Campbell Scientific RF500M Radio Modem - Manual (Page 19)

Section 3. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network
Remote” then highlight the RF remote to test. Click “Start Test” and wait for
the test results.
After a successful RF link test, the next step is to attempt communication with
the datalogger over the RF link. From the TroubleShooter client choose the
“Comm Test” client. Highlight the datalogger to test and click on the “Test”
button.
3.4.1 A Successful Test
The test is considered successful if the RF link test succeeds and subsequently
the communication test between the PC and the datalogger succeeds.
3.4.2 An Unsuccessful Test
When an RF test is unsuccessful, some basic ways to troubleshoot the system
are included in the next Section of this document.
3.5 Troubleshooting Unsuccessful Communication
Attempts
3.5.1 Troubleshooting the Physical Link Between Base and
Field Station
When communication fails, troubleshooting begins with the simplest RF link
in the system, which is usually communication with the nearest field station.
There is NO substitute for first checking the hardware connections, RF IDs,
and everything listed in the previous section. Below are a few additional items
to check:
1. Antenna is used in proximity of metal.
2. Transmitting inside a building.
3. Damaged or shorted cables.
4. Bad or improper connections.
5. Antenna frequency does not match the radio frequency.
6. Base and field station radios aren't using same frequency.
7. Datalogger power drops below 9.6 Volts during RF transmission.
8. If the field station modem's receive light goes on, then at least a signal is
reaching the site. If this occurs, check the following:
a. RF modem's ID matches ID in the RF Path.
b. Field station's radio and datalogger have sufficient power.
c. Radio is connected to RF modem.
d. RF modem configuration is correct.
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