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Overview
The RF411 has a 920 to 928 MHz frequency range, which is used in Australia and Israel. This 100 mW spread-spectrum radio can transmit data to another RF411 radio, an RF431 radio, a CR211(X) datalogger, or an AVW211 interface.
The RF411 supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications. It can serve as a field modem/radio while connected to the datalogger or as a base station modem/radio while connected to a computer. The radio can also serve as a stand-alone RF router/repeater.
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Benefits and Features
- Rugged, low-cost transceivers
- Can be used in the field as a transceiver or in the office as the base station
- Transmits up to one mile with omnidirectional antenna; up to 10 miles with higher gain directional antennas at ideal conditions
- Settings stored in non-volatile memory
- RS-232 port for connecting to a computer; CS I/O port for connecting to a data logger
- Frequency-hops over 25 channels avoids interference from other spread-spectrum radios
- Optional extended temperature testing
- Faster communication due to elimination of some small "link state packets"
- Ability to have stand-alone RF router/repeaters (up to 8 repeaters)
- Greater immunity to interference and RF collisions by using RF retries
- Reduced power consumption by the data logger, as the radios perform "packet address filtering"
- Built-in setup menus allow access to advanced functionality
- Designed for use in PakBus networks
The RF401-series and RF430-series spread-spectrum radios are similar. The models in these two series differ in their ports used for connecting to computers/data loggers, in their frequencies, and in their transmitting power. Refer to the following table for specifics.
| RF401 (retired) |
RF401A | RF430 (retired) |
RF411 (retired) | RF411A | RF431 (retired) | RF416 | RF432 (retired) | |
| Frequency | 910 to 918 MHz US & Canada |
920 to 928 MHz Australia & New Zealand |
2.450 to 2.482 GHz | |||||
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| Transmitting Power | 100 mW | 250 mW | 100 mW | 100 mW | 250 mW | 100 mW | 50 mW | 50 mW |
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Detailed Description
The RF411 reduces susceptibility to RF interference from other spread spectrum devices by providing user-selectable frequency hopping patterns. Spread spectrum radios spread the normally narrowband information signal over a relatively wide band of frequencies. This process allows communications to be more immune to noise and interference from RF sources such as pagers and cellular phones.
Specifications
| Operating Frequency | 920 to 928 MHz |
| Type | Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Transceiver |
| RS-232 Data Rate | 38.4k, 19.2k, 9600, 4800, or 1200 bps |
| Channel Capacity | 65,000 Network Identifiers share 25 hop channels. |
| Frequency Hopping Patterns | Six different selectable patterns |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -110 dBm at 10-4 bit error rate (Campbell Scientific protocols will issue retries wherever a bit error occurs.) |
| Interference Rejection | 70 dB at pager and cellular phone frequencies |
| Transmitter Power Output | 100 mW (nominal) |
| Antenna Connector | Reverse polarity SMA |
| FCC ID | OUR9XTREAM |
| Power | 9 to 16 Vdc |
| LEDs | Power on, TX, RX, diagnostics |
| RS-232 Connector | 9-pin “D” female (4 wire: Tx, Rx, CTS, GND) |
| CS I/O Connector |
9-pin “D” male Newer dataloggers supply power to the RF411 radio on this connector. Dataloggers purchased before December 1997 require the pn 14291 Field Power Cable. |
| Power Connector | Barrel plug, center positive 12 V (used to connect the 14291 Field Power Cable) |
| Maximum Nodes in Network | 50 |
| Standard Operating Temperature Range | -25° to +50°C |
| Extended Operating Temperature Range |
-55° to +85°C The push button that allows you to check/edit programmable settings while the radio is connected to a computer may not operate at temperatures colder than -25°C. |
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 7.0 x 2.9 cm (4.9 x 2.8 x 1.2 in.) |
| Weight | 227 g (8 oz) |
Average Current Drain |
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| Standby | < 1 mA (power-saving options used) |
| Receiving | 24 mA |
| Transmitting | < 75 mA |
Compatibility
Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.
Dataloggers
| Product | Compatible | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 21X (retired) | ||
| CR10 (retired) | ||
| CR1000 (retired) | ||
| CR1000X | ||
| CR10X (retired) | ||
| CR200X (retired) | ||
| CR211X (retired) | ||
| CR216X (retired) | ||
| CR23X (retired) | ||
| CR300 | ||
| CR3000 (retired) | ||
| CR500 (retired) | ||
| CR5000 (retired) | ||
| CR510 (retired) | ||
| CR6 | ||
| CR800 (retired) | ||
| CR800 (retired) | ||
| CR850 (retired) | ||
| CR850 (retired) | ||
| CR9000 (retired) | Although the CR9000 and CR9000X are compatible, RF411 radios do not support their fastest communication rates, and are therefore not practical for many CR9000(X) applications. | |
| CR9000X (retired) | Although the CR9000 and CR9000X are compatible, RF411 radios do not support their fastest communication rates, and are therefore not practical for many CR9000(X) applications. |
Additional Compatibility Information
Communications
Internal Radio of CR211(X) Dataloggers
The RF411 spread spectrum radio can communicate with the internal spread spectrum radio of our CR211(X) dataloggers. Certain RF411 settings must match the CR211(X) settings for communications between the radio and data logger to be successful. The factory default settings of these devices may not match; therefore, they may need to be reconfigured before communications can take place. For more information, refer to the Quick Reference Guide for Setting Up RF401-to-CR206 Communication application note (see Documents).
Other Spread-Spectrum Radios
The RF411 radios can be used in networks containing RF431 and RF410 radios. When RF411 radios are used in networks containing RF400 radios, the Protocol must be set to Transparent. Also, if RF410 and RF411 radios will be in the same RF proximity, do not use 28, 44, 52, 56, or 60 for the RF410 Net Address. RF410 radios with Net Addresses of 28, 44, 52, and 56 interfere with RF411 radios with Net Addresses of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The RF410 Net Address of 60 interferes with all RF411 Net Addresses.
Campbell Scientific does not recommend using the RF411 in networks containing FGR-115 or RF450 radios.
Transparent and PakBus Protocols
Do not mix RF411 radios set to the Transparent protocol with RF411 or RF431 radios set to either of the PakBus protocols, since this will produce RF traffic without any RF communications. However radios with the PakBus Aware and PakBus Node settings can coexist in the same network (i.e., some radios set to PakBus Aware and some radios set to PakBus Node).
Enclosure Considerations
A desiccated, non-condensing environment is required. The 14162 Mounting Kit includes hardware for securing the RF411 to an enclosure backplate (see Ordering Info).
Documents
Downloads
RF401 Series OS v.04 (646 KB) 14-08-2008
Current RF401, RF411, RF416 firmware. Requires the Device Configuration Utility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Number of FAQs related to RF411: 4
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The RF411 is a 100 mW, 920 to 928 MHz radio that requires true line of sight. In a dry environment, with absolutely no physical obstruction to impair the line-of-sight path, and with the proper and elevated antennas, the expected range is up to 10 miles.
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Yes. The BMP5 Direct SDK can communicate with the data logger as long as two conditions are met:
- The communications link between the data logger and the computer is transparent.
- There are no excessive delays.
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Antenna selection depends on multiple criteria:
- Consider how many stations a particular station needs to communicate with. For remote stations in communication with only one repeater or base station, a directional or Yagi antenna may be an appropriate choice. In contrast, repeater stations that receive data from many different locations will probably require an omnidirectional antenna.
- Consider if a high-gain antenna is needed to overcome the path between two points. Higher-gain antennas are larger and more expensive.
To help with antenna selection and site placement, consider renting and using a demo kit to test the pathway quality. Campbell Scientific offers a 900 MHz demo kit for the RF401, RF430, CR206X, and AVW206, as well as a demo kit for the RF450. Contact Campbell Scientific for assistance.
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