This product is no longer available and has been replaced by: RF411A. Some accessories, replacement parts, or services may still be available.
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Overview
The RF431 spread-spectrum radio includes a USB port to make it easier to connect to newer computers that do not have RS-232 ports. This 100-mW spread-spectrum radio/modem operates in the 920- to 928-MHz frequency range, which is allocated for Australia/Israel. The RF431 can transmit data to another RF431 radio, an RF411 radio, or CR211(X) datalogger.
The RF431 supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications. Although it typically serves as a base station modem/radio, the RF430 can connect to the datalogger’s RS-232 port to serve as a field modem (requires a null modem cable and a field power cable).
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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
- USB port for connecting to a computer; RS-232 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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| CS I/O Ports | |
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| RS-232 Ports | |
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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 RF431 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.
RF431 and RF411 Differences
The RF431 radio is functionally the same as the RF411. The difference between the two is that the RF431 has USB and RS-232 ports, while the RF411 has RS-232 and CS I/O ports.
Specifications
| Operating Frequency | 920 to 928 MHz |
| Type | Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Transceiver |
| USB Baud Rate |
38.4k, 19.2k, 9600, 4800, or 1200 bps If an RF431 radio has an operating system prior to OS2, its USB port will only communicate at 38.4 kbps. Therefore, the operating system of an RF431 radio may need to be updated to a newer version if the network will contain data loggers that do not support 38.4 kbps (e.g., CR200(X), CR510, CR10X). |
| 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) |
| Power Connector | Barrel plug, center positive 12 V (used to connect the 14291 Field Power Cable) |
| 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 | 26 mA |
| Transmitting | 78 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) | ||
| CR10X (retired) | ||
| CR200X (retired) | ||
| CR211X (retired) | ||
| CR216X (retired) | ||
| CR23X (retired) | ||
| CR3000 (retired) | ||
| CR500 (retired) | ||
| CR5000 (retired) | ||
| CR510 (retired) | ||
| CR6 | ||
| CR800 (retired) | ||
| CR800 (retired) | ||
| CR850 (retired) | ||
| CR850 (retired) | ||
| CR9000 (retired) | Although compatible, RF431 radios do not support the CR9000(X)'s fastest communication rates, and are therefore not practical for many of their applications. | |
| CR9000X (retired) | Although compatible, RF431 radios do not support the CR9000(X)'s fastest communication rates, and are therefore not practical for many of their applications. |
Additional Compatibility Information
Communications
Other Spread-Spectrum Radios
Campbell Scientific does not recommend using the RF431 in networks containing FGR-115 or RF450 radios. However, RF431 radios can be used in networks containing RF411 and RF410 radios. RF431 radios in networks that include RF410 radios must use the Transparent protocol setting. Also, If RF410 and RF431 radios will be in the same RF proximity, do not use for the RF410 Net Address: 28, 44, 52, 56, or 60. RF410 radios with Net Addresses of 28, 44, 52, and 56 interfere with RF431 radios with Net Addresses of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The RF410 Net Address of 60 interferes with all RF431 Net Addresses.
Transparent and PakBus Protocols
Do not mix RF431 radios set to the Transparent protocol with RF431 or RF411 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).
Data Logger Considerations
If an RF431 radio has an operating system prior to OS2, its USB port will only communicate at 38.4 kbps. Therefore, the operating system of an RF431 radio may need to be updated to a newer version if the network will contain data loggers that do not support 38.4 kbps (e.g., CR200(X), CR510, CR10X).
Documents
Downloads
RF430 USB Drivers v.2.08.28 (1.64 MB) 05-03-2013
RF430 USB Drivers for the Windows operating system. 32 and 64 bit support for Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.
Note: Drivers should be loaded before plugging the RF430 into the computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Number of FAQs related to RF431: 2
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Download the RF430 driver from the Downloads page.
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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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