure transmissions across your whole network
• GPS capabilities
• Over-The-Air (OTA) configurable, change the report rate, ID, or other parameters without needing a physical connection

Frequency Bands Available

• 380-400 MHz……….UJ (not for use within the US)
• 400-434 MHz……….UA (not for use within the US)
• 430-450 MHz……….UB (not for use within the US)
• 450-480 MHz……….UC
• 470-512 MHz……….UD

Transmitter Specifications

• RF Power Output VHF……………500mW – 3W (programmable)
• RF Power Output UHF……………100mW – 2W (programmable)
• Maximum Duty Cycle…………….10% over 60 seconds
• Frequency Deviation…………….± 2.2kHz (-N) ± 3.5kHz (-W)
• RF Bandwidth (UHF)…………….20MHz no-tune
• RF Bandwidth (VHF)…………….8MHz no-tune
• Occupied bandwidth……………11 kHz (-N)  16kHz(-W)
• TX Spurious outputs……………..< -70dBc
• Occupied Bandwidth…………….Per FCC
• FCC Emissions Designator……..11K0F1D (-N)
• Frequency Stability………………Better than ±1.5ppm

Reciever Specifications

• RX sensitivity (.1% BER)…………………..9600bps  < -108dBm
• ……………………………………………….4800bps  < -114dBm
• 1200 & 2400baud…………………………..< -118dBm
• RF No-tune bandwidth (UHF)……………..20MHz
• RF No-tune bandwidth (VHF)……………..8MHz
• Adjacent Channel Selectivity 12.5kHz….-50dB
• Adjacent Channel Selectivity 25kHz…….-60dB
• Alternate Channel Selectivity…………….-65dB
• Blocking and spurious rejection…………-75dB
• RX intermodulation rejection…………….-70dB

Interface Option Connections

• RS-232 Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………DB-9 female
  • IO Voltage Levels……….RS-232
• RS-485 Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Phoenix 6-pin
  • IO Voltage Levels……….RS-485
• USB Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Mini B
• Analog Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………DB-15 female
• GPIO Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Mini B

Raveons Product Numbering System

[tabby title=”Downloads”]

M21 Tech Series data sheet

Programming Software:

Radio Manager Radio Manager is a Windows XP/Vista software application that is used to configure Raveon’s radio products. It is compatible with all Raveon models, and provides configuration management, as well as programming assistance, diagnostic information, and a helpful “band scope” feature. More…

	PS-60 AC-DC power supply for any of our series of data radios. Specifications: Output Voltage 12V DC Input Voltage 100-240 VAC 50-60Hz Maximum DC Current Out 5A DC Connector 1J165-3 type for connection to M7
RT-CB-H1	RT-CB-H1 DC power cord for Raveons data radio modems. Each radio is shipped with one, RT-CB-H1.
Rv-SP-1	RV-SP-x In-Line DC Surge Protector. The RV-SP-x is designed to be plugged in-line with the DC input to electrical devices that may be subject to over-voltage (> 16V) events, large transient voltage spikes, electrical noise, or RF noise. It filters the DC and protects the connected device from over-voltage and transient events.

The post TechSeries UHF Secure Data Radio appeared first on Raveon Technologies.

• Small enclosure contains both a VHF radio transceiver and modem
• Interchangeable I/O, to connect to your radio however you want
• Configurable power setting for receiving and transmitting
• Adjustable data rates for higher efficiency, or for longer range
• Data encryption option, for secure transmissions across your whole network
• GPS capabilities
• Over-The-Air (OTA) configurable, change the report rate, ID, or other parameters without needing a physical connection

Transmitter Specifications

• RF Power Output VHF……………500mW – 3W (programmable)
• RF Power Output UHF……………100mW – 2W (programmable)
• Maximum Duty Cycle…………….10% over 60 seconds
• Frequency Deviation…………….± 2.2kHz (-N) ± 3.5kHz (-W)
• RF Bandwidth (UHF)…………….20MHz no-tune
• RF Bandwidth (VHF)…………….8MHz no-tune
• Occupied bandwidth……………11 kHz (-N)  16kHz(-W)
• TX Spurious outputs……………..< -70dBc
• Occupied Bandwidth…………….Per FCC
• FCC Emissions Designator……..11K0F1D (-N)
• Frequency Stability………………Better than ±1.5ppm

Reciever Specifications

• RX sensitivity (.1% BER)…………………..9600bps  < -108dBm
• ……………………………………………….4800bps  < -114dBm
• 1200 & 2400baud…………………………..< -118dBm
• RF No-tune bandwidth (UHF)……………..20MHz
• RF No-tune bandwidth (VHF)……………..8MHz
• Adjacent Channel Selectivity 12.5kHz….-50dB
• Adjacent Channel Selectivity 25kHz…….-60dB
• Alternate Channel Selectivity…………….-65dB
• Blocking and spurious rejection…………-75dB
• RX intermodulation rejection…………….-70dB

Interface Option Connections

• RS-232 Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………DB-9 female
  • IO Voltage Levels……….RS-232
• RS-485 Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Phoenix 6-pin
  • IO Voltage Levels……….RS-485
• USB Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Mini B
• Analog Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………DB-15 female
• GPIO Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Mini B

Raveons Product Numbering System

[tabby title=”Downloads”]

M21 Tech Series data sheet

Programming Software:

Radio Manager Radio Manager is a Windows XP/Vista software application that is used to configure Raveon’s radio products. It is compatible with all Raveon models, and provides configuration management, as well as programming assistance, diagnostic information, and a helpful “band scope” feature. More…

	PS-60 AC-DC power supply for any of our series of data radios. Specifications: Output Voltage 12V DC Input Voltage 100-240 VAC 50-60Hz Maximum DC Current Out 5A DC Connector 1J165-3 type for connection to M7
RT-CB-H1	RT-CB-H1 DC power cord for Raveons data radio modems. Each radio is shipped with one, RT-CB-H1.
Rv-SP-1	RV-SP-x In-Line DC Surge Protector. The RV-SP-x is designed to be plugged in-line with the DC input to electrical devices that may be subject to over-voltage (> 16V) events, large transient voltage spikes, electrical noise, or RF noise. It filters the DC and protects the connected device from over-voltage and transient events.

The post TechSeries 900 MHz Secure Data Radio appeared first on Raveon Technologies.

• Small enclosure contains both a VHF radio transceiver and modem
• Interchangeable I/O, to connect to your radio however you want
• Configurable power setting for receiving and transmitting
• Adjustable data rates for higher efficiency, or for longer range
• Data encryption option, for secure transmissions across your whole network
• GPS capabilities
• Over-The-Air (OTA) configurable, change the report rate, ID, or other parameters without needing a physical connection

Transmitter Specifications

• RF Power Output VHF……………500mW – 3W (programmable)
• RF Power Output UHF……………100mW – 2W (programmable)
• Maximum Duty Cycle…………….10% over 60 seconds
• Frequency Deviation…………….± 2.2kHz (-N) ± 3.5kHz (-W)
• RF Bandwidth (UHF)…………….20MHz no-tune
• RF Bandwidth (VHF)…………….8MHz no-tune
• Occupied bandwidth……………11 kHz (-N)  16kHz(-W)
• TX Spurious outputs……………..< -70dBc
• Occupied Bandwidth…………….Per FCC
• FCC Emissions Designator……..11K0F1D (-N)
• Frequency Stability………………Better than ±1.5ppm

Reciever Specifications

• RX sensitivity (.1% BER)…………………..9600bps  < -108dBm
• ……………………………………………….4800bps  < -114dBm
• 1200 & 2400baud…………………………..< -118dBm
• RF No-tune bandwidth (UHF)……………..20MHz
• RF No-tune bandwidth (VHF)……………..8MHz
• Adjacent Channel Selectivity 12.5kHz….-50dB
• Adjacent Channel Selectivity 25kHz…….-60dB
• Alternate Channel Selectivity…………….-65dB
• Blocking and spurious rejection…………-75dB
• RX intermodulation rejection…………….-70dB

Interface Option Connections

• RS-232 Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………DB-9 female
  • IO Voltage Levels……….RS-232
• RS-485 Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Phoenix 6-pin
  • IO Voltage Levels……….RS-485
• USB Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Mini B
• Analog Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………DB-15 female
• GPIO Interface Port
  • Connector Type…………Mini B

Raveons Product Numbering System

[tabby title=”Downloads”]

M21 Tech Series data sheet

Programming Software:

Radio Manager Radio Manager is a Windows XP/Vista software application that is used to configure Raveon’s radio products. It is compatible with all Raveon models, and provides configuration management, as well as programming assistance, diagnostic information, and a helpful “band scope” feature. More…

	PS-60 AC-DC power supply for any of our series of data radios. Specifications: Output Voltage 12V DC Input Voltage 100-240 VAC 50-60Hz Maximum DC Current Out 5A DC Connector 1J165-3 type for connection to M7
RT-CB-H1	RT-CB-H1 DC power cord for Raveons data radio modems. Each radio is shipped with one, RT-CB-H1.
Rv-SP-1	RV-SP-x In-Line DC Surge Protector. The RV-SP-x is designed to be plugged in-line with the DC input to electrical devices that may be subject to over-voltage (> 16V) events, large transient voltage spikes, electrical noise, or RF noise. It filters the DC and protects the connected device from over-voltage and transient events.

The post TechSeries 220 MHz Secure Data Radio appeared first on Raveon Technologies.

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

AES is an encryption technology that uses the Rijndael cipher, to encrypt and keep secure electronic data. AES was the first ever publicly available encryption cipher that is approved by the NSA for all classifications of data up to top secrete. Raveons new Tech Series radios have the option to come with this AES 128 encryption on them, allowing for the secure transfer of any data you may have to send.

The post Security appeared first on Raveon Technologies.

An RS232 serial data cable can be connected to pins 1, 2, and 6 to configure the internal radio modem and the MIMIC mode features.  See the RV-M21 user manual for information on how to wire an RS232 DB9 connector to the GPIO connector.

You can contact Raveon to have the device pre-configured when it is purchased, so that the RS232 serial IO pins  are not required to be use.

Configuring

The radio will auto-detect the GPIO board and set all necessary parameters to enable it.  By default, the IO pins are set to digital inputs. When configuring the pins, make sure nothing is connected to them until the IO pins are all properly configured.

IOPIN XX M is the command to set the GPIO bits on the Tech Series GPIO front panel to inputs or outputs.

XX parameter are the Hexadecimal representation of the pins being configured. For example, to configure bits 0 and 1, XX should be set to 3. FYI: GPIO pin #4 is called IO2 and is designates as XX bit 1, which is XX=02.

Summary of Input and Output functions.

The General Purpose IO pins 3, 4, and 5 can be configured with built-in commands to be either digital inputs, digital outputs, analog inputs, switched DC power output, open-drain outputs.

Digital Input Specifications:

Low-level input voltage:                         Less than 0.5V

High-level input voltage:                        Greater than 2.2V

Input resistance:                                      5K-10K pull-down resistance.

Digital Output Specifications:

Low-level Output voltage:                      Less than 0.5V

High Level Output Voltage:                   3.0 – 3.3V

Output resistance:                                   250 ohms

Open Drain Output Specifications:

Low-level Output voltage, on:               0V to 0.5V drawing less than 2.1A.

Open drain off leakage resistance      500uA, 0-5V,  < 1mA 5-20V.

High Level Output Voltage, off:            0 – 20V

Output resistance, on:                             <250 milli ohms to ground

Switched DC power output: (IO2 and IO3)   IO1 does not have this capability.

Output voltage, on:                                            Same as DC input, 90%-100%.  (Most radio support 12-28 VDC)

Maximum Output Current                               2.0 amps

On state internal resistance                             100-250mOhms.

Maximum reverse input voltage when off    DC input + 150mV

Off output off leakage resistance                   5-200uA

High Level Output Voltage, off:                      Same limit as RF board within the M21 enclosure.

Output resistance, on:                                       <250 milli ohms to ground[:]

Raveon’s Application AN230(ModbusMx) document describes in detail how Raveon’s Tech Series products can handle MODBUS type messages.

Controlling the GPIO and FIO interfaces on Tech Series products

The SCADA and Telemetry features in the M8, M6, and Tech Series radio modems can be controlled using a number of mechanisms:

1. Local commands.  Issue commands using a serial port to read and manage Telemetry parameters. Use WMX feature or RPR command to remotely manage a telemetry feature.
2. Over the Air commands. Commands to set or read I/O Telemetry parameters can be sent over the air using WMX built commands or manually in the command mode with the RPR command from a remote radio modem.
3. Modbus.  Digital I/Os may be managed using MODBUS type commands.  This document describes how to do this. MODBUS is a registered trademark of MODICON, Inc. This industry standard protocol has many user applications from many companies to control devices that process Modbus messages like Raveon’s radio modems do.
4. MIMIC. Two radio modems can be setup to MIMIC each-others IO pins. In the MIMIC mode, the state of one device’s input pin is automatically transferred to the other device’s output pin.  It does that at configurable intervals, and with default settings. MIMIC communications is great for sending switch status to remote devices.
5. Auto Report. IO status and registers can be automatically reported at configurable report rates and preset thresholds.

These SCADA features within Raveon’s wireless modems have many features and advantages:

1. Security. Over-the-air data communication can be encrypted with AES. Each radio modem can have encryption enabled, so no 3^rd party can access the wireless system.
2. Radio IDs. All Raveon data radio modems have a 16 bit ID code in them and address mask.  IDs can be used to ensure which radio talks to which radio, or to setup radios in groups. A listen address is also included in each radio so broadcasts to specific groups is easy.
3. Repeater. All Raveon data radio modems have a store-forward option, that can be configured by ID and groups of IDs so a radio modem can be used to store and forward messages.
4. GPS location. All Raveon data radio modems have a GPS option for location and can be configured to periodically report their location and status.
5. TDMA. All Raveon data radio modems have a GPS option for location and TDMA timing.  If fast updates are needed, TDMA slot timing is very efficient and ensure no RF interference.

Watchdog. All Raveon product incorporate a hardware watchdog timer, to fully reset the product in case some electrical or firmware problem exists. The makes remote systems very reliable.

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