PlantLinc
PLR5000 User’s Guide
P/N 161-09888-001
DATA-LINC
Group
7
(4) Point-to-Point Remote/Repeater
Option 4 allows you to designate the radio modem to act as either a Remote or a Repeater, depending
upon the instructions received from the Master for the specific communications session. When a radio
modem is placed in an ideal location, this setting offers the flexibility of using that radio modem as an
end-point in the communications link (Remote) or to extend the link to a point further (Repeater). These
functions are not, however, available simultaneously (the radio modem cannot act as both a Remote and
a Repeater at the same time).
A word of caution
: Configured as a Repeater, a radio modem has no security features as explained below.
When a radio modem is designated as a point-to-point remote/Repeater, it will allow any Master to use it
as a Repeater.
(5) Point-to-Point Repeater
PLR5000 radio modems allow the use of up to two Repeaters in a communications link, significantly
extending the operating range. When designated as a Repeater, a radio modem behaves as a pass-through
link. All settings for the call book, baud rates, and radio transmission characteristics are disabled. A
Repeater will connect with any Master that calls it (the Repeater must still be set up in the Master’s call
book).
The use of one Repeater in a communications link will reduce the top data throughput available when
compared to a direct Master to remote link (generally on the order of 50%). This impact is generally
noticed only when using the radio modems at 38.4 Kbaud. The throughput does not decrease further if
two Repeaters are used.
(6) Point-to-Point Remote/Master Switchable
Mode 6 is a versatile option that allows the radio modem to be controlled entirely through software
commands. When in mode 6, a number of key parameters in the radio modem’s user interface may be
changed either directly (as if using the Windows Terminal program) or by using script files. In addition,
when the radio modem is in mode 6 and not calling a Remote, it will be a Remote itself and accept any
appropriate calls from other radio modems.
In mode 6:
•
The radio modem remains in remote mode until called by another radio modem in its Call Book or
instructed to call another radio modem through an ATDT command. The Master will disconnect
when DTR goes low..
•
The user may change settings in the user interface without using the reset button (this may be of
particular value if the radio modem is not in an easily accessible location).
•
Predetermined script files may be used which allow some of the radio modem’s settings to be
changed upon execution of that file. This, in turn, allows the user to establish command sets that
will instruct the radio modem to call a predetermined remote.
Note:
For a detailed explanation covering the features of Mode 6, please contact the factory.
(7) Point-to-Multipoint Repeater
Setting (7) allows the radio modem to operate as a Repeater in a multipoint network.
Please refer to the section titled, “Multipoint Operation”, for more information on running a multipoint
network.
