RF401A

900 MHz Spread-Spectrum Radio
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RF401A

OrderableConfigurable

900 MHz Spread-Spectrum Radio

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Model:
RF401A
Item Number:
RF401A
Warranty:
1 year
Lead time:
14 days

Overview

900MHz Spread Spectrum Radio

The RF401A is a 900 MHz radio designed for license-free use in several countries, including the United States and Canada. It provides a hassle-free way to create long-distance wireless links between your computer, data loggers, and measurement devices. The RF401A has a 910 to 918 MHz operating-frequency range and a configurable transmit-power output of 5 to 250 mW.

Campbell Scientific recommends the RF401A radios for existing installations that require compatibility with products such as the RF401, CR206X, CR211X, AVW206, and AVW211. For new installations, Campbell Scientific recommends using the RF407 or RF451.

Note: The image depicts the RF401A with an attached antenna. The antenna is sold separately.

Technical Description

The RF401A is a frequency hopping spread spectrum radio designed for 900 MHz license-free ISM band operation. It has a 910 to 918 MHz operating-frequency range and a configurable transmit power output of 5 to 250 mW. It provides one of three selectable active connections including CS I/O, RS-232, and USB. It has a reverse polarity SMA (RPSMA) antenna jack connection. It is over the air compatible with legacy 9XStream products including the RF400, RF401, RF430, CR205, CR206(X), and AVW206.

 

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

Radio Type
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
Frequency
910 to 918 MHz
Country Used In
US, Canada
Transmission Distance
-Note- Transmission distance assumes line-of-sight and appropriate antenna. Line-of-sight obstructions, RF interference, and antenna type will affect transmission distance.
Transmission Distance
Up to 1.61 km (1 mi) with omnidirectional antenna; up to 16.09 km (10 mi) with higher-gain directional antennas at ideal conditions
Power Output
5 to 250 mW

(software-selectable)

Receiver Sensitivity
-109 dBm

(Campbell Scientific protocols will issue retries wherever a bit error occurs.)

Channel Capacity
7 hop sequences share 25 frequencies.
RF Throughput Data Rate
9.6 kbps
Data Rate
10 kbps
Antenna Connector
Reverse Polarity SMA (RPSMA) jack
LEDs
Power on, Tx, Rx, diagnostics
RS-232 Baud Rate
1200 to 115200 bps
CS I/O Modes
SDC 7, 8, 10, 11, and ME master
Average Current Drain
Transmit: < 80 mA

(250 mW TX power)

Average Current Drain
Stand-by: < 0.5 mA

(depending on power-saving mode)

Average Current Drain
Receive: 15 mA
Power
9 to 16 Vdc
Power Connector
2.5 mm DC power jack
Operating Temperature Range
-25° to +50°C

(standard)

Operating Temperature Range
-40° to +85°C

(extended)

Communication Ports
RS-232 9 pin D female
Communication Ports
CS I/O 9 pin D male
Communication Ports
USB Type B jack
Service Requirements
Shares frequency with other devices.

Must not cause harmful interference to licensed radios. Requires line-of-sight.

Dimensions
11.1 x 6.9 x 2.7 cm

(4.4 x 2.7 x 1.1 in.)
Dimension are from the tip of antenna connector to other side of case, and from the bottom of case to the top of DB9 connector jack screw. The width includes the thickness of the screw heads on the screws that hold the case together.

Weight
136 g

(4.8 oz) without "Ships With" items

Weight
283.5 g

(10 oz) with "Ships With" items

Certifications

United States (FCC Part 15.247)
MCQ-XB900HP
Industry Canada (IC)
1846A-XB900HP

Ships With

(4)

Related Resources

Connect With Us

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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.