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05-6301A01, Rev. 01

MDS Mercury Series Quick Start

1

MDS Mercury Series

Setup Guide

MDS Mercury

TM

 Series transceivers provide an easy-to-install 

wireless network service with long range and secure operation at 
adaptive data rates approaching 30 Mbps. The transceiver is 
designed for demanding applications in industrial environments, 
where reliability and range are paramount.

The transceiver comes in two primary models—

Base Station (BS) 

and

 

Subscriber Unit (SU)

, each with unique hardware profiles. 

Both models support Ethernet and serial services. A BS is a wire-
less switch that usually provides connectivity into a wired Ethernet 
LAN/WAN. 

Subscriber Units associate over the air with a BS and are typically 
connected to an Ethernet or Serial device via a local cable. The 
outward appearance of the standard SU is very similar to the BS.

NOTE:

To determine whether a unit is an BS or Subscriber Unit,
check the dome label on the top of the unit.

Refer to the Mercury Series Technical Manual (05-6302A01) for 
advanced procedures and additional information.

1.1

Connectors & Indicators

Figure 1

 shows the connectors and indicators of a Standard BS. 

These items are referenced in the installation and operation steps 
that follow. Note that SU radios may have an additional connector 
present for Wi-Fi service, depending on order requirements. If 
Wi-Fi is 

not

 provided on an SU, the GPS connector will also be 

absent.

Invisible 

place 

holder

Figure 1. Connectors and Indicators

(Standard BS shown; SU Similar)

1.2

Weatherproof Subscriber Unit

In addition to the Standard Subscriber Unit, a weatherproof Out-
door Unit (ODU) model is offered (see 

Figure 2

). The ODU is 

designed for mounting on a tower, pole, or other elevated struc-
ture, and includes an integral panel antenna. 

DC power is typically applied to the ODU through a Category 5 
Ethernet cable (Cat. 5E, Cat. 6 also acceptable) which provides 
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) service. The cable can be up to 100 

meters in length (328 feet). For non-PoE models, a separate DC 
power cable is required to supply 10-65 Vdc.

Invisible 

place 

holder

Figure 2. Mercury ODU Subscriber Unit

All operating parameters and commands for the ODU are identical 
to those of the indoor SU. The only difference is in the physical 
installation of the hardware on its support structure. 

There are three main requirements for installing all units in the 
transceiver system—adequate and stable primary power, a good 
antenna system, and the correct interface between the transceiver 
and the data device. 

Figure 3

 shows a typical Mercury installation.

2.1

Installation Steps

Listed below are the basic steps for installation. It is highly recom-
mended that the BS be installed

 

first

 

so that

 

you can quickly check 

the operation of each associated SU as it is placed on the air.

Invisible 

place 

holder

Figure 3. Typical Mercury Installation (SU Shown; BS Similar)

1.0

INTRODUCTION

DC INPUT

(10–60 VDC, 4A MAX)

RS-232

SERIAL PORT

LAN PORTS

USB PORTS

(Mini-A, Type-A)

GPS ANTENNA

CONNECTION

WiMAX RF

CHANNEL 1

WiMAX RF

CHANNEL 2

LED INDICATOR

PANEL

2.0

INSTALLATION—ALL UNITS

TO DC POWER SUPPLY

(10–60 Vdc)

RTU/PLC

LOW

-LOSS FEEDLINE

(To S

tation 

Antenna)

PC RUNNING

TERMINAL

PROGRAM

(Straight-Through

Cable to Radio)

TO GPS ANTENNA

(Provides 3.3 Vdc output)

Crossover Cable

to Radio

ANTENNA SYSTEM

Subscriber: Panel Ant.

Base Unit: Sector Ant.

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