SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF
User Guide, Version 7.0
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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.
Salo, FINLAND 2018
SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF
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RESTRICTIONS ON USE
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS family 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.
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS (330…470 MHz) 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*: AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, HR, CZ, CY, DK, EE, FI, FR, DE, GR, HK, HU, IN
*1
, ID, IS, IE, IL,
IT, KR
*2
, KZ
*1
, LV, LT, MY, MX, NL, NO, OM, PL, PT, RO, RU, SG, SK, ZA, ES, SE, CH, TH, TR,
TW
*1
, UA, GB, US and VN
SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS (330…470 MHz) 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*: AT, AU, BE, CA, HR, CZ, DK, EE, FI, FR, DE, GR, HU, IN
*1
, ID, IS, IE, IL, IT, KR
*2
, KZ
*1
,
LV, LT, MY, NL, NO, OM, PL, PT, RO, RU, SK, ZA, ES, SE, CH, TH, TR, TW
*1
, UA, GB, US and
VN
SATELLINE-3AS(d) VHF (135...174 MHz, 218...238 MHz) 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*: AT, BE, BG, CH, HR, CZ, CY, DK, EE, FI, FR, DE, GR, HU, IN
*1
, ID, IE, IT, KZ
*1
, LT,
MY, NL, NO, PT, RO, RU, SK, ES, SE, CN, TW
*1
, GB and US
* Codes of the countries follow the ISO 3166-1-Alpha-2 standard
*1
Project approval to be applied case-by-case
*2
Special versions only for Korea available
WARNING! Users of SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS radio modems in North America should be aware,
that due to the allocation of the frequency band 406.0 – 406.1 MHz for government use only,
the use of radio modem on this frequency band without a proper permit is strictly forbidden.
SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF
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PRODUCT CONFORMITY
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS
Hereby, SATEL Oy declares that SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS radio modem is in compliance with the
essential requirements (radio performance, electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety)
and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Therefore the equipment is labelled with
the following CE-marking. The notification sign informs user that the operating frequency range
of the device is not harmonised throughout the market area, and the local spectrum authority
should be contacted before the usage of the radio modem.
0523
SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF
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SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS (C)
Hereby, SATEL Oy declares that SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS (C) radio modem is in compliance
with the essential requirements (radio performance, electromagnetic compatibility and electrical
safety) and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Therefore the equipment is
labelled with the following CE-marking.
0523
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SATELLINE-3AS(d) VHF
Hereby, SATEL Oy declares that SATELLINE-3AS(d) VHF radio modem is in compliance with the
essential requirements (radio performance, electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety)
and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Therefore the equipment is labelled with
the following CE-marking.
0523
SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF
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WARRANTY AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read these safety instructions carefully before using the product:
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT NOTICE ............................................................................................. 1
RESTRICTIONS ON USE ......................................................................................... 2
PRODUCT CONFORMITY ........................................................................................ 3
WARRANTY AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................. 6
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................ 7
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 12
1.1 NOTES FOR THE USERS OF SATELLINE-3AS(d) RADIO MODEMS ................ 13
1.2 PC PROGRAMS TO BE USED WITH SATELLINE-3AS NMS FAMILY ............... 14
2 SATELLINE-3AS(D) NMS / EPIC NMS/ VHF RADIO DATA MODEMS ............... 16
2.1 SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS Technical specifications ....................................... 16
2.2 SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS Technical specifications ................................ 17
2.3 SATELLINE-3AS(d) VHF Technical specifications ........................................ 18
2.4 Order information ...................................................................................... 19
2.5 Settings ....................................................................................................... 20
3 NMS - NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ..................................................... 23
3.1 System components .................................................................................... 24
3.2 NMS - Installation ...................................................................................... 24
3.3 NMS - Usage ............................................................................................... 25
3.4 NMS functionality ....................................................................................... 25
3.5 Requirements for the user system .............................................................. 26
3.6 Designing Systems and Networks .............................................................. 26
4 INTERFACE - CONNECTORS & LEDS ............................................................... 27
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4.1 Antenna connector ..................................................................................... 27
4.2 LED indicators ............................................................................................. 27
4.3 D15 connector ............................................................................................. 28
5 SERIAL INTERFACE.......................................................................................... 29
5.1 RS-232 interface ......................................................................................... 29
5.2 RS-422 interface ......................................................................................... 30
5.3 RS-485 interface ......................................................................................... 31
5.4 Termination of RS-422/485 lines ............................................................... 31
5.5 Serial interface, data format ...................................................................... 32
5.6 Handshaking lines ..................................................................................... 33
5.6.1 CTS line .............................................................................................................. 33
5.6.2 CD line ............................................................................................................... 33
5.6.3 RTS line............................................................................................................... 34
5.6.4 DTR line .............................................................................................................. 34
5.6.5 DSR line .............................................................................................................. 35
5.7 Pause length ............................................................................................... 35
6 RF INTERFACE ................................................................................................. 36
6.1 Transmitter ................................................................................................. 37
6.2 Receiver ...................................................................................................... 38
6.2.1 RSSI and RSSI threshold level ................................................................................. 38
6.3 Error correction ........................................................................................... 39
6.4 Error checking ............................................................................................ 39
6.5 Dual band version ...................................................................................... 40
6.6 Dual channel operation.............................................................................. 40
6.7 TX Delay ...................................................................................................... 41
6.8 Sync Interval ............................................................................................... 41
6.9 Diversity reception ...................................................................................... 41
6.9.1 Multipath fading .................................................................................................. 42
7 NETWORK PROTOCOL MODES ...................................................................... 43
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7.1 Basic - RX Priority ....................................................................................... 43
7.2 Basic - TX Priority ....................................................................................... 43
7.3 Basic - Repeater ......................................................................................... 44
7.4 Advanced Network Protocol modes ........................................................... 45
7.4.1 Advanced - Master ............................................................................................... 45
7.4.2 Advanced - Slave ................................................................................................. 45
8 SYSTEM DESIGN ............................................................................................. 46
8.1 General ....................................................................................................... 46
8.2 Configuration .............................................................................................. 47
8.3 System characteristics ................................................................................. 48
8.3.1 Features .............................................................................................................. 48
8.3.2 System requirements ............................................................................................. 48
8.3.3 Protocol support .................................................................................................. 49
8.3.4 Network ID .......................................................................................................... 49
8.4 Repeater stations ........................................................................................ 49
8.5 Timing and delays during data transmission ............................................ 50
8.6 Data buffering in the radio data modem .................................................. 50
8.7 Factors affecting to the quality/distance of the radio connection ............. 51
8.8 Radio field strength .................................................................................... 52
9 TESTS .............................................................................................................. 53
9.1 Test messages ............................................................................................. 53
9.1.1 Short block test .................................................................................................... 53
9.1.2 Long block test .................................................................................................... 53
9.1.3 Monitoring the test transmission using the receiver .................................................. 54
10 LCD & PUSH BUTTONS................................................................................. 55
10.1 LCD after power-up .................................................................................. 55
10.2 Info pages ................................................................................................. 55
10.3 How to use menus .................................................................................... 56
10.4 Menu structure .......................................................................................... 56
10.4.1 Main menu ....................................................................................................... 56
10.4.2 Radio settings .................................................................................................... 57
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10.4.3 Protocol mode ................................................................................................... 58
10.4.4 Serial Port 1 -settings .......................................................................................... 58
10.4.5 Serial Port 2 -settings .......................................................................................... 59
10.4.6 Handshaking ..................................................................................................... 60
10.4.7 Additional -setting .............................................................................................. 60
10.4.8 Tests & Counters ................................................................................................ 60
10.4.9 Restore factory settings ....................................................................................... 61
10.5 Example of changing a setting ................................................................. 62
10.6 Saving the settings ................................................................................... 63
10.7 Special displays ........................................................................................ 63
10.7.1 Programming Mode display ................................................................................ 63
11 PROGRAMMING MODE (TERMINAL MENU) ................................................ 64
11.1 Programming Mode ................................................................................. 64
11.1.1 Changing the settings in the Programming Mode .................................................. 64
11.1.2 Radio settings .................................................................................................... 66
11.1.3 Network Protocol mode -settings ......................................................................... 67
11.1.4 Serial port 1 -settings ......................................................................................... 67
11.1.5 Serial port 2 -settings ......................................................................................... 68
11.1.6 Handshaking -settings ........................................................................................ 69
11.1.7 Additional -settings ............................................................................................. 69
11.1.8 Tests and counters -settings ................................................................................. 70
11.1.9 Restoring factory settings EXIT and save and QUIT without saving -settings .............. 70
12 SOFTWARE UPDATE...................................................................................... 72
13 SL-COMMANDS ............................................................................................ 73
13.1 Syntax and responses for SL commands .................................................. 73
13.1.1 Frequency related SL commands ......................................................................... 75
13.1.2 Radio parameters............................................................................................... 76
13.1.3 Other SL commands .......................................................................................... 76
14 INSTALLATION ............................................................................................. 77
14.1 Installation of the radio modem .............................................................. 77
14.2 Wiring ....................................................................................................... 78
14.2.1 RS-232 wiring - both Ports 1&2 connected (DATA and NMS in use) ........................ 78
14.2.2 RS-232 wiring - Port1 without handshaking .......................................................... 79
14.2.3 RS-232 wiring - Port1 and handshaking signals connected .................................... 79
14.2.4 RS-422 wiring .................................................................................................... 80
14.2.5 RS-485 wiring .................................................................................................... 80
14.2.6 Profibus wiring ................................................................................................... 81
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14.2.7 Programming adapter ........................................................................................ 81
14.2.8 Fuse ................................................................................................................. 82
14.2.9 Power supply ..................................................................................................... 82
14.3 Antenna installation ................................................................................. 82
14.3.1 Hand-held equipment ........................................................................................ 82
14.3.2 Mobile equipment .............................................................................................. 83
14.3.3 Base stations ..................................................................................................... 83
14.3.4 General antenna installation instructions............................................................... 83
15 CHECK LIST ................................................................................................... 87
16 ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................... 88
16.1 RS-232 cables and adapters .................................................................... 88
16.2 RS-485/422 cables and adapters ............................................................. 88
16.3 NMS cable ................................................................................................. 88
16.4 RF-cables .................................................................................................. 88
16.5 Antennas ................................................................................................... 89
16.6 Filters and lightning protectors ................................................................ 89
16.7 Power supplies.......................................................................................... 89
16.8 Batteries ................................................................................................... 89
16.9 Installation and enclosures ...................................................................... 89
17 APPENDIX A - ASCII CHARACTER TABLE ...................................................... 90
18 APPENDIX B - DELAYS ................................................................................. 91
18.1 Functional delays ...................................................................................... 91
18.2 Transmission related delays .................................................................... 91
18.2.1 Transmission delays - 12.5 kHz channel, FEC OFF, no NMS ................................. 92
18.2.2 Transmission delays - 12.5 kHz channel, FEC ON, no NMS .................................. 93
18.2.3 Transmission delays - 25 kHz channel, FEC OFF, no NMS .................................... 94
18.2.4 Transmission delays - 25 kHz channel, FEC ON, no NMS ..................................... 95
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1 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 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-3AS(d) NMS family of radio modems provide the Network Management System (NMS)
feature together with an advanced flexibility to connect it to a wide variety of terminal equipment,
making it an ideal solution in many wireless data communication applications.
The members of the SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS product family are SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS,
SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS and SATELLINE-3AS(d) VHF radio modems.
The key features include:
o Network Management System – easy to use design & maintenance tools
o Half duplex radio data transfer
o Frequency variants:
o 135...174 and 218…238 MHz (SATELLINE-3AS(d) VHF)
o 330…470 MHz (SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS)
o 330 … 470 MHz (SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS)
o RS232/485/422 serial interface at 1200…38 400 bps data rates
o Over-the-air data rate:
o 9600 bps @ 12.5 channel spacing
o 19200 bps @ 25 channel spacing
o Power level of the transmitter:
o 10 mW…1W (SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS)
o 1 W…10 W (SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS)
o 100 mW…5 W (SATELLINE-3AS VHF)
o It is possible to reach distances up to 50 km depending on topographic conditions
and antenna arrangements.
o LCD display and 4 push buttons
o Easy configuration, no need to use external terminal unit to change the basic
settings
o Monitoring of the signal level (RSSI) and the voltage of the power supply.
o LED indicators show the status of the interface signals.
o Routing/repeater functions
o Packet filter features provide a flexible interface to different data protocols.
o Error correction (FEC)
o Error detection
o External command language (Extended SL commands)
o OEM versions available
Typical applications of SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS radio modems include:
SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF
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o Replacing cables in cases where installation of a cable is difficult or expensive
o Data transmission to/from mobile or portable terminals
o Telemetry
o Remote control and alarm transmission
o GPS-applications
o etc.
1.1 NOTES FOR THE USERS OF SATELLINE-3AS(d) RADIO MODEMS
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS / Epic NMS / VHF radio modems are NOT COMPATIBLE
WITH SATELLINE-3AS radio modems!
In order to help users to identify the differences in the operation of these products there are notices
among the text marked by the symbol on the left.
DIFFERENCES OF SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS / Epic NMS / VHF compared to
SATELLINE-3AS(d):
o NMS (Network Management System) features
o Radio messages NOT compatible
o Slightly different timing in the data transfer. NMS overhead is typically 20 … 60 bytes
per a radio transmission.
o 3AS NMS family products have a completely new setup system
o Error detection improved (Partial/Full)
o Packet filters, adjustable Packet pause length and other enhancements enable better
connectivity to customer systems and protocols
o RX/TX addresses are NOT supported, they are replaced by the NMS routing scheme
o 9-bit serial data is NOT supported
o DTR pin control modified
COMPATIBILITY CHART OF SATELLINE-3AS(d) and SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS RADIO
MODEMS
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1.2 PC PROGRAMS TO BE USED WITH SATELLINE-3AS NMS FAMILY
SATEL NMS PC software is required in order to use the NMS features of
SATELLINE-3AS NMS radio modem family. It is also required if you want to
modify the NMS routing or protocol related parameters of the SATELLINE-3AS
NMS family. SATEL NMS PC provides the management tools for designing, configuring and
controlling the SATELLINE-3AS NMS network. The program is compatible with Microsoft
Windows 2000® and Microsoft Windows XP®operating systems. See the chapter “3 NMS -
NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM “for more information.
SATERM LITE is the terminal software that is recommended in order to modify
the settings of SATELLINE-3AS NMS family radio modem through the
Programming menu. SATERM LITE is software designed by SATEL Oy to assist in the basic
configuration and testing of the radio modems manufactured by SATEL Oy. The program is
compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000® and Microsoft Windows XP® operating systems. It
includes the terminal window and additional features like time stamping, transmission of special
character strings, ASCII and hexadecimal presentation of characters etc.
Almost any other terminal program e.g. HyperTerminal can be utilized for the
use of the Programming menu, but SATERM LITE provides additional, useful
functions for testing and monitoring of serial data.
NOTE! DO NOT USE SATERM WITH SATELLINE-3AS NMS family!
The reason for this is that the project files or the graphical network design tool in the Message
Routing setup of SATERM do NOT support SATELLINE-3AS NMS radio modems.
Instead, the network drawing tools for SATELLINE-3AS NMS are included in the SATEL NMS PC.
3AS(d)
3AS(d) EPIC
SW versions 0.xx...2.xx (.sff Flash files)
3AS(d) with E2 HW
3AS(d) EPIC with E2 HW
3AS(d) NMS
3AS(d) EPIC NMS
3AS(d) VHF
!!! MODELS ARE NOT RADIO COMPATIBLE ACROSS THIS LINE !!!
Only bug fixes and
minor new
features are
introduced to this
software line
Only bug fixes are
introduced to this
software line
SW versions 3.xx…
(.sf2 Flash files)
Software line to be
developed further
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Flash update: Reprogramming the actual firmware of the radio modem is
performed by running the appropriate .exe file (for PC) that includes the
desired version of the radio modem software. The radio modem must be in the
Programming Mode while performing the flash update procedure.
For example, SATELLINE_3AS_NMS_sw_4_0_13.exe is the software file for updating the
software version 4.0.13 in the SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS radio modems.
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2 SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS / Epic NMS/ VHF RADIO DATA
MODEMS
2.1 SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS Technical specifications
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS (330…470 MHz) comply with the following international standards:
EN 300 113-1,-2, EN 301 489-1,-5, IEC 60950 and FCC CFR47 part 90.
330...470 MHz
±2 MHz from central frequency
12.5 / 20 / 25 kHz
320 / 200 / 160 or (2 x 160 / 2 x 100 / 2 x 80) *Note 1
< ± 1.5 kHz
F1D
Half-Duplex
10 mW ... 1 W / 50 ohm
+ 2 dB / - 3 dB
according to EN 300 220-1/EN 300 113-1
according to EN 300 220-1/EN 300 113-1
- 115... –110 dBm (BER < 10 E-3) *Note 2
> - 12 dB
> 60 dB @ 12,5 kHz, > 70 dB @ 25 kHz
> 65 dB
< 2 nW
RS-232, RS-485, RS-422
One port for data and one for NMS
D15, female
1200 – 38400 bps
19200 bps (25 kHz channel)
9600 bps (12.5 and 20 kHz channel)
Asynchronous data
+ 9 ...+ 30 V
DC
1.4 W (Receive), 6.0 W (Transmit)
0.05 W (inStandby Mode)
-25 °C...+55 °C
TNC, 50 ohm, female
Aluminium enclosure
137 x 67 x 29 mm
130 x 63 x 1 mm
250 g
* Note 1: The Dual Band versions operate on two separate 2 MHz wide frequency bands.
* Note 2: Depending on Receiver settings
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2.2 SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS Technical specifications
SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS (330…470 MHz) comply with the following international standards:
EN 300 113-1,-2, EN 301 489-1,-5, EN 60950-1 and FCC CFR47 part 90.
330...470 MHz
±2 MHz from central frequency
12.5 / 20 / 25 kHz
320 / 200 / 160 or (2 x 160 / 2 x 100 / 2 x 80) *Note 1
< ± 1.5 kHz
F1D
Half-Duplex
1 W, 2 W, 5 W, 10 W / 50 ohm
+ 2 dB / - 3 dB
according to EN 300 113-1
according to EN 300 113-1
- 115... –110 dBm (BER < 10 E-3) *Note 2
> - 12 dB
> 60 dB @ 12.5 kHz, > 70 dB @ 25 kHz
> 65 dB
< 2 nW
Space diversity
RS-232, RS-485, RS-422
One port for data and one for NMS
D15, female
1200 – 38400 bps
19200 bps (25 kHz channel)
9600 bps (12.5 / 20 kHz channel)
Asynchronous data
+ 11.8 ...+ 30 V
DC
1.6 W (Receive), 36 W (Transmit)
0.1 W (inStandby Mode)
-25 °C...+55 °C
TNC, 50 ohm, female
Aluminium enclosure
154 x 123 x 29 mm without cooling part
154 x 151 x 77 mm with cooling part
130 x 63 x 1 mm
580 g without cooling part
1480 g with cooling part
* Note 1: The Dual Band versions operate on two separate 2 MHz wide frequency bands.
* Note 2: Depending on Receiver settings
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2.3 SATELLINE-3AS(d) VHF Technical specifications
SATELLINE-3AS(d) VHF complies with the following international standards:
EN 300 113-1,-2*
1
, EN 301 489-1,-5, EN 60950-1 and FCC CFR47 part 90.
135...174 MHz (135…155, 138…160 and 155 … 174
MHz variants) 218…238 MHz
12.5 / 25 kHz
1600 / 800
< ± 650 Hz
F1D
Half-Duplex
100 mW, 500 mW, 1 W, 5 W / 50 ohm
+ 1.5 dB / - 1.5 dB
according to EN 300 220 / EN 300 113 and CRF47 part90
according to EN 300 220 / EN 300 113
- 115... –110 dBm (BER < 10 E-3) *
2
> -12 dB
> 50 dB @ 12,5 kHz, > 60 dB @ 25 kHz
> 60 dB
< 2 nW
RS-232 or RS-485, RS-422
One port for data and one for NMS
D15, female
1200 – 38400 bps
19200 bps (25 kHz channel)
9600 bps (12.5 kHz channel)
Asynchronous data
+ 9 ...+ 30 V
DC
1.7 W (Receive), 6.6 W / 22 W (Transmit at 1W / 5W)
0.07 W (in Standby Mode)
-25 °C...+55 °C
TNC, 50 ohm, female
Aluminium enclosure
137 x 67 x 29 mm without a heat sink
137 x 80 x 56 mm with a heat sink
130 x 63 x 1 mm
265 g without a heat sink
550 g with heat sink
*
1
Full compliance with the Tx parameter limits. Please refer to specifications above
for minor deviations from Rx parameter limits.
*
2
Depending on Receiver settings
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2.4 Order information
In order to ensure the correct deliveries of SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS radio modems, the customer
should specify the information listed below in the order form.
The following information MUST be provided in the order form:
1. General
o Name and the SATEL code of the radio modem
o Quantity of the items
o Company name, delivery address, telephone / fax number and contact person
o Purchase order number
o Date of the order
o Country of destination
2. Radio frequency information
o Operating frequency or limits of the required frequency bands (refer to the table below)
o Channel spacing (25, 12.5 or 20 kHz)
Table 2.1. Available RF bands of SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF
Product variant
Frequency bands available
Channel spacing available
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS
330–470 MHz
Note: the tuning range of SATELLINE-
3AS NMS is ±2MHz from the nominal
center frequency.
12.5 kHz / 20 kHz / 25 kHz
SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic
NMS
330-470 MHz
Note: the tuning range of SATELLINE-
3AS Epic NMS is ±2MHz from the
nominal center frequency.
12.5 kHz / 20 kHz / 25 kHz
SATELLINE-3AS(d) VHF
135–174 MHz and 218-238 MHz
Note: the tuning range covers the
whole radio board range (135 – 155,
138 – 160, 155 - 174 or 218 – 238
MHz)
12.5 kHz / 25 kHz
Note 1: The radio modem is shipped with all the other settings according the default
setup, unless otherwise specifically ordered. See the next chapter for the default
settings.
Note 2: The regulations set by the local authorities must be taken into account in the
use of the radio frequency bands!
3. Order for possible accessories (antennas, cables, adapters, filters)
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2.5 Settings
The snapshot of the Programming menu below presents the default setup of SATELLINE-3AS
NMS / Epic NMS / VHF radio modems.
Note: Some settings may be market area dependent. For more details contact
the authorized SATEL dealer in your market area or SATEL Technical Support
(technical.support@satel.com).
Table 2.2. Serial ports 1&2 - available functions and interface levels
Port
Function
Interface level
Port 1
DATA/NMS/OFF
RS-232
Port 2
NMS /DATA/OFF
RS-232/485/422
Only one DATA port and one NMS port are available; if the other port is selected as
the DATA port, the function of the other port must be either NMS or OFF.
Table 2.3. Possible DATA port and the NMS port configurations.
Port
Data speed
Characters
Parity
Stop bits
DATA
1200…38400 bps
7 or 8 bit data
None, Even, Odd
1 or 2
NMS
9600 bps
8 bit data
None
1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATELLINE-3ASd NMS
SW: version_info_of_the_software_comes_here
HW: version_info_of_the_hardware_comes_here
RF: version_info_of_the_radio_module_comes_here
Center frequency xxx.xxxxxx MHz / Channel widthxx.xxx kHz
SERIAL: xxxxxxxxxx Name: SATELLINE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ) Radio Settings TX frequency: nnn.nnnnnn MHz / TX Power n W
RX frequency: nnn.nnnnnn MHz / FEC OFF /
RSSI Threshold -112 dBm / Error check OFF
Sync interval default / RX delay 1 ms /
TX delay 0 ms Restart mode
2 ) Protocol Mode Basic - RX Priority
3 ) Serial Port 1 DATA / RS232 / 9600 bps / 8 bit data / None parity /
1 stop bit / Pause length 5
4 ) Serial Port 2 NMS / RS232 / 9600 bps / 8 bit data / None parity /
1 stop bit / Pause length 10
5 ) Handshaking CTS Clear To Send / CD RSSI threshold / RTS Ignored /
6 ) Additional Setup SL-commands OFF / LCD read-only OFF /
Add RSSI to data OFF
7 ) Tests & Counters
8 ) Addressing RX address OFF / TX address OFF /
RX address to RS OFF / TX address autoswitch OFF
A ) Restore factory settings
E ) EXIT and save settings
Q ) QUIT without saving
Enter selection >
Note: The default value RSSI threshold depends
on the channel spacing as follows:
-112 dBm @ 25 kHz
-114 dBm @ 12.5 kHz
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Table 2.4. SETTINGS of SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF
FIXED SETTINGS defined at the time of order (these settings can be changed only in
SATEL manufacturing premises)
Setting
Value
Notes
Frequency band(s) limits
Specified in the order form!
See table 2.1.
Channel spacing
Specified in the order form!
See table 2.1.
ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS (user can change these settings later on)
Setting
Default value
Notes
Operating frequency
Centre of the Frequency band.
Any frequency inside the Frequency
band*). The receiver and the
transmitter frequencies can be defined
individually.
TxPower
1 W (3AS NMS and VHF)
5 W (3AS VHF C)
10 W (3AS Epic NMS)
See Chapter 6.1
RSSI threshold
-112 dBm (25 kHz)
-114 dBm (12.5 kHz, 20 kHz)
See Chapter 6.2
FEC
OFF
See Chapter 6.3
TxDelay
0 ms Restart mode
See Chapter 6.7
SyncInterval
default (=21845 bytes)
See Chapter 6.8
RxDelay
1 ms
Error check
OFF
See Chapter 6.4
Protocol mode
Basic Rx-priority
See Chapter 7
Serial port 1 settings
Port function=DATA
Data speed=19200 bps
Data bits=8
Parity=None
Stop bits=1
Pause length=5 bytes
See Chapter 5
Serial port 2 settings:
Port function=NMS
Data speed= 9600
Data bits=8
Parity=None
Stop bits=1
Interface level=RS232
Pause length=10 bytes
See Chapter 5
Handshaking settings
CTS=Clear to send
RTS=Ignored
CD=RSSI threshold
Handshaking lines apply to the DATA
port.
See Chapter 5.6
SL commands
OFF
See Chapter 13
LCD-read-only
OFF
See Chapter 10
Modem name
"SATELLINE"
User can give any descriptive name
that will be shown on the LCD,
Programming menu and SATEL NMS
PC.
NMS & NETWORK LEVEL SETTINGS (for example routing, topology of the system, terminal
addresses, user protocols) are configured using SATEL NMS PC PROGRAM.
The configuration can be performed by the customer, local SATEL representative (contacts on
www.satel.com Distributors) or SATEL Network Design Centre (ndc@satel.com) with all the
necessary details concerning the system before ordering).
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*) The available channels are multiples of the channel spacing. Selectable channels can be
calculated with the following formula: CF +/- n*CS, where CF=Centre Frequency and
CS=Channel Spacing.
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3 NMS - NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The purpose of the NMS (Network Monitoring System) is to provide tools for management of a
radio network built on SATELLINE-3AS NMS radio modems. NMS allows user to manage,
monitor, diagnose and configure SATELLINE-3AS NMS modem network remotely without
disturbing user’s data flow.
This chapter includes a very short description of SATEL NMS for SATELLINE-3AS NMS radio
modem family. More information is provided by the SATEL NMS PC user manual and
application notes.
Figure 3.1. A typical screen shot of SATEL NMS PC software. (Routing view).
In order to get the SATEL NMS PC software please contact your local SATEL distributor or SATEL
headquarters in Finland.
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3.1 System components
SATEL NMS consists of:
o SATEL NMS PC program running on Microsoft Windows® operating system. The
program provides the user interface showing the status of the network:
o Graphical network overview
o Sort able lists of all modems and radio links
o Link quality tests and monitoring
o Alarms generated on link failure, operating voltage drop etc.
o Remote administration of modem parameters
o Log files
o The diagnostic functions in the SATELLINE-3AS NMS radio modem software. The set of
features depends on the hardware and software version of the radio modem.
o One of the modems operates as the Master modem of the system (Network Mode
parameter of the radio modem set to Advanced - Master).
o The other modems are the substations of the network (Network Mode parameter
of the substation radio modems set to Advanced - Slave).
3.2 NMS - Installation
Figure 3.2. SATELLINE-3AS NMS equipment
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SATELLINE-3AS NMS radio modem has two serial ports - Port1 and Port2. One of the ports is
configured as the DATA port (by default Port1) that is connected to the user application. The
other port is the NMS port (by default Port2) that is connected to the serial port of the PC
running SATEL NMS PC software. See the figure above.
The easiest way to accomplish the wiring is to use a two-port serial cable (e.g. part code CRS-
NMS from SATEL). See the wiring schematic in sub clause 14.2.1.
3.3 NMS - Usage
SATEL NMS PC software provides the user interface to NMS system. Refer SATEL NMS PC User
Guide for additional information.
3.4 NMS functionality
SATEL NMS provides useful tools for maintaining the radio network. The following functions are
included in the SATEL NMS system:
o Status of the network can be obtained easily. Received Signal strength (RSSI)
information, Voltage, Temperature and quality of the radio links can be monitored
without disturbing user’s data flow. SATEL NMS PC software collects statistics on the
radio modems of the network.
o Alarms (triggered e.g. by a significant decrease in signal level of a radio link) are
generated for the external system usage.
o The history of the parameters is saved to log files for later examination.
o Remote update of the setup i.e. the settings of a radio modem.
o Data communication tests. A full data communication test can be run to find out
more detailed analysis of each radio link. Whenever needed this test indicate
profoundly the quality of the radio communication.
NOTE: Remote update of the actual firmware of a radio modem is currently NOT supported by
SATELLINE-3AS NMS.
SATEL NMS system is subject to continuous development - new features will be introduced to
respond actual customer needs. The radio modems have a comprehensive interface structure
that enables even more complex functions to be added to SATEL NMS PC while radio modem
needs to manage only a limited set of tasks.
The customers who want to implement their own NMS interface to SATELLINE-3AS NMS radio
modems should contact SATEL technical support (technical.support@satel.com).
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3.5 Requirements for the user system
SATEL NMS fits the systems that are:
o Single master systems with point-to-multipoint network structure
o Based on polling protocol (the master polls the slaves regularly)
o Transferring user messages not larger than 1kByte
Other kinds of systems may also be possible but require careful consideration; in such cases the
customer is advised to contact SATEL for more information.
Repeater stations are fully supported. While operating the monitoring system, radio data links
are transparent. Because NMS data is invisible to the user’s system, most user protocols are not
interfered by NMS. However, note that on-line NMS always affect the real time operation of any
system due to the extra information transferred. In some cases this means that the parameter
defining the timeout of the slave station reply must be increased. Depending on how much NMS
information is required, NMS introduces an extra load of ~20…60 bytes per a message.
3.6 Designing Systems and Networks
The Routing window of SATEL NMS PC software provides a graphical tool for designing the
radio network. It is used by simply dragging and dropping modem icons on the sheet and
linking the modems and finally uploading these settings to individual modems.
The designing of any radio modem system requires very precise planning. Once the choices
between devices, their locations, installation, maintenance etc. are clear, the project file for the
system can be implemented by using SATEL NMS PC software. Please refer to the SATEL NMS
PC User Guide for more detailed description.
Please check also the chapter “2.6 Settings” before changing any settings of the radio modems
.
Configure the radio modems accordingly using SATEL NMS PC. Finally, when all the radio
modems have correct settings, they are ready for further installation.
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4 INTERFACE - CONNECTORS & LEDS
4.1 Antenna connector
TNC female 50 Ω connector.
The antenna should always be connected when the power is on. Removing the antenna while
the transmitter is on may damage the power amplifier inside the transmitter.
4.2 LED indicators
There are five (5) LEDs indicating the status of the serial port (DATA port) and the radio interface
on the front panel of the radio modem. See the table below for the description of operation.
Table 4.1. SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS, Epic NMS AND VHF LED INDICATORS
LED
Indication
OFF
Red
Orange
Green
RTS
RTS-line status (D15 Pin 13)
Inactive
Active
-
-
CTS
CTS-line status (D15 Pin 6)
Inactive
Active
-
-
TD
TD-line status (D15 Pin 11)
TD indicates that the radio modem
is receiving data via serial port.
No data
Data
-
Test Tx active
RD
RD-line status (D15 Pin 9)
RD indicates that the radio modem
is sending data via serial port.
No data
Data
-
-
CD
CD indicates the status of the radio
interface.
No signal
Transmitter
is ON
Noise
Reception
Note*) The status of CD-line (D15 connector pin 2) may differ from the status of CD LED.
LED ERROR CODES:
In case the self-diagnostics routine of the radio modem detects a malfunction in the start
up, ALL LEDs shine red for 1 second after which the error code is indicated.
When the self-diagnostics function of the modem discovers an error, the modem will go to the
ERROR-state. In the ERROR-state the data transmission and reception are disabled. Instead of
data transfer, the LED indicators follow the sequence: All LEDs ON -> All LEDs OFF -> ERROR
code -> All LEDs ON...
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4.3 D15 connector
Table 4.2. NMS 15-PIN FEMALE D CONNECTOR PINOUT
o DTE is an abbreviation for Data Terminal Equipment
o 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 the DTE.
PIN
NAME
I/O
LEVEL
EXPLANATION
1
DTR
IN
0..30V
Data Terminal Ready. The pin can be used to wake-up the radio
module from the standby mode. >+2 VDC = ON,
Not connected = ON, <+0.6 VDC = STANDBY
2
Pin 2 has alternative functions depending on the Port2 configuration, see below.
CD
OUT
RS-232
Carrier Detect (if Port2 selection is RS-232)
A’
OUT
RS-422
Port2 Receive Data positive (if Port2 selection is RS-422)
A
IN/OUT
RS-485
Port2 Data positive. Note**) (if Port2 selection is RS-485)
3
Pin 3 has alternative functions depending on the Port2 configuration, see below.
RD2
OUT
RS-232
Port2 Receive Data (if Port2 selection is RS-232)
B’
OUT
RS-422
Port2 Receive Data negative (if Port2 selection is RS-422)
B
IN/OUT
RS-485
Port2 Data negative. Note**) (if Port2 selection is RS-485)
4
Pin 4 has alternative functions depending on the configuration, see below.
TD2
IN
RS-232
Port2 Transmit Data (if Port2 selection is RS-232)
A
IN
RS-422
Port2 Transmit Data positive (if Port2 selection is RS-422)
5
Pin 5 has alternative functions depending on the hardware assembly, see below.
B
IN
RS-422
Port2 Transmit data negative (default hardware)
RSSI
OUT
0..5V
Analogue RSSI (requires the special hardware assembly, needs to
be defined in order sheet!)
6
CTS
OUT
RS-232
Clear To Send. This signal indicates that the radio modem serial
interface is ready to receive data from DTE. Note*)
7, 8
GND
-
Operating voltage and Signal Ground
9
RD1
OUT
RS-232
Port1 Receive Data to DTE from the radio modem
10
DSR
OUT
RS-232
Data Set Ready. Indicates that the radio modem is ON.
11
TD1
IN
RS-232
Port1 Transmit Data from DTE to the radio modem.
12
MODE
IN
0..30V
<2VDC or connected to ground = Programming Mode
>3VDC or Not connected = Data Transfer Mode Note***)
13
RTS
IN
RS-232
Request To Send from DTE. Note*)
14,
15
V
b
-
See
spec.
sheets
Operating Voltage.
+10.8...30 VDC for 3AS(d) Epic NMS
+8...30 VDC for 3AS(d) NMS, VHF
Note! Unused pins can be left unconnected.
Note*) RTS and CTS signals apply to the Data port-either Port1 or Port2 depending on the configuration.
Note**) A and B designators are opposite in Profibus standard.
Note***) Programming Mode is for changing the settings of the radio modem via Programming menu.
Normally the MODE line is NOT connected i.e. the radio modem is in Data Transfer Mode.
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5 SERIAL INTERFACE
The radio modem is referred to as DCE (Data Communication Equipment) whereas the PC is
referred to as DTE (Data Terminal Equipment). The 15-pin female ‘D’-type connector of the radio
modem contains the connections required to establish data communication between the radio
modem and DTE.
The radio modem contains two separate serial ports, which are designated Port 1 and Port 2. One
and only one of the ports at a time can operate as the DATA port for user data, while the other
port can be used as the NMS port for the diagnostics interface to SATEL NMS PC software.
The user can select which one of the serial ports operates as the DATA port or NMS port by
configuring the radio modem in the Programming Mode or by using the LCD interface.
The physical interface of the serial ports is as follows:
o Port 1 complies always with the RS-232 standard.
o Port 2 can comply either with the RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 standards. The user can
change the Port 2 interface type in the Programming Mode or by using the LCD interface.
The handshaking signals apply to the selected DATA port. The handshaking signals are CD
(Carrier Detect), RTS (Ready To Send), CTS (Clear To Send), DSR (Data Set Ready) and DTR
(Data Terminal Ready). The physical level of these signals is always RS-232. See the chapter 5.6
Handshake lines for additional information.
5.1 RS-232 interface
RS-232standard 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 (see also
Chapter 14.2 for more information on RS-232 wiring).
When connecting equipment using RS-232 interface make sure that the equipment are connected
together sharing the same ground potential. Major differences in ground potentials may result to
NOTE!
WHEN THE MODE PIN (PIN 12 OF THE D-CONNECTOR) IS GROUNDED, THE RADIO
MODEM IS IN THE PROGRAMMING MODE AND Port 1 (PINS 7, 9, 11) IS IN ACTIVE USE!
If you normally use Port 2 for data transmission, the serial cable must be changed to a
standard (direct) serial cable when switching over to the configuration mode.
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large current flow in the GND wire of the RS-232 interface and may lead to a malfunction or
damage the connected devices!
5.2 RS-422 interface
RS-422 standard defines a serial data transfer method, which is very similar to the RS-232
standard. In RS-422 however, the signal lines are balanced (or differential) transmission lines. A
balanced (or differential) transmission line is formed by using two signal wires together to convey
each single signal. Because the state of the signal is defined by the mutual voltage difference
(hence the name differential), any common mode interferences induced into the lines will cancel
out. The effect of different signals moving in the same cable will also be smaller than in the case
of the RS-232. Transmission distance can be considerably longer than when using RS-232 type of
connection, and distances up to 1 km are possible. (See also Chapter 14.2 for more information
on RS-422 wiring).
As an example, let’s examine the TX-signal: TX-signal will be transmitted using two lines (A and
B). A logical ”1” corresponds to a situation, where the voltage on line A is greater than the voltage
on line B. Correspondingly a logical ”0” corresponds to a situation, where the voltage on line A
is smaller than the voltage on line B.
Picture 5.1. RS-422 interface
R
T
1 2 0
R
T
RT 1 2 0
R
T
B B'
A A'
B' B
A' A
Ra d io m o d e m
Ca b le
T e r m in a l
Ca b le
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5.3 RS-485 interface
RS-485is an extension of the RS-422 standard and enables the connection of more than two
devices on to the same bus. Communication is half-duplex, so there is only one cable pair,
compared to two when using the RS-422. The RS-485 standard defines the electrical
characteristics of the connections in such a way as to prevent possible data contention states as
well as cable short circuits etc. from harming the devices themselves. (See also Chapter 14.2 for
more information on RS-485 wiring).
Picture 5.2. RS-485 interface
5.4 Termination of RS-422/485 lines
Each differential pair of wires is a transmission line. A transmission line must be terminated properly
to prevent, or at least minimise, harmful reflections formed between the transmitting and receiving
end of the transmission line. A common method of terminating an RS-485 type of transmission
line is to connect a so-called terminating resistor between the wires at both ends of the transmission
line. Even when there are more than two devices on the same transmission line, the terminating
resistors are needed only at transmission line ends. The terminating resistor must be selected so
that its resistance matches to the characteristic impedance of the transmission line as close as
possible. Typical value range is from 100 to 120 ohm. When using an RS-422 type of connection
the terminating resistor is connected only at both receiving end. Terminating resistors are
particularly important, when long transmission lines and/or high data transfer speeds are used.
RT 120
R a d io m o d e m
C a b le
T e r m in a l
C a b le
RT 120
R
T
B
A
B'
A'
T
R
B'
A'
B
A
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5.5 Serial interface, data format
The table below shows the available options for selected DATA port. The NMS port has fixed
settings.
The serial interface uses an asynchronous data format. One character to be transmitted contains
a start bit, the data bits (defining the specific character in question), an optional parity bit and one
or two stop bits. Therefore the overall length of one character is 10 or 11 bits. This should be
taken into account when calculating the data throughput capability of a system. A useful rule of
thumb is that the transmission of one character will require roughly one millisecond (1 ms) with
data transfer speed of 9600 bps.
Start
Data
Parity
End
Picture 5.3. Asynchronous character data format on the serial line
Example: With an 8-bit data character length and taking, for example, a decimal value of ”204”,
(corresponding 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:
DATA FORMAT
CHARACTER (binary value)
CHARACTER LENGTH (total)
8 bit, no parity, 1 stop bit
0110011001
10 bit
8 bit, even parity, 1 stop bit
01100110001
11 bit
8 bit, odd parity, 1 stop bit
01100110011
11 bit
8 bit, no parity, 2 stop bits
01100110011
11 bit
8 bit, even parity, 2 stop bits
011001100011
12 bit
8 bit, odd parity, 2 stop bits
011001100111
12 bit
The radio modem serial port settings and the terminal device connected to it must have equal
data port settings (data speed, character length, parity and the number of stop bits.
The serial port settings can be changed in the Programming Mode or via LCD display.
Table 5.1. Possible DATA port and the NMS port configurations.
Port
Data speed
Characters
Parity
Stop bits
DATA
1200
2400
4800
9600
19200
38400 bps
7 or 8 bit data
None, Even or Odd
1 or 2
NMS
9600 bps
8 bit data
Even
1
Note:300 or 600 bps data speeds nor 9-bit data are not supported!
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5.6 Handshaking lines
When using the RS-232 serial interface, handshaking signals can be used to control data transfer
on the DATA port. For example, the radio modem can inform the DTE that the radio channel is
busy, and that it is not allowed to initiate transmission.
A common way of using handshaking signals is to monitor the CTS line and ignore the others.
Usually the terminal device is fast enough to handle the data received by the radio modem, so
the use of RTS line is not necessary.
Handshaking is not needed if the system protocol is designed to prevent collisions (data
contentions) by using poll queries, or if there is only little traffic and, if there is no harm from
occasional data contention situations (two or more radio modems trying to transmit at the same
time).
5.6.1 CTS line
CTS (Clear To Send) is a signal from the radio modem to the DTE. It indicates when the radio
modem is ready to accept more data from the DTE. The options for CTS line controls are:
1) Clear To Send
CTS line is set active when the radio modem is ready to accept data for transmission. CTS will
shift into inactive state during data reception, and when a pause (packet end) is detected in
transmitted data. CTS shifts back into active state either when reception ends or the radio modem
has finished data transmission. CTS will also shift into inactive state when the serial interface data
transfer speed is greater than the radio interface transfer speed, and the transmit buffer is in danger
of overflowing.
2) TX buffer state
CTS line will shift into inactive state only when the data buffer for the data to be transmitted is in
danger of overflowing.
5.6.2 CD line
CD (Carrier Detect) is a signal from the radio modem to the DTE. It indicates when there is
activity on the radio channel. The options for CD line controls are:
1) RSSI-threshold
CD is active whenever a signal exceeding the defined threshold level required for reception exists
on the radio channel. It doesn’t make any difference, whether the signal is actual data
transmission, a signal of a radio transmitter not belonging into the system or even interference
caused e.g. by a computer or some other peripheral device. CD is also active, when the radio
modem itself is transmitting.
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2) Data on channel
CD will switch to active state only after recognizing a valid data transmission from another
SATELLINE-3AS NMS family radio modem. CD will not react to interferences like noise or possible
other signals.
3) Always ON
CD is always in the active state. This option is usually used with terminal equipment using the CD
line as an indicator of an active connection. In this case the radio modem can transmit and receive
data at any time.
5.6.3 RTS line
RTS (Ready To Send) is a signal from the DTE to the radio modem. DTE controls the data flow
from the radio modem by using RTS. The options for RTS line controls 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. Inactive
state of the RTS line will force the radio modem to buffer the received data. This option is used,
when 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.
Inactive RTS line will interrupt reception process immediately, even if the radio modem is in the
middle of receiving a data packet. This option is used to force the radio modem into WAIT State
for an immediate channel change.
5.6.4 DTR line
DTR (Data Terminal Ready) is a signal from the DTE to the radio modem. DTR has a special
function in the radio modem - it can be used as an external ON/OFF switch for power saving
purposes.
The radio modem is:
o ON, if the voltage at the DTR pin is more than +2 VDC.
o OFF, in the Stand-by Mode if the voltage at the DTR pin is less than +0.6 VDC.
NOTE: If the DTR pin is not connected, the radio modem is ON.
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5.6.5 DSR line
DSR (Data Set Ready) is a signal from the radio modem to the DTE. It indicates that the radio
modem is powered up. DSR is typically ignored.
5.7 Pause length
The radio modem recognizes a pause on the serial line (a pause is defined as a time with no
status changes in the 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 change the radio to the receiving mode
- SL command recognition - For an SL command to be valid, a pause must be detected before
the actual “SL“ prefix of the SL command.
- User address recognition
In order for detecting the message, 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) has changed this tradition by adding random pauses in the asynchronous
data stream. Such systems can’t serve the hardware UART properly when performing other tasks
(other applications or tasks of the operating system itself).
The pauses described above are typically up to 100 ms. When such a pause appears in the
middle of a user message, the radio modem transmits the message as two separate radio
transmissions. This will generate problems in at least two ways:
1) The inter-character delay will be increased by at least the time of the modem transfer delay
2) The probability of collisions on the radio path will increase. This will be especially harmful for
repeater chains
The default value for the Pause length is 5 bytes.
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6 RF INTERFACE
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS / Epic NMS / VHF have a single TNC type connector with impedance of
50 ohm.
SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS has two antenna connectors, the one
on the left for both transmitting and receiving and the other on the
right for receiving only (the diversity reception); see the picture on
the right.
The diversity reception i.e. the secondary receiver of the Epic can
be switched off (in single antenna applications) by changing the
setting Diversity Mode OFF in the configuration. It is
recommended to protect the unused antenna port by placing a
suitable cap on the TNC connector.
Picture 6.1. 3AS(d) Epic NMS
When ordering the radio modem, the frequency band (or the centre frequency) to which the radio
modem will be tuned to must be defined. The user can change the radio modem operating
frequency afterwards by ±2 MHz from the pre-set centre frequency (basic tuning range), or inside
2 X 2 MHz frequency bands, when using the special Dual Band variant assembly. The available
channels are multiples of the channel spacing. Selectable channels can be calculated with the
following formula: CF +/- n*CS, where CF=Centre Frequency and CS=Channel Spacing.
SATELLINE-3AS VHF allows the user to change the operating frequency within whole radio board
limits (135 … 155, 138 … 160, 155 … 174 or 218 …238 MHz).
All local regulations set forth by the authorities must be taken into account.
The radio channel spacing is set at the factory and cannot be changed afterwards by modifying
system settings. The data speed of the radio interface depends on the radio channel spacing as
follows:
o 25 kHz channel -> 19200 bps
o 12.5/20 kHz channel -> 9600 bps
The data speed of the radio interface depends only on the channel spacing - it is 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, when necessary, so no data
loss will occur.
NOTE!
Adjusting the active radio channel to another frequency than allocated and/or allowed by local
authorities, is strictly forbidden.
Use or intended use of forbidden frequencies may lead to prosecution and penalties.
SATEL Oy is not responsible for any illegal use practiced with any devices manufactured and/or
sold by SATEL Oy and is not liable to pay any damages or compensation caused by such
illegal use.
TX&RX RX only
Epic
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6.1 Transmitter
The output power of the transmitter is adjustable (see the table below for available values). 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 that still ensures error free connection under variable conditions. High output power levels
used in short link spans can, in the worst case, cause interferences and affect to the overall
operation of the system.
Table 6.1. The transmitter output power levels of the
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS family radio modems.
OUTPUT POWER
dBm
3AS NMS
Epic NMS
VHF
10 mW
+10
o
20 mW
+13
o
50 mW
+17
o
100 mW
+20
o
o
200 mW
+23
o
500 mW
+27
o
o
1 W
+30
o
o
o
2 W
+33
o
5 W
+37
o
o
10 W
+40
o
NOTE!
Additional cooling is required in case the transmitter of SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS radio
modem has over 20 % duty cycle at the full power (or the constant transmitter on-time exceeds
2 minutes at the full power). The product variant SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS C includes the
necessary cooling element.
NOTE!
Setting the radio data modem output power level to exceed the regulations set forth by local
authorities is strictly forbidden. The setting and/or using of non-approved power level may lead
to prosecution. SATEL Oy 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.
NOTE!
Additional cooling is required in case the output power of SATELLINE-3AS(d) VHF radio
modem is 5 W and transmitter duty cycle exceeds 20 %. The product variant SATELLINE-3AS(d)
VHF C includes the necessary cooling element.
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6.2 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 (Forward Error Correction) according to the
table below:
SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS radio modem contains two separate receivers, which are used
simultaneously. The selection between received signals is made in order that the stronger/better
signal is used. By using this method, the signal fading caused by multipath propagation will be
smaller than in case, where just one antenna and receiver is used. The recommended minimum
distance between two receiving antennas is ¾ wavelengths, app. 50 cm at 450 MHz frequency
range.
6.2.1 RSSI and RSSI threshold level
The radio modem measures constantly the received signal strength of the receiver. The RSSI
Threshold Level of the receiver is the important parameter determining the level, above which
the search for the messages from the radio receiver transfer signal is active. It is recommended
that values given in the table 6.2 are used as a basis. 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 such case the actual data transmission might remain unnoticed. If the RSSI
threshold is set too high, the weak data transmissions will be rejected although they could be
otherwise acceptable.
The RSSI threshold should only be changed for a reason. For example in the following cases:
o Continuous interference is present and the desired signal is strong. In this case the RSSI
threshold can be increased to prevent the modem from synchronising to the interfering
signal(s) and /or possible noise.
o Maximum sensitivity should be achieved and the desired signal is very weak. In this case
the sensitivity could increase by decreasing the RSSI threshold. This type of situation is
usually a sign of a poorly constructed radio network / contact. Bit errors and momentary
loss of signals can be expected in this kind of a situation. Some data might be successfully
transferred.
The radio modems equipped with an LCD display show the RSSI of the last received message in
dBm units. The RSSI can be requested also locally by using a special SL command (SL@R?). The
RSSI value is available 7s after the receiving the message. After that the value is returned to zero.
SATELLINE-3AS Epic NMS responds by the stronger RSSI value of the two receivers.
NOTE! SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF radio modems do not include an analogue RSSI
signal - it is a special hardware assembly option that must be specified in the order.
Table 6.2. Effect of settings on the receiver sensitivity
Channel spacing
Sensitivity FEC OFF
Sensitivity FEC ON
25 kHz
-110 dBm
-113 dBm
12.5 kHz
-112 dBm
-115 dBm
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6.3 Error correction
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS has the error correction feature called the FEC method (Forward Error
Correction). When FEC is enabled (ON), the radio modem automatically adds 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. FEC 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 lot of interferences in the radio channels used. Using the FEC function will decreases the data
transfer throughput by app. 30 %. See Appendix B for the exact transfer delays introduced by
using FEC function.
6.4 Error checking
The purpose of the error checking is to detect possible errors happened in the data transfer. The
radio modem transfers user data over the radio link by fitting it to sub-frames and adds checksums
to the transmitted data. In case the error checking is switched on, the receiving modem calculates
the checksums and verifies the received data before it forwards the data to the serial port.
SATELLINE-3AS NMS supports three different methods of error checking in order to verify that the
received data is proper:
No Error Check
In this mode the received data is NOT verified at all. This is the fastest mode because received
data is given out to the terminal device immediately after it has been received. This is the default
mode and it is recommended in case the user protocol includes the error-checking feature of its
own.
Partial Error Check
This mode means that the radio modem checks the received data in small data blocks and
sends the validated sub-messages to DTE. Once an error is detected, the rest of the message is
ignored. That is, if an error takes place in the middle of a message then the first part of the
message is forwarded to the terminal device, but the data inside the erroneous sub-frame and
the rest of the data will be ignored.
Full Error Check
In this mode the radio modem waits until the end of the reception and checks the whole
received message before forwarding it to DTE. The additional time delay compared to No Error
Check is roughly the time needed to transfer the user data message over the serial line.
NOTE!
All radio modems that 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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6.5 Dual band version
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS radio modem is also available as a special "Dual Band" version. The
radio transceiver of the Dual Band version offers two times two MHz frequency bands, and radio
modem can be reconfigured to operate at any channel within those two bands. The frequency
bands are tuned at SATEL manufacturing premises. The maximum separation between the highest
and the lowest frequency can be 15 MHz.
The centre frequency (fc) is set to the middle of the two frequency bands. When using the SL
commands, please note that SL&F=nnn.nnnn is the only command for frequency change which
works in all cases. (SL&+/-=nn command can be used only when the required value for nn
does not exceed 99).
Max. 15 MHz
Max. 2 MHz fc Max. 2 MHz
Picture 6.2. Dual band scheme
6.6 Dual channel operation
By setting the Rx and Tx frequencies different to each other the radio modem transmits and receives
data on separate radio channels (although not simultaneously). The radio modem is initially on
the receiving channel. Data flow on the TD line starts the transmitter automatically and the
frequency is changed to the transmitting channel. The delay caused by the frequency change -
before the actual data can be transmitted - is 64 ms, and the same time is needed for returning
to the receiving channel after completing the transmission. The extra delay from a modem to
another is shown below:
Picture 6.3. Dual channel scheme
NOTE!
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS Dual Band is a special hardware version, and the frequency
adjustment is done case by case. Before starting the system design procedure, please contact
the manufacturer for checking the technical details.
Start DATA to be transmitted on TD line of Modem1 End
Normal point-to-point delay (see Appendix B) + 64ms extra delay
due to the Dual Channel operation
Start Received DATA on RD line of Modem2 End
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6.7 TX Delay
The radio modem can be configured to delay the beginning of a radio transmission by 1...65000
ms. This feature is for preventing packet contention in a system where all substations would
otherwise answer a poll query of a base station simultaneously. During this delay data sent to the
radio modem is buffered. If this function is not needed, the delay time should be kept as 0 ms
(default value).
6.8 Sync Interval
Normally the length of a single radio transmission is not limited by the radio modem. The
transmission ends when:
o The buffer of the transmitter is empty and a pause has been detected on the serial data
coming from the DTE (the default value of the Pause length parameter is 3 bytes (~1.5 ms
at 19200 bps, ~3 ms at 9600 bps)
o Or the buffer overflows.
In some applications, especially in the remote control systems, the transmission can be of infinite
length. The radio modem transmits the synchronisation sequence and the radio message
identifiers (the type of the message, addresses etc.) only in the beginning of each radio
transmission. These signals might seem redundant to the user, but they are necessary for the
receiver to be able to receive the transmitted message. Thus, if the receiver momentarily looses
the reception of the transmitted message, it will not be able to synchronise back to the same
message again. The receiver will stop reception and starts looking for the beginning of the next
radio transmission, which in theory then might never come.
To overcome this problem the radio modem has the Sync Interval setting that limits the size of a
radio frames. When the limit is reached the modem completes the current radio frame properly
and starts the transmission of a new synchronisation sequence and the radio frame.
The drawback of this function is that the use of additional synchronisation sequences adds delays
among the data transmission i.e. approximately 20ms delay will be introduced in the data flow
(depending on the data speed at the serial port) each time an extra synchronisation sequence is
transmitted. The optimum value of Sync Interval setting must be derived by experimental testing
depending on the application.
6.9 Diversity reception
SATELLINE-3AS(d) Epic NMS model has two antenna connectors, one solely for reception and
the other for both reception and transmission. Diversity reception means that the radio modem
selects the best signal from both those received by the two antennas. In this way the reliability of
the connection is improved especially in those cases, which are subject to a high level of
reflections and multipath fading.
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6.9.1 Multipath fading
In radio systems (operating at suitable frequencies) it is not necessary to have a direct line-of-
sight connection between the master station and a moving substation, because the radio signal
propagates by reflecting from buildings and terrain contours e.g. hills. These useful reflections
do however cause fading, which can occur when the radio signal experiences a number of
reflections on the way to the receiving antenna. Radio signals propagate at the speed of light
but if the signal is reflected from several different objects before reaching the receiving antenna
the different total path lengths of these reflected signals will cause them to be detected at slightly
different times. This means that these detected reflected signals are in different phases. In the
worst case scenario, two equally strong signals are in exactly opposing phases thus cancelling
each other out and causing the signal level to drop.
Received signals from two antennas. The selected signals are marked in grey.
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7 NETWORK PROTOCOL MODES
SATELLINE-3AS NMS can operate in one of the following network protocol modes, which
determine the way the radio modem handles and buffers data:
o Basic - RX Priority (transmit after receive)
o Basic - TX Priority (transmit immediately)
o Basic - Repeater (store & forward all)
o Advanced - Master (routing supported)
o Advanced - Slave (routing supported)
NMS, network addresses or routing is supported ONLY in the Advanced Master
and Advanced Slave Protocol modes. Any radio modem in Advanced Master or
Advanced Slave mode acts also as a repeater station automatically depending on the message.
The three Basic modes require that the user equipment perform the above-mentioned functions.
The radio modems in the Advanced Protocol modes ignore the messages sent
by the radio modems in the Basic Protocol modes and vice versa.
7.1 Basic - RX Priority
SATELLINE-3AS NMS works as a plain transparent radio modem in the Basic - RX Priority mode
i.e. it does NOT support routing or NMS features.
RX Priority here means that a radio modem tries to receive all data currently in the air. If a terminal
device outputs data to be transmitted it will be 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, which is particularly useful in systems
based on multiple random accesses.
Note: In case the terminal device enters an SL command, any radio reception will be terminated
and the SL command will be handled immediately.
Note: The diagnostic functions are disabled in the Basic - RX Priority mode.
7.2 Basic - TX Priority
Basic-TX priority mode means that a terminal device attached to a radio modem determines the
timing of the transmission precisely. The transmitter is switched on immediately when the terminal
device is starting to output data.
If the radio modem is already receiving data from the radio interface and data to be transmitted
is detected on the TD line, the radio modem will stop the reception and switch to the transmit
state. Thus there is no need to use RTS line to control the timing of transmission/reception.
Because the transmission has higher priority than reception normally in industrial systems, the
default value of the Protocol mode is Basic - TX Priority ON which fits to most systems directly.
Note: The diagnostic functions are disabled in the Basic-TX Priority mode.
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7.3 Basic - Repeater
SATELLINE-3AS NMS operates in a store and forward fashion in the Basic - Repeater mode. This
means that the radio modem acts as a repeater station i.e. it first receives a message from the
radio interface, buffers the received data (the maximum size of a message is 1 kB) and after the
reception it transmits the buffered data to another radio modem. Only correctly received, valid
messages are forwarded.
Note: BASIC - REPEATER MODE WORKS ONLY IN ONE REPEATER SYSTEMS!
If there are two or more repeater stations on the same radio frequency, a message will be
bouncing between the repeater stations forever in an infinite loop. Instead, addressing must be
used in systems that include more than one repeater, in order to prevent such situation and
ensure that a message finally reaches the intended radio modem. The Advanced - Master and
Advanced - Slave modes must be used in those cases - see the next two chapters.
In case a radio modem is in the range of both - original transmitter and the repeater - units, it will
receive a message twice. In other words the duplicate messages appear on the serial interface.
Terminal equipment can be also connected to the serial port of the repeater station. If the radio
modem is already receiving a message to be forwarded, the data coming simultaneously from the
serial port will be buffered until the store-and-forward procedure has been completed.
The store-and-forward procedure will be completed before transmitting any data - even in the
case that the radio modem has received new data from the radio, while TX Delay is already
activated and it expires in the middle of the store-and-forward procedure. The use of TX delay
together with the Basic - Repeater mode should be avoided without a special reason.
Note: The diagnostic functions are disabled in the Basic-TX Priority mode.
In Basic Network Protocol mode is possible to use TX / RX addresses. 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.
Please contact local SATEL distributor or manufacturer in order to get more information of the
addressing.
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7.4 Advanced Network Protocol modes
NMS, network addresses, use of multiple repeaters or NMS routing are supported ONLY in the
Advanced Master and Advanced SlaveProtocol modes.
The whole configuration is performed by using SATEL NMS PC program that creates the NMS
routing information for the master modem based on the specific project design file. It also
initializes and controls the NMS (Network Management System) of the radio network.
All network related settings i.e. SATEL NMS, addresses, identifiers or NMS routing are hidden
(except the Protocol mode for the informative reason) from the LCD and the Programming menu
due to their usability limitations for the purpose. Instead, SATEL NMS PC provides the user
friendly interface to access all the settings.
Read through the chapter SYSTEM DESIGN to get the idea how to use the radio modem in the
system.
7.4.1 Advanced - Master
The Advanced - Master mode must be used for the master modem of the user system. The
master modem retains the routing information of the radio modem network and provides the
gateway for SATEL NMS PC program to the network.
7.4.2 Advanced - Slave
In case NMS (Network Management System), addressed repeater stations or the routing features
are required, the Advanced - Slave mode must be used for all - except for the master modem -
modems of the network.
Any radio modem in Advanced - Slave mode works also as a repeater station automatically
depending on the received radio message.
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SYSTEM ENVIRONMENT
Data protocol
Interface types
Maximum response times
Time delays
LOCAL RADIO TRANSMISSION
REGULATIONS (AUTHORITIES)
Available radio channels
Max. Radiated power
Tx/Rx duty cycle
GEOGRAPHY
Station locations
Topographic profiles
Buildings or other obstacles
8 SYSTEM DESIGN
8.1 General
A. PLANNING NETWORK REQUIREMENTS
Like other engineering tasks, designing a radio modem network requires a set of rules to be
followed for producing the desired result. Both the radio connections themselves and the
compatibility of the surrounding system need to be considered.
The very first part of the designing is to evaluate the system environment requirements,
geography and the local radio frequency and transmission laws and regulations.
B. PLANNING NETWORK HARDWARE
With the desired system performance and the limitations above in mind, the first version of the
radio modem network can be designed:
1. Radio modem types and serial cable wirings are specified.
2. Radio links are simulated by giving the antenna types and heights, feeder cable lengths,
and possible need of any additional repeater stations.
3. If necessary, other system components like RF filters, RF relays, combiners, lightning
protectors, power supplies and mechanical installation parts are specified.
4. Data transmission delays are calculated for the sufficient number of RF channels.
After these four steps, the system design is typically detailed enough for a commercial quotation.
C. TESTING THE COMPONENTS BEFORE FINAL INSTALLATION
Data communication tests at the factory, radio signal propagation and radio interference tests
on the field are important. The tests verify the functionality of the designed system, its
compatibility to the surrounding system and the correct settings of the devices. Proper signal-to-
interference margin (app. 15 – 20 dB) is essential for reliable error-free radio communication.
D. REPEATING THE TESTS AFTER FINAL INSTALLATION
By repeating the communication tests after the final installation the system designer may verify
that the radio network design works properly with the desired application.
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NETWORK DESIGN CENTER
In case you are not familiar in using wireless radio data modems or your system is complicated
and you are not sure how to design the network, please feel free to contact SATEL representative
for assistance. The fastest way of getting support is to contact the local SATEL distributor.
However, if they do not have the resources or application specific know-how, the experts at
SATEL Network Design Center ( ndc@satel.com ) are prepared to assist. The service could
include for example:
o A budgetary price to start with so you can estimate the overall expenses for your project.
This would be based on your description of the system.
o Propagation measurements on site to ensure that the system will work properly
o Actual designing of the network based on the measurements
o Binding offer for the entire radio network including the radios, antennas, antenna feeder
cables, data interface cables, connectors needed etc.
o Delivery of the high quality products in a short time due to our own production
o Installation of the radio network as an option together with our local distributor
o Testing of the system after installation including training of your staff
o Handing over of the network to you
o Guarantee
8.2 Configuration
Once the choices between devices, their location, installation, maintenance etc. are clear, the
design and the configuration of the SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF radio modem
system can be implemented in two ways depending on the desired configuration as described
below.
SATEL NMS PC program provides the access to all user settings. SATEL NMS PC
is also required in order to use the NMS or configure the routing scheme for
the system. The procedure involves the followings steps:
1. Create a project file for a new system and fill in the common settings of the system (radio
frequency, Network IDentifier, FEC and user protocol)
2. Draw a layout of the radio modem network using the graphical routing window.
3. Fill in settings such as addresses of the terminal equipment.
4. Connect and Transmit settings to the modems. When all the radio modems have correct
settings, they are ready for further installation.
5. Test the network.
6. Start using and monitoring of the system.
See the user instructions of SATEL NMS PC program for the details of the configuration. Check
also the chapter 2.6 Settings of this user manual.
If the radio modem is to be used WITHOUT NMS OR NMS ROUTING in one of the
Basic Network modes, then SATERM LITE or almost any common terminal
program via the Programming menu can be used as a configuration tool. The
Programming menu provides the access to very basic settings, which are adequate for the systems
where external logic takes care of the network level operation and has a total control over the
data transfer of the radio network. The role of the radio modem is then to provide a plain
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transparent radio connection. All the messages are received by any other radio modem using the
same settings.
See also the chapters 2.6 Settings and 11.1Programming Mode.
8.3 System characteristics
The data transfer characteristics of SATELLINE-3AS NMS / Epic NMS / VHF are designed to fit in
real time systems. The full functionality of NMS is obtained in the user systems that have a single
master polling scheme, where the master station polls every slave station regularly.
8.3.1 Features
o Transparent to user protocols.
o Easy construction of a network containing several repeaters.
o Any radio modem may operate as a repeater, i.e. dedicated repeaters are not usually
needed thus cutting down on costs.
o Large coverage areas may be implemented by using only one radio channel.
o The system will be fully deterministic i.e. the transmission delays are predictable. Because
of this, the principle of NMS Routing is connectionless.
o Added redundancy by using NMS, as a failing radio modem can be by-passed with another
radio modem positioned in the same coverage area.
8.3.2 System requirements
o NMS and the internal routing features are intended mainly for the protocols based on
polling scheme and a single master station. Other kinds of are possible but require careful
planning - contact SATEL in uncertain cases.
o The maximum size of a single message is 1kB (kilobyte), if repeater stations are used.
o It is assumed that the position of the address field in the user messages is fixed (some
special protocols can be supported though, and list will be growing).
o It is assumed that there is only one message at a time inside the network. Simultaneous
messages could cause collisions.
o The maximum number of the routes depends on the actual hardware and the software
version. Currently the maximum number of routes is 100.
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8.3.3 Protocol support
Using the internal Packet filter feature the radio modem catches and transfers only the wanted
messages/protocols - NMS also enables easy addition of higher level functions, like alternative
routes and alarms in future development. The list of preset protocols includes for example:
o User defined
o Modbus ASCII
o Modbus RTU
o Rockwell DT1
o IEC60870-5-101
o DNP 3.0
o ANSI
o SATELLINK
8.3.4 Network ID
The Network ID is a character string, which is used to prevent the reception of the messages
coming from any external system. It applies only in the Advanced Protocol modes. The radio
modems operating in the same system using NMS Routing must have the same Network ID.
Only the messages that have a matching Network ID are received. Network ID is configured by
using SATEL NMS PC.
8.4 Repeater stations
In circumstances where it is necessary to extend the coverage area of a radio modem network,
SATELLINE-3AS(d) NMS / Epic NMS / VHF radio modems can be used as repeater stations. 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 serial or parallel-chained repeater, addressing or routing protocol
must be used to prevent a message ending up in an infinite loop formed by repeaters, and to
ensure that the message finally reaches only the intended radio modem.
The maximum size of a repeated data packet is 1kB (kilobyte).
A radio modem acting as a repeater can be also connected to the serial interface:
o The radio modem in the Basic-Repeater Protocol mode will transmit all the received
messages to the serial interface.
o The radio modem in the Advanced-Master or Advanced-Slave mode will transmit only the
received messages addressed to its serial interface dictated by the route information in the
message and the settings of the radio modem.
o The radio modem will transmit the data coming from the serial interface in a normal format
in all Protocol modes.
The radio modems in the Advanced Protocol modes ignore the messages sent
by the radio modems in the Basic Protocol modes and vice versa.
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Picture 8.1. Repeater stations extend the coverage of the radio network. The end-to-end latency
increases correspondingly.
8.5 Timing and delays during data transmission
When using a radio modem for data transmission, the use of a radio interface and the radio
modem circuitry itself introduces start-up and data transfer delays. These delays exist when the
radio modem switches from Standby Mode to Data Transfer Mode and during reception and
transmission of data. See Appendix B for values in each case.
8.6 Data buffering in the radio data modem
A synchronisation signal is transmitted at the beginning of each radio transmission and this signal
is detected by another radio modem, which then turns into receive mode. During the transmission
of the synchronisation signal the radio modem buffers the data to be transmitted into its memory.
Transmission ends when a pause is detected in the data flow sent by the terminal device, and after
all the buffered data has been transmitted. When the data speed of the serial port 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 the transmit buffer memory. After the terminal device has stopped data transmission,
it will take a moment for the radio modem to get the buffered data transmitted and get the
transmitter switched 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 cleared and the transmission is restarted.
In the receiving mode, the data coming from the radio is also buffered thus evening out differences
in data transfer speeds at the serial ports.
MASTER STATION
REPEATER 1
REPEATER 2
SLAVE STATION
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If the terminal device transmits data to a radio modem in receiving mode, the data will go into
transmit buffer memory. Transmission will start immediately when the radio channel is free,
depending on the RX/TX priority setting of the radio modem:
a) TX-priority ON, immediately start transmitting the data sent by the DTE or
b) RX-priority ON, continue in receiving mode and buffer the data sent by the DTE. The
buffered data will be transmitted when the radio channel is free (when the modem is not
in the receiving state).
Terminal equipment can be also connected to the serial port of the repeater station. If the radio
modem is already receiving a message to be forwarded, the data coming simultaneously from
the serial port will be buffered until the store-and-forward procedure has been completed.
8.7 Factors affecting to the quality/distance of the radio connection
o Power of the radio transmitter
o Sensitivity of the radio receiver
o Tolerance of spurious radiation’s of the radio modulating signal
o Gain of transmitting and receiving antennas
o Antenna cable attenuation
o Antenna height
o Natural obstacles
o Interference caused by other electrical equipment
The transmitter power of the base model of SATELLINE-3AS NMS is 1 W (maximum) and the
sensitivity of the receiver is typically better than -115 dBm. Thus in a flat area and in free space
with a 1/4 wave antenna (with antenna gain of 1dBi) and antenna height of 1 m communication
distances app. 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 antenna height can often solve problems caused by natural
obstacles. A ten-fold increase in distance can be achieved by using antennas with higher gain.
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 gain. Adding a repeater station can also solve
problematic 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.
In mobile applications the range of operation can be increased by dividing the transmitted data
into shorter e.g. 50...200 bytes blocks and by re-transmitting the defected blocks.
A sufficient safety margin can be obtained by testing the communication path by using extra 6 dB
attenuation at the antenna connection and with slightly less effective antennas than the ones
planned to be used in the final system.
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8.8 Radio field strength
Radio signal strength must be good enough for successful data transfer. Wherever the field
strength is above a certain level, the operational results are very good. Below this level, a few dB
margin areas occur in which errors begin to be generated by noise and interference that will
eventually lead to connection losses.
The field strength is at its optimum level in open space, although increasing the distance will still
reduce it. It should also be noticed that open space may have different environmental and external
factors compared to another place - 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 reflections 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 combined with the direct
radio waves they interact in either weakening or strengthening way. This causes the fading effect
in mobile systems. The attenuation may even reach 40 dB, typically less.
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9 TESTS
9.1 Test messages
The radio modem can be set to transmitting mode with two kinds of test messages - the Short
block test and the Long block test. These can be utilized for example when directing antennas
during system installation.
It is recommended to use the following data speed at the serial port of the receiving radio modem:
38400 bps @ 25 kHz radio channel spacing and 19200 bps @ 12.5 kHz.
The test transmissions can be started and stopped in the Programming menu, LCD menu or SATEL
NMS PC program.
9.1.1 Short block test
In this test mode the radio modem sends a test message that is preceded by a consecutive serial
number and terminated by the Line Feed character. The short data block transmission is followed
by a 200 ms delay after which the transmission sequence will be repeated until the test is stopped.
Short data block test is suitable for running data communication tests. Error-free reception of data
can be monitored using a terminal program, for example SaTermLite.
Example of a short data blocks:
$test3AS VHF ,0,1,S/N:0000000000, test line of SATELLINE – 3AS VHF ,E99C
9.1.1.1 Continuous short block test
This test mode is similar than Short block test, only difference is that this test runs also after
breaking the power.
9.1.2 Long block test
In this test mode the radio modem transmits test message continuously for 40 s. Then the
transmitter is switched OFF for a 10 seconds break. This transmission sequence is repeated until
the user stops it.
This test can be used in order to measure the transmitter output power, standing wave ratio (SWR)
of the antenna system or received signal strength (RSSI level) at the receiver stations.
NOTIFICATION
When Long block test is used with the full output power (10 W) of SATELLINE-3AS Epic NMS, the
radio modem must be the version equipped with a cooling element.
If the Epic doesn’t have the cooling element, maximum allowed Tx output power in Long data test
is 1 W.
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Example of a long data blocks:
$test3AS VHF ,0,1,S/N:0000000000, test line of SATELLINE – 3AS VHF ,E99C
$test3AS VHF ,0,2,S/N:0000000000, test line of SATELLINE – 3AS VHF ,E758
$test3AS VHF ,0,3,S/N:0000000000, test line of SATELLINE – 3AS VHF ,E2E4
9.1.2.1 Continuous long block test
This test mode is similar than Short block test, only difference is that this test runs also after
breaking the power.
9.1.3 Monitoring the test transmission using the receiver
The user can monitor the quality of the received data by visually inspecting the received data
stream. The packet identifier number helps to keep track of possibly lost messages. Error-free
reception of data can be checked by using a suitable terminal program, which may calculate BER
(Bit Error Rate) or PER (Packet Error Rate) performance of the radio links.
The signal strength of the reception can be monitored also by:
o Enquiring the RSSI level from the radio modem by using the SL command (SL@R?). In that
case the SL commands must be enabled in the radio modem setup.
o Monitoring the LCD display (models equipped with the LCD)
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10 LCD & PUSH BUTTONS
SATELLINE-3ASd NMS includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that indicates the status and
basic settings of the radio modem. LCD and the four push buttons enable easy access to the
radio modem settings without a need for an external terminal program. This feature is especially
handy on the field conditions.
10.1 LCD after power-up
The picture on the right shows the outlook of the LCD after the power-up i.e. the idle state of the
radio modem.
The signal strength info is displayed on the upper left
corner:
- RSSI value of the last received message or
- current noise level e.g.
The voltage meter on the upper right corner indicates
the supply voltage / battery level of the radio modem
in Volts.
There are two options to proceed from this view:
o Info pages - Press the -button to view the info
pages.
o Main menu - Press the SETUP -button to enter
to the main menu in order to modify the
settings.
10.2 Info pages
Scrolling between the info pages is done by pressing and -buttons. The info pages show the
following settings:
1. Transmitter: frequency and power
2. Receiver: frequency and RSSI threshold
3. Serial port 1 function, type, speed and character
4. Serial port 2 function, type, speed and character
5. SW (software) version number
6. RF (radio) version info
7. HW (hardware) version info
8. Serial number
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10.3 How to use menus
The main menu is used to select the desired submenus. The
setting modifications are performed using these submenus. It
is possible to jump back to the previous (higher) level in the
menu hierarchy by pressing the ”BACK”-button at any time
(same button serves also as CANCEL and EXIT depending on
the particular submenu).
The ►symbol on the left column indicates the active selection
or the current value of the setting.
Pressing or button either scrolls in the menu or modifies
parameters with numerical values consisting of digits. Use
or button until the desired value is reached.
The inverted text shows the cursor line. ”SELECT/OK”-button
confirms the selection.
10.4 Menu structure
10.4.1 Main menu
The main menu allows the user to choose from several functional parameter groups. The sub-
menu choices will appear in the following order:
o Radio settings
o Protocol mode
o Serial Port 1 settings
o Serial Port 2 settings
o Handshaking
o Additional settings
o Tests & Counters
o Restore Factory settings
Each of the submenus is described in detail in the following paragraphs.
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10.4.2 Radio settings
The submenu contains the following radio related parameters:
o Frequency
o Tx Power
o RSSI Threshold
o FEC
o Tx Delay
o Sync Interval
o Error check
o Rx Delay
The following table describes each parameter, indicates the default value and if applicable,
defines the allowed value range.
MAIN MENU
Radio settings
Frequency
TxPower
►10 mW
20 mW
50 mW
100 mW
200 mW
►500 mW
►1 W
▼▲
RSSI
Threshold
-80 dBm
│
-87 dBm
│
►-118
dBm
▼▲
[ step
-1 dBm ]
FEC
►FEC
OFF
►FEC
ON
▼▲
Tx
Delay
0 ms
│
9999
▼▲
[ step
1 ms,
default
value 0
ms ]
Sync Interval
Error
Check
►OFF
PARTIAL
►FULL
▼▲
Rx Delay
1 ms
│
65535
▼▲
[ step
1 ms ]
TX & RX
freq.
X.X MHz
▼▲
TX freq.
X.X MHz
▼▲
RX freq.
X.X MHz
▼▲
Set to
Default
SELECT
[ default
value
21845
bytes ]
Customize
0
│
65535
▼▲
[ step
1 byte ]
Note: X.X MHz is shortened from the actual display of XXX.XXXXXX MHz
▼▲ scroll value up or down OR select from list
► indicates selected value
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10.4.3 Protocol mode
The submenu allows the setting of the network mode used by the radio modem for transmitting
and receiving data on the radio modem network. The following options can be chosen:
o Basic - RX Priority [default value]
o Basic - TX Priority
o Basic - Repeater
o Advanced - Master
o Advanced - Slave
NOTE: Each of the options listed above activates the appropriate function, thus, there are no
value ranges to consider.
MAIN MENU
Protocol Mode
►Basic-RX Prior
►Basic-TX Prior
►Basic-Repeater
►Advanced-Master
►Advanced-Slave
▼▲
10.4.4 Serial Port 1 -settings
The submenu allows modifying the settings of the serial port 1. This main menu option will list
the following options to choose from:
o Port function type
o Serial port speed
o Number of data bits
o Parity
o Number of stop bits
o Pause length
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MAIN MENU
Serial Port 1
PORT
FUNCTION
DATA SPEED
DATA BITS
PARITY
STOP BITS
PAUSE
LENGTH
►OFF
►DATA
►NMS
▼▲
►1200 bps
►2400 bps
►4800 bps
►9600 bps
►19200 bps
►38400 bps
▼▲
►7 bit data
►8 bit data
▼▲
►None parity
►Even parity
►Odd parity
▼▲
►1 stop bit
►2 stop bit
▼▲
►3 bytes
│
►255 bytes
▲▼
[step1 byte]
10.4.5 Serial Port 2 -settings
The submenu allows modifying the settings of the serial port 2. This main menu option will list
the following options to choose from:
o Port function type
o Serial port type
o Serial port speed
o Parity
o Number of stop bits
o Pause length
MAIN MENU
Serial Port 2
PORT
FUNCTION
PORT
INTERFACE
DATA SPEED
DATA BITS
PARITY
STOP BITS
PAUSE
LENGTH
►DATA
►NMS
▼▲
►RS232
►RS485
►RS422
▼▲
►1200 bps
►2400 bps
►4800 bps
►9600 bps
►19200 bps
►38400 bps
▼▲
►7 bit data
►8 bit data
▼▲
►None parity
►Even parity
►Odd parity
▼▲
►1 stop bit
►2 stop bit
▼▲
►3 bytes
│
►255 bytes
▲▼
[step 1 byte]
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10.4.6 Handshaking
The submenu allows modifying the settings of the handshaking parameters. This main menu
option will list the following options to choose from:
o CTS line
o RTS line
o CD line
MAIN MENU
Handshaking
CTS line
RTS line
CD line
►Clear To Send
►TX buffer state
▼▲
►Ignored
►Flow control
►RX control
▼▲
►RSSI threshold
►Data on channel
►Always ON
▼▲
10.4.7 Additional -setting
The submenu allows modifying the additional settings. This main menu option will list the
following options to choose from:
o SL-commands
o LCD read only
o Modem name
o Add RSSI to data
MAIN MENU
Additional
SL-commands
LCD read only
Modem name
Add RSSI to data
►OFF
► ON
►Extended ON
►OFF
► ON
Enter name
(max. 32
characters)
►OFF
► ON
10.4.8 Tests & Counters
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Reset counters
Short Block Test
Long Block Test
NOTE: This option
activates reset
directly!
NOTE: This option
activates test
sequence directly
and is stopped by
pressing any button.
NOTE: This option
activates test
sequence directly and
is stopped by pressing
any button.
10.4.9 Restore factory settings
MAIN MENU
Restore Factory
Do you want to
restore factory settings?
NO YES
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10.5 Example of changing a setting
The following example shows how to change any parameter value using the push buttons and
the LCD display of the radio modem.
Example: The data speed of the Serial Port 1 is changed to 1200 bps by following the steps:
1. Go to SETUP – MAIN MENU by pressing the SETUP button.
2. Go to the Serial Port 1 submenu by scrolling with the ▼▲buttons until the cursor is pointing
at the Serial Port 1 selection. Press the SELECT button.
3. Go to the port speed submenu by scrolling with the ▼▲buttons until the cursor is pointing
at the data speed (bps) selection (9600 bps in this example). Press the SELECT button.
4. Select the desired value (1200 bps in this example) by scrolling with the ▼▲buttons until
the cursor is pointing at the correct selection. Press the SELECT button.
5. Press the BACK button and note that the display will now show the port speed as 1200 bps
(value has been changed).
6. Press BACK / EXIT button until the “Save settings?” is displayed. Confirm the change by
pressing YES or change back to the previous value by pressing NO. The display will now
return to the main screen.
1 2 3
4 5 6
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10.6 Saving the settings
After all desired modifications have been performed they MUST BE SAVED in order to make them
permanent. This is accomplished by choosing ”EXIT” option from the main menu. The display
shows a message (see below) asking for a confirmation for the performed modifications.
Option “YES” saves all modifications into the non-volatile memory inside the radio modem.
Option ”NO” cancels all modifications performed and previous settings remain in the non-volatile
memory.
Press ”YES” to save all
modifications into the non-
volatile memory and ”NO”,
if modifications are to be
cancelled.
10.7 Special displays
10.7.1 Programming Mode display
LCD menu is disabled while the radio modem is in the Programming
mode (see the next chapter). This is indicated by a display text
"PROGRAMMING MODE" like the menu on the right presents.
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11 PROGRAMMING MODE (TERMINAL MENU)
11.1 Programming Mode
The basic settings of the radio modem are fully configurable in the Programming Mode. The most
recommended setup for changing parameters is NARS-1F adapter, CRS-9 cable, a power supply
and the SaTerm Lite program. NARS-1F adapter contains a switch to enable easy shifting into the
Programming Mode. Other suitable terminal programs and cables may also be used.
The radio modem will shift into the Programming Mode by connecting the D-connector pin 12 to
ground (GND) potential. With NARS-1F adapter this can be accomplished by moving the slide
switch downwards.
In the Programming Mode, the radio modem will always use serial port PORT1, with settings 9600
bps, N, 8,1 (data transfer speed 9600 bps, no parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit).
The radio modem will output the following Programming menu to the terminal (certain
configuration settings might differ from the ones shown):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATELLINE-3ASd NMS
SW: version 4.0.13.0
HW: uCE3b 1.01
RF: TC4o 1.09
Center frequency 468.200000 MHz / Channel spacing 25.000 kHz
SERIAL: 080812345 Name: SATELLINE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ) Radio Settings TX frequency: 468.425000 MHz / TX Power 500 mW
RX frequency: 468.425000 MHz / FEC OFF /
RSSI Threshold -112 dBm / Error check OFF
Sync interval default / RX delay 0 ms /
TX delay 0 ms Restart mode
2 ) Protocol Mode Basic - RX Priority
3 ) Serial Port 1 DATA / RS232 / 9600 bps / 8 bit data / None parity /
1 stop bit / Pause length 5
4 ) Serial Port 2 NMS / RS232 / 9600 bps / 8 bit data / None parity /
1 stop bit / Pause length 10
5 ) Handshaking CTS Clear To Send / CD RSSI threshold / RTS Ignored /
6 ) Additional Setup SL-commands OFF / LCD read-only OFF /
Add RSSI to data OFF
7 ) Tests & Counters
8 ) Addressing RX address OFF / TX address OFF /
RX address to RS OFF / TX address autoswitch OFF
A ) Restore factory settings
E ) EXIT and save settings
Q ) QUIT without saving
Enter selection >
11.1.1 Changing the settings in the Programming Mode
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o Connect cables (RS-232 cable to PC COM port, power supply cable to power supply).
o Switch on the PC and start SaTerm Lite program (or other terminal program).
o Open a terminal window and then choose ”Pr” (in case you are using some other terminal
program, set the serial port parameters of the program as follows: 9600 bits/s, 8 data bits,
no parity, 1 stop bit, which is always the default in Programming Mode).
o Connect PROG pin to ground (if using the NARS-1F adapter, slide the switch downwards),
the radio modem shifts into the Programming Mode. The screen should look similar to the
one shown in the picture below.
o Make desired changes to the settings.
o Save changes by pressing ”E” in the main menu. If you don’t want to save changes, press
”Q”.
o Disconnect PROG pin from ground (if using the NARS-1F adapter, slide the switch
upwards), the radio modem returns to the Data Transfer Mode.
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11.1.2 Radio settings
NOTE !
Adjustment of the active radio channel of the radio modem to frequencies other than those
allocated and/or allowed by local authorities is strictly forbidden. Use or intended use of
forbidden frequencies may lead to prosecution and penalties. SATEL is not responsible for any
illegal use practiced with any devices manufactured and/or sold by SATEL and is not liable to
pay any damages or compensation caused by such illegal use.
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11.1.3 Network Protocol mode -settings
11.1.4 Serial port 1 -settings
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11.1.5 Serial port 2 -settings