Radio Modems

Radio Modems

Licence information (where required).
The ACA (Aust Communications Authority) is the organisation with a lot of information on applying for licences, and may direct you to various Accredited Frequency Assigners. The Accredited Frequency Assigners offer a very customised service at a very competitive price. The Frequency Assigners will consult with you as to what type of application you are using and the relevant prices.
In the Sydney area call the local number: 02 9245 4000.   Outside Sydney, call: 1300 850 115.

Cordless Serial Adaptor - Socket brand

RS-232 Serial Cable Replacement with Bluetooth Wireless Technology,
eliminates your conventional RS-232 serial cable, providing an easy-to-use, invisible connection.    fqh
This tiny adapter allows any device with a standard 9-pin serial port to communicate wirelessly. See note below.
It will communicate with another Cordless Serial Adapter or any Bluetooth enabled device such as a laptop computer, PDA or mobile phone. Two of these can be used to set up a wireless serial connection.
Take advantage of Personal Area Networking easily and quickly.
You don't need to install any drivers on the host device.
The Socket Cordless Serial Adapter Configuration Utility, an easy-to-use Windows application which lets you to reprogram many of the default settings on your Cordless Serial Adapter. You can custom configure settings to match your individual needs. The utility runs under Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000 or XP*. A 9-pin female/female null modem connector is included.

Baud Rate: Default: 19,200 bps
Configurable range: 1,200 - 230,000 bps

• Class 2 (medium range) Bluetooth module
• Bluetooth SIG Certified 1.1 compliant
• Default baud rate 19,200 bps — configurable from 1,200 to 230,000bps
• Internal antenna
• 9 pin male DB-9 connector, DTE
• Bluetooth status LED gives intant info on Bluetooth link status
• Standard external US power supply comes with two European and one Australian adapter.

Power supply:
1. To the Power Jack on the CSA. (Note we can supply a 240VAC power adaptor for this, see below).
When supplying DC power to the power jack:
   - The acceptable supply voltage for normal operation ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 VDC, with an Absolute Maximum of 5.6V.
   - The Power supply must rise to its final voltage in less than 1mS.
   - For specifications of the power jack's physical connector, refer to SMK part # LGP3131-0111 at http://www.smk.co.jp
2. To pin 9 of the DB-9 Connector. The acceptable supply voltage ranges from 3.5 to 12 VDC (Absolute Maximum 12V).

We can supply, on request, an adaptor: USB connector to barrel connector (to fit the Socket Cordless Serial Adaptor)
This USB connector can be connected to a "Cigarette Lighter to USB adaptor" which provides 5VDC from the automobile 12V battery socket. This is available from electronic shops.

Note: The Cordless Serial Adapter was primarily designed for use with industrial serial equipment.
Because of power requirements, custom drivers, and custom serial communication protocols, the Cordless Serial Adapter is not intended for use with some consumer serial devices, including but not limited to:
   56k modems, cellular phone data cables, digital camera data cables, joysticks, keyboards, mice, Pocket PC cradles, scanners, etc.
The Cordless Serial Adapter was also not designed to Bluetooth enable your computer for ActiveSync.
           Data sheet (.pdf file, 2 pages)  
Also on Bluetooth page.

   GCS0400-479 Cordless Serial Adapter, with AC Adapter:  $341+GST     5/10

   GCS0403-594 Cordless Serial Adapter, no AC Adapter:  $

RFI Radio Modems

A range of radio modems for various applications.  Mating power connector: 9 to 16VDC power are required.  

Terminal program: Any terminal program can be used to change parameters.

Sophisticated RF spread-spectrum radios give error free transmission even in areas of high interference.

Are You Using Cruise Control?

The RF Innovations Cruise Control configuration and diagnostics software is making it easier to set-up and maintain your radio networks.
The software is now compatible with many of the existing RFI product range; contact us to find out whether you can use Cruise Control with your radios.

- One-click connection
- Load/Save Function
- Real-time diagnostics
- Remote Radio Diagnostics
- Expandable folder view with compete configuration options
- Email your files to RFI for technical support

Spread spectrum radio modems for data transfer - 900MHz & 433MHz

The range of radio modems are excellent products with many advanced features such as frequency hopping, error corrections,
protocol routing for Modbus RTU, DNP 3 etc protocols.
Another useful feature of this device is that it can emulate a standard Hayes modem, except that you are using radio rather than telephone lines. In this mode, it supports most Hayes AT commands.

In addition to this, it supports many different network configuration such as point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and back-to-back repeaters mode. All in all, this radio modem has excellent features and functions at a cost effective regime.

Licence Free Spread Spectrum Band Radio Modems

   RFI-9256 Dual ports, programmable I/Os, frequency hopping, CRC, ARQ
   RFI-433   433MHz frequency hopping low power radio modem

RFI-9256  900MHz High Speed Spread Spectrum Radio Modem

RFI-9256   900MHz spread spectrum,  115Kbps, 9 to 16VDC power required.

• Dual RS232 ports for separate data streams
• 1 Watt transmit power (software selectable)
• Up to 30km line of sight
• 115,200 kbps air data rate
• Multi-mode LED front panel display for diagnostics, including RSSI meter
• Protocol addressing and routing support, DNP-3, Modbus and IEC 870 compatibility.

The data radio can be used in small or large scale telemetry systems, with almost
any PLC, RTU, HMI or DCS vendor for monitoring and control of critical assets.

Telemetry applications inlude pipeline monitoring, pump station and tank control,
irrigation, fan and pressure control, and environmental monitoring.
The radios are also used in complex GPS systems for fleet tracking and
management, and high precision correctional systems for machine control and automation.

Links local and remote RS232 serial ports.
Time division Duplex - bidirectional in function
Spread Spectrum technology and error correction allows error-free operation in difficult RF environments
Intelligent built in Modem can interface with virtually any standard Data logger, PLC, computer; i.e. any RS232 device.
Range with 40cm antenna: 4km;    range with Yagi antenna: 20 to 30km,   licence not required in Australia.
Has BNC connector for antenna, DB25M for serial ports and power.
    Data: click here (pdf file, opens in new tab or window)

    Diagram of typical system for video
RFI-9256 has a DB25 connector to carry the 12V DC power to the unit
& also the RS-232 serial data (2 ports: main and auxiliary).
                                                     RFI-9256   900MHz spread spectrum  each:  $1544+GST     12/10

Options:
RFI-9256 CA00: 915 MHz to 928 MHz, ACA, Data Radio
RFI-9256 CA01: 921 MHz to 929 MHz, DOC-NZ, Data Radio
RFI-9256 CF02: 902 MHz to 928 MHz, FCC, Data Radio
RFI-9256 OA00: 915 MHz to 928 MHz, ACA, Data Radio, OEM
RFI-9256 OA01: 921 MHz to 929 MHz, DOC-NZ, Data Radio, OEM
RFI-9256 OF02: 902 MHz to 928 MHz, FCC, Data Radio, OEM

  Download User Manual for RFI-9256:click here (.pdf file 940KB)

Accessories for RFI-9256
See Radio Modem Accessories at end of this page (prices below apply when ordered with the RFI-9256)

Data cable: DB25F (for the RFI-9256 end), to two DB9F
(one for the data equipment, the other for a PC to set up the modem), with power leads
The second RS 232 port can be used as a diagnostics channel for monitoring network performance,
and for additional data routing if required.
The data cable also has power leads, and optionally a 240VAC mains power adaptor
Dual Prog Data Cable DC (without mains adaptor)         (Regulated 12VDC supply is recommended)
Dual Prog Data Cable AC (with 240VAC mains adaptor for 12VDC)   Picture
  A null modem DB9M to DB9M can be supplied if required at no extra charge
  With extra wires coming out to power an RS232/RS422/485 converter (ADAM-4520):

Antenna: COL1798 is a 900MHz collinear antenna suitable for use with the RFI 9256.
This antenna is normally shipped with 10m of cable.
     COL1798 antenna 900MHz, including 10m cable:

Antenna, 50mm stubby (can fit directly onto the RFI-9256 case):
Antenna, CD1625, 3db gain, 425mm tall, with 5m cable, picture: click here
          BNC connector (requires 12mm dia mounting hole):

Antenna adaptor BNC to other type of connector (e.g. N-type) if required

A specialised version of the RFI-9256 modem...
Minimise Machinery Downtime with RFI-Minelink
Operational downtime can cost mining companies millions of dollars in lost production every day.

To counter this potentially costly problem, the RFI-Minelink system has been developed to download vehicle operational data from Caterpillar™ trucks in open-pit mines.
Utilising a specialised version of the RFI-9256 modem, the system permits real-time monitoring of mining vehicles, allowing for implementation of pro-active maintenance strategies to minimise the possibility of machine failure.

Self-contained portable repeater stations ensure optimal coverage, even in the constantly changing environments of mine sites.
The flexibility of the RFI-Minelink system makes it suitable for very large areas and for pockets of interest within a mine site.

RFI-9256 Makes its Mark on Security
The RF Innovations RFI-9256 radio modem has been successfully utilised in security access control systems across a range of applications, including tracking of mining personnel, transitory gates at mine sites and in hospital car parks.

The radio modem is particularly well suited for use in mobile and temporary access point applications, or as an alternative where cabling is either uneconomical or impractical.

The versatility of the RFI-9256 makes it suitable for a wide array of purposes, and the radio is fully compatible with the software of industry leaders Siemens™, Honeywell™ and Tecom™.

RFI-433  Piccolo 433MHz Data Radio - low cost

• Dual RS232 ports for separate data streams
• 25 mW transmit power (software selectable)
• Up to 5km line of sight with Yagi antenna
• Up to 38,400 bps (software selectable)
• Low power consumption with power saving modes
• Multi-mode LED front panel display for diagnostics, including RSSI meter
• Protocol DNP-3, Modbus and IEC 870 compatibility.

The Piccolo 433MHz: licence-free, frequency hopping, up to 38Kbps, low current draw,
ideal for medium distance links as well as solar powered applications.

The data radio can be used in small scale telemetry systems, with almost any
PLC, RTU, HMI or DCS vendor for monitoring and control of critical assets.
The low cost radio can also perform as a store and forward repeater to extend the range and can also be used with other RF Innovations radio modems and I/O modules.
Piccolo is recommended for up to 3-5km line of sight, or 1km not line-of-sight (depending on location).
The Piccolo 433MHz features:
   Air Data Rate: 9600, 19200, 38400 bps (software selectable)
   Transmit, Standby, Sleep (3 power saving modes down to 3mA)
   25mW transmit power - up to 5km line-of-sight with Yagi antenna,
   Selectable data rate up to 38.4Kbps - ability to trade-off data with range for difficult RF environments
   Supports protocol modes - Point to Point, Point to Multipoint, Broadcast and Hayes AT Command Set
   Time division Duplex - bidirectional in function
   OEM version available.
   Full details are in the Data sheet (.pdf file, opens in new tab or window).         See Accessory Pack below. 
                                    Piccolo 433MHz low cost Data Radio: $762+GST   (2 or more are required)    12/10

Accessories for RFI-433 Piccolo
See Radio Modem Accessories at end of this page

Omni antenna CD51-68-53 with 5m cable: $..+GST when purchased with modem -- suitable for Piccolo up to 500m range.

Licensed Frequency Radio Modems

Licensed long distance radio units and OEM modules are available in the UHF and VHF frequency range.
Simple or advanced radio modems capable of point-to-point distances of up to 80km.

RFI-590            VF standard radio Compact 2.5 Watt, 2400 bps half duplex VF radio for FSK data.
    Half-duplex radio aimed at applications operating in common 12.5kHz or 25kHz UHF channels using external modems.
                        Audio Range 300Hz to 3KHz
                        Includes channel control options and sleep modes. Data sheet on RFI-590A (pdf file)
                        UHF radio is suitable for Analog FSK systems using signalling such as Bell-202, V.23 and POCSAG.
Depending on geography, terrain and antenna setup, reliable radio communications can be achieved for distances in excess of 40km. Repeater options allow for range extension when required.

RFI-594            UHF radio with intelligent modem 1200/2400
RFI-595 F         UHF radio with intelligent modem 9600, 2.5 Watt, 9600 bps half duplex radio modem with software configurable protocol support. See more info below.  Data sheet on RFI-595F (pdf file)

The Crescendo series is suited for applications in Underground Mining and Tunnel application where reliable underground data transfer is critical. The data radio can be used in small or large scale telemetry systems, with almost any PLC, RTU, HMI or DCS vendor for monitoring and control of critical assets.   FEC = Forward Error Correction

RFI-450 HWN  Allegro - UHF half duplex radio modem,  25kHz, 9600 - 5W, inc mount
                           Offers all the features of the Crescendo series while maintaining compatibility with the legacy RFI-595F
                                            Frequency Range: 380 to 520 MHz software programmable Data on RFI-450 HWMDD1

RFI-150 H    Crescendo - VHF half duplex radio modem, 12.5/25kHz, 9600/19200 - 5W, inc mount
                                            Low latency with FEC and protocol timing support. Data sheet on RFI-150 H (pdf file)
                                            Frequency Range: 148 to 174 MHz software programmable    See more info below.
RFI-150 S    Crescendo - VHF half duplex separate Tx/Rx BNC radio modem, 12.5/25kHz, 9600/19200 - 5W
                                            Split port version ideal for leaky feeder head ends. Data sheet on RFI-150 S (pdf file)
                                            Low latency with FEC and protocol timing support. (DS also covers RFI-450 S)
                                            Frequency Range: 380 to 520 MHz software programmable
RFI-150 D    Crescendo - VHF full duplex radio modem, 25kHz, 19200 - 5W
5 Watt, 19.2 kbps full-duplex radio modem for use in underground applications. Data sheet on RFI-150 D (pdf file)
The unit is ideal for time critical applications with low latency, foward error correction and protocol timing support.

RFI-450 H    Crescendo - UHF half duplex radio modem, 12.5/25kHz, 9600/19200 - 5W, inc mount
                                           Low latency with FEC and protocol timing support. Data sheet on RFI-450 H (pdf file)
RFI-450 B

RFI-595F UHF Radio Modems

The RFI 595F is a high-speed radio modem (not spread spectrum) capable of functioning in hostile RF environments with RS232 data throughput of 9600 bps.
Intelligent integrated software allows many different data configurations,
including store and forward repeater operation and intelligent protocol routing for large SCADA systems.
Built in path testing  -  In built in diagnostics  -  Front panel indicators  -  Up to 50 km in one hop  -  Forward error correction
Can be commissioned without test equipment

It can interface with virtually any standard Data logger, PLC, computer; i.e. any RS232 device.
In built buffers handshake with input/output devices at data speeds up to 38400 bps and transparently move data to the other end.
Depending upon the geography and terrain, the Radio modems can communicate reliably over considerable distances.
Good line of site paths from mountaintop to hill can extend useful range beyond 100 km.
In any event, repeater facility permits extension of useful range when clear line-of-site paths are not available.

Software options include store and forward repeater function, which permits remote hilltop repeater applications.
There is no progressive degradation of Signal to Noise Ratio as the repeater function brings the signal back to digital base band.
Also, the radio modem supports many industry standard communications protocols with routing tables and packet timers.
RFI-595F:    100mW to 2.5 Watt software selectable,  
                                Data: click here
RFI-595F   UHF Radio Modem  RS232 9600bps, each: $1499+GST+GST    12/10
                     Licence may not be required if set at   472.1MHz, 100mW - check this.

Can be set either in licenced band (390 to 512MHz),
or on unlicenced frequencies:  472.1MHz 100mW, or 433.1MHz 25mW.  Note that RFI-595 only goes down to 100mW.

Accessories
See Radio Modem Accessories at end of this page

Stubby Antenna, 150mm, attaches to the radio, short range
CD51 Antenna , 400mm with 5m cable, specify MBC base or threaded stud, range 1km line of site  Data
Antenna: various
Antenna Mount: various
AC Programming Cable  
DC Programming Cable  
Coax antenna line surge protector:

Licenced Data Radios, ctd

Licensed long distance radio units and OEM modules are available in the UHF and VHF frequency range.
Simple or advanced radio modems capable of point-to-point distances of up to 80km.

RFI-150  VHF & UHF  Radio Modem - Crescendo Series

RFI-150H VHF half duplex Radio Modem - Crescendo Series
100mW to 5W (if used at minimum power 100mW in Australia, this does not need a licence)
19200/9600 bps half-duplex radio modem. Low latency with FEC and protocol timing support.
     FEC = Forward error correction  More information on FEC
Frequency Range: 148MHz to 174MHz software selectable
Up to 80 km line of site,  up to 19.2 kbps full duplex  12VDC regulated, 1.25A when transmitting.   
Specify air rate: 12.5kHz=9600bps (urban areas), or 25kHz=19.2kbps (rural areas)
Connectors: Antenna Ports Separate Tx/Rx BNC Female (50 Ohm nominal)
    User Data Ports: 2 x DB9 RS232 female,    Power connector: PSC 1.5/3-M (mating connector provided)
Weight: 500gm each      Data sheet for RFI-150H (.pdf file)             RFI-150H: $1797+GST   12/10

Accessory Pack: 2x DB9 data cables, & 1m DC power lead, 100gm
Mounting Plate: powder coated, for wall mounting, 100gm

Accessories
See Radio Modem Accessories at end of this page

RFI-150D VHF full duplex Radio Modem - Crescendo Series, has external cooling stripes
        (approved for underground use without licence, otherwise not approved)     RFI-150D: $3579+GST  
Weight 1600g (inc vibration mounting plate)        Data on RFI-150D full duplex: click here

RFI-150D UHF - please enquire
has all of the features and diagnostics of the VHF version,
and is available for the UHF 12.5kHz and 25kHz licensed channels.

- 9600bps or 19200bps                                     FEC = Forward error correction  More information on FEC
- FEC and ARQs for error free data transmission    ARQ = Automatic Repeat Request More Information
- Store and forward repeater
- Real-time diagnostics and configuration
- Remote radio diagnostics
- Transparent and protocol modes
- Compatible with most industry protocols Modbus, DNP3, TDE etc.

Accessory Pack: 2x DB9 data cables, & 1m DC power lead
Vibration Mounting Plate, rugged $
Dim.: 258mm L x 158mm W x 37mm H (inc vibration mount),   

Antenna
Stubby, etc.

Radio: The RFI-150 Full Duplex radio modem has been designed to comply with world wide regulatory guidelines.
The radio provides frequency selection anywhere within the VHF band in 12.5 kHz (9600bps) or 25khz (19200bps) software selectable increments.
Microprocessor control ensures powerful data control algorithms whilst advanced receiver design provides superior rejection of unwanted signals.

Modem: The inbuilt modem provides RS232 serial connection with handshaking at interface speeds to 115,000 bps.
It allows transparent communications by emulating dumb data-driven modem operation;
making the RFI-150 Duplex suitable for wireless transmission of even the most timing critical serial protocols.

Application: The RFI-150 Duplex is suitable for small point-to-point or large broadcast point-to-multipoint data communications networks
either through standard antennas or underground leaky-feeder cables.
Additional RFI I/O modules can be connected to the radio modems for potentially large wireless SCADA networks.

CD-1625: 3db gain omni directional antenna, with 5m RG58 coax, and BNC connector
Stubby Antenna: unity gain omni directional antenna for testing, or mobile

Please let us know your requirements.

RFI-450 HWN  Allegro HWMDD1 Half-Duplex UHF Radio Modem

5 Watt, 9600 bps half-duplex radio modem.
Offers all the features of the Crescendo series while maintaining compatibility with the RFI-595F.
The Allegro offers all of the usability of the Crescendo series, with Cruise Control support and front-panel display for trouble-free diagnostics and configuration.

• Forward Error Correction (FEC) for high link integrity in RF-noisy environments
        More information on FEC
• LED front panel display for immediate diagnostics
• Window-based GUI support (Cruise Control) for trouble-free configuration and remote diagnostics
• Protocol addressing and routing support, DNP3 and modbus compatibility
• Store-and-forward repeaters for large-scale networks and coverage expansion
• 5W maximum transmit power (software selectable)

    Data on RFI-450 HWMDD1 (.pdf file, 2 pages)

SCADA and Converters

RFI Mini RIM  Radio Interface Module for relay driving
RFI-MSIO       Mini SCADA unit for PLC applications
RFI-REBM      Ethernet to Serial Server/Bridge Module

RFI-MSIO   Low Cost Radio Interface Module
      Analog & Digital - 8 inputs - 8 outputs - expandable

Input and output expansion for analog, digital and relay applications.
Modbus enabled Analog, Digital  and  Relay Input / Output device.
Compatible with most Modbus PLC's and software.

MSIO module
• allows analog or digital signals to be transmitted via an RF modem.
• 8 digital I/O's (expandable)
           Data sheet: click here 
   RFI-MSIO  Low Cost Radio Interface Module: $826+GST    12/10

Also required: Radio Modem e.g. Piccolo 433MHz Data Radio - low cost

When ordering the MSIO, the required combination of analog and digital inputs or outputs should be specified (preset by the factory).
Option: The unit has a 25-pin connector for setting up: SCDAM106 Cable adaptor allows access to this.
             SCDAM106 Cable adaptor

Wireless Video system

Recently, RF Innovations have also developed a Wireless Video system. With this system, you are able to transmit video signals via radio modems without the need for cabling. Due to the numerous benefits of wireless video, the products have already gained significant interest from different market segments.    Diagram of typical Video System

We have a range of radio modems ranging from VHF to 2.GHz ISM band. Below is a list of the more popular models supported:

Digital Video Transmission

Wireless video for remote monitoring up to 30 km away.
The DV video solutions transmit and receive real time video at up to 4 frames per second in single or multiple site applications, with selectable compression rates, using frequency hopping transceivers.

Video-to-VCR: RFI-DV115E encoder and DV115D hardware decoder for standard PAL output.
Easy to install and use. Once installed the receiver/ decoder can be plugged into an AV plug of a TV or VCR for real time video images of a remote site, with no need for user intervention.
For a more complex system the decoder can be made to switch between multiple remote sites using a computer (or other RS-232 control device).

RFI-DV115E encoder accepts up to 4 video input channels and has an RS232 control port. In built status and control.
User friendly intuitive software - Video data speeds up to 115 Kbps - Can be commissioned without test equipment
Designed to fit within the RF Innovations RFI- 9256 Radio Modem for a remote video solution.

Video-to-PC: RFI-DV115E encoder and DVSoft software decoder and video package.
A more feature rich video solution capable of monitoring 10 cameras at one time with up to four cameras at each remote site.
The captured images can be saved as streaming video files for playback or jpeg files for upload to the Internet.
The RFI-DVSoft application also allows for easier network control, with an inbuilt terminal emulation window, command buttons and event logging.

RFI-DV115E, RFI-DV115D, DVSoft               

Radio Modem Accessories

RFI PROG SNGL DC    Single DB9 RS232 port programming cable with 12/24 VDC leads     $56+GST   12/10
RFI PROG SNGL AC    Single DB9 RS232 port programming cable with 240V AC plugpack $120
RFI PROG DUAL DC    Dual DB9 RS232 port programming cables with 12/24 VDC leads     $64
RFI PROG DUAL AC    Dual DB9 RS232 port programming cables with 240V AC plugpack   $120
RFI PROG CRES-H    2 x DB9 DTE to DCE serial cables, 1x power connector and DC leads    $56
RFI PROG PICC DC   2 x RJ45 to DB9 serial cables, 1 x power connector and DC leads          $72
RFI-PROG PICC AC   2 x RJ45 to DB9 serial cables, 1 x power connector and 240V AC Plugpack   $144
900MHz Stubby          900MHz stubby antenna with BNC connector     $40+GST