RF416

The RF416 spread-spectrum radio can be used for general purpose wireless data communication and supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint data logger communication. It can serve as a field modem/radio while connected to the data logger or as a base station modem/radio when connected to a computer.

The RF416 has a frequency range of 2.450 to 2.482 GHz, which is used in many countries worldwide. It can communicate with other RF416 radios, and RF432 radios, as well as the internal radio in CR216(X) dataloggers and AVW216 interfaces.

Note: The operating frequency band of this radio modem may be shared with other non-licensed services such as cordless telephones and with licensed services including emergency broadcast and air-traffic control.

Spread-spectrum radios spread the normally narrowband information signal over a relatively wide band of frequencies. This allows the communications to be highly immune to noise and interference from RF sources such as pagers, cellular phones, and multipath. The RF416 reduces susceptibility to RF interference from other spread-spectrum devices by providing user-selectable frequency-hopping patterns.

Spread spectrum radios, like all FCC Part 15 devices, are not allowed to cause harmful interference to licensed radio communications and must accept any interference that they receive. Most Campbell Scientific users operate in open or remote locations where interference is unlikely. If there is a problem, interference can be reduced using methods such as moving the device, reorienting or using a different type of antenna, or adding RF shielding.

Powering the Radio

At the base station, the RF416 is powered using the 15966 wall charger. At the field site, the RF416 is typically powered by the data logger through the CS I/O port. The #14291 Field Cable is required at the field site for the following situations:

• Radio connected to the data logger’s RS-232 port instead of the CS I/O port
• Data logger purchased before December 1997

Antennas

Campbell Scientific offers a variety of antennas for this radio. The 16005 is an omnidirectional 1/2-wave, 0 dBd, whip antenna that connects directly to the radio (no cable required) and can transmit short distances (up to 1 mile). The 17480 dipole antenna includes adhesive for window or wall mounting and a cable for connecting to the radio.

Our higher gain 30411 omnidirectional and 16755 Yagi antennas require a cable to connect them to the radio. The 31314 surge protector is available for radios susceptible to lightning or electrostatic buildup or when the cable length needs to be longer than 3 m (10 ft), as measured between the transceiver and the antenna.