BLIZZARD
USB / RS232 Radio MODEM
Features:
• Plug ’n’ Play RF Modem
• Direct Cable Replacement
• Range 1KM
• Host Data Rates up to 38,400 Baud
• RF Data Rates to 115Kbps
• Waterproof IP68 Enclosure
• 8 User Selectable Channels
• CE Compliant for Licence Free Use
• FCC Approved for Use in USA
• 100mW Transmit Power (+20dBm)
Intended Use
• Receiver Sensitivity –116dBm
•
USB/RS232 Cable Replacement
•
M2M Communications
•
Remote Networking
Description:
The BLIZZARD radio modem is a simple to use and very versatile. It can operate as a PC or M2M,
one to one cable replacement link, multiple master/slave arrangements or broadcast modes.
Operation Modes
One-to-One operation: for point to point cable replacement.
Broadcast Mode: where a single master BLIZZARD addresses many other BLIZZARDS
concurrently. (Using many BLIZZARD modem set to the same address).
One-to-Many: a network consisting a master BLIZZARD and many slave BLIZZARD (the slaves all
have the same address).
Many-to-One: where the transmitters all send to a single receiver address.
Because each Blizzard modem can contain a unique address, multiple Blizzard modem networks can
co-exist in the same area.
Ordering Information
Part No
Description
BLIZZARD-868
Radio Modem 868MHz
PSU-12V1AIN-IP
Power Supply 12V 1A IP67
DS-BLIZZARD-3
Blizzard Radio Modem
Overview - What’s in the box?
Supplied with the Blizzard modem:
1.
Modem PCB assembly
2.
IP68 enclosure with sealing gaskets and cable gland
3.
RS232 cable lead
4.
USB cable lead
5.
Screw fit M4 thread antenna.
NOTE: In order to make use of the IP68 waterproof enclosure then it may be necessary to cut
off and replace the connector on the end of the cable lead because it is not possible to pass
through the cable gland.
Alternatively - use the USB lead.
NOTE: It is not possible to connect an external antenna to the BLIZZARD.
The schematic diagram of the PCB assembly showing connections required to interface the on
board connectors is provided later in this datasheet.
NOTES on optimising range
In order to obtain greatest range ensure the following:
1.
Use an external 12Vdc supply (i.e. don't rely on the USB power cable)
2.
Use the slowest RF data rate setting
3.
Position the BLIZZARD high off the ground and in free space.
Blizzard Radio Modem
Inside the Blizzard Modem
Antenna
Connection
Config Links
- Sleep Mode
- Address Write
- Baud Rate Select
RS232 / USB
Selection Links
PCB Dimensions
90 X 55mm
RS232
USB
Power In
USB / D links (LK2,3,4,5)
For USB connect all links from centre to ’USB’ side.
For RS232 connect all links from centre to ‘RS232’ side.
Power
When using USB host connection there is no requirement to provide external power although
the range will be improved with an external 12V source.
Serial data format
Baud rate: Defined by DR1 and DR2 Pins, 8 data bits, No parity, 1 stop bits.
Flow control: Hardware CTS / RTS.
CTS, RTS
Clear-to-Send and Request-to-Send are standard data flow control used in RS232 systems.
Note:
If you do not intend to use handshaking, it is possible to tie the RTS pin to GND and use the
modules without. In this configuration the BLIZZARD modem module will send all data in its
buffer after a 10ms timeout. Up to 57bytes can be buffered before data is lost. A minimum of
15ms should be al-lowed before new data is sent to the module after each packet. This is not
a recommended method of operation.
Tx / Rx LED
The LED’s operates whenever there is RF activity.
DR1 - DR2
These inputs define the host interface baud rate. They are read when RESET pin goes high.
Tip: It is good practice to operate the host interface at half the speed of the RF data rate (set
by Register R5).
DR1
Open
Open
Fitted
Fitted
DR2
Open
Fitted
Open
Fitted
Host baud rate
4,800
9,600
19,200
38,400
Blizzard Radio Modem
Operational Overview
Networking
One-to-One: For point to point data communication
One-to-Many/Broadcast: A network consisting a master and many slaves (all receivers have
the same address)
Many-to-One: Where all transmitters with different addresses send to a single receiver
address.
Note: Because each BLIZZARD modem module can be given a unique address, multiple
BLIZZARD networks can co-exist in the same area. This type of operation requires clear timing
between transmissions or corruption of packets can occur.
Addressing Networks
Each BLIZZARD modem module has a generic pre-configured default address (7F7F7F). This
can be modified during configuration. When data received via RF it is examined and the address
header embedded with-in it is compared with its address. Only data received with matching
address will be processed and out-put to the host, all other data will be discarded.
When sending data, the BLIZZARD modem module has a default destination address set to
7F7F7F, this can be user configured.
By setting the two addresses appropriately the above network types can be easily achieved.
Operating Modes
Configuration Mode: In configuration mode the BLIZZARD modem module can receive
commands to set internal registers to define its eventual operation. In this mode the
BLIZZARD modem module is ‘Offline’ and cannot send or receive RF data.
Normal Operation: The BLIZZARD modem module is ’Online’ automatically transmitting and
receiving data from its serial interface across its RF network.
Acknowledge Secure Mode: In this mode each time a BLIZZARD modem module transmits an
RF packet, an additional ‘packet ID’ is added. This ID is a rolling verification counter to
receiving BLIZZARD modem modules.
Any correctly addressed receiving BLIZZARD modem module replies with an RF
acknowledgment also containing the ‘packet ID’. If the transmitting BLIZZARD fails to receive
the expected acknowledgement it will transmit the packet again (up to 10 times).
Host Terminal Software
Any Terminal emulation program can interface the Blizzard modem, one we have found to be
easy to use and powerful is ‘Terminal’ - This can be downloaded from:
https://sites.google.com/site/terminalbpp/
Ping-Pong Mode
This test mode is built into the modem to enable two modems to pin pong signals to each
other and report the (RSSI) on the originating modem. To initiate ping pong;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Connect modems to host PC USB ports
Run your terminal emulation program
Determine the USB port modem is connected to (from device manager under
computer properties)
Set the terminal emulation to ‘port’ as above, 8, n, 1, CTS/RTS,
Enter AT mode by sending ’+++’
Send the character ’P’ from one modem. This modem will now ping and report back
the reply with RSSI indication
Blizzard Radio Modem
Configuration Mode (offline)
Commands can be set using a standard Terminal program or by sending the relevant ASCII
characters.
Each Command must be followed by the Carriage Return or ‘Enter’ except “+++”
Note All commands are entered in upper case
Command
Description
Response from Blizzard
Enter Configuration Mode
+++
?
F
H
Note: This command must be sent as
a string with no characters in front or
behind. This is to ensure that the +++
is not mistakenly received in mid-data.
( is not to be used with +++).
Retrieve the current register values
Pre-configured factory defaults;
R1=7F7F7F
R2=7F7F7F
R3 = Ch2 (869.450MHz)
R4 = 7
(+20dBm)
R5 = 1
(19K2)
Help
Ping Mode
This sends a ping request .
P
On receiving, the recipient Blizzard Modem will respond with its address and
the level of RSSI (Received Signal
Strength)
The Ping command is continuously repeated every 1 second until any command or character is entered.
Blizzard responds with status info
Blizzard responds with all register
values
‘OK’
Brief description of commands
The originating BLIZZARD modem
module will respond with the recipient BLIZZARD modems’ address.
eg.
Received from 7F7F7F (D5)
Where
7F7F7F = the recipient address
D5= RSSI
RSSI
Is a hex value corresponding to the
received signal strength
Min = 20hex
S
Save Configuration
‘SAVED’
Q
Exit configuration mode and return to
online mode
No response
Blizzard Radio Modem
Register Setting (Configuration Mode)
The internal registers enable various parameters to be controlled.
To set a register type ‘R#=x’ where # is the register number (1-6) and x is the value to set
For example, to set the channel to channel 3 type : R3=3
(Where is carriage return or enter on the keyboard) The modem will then return ‘OK’ or
‘Error’ if an incorrect command is entered. Save the changes by typing : S
The modem will return with ‘SAVED’
Default values are shown in BOLD
Register
Value Range
R1
0000 - FFFFFF
(24 bit address)
R2
0000 - FFFFFF
(24 bit address)
R3
Description
Example
Sets the recipient Blizzard
modem Address
R1=0001
(Data sent is addressed to Blizzard modem with address
0001)
Set own Blizzard Modem
address
R2=F001
(Data sent is from Blizzard modem with address F001)
Set RF channel
R3=2
(Transmit on Channel 2)
Set the RF Transmit Power
output*
R4=7
(sets Transmit Power to max)*
Set the RF baud rate*
R5=3
(sets the RF data rate to
56Kbps)
CH0 to CH4
0 = +1dBm
1 = +2dBm
2 = +5dBm
3 = +8dBm
4 = +11dBm
5 = +14dBm
6 = +17dBm
7 = +20dBm
R4
0
1
2
3
R5
= 9,600
= 19,200
= 28,800
= 56,000
*Note:
•
Reducing Tx power reduces battery consumption!
•
Reducing the baud rate will increase the range!
RF Channel Selection 868MHz version
The EU standard sets maximum power transmission limits dependent on frequency, bandwidth
and application. Please check the relevant standards are being met when implementing your
Application. A rough guidance applicable to the BLIZZARD channel numbers is given below:
Channel
Number
0
1
2
3
4
Frequency
Centre (MHz)
868.400
868.900
869.450
869.600
869.800
EU Power Allowance
mW / dBm
25 / 14
25 / 14
100 / 20
100 / 20
25 / 14
Notes
Applicable standard - EN300220
Blizzard Radio Modem
Technical Specifications
Absolute maximums:
Temperature range: Storage –50 to +125oC.
Weight: SMT version 7grams, DIP Part 13grams
Parameter
Min
Max
Units
Supply Voltage
-0.3
25
V
Voltage on any Input
-0.3
Vcc+0.
V
+10
dBm
Max
Units
V
Max Input power (thro Antenna)
DC Characteristics
Parameter
Min
Typical
Supply Voltage
9
25
Operating Temperature
0
+70
C
o
Blizzard Tx Supply Current:
When Transmitting
100
mA
1
uA
When Receiving
18.5
mA
When sleeping
1
uA
When sleeping
Blizzard Rx Supply Current:
AC Characteristics
Parameter
Min
Operating Frequency 868MHz
Operating Frequency 915MHz
Operating Temperature
Band width per channel
Deviation
Typical
Max
Units
868
870
MHz
915.00
915.27
0
+70
C
o
100
KHz
45
KHz
Blizzard Tx MAX Output Power
+20
dBm
Blizzard Tx—Rx FSK Raw RF Data Rate
256
Kbps
Blizzard Rx Sensitivity
-116
dBm
Blizzard Radio Modem
Blizzard Modem Schematic
Blizzard Radio Modem
Simplified Declaration of Conformity (RED)
BG - С настоящото RF Solutions Limited декларира, че този тип радиосъоръжение дефинирани в този документ е в съответствие с Директива 2014/53/ЕС.
Цялостният текст на ЕС декларацията за съответствие може да се намери на следния интернет адрес: www.rfsolutions.co.uk
CS - Tímto RF Solutions Limited prohlašuje, že typ rádiového zařízení definované v tomto dokumentu je v souladu se směrnicí 2014/53/EU. Úplné
znění EU prohlášení o shodě je k dispozici na této internetové adrese: www.rfsolutions.co.uk
DA - Hermed erklærer RF Solutions Limited , at radioudstyrstypen defineret i dette dokument er i overensstemmelse med direktiv 2014/53/EU.
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EN - Hereby, RF Solutions Limited declares that the radio equipment type defined within this document is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/
EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: www.rfsolutions.co.uk
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Az EU-megfelelőségi nyilatkozat teljes szövege elérhető a következő internetes címen: www.rfsolutions.co.uk
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SK - RF Solutions Limited týmto vyhlasuje, že rádiové zariadenie typu definované v tomto dokumente je v súlade so smernicou 2014/53/EÚ. Úplné
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RF Solutions Ltd. Recycling Notice
Waste Batteries and Accumulators
Meets the following EC Directives:
Directive 2006/66/EC
DO NOT
Where batteries are fitted, before recycling
Discard with normal waste, please recycle.
the product, the batteries must be removed
ROHS Directive 2011/65/EU and amendment
and disposed of at a licensed collection point.
2015/863/EU
RF Solutions battery producer number:
Specifies certain limits for hazardous substances.
BPRN00060.
WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU
Waste electrical & electronic equipment. This product must be
disposed of through a licensed WEEE collection point. RF Solutions Ltd., fulfills its WEEE obligations by membership
of an approved compliance scheme. Environment Agency producer registration number: WEE/JB0104WV.
Disclaimer:
Whilst the information in this document is believed to be correct at the time of issue, RF Solutions Ltd does not accept any liability whatsoever for its accuracy, adequacy or completeness. No express or implied warranty or representation is given relating to the information contained in this document. RF Solutions Ltd reserves the right to make changes and improvements to the product(s) described her ein without
notice. Buyers and other users should determine for themselves the suitability of any such information or products for their own particular
requirements or specification(s). RF Solutions Ltd shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused as a result of user’s own determination of
how to deploy or use RF Solutions Ltd’s products. Use of RF Solutions Ltd products or components in life support and/or safety applications is not authorised except with express written approval. No licences are created, implicitly or otherwise, under any of RF Solutions Ltd’s
intellectual property rights. Liability for loss or damage resulting or caused by reliance on the information contained herein or from the use of
the product (including liability resulting from negligence or where RF Solutions Ltd was aware of the possibility of such los s or damage arising)
is excluded. This will not operate to limit or restrict RF Solutions Ltd’s liability for death or personal injury
resulting from its negligence.