Campbell Scientific RF310, RF312, RF313 Narrowband Radios - Manual (Page 18)

Section 2. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network
2-6
2.3 Install Nearest Repeater/Field Station
Now to install the nearest field station. If it communicates with the base station
via a repeater, the repeater station must also be installed.
Following is the order in which a general RF field station should be installed.
A repeater station is installed in the same order. For instructions on installing
any particular component, refer to either Section 3 of this manual or the
Weather Station Manual.
1. Tripod or tower
2. Enclosure and datalogger
3. Antenna - Orient correctly; remember direction and polarization
4. Solar Panel
5. Power Supply
6. Sensors
7. RF Modem - Set the Station ID according to the map
8. Radio - Make sure to connect to RF Modem, to power supply, and turn on
power supply
2.4 Test the Radiotelemetry Link
With the field station installed, return to the base station for initial testing of the
communication link. An RF link can also be tested at the field site with a
portable base station; hardware requirements for the portable base station are
described in Appendix B.
Testing begins with turning the RF310B base station on. A quick check of
connections is in order. Start PC208W software and open the Connect
Window. The “Station List” will show all dataloggers or field stations
available. Using the mouse, highlight the datalogger of interest then click on
the Connect button. The software requires about 15 seconds to establish a PC
to datalogger RF link. The computer is “talking” with the datalogger when the
first button to the right of the Connect button changes from Terminate to
Disconnect.
If you do not click on the Disconnect or Terminate button before closing the
Connect window, PC208W will automatically start calling the datalogger when
the Connect window is reopened.
2.4.1 A Successful Test
The test is considered successful if you establish communications between the
PC and the datalogger.
2.4.2 An Unsuccessful Test
When an RF test is unsuccessful, there are three ways to troubleshoot the
system: