QUICK START GUIDE 1. Install and connect the antenna system to the radio (page 10). • Use an appropriate antenna aimed at the associated station. • Use low-loss feedline suited for 400 MHz. Keep the feedline as short as possible. 2.
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Fresnel Zone Clearance ..............74 Earth Curvature ................75 Fade Margins..................75 Calculating Path Loss ............... 75 8.3 Formulas for System Planning ............76 Free Space Path Loss ..............76 MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
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GE MDS Quality Policy Statement We, the employees of GE MDS, are committed to achieving total cus- tomer satisfaction in everything we do. Total Customer Satisfaction in: •...
Customer Service Team using the information at the back of this guide. In addition, manual updates can often be found on the GE MDS Web site at www.GEmds.com...
2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The MDS 4790M master station (Figure 1) is a full duplex radio designed to operate with MDS 4710 remote (outstation) transceivers in the fixed telemetry and telecontrol radio services bands of 457.5 to 458.5 MHz and 463.0 to 464.0 MHz.
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Invisible place holder Figure 1. MDS 4790M Master Station All assemblies, including the duplexer and power supply, are contained in the radio’s compact (2RU high) enclosure. The radio’s compact size allows it to fit into most existing systems, in either tabletop or rack mounting arrangements.
2.1 Network-Wide Diagnostics Newer GE MDS remote and master station radios, including the MDS 4790M, offer network-wide diagnostics capability. Network-wide diagnostics communications is a modern, packetized mode that has several advantages over DTMF diagnostics communications (used by older GE MDS radios): •...
Basic MAS Master Station Operation Figure 2 shows a typical point-to-multipoint system using an MDS 4790M master station. The most basic system consists of a central master station and several associated remote units, as shown in Figure 2. REMOTE RADIO...
2.4 Features Reliability is a hallmark of the MDS 4790M design. The radio employs a one-piece transceiver board which minimizes RF losses and eliminates the need for inter-board cabling. This also allows easy plug-in replacement should servicing become necessary.
(B) 110/220 VAC W/ Batt. 125 VAC to 12 VDC W/ Ext. Converter Figure 4. MDS 4790M Model Number Codes 2.7 Terms and Abbreviations If you are new to digital radio systems, some of the terms used in this guide may be unfamiliar.
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Network-Wide Diagnostics—An advanced method of controlling and interrogating GE MDS radios in a radio network. Non-intrusive diagnostics—See Passive messaging. Passive messaging—This is a mode of diagnostic gathering that does not interrupt SCADA system polling communications.
Figure 5. Typical Station Arrangement Site Selection For a successful installation, careful thought must be given to selecting the site for the master station and the remote radios. Suitable sites should offer: MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
The risk of interference can be further reduced through prudent system design and configuration. Allow adequate separation between frequencies and radio systems. Keep the following points in mind when setting up your radio system: MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
Generally speaking, an omni-directional antenna is used at the master station site and the remote radios use directional antennas. GE MDS can also furnish antennas for use with the radio. Consult your GE MDS representative for details. Feedline Selection For maximum performance, a good-quality feedline must be used to connect the radio to the antenna.
(For tabletop mounting) INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE PC DIAGNOSTICS & CONTROL RACK-MOUNT BRACKETS (2)* DISK (OPTIONAL) * These items may already be installed on the radio chassis. Figure 6. Typical Shipment Contents MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
Rack Mounting To rack-mount the radio, use the supplied mounting brackets (GE MDS P/N 82-3184A01) to secure the chassis to the rack cabinet. The brackets can be attached at any of four points on the sides of the enclosure—front, back, middle facing front, and middle facing back (see Figure 7).
Figure 8. Front Panel Removal 2. Release the modular connector and cable from the back of the panel. 3. Plug the connector into an in-line splice connector (GE MDS P/N 73-1155A09). 4. Snap the splice connector into the front of the chassis at the square cut-out.
It must be re-connected at the time of installation to activate the radio's battery backup feature. The only tool required to perform this procedure is a Phillips screwdriver. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
When AC power returns, the battery is automatically connected to the power supply for re-charging and normal radio operation resumes. MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
When installing the feedline, take care not to kink, twist or stretch the cable. After installation, fasten the cable securely to the antenna tower or other supporting structure. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
The data connector (available on the rear of the radio) is the main system data interface and typically connects to the host computer. Refer to Figure 13 and Table 3. Invisible place holder Figure 13. Data Connector MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
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14.0 V dc Output. Provides a source of regulated voltage at 1.5 amperes for low-power accessories. No Connection No Connection No Connection No Connection Do not connect—Reserved for future use. No Connection MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
You can plug an ordinary telephone handset into the jack on the rear panel to communicate with someone on a handset plugged into another radio. Handsets are available from GE MDS (P/N 12-1307A01). Normal system operation is unaffected if all you do is listen over the handset.
• Antenna heading is preset in the direction of the associated station. This completes the installation of the radio. Section 5.0, START-UP AND OPERATION, describes the unit’s indicators and gives initial startup procedures. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
The control buttons are described in Section 6.4, Configuration and Programming using the Front Panel, beginning on page 44. Invisible place holder Figure 17. Front Panel Controls and Indicators MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
TX ALR Transmit circuitry fault. I/O ALR A data framing or parity error has occurred over the data port. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
Windows PC running InSite or other GE MDS diagnostics software to a diagnostic port on the rear panel of the unit (Figure 20). (If a PC is not available, many of the same functions provided by this interface can be performed using the front panel interface, described in Section 6.4, Configuration and Programming using the Front...
Figure 21. PC Diagnostic Port Cable (DB-9 to DB-9) 2. Install a terminal emulation program, such as HyperTerminal, or InSite Radio System Management Software (GE MDS P/N 03-3475A01), if such a program is not already installed. 3. Launch the terminal program or diagnostics software.
Active Radio Status Display current alarm event descriptions Details, page 41 Details, page 61 TEMP Show Temperature Display the internal radio temperature Details, page 42 and Voltages Details, page 62 MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
ALARM STAT ALARM alarm information in concise, two-line format; alarm codes are summarized in hexadecimal format. (described on page 41) includes a text message STAT describing each alarm. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
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A data framing error has been detected on the DB25. This sometimes means there is a baud rate mismatch between the radio and the RTU. 0000 0800 Configuration error. The modem setting is incorrect. MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
The parameter sets the radio to seamless data mode. The parameter sets the radio to fast byte throughput mode. The default is seamless data mode. MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
(Other delays may be present, depending on how other operating parameters are configured.) Should you experience problems with repeater operation after changing the values, contact GE MDS. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
RJ-11 DIAG port. followed by the baud rate sets the baud rate (bps) of the RJ-11 DIAG DLINK port. The following baud rates selections are allowed: MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
The default setting is NODE See Section 7.2, Performing Network-Wide Radio Diagnostics, beginning on page 65. A complete explanation of remote diagnostics can be found in GE MDS’ Network-Wide Diagnostics System Handbook. DUMP command displays programming and status information in one DUMP quick step.
• RTU simulator is set to 0 (disabled) • Front panel display and brightness are both set to mid-level Manual Key screen, page 56 This command activates the transmitter. See also the command. DKEY MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
Reclassifying alarms does not disable alarm notification. The front panel LED illuminate, the alarm event is logged, and the ALARM ALARM STAT commands show the alarm status. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
RSSI, RSSI! Receive Signal Strength screen, page 61 These commands display the Received Signal Strength Indication in dBm units. The output can range from –50 dBm to –120 dBm. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
RTU [ON/OFF/0-80] This command enables or disables the radio’s internal RTU simulator, which runs with GE MDS’ proprietary diagnostics software. The internal RTU simulator is an optional feature which may or may not be available on a particular radio; use the...
—Displays the actual (measured) RF power output in dBm. • —Shows the low noise amplifier and total board current. CURRENT • —Shows the currently active radio (A or B). RADIO MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
SNR, SNR! S/N Ratio screen, page 61 These commands display the signal-to-noise ratio in dB. GE MDS’ definition of signal-to-noise is based upon the signal level following equalization, for valid frames only. A valid frame is defined as containing no more than one bit error, and belonging to a packet addressed for the receiving radio.
Note that the radio is designed to operate in a range from –30 C° to +60 C°, and may fail at temperatures outside this range. This internal reading may be higher than the outside temperature by several degrees. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
NOTE: If the radio is equipped with a duplexer, and the frequency is changed more than 100 kHz, the duplexer must be re-tuned or replaced. Contact the factory for assistance. MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
6.4 Configuration and Programming using the Front Panel If a PC running GE MDS diagnostics software is not available to connect to the radio, the front panel display and controls may be used to review and change operating parameters and perform diagnostics. This section explains how to use the front panel controls and screens.
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The screens are divided into configuration, diagnostics, and event log functions. Individual screens are described in more detail in Section 6.5, Screen Descriptions, beginning on page 49. MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
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11:34:57 AM 12:03:51 AM Sep 14 2000 Oct 01 1999 Unit Address Set Date 6682 11:34:57 PM Sep 14 2000 Key On Data ESCAPE disabled Figure 22. Front Panel Screen Flowchart MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
Configuration Diagnostics, Event Log -> Selecting a main menu Pressing the up or down arrow buttons cycles the selection arrow ( ) through item the main menu items. MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
3. Press the ENTER button again when the desired choice is displayed. (Or press the ESCAPE button to cancel the change.) The message appears, done indicating that the change was successfully made. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
The Diagnostic screens display important status information for the local and remote radio, as well as run several tests useful in locating system problems. The Diagnostic screens include: • Display operating status information • Display active radio status MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
Manual Key DKEY Manually key or dekey the transmitter Details, page 56 Details, page 33 Details, page 35 Menu Directory Select diagnostic, configuration, or event log Details, page 53 screens MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
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Transmit Timeout Dura- Set or display the Transmit Timeout duration tion (time to wait before disabling the transmitter Details, page 55 to prevent unnecessary use of the frequency) MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
Start-up Screen Display the radio name, owner name, owner Details, page 53 message, and any alarms Unit Address UNIT [10000–65000] Displays the radio’s unit address Details, page 57 Details, page 44 MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
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If the radio is equipped with a duplexer, and the frequency is changed more than 100 kHz, the duplexer must be re-tuned or replaced. TX [xxxx] command, page 43 MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
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To enable or disable pre-emphasis and de-emphasis, press ENTER, then use the up/down arrow buttons to display ENABLED or DISABLED. Press ENTER to make the change. EMP [ON/OFF] command, page 34 MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
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Then use the up/down arrow buttons to increase or decrease the digit. Repeat for the other digit if necessary. Press ENTER again to make the change. TOT [ON/OFF, 1-255] command, page 43 MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
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(page 62). d is abl ed To key the transmitter, press ENTER, then use the up/down arrow buttons to select ENABLE (manual keying). Press ENTER again to key the transmitter. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
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1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 and 19200 bps. DLINK Ba udrate To change the setting, press ENTER, then use the up/down arrow buttons to 48 00 display the desired setting. Press ENTER again to make the change. MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
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This screen is used to enable or disable the receive attenuator for the receive audio level. Re ce iv e Pad d is abl ed RXPAD [ON/OFF] command, page 40 MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
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• Press the up or down arrow buttons to move the underscore to the next character. MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
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This screen is used to set or display text (up to 20 characters) to appear on the radio’s start-up screen, such as the site name. See the Set Owner Name command Message and Figure 25 above for instructions. S e t Own er Me s sa ge OWM [xxxxx] command, page 37 Set Time This screen is used to set or display the time set in the radio.
To change which transceiver board is active, or to enable automatic switch-over, press the ENTER key, then use the up/down arrow buttons to select AUTO, A or B. Press ENTER again to make the change. RADIO [A/B/AUTO] command, page 38 MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
This screen is used to erase all events from the event log. Cle ar Lo gs LOG [CLR] command, page 36 A re yo u s ur e? ( c ha nge pe nd ing ) MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
Section 7.3, Replacing Assemblies, beginning on page 67 covers this in detail. If you are unable to solve a system problem with the information provided here, technical assistance is also available from GE MDS. Refer to the inside back cover of this guide for contact information. NOTE:...
62). In many cases, the events leading up to a failure can be reviewed to help determine the cause of a problem. Event log messages are also helpful when calling GE MDS for technical assistance. • Major alarms generally indicate a hardware failure or other abnormal condition that will prevent (or hamper) further operation of the radio link.
For more information, see the InSite radio System Management Software Installation and Operation Guide and online help. A complete explanation of remote diagnostics can be found in GE MDS’ Network-Wide Diagnostics System Handbook. See the Handbook for more information about the basic diagnostic procedures outlined below.
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Figure 28.) To connect a PC to the radio’s port, an RJ-11 to DB-9 adapter (GE MDS P/N 03-3246A01) is DIAG. required. If desired, an adapter cable may be constructed from scratch using the information shown in Figure 29.
To re-install these modules, make sure that the slides are properly aligned with the guide slots on the chassis, and push straight in. Tighten the thumbscrews to secure the assembly. Invisible place holder Figure 30. Main Transceiver and Power Supply Removal MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
RF power output. If the alternate transmitter registers +39dBm, the internal duplexer likely needs replacing. 5. Before replacing the duplexer, verify that the duplexer frequency and radio TX frequency match. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
3. Carefully lift the duplexer out of the chassis. Use care when removing the duplexer. It is fragile and can be easily damaged CAUTION which can cause de-tuning. POSSIBLE Duplexer EQUIPMENT DAMAGE Figure 33. Internal Duplexer Removal MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
The radio uses cooling fans to cool the main transceiver boards. To ensure that the fans operate correctly, inspect them on a regular basis and keep them clear of dust (Figure 35). Figure 35. Location of Cooling Fan MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
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125 Vac to 12 Vdc with external converter ENVIRONMENTAL ° Temperature Range Full performance: –30 to 60 ° Humidity 95% at 40 C, non-condensing Shock and Vibration Per MIL-810E (shipping) MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
As a matter of practice, 60 percent of the first Fresnel zone must be clear of obstructions (0.6 x F) to allow a clear, unobstructed RF path. Remember, the first Fresnel zone calculation is only one parameter determining path quality. MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
For every doubling of distance, the loss increases by an additional 6 dB. Knowing this, the output power (+37 dBm), and the receiver sensitivity (–115 dBm), we can calculate antenna size and tower height requirements to cover any desired distance. MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide...
• 0.25 is used for temperate or northern areas • 0.125 is used for a very dry climate ƒ = frequency in GHz d = path length in km F = fade margin in dB MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B...
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY... GE MDS products are designed for long life and trouble-free operation. However, this equipment, as with all electronic equipment may have an occasional component failure. The following information will assist you in the event that servicing becomes necessary.
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GE MDS, LLC 175 Science Parkway Rochester, NY 14620 General Business: +1 585 242-9600 FAX: +1 585 242-9620 Web: www.GEmds.com...