RF401

900 MHz Spread-Spectrum Radio
RF401

RF401

End of lifeConfigurable

900 MHz Spread-Spectrum Radio

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Model:
RF401
Item Number:
RF401
Warranty:
1 year
Lead time:
21 days

Overview

OBSOLETE Spread Spectrum Radio (-25 to +50C) (incl SC12 & L10873 cable)

The RF401 has a 910 to 918 MHz operating frequency range, which is used in the US and Canada. This 100 mW spread-spectrum radio can transmit data to another RF401 radio, an RF430 radio, a CR206(X) datalogger, or an AVW206 vibrating-wire interface.

The RF401 supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications. It can serve as a field modem/radio while connected to the data logger or as a base station modem/radio while connected to a computer. The radio can also serve as a stand-alone RF router/repeater.

Technical Description

The RF401 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.

Benefits

  • Rugged, low-cost transceivers
  • Can be used in the field as a transceiver or in the office as the base station
  • Individual FCC license not required
  • 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
  • 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"
  • Designed for use in PakBus networks
  • Built-in setup menus allow access to advanced functionality

Specifications

Operating Frequency
910 to 918 MHz
Type
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Transceiver
RS-232 Baud 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
Frequency Control
Direct FM
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 data loggers supply power to the RF401 radio on this connector. Data loggers 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)

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

Standby
< 1 mA

(power-saving options used)

Receiving
24 mA
Transmitting
< 75 mA

Ships With

(2)

Related Resources

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Phone Numbers
General: (435) 227-9000
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Corporate Address
815 W 1800 N
Logan, UT 84321
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Email Address
sales@campbellsci.com

As a trusted leader in measurement systems for more than 50 years, our top priority at Campbell Scientific has always been to provide the most accurate, reliable data for research and industry.