INTRODUCTION 1.0 MDS MercuryTM Series transceivers provide an easy-to-install wireless network service with long range and secure operation at adaptive data rates approaching 30 Mbps. The transceiver is designed for demanding applications in industrial environments, where reliability and range are paramount. The transceiver comes in two primary modelsBase Station (BS) and Subscriber Unit (SU), each with unique hardware profiles. Both models support Ethernet and serial services. A BS is a wire-
less switch that usually provides connectivity into a wired Ethernet LAN/WAN. Subscriber Units associate over the air with a BS and are typically connected to an Ethernet or Serial device via a local cable. The outward appearance of the standard SU is very similar to the BS. NOTE: To determine whether a unit is an BS or Subscriber Unit, check the dome label on the top of the unit. Connectors & Indicators Refer to the Mercury Series Technical Manual (05-6302A01) for advanced procedures and additional information. 1.1 Figure 1 shows the connectors and indicators of a Standard BS. These items are referenced in the installation and operation steps that follow. Note that SU radios may have an additional connector present for Wi-Fi service, depending on order requirements. If Wi-Fi is not provided on an SU, the GPS connector will also be absent. holder place Invisible RS-232 SERIAL PORT USB PORTS
(Mini-A, Type-A) LAN PORTS LED INDICATOR PANEL MDS Mercury Series Setup Guide meters in length (328 feet). For non-PoE models, a separate DC power cable is required to supply 10-65 Vdc. place holder Invisible Figure 2. Mercury ODU Subscriber Unit All operating parameters and commands for the ODU are identical to those of the indoor SU. The only difference is in the physical installation of the hardware on its support structure. INSTALLATIONALL UNITS 2.0 There are three main requirements for installing all units in the transceiver systemadequate and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the correct interface between the transceiver and the data device. Figure 3 shows a typical Mercury installation. 2.1 Listed below are the basic steps for installation. It is highly recom-
mended that the BS be installed first so that you can quickly check the operation of each associated SU as it is placed on the air. place Invisible Installation Steps holder ANTENNA SYSTEM Subscriber: Panel Ant. Base Unit: Sector Ant. RTU/PLC DC INPUT
(1060 VDC, 4A MAX) Crossover Cable to Radio WiMAX RF CHANNEL 2 GPS ANTENNA CONNECTION WiMAX RF CHANNEL 1 Figure 1. Connectors and Indicators
(Standard BS shown; SU Similar) 1.2 Weatherproof Subscriber Unit In addition to the Standard Subscriber Unit, a weatherproof Out-
door Unit (ODU) model is offered (see Figure 2). The ODU is designed for mounting on a tower, pole, or other elevated struc-
ture, and includes an integral panel antenna. DC power is typically applied to the ODU through a Category 5 Ethernet cable (Cat. 5E, Cat. 6 also acceptable) which provides Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) service. The cable can be up to 100 E D LIN E S F E
(T o Statio n A nte n n a) W -L O S L O PC RUNNING TERMINAL PROGRAM
(Straight-Through Cable to Radio) TO GPS ANTENNA
(Provides 3.3 Vdc output) TO DC POWER SUPPLY
(1060 Vdc) Figure 3. Typical Mercury Installation (SU Shown; BS Similar) 05-6301A01, Rev. 01 MDS Mercury Series Quick Start 1 2.1.1 Step 1aMount the Transceiver (BS/SU) Use the supplied 6-32 x 1/4 inch (6 mm) screws to attach the mounting brackets to the bottom of the radio. Figure 4 shows the mounting dimensions of the unit. Mount the radio to a stable sur-
face. (Fasteners not supplied.)Invisible place holder
. 2 7 5
7 c m
) 8 5/8 (21.8 cm) Figure 4. Transceiver Mounting Dimensions
(Dimensions for BS and SU identical) 2.1.2 Step 1bMount the ODU (if applicable) The ODU is a one-piece unit with an integrated, dual polararized panel antenna. It measures approximately 27 cm wide X 27 cm deep X 8 cm high. Using the bracket on the back of the unit, mount the ODU securely to a tower, pole or other stable surface that provides a clear path in the direction of the associated Base Station. 2.1.3 Step 2Install the Antenna
(Non-ODU models) BS units typically use sector antennas, while SUs typically use a directional panel antenna. All antennas should be mounted in the clear to a sturdy support. Connect the antennas feedline cable to the transceivers WiMAX Antenna Port. To minimize RF interfer-
ence, the antenna should be at least 9 inches (> 23 cm) away from connected device(s), sensors and other external components. Install GPS Antenna (if required) Install the GPS antenna in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Connect it to the GPS Port on the units front panel. 2.1.4 Step 3Measure & Connect DC Power The DC input to the transceiver must be within 1060 Vdc and capable of continuously providing at least 50 watts. ODUs, except for non-PoE units, receive power over the Ethernet cable. Power cabling for ODUs must be properly secured to the support structure the unit is mounted on. In addition, the ODUs ground post must be connected to a low impedance Earth ground. For other models, a power connector with screw-terminals is pro-
vided with each unit. Strip the wire leads to 6 mm (1/4 inch). Be sure to observe proper polarity with the positive lead (+) on the left, and the negative on the right. The unit is designed for use in neg-
ative ground systems only. CAUTION POSSIBLE EQUIPMENT DAMAGE The power supply should be equipped with overload protection (NEC Class 2), to protect against a short circuit between its output ter-
minals and the radios power connector. NOTE:
It takes about 30 seconds for the unit to fully power up, and a few minutes to associate with another unit, espe-
cially if GPS is required for time synchronization. 2.1.5 Step 4Review the Transceivers Configuration One setting must be known before beginning configuration on a unit; The IP address. Check with your System Administrator for this information. (Default address is 192.168.1.1) An overview of this, and other parameters commonly needing review or adjustment are listed below, followed by Log-in and Configuration procedures. IP AddressMust be a unique address to allow for IP access through the LAN port or over-the-air. RF Output Power Level (BS Only)Check and adjust as necessary for compliance with regulatory limits. (Default power is +30 dBm for 1800 model, +23 dBm for 3650 model.) Note that Subscriber Units auto-adjust power output based on target receive signal level (set at the BS). PasswordUsed for remote access and Menu System.
(The default password and username is admin.) FrequencyOperating frequency in MHz. TDD Sync Mode (BS only)Selections are: Free Run and GPS Required. Free Run allows rapid configuration and initial testing. GPS Required synchronizes the BSs transmissions to the GPS timing. GPS Required is only needed to synchronize multiple Base Stations. Log-in and Configuration Procedure The following is an overview of the log-in and configuration proce-
dures for the transceivers. A unique IP address and subnet are required to access the Menu System, either through the LAN port, or remotely over-the-air. a. Connect a computers serial port to the units COM1 Port. b. Launch a terminal communication program, such as HyperTerminal, on the computer. Configure it to: 115,200 bps/8N1/no handshaking/VT100. c. Press ENTER. A login prompt is displayed that requires a username and password. d. Enter the username and password. e. Review other settings and make changes as necessary, such as the unit password, IP address, and security. f. Under the Radio Configuration Menu at the Base Station, set/verify the following:
Transmit PowerSettable from: -30 dBm to +30 dBm
(BS); 0 dBm to +30 dBm (SU); +23 dBm for 3650 models. Receive PowerTarget receive signal of the BS which SUs will seek to adjust to, based on distance. g. Under the Frequency Control Menu of the Radio Con-
figuration Menu, set/verify as required. Ensure that the SUs radio parameters are consistent with the BS's Fre-
quency Parameter. Repeat above steps for each radio in the network. An overview chart of the Menu System is shown in Figure 5 on Page 4. NOTE: Using Configuration Scripts under the Mainte-
nance/Tools menu can aid in configuring multiple units. 2.1.6 Step 5Connect the Data Equipment Connect data equipment to the units LAN port (10/100 BaseT), or the serial port, depending on the type of equipment used. Use a straight-through Ethernet cable to connect the LAN port to a hub or switch; use a crossover cable to connect it directly to an Ethernet device (PC, PLC, RTU). 2.1.7 Step 6Check for Normal Operation This step verifies the proper operation of wireless communications between a BS and associated SUs. 2 MDS Mercury Series Quick Start 05-6301A01, Rev. 01 At All Units... Observe the transceivers LED panel for the proper indications
(see Table 1). In a normally operating system, the radio will typi-
cally become associated in about two minutes from start-up. At the Base Station... a. b. If the BS is the first unit you are installing, send a PING command to it through the LAN port. This verifies basic LAN connectivity. If you have already installed an SU, try sending a PING to that unit through the Menu System PING utility or a device connected to the unit on the same subnet. At Subscriber Units... a. Look for the LINK LED to illuminate and stay on. This indi-
cates the unit has successfully associated with the net-
works Base Station. (May take up to 30 seconds.) b. View the Starting Information screen for the Device Sta-
tus and Connection Status). It will show one of these:
InitializingThis is the first phase after boot-up. ScanningThe unit is looking for a BS beacon signal. RangingUnit is adjusting power, timing, & frequency with a BS. Authenticating(When Device Authentication is used.) The SU is authenticating to the network to obtain clearance. Associated The unit has successfully synchronized and associ-
ated with a BS. This is the normal state of the radio. AlarmedThe unit has detected one or more uncleared alarms. c. When the network is operating properly based on obser-
vation of the units LEDs, connect a computer to the trans-
ceivers data port that will be used by the local terminal equipment. Send the PING command to verify communi-
cations integrity with the BS. d. After the PING is successful, connect the terminal equip-
ment to the radios data port and verify normal operation. If above checks are OK, you are finished with the installation at this site. ANTENNA AIMING 2.2 Directional antennas usually require some fine-tuning of their bearing to optimize the received signal strength. The SU has a built-in received signal strength indicator (RSSI) that can be used to optimize the received signal level. It is available under the Per-
formance Information menu. In general, signal levels stronger than 80 dBm will provide reliable communication in the network. RSSI measurements and Wireless Packet Statistics are based on multiple samples over a period of several seconds. The average of these measurements is dis-
played by the RSSI screen. Follow the steps below to aim the antenna for best received signal level. 2.2.1 Procedure 1. Verify the SU is associated with a Base Station unit by observing the LINK LED. It should be on or blinking. 2. a) View and record the Wireless Packets Dropped and Received Error rates (Main Menu>Performance Informa-
tion>Packet Statistics). This information will be used later. b) Read the RSSI level at the Subscriber Unit (Main Menu>Performance Information>Internal Radio Status). 3. Optimize RSSI by slowly adjusting the direction of the antenna. Watch the RSSI indication for several seconds after making each adjustment so that the RSSI accurately reflects any change in the link signal strength. The less negative the dBm number, the stronger the signal. 4. View the Wireless Packets Dropped and Received Error rates at the point of maximum RSSI level (Main Menu>Per-
formance Information>Packet Statistics). They should be the same or lower than previously noted. If the RSSI peak results in an increase in the Packets Dropped and Received Error numbers, the antenna may be aimed at an undesired signal. Try a different antenna heading. TROUBLESHOOTING 2.3 It is best to begin troubleshooting at the BS, as the rest of the system depends on it for network synchronization and configura-
tion. If the BS has problems, the operation of the entire network will be affected. All radios in the network must meet these basic requirements:
Adequate and stable primary power An efficient and properly aligned antenna system Secure connections (RF, data & power) Proper programming of the units operating parameters, especially Frequency Selection and IP Address The correct interface between the radio and the connected data equipment (proper cable wiring, data format and timing) A chart of LED functions is provided on Page 4 of these instruc-
tions. Refer to the Technical Manual for suggestions on resolving common system difficulties using the radios LEDs and Menu system as a guide. If problems cannot be resolved using the guidance provided here, review the GE MDS websites technical support area for recent software/firmware updates, general troubleshooting help, and ser-
vice information. Additional help is also available from our Tech-
nical Services Department. 2.3.1 Resetting to Factory Defaults In trouble cases where several menu parameters have been changed and there is no track of changes, it may help to return the unit to a known, factory default state. Configuration can then be attempted again. Use this function with care, as all user-custom-
ized settings will be cleared. To reset to factory defaults, select Maintenance/Tools>Reset to Factory Defaults. APPROVAL INFORMATION 2.4 2.4.1 FCC Part 15 Notice The transceiver series complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules for a Class A digital device. 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. Any unauthorized modifi-
cation or changes to this device without the express approval of GE MDS may void the users authority to operate this device. Furthermore, the Mercury Series is intended to be used only when installed in accordance with the instructions outlined in this guide. Failure to comply with these instructions may void the users authority to operate the device. 2.4.2 Industry Canada Notice Industry Canada rules (SRSP 301.7) require that the power to the antenna on an 1800-1830 MHz installation shall not exceed 2 watts in any 1 MHz channel bandwidth. 2.4.3 RF Exposure Notices (English and French) 1800 MHz Models 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 0.4 meters (15 inches) to the antenna when the transmitter is oper-
ating in indoor or outdoor environments. More information on RF exposure is available on the Internet at www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins. 3650 MHz Models Professional installation required. The transceiver described here emits radio fre-
quency energy. Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a direc-
tional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to come closer than 25 cm (9.8 inches) to the antenna when the transmitter is operating. This calculation is based on an 18 dBi panel antenna. Additional information on RF exposure is available on the Internet at www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins. Co-location Requirements: To meet FCC co-location requirements for transmitting antennas, a 20 cm (7.87 inch) separation distance is required between the units Wi-Fi and fundamental antennas. 05-6301A01, Rev. 01 MDS Mercury Series Quick Start Guide 3 L'nergie concentre en provenance d'une antenne directionnelle peut prsenter un danger pour la sant. Ne pas permettre aux gens de s'approcher moins de 25 cm l'avant de l'antenne lorsque l'metteur est en opration. On doit augmenter la distance proportionnellement si on utilise des antennes ayant un gain plus lev . Ce guide est destin tre utilis par un installateur professionnel. Plus d'informations sur l'exposition aux rayons RF peut tre consult en ligne l'adresse suivante: www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins Invisible place holder Starting Information Screen
(Read-Only Status) MAIN MENU Network Configuration Radio Configuration Security Configuration Redundancy Configuration (BS) Device Information Performance Information Maintenance/Tools Ntwk. Intfc. Config Ethernet Port Config Bridge Configuration SNMP Agent Config. (BS) AP Location Info (SU) 802.11 Configuration SNTP Server Config. Transmit Power Device Security Redundancy Config. Model Receive Pwr. (BS) Wireless Security Ntwk Event Triggers Serial Number Freq. Control Adv. Config. RADIUS Configuration Manage Certif. Radio Event Triggers Uptime Hdwr Event Triggers Red. Config. Options Date Time Event Log Packet Statistics GPS Status Wireless Ntwk Stat. WiMAX Radio Stat. Force Switchover Date Format PerformanceTrend Reprogramming Config. Scripts Ping Utility Auth. Codes Reset to Defaults Radio Test F/W Versions F/W Upgrade NOTES Chart shows top-level view only. See Reference Manual for details. Not all menu items are-user configurable Spacebar is used to make some menu selections BS = Base Station Only SU = Subscriber Unit Only Some parameters dependent on radio options Console Bd. Rt. UTC Time Offset Device Names GPS Configuration (SU) Stream GPS to Console Send GPS via UDP GPS UDP Server IP Address GPS UDP Server UDP Port Figure 5. Menu Overview Table 1: Description of LED Status Indicators LED Name PWR LAN
(See Note below) COM1 GPS LINK (BS) LINK (Subscriber) USB Description ONPower applied, no problems detected. FLASHINGAlarm present OFFPrimary power absent ONLAN detected. FLASHINGData TX/RX OFFLAN not detected FLASHINGData TX/RX activity OFFNo data activity ONHas GPS satellite fix FLASHINGSynchronizing timing reference OFFNo GPS satellite fix ONOperational state FLASHINGData TX/RX ONAssociated to BS FLASHINGData TX/RX OFFNot Associated with BS ONUSB activity on either port OFFNo USB activity NOTE: The units LAN port also has two embedded LEDs to indicate signal activity as follows: A steady green indicates that a link has been achieved; a flashing green indicates data activity; a yellow indicates 100 Mbps operation. MDS Mercury Series Setup Guide 05-6301A01, Rev. 01 March 2011 (Copyright 2011, GE MDS, LLC) GE MDS, LLC 175 Science Parkway Rochester, NY 14620 General Business: +1 585 242-9600 FAX: +1 585 242-9620 Web: www.gemds.com