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05-4847A01, Rev. B

MDS SD Series Quick Start Guide

1

MDS SD Series

Quick Start Guide (Firmware 3.x)

The MDS SD Series transceiver (

Figure 1

) is a software-configu-

rable, industrial solution for use in wireless telemetry applications. 
As of the publication date, two SD models are offered: 400 MHz 
(SD4) or 900 MHz (SD9). In this guide, the term 

SD

 is used for 

information common to all models of the radio. 

The radio interfaces with a variety of data control equipment such 
as remote terminal units (RTUs), programmable logic controllers 
(PLCs), flow computers, and similar devices. Data interface con-
nections may be made by both serial (RS-232/485) and limited 
Ethernet protocols.

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Figure 1. MDS SD Data Transceiver

1.1

About This Guide

This guide covers SD transceivers operating in 

Packet Mode or 

Transparent Mode

A more detailed 

Reference Manual

 is also 

available (05-4846A01). SD manuals are available in printed or 
electronic form. All manuals are available free of charge at 

www.gemds.com

.

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1.1.1

x710 Mode—Different Manuals Required

The radio can be configured to emulate an MDS 4710 (400 MHz) 
or 9710 (900 MHz) radio. (These radios are referred to as “x710” 
here.) For x710 mode commands, consult these manuals:

Start-Up Guide

 (05-4669A01)

Reference Manual

 (05-4670A01)

There are three main requirements for installing the transceiver...

• Adequate and stable primary power
• An efficient and properly installed antenna system
• Correct interface connections between the transceiver and 

the data device.

Figure 2 on Page 1

 shows a typical installation of the radio.

NOTE:

Retrofit Kits are available to ease installation at former
MDS x710 digital and analog sites. Consult the 

Refer-

ence Manual

 for details.

2.1

Installation Steps

In most cases, the steps given here are sufficient to install the 
transceiver. Refer to the 

Reference Manual

 for additional details, 

as required.

1.

Mount the transceiver 

using the brackets supplied. Attach 

the brackets to the bottom of the transceiver case (if not 
already attached), using the four 6-32 x 1/4 inch (6 mm) 

screws. Mounting bracket dimensions are shown in 

Figure 3

If DIN Rail mounting brackets are to be used, consult the 

Reference Manual

.

NOTE:

To prevent moisture from entering the radio, do not mount
the case with the cable connectors pointing up. Also,
dress all cables to prevent moisture from running along
the cables and into the radio.

CAUTION:

Using screws longer than 1/4 inch (6 mm) to attach the

brackets to the radio may cause internal damage. Use
only the supplied screws.

Figure 2. Typical Installation

Figure 3. Mounting Bracket Dimensions

2.

Install the antenna and feedline.

 The antenna used with the 

radio must be designed to operate in the radio’s frequency 
band, and be mounted in a location providing a clear path to 
the associated station(s). At Remote sites, aim directional 
antennas toward the Master Station. Low loss coaxial feedline 
should be used and it should be kept as short as possible.

3.

Connect the data equipment. 

Connection may be made 

using Ethernet signaling, Serial protocols (RS-232/RS-485), 
or both.

1.0

INTRODUCTION

2.0

INSTALLATION

ANTENNA
CONNECTOR (TNC)

SERIAL DATA

CONNECTORS (DB-9)

DC INPUT
POWER

LED INDICATOR

PANEL

ETHERNET

CONNECTOR (RJ-45)

COM1 used for radio management

POWER SUPPLY
10.5–16 VDC @ 2.5A
Negative Ground Only

TRANSCEIVER

LOW

-LOSS FEEDLINE

ANTENNA  SYSTEM

ETHERNET

SERIAL

Master Stations typically use

omni-directional antenna

DATA TELEMETRY DEVICE

OR HOST COMPUTER

OR:

7.25˝ (16.99 cm)

2.75

˝ (7 

cm)

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