Campbell Scientific RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radios - Manual (Page 13)

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio
5. Overview
Spread spectrum radios spread the normally narrowband information signal
over a relatively wide band of frequencies. This allows the communications to
be more immune to noise and interference from RF sources such as pagers,
cellular phones and multipath. The RF401A-series radios reduce susceptibility
to RF interference from other spread spectrum devices by providing user-
selectable frequency hopping patterns.
The RF401A-series radios can provide up to one mile transmission range when
using an inexpensive whip antenna. The radios can provide up to 10 mile
transmission range when using a higher gain directional antenna at ideal
conditions. Compatible antennas are described in Section 7.7.1, Compatible
Antennas.
5.1 Retired Radios
5.1.1 RF401-Series and RF430-Series Radios
In June 2014, the RF401A and RF411A replaced the RF401 and RF430, and
RF411 and RF431, respectively. It should be noted that the RF401-series and
RF430-series radios have a maximum transmit power of 100 mW. The
RF401A-series radio has a maximum transmit power of 250 mW, configurable
via software. Please ensure that when replacing an existing RF401-series or
RF430-series radio with an RF401A-series radio that the legal transmit power
limits are not exceeded with existing cabling and antenna configuration.
5.1.2 RF400-Series Radios
The RF401A series have a choice of three communication protocol settings:
Transparent, PakBus Aware, and PakBus Node. Transparent is the protocol
used by the RF400, RF410, and CR205. RF401-series radios in networks that
also have RF400-series radios must use the Transparent protocol setting.
Do not mix the Transparent protocol with any of the
PakBus® protocols. This will produce RF traffic without any
RF communications.
6. Specifications
General
Dimensions: 11.1 x 6.9 x 2.7 cm (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.1 in)
Weight: 136 g (4.8 oz)
Two-piece aluminum case, black anodized
Radio
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Radio Transceiver
Frequency
RF401A: 910 to 918 MHz
RF411A: 920 to 928 MHz
Transmit Power Output: 5 to 250 mW, software selectable
Receiver Sensitivity: –109 dBm
Channel Capacity: 7 hop sequences share 25 frequencies
RF Data Rate: 10 kbps
RF Connector: Reverse Polarity SMA (RPSMA) jack, 50 Ohm unbalanced
CAUTION
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