Diary #22

CONNECTING UP FREEWAVE RADIOS TO MULTIPLE CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC DATALOGGERS

This is what is required to access multiple remote Campbell Scientific Data Loggers via a Freewave DRG115 Radio Network network. It is based on Notes someone gave to Campbell, but much edited and with several key steps added that were left out of the Campbell notes.

Network Configuration that this note addresses:

  • Master to multiple slaves direct, one at a time (no repeater)

  • Master to multiple slaves through repeater, also one at a time

 

(This permits Repeater to itself be connected to a data logger at the Repeater radio site, and play a dual role.)

1. Freewave MASTER at PC or NT server Setup Site where PC208W Software resides.

Create a station file in PC208W for a direct connection (You can do this, or use Hyperterminal program under Accessories in Win95/98/NT, set to COM1, 19200 speed, 8N1 and either Hardware Control or None settings - useful for carrying a laptop with serial cable to remote Freewave site to configure it on site)

Start PC208W

Click on : Setup Button

Add COM Port (for your PC, COM1 in this example)

Add Device

CR10X

COM 1

OK

Hardware Tab

Baud Rate = 19200

Save Edits

X (exit in upper right corner)

To configure Master Freewave at PC

Click on:

Connect

Terminal Emulator

Open Port

Apply power, antenna and serial cable to Freewave. Connect Serial cable to the com port you will be using on your pc. On the front panel of the Freewave press the SETUP Button for 1 second. You should see:

MAIN MENU Version 5.31 05-31-97

Standard Hop Table Modem Serial Number 571-2847 (serial # will be unique for each modem)

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

Select Option (0) Set Operation Mode, you should see:

SET MODEM MODE

Modem Mode is 6

0) Point to Point Master

1) Point to Point Slave

2) Point to MultiPoint Master

3) Point to MultiPoint Slave

4) Point to Point Slave/Repeater

5) Point to Point Repeater

6) Point to Point Slave/Master Switchable

7) Point to MultiPoint Repeater

Esc) Exit to Main Menu

Enter Choice Select Option (6). This option allows direct and repeater psuedo 'dialing' to remotes (slaves). Press (Esc) and you should see again:

MAIN MENU

Version 5.31 05-31-97

Standard Hop Table

Modem Serial Number 571-2847

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

Now we want to configure the baud rate between the Freewave Radio and PC208W. We recommend that we keep the baud rate at 9600 baud as it is possible for the master to set the baud rates in the remotes. Since 9600 baud is the fastest that we can go anyway on our CR10X datalogger serial ports this is the most reliable option.

Select Option 1 and you should see:

SET BAUD RATE

Modem Baud is 009600

1) 115,200

2) 76,800

3) 57,600

4) 38,400

5) 19,200

6) 9,600

7) 4,800

8) 2,400

9) 1,200

Esc) Exit to Main Menu

Enter Choice

Select 6 for 9600 baud.

Press Esc and we should then return to the main menu again:

MAIN MENU

Version 5.31 05-31-97

Standard Hop Table

Modem Serial Number 571-2847

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

The last item we must set is to Edit the radio callbook

MODEM CALL BOOK

Entry to Call is 09

Entry Number Repeater1 Repeater2
(0) 555-1234 571-2845  
(1) 000-0000    
(2) 000-0000    
(3) 000-0000    
(4) 000-0000    
(5) 000-0000    
(6) 000-0000    
7) 000-0000    
(8) 000-0000    
(9) 000-0000    

(C) Change Entry to Use (0-9) or A(ALL)

(Esc) Exit to Main Menu

Enter all zeros (000-0000) as your last number in list

With the unique nature of the operation mode we have selected, enter in entry 0 the number of a station that DOES NOT exist - dummy entry (555-1234 in this example).

Press 0 and enter in the information below:

0

Enter New Number 555-1234

Enter Repeater1 (ESC=no repeater used)

571-2845 (whatever your repeater # is)

Enter Repeater2 (ESC=no repeater used)

(in this example we will only use (1) repeater so press Esc TWICE at this point to return to main menu)

MAIN MENU

Version 5.31 05-31-97

Standard Hop Table

Modem Serial Number 571-2847

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

At this point we recommend that you press Esc to exit the setup. Additional configuration is possible but not recommended at this point unless you thoroughly study the Freewave Operators manual.

2. REPEATER Setup. Configuration Takes Place at PC.

Apply power, antenna and serial cable to Freewave. Connect Serial cable to the com port you will be using on your pc. On the front panel of the Freewave press the SETUP Button for 1 second. You should see:

MAIN MENU

Version 5.31 05-31-97

Standard Hop Table Modem Serial Number 571-2845 (serial # will be unique for each modem)

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

Select (0) to configure this freewave as a repeater. You should see:

SET MODEM MODE

Modem Mode is 4

0) Point to Point Master

1) Point to Point Slave

2) Point to MultiPoint Master

3) Point to MultiPoint Slave

4) Point to Point Slave/Repeater

5) Point to Point Repeater

6) Point to Point Slave/Master Switchable

7) Point to MultiPoint Repeater

Esc) Exit to Main Menu

Enter Choice

Select Option 4 to configure as a point to point slave repeater. This will allow the repeater to act also as a measurement (connect to a data logger) site if needed. Press Esc to return to main menu.

MAIN MENU

Version 5.31 05-31-97

Standard Hop Table

Modem Serial Number 571-2845

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

Next configure the baud rate again, Option 1. This is the baud rate between the datalogger and Freewave. Since our maximum baud rate on the datalogger port is 9600 baud, set it to 9600.

SET BAUD RATE

Modem Baud is 009600

1) 115,200

2) 76,800

3) 57,600

4) 38,400

5) 19,200

6) 9,600

7) 4,800

8) 2,400

9) 1,200

Esc) Exit to Main Menu

Enter Choice

Press 6 to set to 9600 baud.

Press Esc to return to main menu:

MAIN MENU

Version 5.31

05-31-97

Standard Hop Table

Modem Serial Number 571-2845

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

Next we must enter in the serial number of ONLY THE MASTER. This tells the repeater that it can only communicate with this specific master.

MODEM CALL BOOK

Entry to Call is 00

Entry Number Repeater1 Repeater2
(0) 571-2847    
(1) 000-0000    
(2) 000-0000    
(3) 000-0000    
(4) 000-0000    
(5) 000-0000    
(6) 000-0000    
(7) 000-0000    
(8) 000-0000    
(9) 000-0000    

 

 

(C) Change Entry to Use (0-9) or A(ALL)

Esc) Exit to Main Menu

Enter all zeros (000-0000) as your last number in list

Select Option 0 to configure this slot.

No Repeaters will be used (a repeater will not call a repeater in our example)

Press Esc TWICE to return to main menu.

MAIN MENU

Version 5.31 05-31-97

Standard Hop Table

Modem Serial Number 571-2845

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

At this point it is best to exit the main menu by pressing Esc.

3. Configure REMOTE STATION

Freewave Apply power, antenna and serial cable to Freewave.

Connect Serial cable to the com port you will be using on your pc. On the front panel of the Freewave press the SETUP Button for 1 second. You should see:

MAIN MENU

Version 5.31 05-31-97

Standard Hop Table

Modem Serial Number 571-2604 (serial # will be unique for each modem)

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

Select Option 0 to set the Operation Mode

SET MODEM MODE

Modem Mode is 1

0) Point to Point Master

1) Point to Point Slave

2) Point to MultiPoint Master

3) Point to MultiPoint Slave

4) Point to Point Slave/Repeater

5) Point to Point Repeater

6) Point to Point Slave/Master Switchable

7) Point to MultiPoint Repeater

Esc) Exit to Main Menu

Enter Choice

Select Option 1 to configure as a remote slave.

Press Esc to return to main menu:

MAIN MENU

Version 5.31 05-31-97

Standard Hop Table

Modem Serial Number 571-2604

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

Select the baud rate one again and configure at 9600 baud:

SET BAUD RATE

Modem Baud is 009600

1) 115,200

2) 76,800

3) 57,600

4) 38,400

5) 19,200

6) 9,600

7) 4,800

8) 2,400

9) 1,200

Esc) Exit to Main Menu

Enter Choice

Select Option 6

Press Esc to return to main menu:

MAIN MENU

Version 5.31 05-31-97

Standard Hop Table

Modem Serial Number 571-2604

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

The last thing we must do for each remote is to configure the Callbook path back to the datalogger. This is the master we want to talk to and the repeater that we hop to in order to get to the maseter.

Select Option 2

Entry to Call is 00

Entry Number Repeater1 Repeater2
(0) 571-2847 571-2845  
(1) 000-0000    
(2) 000-0000    
(3) 000-0000    
(4) 000-0000    
(5) 000-0000    
(6) 000-0000    
(7) 000-0000    
(8) 000-0000    
(9) 000-0000    
     

 

(C) Change Entry to Use (0-9) or A(ALL)

(Esc) Exit to Main Menu

Enter all zeros (000-0000) as your last number in list

Edit Option 0 to enter in the number of the master (571-2847)

Enter in Repeater #1 (571-2845), no repeater number (2) in this example

Press ESC TWICE to return to menu.

MAIN MENU

Version 5.31 05-31-97

Standard Hop Table

Modem Serial Number 571-2847

(0) Set Operation Mode

(1) Set Baud Rate

(2) Edit Call Book

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

(4) Show Radio Statistics

(5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters

(6) TDMA Menu

(Esc) Exit Setup

Enter Choice

At this point we have configured the Master, Repeater, and Remote Slave. Repeat step (3) for each slave.

4. PC208W Configuration.

To communicate with each remote we will be using the GENERIC MODEM option. This option allows us to use the unique AT type dialing strings that are very similar to dialing a phone number.

Create a station file in PC208W for a connection via a generic modem.

Start PC208W

Click on : Setup Button

Add COM Port (for your PC, COM1 in this example)

Add Device

Generic Modem

COM1

OK

Hardware Tab

Baud Rate = 9600

OK

Add Device

CR10X

Generic Modem

OK

MAKE DTR INACTIVE (uncheck)

Hardware Tab

In the Dialed Using Generic Dial String Box enter:

"ATXC0ATD5712604" (quotation marks important)

Where ATXC0 is the repeater and ATD5712604 is the remote slave number

(If the repeater has a datalogger use: "ATXC1ATD5712845" Where ATXC1 allows us to dial the repeater and ATD5712845 is the repeater number.)

Save Edits

X (exit in upper right corner)

You can repeat the above steps to create a separate Device choice in the PC208W Station List window, in which the ID of the Slave connected to each Data Logger is entered in the Device Setup for each Data Logger/Freewave station.

5. To Operate.

When all Freewaves are in the above configuration, you will see only solid Red light on the left (CD) and Blinking Red on the right (CTS) on all radios.

To test whether your radios are configured correctly, you can use either the Hyperterminal or the PC208W Terminal mode to type the string ATD, at which time you should get an 'OK' from the Master Radio. Then carefully, for you will not see an 'echo' type ATDXXXXXXX where X is the 7 digit ID of the Repeater or a Remote Slave. Immediately, without hitting a C/R, the Master radio should display Green CD, as will the Repeater, and the Slave whose number you typed in. At the same time you will see, on your screen CONNECTED - if you are in fact connected to the Slave Freewave. (You can disconnect from each test using, in Hypertem, the Icons at the top left of the screen). Unless you can connect to the Slaves in this way, without attempting to connect to the Data Loggers through the radios, using PC208W, you will not be able to connect to the Data Loggers themselves.) When this test is complete, you can then test Connecting to Data Loggers.

When you wish to Connect with a given Data Logger connected to a given Slave Radio (or Repeater radio set as #6 Repeater/Slave Switchable), you go to the Connect Tab on PC208W, and select the name of the Data Logger you wish to connect to, then active the lower right, Connect button. First the radios should respond by going green on the CDs, then, if all cabling between the Data Logger and the Freewave, and software in the Data Logger is correct, you should achieve a Connected state. And if you transfer data, you will see activity on the TR (middle) light on all three radios in the path to the Data Logger.

Since the above is fairly complex, and everything must be done without error, it is advised that the first PC w/PC208W Software, Master, Repeater, Slave Radio, with Data Logger attached to the Slave setup be done in one room as a bench test, where you can observe the status lights on all three radios as well as the response on the PC screen.

Dave Hughes PI

 

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