CL4424
Industrial 2.4GHz ConnexLink
User’s Manual
Version 1.1
11160 THOMPSON AVENUE
LENEXA, KS 66215
(800) 492-2320
sales@aerocomm.com
FCC Information
FCC Notice
WARNING: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference and (2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
RF Exposure/Installation Instructions
WARNING: To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices,
this equipment must be professionally installed such that the end user is
prevented from replacing the antenna with a non-approved antenna. The
end user should also be prevented from being within 20cm of the antenna
during normal use with the exception of hands, feet, wrists and ankles.
The preceding statement must be included as a CAUTION statement in
manuals for OEM products to alert users on FCC RF Exposure compliance.
Caution: Any change or modification not expressly approved by
AeroComm could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
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Table of Contents
USER’S MANUAL...........................................................................................1
1. CL4424 RF TRANSCEIVER...................................................................................5
1.1
1.2
1.3
OVERVIEW ...........................................................................................................5
CL4424 SPECIFICATION.......................................................................................6
CL4424 INTERFACE .............................................................................................7
2. INTERFACING PROTOCOL ..............................................................................10
2.1
2.2
2.3
RS-232...............................................................................................................11
RS-485 (2-WIRE HALF DUPLEX)........................................................................13
HARDWARE FLOW CONTROL .............................................................................14
3. NETWORK TOPOLOGIES..................................................................................15
3.1
3.2
POINT-TO-POINT ................................................................................................15
POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT ......................................................................................15
4. CL4424 CONFIGURATION UTILITY SOFTWARE........................................16
4.1
4.2
INSTALLATION....................................................................................................16
CL4424 SETTINGS .............................................................................................16
ConnexLink Settings..................................................................................17
Optional Settings.......................................................................................18
PC Settings................................................................................................18
Additional Features...................................................................................18
PROGRAMMING THE CL4424 UNITS...................................................................19
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.3
5. TROUBLESHOOTING .........................................................................................20
Figures
Figure 1- RS-232/RS-485 CL4424 Front View..............................................................7
Figure 2- RS-232 CL4424 Back View ............................................................................8
Figure 3- RS-485 CL4424 Back View ............................................................................8
Figure 4- CL4424 Mechanical Diagram.........................................................................9
Figure 5- RS-232 Male/Female Connector Pin out ...................................................11
Figure 6- DCE to DTE Interface ....................................................................................11
Figure 7- DCE to DCE Interface ...................................................................................13
Figure 8- Point-to-Point Network..................................................................................15
Figure 9- Multiple Networks of Point-to-Multipoint CL4424s ...................................15
Tables
Table 1 – DTE, DCE and Null Modem Signal Definitions .........................................10
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1. CL4424 RF Transceiver
The CL4424 transceiver is a Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) radio designed for
license-free operation in the 2.4GHz ISM band. Out-of-the box, the radio sustains a standard
asynchronous serial data stream between two or more radios. Housed in a compact and rugged
die-cast enclosure, the radio is equipped to replace thousands of meters of serial cable with its
wireless link. The radio features an RS-232 or RS-485 interface for integration into legacy data
systems.
Features
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
Durable Industrial grade enclosure
Transparent operation, supports any legacy system
Transmits around corners, through walls
Reliable communication up to 115.2Kbps
1.1
Overview
The CL4424 uses Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum modulation, where the units “hop” from
frequency to frequency many times per second using a specific hop pattern applied to all the
transceivers in the same network. A distinct hopping pattern is provided for each Channel
Number, thereby allowing multiple networks to co-exist in the same area without interference.
CL4424 transceivers operate in a Point-to-Point or Point-to-Multipoint, Client-Server or Peer-to-
Peer architecture. One transceiver is configured as a Server and there can be one or many
Clients. To establish synchronization between transceivers, the Server emits a beacon. Upon
detecting a beacon, a Client transceiver informs its Host and a RF link is established.
CL4424s implement a proprietary communication protocol to provide secure data transmissions.
Using FHSS technology, the data remains reliable over long distances. The use of license free
frequency bands ensures that the units are ready to use with no further certification
requirements.
Each unit is small and easily portable for use in mobile and temporary settings as well as for fixed
installations. The CL4424 configuration software enables custom configurations based on unique
application requirements.
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1.2
CL4424 Specification
Specifications
CL4424
TRANSCEIVER PERFORMANCE
Output power (w/ 3dBi antenna)
Transmission range
Data rate
100mW
Up to 500 feet (450m) indoors; Up to 1 mile (1.6 km) line-of-sight
Up to 115.2 Kbps
RF Data Rate
576kbps fixed
Receiver Sensitivity
Power Consumption (@ 12 Vdc)
Configuration software
NETWORKING AND SECURITY
Frequency band, RF Technology
Supported Network Topologies
Channels
-100dBm typical @ 576kbps RF Data Rate
102mA (50% Transmit/Receive duty cycle)
Easy-to-use Windows based software
2402 – 2478MHz, FHSS
Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint
40 US/Canada/Europe, 20 France
One byte System ID
Security
ANTENNA
RF Connector
RPSMA Jack
Type
1/2 Wave Dipole
ELECTRICAL
Electrical requirements
Power supply
Line voltage 100 – 120V (240V outside US);
6-foot cable, AC power connector
ENVIRONMENTAL
Environmental conditions
PHYSICAL
Operating temperature -40° to + 80°C; 10% to 90% humidity (non-condensing)
Dimensions
4.4 x 2.7 x 1.4 inches
Weight
6 oz (170 g)
Serial Connector
Power Jack Dimensions
Serial Cord length
DB-9 Male (RS-232), Terminal Block (RS-485)
0.100” diameter pin with 0.250” diameter opening. Center positive.
6 feet (183 cm)
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1.3
CL4424 Interface
CL4424 transceivers support RS-232/ RS-485 (2-wire Half Duplex) protocols. In a cabled
environment, the RS-485 protocol can tolerate high noise and push signals over long cable
lengths. RS-485 cabling can also communicate as far as 4000 feet (1200m) and offer multi-drop
capability where up to 32 nodes can be connected. RS-232 cabling is suitable for distances less
than 100 feet (30.5m) and only supports point-to-point communications. CL4424 transceivers
offer performance improvements over a standard cabled link. Distance and multipoint
communications are greatly enhanced. A selection of RS-232/RS-485 can be made when
ordering the CL4424s.
Figure 1- RS-232/RS-485 CL4424 Front View
Status LEDs
RPSMA Antenna Connector
Pwr Link Rx Tx
CL4424 Status LEDs
Description
LED
Pwr
Color
Green
On indicates that the unit is powered up.
On indicates the Client unit(s) and Server unit are in range of one
another. Link LED remains activated on Server units. Client units
activate the Link LED when in range of the Server unit.
Link
Red
Rx
Tx
Green
Red
When flashing, LED indicates CL4424 unit is receiving data.
When and flashing, LED indicates CL4424 unit is sending data.
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RS-232 Pin Assignments
Figure 2- RS-232 CL4424 Back View
DB9 Male Connector
Power Connector
Input /
Pin Description Output
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
O
O
I
DCD
TxD
RxD
DSR
GND
DTR
CTS
RTS
RI
1
6
5
9
O
I
O
I
O
RS-485 (2-wire Half Duplex) Terminal Block Pin Assignments
Figure 3- RS-485 CL4424 Back View
Terminal Block
Power Connector
Pin
Description
2
3
4
5
6
485- (485B)
No Connect
No Connect
485+ (485A)
GND
1
6
Note: Standard power is applied through the power connector. Alternative power is available via
the terminal block pins.
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CL4424 Mechanical Diagram
Figure 4- CL4424 Mechanical Diagram
1.170
0.536
Antenna Connector
SMA Jack, Reverse Polarity
0.538
0.060
0.000
Side View
Label Recess, 3.5w x 2.0h
0.150 dia. mounting holes
(4) places
2.750
2.375
2.000
9 Pin Male D-Connector
Status LEDs
Power Jack w/ 0.100 dia. pin and
0.250 opening, pin is PWR.
0.375
0.000
Top View
Note: All dimension in inches unless noted
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2. Interfacing Protocol
The CL4424 is a DCE (Data Communications Equipment). A DCE can be interfaced to a DTE
using a straight through serial cable (the serial cable provided with the CL4424 is a straight
through cable). Typically, PC’s are defined as a DTE and peripherals are defined as DCE. To
interface a DCE with another DCE, or a DTE with another DTE, a null modem (or a Crossover)
cable is required. The null modem simply swaps pins to convert a DCE to a DTE and vice-versa.
A null modem cable can be provided with the CL4424 on request.
The CL4424 transceivers support the following interface protocols
•
•
RS-232
RS-485 (2-wire) Half Duplex
Table 1 – DTE, DCE and Null Modem Signal Definitions
DCE Pin DCE Signal DCE DTE Pin DTE Signal
DTE
Null Modem Null Modem
Number
Name
DCD
TXD
RXD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
Direction Number
Name
DCD
RXD
TXD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
Direction Female DB9
Male DB9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
O
O
I
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
I
I
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
NC
3
O
O
2
I
6
5
O
I
I
O
I
4
8
O
O
7
I
NC
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2.1 RS-232
RS-232 is a single ended data transmission protocol. The RS-232 signals are represented by
voltage levels with respect to a system common (power / logic ground). The "idle" state (MARK)
has the signal level negative with respect to common, and the "active" state (SPACE) has the
signal level positive with respect to common. RS-232 has numerous handshaking lines (primarily
used with modems), and also specifies a communications protocol.
Figure 5- RS-232 Male/Female Connector Pin out
RS-232 DB9 Female Connector
RS-232 DB9 Male Connector
Pin
Description
Pin
Description
NC
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
NC
DCD
TxD
RxD
DSR
GND
DTR
CTS
RTS
RI
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
DCD
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
Figure 6- DCE to DTE Interface
CL4424 Modem
OEM Host/PC
CTS
CTS
RTS
RTS
RXD
TXD
TXD
RXD
GND
DCD
GND
DCD
DSR
DSR
DTR
DTR
DCE
DTE
Straight Through Cable
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Figure 7- DCE to DCE Interface
CL4424 Modem
OEM Host
CTS
RTS
CTS
RTS
RXD
TXD
TXD
RXD
GND
DCD
GND
DCD
DSR
NC
NC
NC
NC
DSR
DTR
RI
DTR
RI
DCE
DCE
Crossover Cable
Note: The Straight Through Cable provided with the CL4424 has female connectors on both
ends and the Crossover cable has a male connector at one end and a female connector at the
other end. Please use a male-to-male adapter or female-to-female adapter wherever required.
Using a null modem adapter with a Crossover cable is equivalent to using a Straight Through
cable.
2.2
RS-485 (2-wire Half Duplex)
The RS-485 interface uses a Differential Data Transmission that can help nullify the effects of
ground shifts and induced noise signals that can appear as common mode voltages on a
network.
The CL4424 implements a RS-485 (2-wire Half Duplex) multi-drop interface. Typically, a RS-485
bus will consist of a master and several slaves. The nodes will have unique addresses and can
send addressed packets to specific nodes. Because the bus is half duplex, no two nodes should
try to talk at the same time. The CL4424 does not have a RS-485 address, therefore, it will
transmit all RS-485 traffic over the RF. Conversely, as soon as a CL4424 receives a packet over
the RF, it will transmit the packet over the RS-485 bus.
Note: When using RS-485 (2-wire Half Duplex), a RS-485 to RS-232 converter is required to
configure the unit. AeroComm recommends a B&B Electronics 4WSD9R converter to translate
RS-485 to RS-232.
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2.3
Hardware Flow Control
Often, the host device can send data to the CL4424 faster than it can be sent over the RF. The
CL4424 has a 256 byte buffer to store data before sending it over the RF. If the host device is
sending data faster than the CL4424 can send it out, eventually, the buffer will fill up. If the host
device continues to send data while the CL4424 buffer is full, that data will be discarded. To
avoid this situation, the CL4424 will de-assert CTS as a warning that the buffer is filling. The host
device should stop sending data. When the CL4424 is able to free some buffer space, it will
assert CTS and the host device can continue sending data. Similarly, if RTS is enabled in the
CL4424, the host device can throttle the CL4424 by de-asserting RTS. Note: CTS is always
enabled by default. RS-485 Interface does not support Hardware flow control and RTS mode
should not be enabled on a RS-485 CL4424.
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3. Network Topologies
Topology refers to the shape of a network, or the network's layout. How different nodes in a
network are connected to each other and how they communicate is determined by the network's
topology. The CL4424s support a Point-to-Point and a Point-to-Multipoint network topology.
3.1
Point-to-Point
A point-to-point system is a simple arrangement consisting of just two CL4424s - a Server and a
Client. Sometimes referred to as a wireless bridge, a point-to-point link replaces a single
communications cable. A point-to-point link might be used to connect a PLC to a remote
monitoring station.
Figure 8- Point-to-Point Network
OEM HOST
(Remote Monitoring
Station)
OEM HOST
(PLC)
Server
Client
3.2
Point-to-Multipoint
Point-to-Multipoint systems have one base station, or access point, that controls communications
with all of the other wireless nodes in the network. This allows for the creation of a wireless
network consisting of multiple nodes. By programming each CL4424 with a network specific
Channel Number and System ID multiple networks can be created as shown below.
Figure 9- Multiple Networks of Point-to-Multipoint CL4424s
Example: Channel Number = 25
System ID = 256
Example: Channel Number = 23
System ID = 123
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CL4424 User’s Manual
4. CL4424 Configuration Utility Software
AeroComm provides the easy to use CL4424 Utility Software for programming the CL4424. The
software is compatible with Microsoft® Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, NT and XP. CL4424s are
plug-and-play devices that work with minimal or no configuration.
Advanced users may refer to the AC4424 User’s Manual for more details about the radio’s
operation and additional configuration options. The SDK Software can be used to enable and
demonstrate these options. The SDK Software and AC4424 User’s manual can be found on the
4.1
Installation
1. Locate the CL4424 Configuration Utility, 900 MHz link in the Software section of the Connex Tools
& Literature CD. This software is also available at
2. When prompted, select the directory where the program files will be installed.
3. When finished, a window will be displayed indicating a successful installation. Click OK.
4.2
CL4424 Settings
The CL4424 Settings Page is shown below, as it will appear the first time the
program is run.
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4.2.1 ConnexLink Settings
Client/Server: Designates CL4424 type. In each network, there must be only one Server. All
other CL4424 units must be programmed as Clients. The number of Clients in the network is not
limited; however, if performance diminishes due to the number of CL4424s that need to access
the network, consider additional RF Networks.
Interface Baud Rate: This defines the baud rate used for communicating with the CL4424 over
the serial interface. The RF baud rate is fixed at 576kbps and is independent of the Interface
Baud Rate. The default baud rate setting is 115,200 bps unless the units have been pre-
configured by AeroComm. The Interface Baud Rate setting of the CL4424 must match the Baud
Rate setting of its host device.
Random Back Off: In an asynchronous network where any node can talk at any time, the
CL4424 can be programmed to use Random Back Off to mitigate the RF Link. If two nodes try to
send packets at the same time, the packets will collide over the RF and will not be received by
the destination node. If Random Back Off is enabled when this occurs, both radios will generate
a random amount of time (in 8ms increments) to wait before retrying.
Channel Number: The CL4424 is a frequency hopping transceiver. Each Channel Number
designates a unique hopping sequence and constitutes an independent network of CL4424
units. Up to 40 independent networks can be created (up to 20 in France). Multiple Servers
operating in the same coverage area must be programmed with different Channel Numbers to
prevent inoperability of the networks. The valid range of values for this field is 0 to 39.
Table 1 – US and International RF Channel Number Settings
Channel RF Channel Number Frequency Range
Countries
Set
Range
1
0 – 19
2406 – 2435MHz US,Canada, Europe, France
2
20 – 39
2444 – 2472MHz
US, Canada, Europe
Max Transmit Retries (For all Clients and for Servers in Point-to-Point networks): This value
represents the maximum number of times a particular data packet will be transmitted
unsuccessfully, or without an acknowledgement, before the CL4424 discards the packet. The
default value is 16 attempts. If communication is lost and the Client’s Link LED is on, try
increasing this value in small increments until communication is reestablished. The valid range
of values for this field is 0 to 255.
Broadcast Attempts (For Servers in Point-to-Multipoint networks): This value represents the
number of times a data packet will be transmitted by the Point-to-Multipoint Server. The default
value is 4 attempts. If communication is lost and the Clients’ Link LED is on, try increasing this
value in small increments until communication is reestablished. The valid range of values for this
field is 0 to 255.
System Identification: A number from 0 to 256 that provides added security to each independent
network of CL4424 units. The System ID serves as an RF password to maintain secure transfers
of data. The System ID will not prevent inoperability that occurs from locating multiple Servers
with the same Channel Number in the same coverage area.
Important Note: Collocated CL4424 networks must operate on different Channel Numbers. All
units in a given CL4424 network must have identical Channel Numbers and System IDs.
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Destination Address: Programmed in the Point-to-Point Server, Destination Address is the MAC
Address of the CL4424 Client. Used to optimize Point-to-Point communications by utilizing RF
Acknowledgement.
RF Delivery: Shows if the CL4424 is configured in Broadcast mode or Addressed mode. This is
controlled by the System Config selection that was made when the CL4424 was configured.
Firmware Version: Displays the CL4424’s firmware version.
MAC Address: A unique 6 Byte, IEEE 802.3 Ethernet address assigned by AeroComm to each
CL4424.
4.2.2 Optional Settings
RTS Enable: Enables the Request To Send control line. When enabled, enables Hardware Flow
Control. Refer to Section 2.3 Hardware Flow Control.
Full Duplex: This mode restricts Client radios to transmitting on odd numbered frequency hop
bins and the Server to even numbered frequency hop bins. Though the RF hardware is still
technically half duplex, it makes the transceiver seem full duplex. This can cause overall
throughputs to be cut in half. Note: All transceivers on the same network must have the same
setting for Full Duplex.
4.2.3 PC Settings
Port: On startup, the software will search the Windows Registry to locate all serial
communications ports. It will designate each port it finds by displaying the full Windows identifier
for the port. Select the port that is connected to the CL4424 unit.
Baud Rate: Must be equal to the Interface Baud Rate setting of the CL4424 unit that is to be
configured.
System Config: Type of CL4424 network to be configured. Valid choices are Point-to-Point (one
Server and one Client) or Point-to-Multipoint (one Server and multiple Clients).
Attention: When setting up a Point-to-Point network the Server’s Destination address must be
programmed with the Client’s MAC Address.
4.2.4 Additional Features
Show Defaults: When this button is clicked, the default values will be shown for all the
ConnexLink Settings parameters.
Save File: This will save all the ConnexLink Settings parameters to a file.
Load File: This will load a previously saved file and put all the values from that file into the
ConnexLink Settings parameters.
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4.3
Programming The CL4424 units
1. Connect a CL4424 unit to the serial communications port on the PC.
2. Connect the power supply to the CL4424 unit. Make sure the Pwr LED is on.
3. Start the CL4424 Configuration Utility.
4. Select the COM Port that is connected to the CL4424 unit on the PC Settings section.
5. Select the Interface Baud Rate of the CL4424 unit. All CL4424 units are shipped with a
default rate of 115,200 bps (unless units have been pre-configured to match specific serial
settings). If the Interface Baud Rate of the CL4424 unit is changed as described in Section
4.2 Changing CL4424 Settings, then PC Setting Baud Rate must be set to the same Baud
Rate to allow proper programming of the units.
6. Select the System Configuration for the CL4424 network, Point-to-Point (one Server and one
Client) or Point-to-Multipoint (one Server and multiple Clients).
7. Select Read Radio to display the current settings of the CL4424 unit.
8. Change desired settings.
9. After all changes have been made, select Write Radio to save the changes.
10. Cycle Power to the unit after all changes has been saved. This will set the CL4424 unit to its
normal mode of operation.
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5. Troubleshooting
Problem
Solution
Read Radio displays error message: “Radio not
responding.”
1. Verify the PC Settings. See Section 4.2.3 PC
Settings.
2. Make sure the CL4424 unit uses the right serial
cable. Refer to Section 2.1 RS-232.
3. If any other program is running and is using the
same COM port as the CL4424, close that
program and try to read the radio again.
4. Reset the radio by cycling power after each
unsuccessful Read.
Write Radio displays error message: “Radio not
responding.”
1.
2.
Cycle power to the radio.
Read the radio and make desired changes and
then Write the radio.
Garbled Data received.
1. Verify that the baud rate of the CL4424 matches
that of the CL4424 host device.
Client’s Link LED does not come on.
1. Make sure the unit is connected to power.
2. Cycle power to the radio.
3. Verify the Channel Number and System ID
settings.
Link LED is on, but data does not get transmitted or
received.
1. Make sure the CL4424 unit(s) is connected to
the correct COM Port.
2. Check the COM port settings for correct Baud
Rate. Units can have transmission errors with
Flow Control set to Xon/Xoff.
3. Try increasing the Maximum Transmit Attempts
(for Clients) and/or Broadcast Attempts (for
Servers) values in small increments until
communication is established.
4. Connect a Null Modem adapter between the
Client and its host device.
5. Check the Destination Address setting.
If these troubleshooting tips do not resolve the problem, please call our toll free number at:
(800) 492-2320, extension 207. Technical support hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to
5:00 pm Central Standard Time.
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