RF431

Name: RF431
Brand: Campbell Scientific
SKU: RF431
Availability: Discontinued

922-MHz Spread-Spectrum Radio

RF431

End of lifeConfigurable

922-MHz Spread-Spectrum Radio

Pricing

Model:: RF431
Item Number:: RF431
Warranty:: 1 year
Lead time:: 21 days

Overview

The RF431 spread-spectrum radio includes a USB port to make it easier to connect to newer computers that do not have RS-232 ports. This 100-mW spread-spectrum radio/modem operates in the 920- to 928-MHz frequency range, which is allocated for Australia/Israel. The RF431 can transmit data to another RF431 radio, an RF411 radio, or CR211(X) datalogger.

The RF431 supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications. Although it typically serves as a base station modem/radio, the RF430 can connect to the datalogger’s RS-232 port to serve as a field modem (requires a null modem cable and a field power cable).

Technical Description

The RF431 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.

RF431 and RF411 Differences

The RF431 radio is functionally the same as the RF411. The difference between the two is that the RF431 has USB and RS-232 ports, while the RF411 has RS-232 and CS I/O ports.

Benefits

Rugged, low-cost transceivers
Can be used in the field as a transceiver or in the office as the base station
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
USB port for connecting to a computer; RS-232 port for connecting to a data logger
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"
Built-in setup menus allow access to advanced functionality
Designed for use in PakBus networks

Specifications

Operating Frequency: 920 to 928 MHz
Type: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Transceiver
USB Baud Rate: 38.4k, 19.2k, 9600, 4800, or 1200 bps

If an RF431 radio has an operating system prior to OS2, its USB port will only communicate at 38.4 kbps. Therefore, the operating system of an RF431 radio may need to be updated to a newer version if the network will contain data loggers that do not support 38.4 kbps (e.g., CR200(X), CR510, CR10X).
RS-232 Data 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
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)
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)