Quick Start Guide
9XTend-NEMA™ Weatherproof RS-232/485 RF Modem
Introduction
Range Test Setup
Range Test Procedure
Optional Configurations
Create a long range wireless link in minutes.
© 2005 MaxStream, Inc. All rights reserved.
MD0025
WARNING: When operating with 1 Watt power output, transmitting in close
proximity of other RF modems can damage modem front-ends. Observe a minimum
separation distance of 2' (0.6 m) between modems.
Refer to the 9XTend-PKG-R RS-232/485 product manual for information regarding
operation of the 9XTend-NEMA RF Modem.
Range Test Procedure
Use the "PC Settings" and "Range Test” tabs of the X-CTU Software to:
• Setup a PC Serial Com Port for communications with the
XTend RF Modem [step 2 of "Range Test"].
• Determine RF modem's range [steps 1-8 of "Range Test"].
Range Test
1. Launch the X-CTU Software (Start --> Programs --> MaxStream --> X-CTU)
.
Under the "PC Settings" tab [Figure 2], select the PC serial com port from
the dropdown list that will be used to connect to NEMA.
2
3
Select the PC interface baud rate that matches the RF data rate of NEMA.
Use default values for remaining fields [Figure 2].
4. Select the “Range Test” tab [Figure 3].
5
(Optional) Check the box in the ‘RSSI’ section to enable its display.
Click the ‘Start’ button to begin range test.
7. Move the remote PKG-R (with loopback adapter) away from NEMA to
determine the range of the wireless link.
Figure 2. PC Se�ings tab
PC Com Port
2
3
Default Values
Default RF data rate is 9600 baud
Other Default Values:
Flow Control
Data Bits
Parity
=
=
=
=
None
8
None
1
Stop Bits
Figure 3 Range Test tab
RSSI checkbox
RSSI stands for “Received Signal Strength Indicator”
5
6
Start/(Stop) button
(Packet Information)
Optional Configurations
Out-of-box, the XTend-NEMA RF Modem is configured to provide immediate wireless
links between devices. The modem's default configuration supports a wide range of
RF communications.
If the RF Modem must be configured to support specific needs of a data system,
many programming options are available. The RF modem recognizes an extensive
set of AT and binary commands. Several of the commands can be sent to the
modem using the DIP Switch that is located inside the weatherproof enclosure.
Using the RF Modem DIP Switch
The DIP switch allows users to configure the several RF modem settings.
Figure 4. DIP Switch Se�ings (Se�ings applied only when powering on)
1
2
3
4
5
6
O
N
Serial Interface
TX/RX Mode
Switches 1 & 2
Switches 5 & 6
RS-485/422
Termination
1 2
5 6
(Optional) Switches 3 & 4
3 4
= RS-232
= Point-to-Point
2-wire RS-485
=
Multipoint-
Base
= 2-wire RS-485
=
=
Termination
4-wire RS-485/422
4-wire
Multipoint-
Remote
=
=
= ON (up)
Termination
RS-485/422
= None
= Restore Defaults
= not used
= User Defined
= OFF (down)
Each time the RF modem is powered on, the modem is automatically configured
according to the positions of the DIP Switch. For example, the default positions
(switches 2 and 5 are ON (up)) cause the DT and MY parameters to be set to
specific values each time the RF modem is powered up.
To disable automatic configurations (so modified parameters persist in the modem
registry on subsequent power-ups), set swiches 5 and 6 to their ON (up) positions.
Restoring Modem Defaults
To Restore Defaults
If the XTend Modem
is not responding or
cannot enter into
Command Mode, try
restoring the modem
to its original default
parameter values.
(DIP Switch Method):
1. Set switches 1 & 2 of the DIP Switch to
their ON (up) positions and the remaining four
switches to their OFF (down) positions.
2. Turn off, then on again, the power supplying the
XTend-NEMA RF modem.
Other Configuration Options
Using the DIP Switch to configure the modem is one of several ways to configure
modem parameters. Other programming options are available such as using the
X-CTU Software "Terminal" and "Modem Configuration" tabs. Binary programming
is also supported.
Since the XTend-NEMA and XTend-PKG-R RF modems operate and behave the
same, refer to the XTend-PKG-R RF Modem product manual for more information
about supported configuration options.
Contact MaxStream (Office hours are 8am – 5pm U.S. Mountain Standard Time)
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