SECTION 2. ASSEMBLING THE RADIOTELEMETRY NETWORK
2-2
when a valid network description containing
remote sites is “made active” attempts to
communication with the various remote sites
will begin. It is often convenient to test the
individual field/repeater first and add them to the
network description after proper RF
communication is confirmed. This is the
process described in this section.
2.2.4 ADDING THE RF BASE TO THE NET
DESCRIPTION
If the RF base is not already part of the network
description, it is necessary to add it. Start the
NetAdmin program and select NET
DESCRIPTION from VIEW on the main menu.
Add RF232T as a child of the computer (PC1).
While all of the parameters will eventually need
to be set, for now alter only the parameters
described here:
•
Change the station name (STN NAME box) to
a name meaningful to users of the system.
The default name (RF2) will work but some-
thing more recognizable is suggested (i.e.,
RFBase or Office). Names must start with a
letter, contain only letters, numbers, or the ‘_’
character. Names should be unique and be
no longer than eight characters.
•
Check the PORT NAME parameter in the
VIA COM PORT box, changing the COM
port if necessary.
•
Set the baud rate to 9600.
It is not necessary to add any remote stations
(datalogger sites, etc.) to the net description at
this time. They can be added after the radio
links are tested.
2.2.5 TESTING COMMUNICATION WITH THE RF
BASE
When the RF base has been properly
described, select MAKE THE OPEN NET
DESCRIPTION ACTIVE under the FILE option
on the main menu. NetAdmin will prompt for a
file name to save the description if it was not
already saved. Normally it is a good idea to
save the description.
Close the Net Description view. Notice the
main NetAdmin screen. The RF base station
should be shown on the display. Its color will
indicate the last type of message about this
station. If the site is black, no communication
has been attempted yet. If the site is red or
blue than a warning or fault message has
occurred. If the site is green, successful
communication has occurred. Select
STATUS/WARNING/FAULT under VIEW on
the main menu to see the messages. If “Serline
Timeout Retry On COM?” or a “Link Failed”
fault message has occurred there maybe a
communication problem. See Section 2.2.6.
To verify communication with the RF base
select RF LINK TEST found under VIEW on the
NetAdmin main menu. Select the RF base
station named in the box in the upper left area
of the view. Move the cursor to the
[REPEATER] SWITCH SETTING box. Enter
the ID as set with switches for the RF232T
base. RF232T bases are normally shipped
from the factory with an ID of 1. Select the
BEGIN button. If communication between the
computer and the RF232T is successful the
TEST STATUS/RESULTS box will show the
PROM signature for the RF232T. If the test is
successful, remote sites can be set up.
2.2.6 IF TEST FAILS
Make sure the RF232T is plugged in and is
turned on.
When powered, the RF232T Carrier Detect
Light should blink twice to indicate a successful
memory check. If the light is blinking
continuously, there is a hardware problem (see
Section 3.1.4 for more information on the
Carrier Detect Light).
•
Check the Net Description and verify the
COM port and baud rate settings. If the
description is changed it must be “made
active” for the changes to take effect.
•
Check that the serial cable is properly
attached to the computer and the RF232T.
It should not be a “Null Modem“ cable.
•
Check that the SC12 9-pin ribbon cable
inside the RF232T is connected from the
small circuit board to the RF95T modem.
2.3 INSTALL NEAREST REPEATER/
FIELD STATION
The order in which a general RF field station
should be installed, follows. A repeater station
is installed in the same order. For instructions
on installing any particular component, refer to
either Section 3 of this manual or the Weather
Station Manual.
