SATELLINE-4Pro
User Guide v1.1
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
All rights to this manual are owned solely by SATEL Oy (referred to in this user guide as SATEL). All
rights reserved. The copying of this manual (without the written permission from the owner) by
printing, copying, recording or by any other means, or the full or partial translation of the manual
to any other language, including all programming languages, using any electrical, mechanical,
magnetic, optical, manual or other methods or devices is forbidden.
SATEL reserves the right to change the technical specifications or functions of its products, or to
discontinue the manufacture of any of its products or to discontinue the support of any of its
products, without any written announcement and urges its customers to ensure, that the information
at their disposal is valid.
SATEL software and programs are delivered ”as is”. The manufacturer does not grant any kind of
warranty including guarantees on suitability and applicability to a certain application. Under no
circumstances is the manufacturer or the developer of a program responsible for any possible
damages caused by the use of a program. The names of the programs as well as all copyrights
relating to the programs are the sole property of SATEL. Any transfer, licensing to a third party,
leasing, renting, transportation, copying, editing, translating, modifying into another programming
language or reverse engineering for any intent is forbidden without the written consent of SATEL.
SATEL PRODUCTS HAVE NOT BEEN DESIGNED, INTENDED NOR INSPECTED TO BE USED IN
ANY LIFE SUPPORT RELATED DEVICE OR SYSTEM RELATED FUNCTION NOR AS A PART OF ANY
OTHER CRITICAL SYSTEM AND ARE GRANTED NO FUNCTIONAL WARRANTY IF THEY ARE
USED IN ANY OF THE APPLICATIONS MENTIONED.
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 not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, 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.
Salo, FINLAND 2019
Copyright: 2019 SATEL Oy
No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted or stored in a retrieval system in any form or by any means without the
prior written permission of SATEL Oy.
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RESTRICTIONS ON USE
SATELLINE-4Pro radio modems have been designed to operate on frequency ranges, the exact use
of which differs from one region and/or country to another. The user of a radio modem must take
care that the said device is not operated without the permission of the local authorities on
frequencies other than those specifically reserved and intended for use without a specific permit.
The allowed max output power depends on the type of station.
SATELLINE-4Pro is allowed to be used in the following countries, either on licence free channels or
on channels where the operation requires a licence. More detailed information is available at the
local frequency management authority.
Countries: BR, CA, RU and US.
WARNING - RF Exposure
To comply with RF exposure compliance requirements of CFR Part 47, §1.1310, a separation
distance of at least 2.59 m must be maintained between the antenna of this device and all
persons. To comply with RF exposure compliance requirements of RSS-102 Issue 5, a separation
distance of at least 3.38 m must be maintained between the antenna of this device and all
persons. This device must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna
or transmitter.
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PRODUCT CONFORMITY
SATELLINE-4Pro complies with the following standars:
- RSS 119, issue 12
- FCC Part 90
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WARRANTY AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read these safety instructions carefully before using the product:
-Warranty will be void, if the product is used in any way that is in contradiction with the
instructions given in this manual, or if the radio modem housing has been opened or
tampered with.
-The radio modem is only to be operated at frequencies allocated by local authorities, and
without exceeding the given maximum allowed output power ratings. SATEL and its
distributors are not responsible, if any products manufactured by it are used in unlawful
ways.
-The devices mentioned in this manual are to be used only according to the instructions
described in this manual. Faultless and safe operation of the devices can be guaranteed
only if the transport, storage, operation and handling of the devices are appropriate. This
also applies to the maintenance of the products.
-To prevent damage both the radio modem and any terminal devices must always be
switched OFF before connecting or disconnecting the serial connection cable. It should be
ascertained that different devices used have the same ground potential. Before connecting
any power cables the output voltage of the power supply should be checked.
-If the device uses an outdoor antenna, the antenna cable jacket must be grounded.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT NOTICE ......................................................................................... 1
RESTRICTIONS ON USE ..................................................................................... 2
PRODUCT CONFORMITY .................................................................................... 3
WARRANTY AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................... 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................ 5
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 9
1 SATELLINE-4PRO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................. 10
1.1 Default settings .................................................................................... 12
2 OTHER FEATURES ................................................................................. 13
3 SATELLINE-4PRO SPECIAL FEATURES ..................................................... 14
3.1 Call Sign ............................................................................................... 14
3.2 Temperature protection of RF power amplifier ................................... 14
3.3 Protection of current ............................................................................ 15
4 SERIAL INTERFACE .............................................................................. 16
5 USER INTERFACE ................................................................................. 17
5.1 LED-indicators ...................................................................................... 17
5.2 Display and push buttons .................................................................... 17
5.2.1 SATELLINE-4Pro LCD-display after power-up.............................................................. 18
6 CONNECTION INTERFACES ................................................................ 20
6.1 RS-232 interface ................................................................................... 20
6.2 Connectors ............................................................................................ 20
7 RF INTERFACE ..................................................................................... 22
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7.1 Transmitter ........................................................................................... 22
7.2 Receiver ................................................................................................ 23
7.3 Priority RX/TX ....................................................................................... 23
7.4 Forward Error Correction ..................................................................... 24
7.5 Error checking ...................................................................................... 24
7.6 Dual radio function, separate RX/TX-frequencies .............................. 24
7.7 User data whitening ............................................................................ 25
7.8 Pacific Crest, TRIMTALK and SOUTH compatibility .............................. 25
7.8.1 General ................................................................................................................. 25
7.8.2 Configuration by using SL commands ....................................................................... 26
7.8.3 Settings ................................................................................................................. 26
7.8.4 Repeater function.................................................................................................... 29
7.8.5 Support for Local / Remote addresses ....................................................................... 29
7.8.6 Latency .................................................................................................................. 30
7.8.6.1 Transmission delays using Pacific Crest 4FSK on 25 kHz channel ....................... 30
7.8.6.2 Transmission delays using Pacific Crest GMSK on 25 kHz channel ..................... 30
8 TRANSPARENT DATA TRANSMISSION ............................................... 31
8.1 Serial interface, data format ............................................................... 31
8.2 Handshake lines .................................................................................. 31
8.2.1 CTS-line ................................................................................................................ 32
8.2.2 RTS-line ................................................................................................................. 32
8.3 Timing and delays during data transmission ..................................... 32
8.3.1 Data buffering in the radio data modem .................................................................... 33
8.3.2 Pause length .......................................................................................................... 33
8.3.3 TX delay ................................................................................................................ 34
8.4 Testing .................................................................................................. 34
9 SETTINGS ............................................................................................ 36
9.1 Changing the in use channel using the LCD-display........................... 36
9.1.1 Viewing the set Channel List –settings ........................................................................ 37
9.1.1 LCD UI Info............................................................................................................ 38
9.1.2 Saving modified values into the internal memory ........................................................ 39
9.2 Changing parameters using the SL-commands .................................. 39
9.2.1 Frequency .............................................................................................................. 40
9.2.2 Addressing ............................................................................................................. 41
9.2.3 Radio parameters ................................................................................................... 41
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9.2.4 Other functions ...................................................................................................... 42
10 REPEATER MODE AND ADDRESSING ................................................. 43
10.1 Repeater ............................................................................................... 43
10.2 Addressing ........................................................................................... 44
10.2.1 Connection between two points ................................................................................ 46
10.2.2 System of one base station and several substations ..................................................... 46
10.3 Using repeaters and addresses in the same system ........................... 47
10.3.1 System with several repeaters ................................................................................... 47
10.3.2 Repeater chain using address pairs ........................................................................... 48
10.3.3 Repeater chain using dual addressing ....................................................................... 49
10.3.4 Redundant repeater chain ........................................................................................ 49
11 INSTALLATION ................................................................................... 50
11.1 Installation of a Radio Data Modem ................................................... 50
11.1.1 RS-232 Wiring ....................................................................................................... 50
11.1.2 Fuse ...................................................................................................................... 51
11.1.3 Power supply .......................................................................................................... 51
11.2 Antenna installation ............................................................................ 52
11.2.1 Mobile equipment................................................................................................... 52
11.2.2 Base stations .......................................................................................................... 52
11.2.3 General antenna installation instructions ................................................................... 52
12 DESIGNING SYSTEMS ......................................................................... 56
12.1 Factors affecting the quality and distance of the radio connection .... 56
12.2 Radio field strength ............................................................................. 57
13 CHECK LIST ......................................................................................... 58
14 ACCESSORIES ...................................................................................... 59
14.1 RS-232 cables and adapters ................................................................ 59
14.2 Power cables and supply ..................................................................... 59
14.3 RF-cables .............................................................................................. 59
14.4 Antennas .............................................................................................. 60
14.5 Filters and lightning protectors ........................................................... 60
15 APPENDIX A ....................................................................................... 61
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16 APPENDIX B ....................................................................................... 62
16.1 Functional delays ................................................................................. 62
16.2 Transmission related delays ................................................................ 62
16.2.1 Transmission delays when the radio TX frequency is changed ....................................... 63
16.2.2 Transmission delays when using a 12.5 kHz radio channel .......................................... 63
16.2.3 Transmission delays using a 25 kHz radio channel ..................................................... 65
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INTRODUCTION
SATEL Oy is a Finnish electronics and Telecommunications Company specialising in the design and
manufacture of wireless data communication products. SATEL designs, manufactures and sells
radio modems intended for use in applications ranging from data transfer to alarm relay systems.
End users of SATEL products include both public organisations and private individuals.
SATEL Oy is the leading European manufacturer of radio modems. SATEL radio modems have been
certified in most European countries and also in many non-European countries.
SATELLINE-4Pro is an IP67 classified UHF radio modem with a high power (35 W) transmitter, wide
tuning range (406.180 ... 470 MHz) in one hardware and selectable channel spacing. The
SATELLINE-4Pro can offer radio speeds up to 28800 bps and has a selectable serial interface speed
between 9600 … 115200 bps.
SATELLINE-4Pro contains push buttons and a LCD-display, which can be used to modify the pre-
defined channel lists, created with SATEL Configuration Manager PC-program. Setting the channel
list into use with channel list information is required before the device can be used. Additional
information regarding the Configuration Manager PC-program can be found from the SW user
manual.
The radio modem also offers option of error correction, utilising the FEC-method (Forward Error
Correction). FEC can be used to minimise errors caused by noisy channels.
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1 SATELLINE-4Pro TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
SATELLINE-4Pro complies with the following international standards:
o FCC CFR47 part 90
o RSS-119 Issue 12
RECEIVER
TRANSMITTER
Note!
Frequency Range
406.180 ... 470 MHz
Tuning Range
63.82 MHz
Channel Spacing
12.5 kHz / 25 kHz
Programmable
Spurious Radiations
According to FCC CFR47 part 90
Duty Cycle 35W *)
100% (@22°C) 20 min
100% (@35 °C) 13 min
40% No limit
Duty Cycle 10W *)
100% (@22°C) No limit
100% (@35 °C) 50 min
40% No limit
Frequency Error
Tolerance
< 1 kHz
Sensitivity
4FSK
-117 dBm @ 12.5 kHz
-116 dBm @ 25 kHz
8FSK
-115 dBm @ 12.5 kHz
-114 dBm @ 25 kHz
16FSK
-108 dBm @ 12.5 kHz
-106 dBm @ 25 kHz
FEC ON
BER < 10 E-3
Co-channel Rejection
>-12 dB
4FSK
FEC ON
Adjacent Channel
Selectivity
> 47 dB @12.5 kHz
> 53 dB @ 25 kHz
4FSK
FEC ON
Intermodulation
Response Rejection
> -49 dBm
4FSK
FEC ON
Blocking
> 86 dB
4FSK
FEC ON
Spurious Response
Rejection
> -38 dBm
4FSK
FEC ON
Power Consumption
< 1.8 W
120 W typical @ 35 W, min. 12 Vdc
100 W typical @ 25W
Power Save Mode
Consumption
SLEEP State: 0.4 W typical
Communication Mode
Half-Duplex
Type of Emission
F1D
Carrier power
2, 10, 20, 25, 35 W / 50 ohm
Carrier power stability
+ 1 dB / - 1 dB
*) If high output power is used continuously or with a high cycle, the equipment generates excess heat. The output
power is automatically decreased when necessary to prevent overheating. Typical operating times are shown in the
chart with different output powers and duty cycles @ 22°C and 35 °C (see chapter 3.2).
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DATA MODEM
Timing
RS-232
Electrical Interface
RS-232
Interface Connector
8-pin ODU
Data speed of
I/O-interface
9600 – 115200 bps
Data speed of Radio
Interface
Up to 28800 bps (25 kHz channel) /
Up to 14400 bps (12.5 kHz channel)
Data Formats
Asynchronous RS-232
Modulation
4FSK, 8FSK, 16FSK, GMSK (PacificCrest, TRIMTALK **)
**) TRIMTALK is a trademark of Trimble Navigation Ltd.
GENERAL
DC input range
Nominal voltage : +9...+16 V
DC
4-pin ODU
MINI-Snap Size 1
Temperature Ranges
-30 °C...+60 °C
Complies with
standards
-40 °C...+75 °C (absolute min / max)
Functional
-40 °C... +85°C
Storage
Antenna Connector
TNC, 50 ohm, female
Construction
Aluminium housing
Size L x W x T
189 x 138 x 71 mm (with connectors)
Weight
1420g
IP Classification
IP67 (NEMA 6)
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1.1 Default settings
SATELLINE-4Pro is shipped with the following default settings (unless otherwise specifically agreed):
DEFAULT VALUES OF THE ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS (user can change settings later on)
Setting
Default value
Range
Radio frequency
Operating TX frequency
430.000 MHz
Range: 406.180 – 470.000 MHz
Operating RX frequency
430.000 MHz
Range: 406.180 – 470.000 MHz
Reference Frequency
430.000 MHz
Range: 406.180 – 470.000 MHz
Channel Spacing
12.5 kHz
Range: 12.5 or 25 kHz
Radio settings
Tx Power
35 W
Range: 2, 10, 20, 25 and 35 W
Signal threshold
-115 dBm
-80 … -118 dBm
FCS
OFF
ON/OFF
Tx-Start Delay
0 ms
0-65535 ms
Radio Compatibility
SATEL-8FSK-1
SATELLINE-3AS
PacCrest-4FSK
PacCrest-GMSK
TrimTalk450s(P)
TrimTalk450s(T)
PacCrest-FST
SOUTH
SATEL-8FSK-1 (FEC OFF)
SATEL-8FSK-2 (FEC ON)
SATEL-16FSK-1 (FEC ON)
Addressing
RX Address
OFF
ON/OFF
TX Address
OFF
ON/OFF
RX addressing to RS port
OFF
ON/OFF
TX address auto switch
OFF
ON/OFF
Serial port 1
Status
ON
ON/OFF
Interface
RS-232
Fixed
Data speed
115200 bps
9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 bps
Data bits
8
8
Parity bits
None
None, Even, Odd
Stop bits
1
1
Handshaking
Handshaking lines apply to the DATA-port.
CTS
Clear to send
Clear to send, TX buffer state
RTS
Ignored
Ignored, Flow Control, Reception Control
Pause length
3 bytes
3 … 255 bytes
Additional setup
Error correction
OFF
ON/OFF
Error check
OFF
ON/OFF
Repeater
OFF
ON/OFF
SL-commands
ON
ON/OFF
Priority
TX
RX/TX
FullCR16 Check
OFF
ON/OFF
Tests
OFF
ON/OFF
The power cable (+V
b
and GND) must be connected to a power supply with a proper output voltage
(+9…+16 V
DC
) and with a minimum output current of 15A.
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2 OTHER FEATURES
SATELLINE-4Pro radio modem fulfils the IP67 (NEMA 6) standard. With an IP67 rating a product
will be totally protected against dust and remain completely sealed when immersed in water to a
depth between 15 cm and 1 meter.
SATELLINE-4Pro modem is equipped with a high power 35W transmitter. It is designed for easy
mobile use in demanding field conditions.
The SATELLINE-4Pro is equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a keypad, used to indicate
the current operating status, as well as for changing the operating channel and power level of the
radio modem.
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3 SATELLINE-4Pro SPECIAL FEATURES
3.1 Call Sign
SATELLINE-4Pro has a CALL SIGN identifier -feature required in some countries. A call sign can be
formally assigned by a government agency, informally adopted by individuals or organizations, or
even cryptographically encoded to disguise identity of a station.
A call sign is an FCC (in US) or other regulatory authority assigned identifier that is issued along
with the license for operating a radio modem. This field is for entering your call sign. The modem
automatically broadcasts the specified call sign periodically. If this field is empty, there is no call
sign information.
Call sign setup can be found in Modem settings –menu on SATEL Configuration Manager PC-
program, sub clause Call Sign. Call sign has three (3) different setups. With Call Sign Mode you
can set Morse code transmission ON or OFF. Call Sign ID defines which Morse code will be
transmitted. Only capital letters and numbers are allowed. If the digits are wrong kind, there will
be message: Value error. Small letters will be converted to capital letters automatically. If Call
Sign ID field remains empty, the Call Sign transmission will not be activated. Call Sign Timer is the
transmission delay of Morse codes. Minimum and default transmission time is 15 minutes.
During Call sign transmission the CTS-line of the modem is not in active state. This is to inform
terminal equipment that the modem is not ready to neither receive data from serial port nor forward
it. The modem deletes all data (also SL commands), which has arrived to serial port during call sign
transmission. Call sign transmission lasts 1-4 seconds depending on the number of digits.
3.2 Temperature protection of RF power amplifier
RF power amplifier is protected against overheating. The power of transmitter is lowered step by
step if the inner temperature exceeds certain levels as shown below.
Temperature inside a modem
Carrier power
Over 75°C
25 W
78°C
20 W
80°C
10 W
85°C
2 W
90°C
0 W (transmitter OFF)
When the ambient temperature is under 30°C and transmitter duty cycle does not exceed 40%,
the temperature inside the modem does not exceed the trigger level.
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The internal temperature is measured in the beginning of every transmission and at once when
modem cools down. The carrier power increases with falling temperature so that at 85°C carrier
power goes to 2W, at 80°C to 10W, at 78°C to 20W, at 75°C to 25W and at 73°C the modem
operates again at the full 35W carrier power.
3.3 Protection of current
In case of a bad antenna impedance matching the current consumption of the Power Amplifier may
be too high. For this reason the maximum current is limited to 12 A. If the current tends to increase
over 12 A, the automatic power control decreases the power level until the current drops under
11.5 A. LCD indicates the actual power level of the transmitter. A new transmission starts always
with the nominal power level. The power control scheme is applied only when the nominal power
level is 35 W.
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4 SERIAL INTERFACE
The radio modem is referred to as DCE (Data Communication Equipment) whereas the PC is
referred to as DTE (Data Terminal Equipment). SATELLINE-4Pro includes a 8 pin ODU which
contains all the connections required to establish communication between the radio modem, acting
as the DCE, and the PC, acting as the DTE.
All EMC-requirements set forth by authorities have been taken into account in the design of the
radio modem. The radio modem user is thereby not required to take any special actions regarding
EMC-shielding (of the radio modem).
The radio modem has one serial port, Port 1 which complies with the RS-232 standard.
Signal
8-pin ODU
RD
4
TD
5
CTS
2
RTS
1
GND
3
Description of pins:
RD = Receive Data. Output of the data received from the radio modem to the DTE.
TD = Transmit Data. Input of the data to be transmitted from the DTE to the radio modem.
CTS = Clear To Send.
RTS = Request To Send.
GND = both the negative pole of the operating voltage and the signal ground.
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5 USER INTERFACE
5.1 LED-indicators
There are five (5) LED indicators on the front panel of the radio modem, and they give an indication
of the status of the serial port and the radio interface:
Description of the LED-
indicators:
5.2 Display and
push buttons
SATELLINE-4Pro contains push buttons and a LCD-display, which can be used to modify the pre-
defined channel lists, created with SATEL Configuration Manager PC-program.
SATELLINE-4Pro includes a LCD-display with a backlight. The display backlight illuminates
automatically as soon as a button is pressed. In the Data Transfer Mode the display will show the
operating settings of the radio modem, for example the radio field strength and the supply voltage.
By using the push buttons and the LCD-display, it is possible to change settings of the set channel
list channel without the need for an external terminal. The radio modem will enter to the channel
list submenu by pressing the SETUP-push button (). When activated the menu shows a listing of
the changeable parameters.
With the help of the main menu, sub-menus can be selected which in turn can be used to change
the settings. You can always return to the previous higher level of the menu structure by pressing
the CANCEL (or BACK) push button (●). Pressing the or button changes settings or moves
in the menu. Selections are confirmed by pressing the SELECT or SET button. In case of numerical
values the digit to be changed is selected by pressing the NEXT button (see following page).
LED
Indication
OFF
Red
Orange
Green
RTS
RTS-line status
Inactive
Active
CTS
CTS-line status
Inactive
Active
TD
TD-line status
No data
Data
RD
RD-line status
No data
Data
CD
Radio status
No signal
Transmission
(continuous =
test Tx active)
Noise
Reception
NOTE! Setting the channel list into use with channel list information is required before the
device can be used. Additional information regarding the Configuration Manager PC-
program can be found from the SW user manual.
In case no channels are defined
to the device, following text fill
be displayed in the LCD UI after
entering to the menu with SETUP
–button.
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5.2.1 SATELLINE-4Pro LCD-display after power-up
The display shows the basic information.
Display in Data Transfer Mode (transmit/receive mode)
-120 12.2V
CH0 35W
TX 430.000.000 MHz
RX 430.000.000 MHz
Spacing: 12.5kHz
INFO SETUP
-120: Received signal strength of last received data or noise level (indicated with “ ”)
12.2 = Supply voltage level indicator.
CH0: in use channel number. 35W: set TX power.
TX/RX: operational TX and RX frequency.
Spacing: In use channel spacing
Info and setup menus
INFO - SETUP
By pressing cancel/back button (●) the modem goes to detailed information about the modem’s
settings.
By pressing SETUP button () the modem enters the channel list submenu (requires defined
channels in the channel list!).
Display in Info mode.
Pressing shows the next window.
INFO FIELD 1
Compatibility
SATEL-8FSK-2
Repeater OFF
FEC OFF
Exit
Compatibility mode
Repeater mode
Forward Error Correction Mode
INFO FIELD 2
Port1 115200bps/8N1
RX addresses
RX1 OFF
RX2 OFF
Exit
Serial port settings
RX addresses and state
INFO FIELD 3
TX addresses
TX1 OFF
TX2 OFF
S/N 1844 XXXXX
Exit
TX addresses and state
Device serial number
INFO FIELD 4
FW: 1.0.1.0
HW: SPL0046
Exit
Device firmware version
Device hardware version
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Display in Setup Mode
Exit Select
> The cursor indicates active line
Keypad buttons
Select-button
Cancel/Back -button
Up-button
Down-button
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6 CONNECTION INTERFACES
6.1 RS-232 interface
RS-232 standard defines the method of serial data transfer between a computer and its peripherals.
The definition includes both the interface type and signal levels. Most computers and peripherals
contain one or more RS-232 type serial ports. The RS-232 standard uses transmission lines, in
which each single signal line level is referenced, to a common ground level. RS-232 has been
designed to be use in serial transfer of data, in situations where the distance between
communicating equipment is less than 15 m. The otherwise useful RS-232 standard is applied in a
multitude of slightly differing ways, (e.g. different pin configurations) and for this reason different
computers and peripherals are not necessarily directly compatible with each other.
6.2 Connectors
The device adopts a high standard waterproof ODU 8-pin data connector. Antenna connector
type is 50 Ohm TNC female.
Data connector (8 pin ODU)
DTE is an abbreviation for Data Terminal Equipment
I/O column below denotes the direction of the signal
“IN” is from DTE to the radio modem, “OUT” is from the radio modem to DTE
PIN
NAME
I/O
LEVEL
EXPLANATION
1
RTS
IN
RS-232
Request To Send from DTE
2
CTS
OUT
RS-232
Clear To Send. This signal indicates
that the radio modem's serial
interface is ready to receive data
from DTE.
3
SGND
-
-
Signal ground
4
RD
OUT
RS-232
Receive Data to DTE from the radio
modem
5
TD
IN
RS-232
Transmit Data from DTE to the radio
modem
6
Not connected
7
Not connected
8
Not connected
NOTE!
When installing the cables of the serial interface, it is recommended that the operating voltage of
all devices is powered OFF.
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Power connector
(4 pin ODU MINI-SNAP Style G4 size 1)
Note**) Both PWR pins 1&2 must be connected!
Note***) Both GND and pins 3&4 must be connected!
PIN
NAME
EXPLANATION
1
PWR (+)
Operation Voltage +9 … +16 VDC Note**
2
PWR (+)
Operation Voltage +9 … +16 VDC Note**
3
GND
Ground Note***
4
GND
Ground Note***
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7 RF INTERFACE
The SATELLINE-4Pro has a single TNC type RF-connector with impedance of 50 Ohm.
When the modem is supplied the frequency is set to “default channel”. The user can change the
frequency afterwards by 63.82 MHz. Of course, all local regulations set forth by the authorities
must be taken into consideration.
The data speed of the radio interface is set to “default speed”. It can also be set afterwards.
A channel spacing of 25 kHz enables a data speed of up to 28800 bps and a channel spacing of
12.5 kHz enables, correspondingly, a data speed of up to 14400 bps. The data speed of the radio
interface is always fixed depending on the modulation setting irrespective of the data speed of the
serial interface. If the data speeds of the radio interface and the serial interface differ from each
other, the radio modem will buffer the data in transfer temporarily, so no data loss will occur.
7.1 Transmitter
The output power of the transmitter is adjustable. The greatest allowable power depends on limits
set by local authorities, which should not be exceeded under any circumstances. The output power
of the transmitter should be set to the smallest possible level, which still ensures error free
connections under variable conditions. Large output power levels using short connection distances
can, in the worst case, cause disturbances to the overall operation of the system.
Table:Typical output power levels.
NOTE!
Setting the radio data modem output power level to that which exceeds the regulations set forth by
local authorities is strictly forbidden. The setting and/or using of non-approved power levels may
lead to prosecution. SATEL and its distributors are not responsible for any illegal use of its radio
equipment, and are not responsible in any way of any claims or penalties arising from the operation
of its radio equipment in ways contradictory to local regulations and/or requirements and/or laws.
OUTPUT POWER
dBm
2 W
+33
10 W
+40
20 W
+43
25 W
+44
35 W
+45,4
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7.2 Receiver
The sensitivity of the receiver depends on the channel spacing of the radio modem (=data speed
of the radio interface) and on the mode of the FEC (error correction) according to the table below
(BER 10E-3):
12.5 kHz
25 kHz
4FSK
FEC OFF
-115 dBm
-112 dBm
4FSK
FEC ON
-117 dBm
-116 dBm
8FSK
FEC OFF
-107 dBm
-103 dBm
8FSK
FEC ON
-115 dBm
-114 dBm
16FSK
FEC ON
-108 dBm
-106 dBm
The Signal Threshold Level setting of the receiver determines a level, above which the search for
the actual data transfer signal is active. It is recommended that values given in the table are used.
If the Signal Threshold Level setting is set too low (the CD-LED is ON constantly), it is possible that
the receiver is trying to synchronise itself with noise, in which case, the actual data transmission
might remain unnoticed. Alternatively, weak data transmissions will be rejected, even though they
would be otherwise acceptable.
7.3 Priority RX/TX
SATELLINE-4Pro offers a Priority setting, which selects the priority between reception and
transmission. The setting can be changed via Configuration Manager PC-program. By default,
transmission has higher priority than reception i.e. the default value is Priority TX.
Priority TX means that a terminal device attached to a radio modem decides the timing of the
transmission. The transmitter is immediately switched on when the terminal device starts to output
data. Should reception be in progress, the radio modem will stop it and change to a transmit state.
There is no need to use any handshaking for the control of timing.
Priority RX means that a radio modem tries to receive all data currently in the air. If a terminal
outputs data to be transmitted (or an SL command) it will buffered. The radio modem will wait until
the reception has stopped before transmitting the buffered data. This will result in timing slacks to
the system, but decreases the number of collisions on the air; this is particularly useful in systems
based on multiple random accesses.
If the Repeater Function has been set on, priority setting is automatically switched to RX mode.
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7.4 Forward Error Correction
Forward Error Correction, FEC-function is switched ON (or OFF) by using the Configuration
Manager PC-program (or via LCD UI when channel list defined). When activated, the FEC-function
will cause the SATELLINE-4Pro to automatically add additional error correction information, which
increases the amount of transmitted data by 30 %. It is used by the receiving radio modem to correct
erroneous bits - as long as the ratio of correct and erroneous bits is reasonable.
Error correction improves the reliability of data transfer via the radio interface especially in
unfavourable conditions. FEC-function should be used when link distances are long and/or if there
are many disturbances in the radio channels used. The use of the FEC-function will, however
decrease the data transfer throughput of data by about 30 %. The list of exact delays when using
FEC-function, are introduced in appendix B.
7.5 Error checking
When the error checking is switched on, the radio modem will add a checksum to the transmitted
data. When the data is received, the checksums are verified before data is forwarded to the serial
port.
Error check checks data partially while data is received.
Full CRC16 check function adds two checksum characters at the end of the user data message. At
the reception end the receiver receives first the whole package and if the checksum matches the
data message is forwarded to the serial port. If Full CRC16 check is selected it must be set ON for
all radio modems in the same network. Otherwise the checksum characters appear at the end of
user message on the serial port.
7.6 Dual radio function, separate RX/TX-frequencies
The SATELLINE-4Pro can transmit (TX-frequency) and receive (RX-frequency) on separate
frequencies. Separate frequencies can be set within the whole tuning range. The frequencies can
be set with the Configuration Manager PC-program.
When data flow on the TD line starts the frequency shifts from the receiving channel to the transmit
channel. There is a 40 ms delay caused by the frequency shift before the actual data transmission
sequence starts, and the same time is needed for the return to the receive channel after transmission.
The selected channel spacing, port settings etc. are equal to both frequencies.
The dual radio settings can be adjusted also by the SL commands.
NOTE!
All radio modems, which are to communicate with each other, must have the same setting for
FEC (ON or OFF). If the transmitting radio modem and the receiving radio modem has different
settings, data will not be received correctly.
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7.7 User data whitening
In some cases, if the user data includes a large number of constant characters, additional bit errors
may appear. The use of error correction (FEC) is recommended in such cases. If that is not possible,
the Data whitening feature can be used to improve the reliability of data transfer.
7.8 Pacific Crest, TRIMTALK and SOUTH compatibility
7.8.1 General
SATELLINE-4Pro radio modem supports additional to the original SATEL 3AS data transfer also:
Pacific Crest compatible data transfer over the air, if the opponent Pacific Crest modems
operate in the transparent mode/FEC ON/Scrambling ON that is the most common setup
among RTK applications. The other modes are currently not supported.
TRIMTALK
®
450s compatible data transfer over the air.
SOUTH GDL radios (trademark of SOUTH Surveying & Mapping Instrument Co., Ltd).
o Pacific Crest XDL/ADL radios in the SOUTH radio compatible mode
o Only 25 kHz channel width on 400 MHz frequency band is supported.
SATELLINE-4Pro radio modem provides the following radio compatibility settings:
Pacific Crest 4-FSK modulation, Transparent mode/FEC ON/Scrambling ON.
Pacific Crest GMSK modulation, Transparent mode/FEC ON/Scrambling ON.
TRIMTALK GMSK modulation, Transparent mode
TrimTalk450s(T) = TrimTalk450s GMSK (Rx fitted to Trimble transmitter)
Pacific Crest-FST = Pacific Crest Transparent FST (4-FSK), FEC ON/Scrambling ON.
SOUTH (SOUTH Surveying & Mapping Instrument Co. Ltd)
So far, only the transparent mode is implemented, since it is the most commonly used and
recommended by the user manuals. The ARQ based protocols with ACK/NACK schemes are not
preferred in RTK applications that apply one-way communication.
The implementation of Options 1, 2, 3 is based on the reference measurements and the available
public data of the following radio modems manufactured by Pacific Crest Corporation: RFM96W,
PDL HPB, PDL LPB. TRIMTALK is a trademark of Trimble Navigation Ltd.
NOTE!
All radio modems, which are to communicate with each other, must have the same setting for
Data whitening (ON or OFF). If the transmitting radio modem and the receiving radio modem
has different settings, data will not be received correctly.
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7.8.2 Configuration by using SL commands
“SL@S=” command selects the compatibility mode:
”SL@S=0” sets SATELLINE-3AS (default).
”SL@S=1” sets PCC-4FSK
”SL@S=2” sets PCC-GMSK
”SL@S=3” sets TRIMTALK GMSK, RX fitted to Pacific Crest transmitters
“SL@S=4” sets TRIMTALK GMSK, RX fitted to Trimble transmitters
“SL@S=5” sets PCC-FST
“SL@S=8” sets SOUTH
The modem responds with “OK” message if the requested mode is supported or “ERROR” if the
mode is not allowed.
“SL@S? enquires the active mode. The modem responds with a number:
“0” if the mode is SATEL 3AS
“1” if the mode is PCC-4FSK
“2” if the mode is PCC-GMSK
“3” if the mode is TRIMTALK GMSK, RX fitted to Pacific Crest transmitters
“4” if the mode is TRIMTALK GMSK, RX fitted to Trimble transmitters
“5” if the mode is PCC-FST
“8” if the mode is SOUTH
7.8.3 Settings
In order to use the Pacific Crest/TRIMTALK modes implemented in SATELLINE modems:
PACIFIC CREST modems must have:
Protocol Mode =
Transparent w/EOT Timeout (when using Pacific Crest modulations)
TrimTalk 450s (when using TRIMTALK GMSK modulation)
Transparent FST
Modulation Type depends on the system
GMSK (default, always selected when using TRIMTALK 450s mode)
4-Level-FSK
FEC = ON (FEC OFF state supported in PCC Transparent FST protocol implementation)
Scrambling = ON
Data Security Code set to = 0 (=not used)
Local Address= 0…254 (0 by default)
Pacific Crest modem receives messages from SATELLINE modems that have their TX1
address matching the Local Address.
Remote address=0…255 (255 by default, that is the broadcast address to be received by
all). SATELLINE modems receive the message from a Pacific Crest modem, provided their
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RX1 address matches the Remote Address of a Pacific Crest transmitter (or if the message
has the broadcast address 255).
SATELLINE modems must have the following key settings:
FEC OFF (because the FEC here means SATEL 3AS FEC, not Pacific Crest/TRIMTALK FEC)
Error check OFF
Full CRC16 check OFF
Radio Compatibility (according to selected Pacific Crest protocol mode setting)
Pacific Crest 4-FSK
Pacific Crest GMSK
TRIMTALK GMSK, RX fitted to Pacific Crest transmitters
TRIMTALK GMSK, RX fitted to Trimble transmitters
PCC-FST
Addressing:
When TX address is selected ON, then TX1 address is used like PDL Remote address
that is the destination address for the transmitted messages.
Default value is 0x00FF (=255) (note the hexadecimal format of the setting)
When RX Address is selected ON, then RX1 address is used like PDL Local address
Default value is 0x0000 (=0) (note the hexadecimal format of the setting)
Note: Addresses are NOT applicable in TRIMTALK 450s mode so SATELLINE modems
must have their RX/TX addresses OFF with Option3.
The configuration tools and settings are different between SATELLINE and Pacific Crest modems:
Pacific Crest modems are configured via the serial port using PDLCONF Windows
TM
program that sends binary control messages to the serial port of the modem.
SATELLINE-4Pro radio modems are configured via the serial port using SATEL
Configuration Manager PC-program.
The table below shows the analogy of settings between Pacific Crest and SATELLINE radio
modems (status in firmware version v3. 46.3).
Pacific Crest setting
Corresponding SATELLINE-4Pro setting
Identification: Owner
(not implemented)
Identification: Channel Bandwidth
Channel spacing
Identification: RF Power
TX power
Radio Link: Channel Selection Type
(Manual)
Radio frequency
Radio Link: Current Channel
Radio frequency
Radio Link: Link Rate
The fixed link rates are:
Option 2 & 3: 9600bps@25kHz /
4800bps@12.5kHz
Option 1: 19200bps@12.5kHz /
9600bps@12.5kHz
Radio Link:Modulation Mode
Compatibility->PCC-4FSK
Compatibility->PCC-GMSK
Compatibility->TRIMTALK GMSK
Radio Link:Scrambling
ON by default
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Radio Link:Transmit Retries
(not implemented)
Radio Link:TX ACK Timeout
(not implemented)
Radio Link:Csma Monitoring
Priority (RX=ON, TX=OFF) Default: RX
Radio Link: AutoBase/AutoRover
(not implemented)
Radio Link:Digisquelch
Signal threshold
Radio Link:Forward Error Correction
ON by default using Option 1, 2, 3
(Note: SATELLINE-4Pro FEC must be OFF!)
Radio Link:Local Address (0 by default)
Primary RX address (RX1) (OFF by default)
Radio Link:Remote Address (255 by
default)
Primary TX address (TX1) (OFF by default)
Serial Interface:Protocol Mode
Radio compatibility:
Options 1 and 2 = Transparent w/EOT
Timeout
Option 3 = TRIMTALK 450s, RX fitted to PCC
Option 4 = TRIMTALK 450s, RX fitted to
Trimble
Option 5 = PCC Transparent FST
Serial Interface:BREAK to Command
(not implemented)
Serial Interface:Modem Enable: Yes
(not applicable)
Serial Interface:Soft Break Enable
(not implemented)
Serial Interface:EOT value (in 0.01s
units)
Pause length (in serial port byte intervals)
Serial Interface:Digipeater
Delay(in0.01s units)
(not implemented)
Serial Interface:Local Node Repeater
(not implemented)
Frequency Table
Radio frequency
Data Security Code (must be 0=not
used)
(not implemented)
Potential conflicts:
- Pacific Crest Local/Remote addresses are supported in the firmware versions starting
from v3. 46.3
- Repeater function is supported only in the firmware versions starting from v3. 46.3
- Error check and Full CRC16 check must be OFF in SATELLINE modem
- FCS (Free Channel Scanning) feature is not supported by Pacific Crest radios
- Message Routing is not supported by Pacific Crest radios
- SATELLINE RX/TX addressing does not use ARQ scheme like Pacific Crest radios.
- Pac Crest Transparent FST protocol supported starting from firmware version 3.57
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7.8.4 Repeater function
The implemented Pacific Crest/TRIMTALK modes support also the repeater function. The repeater
function is configured either by using the SL commands:
”SL@M=R” (Repeater ON)
”SL@M=O” (Repeater OFF)
Note 1. The repeater modem passes TRIMTALK messages also to its serial port unlike for example
Pacific Crest PDL modems.
Note 2. If error correction is ON (FEC ON) and TRIMTALK mode is activated by using ”SL@S=3”
command, the firmware automatically switches SATEL FEC OFF temporarily, and turns it back at
the mode return.
7.8.5 Support for Local / Remote addresses
If the modem has TX address ON then primary TX address is handled in the same way as Remote
address in Pacific Crest PDL modems. The default value is 0x00FF (255 in decimal format) i.e. the
broadcast address.
If the modem has RX address ON then primary RX address is handled in the same way as PDL
Local address in Pacific Crest PDL modems. The default value is 0x0000 (0 in decimal format).
SATELLINE modem needs to have TX Delay 50ms or more in order to avoid messages from
colliding in case it is to be placed in a Pacific Crest system that uses addressing and
acknowledging scheme.
Note 1. SATELLINE-modems do not support Pacific Crest retransmit/acknowledge scheme.
However, that has no effect in RTK applications because they utilize only broadcast
messages.
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7.8.6 Latency
In the PCC Transparent protocol mode (Option 1 and Option 2) the whole message is first read
from the serial port and after that it will be framed and transmitted over the radio.
The end of the message is detected when there is a pause in data coming from the serial port.
The symbol rates for the Pacific Crest 4FSK (Option1) are:
19200 bps on 25 kHz channel
9600 bps on 12.5 kHz channel
The symbol rates for the Pacific Crest GMSK (Option2) are:
9600 bps on 25 kHz channel
4800 bps on 12.5 kHz channel
The actual raw data rate is appr. 2/3 of the symbol rate.
7.8.6.1 Transmission delays using Pacific Crest 4FSK on 25 kHz channel
The table below presents the typical latency vs. the size of the message. The delays are
measured from the end of transmitted data to the end of received data on the serial interface.
Number of bytes sent
Bps
1
10
100
500
1200
77 ms
159 ms
971 ms
4590 ms
4800
48 ms
68 ms
317 ms
1438 ms
9600
43 ms
52 ms
209 ms
912 ms
19200
40 ms
45 ms
154 ms
650 ms
38400
39 ms
41 ms
127 ms
519 ms
7.8.6.2 Transmission delays using Pacific Crest GMSK on 25 kHz channel
The table below presents the typical latency vs. the size of the message. The delays are
measured from the end of transmitted data to the end of received data on the serial interface.
Number of bytes sent
Bps
1
10
100
500
1200
86 ms
168 ms
1042 ms
4949 ms
4800
57 ms
77 ms
390 ms
1796 ms
9600
52 ms
62 ms
281 ms
1272 ms
19200
50 ms
55 ms
226 ms
1009 ms
38400
48 ms
51 ms
198 ms
878 ms
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8 TRANSPARENT DATA TRANSMISSION
8.1 Serial interface, data format
The SATELLINE-4Pro serial interface uses an asynchronous data format. No external synchronising
signal is needed, since necessary timing information is acquired from the start and stop bits
transmitted before and after each data field bits (byte).
The data transfer speed of the serial interfaces can be set to 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600 or
115200 bps (bits per second). The length of the data field must 8 bits. A parity bit may also be
used.
Example: With an 8-bit data character length and taking, for example, a decimal value of ”204”,
(which corresponds to a binary value of ”11001100”) and with a start bit value of ”0”, parity bit
set to either “NO” (NONE), ”0” or ”1” and with a stop bit value of ”1”, the possible combinations
are listed in the table below:
If the settings of data speed, character length, parity or the number of stop bits differ between the
radio modem and the terminal, errors will be introduced into the transferred data. The serial port
settings of each individual radio modem in a system can all be different apart from the data length
setting, which must always be the same in each individual radio data modem. In other words, the
serial port used, the data transfer speed, parity and number of stop bits; can be different in different
parts of a same system. This is especially useful where one part of the system uses an RS-485 serial
port and another part uses the RS-232 serial port. In other words, radio modems may also be
utilised as serial port converters in addition to the more common role of wireless data transfer.
Serial interface settings of the modem and terminal device connected to it must match.
8.2 Handshake lines
When using the RS-232 serial interface, handshake signals can be used to control data transfer.
Handshake signals are used, for example, by the radio modem to inform the terminal that the radio
channel is busy, and that it cannot initiate transmission. The terminal can also control the radio
modem via RTS-line.
Line
Direction
CTS
To terminal
RTS
To modem
CD
To terminal
A common way of using handshaking signals is to monitor the CTS-line and ignore the others.
Usually the terminal is fast enough to handle the data received by the radio modem, so the use of
RTS-line is not necessary.
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Handshaking is not needed if the system protocol is designed to prevent collisions (data contention)
by the use of polling, or if there is little traffic and also if there is no harm from occasional data
contention situations (several radio modems try to transmit at the same time).
8.2.1 CTS-line
The options for CTS-line are:
1) Clear To Send
CTS is active when the radio modem is ready to accept data for new transmission. CTS will shift
into inactive state during data reception and transmission.
2) TX buffer state
CTS will shift into inactive state only if the radio modem’s TX buffer is in danger of overflowing. This
typically happens when the serial interface data transfer speed is greater than the radio interface
transfer speed and the size of transmitted messages is large.
8.2.2 RTS-line
The options for RTS-line are:
1) Ignored
RTS-line status is ignored.
2) Flow control
The radio modem transmits data to the terminal device only when the RTS-line is active. Non-active
state of the RTS-line will force the radio modem to buffer the received data. This option is used if
the terminal device is too slow to handle data received from the radio modem.
3) Reception control
RTS-line controls the reception process of the radio modem. An active RTS-line enables reception
(as normal). Non-active RTS-line will interrupt reception process immediately, even if the radio
modem is receiving a data packet. This option is used to force the radio modem into WAIT State
for an immediate channel change.
8.3 Timing and delays during data transmission
When using a radio modem for data transmission, certain delays will be formed through the use of
a radio interface and from the radio modem circuitry itself. These delays exist when the radio
modem switches from Standby Mode to Data Transfer Mode and during reception and transmission
of data. For detailed delay values in each case see Appendix B.
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8.3.1 Data buffering in the radio data modem
Whenever the radio modem is in Data Transfer Mode it monitors both the radio channel and the
serial interface. When the terminal device starts data transmission the radio modem switches to
transmission mode. At the beginning of each transmission a synchronisation signal is transmitted
and this signal is detected by another radio modem, which then switches into receive mode. During
the transmission of the synchronisation signal the radio modem buffers data into its memory.
Transmission ends when a pause is detected in the data sent by the terminal device, and after all
buffered data has been transmitted. When the serial interface speed is the same or slower than the
speed of the radio interface, the internal transmit buffer memory cannot overflow. However, when
the serial interface speed exceeds the speed of the radio interface, data will eventually fill transmit
buffer memory. In this instance, it will take a moment after the terminal device has stopped
transmission of data for the radio modem to empty the buffer and before the transmitter switches
off. The maximum size of transmit buffer memory is one kilobyte (1 kB). If the terminal device does
not follow the status of the CTS-line and transmits too much data to the radio modem, the buffer
will be emptied and the transmission is restarted.
In the receive mode, the buffer works principally in the above described way thus evening out
differences in data transfer speeds. If the terminal device transmits data to a radio modem in receive
mode, the data will go into transmit buffer memory. Transmission will start immediately when the
radio channel is available.
8.3.2 Pause length
The modem recognises a pause on the serial line (a pause is defined as a time with no status
changes on the RS-232 interface TD-line). The pause detection is used as criteria for:
End of radio transmission - When the transmit buffer is empty and a pause is detected, the
modem stops the transmission and will then change the radio to the receive mode.
SL-command recognition - For a SL-command to be valid, a pause must be detected before
the actual “SL…” character string.
User address recognition - In order for the start character to be detected, a pause must
precede it in transmission.
Traditionally, in asynchronous data communication, pauses have been used to separate serial
messages from each other. However, the use of non-real-time operating systems (frequently used
on PC-type hardware) often adds random pauses, which may result in the user data splitting into
two or more separate RF transmissions. This may cause problems especially in the systems including
repeater stations.
In order to match the operation of the radio modem to the user data, the Pause length parameter
can be adjusted via SATEL Configuration Manager PC-program. It may have any value between 3
and 255 characters. The default value is 3 characters.
Notes:
The absolute time of Pause length is depending on the serial port settings. For example, 1
character is ~1.04 ms at 9600 bps / 8N1 (10 bits).
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The maximum absolute time is always 170 ms independent from the value of the Pause
length given in the set-up.
An increase in the Pause length increases the round trip delay of the radio link
correspondingly; this is due to the fact that the radio channel is occupied for the time of the
Pause length after each transmission (the time it takes to detect a pause). If this is not
acceptable, the TX delay setting may also be useful in special cases.
8.3.3 TX delay
The radio modem can be configured to delay the beginning of a radio transmission by
1...65000ms. This function can be used to prevent packet contention in a system, where all
substations would otherwise answer a poll of a base-station simultaneously. During this delay data
sent to the radio modem is buffered. Although the priority setting is "RX", radio modem is prevented
to change over to receiving mode during the period of the TX delay. If this function is not needed,
the delay time should be set to 0 ms.
8.4 Testing
The radio modem can be switched to the Test Mode, where it will send a test packet on the radio
channel. The test packet is a normal data transmission, which can be used, for example, when
directing antennas during system installation.
If the channel spacing of the radio modems is 25 kHz, it is recommended to use 38400 bps as a
serial data speed of the receiving radio modem. In the case of 12.5 kHz channel spacing the data
speed of 19200 bps is recommended.
There are two Test Modes:
Short data block test
In this test mode the radio modem sends a short test string, which is preceded by a consecutive
number, and it ends to the line feed character. The short data block is repeated continuously after
1 s break.
Short data block test is suitable for running data communication tests. Error-free reception of data
can be monitored using a suitable terminal program.
Example of a short data blocks:
00 This is a testline of SATELLINE-3AS radio modem
Long data block test
Long data block consists of character strings, which are repeated without breaks 50 s time period.
After 10 s break the test transmission is started again.
Long block data test can be used for measuring Tx output power, standing wave ratio (SWR) of the
antenna system or received signal strength at Rx stations. Using Long Block Test requires running
the modem in radio compatibility mode SATELLINE-3AS.
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Example of a long data blocks:
00 This is a long testline of SATELLINE-3AS radio modem
The strength of the received signal can be monitored using the LCD-display of the receiving radio
modem.
NOTE 1! Red CD led (continuous) indicates active test mode.
NOTE 2! Normal data transfer is not available while the Test mode is active. Remember to
switch it OFF before starting the normal data transfer.
NOTE 3! FCS mode must be disabled prior to set ON the Test mode.
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9 SETTINGS
SATELLINE-4Pro contains push buttons and a LCD-display, which can be used to modify the pre-
defined channel lists, created with SATEL Configuration Manager PC-program. Setting the channel
list into use with channel list information is required before the device can be used. Additional
information regarding the Configuration Manager can be found from the SW user manual. When
radio connected to the Configuration Manager PC-program the radio modem will switch into
Programming Mode, under which the radio is not cabaple of transmitting or receiving system data.
This is the display in factory default settings. Channel list is
empty, thus displayed as (no radio acitivty with
default settings).
Displayed on LCD: TX power (35W), TX and RX
frequencies, channel spacing (12.5 kHz).
Signal strength info is displayed on the upper left-hand
corner:
- Current noise level value (here -127 dBm) or
- Last received signal strength indication, e.g. ¥
(dBm). This measurement will be displayed ~7 seconds
after last received data, after which the radio will start to
measure noise level.
Input voltage level respectively on the upper right corner.
9.1 Changing the in use channel using the LCD-display
SATELLINE-4Pro contains an LCD -display that shows the valid functions and allows modification
of the settings. After the Channel list is defined into the device with SATEL Configuration Manager
PC-program, user can select the settings via LCD user interface according to channel list
limitations.
On standby mode the LCD-display will display the basic information. The following settings are
shown: In use channel, TX power, TX and RX frequencies and Channel Spacing. Additional
information is available under INFO tab. More information about the info menu can be found from
this user manuals section 5.2.1.
The main menu is used to select the desired submenus, and the modifications are performed using
these submenus. It is possible to jump back at any time to the previous (higher) level in the menu
hierarchy by just pressing the ”CANCEL”-button (or in some cases the ”EXIT”-button). Pressing the
orbutton modifies parameters with numerical values consisting of digits. Use until the said digit
(with the cursor blinking under it) has reached the desired value. In the case of numerical values
the ”NEXT-button is used to move on to the next digit in the numerical value and then the above
described process is used to modify it. The process is repeated until all digits in the value have been
edited. Toggle-type parameters (typically with ON/OFF choices modifications have to be confirmed
by pressing the ”SELECT”- or ”SET”-button.
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After pressing the ”SET-UP-button the
display will show the main menu, which
is a list of modifiable parameters.
Pressing the ▲▼ buttons the cursor
moves upwards and downwards. When
the cursor is placed beside the
desired selection, entry into sub-menu
is done by pressing the SELECT-
button.
▲▼
If more than one channel is defined to
the radio, user can select. Pressing
SELECT –button the set channels can
be viewed by pressing the ▲▼
buttons.
▲▼
9.1.1 Viewing the set Channel List –settings
After pressing the SETUP -button the
display will show the main menu, which
is a list of set channels.
▼
Pressing the ▲▼ buttons the channel
settings can be viewed and modified.
▲▼
▲▼
▲▼
▲
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9.1.1 LCD UI Info
After pressing the INFO -button the
display will show the current, in use
channel settings.
▼
Pressing the ▲▼ buttons the device
info can be viewed.
▲▼
▲▼
▲
▲
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9.1.2 Saving modified values into the internal memory
After all desired modifications have been performed; they have to be saved in order to make them
permanent (until next modification). This is accomplished by choosing selection ”EXIT” from the
main menu. The display will then show a message (see below) asking a confirmation of the
performed modifications.
By choosing ”YES” all modifications are saved into the non-volatile memory inside the radio
modem. By choosing ”NO” all modification performed are cancelled and previous settings
remaining in the non-volatile memory.
Press ”YES” to save all
modifications into the non-
volatile memory and ”NO”, if
modifications are to be
cancelled.
▼
9.2 Changing parameters using the SL-commands
The controlling terminal device can change the configuration settings of a radio modem. This is
accomplished with the help of SL-commands, which can be used in data transfer mode. SL-
commands can be used to change e.g. the frequency or addresses. It is also possible to
interrogate a radio modem in order to gain information concerning current settings that are in
use. The terminal device is either a PC or a programmable logic (PLC) together with suitable
(terminal) program. SL-commands must be enabled using SATEL Configuration Manager PC -
program before they can be used.
An SL-command is a continuous string of characters, which is separated from other data by pauses
that are equal or greater than time defined by Pause length parameter in the set-up. No extra
characters are allowed at the end of an SL-command. Serial interface settings are the same as in
data transfer and MODE pin of the serial connector MUST NOT be connected to ground (GND).
SL-command is properly recognised also in the case when the command string is terminated in
<CR> (=ASCII character no. 13, Carriage Return, 0x0d) or <CR><LF> (<LF> = ASCII char.
no. 10, Line Feed, 0x0a). If multiple SL commands are sent to the radio modem the next command
can be given after receiving the response ("Ok" or "Error") of the proceeding command. In addition,
it is recommended to implement a timeout to the terminal software for recovering the case when
no response is received from the radio modem.
When the power of a radio modem is switched off the configuration settings of a radio modem
always return to values defined initially using the SATEL Configuration Manager PC-program, thus
resetting any settings changed using SL-commands during power on. It is however possible to
save settings changed by using SL-commands and to make them the new configuration settings.
The radio modem will acknowledge all commands by returning an "OK" (command carried out or
accepted) or the requested value, or an "ERROR" (command not carried out or interpreted as
erroneous) message.
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In case you need more information on the time delays related to the use of SL-commands, please
contact the manufacturer.
In order to get information of the latest and/or special SL-commands please contact SATEL Oy.
9.2.1 Frequency
Command
Effect and description of command
SL&FR=nnn.nnnnn
Set RX-frequency to nnn.nnnnn MHz
SL&FT=nnn.nnnnn
Set TX-frequency to nnn.nnnnn MHz
SL&F=nnn.nnnnn
Set both RX&TX-frequency to same nnn.nnnnn MHz
SL&FR?
Get RX- frequency (response 'nnn.nnnnn MHz')
SL&FT?
Get TX- frequency (response 'nnn.nnnnn MHz')
SL&F?
Get RX&TX- frequencies (response TX nnn.nnnnn MHz, RX nnn.nnnnn MHz)
SL&C?
Get Reference (Center) frequency (response 'nnn.nnnnn MHz')
SL&C=nnn.nnnnn
Set Reference (Center) frequency to nnn.nnnnn MHz
SL&+=nn
Set RX&TX- frequency nn channels above reference frequency
Frequency = Reference frequency + nn * Channel spacing, where nn=[0...Number of
channels/2]
SL&-=nn
Set RX&TX- frequency nn channels below reference frequency
Frequency = Reference frequency – nn * Channel spacing, where nn=[0…Number of
channels/2]
SL&N?
Get current RX&TX- frequency deviation from reference frequency as channels
(Frequency – Center frequency)/Channel spacing (response ‘+nn’ or ‘-nn’)
SL&W?
Get channel spacing (response ‘nn.n kHz’)
SL&D?
Get operational mode of the radio. The response is one of the following:
”S” = Single Channel
”D” = Dual Channel
”R” = Reverse Dual Channel
Note! Use this command only, if the setup of the frequency bands matches the Dual
Channel operation.
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9.2.2 Addressing
xxxx = address in hexadecimal format (0000 … FFFF)
Command
Effect and description of command
SL#I=xxxx
Set all addresses (RX1, RX2, TX1, TX2) to value xxxx
SL#I?
Get both primary addresses (TX1, RX1) (response ’xxxx;yyyy’)
SL#T=xxxx
Set both transmit addresses (TX1, TX2) to value xxxx
SL#T?
Get primary transmit address (TX1) (response ‘xxxx’)
SL#R=xxxx
Set both receive addresses (RX1, RX2) to value xxxx
SL#R?
Get primary receive address (RX1) (response ‘xxxx’)
SL#Q=x
Set TX address on x=1, off x=0
SL#Q?
Get status of the TX address (response ‘1’ on, response ‘0’ off
SL#W=x
Set RX address on x=1, off x=0
SL#W?
Get status of the RX address (response ‘1’ on, response ‘0’ off
SL#P=xxxx;yyyy
Set primary transmit address (TX1) to value xxxx and receive address (RX1) to value
yyyy
SL#S=xxxx;yyyy
Set secondary transmit address (TX2) to value xxxx and receive address (RX2) to
value yyyy
SL#P?
Get primary transmit address (TX1) and receive address (RX1)
(response ‘xxxx;yyyy’)
SL#S?
Get secondary transmit address (TX2) and receive address (RX2)
(response ‘xxxx;yyyy’)
SL#A=xxxx,yyyy,
wwww,zzzz
Set addresses to values TX1=xxxx TX2=yyyy RX1=wwww RX2=zzzz
SL#A?
Get all addresses (response ´xxxx, yyyy, wwww, zzzz)
9.2.3 Radio parameters
Command
Effect and description of command
SL@R?
Get field strength of the last received message (the value is an average of many
measurements made during the same reception).
Response ”-xx dBm”, where xx is a decimal value of the field strength and it is
between –80 dBm and –118 dBm. Value available 7s after reception.
SL@P=xxxxx
Set RF output power, where xxxxx is the decimal value of the intended power in
mW. If the given value does not correspond to one of the programmed power
levels, the output power is set to the nearest possible value.
SL@P?
Get RF output power.
Response ”xxxxx mW”, where xxxxx is a decimal value the output power of the
transmitter.
SL@T=-xxx
Set minimum power level of the signal to be received (="Signal Threshold level),
where xxx is a decimal value of the new intended level in dBm.
SL@T?
Get current "Signal Threshold Level". Response is "-xxx dBm.
SL@D=x
Set TX delay. Value x = 0…65535 ms
SL@D?
Get TX delay value. Response ‘x ms’
SL@F?
Get current noise level on the radio channel. Response "-xxx dBm".
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9.2.4 Other functions
Command
Effect and description of command
SL**>
Set current settings as permanent settings.
This command must be used only seldom and under controlled conditions in
order to avoid the corruption of the settings, which may happen in case the
power supply fails in the middle of the memory save procedure.
SL%V?
Get Firmware revision information (response ’Vn.nn’)
SL%D?
Get modem type
SL%S?
Get modem serial number (response ‘nnnnnnnnnn’ or ‘No Serial nr’)
SL%C?
Get specified information field. If not specified the response is ‘No version id’).
For more information please contact SATEL Oy.
SL%B?
Get serial data parameters, response is a,b,c,d where
a= “115200”, “57600”, "38400", "19200", "9600" (defines the baud rate)
b= "8" (defines the character length)
c= "N", "E" or "O" (defines the parity)
d= "1" or "2" (defines the number of stop bits)
SL%B=a,b,c,d
Set serial data parameters for data ports, where
a= “115200”, “57600”, "38400", "19200", "9600" (defines the baud rate)
b= "8" (defines the character length)
c= "N", "E" or "O" (defines the parity)
d= "1" or "2" (defines the number of stop bits)
Response is "OK" at the original baud rate.
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10 REPEATER MODE AND ADDRESSING
Repeaters and addressing may be used to extend the coverage area of a radio modem network,
and to direct messages to selected radio modems in the network. In large systems, with several
repeaters and formed repeater chains, it is often practical to use routing instead of plain addresses.
10.1 Repeater
In circumstances where it is necessary to extend the coverage area of a radio modem network,
SATELLINE-4Pro can be used as repeater stations.
The maximum size of a repeated data packet is 1kB (kilobyte). The Repeater Function is switched
on using the SATEL Configuration Manager PC-program or via the LCD UI (when channel list
defined to the device via SATEL Configuration Manager PC-program). In the repeater mode the
radio modem will function as a totally independent unit, which means that only a power supply
and a suitable antenna are needed. Other devices are not necessary.
A radio modem acting as a repeater can also be used to receive and transmit data. In repeater
mode the radio modem will transmit the received data to the serial interface in a normal fashion.
The difference being that the received data will be buffered into the buffer memory. After reception
the radio modem will re-transmit the buffered data using the same radio channel as in reception.
Data received through the serial interface a radio modem in repeater mode will transmit normally.
The same network may include several repeaters, which operate under the same base station.
Repeaters may also be chained; in which case a message is transmitted through several repeaters.
In systems with more than one serially or parallelly chained repeater, addressing or routing protocol
must be used to prevent a message ending up in a loop formed by repeaters, and to ensure that
the message finally reaches only the intended radio modem.
MASTER ST A TIO N
REPEATER 1
REPEATER 2
S L AVE ST A TIO N
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10.2 Addressing
Addresses can be used to route a data message to the desired destination or to separate two
parallel networks from each other. In networks with repeaters it is usually necessary to use addresses
to prevent data messages from ending up in loops formed by repeaters. In case of setting the
“Message Routing” function in use, Tx / Rx addresses are ignored by the modem.
SATELLINE-4Pro allows the use of individual addresses both for reception and transmission.
Addresses can be switched on separately, or simultaneously, in both data transfer directions.
The radio modem contains two transmission and two reception addresses, which are knows as the
primary address and secondary address. The primary address is used whenever data from the serial
interface is transmitted. At the receiving end, the radio modem will receive using either of the two
receive addresses.
Secondary transmit address is only used in repeater applications.
Radio modems configured to function as repeaters, will repeat data messages using either the
primary or secondary address, depending upon which address was used during the reception of the
data message.
If only one address pair is needed in a network, both addresses must be set the same (TX1
= TX2 and RX1 = RX2).
It is also possible to transfer the received address onto the serial interface.
The address is composed of two characters totalling 16 bits, resulting in over 65,000 different
address combinations. The address is attached to the beginning of each data packet sent by the
radio modem. When a radio modem receives a data packet whilst using addressing mode, the
radio modem will check the first two characters of each received data packet to ensure that the
packet in question was intended for the correct radio modem.
ADD H
ADD L
DATA
Address may be selected between 0000h…FFFFh (h = hexadecimal, corresponding decimal
numbers are 0-65535).
Example: address 1234h (4660 in decimal format), where 12h is ADD H and 34h is ADD L.
Example: address ABFFh (44031 in decimal format), where ABh is ADD H and FFh is ADD L.
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Transmission:
Transmission address has been set OFF.
Radio modem will transmit the data
packet as such.
Transmission addressing has been set ON.
The radio modem will add the primary TX
address to the beginning of the data
packet.
Reception:
Reception addressing has been set ON and
either the primary or secondary RX address of
the radio modem is identical to the address of
the received data packet.
The radio modem will remove the address and
send the actual data to the RS-232 interface.
However, if the ”RX Address to RD-line”
setting is on, the radio modem does not
remove the address.
Reception addressing has been set ON,
but both the primary and secondary RX
addresses of the radio modem are
different from the address of the received
data packet.
Data does not appear on the RS-232 -
interface.
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Reception addressing has
been set OFF.
The radio modem will
transfer all received data
to the RS-232 interface.
Reception addressing has
been set OFF.
The radio modem will
consider the characters of
the address as a part of the
data and will send all the
characters to the RS-232
interface.
Reception addressing has
been set ON but there is no
address in the data packet.
Data will appear on the RS-
232 interface ONLY if the
first 2 characters of the data
match either of its own RX
address. The radio modem
will remove those 2
characters of data.
10.2.1 Connection between two points
When forming a connection between two points it is recommended that both the reception and
transmission addresses are identical in both radio modems. This is the easiest way to control
addresses and the risk caused by interference from other systems operating in the same area is
minimal.
Example: by setting all addresses of both radio modems to a value ´1234´, they will accept only
those messages which contain this address, and they will use this same value when transmitting
data.
If the channel is reserved for use only by the said network, or if the terminal devices are responsible
for addressing, it is not necessary to use addressing in the radio modems.
10.2.2 System of one base station and several substations
In systems with several substations, the base station must know to which substation each message
is intended, and from which substation each received message originates. Usually terminal devices
handle addressing completely, but it is also possible to use the addressing functionality of the radio
modems.
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For example, if the substation terminal devices are not able to check and form addresses by
themselves, addressing may be achieved with the help of the addresses of the radio modems
attached to these terminal devices. The base station may, in such a case, define the destination of
a message by adding the address of the corresponding radio modem into the beginning of the data
packet. The substation radio modem(s) will check the address and the corresponding radio modem
will identify and remove the address characters. In a similar way, the substation will add when
transmitting to the base station its address characters into the beginning of the data packet, thus
defining the origin of the sent data packet. In the base station radio modem, addresses have been
switched OFF, so that they are transmitted as is to the base station terminal device for further
processing.
10.3 Using repeaters and addresses in the same system
In systems with several repeaters, a substation and a base-station, addresses must be used in radio
modems. It is possible to realise also a system with only one repeater without addressing. In such a
case, the base station will however hear the message both from the substation and from the
repeater, in other words the message is duplicated as it moves along the route.
There are at least two ways of realising such a system depending on the capabilities of the terminal
devices in question and on the number of repeaters to be used and on their relative positions to
each other.
10.3.1 System with several repeaters
In systems with several serial or parallel-chained repeaters, addressing must be used to prevent
messages from ending up in loops otherwise formed by repeaters, and to ensure that only the
desired (addressed) radio modem receives the data intended for it.
All radio modems in the network must be set to a state, in which the RX-addressing is switched ON
and TX-addressing is switched OFF. Base-station and all substations add an address string in the
beginning of the data to be transmitted. In the relaying of the message addressing is used in the
following way:
R1 ADD
R2 ADD
S ADD
DATA
- The above is the data received from the base station terminal device, containing repeater
addresses (R1 ADD, R2 ADD) and the substation address (S ADD). Two characters define each
address.
R2 ADD
S ADD
DATA
- The above is the same message after being relayed from repeater 1 to repeater 2.
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S ADD
DATA
- The above is the same message after being relayed from the last repeater in the chain (repeater
2) to the substation.
DATA
- The above is the same message being relayed via the serial interface of the substation radio
modem to the terminal device.
In a situation where the substation transmits data towards the base-station the address is formed in
a similar way, but the order of the addresses is reversed:
R2 ADD
R1 ADD
M ADD
DATA
-In the above, R2 ADD is address of repeater 2, R1 ADD is address of repeater 1 and M ADD is
the address of the base-station.
10.3.2 Repeater chain using address pairs
In a situation where the terminal devices and substations cannot form address fields, but are able
to recognise messages addressed to them, alternating address pairs may be used. Transmit address
(TX) and receive address (RX) alternate in the order shown in the table below.
Address type
Base-station address
Repeater 1 and the
addresses of the
substations of the base-
station
Repeater 1
substations
addresses
TX-address
Address 1
Address 2
Address 1
RX-address
Address 2
Address 1
Address 2
In a network where alternating addresses are utilised, the exact route that is used to relay a message
to a certain radio modem is fixed at the time of installation and configuring the system. The order
of the addresses must be the same as the order of the route that is used to relay the message to the
said radio modem. It should be noted however, that in network where alternating addresses are
used the base-station and substations will hear their own messages repeated.
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10.3.3 Repeater chain using dual addressing
If the terminal devices cannot add address chains to the beginning of the data packets, a network
with several repeaters may still be realised by using dual addressing. In dual addressing each link
(see arrows below in figure) is given a unique address, which will prevent duplication of messages
and endless loops in the network. The terminal devices need not add anything to the data.
Usually the primary transmit address is used in transmission (TX1). The secondary transmit address
(TX2) is used only if the Repeater Mode is used and the packet to be repeated was received using
the secondary reception address (RX2).
In the following example two repeaters are used. It should be noted that each link (arrow) might be
uniquely defined with the help of radio modem numbers and data transfer directions. The Repeater
Mode should be switched ON only in the radio modems acting as repeaters to prevent the packets
from remaining in endless loops in the network.
Repeaters may also act as ordinary substations; in that case the terminal device must wait until the
message has reached the end of the repeater chain before sending data.
10.3.4 Redundant repeater chain
Reliability of a radio data communication system can be improved significantly by designing
redundant equipment setup for master and repeater stations. The two repeater chains are separated
by proper dual addressing setup. Slave stations need to be able to communicate with the master
through the both repeater chains. By using the "TX address auto switch" function, the slave station
modem directs the reply message to the repeater chain from which the request has been received.
If "TX address auto switch" has been set ON, radio modem checks out the RX address of the received
message. When one of the RX addresses is recognised, all the messages coming in from the serial
interface will be sent to the air with matching TX address. The use of "TX address auto switch"
function is not recommended if Repeater Function is set ON.
12
21
(12)
(21)
21
32
23
12
32
43
34
23
43
34
(43)
(34)
rxd
txd
rxd
txd
Modem 1
master
Modem 2
repeater
Modem 3
repeater
Modem 4
TX1
RX1
TX2
RX2
Addresses:
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11 INSTALLATION
11.1 Installation of a Radio Data Modem
The radio modem should be installed with the installation accessories supplied with the radio
modem.
11.1.1 RS-232 Wiring
NOTE! In SATELLINE-4Pro the voltage is limited to 16V.
NOTE!
When selecting a suitable location for the radio modem it must be ensured that no water can
get into the radio modem under any conditions. Direct sunlight is also to be avoided. It is not
recommendable to install the radio modem on a strongly vibrating surface. Suitable
dampening and/or isolation materials should be used in cases where the installation surface
will be subjected to vibration.
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11.1.2 Fuse
A proper fuse must be connected in between the radio modem and the power supply. The correct
value is 15A for SATELLINE-4Pro.
11.1.3 Power supply
The allowed operating voltage is +9 ... +16 V
DC
. The radio modem must only be connected to a
power supply with an adequate current output (power rating minimum is 120W). The pins 1 and 2
of the 4pin Odu-connector are connected to the positive power supply line. The pins 3 and 4 are
connected to negative power supply line (ground).
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11.2 Antenna installation
11.2.1 Mobile equipment
¼-wave antenna
½-wave antenna
The ideal installation position is vertical, and there should be at least 0.5 m of free space around
the antenna. In small systems a ¼-wave antenna is sufficient. A separate ground plane should be
placed under the antenna (vehicle rooftop or the engine hood or trunk door are usually suitable).
In problematic cases the most suitable type is a ½-wave antenna. It can be installed directly at the
top of a pipe with the added benefit of gaining as much as free space around the antenna as
possible. In cases, which the antenna cannot be directly connected to the TNC-connector of the
radio modem, a coaxial cable with 50 ohm impedance must be used between the antenna and the
TNC-connector.
11.2.2 Base stations
Omni-directional antennas ( ¼- , ½- or 5/8-wave antenna)
Directional antennas (yagi /multi-element antenna or corner antenna)
The antenna should be installed in a vertical position. The exact location of the antenna depends
on several factors, such as the size of the overall system and the coverage area terrain contours. A
rule of thumb is that the base station antenna should be located at the highest point of the coverage
area and as close to the centre of the coverage area as possible. The base station antenna can
also be located inside a building, if the walls of the building do not contain metal.
11.2.3 General antenna installation instructions
The reliability and the achievable coverage of useful signal strength can be severely affected by the
positioning of the antenna. Antenna and cable connectors should have gold-plated pins and
sockets, as use of low quality connectors can lead to eventual oxidation of the connector surfaces,
which in turn may degrade the contact and cause additional attenuation. Good quality tools and
materials must be used when installing radio modems, antennas and cables. The weather tolerance
of the materials used must also be taken into account. Installed materials must withstand all
foreseeable weather conditions (frost, excess sun, direct UV-radiation, seawater etc.). Also possible
environmental pollution must be considered (acids, ozone etc.).
NOTE!
Because of the great transmission power of SATELLINE-4Pro radio modem, only an external
antenna is allowed. A whip-antenna directly connected to the antenna connector must not
be used.
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Antennas must be installed well away from metallic objects. In the case of small antennas this
distance should be at least ½ m. With large antennas the distance should be >5 m and in case of
repeater antenna combinations >10 m.
If the system contains a large number of radio modems, the best location for an antenna is the
highest point of a building and possibly an additional antenna mast. If a separate antenna mast is
used, the antenna can, if necessary, be installed sideways about 2…3 m from the mast itself.
When installing an antenna possible interference sources must be considered. Such interference
sources are, for example:
mobile telephone network base station antennas
public telephone network base station antennas
television broadcast antennas
radio relay antennas
other radio modem systems
PC-related devices (approximately 5 m radius from antenna)
When ordering antennas we request you to note that antennas are always tuned to a specific
frequency range. Simple antennas and antennas, which have been constructed of stacked yagi-
antennas, are typically rather broadband. As the number of yagi-elements increases the frequency
range becomes narrower. Note this specially with 35W.
When designing and installing a system it is advisable to prepare to test the system, and also to
consider serviceability of the system. In particular cabling should be planned to allow easy access
and to allow for maintenance. It is often practical to use long antenna cables, so that the radio
modem can be installed far enough from the antenna itself to a location that is easily accessible
(see section 10).
The type of the antenna cable is dependent on the length of the antenna cable, and the following
table can be used to select a suitable type:
Length
Type
Attenuation 10m/450MHz
<5m
RG58
3.0dB
>20m
ECOFLEX10
0.9dB
<20m
ECOFLEX15
0.6dB
If there is a line-of-sight path between the antennas a 6 dB power marginal is usually adequate.
However, if the connection is built on the reflection and/or the knife-edge diffraction the path loss
can vary even 20 dB depending on the weather conditions. In this case a short test can give a too
positive result of the quality of the connection. Thus the height of the antennas and topographical
obstacles must be surveyed with great care. From time to time a marginal connection can be used
if the data transmission protocol is well prepared for this and the data transmission that occasionally
slows down does not cause any problems to the system.
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Vertical polarised antennas (antenna elements are in vertical position) are often used in radio
systems. In a system between a base station and substations vertical polarisation is recommended.
The radio modem antenna cannot be mounted on the same level as the other substation antennas
in the same building. The best way to distinguish from the other antennas situated in the
neighbourhood is to mount the antennas as far as possible from each other on the altitude level.
The best result is generally obtained when all the antennas are in the same mast. With an extra
ground plane between the antennas more distinction can be obtained between the antennas in the
mast.
Horizontal polarisation can be used in data transmission between two points. With the polarisation
attenuation more distinction is obtained to vertical polarised systems. The influence of the
directional patterns of the antennas must, however, be taken into consideration. If a distinction to
another interfering antenna is wanted with the horizontal polarised antennas there must be a good
attenuation of the back lobe. In addition to this the interfering radiator should be situated behind
the antenna.
When a system does not demand the use of an omni-directional antenna it is recommended that
directional antennas are used e.g. two-element yagis in permanent external installations. Please
note that as antenna amplification increases the setting of the direction of the antenna requires
more attention.
Base stations in high places should be supplied with high-Q cavity filters. Please note that the higher
the base station antenna, the larger the coverage area and in turn that the risk of interference is
also increased.
SATEL recommends the use of a band-pass filter with a large Q in the antenna cable of the base
station.
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Example of an antenna installation: by using amplifying antennas (G=Gain) and by installing the
antenna high, long connection distances can be realised using the SATELLINE-4Pro radio modem.
L o w lo s s
Ca b le
G > 6 d Bi
3 0 m
M a s t e r
St a t io n
Da t a
Te r m in a l
5 m
G > 6 d B i
RS I n t e r f a c e
G > 1 2 d Bi
3 0 k m
1 5 k m
5 k m
An t e n n a
Filt e r
RS I n t e r f a c e
RS I n t e r f a c e
Da t a
Te r m in a l
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12 DESIGNING SYSTEMS
12.1 Factors affecting the quality and distance of the radio
connection
Power of the radio transmitter
Sensitivity of the radio receiver
Tolerance of spurious radiation’s of the radio modulating signal
Amplification of transmitting and receiving antennas
Antenna cable attenuation
Antenna height
Natural obstacles
Interference caused by other electrical equipment
The transmitter power of the SATELLINE-4Pro is 35 W (maximum) and the sensitivity of the receiver
better than -114 dBm. Thus in a flat area and in free space with a 1/4 wave antenna (antenna
amplification 1dBi) and antenna height of 1 m communication distances of 3 to 4 km can be
achieved. Distances may be considerably shorter in situations where there are metallic walls or other
material inhibiting the propagation of radio waves.
Over long distances, increasing the height of antennas can often solve problems caused by natural
obstacles. A ten-fold increase in distance can be achieved with the use of amplifying antennas.
Frequent topographical variations over long distances may require that at least one of the antennas
be raised to a height of 10 to 20 m.
If the antenna cable is more than 10 meters long it is necessary to use a low loss cable (< 0.7 dB
/10 m) in order not to waste the antenna amplification. Adding a repeater station can also solve
problematical radio connections. In systems with many base stations the RSSI-signal can be used to
assist in choosing the base station with the best signal. A communications network can also be built
with a combination of cables and radio data modems.
The SATELLINE-4Pro operates in the 450 MHz band, where man made interference is insignificant.
Long distance interference needs not to be taken into account even in special weather conditions.
The SATELLINE-4Pro tolerates normal levels of interference that occur. However, exceptionally high
levels of interference can break through the safeguards and thus cause errors in data transfer. In
mobile vehicle applications the range of operation can be increased by dividing the transmitted
data into e.g. 50...500 byte long blocks and by re-transmitting the defected blocks.
A sufficient safety margin can be obtained by testing the communication path using extra 6 dB
attenuation at the antenna connection and with slightly less effective antennas than those to be used
in the final system.
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12.2 Radio field strength
Radio signal strength must be good enough for successful data transfer. Where field strength is
above a certain level, the operational results are very good. Below this level, a few dB marginal
areas occur in which errors begin to be generated by noise and interference that will eventually
lead to loss of connection.
The field strength is at its optimum level in open space, although increasing distance will still reduce
it. It must also be remembered that one open space has different environmental and external factors
to another, and that the effects on transmission quality must be taken into account when planning
the system.
Ground, ground contours and buildings cause attenuation (loss of energy through absorption) and
reflection of radio waves. Buildings reflect radio waves and therefore the affects of attenuation are
not as acute when transmission is over a short distance.
However, the reflected waves will often be a bit delayed, and when they combine with the direct
radio waves they interact in either a weakening or a strengthening way. This causes the fading effect
in mobile systems. In reality very sharp signal drops spaced about 35 cm apart may occur. The
attenuation may even reach 40 dB, normally less.
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13 CHECK LIST
The following points must be taken into account when installing and configuring a radio modem:
1. All operating voltages of all the equipment concerned must always be switched OFF before
connecting the serial interface cable.
2. When considering the exact placement of a radio modem and/or its antenna, the following
points must be taken into account to guarantee optimal results:
The antenna should be installed in open space as far as possible from any possible
sources of interference
The radio modem should not be installed onto a strongly vibrating surface
The radio modem should be installed in such a way as to minimise exposure to direct
sunlight.
3. To ensure reliable operation the voltage output of the power supply used must be stable enough
and the current capability of the power supply must be sufficient.
4. The antenna must be installed according to instructions.
5.
Serial interface settings between the radio modem and the terminal unit must correspond to each
other.
6. All radio modems in the same system must be configured using equal radio settings (radio
frequency, channel spacing, compatibility, forward error correction and data field length).
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14 ACCESSORIES
14.1 RS-232 cables and adapters
Type
Description
YC0368 CRS-35W 8-pin
2 m cable, ODU 8-pin / D9 female
YC0369 CRS-35W 8-/7-pin
2 m cable, ODU 8-pin / ODU 7-pin male
YC0359 CRS-35W 8-/8-pin
2 m cable, ODU 8-pin / ODU 8-pin male
YC0374 CRS-35W 8-/8-pin (0/30)
2 m cable, ODU 8-pin (0 deg) / ODU 8-pin male (30 deg)
YC0240 NARS-ST
ODU 8-pin / D15 female
Contact SATEL Oy for more detailed information about other serial interface cable options.
14.2 Power cables and supply
Type
Description
YC0355 C-P-35W 2m
2 m cable, ODU 4-pin male / 4mm lab plugs
YC0353 C-P-35W 3m
3 m cable, ODU 4-pin male / Alligator clip
YC0352 C-P-SAE 35W-4pin
2 m cable, ODU 4-pin male / SAE connector
YC0150 Power Adapter 150W
ODU 4-pin male, IN 100-2410 Vac, OUT 12 Vdc / 12.5 A
YC0904 Mains Cable C-M
For YP0150 power supply with Europlug
Contact Satel Oy for more detailed information about other power cable options.
14.3 RF-cables
Type
Description
Length
Note
YC1101 CRF-1
Cable with TNC m /TNC f-connectors
1 m
RG58 (3 dB/10 m)
YC1105 CRF-5F
Cable with TNC m /TNC f-connectors
5 m
RG58 (3 dB/10 m)
YC1106 CRF-5M
Cable with TNC m /TNC m-connectors
5 m
RG58 (3 dB/10 m)
YC1004 ECOFLEX10
Low loss cable
X
0.9 dB/10 m
YC1005 ECOFLEX15
Low loss cable
X
0.6 dB/10 m
Note! In the description, m=male, f=female connector type.
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14.4 Antennas
Type
Description
CA420O
CA450O
Omnidirectional coaxial dipole, 2 dBi, 405-440 MHz
Omnidirectional coaxial dipole, 2 dBi, 440-475 MHz
CA405GP+
CA410GP+
CA420GP+
CA430GP+
CA435GP+
CA440GP+
CA445GP+
CA450GP+
CA460GP+
CA470GP+
Omnidirectional ground plane, 6 dBi, 401-409 MHz
Omnidirectional ground plane, 6 dBi, 406-414 MHz
Omnidirectional ground plane, 6 dBi, 416-424 MHz
Omnidirectional ground plane, 6 dBi, 426-434 MHz
Omnidirectional ground plane, 6 dBi, 431-439 MHz
Omnidirectional ground plane, 6 dBi, 436-444 MHz
Omnidirectional ground plane, 6 dBi, 441-449 MHz
Omnidirectional ground plane, 6 dBi, 446-454 MHz
Omnidirectional ground plane, 6 dBi, 456-464 MHz
Omnidirectional ground plane, 6 dBi, 465-475 MHz
CA400Y
CA420Y
CA450Y
Directional yagi, 6 dBi, 380-410 MHz
Directional yagi, 6 dBi, 405-440 MHz
Directional yagi, 6 dBi, 440-475 MHz
CA400Y+
CA420Y+
CA450Y+
Directional yagi, 8 dBi, 380-410 MHz
Directional yagi, 8 dBi, 405-440 MHz
Directional yagi, 8 dBi, 440-475 MHz
Satel antenna selection includes also directional and/or omni-directional antenna. These can be
supplied separately on request.
14.5 Filters and lightning protectors
If a radio modem system is installed in an environment that contains high-power transmitters or
sources of radio frequency interference, it is highly recommendable to insert suitable filters between
each radio modem and its antenna. If a station is installed to a location exposed to lightning, it is
recommended to insert a lightning protector to the feed-line outside the protected zone.
SATEL Technical Support can give guidance in the selection of suitable products.
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15 APPENDIX A
ASCII CHARACTER TABLE
D
H
A
D
H
A
D
H
A
D
H
A
D
H
A
D
H
A
0
0
NUL
43
2B
+
86
56
V
129
81
172
AC
215
D7
1
1
SOH
44
2C
,
87
57
W
130
82
173
AD
216
D8
2
2
STX
45
2D
-
88
58
X
131
83
174
AE
217
D9
3
3
ETX
46
2E
.
89
59
Y
132
84
175
AF
218
DA
4
4
EOT
47
2F
/
90
5A
Z
133
85
176
B0
219
DB
5
5
ENQ
48
30
0
91
5B
[
134
86
177
B1
220
DC
6
6
ACK
49
31
1
92
5C
\
135
87
178
B2
221
DD
7
7
BEL
50
32
2
93
5D
]
136
88
179
B3
222
DE
8
8
BS
51
33
3
94
5E
^
137
89
180
B4
223
DF
9
9
HT
52
34
4
95
5F
_
138
8A
181
B5
224
E0
10
A
LF
53
35
5
96
60
`
139
8B
182
B6
225
E1
11
B
VT
54
36
6
97
61
a
140
8C
183
B7
226
E2
12
C
FF
55
37
7
98
62
b
141
8D
184
B8
227
E3
13
D
CR
56
38
8
99
63
c
142
8E
185
B9
228
E4
14
E
SO
57
39
9
100
64
d
143
8F
186
BA
229
E5
15
F
SI
58
3A
:
101
65
e
144
90
187
BB
230
E6
16
10
DLE
59
3B
;
102
66
f
145
91
188
BC
231
E7
17
11
DC1
60
3C
<
103
67
g
146
92
189
BD
232
E8
18
12
DC2
61
3D
=
104
68
h
147
93
190
BE
233
E9
19
13
DC3
62
3E
>
105
69
i
148
94
191
BF
234
EA
20
14
DC4
63
3F
?
106
6A
j
149
95
192
C0
235
EB
21
15
NAK
64
40
@
107
6B
k
150
96
193
C1
236
EC
22
16
SYN
65
41
A
108
6C
l
151
97
194
C2
237
ED
23
17
ETB
66
42
B
109
6D
m
152
98
195
C3
238
EE
24
18
CAN
67
43
C
110
6E
n
153
99
196
C4
239
EF
25
19
EM
68
44
D
111
6F
o
154
9A
197
C5
240
F0
26
1A
SUB
69
45
E
112
70
p
155
9B
198
C6
241
F1
27
1B
ESC
70
46
F
113
71
q
156
9C
199
C7
242
F2
28
1C
FS
71
47
G
114
72
r
157
9D
200
C8
243
F3
29
1D
GS
72
48
H
115
73
s
158
9E
201
C9
244
F4
30
1E
RS
73
49
I
116
74
t
159
9F
202
CA
245
F5
31
1F
US
74
4A
J
117
75
u
160
A0
203
CB
246
F6
32
20
SP
75
4B
K
118
76
v
161
A1
204
CC
247
F7
33
21
!
76
4C
L
119
77
w
162
A2
205
CD
248
F8
34
22
"
77
4D
M
120
78
x
163
A3
206
CE
249
F9
35
23
#
78
4E
N
121
79
y
164
A4
207
CF
250
FA
36
24
$
79
4F
O
122
7A
z
165
A5
208
D0
251
FB
37
25
%
80
50
P
123
7B
{
166
A6
209
D1
252
FC
38
26
&
81
51
Q
124
7C
|
167
A7
210
D2
253
FD
39
27
'
82
52
R
125
7D
}
168
A8
211
D3
254
FE
40
28
(
83
53
S
126
7E
~
169
A9
212
D4
255
FF
41
29
)
84
54
T
127
7F
170
AA
213
D5
42
2A
*
85
55
U
128
80
171
AB
214
D6
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16 APPENDIX B
16.1 Functional delays
Function
Delay (ms)
Wakeup time from Power OFF -> Power ON
(=ready to receive)
123 ms/typical
Serial interface, turnaround time of RS-232
0
TX-mode: Wakeup time from SLEEP to modem
ready (triggered by IRQ-data when Data in TD-
input).
60ms, typical
RX-mode: Wakeup time from SLEEP to modem
ready (triggered by IRQ-data when Data in TD-
input).
40ms, typical
RD - TD turnaround wait, if RX freq. TX
frequency.
> 20ms app. > 40 ms recommended for
compatibility prior to other EASy-family
members.
TD - TD turnaround wait if TX frequency
changes.
> 20ms app. > 40 ms recommended for
compatibility prior to other EASy-family
members.
SL-Ping response time from remote modem
222 ms, modem to modem w/o repeaters
16.2 Transmission related delays
Delay from the end of transmission to the end of reception on the serial interface:
Modem 1
TD-line
Modem 2
RD-line
Delay
Time
Time
Start end
Start end
DATA
DATA
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16.2.1 Transmission delays when the radio TX frequency is changed
If the modem’s transmitter frequency (TX) is different than the receiver frequency (RX),
there has to be at least 40 ms delay from the Receive Data (RD) to Transmit Data (TD).
If the transmitter frequency is changed by an SL-command, there has to be at least 40
ms delay after the SL-command before the Transmit Data.
If the transmitter frequency is changed from TX1 to TX2 by an SL-command during the
transmission, there has to be at least 40 ms delay after the SL-command before the
Transmit Data.
16.2.2 Transmission delays when using a 12.5 kHz radio channel
Transmission delays without FEC-function (Forward Error Correction).
Number of bytes sent
Bps
1
10
100
500
1200
40
40
29
22
4800
34
34
31
22
9600
32
32
32
27
19200
32
35
64
193
38400
32
36
91
352
Delays are in milliseconds and with a 10% margin.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
1 10 100 500
Delay / ms
Number of Bytes
12.5 kHz radio channel without error correction
1200
4800
9600
19200
38400
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Transmission delays with FEC-function (Forward Error Correction).
Number of bytes sent
Bps
1
10
100
500
1200
52
49
48
50
4800
45
45
44
44
9600
44
44
68
121
19200
44
44
104
360
38400
48
48
132
496
Delays are in milliseconds and with a 10% margin.
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
1 10 100 500
Delays / ms
Number of Bytes
12.5 kHz radio channel with error correction
1200
4800
9600
19200
38400
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16.2.3 Transmission delays using a 25 kHz radio channel
Transmission delays without FEC-function (Forward Error Correction).
Number of bytes sent
Bps
1
10
100
500
1200
30
30
18
16
4800
23
23
21
12
9600
23
23
21
17
19200
22
22
22
19
38400
22
22
38
102
Delays are in milliseconds and with a 10% marginal.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
1 10 100 500
Delay / ms
Number of Bytes
25 kHz radio channel without error correction
1200
4800
9600
19200
38400
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Transmission delays with FEC-function (Forward Error Correction).
Number of bytes sent
Bps
1
10
100
500
1200
35
34
29
30
4800
28
28
27
23
9600
28
28
28
23
19200
28
28
36
64
38400
27
27
58
185
Delays are in milliseconds and with a 10% margin.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
1 10 100 500
Delay / ms
Number of Bytes
25 kHz radio channel with error correction
1200
4800
9600
19200
38400
