Operating Manual

L Series
400MHz Licensed Narrowband Module
Revision 0.8 - February 2011

150 Country Hills Landing NW

Calgary, Alberta
Canada T3K 5P3
Phone: (403) 248-0028
Fax: (403) 248-2762
www.microhardcorp.com

Important User Information

Warranty
Microhard Systems Inc. warrants that each product will be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year for its
products. The warranty commences on the date the product is shipped by Microhard Systems Inc. Microhard Systems Inc.s sole liability and
responsibility under this warranty is to repair or replace any product which is returned to it by the Buyer and which Microhard Systems Inc.
determines does not conform to the warranty. Product returned to Microhard Systems Inc. for warranty service will be shipped to Microhard
Systems Inc. at Buyers expense and will be returned to Buyer at Microhard Systems Inc.s expense. In no event shall Microhard Systems
Inc. be responsible under this warranty for any defect which is caused by negligence, misuse or mistreatment of a product or for any unit
which has been altered or modified in any way. The warranty of replacement shall terminate with the warranty of the product.

Warranty Disclaims
Microhard Systems Inc. makes no warranties of any nature of kind, expressed or implied, with respect to the hardware, software, and/or
products and hereby disclaims any and all such warranties, including but not limited to warranty of non-infringement, implied warranties of
merchantability for a particular purpose, any interruption or loss of the hardware, software, and/or product, any delay in providing the hardware, software, and/or product or correcting any defect in the hardware, software, and/or product, or any other warranty. The Purchaser
represents and warrants that Microhard Systems Inc. has not made any such warranties to the Purchaser or its agents MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. EXPRESS WARRANTY TO BUYER CONSTITUTES MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. SOLE LIABILITY AND THE
BUYERS SOLE REMEDIES. EXCEPT AS THUS PROVIDED, MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PROMISE.
MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED OR INTENDED TO BE USED IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT
RELATED DEVICE OR SYSTEM RELATED FUNCTIONS NOR AS PART OF ANY OTHER CRITICAL SYSTEM AND ARE
GRANTED NO FUNCTIONAL WARRANTY.

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subsidiaries, related corporations, or affiliates, shall be released and discharged from any and all manner of action, causes of action, liability,
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and nature whatsoever at law.
IN NO EVENT WILL MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, CATASTROPHIC, PUNITIVE OR OTHER DAMAGES WHICH MAY BE CLAIMED TO ARISE
IN CONNECTION WITH THE HARDWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY BEHIND SUCH CLAIMS, WHETHER IN
TORT, CONTRACT OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE STATUTORY OR REGULATORY LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS, EXECUTIVE OR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS OR DECLARATIONS OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. HAS
BEEN ADVISED OR OTHERWISE HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND TAKES NO ACTION TO
PREVENT OR MINIMIZE SUCH DAMAGES. IN THE EVENT THAT REGARDLESS OF THE WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS AND
HOLD HARMLESS PROVISIONS INCLUDED ABOVE MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. IS SOMEHOW HELD LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY, MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC.'S LIABILITY FOR ANYDAMAGES SHALL NOT EXCEED
THE PROFIT REALIZED BY MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. ON THE SALE OR PROVISION OF THE HARDWARE TO THE CUSTOMER.

Proprietary Rights
The Buyer hereby acknowledges that Microhard Systems Inc. has a proprietary interest and intellectual property rights in the Hardware,
Software and/or Products. The Purchaser shall not (i) remove any copyright, trade secret, trademark or other evidence of Microhard Systems
Inc.s ownership or proprietary interest or confidentiality other proprietary notices contained on, or in, the Hardware, Software or Products,
(ii) reproduce or modify any Hardware, Software or Products or make any copies thereof, (iii) reverse assemble, reverse engineer or decompile any Software or copy thereof in whole or in part, (iv) sell, transfer or otherwise make available to others the Hardware, Software, or
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Important User Information (continued)

About This Manual

It is assumed that users of the products described herein have either system integration or design experience, as well as an understanding of the fundamentals of radio communications.
Throughout this manual you will encounter not only illustrations (that further elaborate on the accompanying text), but also several symbols which you should be attentive to:

Caution or Warning
Usually advises against some action which could result in undesired or
detrimental consequences.

Point to Remember
Highlights a key feature, point, or step which is noteworthy.
these in mind will simply or enhance device usage.

Keeping

Tip
An idea or suggestion to improve efficiency or enhance usefulness.

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Important User Information (continued)

Regulatory Requirements

WARNING

To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, a separation distance
is based on the above them ranging from 39 cm to 305 cm between the antenna of this device
and persons during device operation. To ensure compliance, operations at closer than this
distance is not recommended. The antenna used for this transmitter must not be co-located in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Antenna

Impedance
(ohms)

Antenna Gain (dBi)

Minimum Separation
Distance (cm)

Minimum Gain

50

39

Maximum Gain

50

18

305

WARNING

EQUIPMENT LABELING
The FCC and IC numbers depend on the model of the radio module. Do NOT use the
Marketing Name of the product but the Model to distinguish the Certifications Numbers. This
device has been modularly approved. The manufacturer, product name, and FCC and
Industry Canada identifiers of this product must appear on the outside label of the end-user
equipment.

SAMPLE LABEL REQUIREMENT:

For Model: L400
FCCID: NS909P29

IC: 3143A-09P29

This device complies with Part 15 of the 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.

Please Note: These are only sample labels; different products contain different identifiers. The
actual identifiers should be seen on your devices if applicable.

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Revision History
0.1

First Release

June 2009

0.2

Modified Regulatory/Antenna Information

June 2009

0.3

Added Current Consumption

June 2009

0.4

Updated Dimensions, weight, etc

0.5

Added Transparent Mode Option, Hyperlinks, misc formatting

May 2010

0.6

Updated Address

June 2010

0.7

Updated Transparent Mode Option, misc formatting

0.8

Updated ATP0? Command

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January 2010

September 2010
February 2011

CONFIDENTIAL

Table of Contents
1.0 Overview

1.1 Performance Features ................................................................................................................. 8

1.2 Specifications .............................................................................................................................. 9

2.0 QUICK START

11

2.1 Required Materials .................................................................................................................... 11

2.2 Set-Up Procedure ...................................................................................................................... 11

3.0 Hardware Description

12

3.1 L400 OEM Module ................................................................................................................... 12

3.1.1 L400 OEM Mechanical Drawing .................................................................................... 13
3.1.2 L400 / Nano Interface Card Pin-Out .............................................................................. 14
3.2 L400 Enclosed / MHX Development Board ........................................................................... 16
3.2.1 L400 Enclosed Mechanical Drawings ............................................................................ 17
3.2.2 MHX Development Board Mechanical Drawings ........................................................... 18
3.2.3 L400 / MHX Dev Board Connectors & Indicators .......................................................... 19
3.2.3.1 Front .................................................................................................................. 19
3.2.3.2 Rear .................................................................................................................. 21

4.0 Operating Modes

22

4.1 Command Mode ........................................................................................................................ 22

4.1.1 How to Enter Command Mode ........................................................................................ 22
4.2 Data mode ................................................................................................................................. 23
4.3 Master ....................................................................................................................................... 23
4.4 Repeater .................................................................................................................................... 23
4.5 Slave ....................................................................................................................................... 23

5.0 Network Topologies

24

5.1 Point-to-Point (PTP) .................................................................................................................. 24

5.2 Point-to-Multipoint (PMP) .......................................................................................................... 27

6.0 Configuration

29

6.1 AT Commands ......................................................................................................................... 30

A
Answer.......................................................................................................................... 30
D/DT/DPxxxxx Dial ................................................................................................................. 30
In
Identification ................................................................................................................. 30
O
Online Mode ................................................................................................................. 30
&Fn Load Factory Default Configuration ............................................................................. 31
&H1 Repeater Registration .................................................................................................. 31
&V
View Configuration ....................................................................................................... 31
&W
Write Configuration to Memory..................................................................................... 31
P0? Frequency Channel Table ............................................................................................ 32

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Table of Contents (continued)

6.2 Settings (S) Registers ........................................................................................................... 33
S0
Auto Answer ................................................................................................................. 33
S2
Escape Code ................................................................................................................ 33
S101 Operating Mode ............................................................................................................ 34
S102 Serial Baud Rate .......................................................................................................... 34
S103 Wireless Link Rate ....................................................................................................... 35
S104 Network Address .......................................................................................................... 35
S105 Unit Address ................................................................................................................. 35
S108 Output Power ............................................................................................................... 35
S110 Data Format.................................................................................................................. 36
S113 Packet Retransmissions ............................................................................................... 36
S115 Repeat Interval ............................................................................................................. 36
S116 Character Timeout ........................................................................................................ 37
S118 Roaming ....................................................................................................................... 37
S123 Average RSSI ............................................................................................................... 38
S125 Occupied Bandwidth .................................................................................................... 38
S131 Main Tx Frequency ....................................................................................................... 38
S132 Main Rx Frequency ...................................................................................................... 38
S133 Network Type ............................................................................................................... 38
S140 Destination Address ..................................................................................................... 39
S141 Repeaters Y/N .............................................................................................................. 39
S142 Serial Channel Mode .................................................................................................... 39
S149 LED Brightness ............................................................................................................ 39
S153 Address Tag ................................................................................................................. 39
S158 Forward Error Correction (FEC) Mode ......................................................................... 40
S191 Repeater Tx Frequency................................................................................................ 41
S192 Repeater Rx Frequency ............................................................................................... 41
S217 Protocol Type ............................................................................................................... 41
6.3 Serial Interface Commands .................................................................................................. 42
&Cn Data Carrier Detect (DCD) ........................................................................................... 42
&Dn Data Terminal Ready (DTR)......................................................................................... 43
&K
Handshaking................................................................................................................. 43
&Sn Data Set Ready (DSR) ................................................................................................. 43

7.0

Installation

44

7.1 Path Calculation ....................................................................................................................... 46

7.2 Installation of Antenna System Components ........................................................................... 47
7.2.1 Antennas ...................................................................................................................... 48
7.2.2 Coaxial Cable ............................................................................................................... 49
7.2.3 Surge Arrestors ............................................................................................................ 49
7.2.4 External Filter ............................................................................................................... 49

Appendices
Appendix A: Antenna / Separations ............................................................................................ 50
Appendix B: Serial Interface ........................................................................................................ 51
Appendix C: RS-485 Wiring .......................................................................................................... 52
Appendix D: Transparent Mode ................................................................................................... 53
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1.0 Overview
The L-Series is a long range, licensed, narrowband wireless modem which is configured to operate in the 400
- 480 MHz frequency range. The L Series is available in two different model/sizes. The L400 OEM provides
an OEM solution to integrate directly into applications. The L400 Enclosed provides a fully enclosed, ready to
deploy modem. When properly configured and installed, long range communications at very high speeds can
be achieved.
L-Series modems operate in a licensed narrowband frequency range as specified by regulatory bodies such
as Industry Canada and the FCC in North America. Using a licensed modem allows the use of a small section
of the frequency spectrum with minimal interference from other modems or RF devices, as well as higher output power as compared to license free bands. Licensed modems can provide very reliable communication. LSeries modems can provide reliable wireless asynchronous data transfer between most equipment types
which employ an RS232, RS422, or RS485 interface.
Some typical uses for this modem:
SCADA
remote telemetry
traffic control
industrial controls

remote monitoring
fleet management
GPS

robotics
display signs
railway signaling

1.1 Performance Features

Key performance features of the L-Series include:
transparent, low latency link providing up to 19.2 kbps continuous throughput
communicates with virtually all PLCs, RTUs, and serial devices through either an RS232, RS422,
or RS485 interface
supports point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, store and forward repeater
wide temperature specification
transmit power up to 5W
low power consumption in Sleep Mode (real-time clock wakeup)
32 bits of CRC, selectable retransmission and forward error correction
separate diagnostics port - transparent remote diagnostics and online network control
ease of installation and configuration - the L-Series utilizes a subset of standard AT-style commands, similar to those used by traditional telephone line modems

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1.0 Overview
1.2 L-Series Specifications
Electrical/General
Frequency Range:
Industry Canada:
406.1 - 430 MHz
450 - 470 MHz

Emission Designation:

Caution:
Using a power
supply that does not provide
proper voltage or current may
damage the modem.

FCC Part 90:

406.1 - 410 MHz
410 - 420 MHz
420 - 450 MHz (not for mobile use)
450 - 454 MHz
456 - 460 MHz
460 - 460.5375 MHz
462.7375 - 467.5375 MHz
467.7375 - 480 MHz
20K0F1D (25 kHz)
11K3F1D (12 kHz)
4K89F1D (6.25 kHz)

Modulation Type:

GMSK, RCFSK

Error Detection:

32 bits of CRC, ARQ

Data Encryption:
(Optional)

128-bit or 256-bit AES Encryption (Not available for

export outside of Canada and USA.)

Range:

60+ miles (100km)

Output Power:

100mW to 5W

Sensitivity:

-116 dBm @ 2400bps link rate

-114 dBm @ 4800bps link rate
-112 dBm @ 9600bps link rate

Serial Baud Rate:

300bps to 230.4kbps

Link Rate:

1200 bps to 19.2 kbps

Core Voltage:

4.0 V to 5.5 VDC

Current Consumption:
Characteristics
(@12V)
Tx

1W

2W

4W

5W

550 mA

650 mA

1.10 A

1.25

Rx

100 - 112 mA

Idle/Sleep
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20 mA
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1.0 Overview
1.2 L-Series Specifications (Continued)
Environmental
Operation Temperature:

-22oF(-30oC) to 160oF(70oC)

Humidity:

5% to 95% non-condensing

Mechanical

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Dimensions:
L400 OEM:
L400 Enclosed:

3.5 (89mm) X 2.1 (53.4mm) X 0.7 (17.8mm)

4.40 (111mm) X 3.75 (95.3mm) X 1.75 (44.5mm)

Weight:
L400 OEM:
L400 Enclosed:

1.8 oz (50 grams)

14.2 oz (400 grams)

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2.0 Quick Start

This QUICK START guide will enable you to promptly establish basic connectivity between a pair of L-Series
modems in a point-to-point (ref. 5.1) configuration.

2.1 Required Materials

2

L-Series modules

MHX Development Boards, with power adapters and Rubber Ducky Antennas

2
1

PCs with HyperTerminal (or equivalent) and 1 COM port each, or

PC with HyperTerminal and 2 COM ports

straight-through serial cables (9-pin M to 9-pin F)

2.2 Set-Up Procedure

Install L-Series modules into the MHX Development Boards.
Connect straight-through cable from each MHX Development Board (rear RS
-232 port, the
DATA port) to the COM port of PC. This setup procedure uses the DATA port, not the Diagnostics port. Ensure you are connected to the correct port.
Open a HyperTerminal session for each Development Board connection, and configure it as
9600, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no handshaking - then open the connection (at bottom left of HyperTerminal window, the word Connected should appear).
Plug power adapter (7-30VDC) into wall outlet and, while depressing the CFG/CONFIG button on
the front of the Nano Motherboard/MHX Development Board, attach the green connector of the
wall adapter cable to the rear connector; repeat with other MHX Development Board or Nano
Motherboard.
When the above step is performed, the HyperTerminal window should show the response NO
CARRIER OK.
At this point, both L-Series modules are in COMMAND MODE. Type ATP0? To list the frequency
table to determine which channels are available for use. For one module (to be the MASTER),
type AT&F6 [Enter], ats131=X (where X = Tx frequency Channel), ats132=Y (where Y = Rx frequency channel) then type AT&WA [Enter]. This modules TX LED (red) should now be illuminated. For the other module (to be the SLAVE), type AT&F7 [Enter], ats131=X, ats132=4Y, then
type AT&WA [Enter]. This modules RX and 3 RSSI LEDs should illuminate.
We now have radio connectivity. If text is entered in one PCs HyperTerminal window, it should
appear in the others; and vice versa.

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3.0 Hardware Description

3.1 L400 OEM

Image 3-1: L400 OEM Bottom View

The L400 OEM is based on the MHX platform and can provide up to 5W of output power. The L400 can
quickly and easily be integrated into an application using the two 20 pin headers for all interface signals. The
MHX development board can be used to quickly interface and test the L400. A fully enclosed version is also
available.

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3.0 Hardware Description

3.1.1 L400 Mechanical Drawing

Pin 40

Pin 21

Pin 1

Pin 20

Drawing 3-1: L400 OEM Top View

heatsink

Drawing 3-2: L400 OEM Side View

heatsink

Drawing 3-3: L400 OEM End View

Notes: The dimension unit is MIL or

1/1000 inches.

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3.0 Hardware Description

3.1.2

L400/Nano Interface Card Pin-Outs

Vcc
Vcc
3.3V/5V Select
VClock
!Shutdown
!Bootpgm_Mode
USR_AN0
!WAKEUP_usr
!CONFIG
!RESET
VBat
RSMode
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
USR_1
USR_2
USR_3

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

L400
OEM

40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21

NC
NC
USR_SCK
NC
NC
Control RxD
Control TxD
LED_RX
LED_TX
RSSI3_LED
RSSI2_LED
RSSI1_LED
Serial CTS
Serial RTS
Serial DSR
Serial RING
Serial DTR
Serial TxD
Serial RxD
Serial DCD

Drawing 3-4: L400 OEM Pin-Out Description

The above drawing shows the pin-out of the 40-pin connector on the L400 module as well as the
Nano interface card. It depicts a top view of the card. For easy reference the corner pins (1,20,21,40)
are printed on the card.
A brief description of the various pin connections and functions is provided on the pages that follow.
For additional information about the connections and functions of the various pins, refer to Section
3.1.3: L400 Pin-Out Description.

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3.0 Hardware Description

Pin Name
Vcc

No.

Description

In/
Out

1, 2 Positive supply voltage.

3.3V or 5.5V
Select

3 Output voltage level selector. When connected to 3.3VDC, the module

will output 3.3V on its output pins; when connected to 5VDC, 5VDC will
be presented as TTL high on the modules output pins.

VClock

4 Real time clock to wake-up the module from sleep mode.

!Shutdown

5 Input to manually shutdown the module.

!Bootpgm_Mode

6 Input to download firmware.

USR_AN0

7 Analog input. *Reserved for future use.*

!WAKEUP_usr

8 Input to wake-up the module from sleep mode.

!CONFIG

9 Input to put the module into default serial interface during power-up.

!RESET

10 Active low input will reset module.

Vbat

11 Battery voltage sensing analog input line,.

RSMode
GND

12 Sleep mode indication output. Active high.

I
I

Table 10: RS-232 Interface

O

13-17 Ground reference for logic, radio, and I/O pins.

USR_1

18 System status indicator.

USR_2

19 *Reserved for future use.*

USR_3

20 *Reserved for future use.*

Serial DCD

21 Data Carrier Detect. Active low output.

Serial RxD

22 Receive Data. Logic level output.

Serial TxD

23 Transmit Data. Logic level input.

Serial DTR

24 Data Terminal Ready. Active low input.

Serial RING

25 Ring indicator for RS-232.

Serial DSR

26 Data Set Ready.

Serial RTS

27 Request To Send. Active low input.

Serial CTS

28 Clear To Send. Active low output.

RSSI1_LED

29 Receive Signal Strength Indicator 1.

RSSI2_LED

30 Receive Signal Strength Indicator 2.

RSSI3_LED

31 Receive Signal Strength Indicator 3.

LED_TX

32 Output indicates module is transmitting data over the RF channel.

LED_RX

33 Output indicates receive and synchronization status.

Control TxD

34 Diagnostics Tx data. Logic level Input from a PC or terminal to n920.

Control RxD

35 Diagnostics Rx data. Logic level output from n920 to a PC or terminal.

USR_SCK

38 User Synchronization Clock. Required for high speed data transfer in

the n920T (Turbo).

N/C

I
O
I

36,37, Reserved for factory use only.

39,40
Table 3-1: L400 Pin-Out Description

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3.0 Hardware Description

3.2 L400 Enclosed / MHX Development Board
The MHX Development Board can be used to evaluate the L-Series modem. The MHX development board
can then provide a number of convenient interfaces for the L-Series module:
power
data interfaces
Indicators
Antenna (An N-Female connector is used on the enclosed version, not as shown)

Image 3-2: MHX Development Board Front View

Image 3-3: MHX Development Rear View

Image 3-4: L400 Enclosed Front View

Image 3-5: L400 Enclosed Rear View

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3.0 Hardware Description

3.2.1 L400 Enclosed Mechanical Drawings

L Series
Top View

Front

Drawing 3-5: L-Series Enclosed Top View

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SERIAL DIAG

RS-232
RS485/422

Front View

Vin+ -

GND -

NC -

SHDN -

TxB -

CFG

RxB -

RSSI

RxA -

RX

TxA -

TX

Back View

Drawing 3-6: L-Series Enclosed Front View

Drawing 3-7: L-Series Enclosed Rear View

Notes: The dimension unit is inches.

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3.0 Hardware Description

3.2.2 MHX Development Board Mechanical Drawings

MHX
Development
Board

CFG

TX

RSSI

RX

Top View
Drawing 3-8: MHX Development Board Top View

SYS Status

CFG

TX

RSSI

RX

Front View
Drawing 3-9: MHX Development Board Front View

Vin+ -

NC -

GND -

Rear View

SHDN -

RxB -

RxA -

TxB -

TxA -

RS485/422

Drawing 3-10: MHX Development Board Rear View

Notes: The dimension unit is inches.

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3.0 Hardware Description

3.2.3 L400 / MHX Development Board Connectors & Indicators
3.2.3.1 Front
On the front of the MHX Development Board is the SERIAL DIAGNOSTICS port, CFG Button,
and the SYS Status, TX, RX, RSSI LEDs.

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SERIAL DIAG

SYS Status

TX

RX

RSSI

CFG

CFG

TX

RSSI

RX

Drawing 3-11: MHX Development Board Indicators

Image 3-12: L400 Indicators

The SERIAL DIAG (RS232) port is used for two purposes:

online diagnostics and configuration at 115.2kbps (using MHS-supplied BLACK RJ45
-DE9 cable (P/N MHS044000) and MHS software)
firmware upgrade (using MHS-supplied BLUE RJ45-DE9 cable (P/N MHS044010))

The SERIAL DIAG port is

NOT an Ethernet port.

RJ45
Pin #

The SERIAL DIAG port

does not support AT
commands.

Name

MHS044000
DE9 Pin #

Diag RXD

Diag TXD

4
5

3
SG

6
* active high

7
8

MHS0044010
DE9 Pin #

5
2

RESET*
7
Table 3-2: SERIAL DIAG Port Cable Pin-outs

CFG Button (S1)

Holding this button depressed while powering-up the modem will boot the unit into
configuration mode: the default serial interface (rear DE9, RS232) will be active and set to
operate at its default serial baud rate of 9600bps.

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3.0 Hardware Description

3.2.3 L400 / MHX Development Board Connectors & Indicators
3.2.3.1 Front (Continued)
System Status LED (Green)
This LED is illuminated when the system is powered-up and core status is okay. This is the
only LED that is illuminated when the modem is in COMMAND MODE.
TX LED (Red)
When illuminated, this LED is indicating that the modem is transmitting data over the air.
RX/SYNC LED (Green)
When illuminated, this LED indicates that the modem is synchronized and has received valid
packets.
Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) (3x Green)
As the received signal strength increases, starting with the furthest left, the number of active
RSSI LEDs increases. Signal strength is calculated based on the last four valid received
packets with correct CRC. RSSI is also reported in S123.
LED STATUS
MODE

M/R/S
RX/SYNC

TX

RSSI 1,2,3

COMMAND

All

OFF

OFF

OFF

DATA

Master

ON while receiving valid

data
packets from
Slaves and Repeaters in
the network

ON

1-3 ON in proportion to signal

strength received from Slaves
and Repeaters in the network

Master

OFF

ON

Cycling with 300ms ON time

DATA - during
sync. acquisition

Repeater

OFF

OFF

Cycling with 300ms ON time

DATA - when
synchronized

Repeater ON for first portion of ON for second 1-2 ON in proportion to signal

hop interval
portion of hop strength received from Slaves;
interval
if Slaves silent for >2s,
Repeater will indicate RSSI
based on signal strength
received from Master

Fast Sync

DATA - during
sync. acquisition

Slave

OFF

DATA - when
synchronized

Slave

ON

OFF

Cycling with 300ms ON time

ON
w h e n 1-3 ON in proportion to signal
transmitting a s t r e n gt h r ec e i ve d f rom
packet
Repeater or Master with which
Slave communicates

Table 3-3: LED Operation

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3.0 Hardware Description

3.2.3 L400 / MHX Development Board Connectors & Indicators
3.2.3.2 Rear
On the back of the MHX Development Board is the Data port, RS485/422 interface, as well as
the power connections.

RS485/422
RS-232

Drawing 3-13: MHX Development Board Rear View

The DATA (RS232) Port (DCE) on the rear of

the circuit board is used for
RS232 serial data (300-230,400bps) when
in DATA MODE, or
for configuring the modem when
in COMMAND MODE.

Vin+ -

GND -

NC -

SHDN -

RxB -

RxA -

TxB -

TxA -

Vin+ -

GND -

NC -

SHDN -

RxB -

RxA -

TxB -

TxA -

RS485/422

Drawing 3-14: L400 Rear View

DE9S Pin #

Name

Input or
Output

DCD

RXD

TXD

DTR

SG

DSR

RTS

CTS

Not Used

Table 3-4: RS232 Pin Assignment

The RS422/485 Port used to interface the

MHX Development Board to a DTE with
the same interface type. Either the
RS232 or RS422/485 interface is used for
data traffic.

Vin+ -

GND -

NC -

SHDN -

RxA -

RxB -

TxB -

Caution:
Using a
power supply that does
not provide proper
voltage may damage
the modem.

TxA -

RS485/422

The Antenna Connector used is an N-Female.

Green
Conn. Pin #

Name

Input or
Output

TxB (D+)

TxA (D-)

RxB (R+)

RxA (R-)

Not Used

SHDN*

Vin -

Vin +

Table 3-5: Phoenix-type Connector Pin

Assignment

*Grounding the SHDN pin shuts down the modem.

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4.0 Operating Modes

4.1

Command Mode
In this mode:
the L-Series module is offline (data is not passing through the unit via its local data lines or
RF communications)
if installed in a Development Board, the only LED illuminated will be the small green LED at
the top right of the front panel SERIAL DIAG (RJ45) port (this LED is connected to the LSeries Interface Cards Pin 18: USR_1 System Status Indicator output. )
the L-Series configuration options (registers) may be viewed and modified

4.1.1 How to Enter Command Mode

Two methods are typically used to place the L-Series - installed in a Development Board or in a
Nano Motherboard - into command mode:
1. Force to Command Mode
power off the Development Board or Motherboard assembly
connect a 9-pin straight-through serial cable from PC COM port to the rear RS-232 port
launch a terminal communications program (e.g. HyperTerminal) and configure for 9600bps,
8 data bits, No parity, 1 stop bit (8N1)
press and hold the CFG/CONFIG button (S1 on front of unit)
continue to press the CFG/CONFIG button and apply power to the modem
release the CFG/CONFIG button
observe the front of the Development Board: only the small green LED should be illuminated,
indicating that the L-Series is in Command Mode.
2. Escape from Data Mode
with L-Series online, connect a 9 -pin straight-through serial cable from PC COM port to the
rear RS-232 port
launch a terminal communications program (e.g. HyperTerminal) and configure for the LSeries established serial baud rate parameters (PC & modem must match)
pause 1 second, type +++ (see Section 6.2, S1), pause 1 second: the monitor should show
the module response of NO CARRIER OK
the L-Series is now in Command Mode (observe Development Boards front panel: only the
small green LED should be illuminated)

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4.0 Operating Modes

4.2 Data Mode
The normal operational state of all deployed L-Series modules. In this mode the module is prepared
to exchange data as per its configuration settings. Available LED indications can provide an indication of the data exchange (TX and RX LEDs).
To enter DATA mode from COMMAND mode, enter the command: ATA [Enter]
The following three modes are the radio network roles (see Section 6.2, S101):

4.3 Master
One per network, the source of synchronization for the system. The Master controls the flow of data
through the system; all data passes to or through it.

4.4 Repeater
Required only if necessary to establish a radio path between a Master and Slave(s); stores and forwards the data sent to it. Synchronizes to Master and provides synchronization to downstream
units.
If a local device is attached to a Repeaters serial data port, the Repeater will also behave as a Slave
(aka Repeater/Slave).
Adding one or more Repeaters within a network will HALVE the throughput; the throughput is halved
only once, i.e. it does not decrease with the addition of more Repeaters.
If there is a path requirement to provide Repeater functionality, but throughput is critical, this may be
accomplished by placing two modems at the Repeater site in a back -to-back configuration. One modem would be configured as a Slave in the upstream network; the other a Master (or Slave) in the
downstream network. Local connection between the modems would be accomplished with a null
modem cable. Each modem would require its own antenna; careful consideration should be given
with respect to antenna placement and modem configuration.

4.5 Slave
Endpoint/node within a network to which a local device is attached. Communicates with Master either
directly or through one or more Repeaters. See Sections 5.3 and 5.4 for information regarding Slave
-to-Slave communications.

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5.0 Network Topologies

The L-Series may be configured to operate in a number of different operating modes
and participate in various network topologies.
Note: This section describes network topologies and also contains details regarding
related factory default settings to enable the reader to readily see the correlation between various registers. Refer to section 6 for further detailed information regarding
configuration options and details.
hastens the configuration process
load default and, if necessary, apply only minor settings adjustments
aids in troubleshooting
if settings have been adjusted and basic communications cannot be
established, simply revert to the applicable factory default setting and any
improper adjustments will be overwritten and a fresh start can be made with
known-to-work settings
For convenience, a number of factory default configurations related both to operating
modes and network topologies are available. Configuring modems using factory default settings has the following benefits:
Settings (S) register S133 configures the modem for the Network Type within which
it will be participating.

5.1 Point-to-Point (PTP)

In a point-to-point network, a path is created to transfer data between Point A and
Point B, where Point A may be considered the Master modem and Point B a Slave.
Such a PTP network may also involve one or more Repeaters (in a store-and-forward
capacity) should the radio signal path dictate such a requirement.
A PTP configuration may also be used in a more dynamic sense: there may be many
Slaves (and Repeaters) within such a network, however the Master may have its
Destination Address (S140) changed as and when required to communicate with a
specific Slave.
PTP factory default settings: Master
Slave

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&F6
&F7

24

5.0 Network Topologies

Image 5-1: &F6 PTP Master Configuration View

The screen captures on this page clearly show that most of the registers in both the
Master and the Slave have the same values.
(S105 is not visible in the Master view: its value is, and must be, 1.)
The differences are S101 (Operating Mode), S105 (Unit Address), and S140
(Destination Address).
The nature of PTP is clear: The Masters destination (S140) is 2 (the Unit Address
(S105) of the Slave); the Slaves destination is the Master.

Image 5-2: &F7 PTP Slave Configuration View

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5.0 Network Topologies

Network Type (S133) is set to 1 for PTP operation.
Note that the Master has a register S141 - Repeaters Y/N and the Slave does not.
This register informs the Master of there being one or more Repeaters in this network. The factory defaults assume no and assign a value of 0. If a Repeater is to
be installed, and all the Master and Slave defaults will be maintained, following is a
procedure on how to configure a Repeater into this fixed (non-mobile) PTP network:
Master
enter into Command Mode
change S141 (Repeaters Y/N) to 1 (which means Yes)
save the change using the AT&W command
go online with the ATA command
Repeater
enter into Command Mode
load a third modem with &F7 (PTP Slave factory default settings)
change the Operating Mode (S101) from 2 (Slave) to 1 (Repeater)
change the Unit Address (UA) (S105) from 2 to 3
save the changes using the AT&W command
go online with the ATA command
Slave
enter into Command Mode
change S118 from 1 (the UA of the Master) to 3 (the UA of the Repeater)
save the change using the AT&W command
go online with the ATA command

This system may be tested by sending text at 9600bps, 8N1 through the RS-232 serial port of one modem and observing that it appears at the RS-232 serial port of the
other modem. The Slave is synchronized to the Repeater, which in turn is synchronized to the Master. If the Repeater is taken offline, in a matter of moments the
Slaves RSSI LEDs will indicate that it is scanning for its immediate upstream unit;
place the Repeater online and the Slave will quickly acquire it. If the Master is taken
offline, both the Repeater and Slave will begin to scan.

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5.0 Network Topologies

5.2 Point-to-Multipoint (PMP)
In a point-to-multipoint network, a path is created to transfer data between the Master
modem and numerous remote modems. The remote modems may simply be Slaves
with which the Master communicates directly, and/or Slaves which communicate via
Repeaters. Some or all of the Repeaters may also act as Slaves in this type of Network, i.e. the Repeaters are not only storing and forwarding data, but are also acting
as Slaves. Such Repeaters may be referred to as Repeater/Slaves.
PMP factory default settings:

Master
Slave
Repeater

&F1
&F2
&F3

The factory default PMP Master configuration reveals the following differences with
respect to the PTP factory default Master: S133=0 (PMP network) and S140=65535
(the broadcast address, indicating that this Master (point) will send its data to all modems - multipoint). On a PMP Master, set S113=0 and increase only if required.

Image 5-3: &F1 PMP Master Configuration View

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5.0 Network Topologies

Each modem in any

network must have a
unique Unit Address.

When bench testing PMP

and using the factory
default settings for the
Master, Repeater, and
Slave:
Master S141 must be
changed from 0 to 1, and
Slave S118 must be
modified to be the UA of
the Repeater (3), otherwise
the Slave will synchronize
directly to the Master,
bypassing the Repeater.

Microhard Systems Inc.

Image 5-4: &F2 PMP Slave Configuration View

Insofar as the factory defaults are concerned, the difference between the PMP Master and PMP Slave (above) are simply the Operating Mode (S101), Unit Address
(S105), and the Destination Address (S140).
With the exception of the Master modem, all modems in a PMP network have a Destination Address of 1 - the UA of Master modem - to which all data is destined.
The settings for a factory default PMP Repeater are unique only with respect to S101
(1) and S105 (3).

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6.0 Configuration
The following factors must be considered when preparing to configure the modems:
the application
network topology
physical distribution of the network
Components involved in the configuration process of the L-Series:
Interfacing with the module, and
Inputting the desired values into a variety of registers
Interfacing to the L-Series for the purpose of configuring it may be accomplished in a
number of ways:
If mounted in a MHX Development Board/Nano Interface Card combination:
Rear RS-232 connector, 9-pin straight-through cable, and PC running
communications program, or
Front SERIAL DIAG RJ45 port, MHS configuration cable, and PC running
MHS System Diagnostics software (RadioNetwork).
If mounted in a Nano Motherboard:
Rear RS-232 connector, 9-pin straight-through cable, and PC running
communications program, or
Front RS-232 connector, 9-pin straight-through cable, and PC running
MHS System Diagnostics software (RadioNetwork).
Once connected and in Command Mode, changes to the L-Series configuration are
made using convenient AT commands, the majority of which involve Settings (S)
Registers.
As discussed in Section 5, there are several factory default settings which can make
configuration of the modules quite simple. There are no DIP switches to set;
switches which may subsequently become inadvertently misadjusted or intermittent.

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6.0 Configuration
6.1 AT Commands
Appendix B is a quick reference for the available AT commands; in this subsection are details regarding the most commonly used.
To invoke an AT command, enter Command Mode, then type AT
<command> [Enter].

y < command
If changes were made to
the modems
configuration and it is
intended that those
changes be saved to non
-volatile memory, do so
with the AT command
&W prior to placing the
modem online.

command name > x

Answer

Upon completion of tasks being done with the modem in Command Mode, invoking
this command will place the modem back online (into Data Mode).

Dxxxxx, DTxxxxx, DPxxxxx

Identical commands which change the modems unit address to
the modem into Data Mode.

In

Dial
xxxxx and then put

Identification

The I command returns information about the L-Series.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Product Code (L-Series)

Issue ROM Check (OK or ERROR)
Product Identification (Firmware Version)
Firmware Date
Firmware Copyright
Firmware Time
Serial Number

255

Factory-Configured Options listing

Online Mode

Upon completion of tasks being done with the modem in Command Mode, invoking
this command will place the modem back online (into Data Mode).

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6.0 Configuration
&Fn

Load Factory Default Configuration

See Section 5.0 for detailed information on the various factory default options.

Values
1
2
6
7

&H1

PMP Master
PMP Slave
PTP Master
PTP Slave

Repeater Registration

When more than one Repeater exists in a network, the Unit Address of each
Repeater should be registered within every modem in the network. The reason for
doing this is to enable the modems to create hopping patterns which will be
orthogonal to each other, thereby minimizing possible interference between network
segments.
Upon entering the AT&H1 command, the modem prompts as follows:
A to add a Repeater (this is done by entering the Unit Address of
the Repeater)
R to remove a Repeater
C to clear all registered Repeaters.
Pressing the [Esc] key saves and exits the process.

&V

View Configuration

Displays S Register names and current values.

&W

Write Configuration to Memory

Stores active configuration into the modems non-volatile memory.

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6.0 Configuration
P0?

Frequency Table

The L-Series Frequency Table shows the available licensed frequencies and
occupied bandwidth for each channel, as well as the direction of communication
allowed on that channel. Use the ATP0? Command to view the table. The table can
only modified by the factory or an authorized dealer. The contents of the table are
dependant on licensing. Contact your dealer or Microhard Systems Inc, for more
information.

As shown above, the ATP0? Command will display the contents of the table in the
following format:
Channel Number

Frequency (MHz)

BW

DIR

Channel Number: 0 - 63.

Frequency (MHz) = 406.1 to 480.0 MHz
BW = Occupied Bandwidth, (6.25kHz / 12.5kHz / 25kHz)
DIR = Direction, (Rx / Tx / Rx&Tx)

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6.0 Configuration
6.2 Settings (S) Registers
The majority of modem configuration is done via the Settings (S) Registers.
Section 5.0 provides information on the available factory default settings as related to operating modes and network topologies; this section examines each S register in detail. Appendix
C is a quick reference for the S register options.
In the following descriptions, default settings (where applicable) are in boldface. In Command Mode,
query format: ATS<S register #>? [Enter]
change format : ATS<S register #>=<value> [Enter]

y <command
If
the
command
referenced
by
y
(above) is found to be
itali ci zed
in
the
fol l owi n g
regi s t er
descriptions,
it
indicates
that
the
particular
command
will not appear in the
A T & V
( v i e w
configuration) display.

command name> x

S0

Auto Answer

This register determines in which mode the modem will be upon power-up. If selected to
power-up in Command Mode, the modem will be offline from the wireless network, and ready
to be configured upon power-up. The typical mode of operation is for the modem to power-up
in Data mode: ready to participate in data transfer over the wireless network.

Values
0
1

up in Command Mode
up in Data Mode

S2

Escape Code

Escape character. If >127, escape feature is disabled. Modification of this register may be
necessary when connecting the modem to a telephone modem where the +++ character
string may result in undesired consequences.

Values
any ASCII value
+ (decimal 43)

Modification of S2 may
be
required
when
operating the modem
module via a telephone
modem
connection
interface.

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6.0 Configuration
S101

Operating Mode

The operating mode defines the role of a modem. A L-Series modem may be configured for
any role required within a radio network. This is convenient for reasons of familiarity with any/
all units, as well as for hardware sparing purposes.
The default operating mode is dependent on which factory default option is selected.

Note re nomenclature:

MASTER:

Only one per network. In all network types (see S133) data either originates
at, is destined to, or passes through the Master.

REPEATER:

May act simply as a Repeater to store and forward data to/from an upstream
unit to/from a downstream unit (e.g. when there is a long distance between
the latter units), or, may act as a Repeater/Slave in which case the above
function is performed AND the unit may also exchange data as a Slave within
the network.
If 1 or more repeaters are to be in a network: see Section 6.2, S141.
If 2 or more repeaters are to be in a network: see Section 6.1, AT command
&H1.

SLAVE:

Interfaces with remote devices and communicates with Master either directly
or via Repeater(s). Communications between 2 or more Slaves is possible through the Master - see S133 and Section 5.3, 5.4.

A Remote (non
Master) modem is
either a Repeater or a
Slave.
If a Repeater is not
being used as a
Repeater/Slave
(i.e.
there is no device
attached to its local
data port), leave its
hands hak ing
OFF
(&K0) and set the
serial baud rate (S102)
to 115200bps.

Values
0
1
2

Master
Repeater
Slave

S102

Serial Baud Rate

The serial baud rate is the rate at which the modem is

to communicate with the attached local asynchronous
device.

bits per second (bps)

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Most PCs do not

readily support serial
communications
greater
than
115200bps.

Microhard Systems Inc.

Values

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230400
115200
57600
38400
28800
19200
14400
9600

8
9
10
11
12
13
14

7200
4800
3600
2400
1200
600
300

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6.0 Configuration
S103

Wireless Link Rate

This register determines the rate at which RF

communications will occur over a given network. All
modems within a particular network must be configured
with the same wireless link rate. Faster link rates result
in greater throughput, however, for each step increase
in link rate, there is an approximately 1dB reduction in
sensitivity.

Values
bits per second (bps)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

1200
2400
3600
4800
7200
9600
14400
19200

S104

Change the default

value for the Network
Address to something
uni que
for
your
network. Do this for an
added measure of
s e c ur i t y
and
to
di ffe re nti ate
yo ur
network from others
which
may
be
operating nearby.

Network Address

All modems in a given network must have the same

Network Address. This unique network address is not
only a security feature for a particular network, but also
allows other networks - with their own unique network
address - to operate in the same area without the
possibility of undesired data exchange between
networks.

Values
0-4,000,000,000
1234567890

S105

Unit Address

The unit address is, and must be, a unique identifier of each modem in a network. The
address value is 16-bits in length.
The Master has by default, and must retain, a unit address of 1; 65535 is the broadcast
address.

Values
2-65534

S108

FCC
r egulations
allow for up to 36dBi
effective
isotropic
radiated
power
(EIRP). The sum (in
dBm)
of
the
transmitted
power,
the cabling loss, and
the antenna
gain
cannot exceed 36dBi.

Output Power

This setting establishes the transmit power level which

will be presented to the antenna connector at the rear
of the modem.

Values

Unless required S108 should be set not for maximum,

but rather for the minimum value required to maintain
an adequate system fade margin.

20
24
27
30
33
35
37

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dBm (mW equivalent)

(100mW)
(250mW)
(500mW)
(1W)
(2W)
(3W) (L-Series Only)
(5W) (L-Series Only)
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6.0 Configuration
S110

Data Format

This register determines the format of the data on the serial

port. The default is 8 data bits, No parity, and 1 Stop bit.

Values
1
2
3
4
5

S113

6
7
8
9
10

7N2
7E1
7O1
7E2
7O2

Packet Retransmissions

This register determines the maximum amount of times that a

packet will be retransmitted (in addition to the initial
transmission), noting the following specific behaviors in various
network topologies:

In a PMP system, set

S113 to the minimum
value required as,
effectively, the data
throughput
from
Master to Remote is
divided by 1 plus the
number
stored
in
S113.

8N1
8N2
8E1
8O1
7N1

PMP:

Master will retransmit each data packet the exact

number of times specified in its S113; Slave will
retransmit only if necessary, and then only until a given
packet is acknowledged or the value of the Slaves
S113 is reached (after which it will discard the packet if
retransmission not successful).

PTP:

Modem will retransmit to its counterpart only if

necessary, and to a maximum number of the value in
S113. Packet is discarded if retransmissions are not
successful.

Values
0-255
5

Recipients of packets will discard any duplicates.

S115

Repeat Interval

S115 determines the number of slots which are available within

a window of opportunity for Remote units to submit channel
requests to the Master modem.
For a large number of remotes, the value of S115 should be set
relatively high: Remotes will randomly contend for the ability to
access the channel request slots.

Values
hop intervals
1-255
3

For a small number of Remotes, particularly if their need to

transmit data to the Master is quite random, it is advisable to
keep S115 closer to the default value so as to not waste
bandwidth by maintaining a relatively large window housing a
greater-than-necessary number of channel reservation request
slots.
In a TDMA-type system, S115 may be set to 1 as the Remotes
are not able to request a transmission channel: the Master
polls each Remote for data.
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6.0 Configuration
S116

Character Timeout

This timer looks for gaps in the data being received from the
local attached device. The timer is activated after the Minimum
Packet Size (S111, default 1 Byte) has been accumulated in
the modem, after which, if the timer detects a gap in the data
exceeding the Character Timeout value, the modem will
transmit the data.

Values
ms
0-254
10

The modem will accumulate data in its buffers until either (a)
Maximum Packet size (S116) has been accumulated, or (b)
Minimum Packet Size (S111) has been accumulated AND the
Character timeout has expiredwhichever occurs first.
If S116 is set to 0ms, the modem will buffer exactly the
Minimum Packet size and then transmit that data.

S118

When bench testing 3

modems for a MasterRepeater-Slave link,
be sure to set the
Slaves S118 to the UA
of the Repeater, and
the Repeaters S118 to
the UA (1) of the
Master.
This will ensure that
data is routed from the
Slave through the
Repeater
to
the
Master; otherwise, if
the Slaves S118 is left
at the default value of
1, the Slave will
communicate directly
with
the
Master,
bypassing
the
Repeater altogether.

Roaming

This feature allows a Remote unit to synchronize with a

specified upstream unit (either Master or Repeater). The
options are as follows:

Values

S118=65535: With this value in its S118 register, a Remote

will synchronize with an upstream unit which
has the same network address (S104) and static
mask (S107) as the Remote. Should that
upstream unit fail, this Remote will attempt to
synchronize with another upstream unit within
the same network. This ability is particularly
well-suited to mobile applications.

1-254 specific (fixed) unit

address (Master or
Repeater) with which to
associate

S118=1-254:

65535 full roaming

In most static (fixed) networks, where there are

no Repeaters, the default value of 1 is
maintained:
All Slaves synchronize to the
Master (whose unit address is 1).

In networks where Repeaters are present, the value of a

Remotes S118 corresponds to the particular upstream modem
with which a particular Remote is intended to communicate,
e.g. Slave UA (S105)=3 may have an S118=2, where the
modem with UA 2 is a Repeater between the Slave and the
Master; the Repeater will have an S118=1.
S118 dictates which modem (by Unit Address (UA)) a Remote
unit will look or attach to for its upstream signal path.

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6.0 Configuration
S123

A Master modems
RSSI LEDs will not
illuminate
to
any
degree until such time
as it has received valid
p a c k e ts
from
a
downstream unit.
Also,
should
the
downstream unit(s) fail,
a Master will maintain
the last RSSI reading
display.

Average RSSI

This register displays (it is not a setting) the average signal

strength received over the previous 4 hop intervals. The value
in this register is also reflected in status lines RSSI1, 2, and 3,
which connect to the modems front panel RSSI LEDs.

Values

S125

Occupied Bandwidth

This register sets the occupied bandwidth for the wireless link.

Values

dBm
-110 to 55dBm (max
reading)

0
1
2

S131

6.25 kHz
12.5 kHz
25 kHz

Main Tx Frequency

This register sets the operating Tx frequency for the wireless

link. Select the desired channel from the frequency table. The
available channels/frequencies are entered into the frequency
table by Authorized Dealers only. Use the ATP0? command to
view the available channels.

Values
Channel #
0 - 63

S132

Main Rx Frequency

This register sets the operating Rx frequency for the wireless

link Select the desired channel from the frequency table. The
available channels/frequencies are entered into the frequency
table by Authorized Dealers only. Use the ATP0? command to
view the available channels.

Values
Channel #
0 - 63

S133

Network Type

Defines the type of network (see Section 5.0 for a detailed

description of network topologies).

ALL modems in a
network must have the
SAME
value
for
Network Type.

In a point-to-multipoint (PMP) network, the Master broadcasts

data to all units, and all remote units send their data (ultimately)
to the Master.

Values
0
1

Point-to-Multipoint
Point-to-Point

A point-to-point (PTP) network involves a Master and a Slave

(with 0 or more Repeaters in between).

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6.0 Configuration
S140

Destination Address

As the name implies, this register specifies the ultimate

destination for a modems data.

Values
1-65535

Different network topologies dictate the configuration of S140:

PMP:
PTP:

Master S140=65535, Remote S140=1

Master S140=UA of Remote, Remote S140=1

S141

With one or more

Repeaters
in
the
system, a networks
throughput is divided in
half.
Exercising the
option of back-to-back
Repeaters - which
requires 2 modems at
a Repeater site
eliminates the division
of bandwidth.
If there is more than
one Repeater in a
network, the Repeaters
should be registered.
See
Section
6.1
AT&H1
Repeater
Registration for how to
accomplish this.

Repeaters Y/N

This register informs - and applies only to - the Master as to

the presence of any Repeater(s) in the network.

Values

S142

Serial Channel Mode

This register defines the physical serial interface which will be

used for data communications.

Values

0
1

0
1
2

S149

no repeater
1 or more repeaters

RS-232 interface
half-duplex RS-485
full-duplex RS-485

LED Brightness

This is a power saving feature which controls the current

available to LEDs such that they operate with from 0% (off) to
100% available brightness.
It is recommend to set S149 to 100 for testing in a shop
environment, and then reduce the value as required when
deploying in the field where power consumption may be of
concern.

Values
percent (%)
0-100
100

S153
Note:
When placed
into Command Mode,
the
m odul e
wi l l
communicate via the
RS-232 interface at
9600bps, 8N1.

Address Tag

If enabled, the modem prepends 4 extra bytes to the data: first

byte = 0x00, second = 0xFF, third = source unit address (high
byte), fourth = source unit address (low byte).

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Value
0
1

disable
enable

39

6.0 Configuration
S158

FEC (Forward Error Correction) Mode

A number of FEC schemes are available with different coding rates.

FEC consumes some bandwidth: depending on which coding rate is chosen, a number of
coding bits are transmitted along with the data bits.
In noisy or long -range communications environments, FEC may effectively increase
throughput by decreasing the amount of packet retransmissions which would otherwise be
required.
Communications range may also be extended with the use of FEC: at a certain distance
where data would otherwise be unacceptably corrupted, employing FEC may be all that is
required to maintain the integrity of that data at that distance.
Types of FEC available within the L-Series:

If throughput is not of
primary concern and
there is an emphasis
on providing the most
r o b u s t
d a t a
communications, FEC
should be considered.

Hamming (7,4)

Information rate 0.5,

corrects 1 out of 7 bits

Hamming (15,11)

Information rate 0.66,

corrects 1 out of 15 bits

Hamming (31,24)

Information rate 0.75,

corrects 1 out of 31 bits

Binary BCH (47,36)

Information rate 0.75,

corrects 2 bits

Golay (23, 12, 7)

Information rate 0.75,

corrects 3 bits

Reed-Solomon (15,11) :

Information rate 0.687,

corrects 2 nibbles

Values
0
1
2
3
5
6
7

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No FEC
Hamming (7,4)
Hamming (15,11)
Hamming (31,24)
Binary BCH (47,36)
Golay (23,12,7)
Reed-Solomon (15,11)

40

6.0 Configuration
S191

Repeater Tx Frequency

This register sets the operating Tx frequency for the repeaters

in the wireless network. Select the desired channel from the
frequency table. The available channels/frequencies are
entered into the frequency table by Authorized Dealers only.
Use the ATP0? command to view the available channels.

S192

Values
Channel #
0 - 63

Repeater Rx Frequency

This register sets the operating Rx frequency for the repeaters

in the wireless network. Select the desired channel from the
frequency table. The available channels/frequencies are
entered into the frequency table by Authorized Dealers only.
Use the ATP0? command to view the available channels.

Values
Channel #
0 - 63

S217

Protocol Type

For most applications, the default value of 0 - resulting in

transparent operation - will be maintained in this register.
Setting this register to a value of 1 specifies MODBUS
operation, in which the modem will frame the output data and
comply with MODBUS specifications. S217=2 configures the
modem for DF1 filtering. In this mode, the PLCs address must
match the Unit Address of the modem. Data not intended for a
specific PLC/Modem pairing will be blocked from passing
through the modem to the attached PLC.

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Values
0
1
2

transparent
MODBUS RTU
DF1 protocol, fullduplex, with address
filtering

41

6.0 Configuration
6.3 Serial Interface Commands
A number of register settings are specifically related to the serial data interface.
Some, which have been discussed previously, include:
S102 Serial Baud Rate

determines the rate of communications between the modem and the local device

S110 Data Format

defines the data, stop, and parity bit count

S142 Serial Channel Mode

selects the actual serial interface to be used

S217 Protocol Type

defines the nature of the incoming data and

what, if any, special action should be taken
by the modem upon the data

Also, there are AT commands which effect the configuration of the module, specifically with respect to the handling of data at the RS-232 interface:
&C Data Carrier Detect (DCD)
&D Data Terminal Ready (DTR)
&K Handshaking
&S Data Set Ready (DSR)
The above four items are discussed further in this section.

&Cn

Data Carrier Detect (DCD)

Controls the modules DCD output signal to the attached device. Determines when
the DCD line is active.

Values
0
1

2
3
*DCD always on when
module configured as a
Master

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DCD always on
DCD on when
modems
synchronized*
DCD used for output data
framing and Modbus mode
On Slave units, DCD will
pulse for 2ms each time
valid sync packet received
from Master which sends 1
sync packet per hop

42

6.0 Configuration
&Dn

Data Terminal Ready (DTR)

Controls the action that the module will perform when the DTR input lines state is
modified.

Values
0
2

DTR ignored
deassert DTR to force
module into Command
mode (at serial baud rate
set by S102); DTR must be
reasserted before putting
module back into data mode
(normally done using ATA
command)

&Kn

Handshaking

Enables or disables hardware handshaking.

Values
0
3
Software flow control (XON/
XOFF) is not supported.

&Sn

handshaking disabled
RTS/CTS handshaking
enabled

Data Set Ready (DSR)

Controls the modules DSR line and determines when it is active.

Values
0
1
2

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DSR always on
ON in Data mode, OFF in
Command mode
DTR/DSR signaling:
Remotes output state of
Masters DTR on their local
DSR line in PMP network.
Master only outputs state of
Slaves DTR on its local
DSR line in PTP. Not
supported in P2P or E2E
network.

43

7.0 Installation
The are a number of factors to consider when preparing to deploy a radio network,
several of which have been touched-upon or detailed elsewhere within this manual.
Following is a listing of a number of factors, in no particular order:

Network Topology
Section 5.0 detailed the various network topologies which the L-Series will support.
Determine which topology is suited to your specific requirements.
The installation, removal, or
maintenance of any antenna
system components must
be undertaken only by
qualified and experienced
personnel.

Throughput
The L-Series is capable of 230.4kbps asynchronous serial data throughput. The network topology has an effect on how this available throughput is shared between all
nodes on the network.

Distance
The physical distance between the modems dictates such things as required antenna
performance and heights, and whether or not a Repeater(s) is required. When contemplating antenna types and Repeater sites, keep in mind the directivity
(omnidirectional or directional) of the antennas being used, and also recall the effect
of a Repeater on throughput (see Section 4.4).

Terrain
Along with distance, the terrain is a very important consideration with respect to antenna height requirements. The term line -of-sight (LOS) refers to being able to see
one location from another - a minimum requirement for a radio signal path. In addition to LOS, adequate clearance must also be provided to satisfy Fresnel Zone requirements - an obstruction-free area much greater than the physical LOS, i.e. LOS
is not enough to completely satisfy RF path requirements for a robust communications link.

Transmit Power
Having read thus far through the factors to be considered, it should be clear that they
are all interrelated. Transmit power should be set for the minimum required to establish a reliable communications path with adequate fade margin. Required transmit
power is dictated primarily by distance, antenna type (specifically the gain of the antennas being used), and the receive sensitivity of the distant modem. Cable and connector losses (the physical path from the modems antenna connector to the antennas connector) must also be taken into account.

Receive Sensitivity
The L-Series has exceptional receive sensitivity, which can produce a number of
benefits, such as: added fade margin for a given link, being able to use less expensive coaxial cable or antenna types, being able to operate at greater distances for a
given distant transmitter power (perhaps negating the requirement for a Repeater
site!). Distance, antenna gain, transmit power, and receive sensitivity are critical
numbers for radio path calculations. Fortunately, the L -Series features the maximum available transmit power combined with exceptional receive sensitivity - two
numbers which will produce the most favorable path calculation results.
Microhard Systems Inc.

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44

7.0 Installation
Fade Margin
When all radio path numbers are being considered and hardware assumptions are
being made, another factor to consider is the fade margin of the overall system. the
fade margin is the difference between the anticipated receive signal level and the
minimum acceptable receive level (receive sensitivity). Being that the L-Series performs to exacting specifications, the overall deployment should be such that the modems may be utilized to their full potential to provide a reliable and robust communications link. A typical desired fade margin is in the order of 20dB, however oftentimes a 10dB fade margin is acceptable.

Frequency
The 400MHz frequency range is not effected by rain to any significant degree, and is
also able to penetrate through foliage and around obstacles to a certain degree.
This being the case, some may choose to scrimp on the physical deployment, particularly when it comes to antenna (tower) heights. Path calculations provide results
which specify required antenna heights. For cost savings and in taking advantage of
the characteristics of the 400MHz frequency range, sometimes the height requirements are not adhered to: this may result in unreliable communications.

Power Requirements
The OEM versions of the L-Series modem may be integrated into a system
(Development Board, or custom) which accepts a range of DC input voltages (supply
current requirements must also be met). In some deployments, power consumption
is critical. A number of features related to minimize power consumption are available
with the L-Series: LED dimming, and the ability to operate at less transmit power
given the receive sensitivity of the distant modem.

Interference
The L-Series operates in a designated frequency band so interference from other
radios and RF devices should be minimal.

Microhard Systems Inc.

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45

7.0 Installation
7.1 Path Calculation
Assuming adequate antenna heights, a basic formula to determine if an adequate
radio signal path exists (i.e. there is a reasonable fade margin to ensure reliability) is:
Fade Margin = System Gain - Path Loss
where all values are expressed in dB.
As discussed on the previous page, a desired fade margin is 20dB.
System gain is calculated as follows:
System Gain =

Transmitter Power + (Transmitter Antenna Gain - Transmitter Cable and Connector Losses) + (Receiver Antenna
Gain - Receiver Cable and Connector Losses) + | Receiver Sensitivity |.
where all values are expressed in dB, dBi, or dBm, as applicable.

Assuming a path loss of 113dB for this example, the fade margin = 143-113 = 30dB.
30dB exceeds the desired fade margin of 20dB, therefore this radio communications
link would be very reliable and robust.
On the following page are examples of actual path loss measurements taken in an
open rural environment; the path loss numbers do not apply to urban or non-LOS environments.

Example:
Tx power = 30dBm
Tx antenna gain = 6dBi
Tx cable/connector loss = 2dB
Rx antenna gain = 3dBi
Rx cable/connector loss = 2dB
Rx sensitivity = -108dBm

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System Gain = [30+(6-2)+(3-2)+108]dB

= [30+4+1+108]dB
= 143dB.

46

7.0 Installation

To satisfy FCC radio

frequency (RF) exposure
requirements for mobile
transmitting devices, a
separation distance of 39 to
305 cm or more (as
calculated in Appendix A)
should
be maintained
between the antenna of this
device and persons during
device operation. To ensure
compliance, operation at
less than this distance is
not recommended.
The
antenna used for this
transmitter must not be colocated in conjunction with
any other antenna or
transmitter.

Distance (km)

Master Height (m)

Remote Height (m)

Path Loss (dB)

15

2.5

116.5

30

2.5

110.9

15

2.5

124.1

15

117.7

15

10

105

16

15

2.5

135.3

16

15

128.9

16

15

10

116.2

16

30

10

109.6

16

30

122.4

16

30

2.5

128.8

Table 7-1: Path Loss

Once the equipment is deployed, average receive signal strength may be determined
by accessing S Register 123.

7.2 Installation of Antenna System Components

The installation, removal, or maintenance of any antenna system components must
be undertaken only by qualified and experienced personnel.
Direct human contact with the antenna is potentially unhealthy when the L400 is generating RF energy. Always ensure that the L400 equipment is powered down during
installation. At all times a distance of shown below should be maintained between the
antenna and any person when the device is in operation.
Antenna

Impedance
(ohms)

Antenna Gain
(dBi)

Minimum Separation
Distance (cm)

Min Gain

50

39

Max Gain

50

18

305

Never work on an antenna

system when there is
lightning in the area.

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47

7.0 Installation
7.2.1 Antennas
The two most common types of antenna are the omnidirectional (omni) and directional (Yagi).

Direct human contact with

the antenna is potentially
unhealthy when a L-Series
is generating RF energy.
Always ensure that the LSeries
e qu i pm e n t
is
powered down (off) during
installation.

An omni typically has 3-6dBi gain and spreads its energy in all directions (hence the
name omnidirectional). The pattern of the energy field is in the shape of a donut,
with the antenna mounted vertically at the centre. This vertical-mounted antenna produces a signal which is vertically polarized.
A Yagi has a more focused antenna pattern, which results in greater gain: commonly, 6-12dBi. The pattern of a Yagi is in the shape of a large raindrop in the direction in which the antenna is pointed. If the elements of the Yagi are perpendicular to
the ground (most common orientation) the radiated signal will be vertically polarized;
if parallel to the ground, the polarization is horizontal.
The network topology, application, and path calculation are all taken into consideration when selecting the various antenna types to be used in a radio network deployment.
The path calculation (see Section 7.1) will determine the antenna gain requirements.
Refer to the beginning of this section to review the various factors which must be considering when deploying a network. Do not discount the importance of the REQUIRED HEIGHT for the antennas within your network.
See Appendix A for approved antenna types that can be used with the L400 radio modem. If you require another type of antenna please contact Microhard
Systems Inc.
Microhard Systems Inc. can provide you with approved antennas to ensure FCC and
Industry Canada compliance.
ERP is calculated as follows:

All
installation,
maintenance, and removal
work must be done in
accordance with applicable
codes.

ERP = Tx Power (dBm) - Cable/Connector Loss (dB) + Ant Gain (dBi)

Antenna Gains must be in dBi when calculating the ERP limit.
1dBd = 2.15 dBi
Use the guidelines in the previous section for calculating cable and connector losses.
If cabling and connector losses are 2dB, then the maximum allowable gain of the antenna will be 8 dB

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48

7.0 Installation
7.2.2 Coaxial Cable
The following types of coaxial cable are recommended and suitable for most applications (followed by loss at 400MHz, in dB, per 100 feet):

Direct human contact with

the antenna is potentially
unhealthy when a L-Series
is generating RF energy.
Always ensure that the LSeries
e qu i pm e n t
is
powered down (off) during
installation.

LMR 195 (7.3)

LMR 400 (2.6)
LMR 600 (1.7)
For a typical application, LMR 400 may be suitable. Where a long cable run is required - and in particular within networks where there is not a lot of margin available
- a cable with lower loss should be considered.
When installing cable, care must be taken to not physically damage it (be particularly
careful with respect to not kinking it at any time) and to secure it properly. Care must
also be taken to affix the connectors properly - using the proper crimping tools and to weatherproof them.

7.2.3 Surge Arrestors

The most effective protection against lightning-induced damage is to install two lightning surge arrestors: one at the antenna, the other at the interface with the equipment. The surge arrestor grounding system should be fully interconnected with the
transmission tower and power grounding systems to form a single, fully integrated
ground circuit. Typically, both ports on surge arrestors are N-type female.

7.2.4 External Filter

Although the L-Series is capable of filtering-out RF noise in most environments, there
are circumstances that require external filtering. Paging towers and cellular base stations in close proximity to the L-Series antenna can desensitize the receiver. Microhard Systems Inc.s external cavity filter eliminates this problem. The filter has two N female connectors and should be connected inline at the interface to the RF equipment.
All
installation,
maintenance, and removal
work must be done in
accordance with applicable
codes.

Microhard Systems Inc.

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49

Appendix A: Antenna / Separations

Antenna

Impedance
(ohms)

Antenna Gain
(dBi)

Minimum Separation Distance (cm)

Minimum Gain

50

39

Maximum Gain

50

18

305

RF EXPOSURE DISTANCE LIMITS

P G
4
S

EIRP
4
S

Sample calculation:
S = 406.1/1500 mW/cm2
EIRP = 42 dBm = 1042/10 mW = 15849 mW (Worst Case for Quarter Wave antenna)

(Minimum Safe Distance, r) =

EIRP
4
S

15849
(406.1 / 1500 )

68cm

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Microhard Systems Inc. could void the users
authority to operate the equipment. Please Contact Microhard Systems Inc. if you need more
information.
WARNING

WARNING

To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, a separation distance
is based on the above them ranging from 39 cm to 305 cm between the antenna of this device
and persons during device operation. To ensure compliance, operations at closer than this
distance is not recommended. The antenna used for this transmitter must not be co-located in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Microhard Systems Inc.

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50

Appendix B: Serial Interface

Arrows denote the direction that signals are asserted (e.g., DCD
originates at the DCE and tells the DTE that a carrier is present).
The L-Series module uses 8 pins on the header connector for
asynchronous serial I/O. The interface conforms to standard RS-232
signals without level shifting, so direct connection to a host
microprocessor is possible.
The signals in the asynchronous serial interface are described below:
DCD Data Carrier Detect - Output from Module - When asserted (TTL low),
DCD informs the DTE that a communications link has been established
with another n920.

Module
(DCE)

Host
Microprocessor
Signal
(DTE)

DCD

IN

RX

IN

TX

OUT

DTR

OUT

SG

DSR

IN

RTS

OUT

CTS

IN

Table F1

Notes:

RX

Receive Data - Output from Module - Signals transferred from the n920
are received by the DTE via RX.

TX

Transmit Data - Input to Module - Signals are transmitted from the DTE
via TX to the n920.

DTR Data Terminal Ready - Input to Module - Asserted (TTL low) by the DTE
to inform the module that it is alive and ready for communications.
SG

Signal Ground - Provides a ground reference for all signals transmitted by

both DTE and DCE.

DSR Data Set Ready - Output from Module - Asserted (TTL low) by the DCE
to inform the DTE that it is alive and ready for communications. DSR is
the modules equivalent of the DTR signal.
RTS

Request to Send - Input to Module - A handshaking signal which is

asserted by the DTE (TTL low) when it is ready. When hardware
handshaking is used, the RTS signal indicates to the DCE that the host
can receive data.

CTS

Clear to Send - Output from Module - A handshaking signal which is

asserted by the DCE (TTL low) when it has enabled communications and
transmission from the DTE can commence.
When hardware
handshaking is used, the CTS signal indicates to the host that the DCE
can receive data.

It is typical to refer to RX and TX from the perspective of the DTE. This should be kept in
mind when looking at signals relative to the module(DCE); the module transmits data on the
RX line, and receives on TX.

DCE and module are often synonymous since a module is typically a DCE
device.
DTE is, in most applications, a device such as a host microprocessor.
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51

Appendix C: RS-485 Wiring

The L-Series can be connected into a 2-wire or 4-wire RS-485 network. Transmission line
termination should be placed only at the extreme ends of the data line if the RS-485 network runs at
high data rates and has a long wiring run.

RS485/422

TxB TxA RxB RxA GND Vin+ -

2-wire RS-485

A (D-)
B (D+)

Figure J1: 2-wire RS-485 Configuration

4-wire RS-485

TxB TxA RxB RxA GND Vin+ -

RS485/422

RxA (R-)
RxB (R+)
TxA (D-)
TxB (D+)

Figure J2: 4-wire RS-485 Configuration

Microhard Systems Inc.

Figure J1 shows a typical two-wire

configuration for an RS-485 connection to a LSeries. Two wires are shared by transmitting
and receiving in a 2-wire configuration, so it is
very important for the modem to seize the line
at the right time when it transmits. Note again
that a transmission line termination is required if
the system has high data rates and long wiring
runs.

CONFIDENTIAL

A L-Series can also be connected into a RS485 network in a four-wire fashion as shown in
Figure J2.
In a four-wire network it is
necessary that one node be a master node and
all others be slaves. The network is connected
so that the master node communicates to all
slave nodes. All slave nodes communicate only
with the master node. Since the slave nodes
never listen to another slave response to the
master, a slave node cannot reply incorrectly to
another slave node.

52

Appendix D: Transparent Mode

Transparent Mode
Transparent mode is an optional operating mode that requires custom firmware, contact
Microhard Systems for more information.
Transparent mode is designed to transmit and receive data packets when there is data. In
Transparent Mode a modem will start to transmit a packet as soon as it detects an expired timeout
after streaming data is coming into a buffer. The timeout value is configurable.
For transparent mode protocol, there is no concept of slave or master. Instead, every unit has the
same basic settings. A modem in transparent mode can work as transmitter or receiver at 9600 bps
wireless link rate. The packets from the transmitter will include its local address and destination
address. Default destination is 255, which is for broadcasting transmission.
A modem in transparent mode outputs data to serial user interface when it receives data from
others. There are two ways to output received data to user interface: Packet Buffered and Not
Buffered. A packet consists of one or more blocks, which have CRC protection at the end. Packet
Buffered Output will not output any data until CRC are checked at the end of a packet, while No
buffered Output runs on the base of block CRC checking.
To configure units to operate in a transparent mode network use the following settings:

Set Up a Unit in Transparent Mode

1) at&f2
2) at&w
3) at&v

Basic command to initialize an unit in default settings

Save the settings
Check register settings, and all of them are displayed as below

For example:
at&v
L400 Microhard Systems, Inc.
v5.13-PC Sep 9 2010 10:07:36
S/N: 000-1234567
E1 DCD &C1 DTR &D0 Handshaking &K0 DSR &S1
Serial Baud Rate
S102=7
Unit Address
Output Power(dBm) S108=30
Character Timeout
Average RSSI(dBm) S123=NA
Min RSSI(dBm)
Max RSSI(dBm)
S224=NA
Tx Frequency
FEC Mode
S158=1
Data Buffer Mode
Rx Frequency
S132=5--440.400000
OK
S102:
S105:
S108:
S116:
S123:
S131:
S132:
S158:
S223:
S224:
S231:

S105=2
S116=10
S223=NA
S131=2--440.337500
S231=1

Serial baud rate

Local unit address
Transmit power in dBm
Timeout value before a buffer is closed for incoming data
(default 10 equals 2.5 air-link bytes, i.e. about 2 ms for 9600 bps)
Averaged RSSI during receiving valid packets
Tx channel number, edited in receiver channel table
Rx channel number, edited in receiver channel table
FEC decoding is enabled or disabled
Minimum RSSI recorded since a modem goes data mode
Maximum RSSI recorded since a modem goes data mode
Output Buffered before packet CRC check or not

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Appendix D: Transparent Mode

Run a Unit in Transparent Mode
Run ata to enter data mode after setting up the unit as described earlier. The unit will then be searching for
packets from the wireless link while it waits for data from serial port to come in. Once a unit gets one packet
from the air, it will be output in defined way: either Packet Buffered or not buffered.
RX LED will be lighted up when the receiver is receiving a packet.

Transparent Mode Example

Transmitter
Serial Data
In

Inter-delay 800ms

Packet #1
80Bytes

Transmitter

Packet #2
80Bytes

Packet #1@airlink Tx

2.5Bytes
Delay

Receiver

Packet #1@airlink Rx

Packet #1
80Bytes

Receiver
Serial Data
Out (NoBuffered)
30 byte Delay

This example is for FEC, and no packet buffered in serial output.

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54

150 Country Hills Landing NW

Calgary, Alberta
Canada T3K 5P3
Phone: (403) 248-0028
Fax: (403) 248-2762