Data Dolphin Tech Note

DS0202

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Multidrop Communications with the Data Dolphin Software
Introduction

Figure 1: Computer to Multidrop Data Dolphin Network Schema

A feature incorporated into Optimum’s new Data Dolphin is the ability to connect up to 255 Data Dolphins
together into a single network. Dolphins with this type of interconnection are able to take turns sharing a
single communication channel to an office PC. This eliminates the need to install expensive
communication modules in each of the Data Dolphins. Also, no extra switching equipment is necessary,
and only a single monthly charge is required when using a CDPD or telephone line connection. Each of
the Data Dolphins on this network still function independently according to their individual programs and
configuration.
This new communication method (known as Multidrop Communications) was introduced into the Data
Dolphin software in version 1.8.6. The software makes connecting to the network an easy process, and it
is possible to make a connection over a variety of mediums (such as spread spectrum radio, telephone
line, or wireless internet). This technote covers the steps involved in setting up the software for Multidrop
communications, connecting to a Data Dolphin network, and finally specifying an individual Data Dolphin
for communications.
Setting up the Data Dolphin software for Multidrop Communications
The first step in connecting to a Data Dolphin on a Multidrop network is to enable the Multidrop option in
the Data Dolphin software. By default, this option is disabled on installation. To enable the Multidrop
function, open the “Options” window by selecting “Options” from the “Tools” pulldown menu, or click on the
“Options” button on the toolbar. Click on the “Communications” tab to bring the communications page to
the front. In the Multidrop Network section of this page, click and fill the check box to enable Multidrop
Communications. You may, if you wish, specify the Dolphin you want to communicate with by entering the
last 4 digits of it’s serial number in the adjacent textbox.. It is not necessary to enter the Dolphin number
immediately as this number is easily accessible later (see the section,”Designating a Specific Dolphin”).

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Connecting to a Multidrop Network

Before communications can take place between a desktop or laptop computer and any networked Dolphin
a successful connection must first be made to the network. The Data Dolphin software has over five
distinct methods built into it to make this connection to the network. To help you identify and make your
particular connection, these methods are briefly described below. Consult the Data Dolphin software
manual for a more detailed description of each of these five methods:
• CDPD modem – if the computer on which you are running Data Dolphin software has an
internet connection, a CDPD modem may be used to connect to a Multidrop Dolphin Network.
Simply select “Connect to CDPD” from the connect menu and enter the host IP Address of the
CDPD modem. The Data Dolphin software will automatically initiate a communication session
with the CDPD modem connected to the Multidrop network.
• RS-232 – use this method to locally (or directly) connect to the Dolphin network using a special
crossover cable. This cable will be connected at the network end to a special RS-232 interface
board, and to the serial port of a laptop or desktop computer at the other. As this is the default
method of communication in the Data Dolphin software, no other steps are involved to create a
connection to the network.
• Spread Spectrum – for successful communications to a Multidrop network using this method,
ensure that your master radio is correctly configured and connected to your computer’s serial
port. Select “Radio Modem” from the “Connect” pulldown menu, and in the input box that
opens, enter the number of the remote radio unit connected to the Multidrop network. The
Data Dolphin software will then open the communication channel between the master and
remote radios.
• Telephone – if a telephone modem connects the Multidrop network to a dedicated phone line,
choose “Dial-up modem” from the “Connect” pulldown menu. In the input box that appears,
enter the phone number of the modem and the Data Dolphin will dial-up the modem and initiate
a communication session.
• Licensed Radio – this type of radio connects to your computer’s serial port and wirelessly
creates a connection similar to the default RS-232 cable connection described above; no extra
radio ID numbers are necessary to be entered. One radio is connected to your computer’s
serial port, and the other is connected to the Multidrop network via a special RS-232 interface
board.
Designating a Specific Dolphin
Regardless of the type of connection you make to the Multidrop Dolphin Network, you must specify which
Data Dolphin with which you wish to establish a communication session. All Data Dolphins on a Multidrop
network are simultaneously “listening” for communication signals marked with their unique digital
identification, sent to the network by the Data Dolphin software. This digital identification alerts its target
Dolphin that the communication signal is for it and it alone; it also informs all other Data Dolphins to ignore
the current signal. This digital identification is based on the Data Dolphin’s serial number and is encoded
into the Dolphin’s memory at Optimum Instruments during manufacture.
To specify the Data Dolphin you wish to connect with on the Multidrop network:
1. First, open the Networked Dolphin’s Serial Number input box. This is done by choosing “Networked
Dolphin’s SN” from the “Connect” pulldown menu, or by clicking on the “Dolphin SN” button on the
toolbar.

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Figure 2: Network Dolphin Toolbar button

Figure 3: Dolphin Serial Number Input Box

2. Enter the last four digits of the serial number of the Dolphin with which you wish to communicate and
click on the “OK” button. Any status update, input configurations and memory downloads will now be
directed to the Dolphin on the Multidrop network with this serial number.
This identification number can be changed using the above procedure at any time to redirect
communications to a different Dolphin on the network. Remember that a working communication
connection to the Multidrop network is necessary before any status update, input configurations and
memory downloads from a specific Data Dolphin are possible. A communication connection to the
network is not necessary to change the number. Also, this number is stored on the computer’s hard drive
so that the Data Dolphin software will “remember” the last Dolphin it connected to.

Optimum Instruments Inc. makes no warranty for the use of its products , other than those expressly contained in the Company’s standard
warranty. The Company assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this document, reserves the right to change devices or
specifications detailed herein at any time without notice, and does not make any commitment to update the information contained herein. No
licenses to patents or other intellectual property of Optimum are granted by the Company in connection with the sale of Optimum products,
expressly or by implication. Optimum’s products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems.

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