GE Renewable Energy GE MDS LLC 1.0 INTRODUCTION The transceiver, shown in Figure 1, is a spread spectrum radio designed for license-free operation. These units employ Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to provide highly-reliable long-distance communications, even in the presence of weak signals or interference. The transceiver is housed in a compact and rugged die-cast enclosure that need only be protected from direct exposure to the weather. It contains a single printed circuit board with all necessary components for radio operation. No jumper settings or manual adjustments are required to configure the radio for operation. GE MDS TransNEXT 05-7267A01 REV 03. Quick Start Guide Low current consumption; less than 3 mA in sleep mode NOTE: Some radio features may not be available on all models. Features may be limited by the options purchased or the applicable regulatory constraints for the region in which the radio will operate. Typical Applications Multiple Address Systems (MAS) This is the most common application of the transceiver. It consists of a central control station (Master) and two or more associated Remote units, as shown in Figure 2. An MAS network provides communications between a central host computer and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection devices. The operation of the radio system is transparent to the computer equipment. When used in this application, the transceiver provides an excellent alternative to traditional (licensed) MAS radio systems. Figure 1. GE MDS TransNEXT Transceiver. Dual transceiver version (left) and single transceiver (right). About This Guide This guide covers the GE TransNext operating in Transnet Compatible Mode. All GE MDS manuals are available free of charge at www.gemds.com. Transceiver Features Listed below are several key features of the transceiver. These are designed to ease the installation and configuration of the radio, while retaining the ability to make changes in the future. 902928 MHz operation using the TransNEXT 900 User-selectable option to skip sub-bands with constant interference 65,000 available network addresses Network-wide configuration from the Master station eliminates most trips to Remote sites Data transparency ensures compatibility with virtually all asynchronous SCADA system RTUs Peak-hold RSSI averaged over eight hop cycles Operation at up to 115,200 bps continuous data flow Store-and-Forward repeater operation Data latency typically less than 10 ms Same hardware for Master or Remote configuration Supports RS/EIA-232 and RS/EIA-485 user interface Figure 2. Typical MAS Network Point-to-Point System A point-to-point configuration (Figure 3) is a simple arrangement consisting of just two radiosa Master and a Remote. This provides a half-duplex communications link for the transfer of data between two locations. Figure 3. Typical Point-to-Point Link Adding a Tail-End Link to an Existing Network A tail-end link can be used to extend the range of a traditional
(licensed) MAS system. This might be required if an outlying site is blocked from the MAS Master station by a natural or man-made obstruction. In this arrangement, a TransNEXT GE Renewable Energy GE MDS LLC radio links the outlying Remote site into the rest of a licensed MAS system by sending data from that site to an associated TransNEXT installed at one of the licensed Remote sites (see Figure 4.) As the data from the outlying site is received at the licensed Remote site, it is transferred to the licensed radio (via a local cable connection) and is then transmitted to the MAS Master station in the usual manner. GE MDS TransNEXT 05-7267A01 REV 03. Quick Start Guide used instead of a directional type, and a host computer replaces the data terminal equipment. Figure 4. Typical Tail-End Link Arrangement Extending a TransNEXT Network with a Network Repeater Similar to a Tail-End Link, Store-and-Forward (SAF) offers a way to physically extend the network range, but in a simple and economical manner. SAF works by dividing a network into a vertical hierarchy of two or more sub-networks. Extension radios (designated as MODE X) serve as single-radio repeaters that link adjacent sub-networks, and move data from one sub-network to the next one. Figure 5. TransNEXT Repeater Network Accessories GE MDS offers an Accessories Selection Guide listing additional items that may be used with our products. Contact your factory representative or visit www.GEmds.com for the latest copy. Invisipbllhaeoc led er 2.0 INSTALLATION TransNEXT Installation Figure 6 shows a typical Remote station arrangement. Master stations are similar, but an omni-directional antenna is normally Figure 6. Typical Remote Station Arrangement The following steps provide an overview of the installation procedure. 1. Select a site that provides stable power, protection from the weather, entrances for antenna and other cabling, and an antenna location with an unobstructed transmission path in the direction of the associated station(s). 2. Select and install an appropriate antenna and feedline for your system requirements. Professional Installation is required. Feedline losses and antenna gains must be properly accounted for. Please refer to Table 5.1 and Table 5.2 in section 5.0 Antennas for more details on approved antennas and feedline requirements. 3. Mount the transceiver to a stable surface using the brackets supplied with the radio (fasteners/anchors are not supplied). 4. Connect the data equipment to the transceivers DATA connector. Use only the required pins for the application. Refer to Figure 7. 5. Measure and install the primary power for the transceiver. It must be within 636 Vdc (including transients) and be capable of providing 12 watts over this voltage range.
(Typical current draw is 860mA @13.8 Vdc; 2.0A at 6 Vdc.) A power connector with screw-terminals is provided with each unit. Serial Data
(Payload) Ethernet Optional Secondary Antenna Port Primary Power
(6-36VDC) Diagnostics
(USB-C) Primary Transceiver Antenna Port Figure 7: Interface Connector Functions GE Renewable Energy GE MDS LLC GE MDS TransNEXT 05-7267A01 REV 03. Quick Start Guide 6. Set the radios basic configuration with a PC terminal connected to the DIAGNOSTICS connector via a USB-C cable. 7. Three essential settings for the transceiver are:
a. Mode: Master, Remote, or Extension b. Network Address: A unique number from 1 to 65000 c. Data Interface Parameters: bps, data bits, parity, stop bits 8. Perform the initial start-up of the transceiver:
a. Apply primary power. b. Observe top panel display for proper boot up. Figure 8: Top Panel display of initialized unit In a normally operating system, you will see the GE MDS and TransNEXT screen as shown in Figure 8, above. 9. Optimize the installation:
a. Aim the antenna properly b. Verify antenna system VSWR c. Configure Data buffer setting (Modbus protocol) d. Configure Hoptime setting e. Configure TotalFlow Protocol at 9600 with Sleep Mode f. Configure Payload baud rate setting g. Perform radio interference checks 3.0 RADIO PROGRAMMING The following is a list of commands available for configuring this unit radio help radio rx <on|off>
radio tx <on|off> <mode>
<on|off>
<mode>
radio power <pwr>
radio rssi radio channel <chnl>
radio rssioffset <offset>
radio debugmode <mode>
radio setfrequency <freq>
radio hoptime <hoptime>
radio skip <1,2,3,4>
List available commands Enable/Disable RX mode Enable/Disable TX mode 0-CW 1-PN9 2-10 3-
CW_PN 4-RAMP 5-
CW_SHIFT Get/Set Power (integer) Get RSSI (dBm) Get/Set Channel #
Get/Set Rssi Offset Get/Set Debug Mode Set Frequency Hz Set radio dwell time (7 or 28ms). Dwell time is total of TX and RX time per channel in the hop sequence. Set hopping channel zones to skip. Up to 4 zones can be skipped and are identified 1-8, use 0 for a zone that should not be skipped. The zones available for skipping are shown below radio state Get State radio getvswr radio update Update radio firmware radio mode <mode> Get/Set Radio Mode Sample VSWR radio init Restore defaults test transnet GE Renewable Energy GE MDS LLC GE MDS TransNEXT 05-7267A01 REV 03. Quick Start Guide 4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING All radios in the network must meet the following requirements for proper operation. Check these items first when troubleshooting a communication problem:
Adequate and stable primary power Secure cable connections (RF, data, and power) A clear transmission path between Master and each Remote An efficient and properly aligned antenna system providing adequate received signal strength. Proper programming of the transceivers parameters The correct interface between the transceiver and the connected data equipment (correct cable wiring, proper data format, timing, etc.) LEDs The radios power LED indicator panel provides useful information when troubleshooting a system problem. PWR ContinuousPower is applied to the radio; no problems detected Flashing (5 times-per-second)Fault indication. Use PC or top panel screen for more information on fault condition OffRadio is unpowered or in Sleep mode Event Codes When an alarm condition exists, the transceiver creates a message that can be read on a connected PC by using the ALARM command. Types of Alarms Minor Alarmsreport conditions that, under most circumstances, will not prevent transceiver operation. These include out-of-tolerance conditions, baud rate mismatches,etc. The cause of these alarms should be investigated and corrected to prevent system failure. Major Alarmsreport serious conditions that generally indicate a hardware failure, or other abnormal condition that will prevent (or hamper) further operation of the transceiver. Major alarms may require factory repair. Contact your factory representative for assistance. 5.0 ANTENNAS This product has been approved for use with only the antennas listed in Table 5.1, below Table 5.2: Feedline losses and radio power setpoints for ERP and Conducted Power compliance for TransNEXT installations. 6.0 REGULATORY INFORMATION Product Labels Figure 9: E5MDS-NET9L Label Figure 10: E5MDS-NET9S Label Table 5.1: Approved Antennas for TransNEXT Professional installation is required. The installation site must conform to 15.247/RSS-247 Conducted and Radiated Power limits. Proper feedline selection and/or radio power setpoints must be set accordingly for use with each antenna type as detailed in Table 5.2. Figure 11: 101D-NET9L Label GE MDS TransNEXT 05-7267A01 REV 03. Quick Start Guide Cet appareil est conforme la Partie 15 des rglements de la FCC et Industrie Canada exempts de licence standard RSS
(s). Son utilisation est soumise deux conditions:
(1) ce dispositif ne peut causer des interfrences,
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interfrence pouvant causer un mauvais fonctionnement du dispositif. a) En vertu des rglements d'Industrie Canada, cet metteur radio ne peut fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et un maximum (ou moins) approuvs pour gagner de l'metteur par Industrie Canada. Pour rduire le risque d'interfrence aux autres utilisateurs, le type d'antenne et son gain doivent tre choisies de faon que la puissance isotrope rayonne quivalente (PIRE) ne dpasse pas ce qui est ncessaire pour une communication russie. b) Les metteurs radio dcrits ici (IC ID : 101D-NET9L et 101D-NET9S) ont t approuvs par Industrie Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antennes rpertoris dans le tableau 5.1 avec le gain maximum autoris et l'impdance d'antenne requise pour chaque type d'antenne indiqu. Les types d'antennes non inclus dans cette liste, ayant un gain suprieur au gain maximum indiqu pour ce type, sont strictement interdits pour une utilisation avec cet appareil. Technical Assistance Factory technical assistance is available by contacting GE MDS during business hours (8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time). Use one of the following means to contact the factory:
Telephone: (585) 241-5510 E-mail: GEmds.TechSupport@GE.com Web: www.GEmds.com FAX: (585) 242-8369 GE Renewable Energy GE MDS LLC Figure 12: 101D-NET9S Label RF Exposure Notice Professional Installation Required. The radio equipment described in this guide emits radio frequency energy. Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to come closer than 34 centimeters to the front of the antenna when the transmitter is operating with a 10dBd
(12.15dBi) antenna and so configured for the maximum allowable EiRP of +36dBm. Use of higher gain antennas is prohibited. More information on RF exposure is available online at: www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins Installation professionnelle requise. L'quipement radio dcrit dans ce guide met de l'nergie radiofrquence. Bien que le niveau de puissance soit faible, l'nergie concentre d'une antenne directionnelle peut prsenter un danger pour la sant. Ne laissez personne s'approcher moins de 34 centimtres de l'avant de l'antenne lorsque l'metteur fonctionne avec une antenne de 10 dBd (12,15 dBi) et qu'il est ainsi configur pour l'EiRP maximum autoris de +36 dBm. L'utilisation d'antennes gain plus lev est interdite. Plus d'informations sur l'exposition aux RF sont disponibles en ligne sur :
www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins FCC Part 15 and Industry Canada RSS Notices Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the users authority to operate the equipment. a) Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication. b) The radio transmitters described herein (IC ID: 101D-NET9L and 101D-NET9S) have been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed in Table 5.1 with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device. GE MDS TransNEXT 05-7267A01 REV 03. Quick Start Guide GE Renewable Energy GE MDS LLC Suppliers Declaration of Conformity GE MDS LLC 175 Science Parkway Rochester, NY 14620 USA Phone (585) 241-5510 www.gemds.com declare under our sole responsibility that the products GE MDS TransNEXT And GE MDS TransNEXT Lite comply with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation