2-1
SECTION 2. ASSEMBLING THE RADIOTELEMETRY NETWORK
This section provides a logical order for RF network assembly and deployment. Details of specific
components in the system are described in Section 3 “Radiotelemetry Network Components.” This
component section is cross-referenced throughout this assembly section.
2.1 FINAL LAYOUT
The initial locations of the base, field, and
repeater stations have likely been determined
already. Locate RF stations on an area map,
preferably a topographic map. Draw a line
along every communication path. Each field
station must have a path connecting it back to
the base station. No path can be going through
a mountain or large obstacle; this would negate
the line-of-sight requirement. A station may
need to be moved or a repeater station may
need to be added if this requirement is not met.
At each station there is an RF modem. Each
modem requires a unique ID number (Station
ID). The number may range from 1 to 254. On
the map, label the base station as 1. Label the
remaining stations with different ID numbers.
Later, each modem will be set with the
corresponding ID number. The Station ID,
similar to a phone number, allows the base
station to call many different field stations.
2.2 INSTALL BASE STATION
2.2.1 BASE STATION HARDWARE
The major component of the base station is the
RF232T Base Station. Refer to Section 3.5 for
locational drawings and a description of the
RF232T Base Station.
1.
Remove the top of the RF232T by
unscrewing the four screws on the sides.
2.
Remove the radio and its cable from its
mounting bracket. Mount the radio directly
onto the bottom of the RF232T. Secure the
BNC connector from the radio's cable to its
hole on the back of the RF232T. See
Figure 3-7 for assistance.
3.
Connect the radio to 12 V, ground, and the
RF Modem. The RF modem is located
behind the front panel above the "POWER
ON" light. See Figure 3-8 for assistance.
CAUTION: Radio transmission without an
antenna connected can damage the radio.
4.
Mount the base station antenna in a
location that is higher than any surrounding
buildings or obstacles. Refer to Section 3.3
for more information on mounting the
antenna.
5.
After the antenna is mounted, connect the
coax cable between the antenna and the
BNC connector mounted in Step 2.
6.
Replace the cover of the RF232T.
7.
Connect a large gauge (approximately 8
AWG) copper wire from the antenna to a
good earth ground. This is for lightning
protection. This is required for any
antenna, especially if the coax cable from
the antenna goes inside a building.
8.
Connect a 25-pin RS232 cable from the
computer serial port to the RF232T.
9.
After verifying that the RF232T power
switch is off, plug in the RF232T's wall
transformer.
2.2.2 REAL TIME MONITORING SOFTWARE
(RTMS)
With the base station hardware installed, RTMS
must be setup if it is not already. Refer to the
RTMS manual for specific information on
installing RTMS and for specific information on
the programs described here.
The major components of RTMS are:
•
NetAdmin
−
Network administration and
health
•
RTM
−
Real Time Monitor for graphical
display of real-time data.
•
DBSelect
−
Data collection and routing.
•
DLSMGR
−
Provides the actual
communication with dataloggers.
2.2.3 NET DESCRIPTION
Ultimately, NetAdmin will be used to describe
the entire network for ongoing communication
with dataloggers in the RF network. However
