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RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data
Radio/Modems
1. Introduction
This manual covers the RF400 series radios — the RF400, RF410, and RF415.
These radios differ from one another primarily in the radio frequencies at
which they communicate. In this manual the term “RF400” can refer to the
“RF400 series” or to that specific model. For clarity we will sometimes add
“900 MHz.”
The RF400 is a 900 MHz, frequency hopping, spread spectrum, data
radio/modem for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications. An
excellent receiver combined with 100 mW transmitter power make possible,
depending on path specifics, communication distances of 1/4 to 5 miles using
omni-directional antennas and 10 to 20 miles using 9 dBd directional antennas
(see Appendix H for a discussion of antenna gain and other factors affecting
distance).
The RF410 differs from the RF400 in that it operates at 922 MHz for regions
such as Australia, New Zealand, and Israel. The RF410’s communication
range is the same as that of the RF400.
The RF415 is a 2.4 GHz version with 50 mW transmitter intended mainly for
certain European and Asian markets. Communication distances vary from 300
feet (indoors) to ¼ mile (100 to 400 meters) with omni-directional antennas to
over 12 miles (19 kilometers) with gain antennas and optimal terrain.
Users do not normally need a communications authority license for the RF400
series configurations described in this manual including U.S. Government
Agencies regulated by NTIA Annex K. The 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz bands are
shared with other non-licensed services such as cordless telephones and with
licensed services including emergency, broadcast, and air-traffic control, so
band usage will vary from location to location as will man-made noise. Spread
spectrum technology resists noise and interference; however, the user may
wish to test communications on site using Quick Start (Section 3) before
committing to its use.
The RF400 operates from a 12 VDC power supply. The RF400’s low standby
current modes allow it to operate at remote sites on small power budgets.
The RF400 was designed for ease of installation. It works in many
applications “out of the box” with default settings.