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05-4847A01, Rev. D

MDS SD Series Setup Guide

1

MDS SD Series

Setup Guide

The MDS SD transceiver (

Figure 1

) is a software-configurable, 

industrial radio for use in wireless telemetry applications. Models 
offered at the time of printing include: 

MDS SD2

 (215-235 MHz), 

SD4

 (350-512 MHz), and 

SD9

 (928-960 MHz). The term 

SD

 is 

used for information common to all models of the radio. 

The radio supports both polled and report-by-exception data net-
works, and 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 support both Ethernet and serial (RS-232/485) protocols.

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Figure 1. MDS SD Data Transceiver

1.1

About This Guide

This guide covers all SD transceivers except those operating in 
x710 mode

A more detailed 

Technical Manual 

is also available 

(05-4846A01). Before installing this product, refer to the Technical 
Manual for important warnings, cautions, and notes. 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 may be configured to emulate a corresponding MDS 
x710 transceiver. For x710 mode information, consult these man-
uals instead:

Setup Guide

 (05-4669A01)

Technical 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 equipment.

Figure 2

 shows a typical installation of the radio.

NOTE:

Retrofit Kits are available to ease installation at former
MDS x710 digital and analog sites. Consult your factory
representative for ordering details.

2.1

Installation Steps

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

Technical Manual

 for additional details, as 

required.

1.

Mount the transceiver. 

Attach the supplied 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 

Technical Manual

 for 

instructions.

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.

Figure 2. Typical Installation (Remote Site Shown)

Figure 3. Mounting Bracket Dimensions

2.

Install the antenna and feedline.

 The antenna must be 

designed to operate in the radio’s frequency band, and be 
mounted in a location providing a clear path to associated sta-
tion(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.

• If Ethernet is to be used, connect your data equipment to the 

front panel Ethernet port next to the PWR connector.

1.0

INTRODUCTION

2.0

INSTALLATION

ANTENNA
CONNECTOR (TNC)

SERIAL DATA

CONNECTORS (DB-9)

DC INPUT
POWER

LED INDICATOR

PANEL

ETHERNET

CONNECTOR (RJ-45)

POWER SUPPLY
10.5–30 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:

6.675˝ (16.95 cm)

2.

75

˝ (7 

cm

)

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