Info on the VFM Radio Module

Date: 2007-12-10
from:
Schenck Process
Departm.
Author
Phone
eMail

Page 1

BVEP
Dr. Rauchschwalbe
+49(0)6151/32-3374
u.rauchschwalbe@schenckprocess

Sales and Service Information

VFM 2800x Radio Module

1. General Information
Pairs of VFM 2800x radio modules are used to replace serial (RS232) point-topoint connections with wireless radio links. Among their applications are:
- Connecting a printer at the base of a crane scales
- Control of a large display
- Communication between a DISOMAT and a mirror device
- Communication with a DISOBOX
The radio modules are available in various designs, depending on the devices to
be connected. However, the engineering and handling of the modules is always
the same.
Type
VFM 28001

VFM 28002
VFM 28003

Description
Radio module integrated into an IP65 plastic
housing, 75 x 190 x 55 mm (DKK 50), 24
VDC supply
Radio modules integrated into a DISOBOX
Power supplied by the main unit
Radio module integrated into a DISOMAT
Tersus. Power supplied by the main unit

Material Number
V051526.B01

V053988.B01
V053989.B01

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2. Technical Specifications
Frequency range
Transmitting power
Baud rate
(serial interface)
Range

868 870 MHz

20 mW model
Max. 115 kBaud
1000 m with good visibility if the antenna is located in
an optimal position, according to the manufacturer's
data. Recommendation: 250 m ought to be attainable
with intervisibility between the modules - a test should
be performed to confirm contact. We recommend you
use the external module if the DISOMAT has been
placed in an unfavorable location or is integrated into
a (metallic) field housing - the power can be supplied
by the DISOMAT.

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3. Configuration
If only one pair of radio modules is used to connect a printer, a second display or
other serially connected device, they do not have to be specially configured and
can be operated with the standard settings.
If this is the case, the interface of the connected device (DISOMAT, display,
printer) must be set to 9600 baud, 8 bit, no parity, 1 stop bit.
3.1. Electrical Connection
If a radio module is integrated into a DISOBOX / DISOMAT Tersus it is installed
in the fieldbus slot and is connected (power supply, serial) using the flat cable.
Configuration in the main unit: as with an interface expansion VSS 021, i.e. XFB
or S4.
In the external module variant the connection is made with the Phoenix clamp,
the terminal diagram can be found in the unit (or see below).
In this case power is supplied by an external power supply unit. The following
variations are available:
VNT 28052
V030322.B01
Field housing IP65
V021212.B01
Top hat rail variant
V020281.B01
Wall power supply
3.2. Jumper Settings
Installation
DISOBOX
DISOMAT Tersus
Field housing

W1 W2
2-3
2-3
12

W3 W4
1-2
2-3
1-2

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4. Configuration in Detail
The core of the module is the AMB8350 componentry from the company AMBER
wireless GmbH. A detailed manual for this componentry and for the AMBER
Config Center (ACC.exe) configuration program used below can be found on the
DISOMAT documentation CD that is supplied with each device.
4.1. Standard Configuration
The modules leave the factory with the following configuration:
Node number:
Comm. partner:
Baud rate:
Flow control:
Operating mode:
RF Frequency:
RF Channel:
RF Data rate:

1
1
9600,8,N,1
disabled
(0)
Addressed & ACK (1)
869.426 MHz
35
5kbps Manchester (1)

A pair of modules can be used for transmission with 9600 baud with these
standard settings without requiring further adjustments (printer, large display).
4.2. Altering the Configuration
Alterations are only necessary
- If more than one transmission path is to be operated in close proximity
- If higher transmission rates are required for the application (DISONET for
DISOBOX or mirror device)
- If the configuration was altered for any reason
The VSB 5 pole plug is always used for configuration. The VFM28002 or
VFM28003 modules must be removed from any devices into which they have
been installed (DISOMAT, DISOCONT, ...).
To configure the modules, the jumpers W1 to W4 must be placed into position 12 on the lower card.
Configuration of the VSB plug for connection to a PC COM port:
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
Pin 4
Pin 5

GND, Pin 5 of the PC

RXD, TD (Pin 3) of the PC
RXD, RD (Pin 2) of the PC
0V
24V

To configure, connect the VSB plug's pins 1-3 to the PC COM interface and pins

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4-5 to the power supply and then start the ACC.exe program.
Once the power supply has been turned on, the red LED should light up on the
module and the yellow LED should blink at a rate of once per second (module is
ready for transmission).
4.3. Configuration Procedure

Start ACC.exe

Select and open the serial interface

Device Interface->Open
Establish connection:
Device Interface->Connect
Turn the voltage supply off/on
(The manufacturer code is displayed in the message window and the read
button is enabled)
Read and edit data:
Device settings->Read settings
and
Device settings->Edit settings

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The "ABM8350 Settings" window then opens and the relevant settings can be
made.

Acknowledge the changes with:

OK
The initial screen then reappears and the settings can be saved using:
Device settings->Save settings

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5. Special Cases
5.1. Several Pairs in the Same System
Two pairs of modules cannot be operated independently on the same operating
frequency; each pair must be allocated a separate channel and frequency. The
list of available values can be found in the AMB8350 manual. We recommend
setting as large a distance between channels as possible. Additionally, prohibited
channels may not be used, and we recommend not using channels with very
short duty cycles. This means that a second pair of modules is best configured in
the channel range 0-13.
Also, any further pairs must be allocated an address other than the default 1.
Both subscribers of the module pairs are allocated different addresses; the
address of the corresponding device is entered in 'Comm Partner'.
5.2. Connecting 2 Devices of the DISOMAT Series as a DISONET
Substitute
The max. baud rate set in the standard configuration is insufficient for operating a
DISONET.
In this case the devices must be reconfigured to
38.400 baud, 8 bit, no parity, 1 stop bit, and to
Operating mode 5 (addressed transmission, saved with Acknowledge)