GE DS-NET9L Renewable Energy User Manual

GE DS-NET9L Renewable Energy

Product Information

Specifications

• Product: GE MDS TransNEXT
• Manufacturer: GE Renewable Energy GE MDS LLC
• Operating Mode: Transnet Compatible Mode
• Radio Type: Spread Spectrum Radio
• License Requirement: License-free operation
• Technology: Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
• Weather Protection: Compact and rugged die-cast enclosure
• Components: Single printed circuit board

Product Usage Instructions

Introduction

The GE MDS TransNEXT is a spread spectrum radio designed for license-free operation. It utilizes Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to ensure reliable long-distance communications, even in the presence of weak signals or interference. The transceiver is housed in a compact and rugged die-cast enclosure, requiring protection from direct exposure to the weather. It includes a single printed circuit board with all necessary components for radio operation, eliminating the need for jumper settings or manual adjustments.

Typical Applications

The GE MDS TransNEXT transceiver is suitable for various applications, including:

• Point-to-Point System: A simple arrangement consisting of two radios, a Master, and a Remote, providing a half-duplex communications link for data transfer between two locations.
• Tail-End Link: Extending the range of a traditional (licensed) MAS system by linking an outlying Remote site to the rest of the system using a TransNEXT radio installed at a licensed Remote site.
• Network Repeater: Dividing a network into sub-networks and using TransNEXT radios as single-radio repeaters to link adjacent sub-networks and extend the network range.

1.  Point-to-Point System
   A point-to-point configuration consists of two radios, a Master, and a Remote. This setup enables data transfer between two locations. It operates in a half- duplex mode, allowing communication in one direction at a time. Figure 2 illustrates a typical MAS Network Point-to-Point System.

2. Tail-End Link
   A tail-end link is used to extend the range of a traditional (licensed) MAS system. It is employed when an outlying site is obstructed from the MAS Master station. The TransNEXT radio links the outlying Remote site into the licensed MAS system by sending data to an associated TransNEXT installed at a licensed remote site. The data is then transferred to the licensed radio and transmitted to the MAS Master station. See Figure 4 for a visual representation of a typical Tail-End Link arrangement.

3. Network Repeater
   A network repeater, also known as Store-and-Forward (SAF), allows the physical extension of the network range in a simple and economical manner. The network is divided into sub-networks, and TransNEXT radios designated as MODE X serve as single-radio repeaters to link adjacent sub-networks and move data from one sub-network to the next. Figure 5 illustrates a TransNEXT Repeater Network.

Accessories

GE MDS offers additional accessories that can be used with their products. For a comprehensive list of available accessories, please refer to the Accessories Selection Guide provided by GE MDS or visit their official website at www.GEmds.com.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Are all radio features available on all models?

A: No, some radio features may not be available on all models. The availability of features can be limited by the options purchased or the applicable regulatory constraints for the region in which the radio will operate.

INTRODUCTION

The transceiver, shown in Figure 1, is a spread spectrum radio designed for license-free operation. These units employ Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to provide highly-reliable long-distance communications, even in the presence of weak signals or interference.
The transceiver is housed in a compact and rugged die-cast enclosure that need only be protected from direct exposure to the weather. It contains a single printed circuit board with all necessary components for radio operation. No jumper settings or manual adjustments are required to configure the radio for operation.

About This Guide

This guide covers the GE TransNext operating in Transnet Compatible Mode. All GE MDS manuals are available free of charge at www.gemds.com.

Transceiver Features

Listed below are several key features of the transceiver. These are designed to ease the installation and configuration of the radio, while retaining the ability to make changes in the future.

• 902–928 MHz operation using the TransNEXT 900
• User-selectable option to skip sub-bands with constant interference
• 65,000 available network addresses
• Network-wide configuration from the Master station eliminates most trips to Remote sites
• Data transparency ensures compatibility with virtually all asynchronous SCADA system RTUs
• Peak-hold RSSI averaged over eight hop cycles
• Operation at up to 115,200 bps continuous data flow
• Store-and-Forward repeater operation
• Data latency typically less than 10 ms
• Same hardware for Master or Remote configuration
• Supports RS/EIA-232 and RS/EIA-485 user interface
• Low current consumption; less than 3 mA in “sleep” mode

NOTE: Some radio features may not be available on all models. Features may be limited by the options purchased or the applicable regulatory constraints for the region in which the radio will operate.

Typical Applications

Multiple Address Systems (MAS)

This is the most common application of the transceiver. It consists of a central control station (Master) and two or more associated Remote units, as shown in Figure 2. An MAS network provides communications between a central host computer and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection devices. The operation of the radio system is transparent to the computer equipment. When used in this application, the transceiver provides an excellent alternative to traditional (licensed) MAS radio systems.

Point-to-Point System

A point-to-point configuration (Figure 3) is a simple arrangement consisting of just two radios—a Master and a Remote. This provides a half-duplex communications link for the transfer of data between two locations.

Adding a Tail-End Link to an Existing Network

A tail-end link can be used to extend the range of a traditional (licensed) MAS system. This might be required if an outlying site is blocked from the MAS Master station by a natural or man-made obstruction. In this arrangement, a TransNEXT radio links the outlying Remote site into the rest of a licensed MAS system by sending data from that site to an associated TransNEXT installed at one of the licensed Remote sites (see Figure 4.)
As the data from the outlying site is received at the licensed Remote site, it is transferred to the licensed radio (via a local cable connection) and is then transmitted to the MAS Master station in the usual manner.

Extending a TransNEXT Network with a Network Repeater

Similar to a Tail-End Link, Store-and-Forward (SAF) offers a way to physically extend the network range, but in a simple and economical manner. SAF works by dividing a network into a vertical hierarchy of two or more sub-networks. Extension radios (designated as MODE X) serve as single-radio repeaters that link adjacent sub-networks, and move data from one sub-network to the next one.

Accessories

GE MDS offers an Accessories Selection Guide listing additional items that may be used with our products. Contact your factory representative or visit www.GEmds.com for the latest copy.

INSTALLATION

TransNEXT Installation

Figure 6 shows a typical Remote station arrangement. Master stations are similar, but an omnidirectional antenna is normally used instead of a directional type, and a host computer replaces the data terminal equipment.

The following steps provide an overview of the installation procedure.

1. Select a site that provides stable power, protection from the weather, entrances for antenna and other cabling, and an antenna location with an unobstructed transmission path in the direction of the associated station(s).

2. Select and install an appropriate antenna and feedline for your system requirements. Professional Installation is required. Feedline losses and antenna gains must be properly accounted for. Please refer to Table 5.1 and Table 5.2 in section “5.0 Antennas” for more details on approved antennas and feedline requirements.

3. Mount the transceiver to a stable surface using the brackets supplied with the radio (fasteners/anchors are not supplied).

4. Connect the data equipment to the transceiver’s DATA connector. Use only the required pins for the application. Refer to Figure 7.

5. Measure and install the primary power for the transceiver. It must be within 6–36 Vdc (including transients) and be capable of providing 12 watts over this voltage range.
   (Typical current draw is 860mA @13.8 Vdc; 2.0A at 6 Vdc.) A power connector with screw terminals is provided with each unit.

6. Set the radio’s basic configuration with a PC terminal connected to the DIAGNOSTICS connector via a USB-C cable.

7. Three essential settings for the transceiver are:

8. Mode: Master, Remote, or Extension

9. Network Address: A unique number from 1 to 65000

10.  Data Interface Parameters: bps, data bits, parity, stop bits

11. Perform the initial start-up of the transceiver:

12. Apply primary power.

13. Observe top panel display for proper boot up.

14. 10. Optimize the installation:

15. Aim the antenna properly

16. Verify antenna system VSWR

17. Configure Data buffer setting (Modbus protocol)

18. Configure Hoptime setting

19. Configure TotalFlow™ Protocol at 9600 with Sleep Mode

20. Configure Payload baud rate setting

21. Perform radio interference checks

RADIO PROGRAMMING

TROUBLESHOOTING

All radios in the network must meet the following requirements for proper operation. Check these items first when troubleshooting a communication problem:

• Adequate and stable primary power
• Secure cable connections (RF, data, and power)
• A clear transmission path between Master and each Remote
• An efficient and properly aligned antenna system providing adequate received signal strength.
• Proper programming of the transceiver’s parameters
• The correct interface between the transceiver and the connected data equipment (correct cable wiring, proper data format, timing, etc.)

LEDs

The radio’s power LED indicator panel provides useful information when troubleshooting a system problem.

Event Codes

When an alarm condition exists, the transceiver creates a message that can be read on a connected PC by using the ALARM command.

Types of Alarms

• Minor Alarms —report conditions that, under most circumstances, will not prevent transceiver operation. These include out-of-tolerance conditions, baud rate mismatches,etc. The cause of these alarms should be investigated and corrected to prevent system failure.
• Major Alarm s—report serious conditions that generally indicate a hardware failure, or other abnormal condition that will prevent (or hamper) further operation of the transceiver. Major alarms may require factory repair. Contact your factory representative for assistance.

ANTENNAS

This product has been approved for use with only the antennas listed in Table 5.1, below

Table 5.1: Approved Antennas for TransNEXT
Professional installation is required. The installation site must conform to 15.247/RSS-247 Conducted and Radiated Power limits. Proper feedline selection and/or radio power setpoints must be set accordingly for use with each antenna type as detailed in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2: Feedline losses and radio power setpoints for ERP and Conducted Power compliance for TransNEXT installations.

REGULATORY INFORMATION

Product Labels

RF Exposure Notice

Professional Installation Required. The radio equipment described in this guide emits radio frequency energy. Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to come closer than 34 centimeters to the front of the antenna when the transmitter is operating with a 10dBd (12.15dBi) antenna and so configured for the maximum allowable EiRP of +36dBm. The use of higher gain antennas is prohibited. More information on RF exposure is available online at: www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins

FCC Part 15 and Industry Canada RSS Notices

Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

1. Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
2. The radio transmitters described herein (IC ID: 101D-NET9L and 101D-NET9S) have been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed in Table 5.1 with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.

Technical Assistance

Factory technical assistance is available by contacting GE MDS during business hours (8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time). Use one of the following means to contact the factory:
Telephone: 585-241-5510
E-mail: GEmds.TechSupport@GE.com
Web: www.GEmds.com
FAX: 585-242-8369

Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity

GE MDS LLC
175 Science Parkway
Rochester, NY 14620 USA
Phone 585-241-5510
www.gemds.com declare under our sole responsibility that the products
GE MDS TransNEXT And GE MDS TransNEXT Lite comply with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation

References

• Industrial Wireless :: GE Grid Solutions
• Industrial Wireless :: GE Grid Solutions

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