DX80 Performance Configuration Software

Instruction Manual

Original Instructions
140628 Rev. L
28 June 2021
© Banner Engineering Corp. All rights reserved

140628
DX80 Performance Configuration Software

Contents
1 Sure Cross® DX80 Performance Configuration Software ..........................................................................................3
2 Quick Start Guide .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Installing the Software ......................................................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Menu Bar .........................................................................................................................................................................................4
2.3 Connection Settings .........................................................................................................................................................................5
3 Software Screens ..........................................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Configuration ....................................................................................................................................................................................7
3.1.1 Gateway or Node Parameters ................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.1.2 Gateway Device-Level Parameters ......................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.3 Node Device-Level Parameters ...............................................................................................................................................9
3.1.4 Input Parameters ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.5 Output Parameters ................................................................................................................................................................ 12
3.2 Linking ............................................................................................................................................................................................13
3.3 Network and Device ......................................................................................................................................................................14
3.4 Register View .................................................................................................................................................................................15
3.5 Device Restore ...............................................................................................................................................................................15
4 Configuration Instructions .........................................................................................................................................17
4.1 Inputs and Outputs .........................................................................................................................................................................17
4.1.1 Link the Gateway and Node Inputs and Outputs ...................................................................................................................17
4.1.2 Example Configuration -- Analog Inputs .................................................................................................................................17
4.2 Communication .............................................................................................................................................................................. 18
4.2.1 How Do You Monitor System Health? ................................................................................................................................... 18
4.2.2 Set the Report or Sample Rate ............................................................................................................................................. 20
4.2.3 What is Sampling on Demand? ............................................................................................................................................. 20
4.3 Conduct a Site Survey ................................................................................................................................................................... 21
4.3.1 Interpreting the Site Survey Results ....................................................................................................................................... 21
4.4 Set the Number of Devices in the System .................................................................................................................................... 22
4.5 Continuous or Host-Controlled Switch Power ............................................................................................................................... 22
4.5.1 Configure the Switch Power .................................................................................................................................................. 22
4.6 Parameter Definitions and Numbers ..............................................................................................................................................24
4.6.1 I/O Types (Parameter 0x02) ................................................................................................................................................... 26
4.7 Defining the Units ...........................................................................................................................................................................28
4.7.1 Input Units .............................................................................................................................................................................. 28
4.7.2 Output Units ...........................................................................................................................................................................29
4.7.3 Interpreting Register Values in the Banner Wireless System .................................................................................................29
4.7.4 Signed Numbers ....................................................................................................................................................................30
4.7.5 Mapping Unit Types ...............................................................................................................................................................31
5 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................................................... 33
5.1 Restore the Device to the Factory Default Settings ...................................................................................................................... 33
5.2 Read (or Write) Registers ............................................................................................................................................................. 33
6 Product Support ......................................................................................................................................................... 34
6.1 Contact Us ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
6.2 Banner Engineering Corp. Software Copyright Notice ...................................................................................................................34
6.3 Glossary of Wireless Terminology ................................................................................................................................................. 34
 DX80 Performance Configuration Software

1 Sure Cross® DX80 Performance Configuration

Software
The configuration software offers an easy way to link I/O points in your wireless network, view I/O register values, and set
system communication parameters when a host system is not part of the wireless network. The software runs on any
computer with the Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 operating system.
Figure 1. Device Configuration screen

Use a USB to RS-485 adapter cable to connect a standalone DX80 Gateway to the computer. For DXM Controllers with an
internal DX80 radio, connect a computer to the DXM Controller using the supplied USB or Ethernet connection. Download
the most recent revisions of the configuration software from Banner Engineering's website: https://
www.bannerengineering.com/us/en/products/wireless-sensor-networks/reference-library/software.html.
The USB to RS-485 adapter cable is not required for the DXM Controller. For standalone DX80 Gateway devices use:
• USB to RS-485 adapter cable model BWA-UCT-900 for 1 Watt radios
• USB to RS-485 adapter cable model BWA-HW-006 for all other radios

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DX80 Performance Configuration Software

2 Quick Start Guide

2.1 Installing the Software
The DX80 Performance Configuration Software uses a USB to RS-485 adapter cable to connect a standalone Sure Cross
Gateway to a PC. The DXM Controller connects directly to a PC using a USB or Ethernet cable.
Figure 2. BWA-UCT-900 RS485 to USB Adapter Cable

Before connecting a USB device, first download and run the DX80 Performance Configuration Software from Banner
Engineering Corp's website (www.bannerengineering.com/wireless). If the USB device is connected while the software is
installing, the driver installation may not finish properly.
To connect a Sure Cross wireless Gateway to a computer:
1. Complete the software installation. The program installs the DX80 Performance Configuration Software and the driver
for the Banner USB/485 converter.
2. Connect the USB end of the Banner USB/485 converter to a USB port on the computer. The computer should
recognize the Banner USB/485 device.
3. Connect a Banner wireless Gateway to the Euro-style connect end of the Banner USB/485 converter. The Gateway
device powers up. 1 When using a third-party USB/485 converter, manually wire the communication and power
connections. Refer to Banner’s Gateway datasheet for the wiring pinout configurations.
4. Launch the DX80 Performance Configuration Software.
5. Select the correct COMM port for the USB to RS-485 converter.
The DXM Controller ships from the factory with a USB cable to directly connect to a PC. An Ethernet connection is also an
option for configuration. Refer to the DXM Controller Instruction Manual (p/n 190037) for more information about defining an
IP address for an Ethernet connection.

2.2 Menu Bar

The File and Device menus select the basic file operations and communication configuration for the DX80 Gateway.
Access the File and Device menus from the menu bar.

File Menu
Exit—Closes the COMM port and exits the program. Any data that is not saved is lost.
Load—Loads a specific XML configuration file into the tool for editing. This XML configuration file is unique to the DX80
Performance Configuration Software and is not compatible with other configuration tool XML files.
New—Loads blank configuration settings into the tool.
Save—Saves the current settings in the configuration tool under the current XML file name. The program switches to Save
As if there is no XML file name assigned.
Save As—Saves the current settings in the configuration tool to a new file name specified by the user.

Device Menu
Traffic Watcher—Views all serial data traffic between the host and the connected radio. The Traffic Watcher logs file loads,
error messages, and data transfers.
Connection Settings—Sets the COMM port to communicate with the connected radio. There are four possible connection
with the DX80 Performance Configuration Software.

1 The Gateway will not remain powered up until the computer recognizes and configures the USB port. After plugging the USB/485 converter into the
computer’s USB port, wait about 10 seconds for the Gateway to be powered (LED 1 solid green).

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 DX80 Performance Configuration Software

Serial—Direct connection to the master radio using a RS485 to USB converter cable.
Modbus TCP—Ethernet connection to a DX80 Gateway Pro device.
Serial DXM—Connecting to a DXM internal ISM radio using USB
TCP DXM—Connecting to a DXM internal ISM radio using Ethernet; select the VPN checkbox only when your DXM is
connected to the Internet via a VPN
Minimize Data Traffic—Allows the configuration tool to only write data to a Node that has changed. For example, if
parameter contents are read from the Node and then the user changes one field, the tool only writes one field back to the
Node. Default is ON—the configuration tool minimizes the data traffic.
Use Legacy Commands for Device Communications—Older DX80 devices do not support access to device-level system
parameters. Select this option to use of legacy commands to DX80 devices. This slows down communications between the
PC and DX80 devices.
Use Site Survey for Node Traffic—Allows the configuration tool to put a Node into site survey mode to increase the data
transfer rate between the Gateway and the Node. The communications rate is slower to FlexPower Nodes to optimize battery
life. Default is ON—the configuration tool turns on Site Survey to increase data rates to FlexPower devices.

2.3 Connection Settings

The configuration software connects directly to a standalone parent radio using the USB to RS-485 adapter cable. When
using a DXM Controller, connect to the internal radio through the DXM Controller.
After the software launches, go to Device > Connection Settings to choose one of the four communication modes: Serial,
Modbus over TCP, Serial DXM, or TCP DXM.

Figure 3. Connection settings (Serial) Figure 4. Connection settings (Modbus TCP)

Basic Connection Settings

Comm Port / IP Address—Select the COMM port of the PC or, when using Ethernet, the IP address of the device. Click the
refresh button to refresh the COMM ports on the PC.
Connect/Click to Cancel—Click to verify a radio is present by reading back the RF firmware. After a connection is in
progress, this button changes to Click to Cancel.
Modbus ID—Modbus address ID of the radio.
Modbus TCP—Use when connecting to the parent radio using an Ethernet connection. The IP address must be known to
communicate with the device.
Serial—Use when directly connecting to the parent radio using the USB to RS-485 adapter cable.
Serial DXM—Use when configuring an internal radio of the DXM Controller using the USB connection on the DXM
Controller.
TCP DXM—Use when configuring the internal radio of the DXM Controller using the Ethernet port. The standard DXM TCP
port is 8844.

Advanced Connection Settings

Baud Rate (Serial only)—Defines the baud rate for the serial connection of the USB to RS-485 converter or DXM USB
connection. Default of 19200 for the USB to RS-485 converter or 115k for the DXM USB connection.
Force—Click to have the software use the selected parameters and force a connection to a device without validating the
device is present.

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DX80 Performance Configuration Software

Line Silence—Specifies the wait time between two consecutive Modbus messages created by the DXM Controller. Too
short of a wait time may cause external Modbus devices to miss or create errors on Modbus traffic. A typical setting should
be 50 to 100 ms.
Master Ping—For most applications, leave the Master Ping set to 0. To communicate directly with a DXM baseboard, set the
value to 2. Using Master Ping allows you to have multiple master radios on a single network. For more information about this
advanced setting, contact Banner Engineering Corp and ask to speak to a Wireless applications engineer.
Parity (Serial only)—The default parity setting is None. Optional settings are Even or Odd.
Port (Ethernet only)—Defines the Ethernet port used when communicating via Modbus/TCP or to the DXM Controller. The
default is 502.
Retries—The number of times the software resends Modbus messages before it errors out. The minimum number of retries
is three.
Timeout—The time allowed for a Modbus message to complete. The default time out is 0.5 seconds for a serial connection
and 5 second for a TCP connection. This may need to be extended for battery-powered devices or networks with
communications paths that include multiple repeater devices.

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 DX80 Performance Configuration Software

3 Software Screens
The following sections explain the function of each screen.

3.1 Configuration
Use the Configuration screen to configure the Gateway and each Node's input and output parameters. Click on the arrow to
the left of the device type to expand the settings for that device.
Devices are listed as a single line that can be expanded to view device level parameters and individual I/O points. Use the
drop-down list in the upper left to select how the devices are shown: All Nodes, Nodes with Configuration Data, or Nodes
Currently in the System.
Figure 5. Configuration screen

3.1.1 Gateway or Node Parameters

Read or write I/O point data individually using GET or SEND buttons.

GET or SEND Gateway/Node

Get all the parameter data for a device using GET Gateway or GET Node.
GET or SEND Parameters
Read or write all device-level parameters using GET Parameters or SEND Parameters.
GET or SEND I/O Points
Read or write I/O data all at once using GET I/O Points or SEND I/O Points.

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DX80 Performance Configuration Software

Figure 6. Configuration screen with the Node parameters shown

Configure the Gateway or Node Parameters

Follow these steps to configure the Gateway or Node parameters.
1. Click GET Gateway or GET Node to get all the parameter data for a device.
This may take a few minutes and loads all pre-existing configuration into the configuration software.
2. Click the down arrow next to the device name to expand the screen.
3. Expand individual lines of an I/O point by clicking on the down arrow next to the input or output name.
4. Make your desired changes to the configuration.
5. Click SEND Gateway or SEND Node to send all changes back to the devices.

3.1.2 Gateway Device-Level Parameters

The following are the Gateway-specific device-level parameters. Click on the arrow next to the Gateway to view these
parameters.
Figure 7. Gateway device-level parameters

Default Output Triggers

Default output triggers are the conditions that drive outputs to defined states. Example default output conditions include when
radios are out of sync, when a device cycles power, or during a host communication timeout.
Device Power Up—Outputs are set to user-defined states every time the device is powered up.
Out of Sync—Outputs are set to user-defined states when the radio is out of sync with its parent radio.
Host Link Failure—Host link failure is when the defined timeout period has elapsed with no communications between the
host system (or Modbus master device) and the DX80 Gateway, typically about four seconds. Outputs are set to user-defined
states when a host link failure has been detected.
Node Link Failure—Node link failures are determined by the polling interval or the out-of-sync timing. When a Node detects
a communications failure with the Gateway and the Node Link Failure flag is set, the output points are set to the user-defined
states and the inputs are frozen.

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Gateway Link Failure—Gateway link failures are determined by three global parameters: Polling Interval, Maximum Missed
Message Count and Re-link Count. When the Node’s Gateway Link Failure flag is set and the Gateway determines a timeout
condition exists for a Node, any outputs linked from the failing Node are set to the user-defined default state.

Health Heartbeat
Heartbeat mode is typically used for battery-powered devices. This allows for optimal battery performance but will not be a
fast deterministic indicator of network health. Typically Heartbeat parameters are configured to detect a network failure in
15-30 minutes. In heartbeat mode, the Nodes send "heartbeat" messages to the Gateway at specific intervals to indicate the
radio link is active. The heartbeat is always initiated by the Node and is used only to verify radio communications.
Interval—The interval the Node sends the heartbeat messages to the Gateway. The Gateway needs to receive at least one
heartbeat message from the Node within the interval to stay in sync. After the heartbeat is received in that interval, the Node
does not send any additional heartbeat messages until the start of the next interval.
Number of Misses—If the Node fails to get its heartbeat message to the Gateway, it immediately retries for the Number of
Misses times. The length of time these retries take depends on the maximum number of Nodes in the system. The length of
time in which the Gateway listens for a specific Heartbeat message is defined by the Node's Heartbeat Interval + the time to
complete the Number of Misses + 1 second buffer. The time to complete the selected Number of Misses depends on the
number of Nodes in system.

Health Polling
Polling is the default method to verify device communications status within the network. Banner wireless systems use polling
to monitor the status of the RF communications link. If the RF link fails, the system can take precautions to set outputs to
defined states. Choose system polling parameters carefully: higher polling intervals create more RF traffic. With multiple
wireless systems within range, more RF traffic results in a higher percentage of missed communications.
Auto Recover—A device that is out of sync will automatically rejoin the network when the Auto Recover is enabled.
Otherwise, it will require a manual reset of the error condition before the Node is allowed back into the wireless network.
Default setting: enabled.
Interval—The Gateway communicates with, or polls, each Node to determine if the radio link is active. The polling rate
defines how often the Gateway communicates with each Node. Polling is always initiated by the Gateway and only verifies
radio signal communications.
Maximum Bad Count—The maximum bad count refers to a user-established maximum count of consecutive failed polling
attempts before the Gateway considers the radio (RF) link to have failed.
Re-Link Count—The re-link count is the number of completed polling messages the Gateway receives from a Node before a
lost RF link is considered re-established and normal operation resumes.

System
Device In System—Use the drop-down list to select the total number of wireless devices in your wireless network, including
the Gateway. The more devices in the network, the slower the overall network performance is.
8 Devices = Nodes communicate every 62.5 milliseconds
16 Devices = Nodes communicate every 128 milliseconds
32 Devices = Nodes communicate every 250 milliseconds
48 Devices = Nodes communicate every 500 milliseconds
TDMA Behavior—Select the TDMA behavior from the following choices:
Default TDMA—Standard communications with Node devices.
Fast Sync—Allows DX80 Nodes to synchronize to the Gateway much faster, which causes more RF traffic from the
Gateway and uses more operating current. We do not recommend using this setting in multiple network environments.
Power Save Gateway—Used for applications that require minimizing the power consumption of the Gateway (battery or
solar powered). This setting causes higher latency in the communications between the Gateway and Node.

3.1.3 Node Device-Level Parameters

Click the arrow next to the Node to view the device-level parameters for the selected Node.
Figure 8. Node device-level parameters

There are two parameters that determine the Health of a DX80 star architecture wireless network: polling and heartbeat.
Both parameters are defined on the Gateway.

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DX80 Performance Configuration Software

• Polling—Polling is the default health method for 10 to 30 V DC powered devices. A polling setting of less than one
second requires the RX interval to be set to Full.
• Heartbeat—Heartbeat is more efficient for battery-powered devices and is the default setting for battery-powered
devices.
The RX interval is a Node parameter that defines how often a Node will listen for Gateway communications.
• Full—For 10 to 30 V DC power devices, set the RX interval to FULL to have the Node communicate with the Gateway
at the maximum rate. Any Polling or Heartbeat health settings will operate.
• 1 second—For battery-powered devices, set the RX interval to 1 second. This optimizes the battery life for battery-
powered devices, but slows down the communication rate with the Gateway.
• 2 seconds to 4 seconds—Some battery-powered devices are set higher than a 1 second receive interval to optimize
battery life. Set the DX80 Q45 and M-GAGE device receive intervals to 2 seconds, and set the 900 MHz M-GAGE to
4 seconds. Devices set to 2 or 4 second RX intervals should use the Heartbeat health method. Only Polling health
settings greater than 1 second are allowed.
For the Output Defaults definitions, see Gateway Device-Level Parameters on p. 8.

3.1.4 Input Parameters

To view or change the input parameters, click on the arrow next to the Input number and select Enabled. For each input, the
following input types are available. Verify with your device datasheet which inputs are configurable and which inputs are set
by the factory.
Figure 9. Input parameters

• Accelerometer in • J-type thermocouple • SDI-12

• Accelerometer configuration • K-type thermocouple • Stack light
• Analog • Modbus holding registers • Thermistor
• Asychronous counter • Multiple NPN • Touch sensor
• Battery voltage • Multiple PNP • Ultrasonic
• Bridge • NPN (sinking) or PNP (sourcing) • 100-ohm RTD
• Constant value discrete • 10-ohm RTD
• HART • Photoelectric • Other thermocouple types
• Interrupt • R-type thermocouple
• Relay

Analog Signal Conditioning

Delta—The delta parameter defines the change required between sample points of an analog input before the analog input
reports a new value. To turn off this option, set the Delta value to 0.
Median Filter—When the median filter is turned on, three samples are taken for each analog sensor reading. The high and
low values are discarded and the middle value is used as the analog value. Set to zero (0) to turn off the median filter. Set to
one (1) to turn on the median filter.
Tau Filter—Set to zero (0) to turn off the tau filter. Set to 1 (weakest filter) through 6 (strongest filter) to turn on the tau filter.
(In the DX80 products, the Low Pass Filter is a combination of the median filter and the tau filter.)

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Threshold and Hysteresis—Threshold and hysteresis work together to establish the ON and OFF points of an analog input.
The threshold defines a trigger point or reporting threshold (ON point) for a sensor input. When the input value is higher than
the threshold, the input is ON. Hysteresis defines how far below the threshold the analog input is required to be before the
input is considered OFF. A typical hysteresis value is 10% to 20% of the unit’s range.

Digital Signal Conditioning

Sample High/Low (Analog)—For analog inputs, the sample high parameter defines the number of consecutive samples the
input signal must be above the threshold before a signal is considered active. Sample low defines the number of consecutive
samples the input signal must be below the threshold minus hysteresis before a signal is considered deactivated. The
sample high and sample low parameters are used to avoid unwanted input transitions.
Sample High/Low (Discrete)—For discrete inputs, the sample high parameter defines the number of consecutive samples
the input signal must be high before a signal is considered active. Sample low defines the number of consecutive samples
the input signal must be low before a signal is considered low. The sample high and sample low parameters are used to
create a filter to avoid unwanted input transitions. The default value is 0, which disables this feature. The value range is 1
through 255.

I/O Configuration
Report Rate—The report rate defines how often the Node communicates the I/O status to the Gateway. For battery-powered
applications, setting the report rate to a slower rate extends the battery life. Set the report rate to 0 to configure for change of
state reporting; the input will only report when the value changes from 0 to 1 or 1 to 0. The units are
hours:minutes:seconds:milliseconds.
Report Type—The report type defines the data format for the reporting message. A report type of discrete indicates this is a
single bit of data. A report type of analog defines the reporting message to be 16-bits of data. A report type of double is 32-
bits of data. When setting the Report Type to double, disable the next input.
Sample Rate—The sample interval, or rate, defines how often the Sure Cross device samples the input. For battery-powered
applications, setting a slower rate extends the battery life. The units are hours:minutes:seconds:milliseconds.
Units—Select the units of your input from the drop-down list.

Internal Mapping
Maps an input on the Gateway or Node to an output on the same device.

Serial Options
I/O Config—The I/O Config parameter is a configuration parameter for smart sensor devices. This parameter also defines
I/O information for the Extended Logic I/O type. (Parameter number 0x14).
Serial Address—The serial address parameter defines the remote serial device address to read. This parameter also
defines configuration information for the Extended Logic I/O type. (Parameter number 0x19).
Sync Counter—Select between none, 16-bit, or 32-bit counters.

Switched Power Options

Efficient power management technology enables some FlexPower devices to include an internal power output supply, called
switch power (SP), that briefly steps up to power sensors (ideally, 4 to 20 mA loop-powered sensors). The warmup time
denotes how long the sensor must be powered before a reliable reading can be taken. After the warmup time has passed,
the input reads the sensor, then the switched power shuts off to prolong battery life.
Power Supply—Select how the sensor connected to this input is powered: external power supply or switch power 1 through
4. Only devices with switched power outputs can power a sensor. Refer to the device datasheet to see which, if any,
switched power outputs are available.
Output Voltage—Select the voltage of your switched power output from the drop-down list.
Warmup—Select the warmup time of your sensor. Units are shown in minutes:seconds. The maximum value is 2:07.5 (two
minutes, 7.5 seconds). The minimum time is 0.001 seconds. Set the sensor warmup time to less than the Sample Rate for
that input.

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3.1.5 Output Parameters

For each output, the following output types are available. Verify with your device datasheet which outputs are configurable
and which outputs are set by the factory.
Figure 10. Output parameters

• Analog • Force sample and report • Relay

• Clear asynchronous counter • H-bridge • Serial write
• Clear synchronous counter • M-GAGE baseline • Set thresholds with offsets
• Discrete • M-GAGE configure • Stack light
• Enable RTS • NMOS • Switch

Analog Output Mapping

The default view shows the Threshold and Hysteresis parameters. These parameters are used in certain configuration
modes of the output. When Linking is defined, these parameters change names to Start and End parameters.
The Start and End parameters define the beginning and ending window when mapping an analog input range to an analog
output range. The output range is always defined as the output capability: 4–20 mA, 0–20 mA, or 0–10 V. The Start and End
parameters define the input range.
For example, a temperature input on a Node is linked to the 4–20 mA analog output on a Gateway. If we want to link a
temperature range of 32 to 90 degrees to 4–20mA, the Start parameter is set to 32 degrees and the End parameter is set to
90 degrees. The parameters will be grayed out until an input to output linking is defined.

Digital Signal Conditioning

Pulse Width—The number of 62.5 ms intervals a digital output is active (1) before returning to zero. Zero disables the pulse
width feature and any value on an output point remains indefinitely. Maximum pulse width is about 16 seconds. Value range:
0 (disable, default) through 255. (Parameter number 0x0A).

Extended Parameters
Counter—Select between none, 16-bit, or 32-bit counters.
Serial Address— The serial address parameter defines the remote serial device address to read. This parameter also
defines configuration information for the Extended Logic I/O type. (Parameter number 0x19).

Flash Pattern
Flash patterns are established by selecting timeslots to turn the output on or off. While originally the flash pattern was
designed to turn on and off an indicator light, the flash pattern can be set for any discrete output or switch power output.

I/O Configuration
Default Output—If a default output is selected, this is the value placed in this register when radio communications are lost
between the Gateway and this Node or when any of the selected Default Output Triggers under the Parameter Settings are
active.
Hold Last State—If this checkbox is selected, this register retains the last sampled state when radio communications are
lost between the Gateway and this Node.

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Switched Power Options

Efficient power management technology enables some FlexPower devices to include an internal power output supply, called
switch power (SP), that briefly steps up to power sensors (ideally, 4 to 20 mA loop-powered sensors). The warmup time
denotes how long the sensor must be powered before a reliable reading can be taken. After the warmup time has passed,
the input reads the sensor, then the switched power shuts off to prolong battery life.
Power Supply—Select how the sensor connected to this input is powered: external power supply or switch power 1 through
4. Only devices with switched power outputs can power a sensor. Refer to the device datasheet to see which, if any,
switched power outputs are available.
Output Voltage—Select the voltage of your switched power output.
Warmup—Select the warm up time of your sensor.

3.2 Linking
Use the Linking screen to link one Sure Cross device’s inputs to another Sure Cross device’s outputs, as long as both
devices are part of the same wireless network.
Do not use the linking capability if an external host system will be reading and writing Modbus data registers in the Gateway.
The Linking screen lists each device on a line.
Use the Show drop-down list to select whether to display all devices, all the devices with links, or all devices currently within
your network.
For each displayed device, click on the arrow to expand that device's parameters. Inputs are on the left, outputs are on the
right.
Figure 11. Linking screen

Click Get All I/O Links to retrieve any existing links in the entire wireless network.
After the linking is defined, click Send All I/O Links to write all linking data. To erase all linking data, click Delete All I/O
Links.
For each device, click GET Link Data to retrieve any existing linking information specific to that device. Click SEND Link
Data to send any new linking data for that device to the network.

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3.3 Network and Device

Use the Network & Device screen to view factory information about your wireless network devices and to view the Site
Survey results.
Figure 12. Network and Device Information screen

Factory information about a device includes the model number, production date, serial number, and various firmware and
EEPROM versions. To view all the device's factory information:
1. From the Device Information drop-down list, select a device.
2. Click Get Device Information. The program retrieves all version and manufacturing data from the device and
displays it on the screen.
Figure 13. Gateway Communication screen

The Gateway Communications screen allows you to change the Gateway's serial communication settings and network
binding code. After you change these settings, you must re-connect to the configuration software.

Current Modbus ID
Displays the current Modbus ID of the Gateway

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Current Binding Code

Displays the current binding code for the network
Current Parity
Displays the current parity of the Gateway for serial communications
Current Baud Rate
Displays the current baud rate of the Gateway for serial communications

3.4 Register View

The Register View screen creates a Modbus master utility to read or write any Modbus register within the DX80 Gateway.
Use the Register View screen to read or write specified device I/O values.
Figure 14. Register View screen

Data Format—From the drop-down list, select the which data format to view the register values in: decimal or hex.
Modbus Address—Enter the Modbus address of the wireless network's Gateway.
Timeout—Enter the timeout value, in seconds, for communications. If the Node does not respond to a command within the
timeout window, an error message occurs. Increase the timeout if the radio signal strength between the Gateway and Node
is poor.

3.5 Device Restore

Figure 15. Device Restore screen

Reset device I/O to factory default—To restore the factory default settings to a selected device, select the device from the
drop-down list and click Restore.
Delete all I/O links to and from device— To erase all I/O links to or from the selected device, select the device and click
Clear links.
Power cycle device—To cycle power to a device after you have changed any of the settings of that device, select the device
and click Power cycle.

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Current ISM radio ID—Defines the current network ID for the Gateway. The default value is an ID of 1.
New ISM radio ID—Change this value to modify the network ID for the Gateway. This value is generally not used except to
avoid data packet collisions with high-density networks.

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4 Configuration Instructions
4.1 Inputs and Outputs

4.1.1 Link the Gateway and Node Inputs and Outputs

Follow these instructions to link the inputs and outputs of the Gateway and any Nodes within your wireless network.
The source device may be the Gateway or any of the Nodes physically present in the network. Device I/O 1 through 8 are
inputs on most DX80 wireless models. Device I/O 9 through 14 are outputs on all DX80 wireless models.
Refer to the device's datasheet for exact input and output configurations. The source type field displays the input structure for
that given input. Sample input structures include discrete, 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA, 0–10V DC, degrees C, degrees F, and raw.
Figure 16. Linking the Gateway and Node I/O

1. From the Linking > Linking Configuration screen, click GET Gateway to retrieve the Gateway's I/O configuration.
The Gateway's I/O configuration is displayed within the software.
2. Click GET Node for all Nodes in your wireless network to retrieve the Nodes' configuration.
The Node's I/O configuration is displayed in the software.
3. Select the Gateway and click on the arrow to the left of its name.
A list of that device's inputs are shown.
4. To map each input to an output, change the Not Linked entry on the drop-down menu to the appropriate device for
the output.
The selected Node's output 9 is selected.
5. Using the drop-down list, select the output register you want to link this input to.
6. Define each input-to-output linking for this device.
7. Click SEND Link Data.
For simple register linking, you are not required to define the detailed parameters of an input or output (using GET or SEND
on the I/O). If required, I/O can be configured using the Configuration screen. For complex linking from an input scale to a
different output scale, define Analog Output Mapping parameters to set the start and end of the output scale.

4.1.2 Example Configuration -- Analog Inputs

To configure Analog IN 1 for a specific sample rate, report rate, and switch power output voltage, follow these steps.
Although this example uses a DX80N9X2S-P1 Performance Node, configuring other Node models is the same except that
the input point associated with Analog IN 1 may be different.
To use the software to configure your Node, first set the Node's DIP switch to be Host Configured. This overrides all other
DIP switch settings and relies on the host system or software to configure the device. Consult your Node's datasheet to
determine which DIP switch selects between Host Configured (ignores DIP switches) and DIP switch configuration.
Determine which analog input you are configuring. For this example, we are configuring Analog IN 1 of a P1 Node (input 3).
1. On the configuration software, go to the Configuration > Device Configuration screen.
2. Select the P1 Node from the list and click the arrow to the left of the Node name to open those device parameters.

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3. Click GET Node to load the existing settings into the configuration software.
4. Click the arrow next to Input 3 to open the parameters for that input.
5. Enable Input 3.
6. From the drop-down, select Analog Input 1.
7. From the Units drop-down list, select 0-20mA, 4-20mA, or 0-10V, whichever is appropriate.

Configure the Switched Power Options

To configure the switch power, you must set the power supply, switch power voltage, and warm-up parameters. These
parameters must be assigned to the same I/O point as the analog input you are configuring, in this example this is I/O point 3
(Analog IN 1).
After configuring each parameter, click the Send button associated with this input to send the configuration changes to the
Gateway's configuration file.

1. Set the power supply parameter. In this example, we are

associating SP1 with Analog IN 1 (I/O point 3 on the -P1
Performance Node).
2. Set the switch power voltage parameter. In the example, we are
setting the switch power voltage to 15 V and the switch power
voltage is associated with I/O point 3 (Analog IN 1 for the -P1
Performance Node).
3. Set the warm-up parameter. In this example, we are setting the
switch power warm-up time to one (1) 62.5 millisecond interval, or
62.5 milliseconds.
4. Click Send to send this setting to the Gateway's configuration file.

Configure the Sample and Report Rates

1. From the Units drop-down list, select the units for your analog
input.
2. Set the sample rate of input 3 (Analog IN 1) to 30 minutes.
3. Set the report rate of input 3 (Analog IN 1) to 30 minutes.
4. Click Send to send this setting to the Gateway's configuration file.
5. From the Report Type drop-down list, select the report type.

4.2 Communication

4.2.1 How Do You Monitor System Health?

The Gateway monitors the radio link status in a DX80 system using one of two methods: polling or heartbeat. Each method
has different properties and is useful in different system configurations. Some system configurations may require both
methods to be used. Independent of the method, the status indication is stored in each device’s Modbus register eight.

Polling
A polling message originates from the Gateway to Nodes. When a Node receives a polling message, it is expected to
immediately respond to the Gateway, indicating the link is operational.
There are no retries on a polling message, just a single attempt of communication between the Gateway and Node. If the
message fails, the Gateway increments a missed message counter. A successfully received message resets the missed
message counter back to zero. When the maximum number of missed messages is reached, the link is considered bad.
The length of time to determine a radio link error is: Health Polling Interval × Maximum Bad Count.

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Figure 17. A Gateway polling a Node

Are you there?

Yes, I am here.

Heartbeat
Heartbeat mode is driven by the Node. The Node sends a heartbeat message to the Gateway based on a specific time
interval.
The Node resends the message when the message is not acknowledged by the Gateway. Use the configuration software to
define the heartbeat interval for each Node in the network using the Node's parameters.
The Gateway is programmed to expect a message from each Node within the Node Heartbeat RX interval. If the Gateway
determines that a Node has not checked in within a specified interval and within the defined number of misses, the radio link
is considered to be bad. The maximum time an error is detected will be between one and two heartbeat intervals.
Figure 18. A Gateway and Node exchanging heartbeat signals

I am here

Do I Use Heartbeat Mode or Polling?

By default, the DX80 wireless network uses Polling to determine network health in 10-30 V DC powered devices and
Heartbeat mode for battery-powered devices.
Polling is the most flexible method for a variety of 10–30 V DC powered applications. Polling can be programmed to be fast
or slow, but it will drain battery-powered devices quickly when the polling interval is not set to 16 seconds or longer.
The Heartbeat method is engineered to be more efficient for battery devices. Although radio link failures may not be
determined as quickly as with Polling, Heartbeat Mode is more efficient for most battery-powered networks.
For networks containing both battery-powered and 10–30 V DC powered devices, both Polling and Heartbeat modes are
used to determine the radio link status. Using both methods results in a programmable error detection time for 10–30 V DC
devices and a more efficient interaction (and increased battery life) for battery-powered devices.
Using the latest version of the configuration software:
1. Go to the Configuration > Device Configuration screen.
2. Click the arrow next to the Gateway device to display the Parameters.
3. Set either the Health Polling or Health Heartbeat parameters.
• Polling—For 10–30 V DC powered devices, set the Health Polling interval to 4 seconds with a Max bad
count of 16. This allows the system to detect a bad radio link within 64 seconds.
Figure 19. Health polling interval settings

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• Heartbeat—Set the Health Heartbeat Interval to 2 minutes and 30 seconds and the Number of misses to
16 to get a Heartbeat Timeout of 5 minutes and 4 seconds. The Heartbeat Timeout interval is calculated
using the Heartbeat Interval, the Number of misses, and the speed of the device. Using these settings, a
bad radio link for battery-powered devices would be detected within 5 minutes and 4 seconds.
Figure 20. Health heartbeat settings

To set the ISM radio settings on a DXM Wireless Controller, you must use the DX80 Performance Configuration Software.

4.2.2 Set the Report or Sample Rate

The report rate defines how often the Node communicates the I/O status to the Gateway. For battery-powered applications,
setting the report rate to a slower rate extends the battery life.
The sample interval, or rate, defines how often the Sure Cross device samples the input. For battery-powered applications,
setting a slower rate extends the battery life.
1. Go to the Configuration > Device Configuration screen.
2. Click the arrow next to the Node you would like to configure.
The inputs and outputs for that Node display.
3. Click GET Node to retrieve any existing configuration settings for the selected Node.
The existing configuration settings for the selected Node display on the screen.
4. Click the arrow next to the input you would like to configure.
The parameters for that input display.
5. Select Enabled for the input if it is not already enabled.
The parameters for the selected input are configurable.
6. Set the Sample rate in hh:mm:ss.sss.
7. Set the Report rate in hh:mm:ss.sss. Set the Report rate value to 0 to select change of state reporting.
8. Click SEND for each input (only sends that input's settings) or click SEND Node to send all the Node's settings,
including the Parameters.
9. Repeat these steps for all the Nodes and/or inputs you'd like to configure.

4.2.3 What is Sampling on Demand?

Sample on demand allows a host system to send a Modbus command to any register and require the inputs to immediately
sample the sensor and report readings back to the host system. Sampling on demand can be used between the normal
periodic reporting.
To use the Sample on Demand feature requires using a host-controlled system capable of sending Modbus commands to the
master radio.

Configure for Sample on Demand

To configure a Node to use Sample on Demand, use the configuration software to change the Sample Rate of each I/O point
to 0.
Changing the sample rate to 0 shuts off the periodic sampling and configures the I/O point to only sample when the host
system demands a sampling.
Setting the sample rate set to a non-zero value configures the input to sample the inputs periodically or when the host system
demands a sampling.
1. Connect the Gateway to a computer with the configuration software installed and launch the software.
2. On the Configuration > Device Configuration screen, click on the arrow next to the Node you'd like to sample on
demand.
3. Click on the arrow next to that Node's input number to expand the input's parameters.
4. Change the Sample rate and the Report rate to zero (00:00:00.000).

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5. Click SEND to send the changes to the network.

This input will now only report sensor readings when demanded to by the host system.

Sample an Input Using a Host System

To sample the input, have the Host System write to the Node's register 15. To calculate which register this is for your Node,
use this equation: 15 + (Node # × 16).
1. From the host system, write 0x13xx to the Node's register 15, where xx defines the input you want to sample.
For Input Write Value (in hex) Write Value (in decimal)

1 0x1301 4865

2 0x1302 4866

3 0x1304 4868

4 0x1308 4872

5 0x1310 4880

6 0x1320 4896

All Inputs 0x133F 4927

2. To send the Sample on Demand command to more than one input, add together the binary representation values.
For example, to demand a sampling of inputs 1, 2, and 3, the Hex command is 0x1307.

4.3 Conduct a Site Survey

To conduct a site survey analysis from the DX80 Performance Configuration Software, follow these instructions.
1. From the Network & Device > Network & Device Information screen, select the Node number from the drop-down
menu.
2. Click Start site survey.
The Gateway begins to conduct a site survey analysis with the selected Node. After the software has collected
enough data, the results for the selected Node display. Leaving this screen before the site survey finishes ends the
Site Survey.

4.3.1 Interpreting the Site Survey Results

Site Survey results are listed as a percentage of data packets received and indicate the signal strength of the received signal.
Table 1: Site survey results

Result Description

Packets received at a strong signal strength. A strong signal strength is greater than −90
Green
dBm at the receiver.

Packets received at a good signal strength. A good signal is between −90 and −100 dBm at
Yellow
the receiver.

Packets received at a weak signal strength. A weak signal is less than −100 dBm at the
Red
receiver.

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Result Description

Missed Packets not received on the first transmission and requiring a retry.

Judging if the reliability of a network’s signal meets the needs of the application is not just a matter of green, yellow, and red
packets received. In normal operating mode, when data packets are not received, the transmitter re-sends the packet until all
data is received.
For slow monitoring applications such as a tank farm, where data is required in terms of seconds or minutes, receiving most
of the data in the ‘red’ range, indicating a weak but reliable signal, transmits enough data for accurate monitoring. Nodes
positioned near the outside range of the radio signal may have 90% of the data packets received in the red zone, again
indicating a weak, but reliable signal.

4.4 Set the Number of Devices in the System

Define the number of devices (including the Gateway) in the wireless network using the Device Configuration screen. The
more devices in the network, the slower the overall network performance is.
1. Go to the Configuration > Device Configuration screen.
2. Click the arrow next to the Gateway.
The Gateway-specific parameters display.
3. In the System section, use the Devices in system drop-down list to select the maximum number of devices in your
wireless network. Select the smallest number of devices to increase the communication speed.
8 Devices = Nodes communicate every 62.5 milliseconds
16 Devices = Nodes communicate every 128 milliseconds
32 Devices = Nodes communicate every 250 milliseconds
48 Devices = Nodes communicate every 500 milliseconds
4. Click SEND Parameters to send the changed parameters to the Gateway or click SEND Gateway to send all
changes made to the Gateway's parameters, including I/O changes.

4.5 Continuous or Host-Controlled Switch Power

Switch power outputs on a Sure Cross® device are variable power supply outputs that can be used to power external
devices. The switch power outputs are typically used in short bursts to turn on a sensor, sample the sensor output, and turn
off the sensor, which is accomplished by a Sure Cross device powered by a 3.6 volt battery and specific timing parameters.
Some applications want to control the switched power outputs from the host or would like to always have the switched power
output active. This technical note shows how to activate the switched power outputs on power-up or have the host system
turn on or off the switch power outputs (SP1-SP4).
To provide continuous switch power or host system controlled switch power, follow these steps to configure your FlexPower
Node.
1. Set the hardware DIP switches for host controlled mode (DIP switches 6, 7, and 8 set to ON, ON, OFF) to allow
parameters to be changed from the configuration software. If you do not set the DIP switches for host controlled
mode, any configuration changes are erased when the power is turned off.
2. Change the factory default setting to disable inputs from using the switch power. For example, the DX80 FlexPower
Node with Boost associated switch power 1 to I/O 1 (in discrete mode) or I/O 3 (in analog mode). DIP switch 2 selects
between Discrete Mode or Analog Mode.
3. Use an unused output (I/O 14) to define the switch power control and voltage. For host-controlled switch power, all
settings are the same except for the final default condition setting.

4.5.1 Configure the Switch Power

Select an unused output for define for continuous switch power. For this example, we will be using I/O 14.
1. Disconnect the DX80 Node from its power.
2. Follow the instructions in the datasheet to access the DIP switches. Set the DIP switches for host-controlled mode:
DIP switch 6 (ON), 7 (ON), and 8 (OFF).
3. Apply power to the Node and allow it to connect to its Gateway.
4. Connect the Gateway to a computer with the configuration software installed and launch the software.
5. Go to the Configuration screen and click GET I/O Points to retrieve the network configuration.

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6. Click on the arrow next to the analog input you'd like to associate with the continuous switch power. In this example,
we are using input 3.
7. Under the Switch power options section, select External from the Power supply drop-down list.
Figure 21. Setting the switch power parameters for Input 3

8. On the Output side, enable Output 14.

Figure 22. Output 14 parameters

9. From the output type drop-down list, select Switch Power Output.
10. In the Switched power options section, select Switch Power 1 from the drop-down list.
11. Select the output voltage from the drop-down list and set the warm-up time. Refer to the device/sensor datasheet for
the appropriate output voltage and warm-up time.
12. Under the I/O configuration section, set the default output to 1.
13. Decide if you want continuous switch power or host-controlled switch power.
• For continuous switch power—In the Output Default section (top of the screen), set the default output condition
to Device power up
• For host-controlled switch power—Do not set the Device power up Output Default condition. The host system
turns on the switch power by setting I/O 14 to 1 and turns it off by setting I/O 14 to 0.
14. After all changes have been made, click SEND I/O Points to update the network configuration.
15. When asked to reset the device, select Yes.

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4.6 Parameter Definitions and Numbers

The following parameters can be changed using the configuration software or by sending register commands from your host
system.
Counter Enable—An enable byte that turns any input point into a synchronous counter. Set to 0 to turn off (default). Set to 1
to enable the 16-bit counter (report type must be set to analog). Set to 2 to enable the 32-bit counter (report type must be set
to double). (Parameter number 0x18). The counter value is stored in the Modbus registers. For a 32-bit counter type, Modbus
registers N and N+1 are used.
Default Value (bits 15:0)—Defines the default state for each output on all devices. This parameter only applies to outputs. A
value of 65535, or 0xFFFF, sets the default value to the last known state. (Parameter number 0x11). There are five
conditions that cause the output points to be set:
• Bit 1. Power-up. If enabled, output points are set to the default state when the device powers up. When disabled,
outputs are set to 0 when the device powers up.
• Bit 2. Node Out-of-Sync. If enabled, the output points are set to the default state when a Node determines it is out of
sync with the Gateway (7 to 10 sec). When disabled, no action takes place for the output points when an out-of-sync
condition is detected.
• Bit 3. Host Link Failure. A Modbus user-defined timeout period expired. If enabled, a host link failure forces all device
outputs to the user-defined default state. Each device can be enabled/disabled for this feature.
• Bit 4. Gateway Link Failure. The Gateway has detected a problem with a Node in the system. If enabled, any Node
outputs linked to the failing device are set to the default state when a Gateway link failure is detected. Each device
can be enabled or disabled to use this feature.
• Bit 5. Node Link Failure. The Node detected a problem communicating with the Gateway. If enabled, the Node sets
all outputs to the user-defined default state when a Node link failure is detected. Each device can be enabled or
disabled to used this feature.
Delta (bits 15:0)—Defines the amount of change required between two successive analog input sample points to trigger a
report condition. To disable (default), set to 0. (Parameter number 0x0F).
Duty Cycle (Outputs only) (bits 15:0)—This parameter defines the proportion of time the output is active. Using the 16-bit
field, each “on” bit represents 1/16 seconds. For example, 0000 0000 0000 1111 (0x000F) sets the duty cycle to 1/4
seconds; 0000 0000 0000 0011 (0x0003) sets the duty cycle to 1/8 seconds. (Parameter number 0x04).
Enable Flag (bit 0)—Enables (1) or disables (0, default) the I/O point. (Parameter number 0x01).
Hysteresis (bits 15:0)—Works with the active threshold parameter to define when to disable event reporting of an analog
input. The hysteresis parameter defines how much below the active threshold the analog input is required to be before the
analog input is considered to be off. Value range: 0 (disable, default) through 65535 (two-byte value). (Parameter number
0x09).
I/O Config—The I/O Config parameter is a configuration parameter for smart sensor devices. This parameter also defines
I/O information for the Extended Logic I/O type. (Parameter number 0x14).
I/O Type (bits 7:0)—Defines the operations required to operate this I/O point. Every enabled I/O point must have a defined
I/O type. (Parameter number 0x02). This parameter is hardware specific and is not typically changed from the factory
settings. (See input and output type tables after this section.)
Invert Flag (bit 0)—Complements the polarity of the sensed I/O point. A value of 1 becomes 0. An analog value is not
changed, but an analog value with a threshold and hysteresis is complemented. Value range: 0 (inactive) to 1 (active).
(Parameter number 0x10).
Low Pass Filter—This parameter defines the operation digital filters for standard analog inputs. Setting parameter bit 7
enables a median filter. Parameter bits [2:0] define the output filtering magnitude. (Parameter number 0x12).
Power Supply # (bits 7:0)—Turns on a local power supply to supply power to an external device. A parameter value of 0
indicates no power supply. A parameter value of 1, 2, 3, or 4 enables that particular internal supply connection. (Parameter
number 0x0D).
Value range: 0 (external power supply, default), 1 (selects SP1), 2 (selects SP2), 3 (selects SP3), and 4 (selects SP4).
Three parameters define a power supply connection: power supply selection, voltage, and warm-up time. The voltage
parameter defines the supply voltage. The warm-up parameter defines the time the power supply is on before evaluating the
input point.
Pulse Width (Outputs Only; bits 7:0)—The number of 62.5 ms intervals a digital output is active (1) before returning to
zero. Zero disables the pulse width feature and any value on an output point remains indefinitely. Maximum pulse width is
about 16 seconds. Value range: 0 (disable, default) through 255. (Parameter number 0x0A).
Report Rate (bits 15:0)—The report rate defines the rate that the I/O status is reported back to the Gateway. The value
represents the number of 62.5 ms increments. Report rates can be from 0 to 4095 seconds. A non-zero report rate
guarantees a report on a periodic basis AND at change of state. When set to zero, there will only be a report at change of
state. Value range: 0 through 65535. (Parameter number 0x04).

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Report Type (bits 1:0)—Defines the internal data structure and reporting definition for an I/O point. If a discrete point
changes state, all I/O points are reported to the Gateway in discrete values. An analog input can be treated as a digital value
using the Threshold and Hysteresis parameters. (Parameter number 0x0E).
• Discrete/bit report type = 0. Use for discrete values.
• Analog report type = 1 (default). Use for all analog values (two bytes).
• Double report type = 2. Use for 32-bit counter values (four bytes).
Samples High (bits 7:0)—The number of samples an I/O point must be detected high (1) before it is a change of state. This
parameter can be applied to a discrete input or a analog input using the threshold parameter. Value range: 0 (disable,
default) through 255. (Parameter number 0x06).
Samples Low (bits 7:0)—The number of samples an I/O point must be detected low (0) before it is a change of state. This
parameter can be applied to a discrete input or a analog input using the threshold parameter. Value range: 0 (disable,
default) through 255. (Parameter number 0x07).
Sample Rate (bits 15:0)—The rate at which the I/O point is sampled. The value represents the number of 62.5 ms
increments. The sample rate/interval can be from 1 (0.0625 seconds, default) to 65535 (4095 seconds). Set to 0 to Sample
on Demand. (Parameter number 0x03).
Sample on demand allows a host system to send a Modbus command to any register and require the inputs to immediately
sample the sensor and report readings back to the host system. Sampling on demand can be used between the normal
periodic reporting.
Serial Address—The serial address parameter defines the remote serial device address to read. This parameter also
defines configuration information for the Extended Logic I/O type. (Parameter number 0x19).
Switch Power Voltage (bits 7:0)—Used for I/O points supplying power to external devices. Use the lowest operating voltage
of the external device when supplying power from a battery-powered DX80. Value range: 0 (default) through 255. (Parameter
number 0x0B).
Output Voltage Parameter (decimal) Parameter (hex)

5V 204 CC

7V 125 7D

10 V 69 45

15 V 32 20

20 V 12 0C

24 V 03 03

Threshold (bits 15:0)—The trigger point or threshold for an analog input. When an analog input is greater than or equal to
the threshold value, a ON or 1 event is reported (if not inverted). If the analog input does not reach the active threshold value,
no change of state is reported. If the threshold parameter is 0, there is no threshold and the analog input will report based on
the delta rate. Value range: 0 (disable, default) through 65535 (two-byte value). (Parameter number 0x08).
Units (bits 7:0)—The parameter defines the range and/or type of value associated with the I/O point. The devices use this
parameter to correctly interpret the I/O point data. (Parameter number 0x0C). (See units tables after this section.)
Warm-up Time (bits 7:0)—Values 01 through 127 set the number of 62.5 millisecond increments. Values 129 through 255
set the number of 250 microsecond increments, with 129 representing 250 microseconds, 130 representing two 250
microsecond increments (500 microseconds, and 255 representing 127 250 microsecond increments (or 31 milliseconds).
When the device supplies power to external sensors, this parameter defines how long power is applied before the input point
is examined for changes. When running multiple I/O point using switched power, only use values 0–127 (62.5 ms to 7.9
seconds). Value range: 00 (off, default) through 255. (Parameter number 0x05).
Internal Output Mapping—Reserved. Do not use. (Parameter number 0x1A).
Miscellaneous—Reserved. (Parameter number 0x17).

4.6 M-GAGE Parameters

M-GAGE Report Rate (Inputs) —The report rate defines how often the Node communicates the I/O status to the Gateway.
For battery-powered applications, setting the report rate to a slower rate extends the battery life.
M-GAGE Sample High and M-GAGE Sample Low—For analog inputs, the sample high parameter defines the number of
consecutive samples the input signal must be above the threshold before a signal is considered active. Sample low defines
the number of consecutive samples the input signal must be below the threshold minus hysteresis before a signal is
considered deactivated. The sample high and sample low parameters are used to avoid unwanted input transitions. This
parameter can be applied to a discrete input or a analog input using the threshold parameter.
M-GAGE Sample Rate—The sample interval, or rate, defines how often the Sure Cross device samples the input. For
battery-powered applications, setting a slower rate extends the battery life.

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M-GAGE Threshold and M-GAGE Hysteresis— Threshold and hysteresis work together to establish the ON and OFF
points of an analog input. The threshold defines a trigger point or reporting threshold (ON point) for a sensor input. When the
input value is higher than the threshold, the input is ON. Hysteresis defines how far below the threshold the analog input is
required to be before the input is considered OFF. A typical hysteresis value is 10% to 20% of the unit’s range.
The M-GAGE Node’s threshold and hysteresis ranges are 0 to 65,535. The factory default threshold setting is 100 and
default hysteresis is 30 (the sensor detects an OFF condition at threshold minus hysteresis, or 100 - 30 = 70). With the
default settings, once the magnetic field reading is above 100, an ON or “1” is stored in the lowest significant bit (LSB) in the
Modbus register. When the M-GAGE reading drops below the OFF point (threshold minus hysteresis), the LSB of the
Modbus register is set to “0.” To determine your threshold, take M-GAGE readings of the test objects at the distance they are
likely to be from the sensor. For example, if a car reads 100, a bicycle 15, and a truck reads 200, setting the threshold to 150
will detect only trucks of a specific size. Magnetic field fluctuations vary based on the amount of ferrous metal present and
the distance from the sensor.
If the threshold parameter is 0, there is no threshold and the analog input will report based on the delta rate. Value range: 0
(disable, default) through 65535 (two-byte value).
The following filter parameters are advanced configuration parameters and are for engineering use only:
• M-GAGE Baseline Threshold/Filter—Under normal conditions, the ambient magnetic field fluctuates. When the
magnetic field readings drift below a threshold setting, the baseline or drift filter uses an algorithm to slowly match the
radio device’s baseline to the ambient magnetic field. The baseline threshold/filter parameter sets a baseline
threshold and filter activation time on M-GAGE devices. When M-GAGE input readings are below the selected
baseline threshold setting, the filter algorithm slowly lowers the magnetic baseline reading to zero to remove small
changes in the magnetic field over time.
• M-GAGE Low Pass Filter—The filters T0 through T6 are parameter settings that define the degree of input digital
signal filtering for analog inputs. T0 is the least amount of filtering. T6 is the highest filter setting and has the least
amount of fluctuation between readings.
• Compensation Filter Adjustment—Set the compensation filter adjustement using the Serial address field within
the configuration software.

4.6.1 I/O Types (Parameter 0x02)

The following inputs and output types are set using Device Config > Device Parameters screen of the configuration
software. You may also configure the I/O by sending Modbus commands from your host system.

Important: All devices have unique and predetermined physical I/O types. The I/O settings in the software
must match the physical I/O that the devices contain for compatibility. For example, a PNP input type
cannot be changed into an NPN input type if the physical I/O is not compatible.

Table 2: General Input Types

Type # Description Type # Description Type # Description

Hex Dec Hex Dec Hex Dec

0x30 48 Analog IN 1 0x01 1 NPN IN 1 0x19 25 Multiple Discrete NPN

0x31 49 Analog IN 2 0x03 3 NPN IN 2 0x1A 26 Multiple Discrete PNP

0x32 50 Analog IN 3 0x05 5 NPN IN 3 0x3B 59 SDI 12 COMMs

0x33 51 Analog IN 4 0x07 7 NPN IN 4 0xB1 177 Serial Read

0x1B 27 NPN IN 5 0xB2 178 Serial Write

0x0D 13 Async Counter 1 0x1D 29 NPN IN 6 0x37 55 Battery voltage

0x0E 14 Async Counter 2 0x1F 31 NPN IN 7 0xF0 240 Constant

0x0F 15 Async Counter 3 0x21 33 NPN IN 8 0xB3 179 Force sample/report

0x10 16 Async Counter 4 0x02 2 PNP IN 1 0xB4 180 Set threshold with offset

0x04 4 PNP IN 2 0xA3 163 Frequency read

0x4B 75 Bridge IN 1 0x06 6 PNP IN 3 0xA0 160 M-GAGE

0x4C 76 Bridge IN 2 0x08 8 PNP IN 4 0xA1 161 M-GAGE baseline

0x1C 28 PNP IN 5 0xA7 167 M-GAGE configure

0x09 9 Pulse Input 1 0x1E 30 PNP IN 6 0xA4 164 M-GAGE X-Axis

0x0A 10 Pulse Input 2 0x20 32 PNP IN 7 0xA5 165 M-GAGE Y-Axis

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Type # Description Type # Description Type # Description

Hex Dec Hex Dec Hex Dec

0x22 34 PNP IN 8 0xA6 166 M-GAGE Z-Axis

0xB0 176 Clear async counter 0xB5 181 Extended Input Logic

0xAF 175 Clear sync counter 0xA2 162 Enable RTS

Table 3: Temperature Input Types

Type # Description Type # Description Type # Description

Hex Dec Hex Dec Hex Dec

0x47 71 10 Ohm RTD (3-wire) IN 1 0xC5 197 Thermocouple E1 0xD1 209 Thermocouple N1

0x48 72 10 Ohm RTD (3-wire) IN 2 0xC6 198 Thermocouple E2 0xD2 210 Thermocouple N2

0x49 73 10 Ohm RTD (3-wire) IN 3 0xC7 199 Thermocouple E3 0xD3 211 Thermocouple N3

0x4A 74 10 Ohm RTD (3-wire) IN 4 0x53 83 Thermocouple E4 0x57 87 Thermocouple N4

0x40 64 100 Ohm RTD (3-wire) IN 1 0xC8 200 Thermocouple G1 0xD4 212 Thermocouple P1

0x41 65 100 Ohm RTD (3-wire) IN 2 0xC9 201 Thermocouple G2 0xD5 213 Thermocouple P2

0x42 66 100 Ohm RTD (3-wire) IN 3 0xCA 202 Thermocouple G3 0xD6 214 Thermocouple P3

0x43 67 100 Ohm RTD (3-wire) IN 4 0x54 84 Thermocouple G4 0x58 88 Thermocouple P4

0x3C 60 Thermistor IN 1 0x34 52 Thermocouple J1 0x44 68 Thermocouple R1

0x3D 61 Thermistor IN 2 0x35 53 Thermocouple J2 0x45 69 Thermocouple R2

0x3E 62 Thermistor IN 3 0x36 54 Thermocouple J3 0x46 70 Thermocouple R3

0x3F 63 Thermistor IN 4 0x4D 77 Thermocouple J4 0x47 71 Thermocouple R4

0x5C 92 Thermistor IN 5 0x38 56 Thermocouple K1 0xD7 215 Thermocouple S1

0xBC 188 Thermocouple B1 0x39 57 Thermocouple K2 0xD8 216 Thermocouple S2

0xBD 189 Thermocouple B2 0x3A 58 Thermocouple K3 0xD9 217 Thermocouple S3

0xBE 190 Thermocouple B3 0x4E 78 Thermocouple K4 0x59 89 Thermocouple S4

0x50 80 Thermocouple B4 0xCB 203 Thermocouple L1 0xDA 218 Thermocouple T1

0xBF 191 Thermocouple C1 0xCC 204 Thermocouple L2 0xDB 219 Thermocouple T2

0xC0 192 Thermocouple C2 0xCD 205 Thermocouple L3 0xDC 220 Thermocouple T3

0xC1 193 Thermocouple C3 0x55 85 Thermocouple L4 0x5A 90 Thermocouple T4

0x51 81 Thermocouple C4 0xCE 206 Thermocouple M1 0xDD 221 Thermocouple U1

0xC2 194 Thermocouple D1 0xCF 207 Thermocouple M3 0xDE 222 Thermocouple U2

0xC3 195 Thermocouple D2 0xD0 208 Thermocouple M3 0xDF 223 Thermocouple U3

0xC4 196 Thermocouple D3 0x56 86 Thermocouple M4 0x5B 91 Thermocouple U4

Table 4: Output Types

Type # Description Type # Description Type # Description

Hex Dec Hex Dec Hex Dec

0x80 128 Analog OUT 1 0x60 96 Discrete OUT 1 0x64 100 Discrete OUT NMOS 1

0x81 129 Analog OUT 2 0x61 97 Discrete OUT 2 0x65 101 Discrete OUT NMOS 2

0x82 130 Analog OUT 3 0x62 98 Discrete OUT 3 0x6C 108 Discrete OUT NMOS 3

0x83 131 Analog OUT 4 0x63 99 Discrete OUT 4 0x6D 109 Discrete OUT NMOS 4

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Type # Description Type # Description Type # Description

Hex Dec Hex Dec Hex Dec

0x67 103 Discrete OUT 5

0x6B 107 Switch Power Output 0x68 104 Discrete OUT 6 0x66 102 Multiple Discrete OUT

0x69 105 Discrete OUT 7

0x6A 106 Discrete OUT 8

4.7 Defining the Units

The units parameter defines the range and/or type of data value associated with an input or output.
Selecting Units from within any configuration tool changes the units definition of several parameters, including threshold,
hysteresis, and delta. For example, if the units are 0 to 20 mA, the threshold, hysteresis, and delta values are entered as
milliampere values. Selecting Temp °C changes the threshold, hysteresis, and delta units to degrees Celsius.
Signed values range from −32768 to +32767 and allow for the measurement of negative values. Signed values are typically
used for measuring temperatures. Signed values are stored as two's complement values.
Unsigned values range from 0 to 65535 and are used to measure values that do not go below zero, such as 4 to 20 mA,
distance, or a counter.

4.7.1 Input Units

Table 5: Defining the input units

Units Description Definition LCD

0 Raw Displays the raw A/D conversion data with data ranges from 0 to 65535. This units type is Raw A/D hex value
typically used only for factory calibration.

1 4 to 20 mA Analog unit. Modbus register contents are scaled such that 0 represents 4 mA and 65535 4.00mA–20.00mA
represents 20 mA.

2 0 to 20 mA Default analog input unit. Modbus register contents are scaled such that 0 represents 0 mA and 0.00mA–20.00mA
65535 represents 20 mA.

3 Discrete (ON/OFF) Default discrete input unit. ON/OFF

4 0 to 10 V (Volts) Analog input using 0 to 10 V instead of current. Modbus register contents are scaled such that 0 0.00V–10.00V
represents 0V and 65535 represents 10V.

6 Temp °C Celsius, high resolution. Analog input for temperature devices such as thermocouples, RTD, and 0000.0C
thermistors. In high resolution mode, temperature = (Modbus register value) ÷ 20.

7 Temp °F Fahrenheit, high resolution. Analog input for temperature devices such as thermocouples, RTD, 0000.0F
and thermistors. In high resolution mode, temperature = (Modbus register value) ÷ 20.

8 Temp °C (Low Res) Celsius, low resolution. To measure a greater temperature range, use the low resolution unit. In 0000.0C
low resolution mode, temperature = (Modbus register value) ÷ 2.

9 Temp °F (Low Res) Fahrenheit, low resolution. To measure a greater temperature range, use the low resolution unit. 0000.0F
In low resolution mode, temperature = (Modbus register value) ÷ 2.

10 Asynchronous The 32-bit counter value records counts up to 4.29 billion. 0000 0000
Counter, 32-bit

11 Asynchronous The 16-bit counter value records counts up to 65535. 0000

Counter, 16-bit

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4.7.2 Output Units

Table 6: Defining the output units

Units Description Definition LCD

0 Raw Displays the raw A/D conversion data with data ranges from 0 to 65535. This units type is Raw A/D hex value
typically used only for factory calibration.

1 4 to 20 mA Analog unit. Modbus register contents are scaled such that 0 represents 4 mA and 65535 4.00mA–20.00mA
represents 20 mA.

2 0 to 20 mA Default analog input unit. Modbus register contents are scaled such that 0 represents 0 mA and 0.00mA–20.00mA
65535 represents 20 mA.

3 Discrete (ON/OFF) Default discrete unit. ON/OFF

4 0 to 10 V (Volts) Analog unit using 0 to 10 V instead of current. Modbus register contents are scaled such that 0 0.00V–10.00V
represents 0 V and 65535 represents 10 V.

5 Signed Analog, 0 to For a signed value, such as temperature, that is to be converted to a voltage out value. Use null 0.00V–10.00V
10 V to set the start point and span to define the range. The null value is the starting temperature to be
associated with 0 V. The span is the entire temperature range that is to be associated with 0 to
10 V.

6 Signed Analog, 0 to For a signed value, such as temperature, that is to be converted to a mA out value. Use null to 0.00mA–20.00mA
20 mA set the start point and span to define the range. The null value is the starting temperature to be
associated with 0 mA. The span is the entire temperature range that is to be associated with 0 to
20 mA.

7 Unsigned Analog, 0 to For unsigned values, such as a counter, that is to be converted to a mA out value. Use the null to 0.00mA–20.00mA
20 mA set the start point and span to define the range. The null value is the distance to be associated
with 0 mA. The span is the entire distance range that is to be associated with 0 to 20 mA.

8 Signed Analog, 4 to In older models, this units type is for degree Celsius conversions only. Use null to set the start 4.00mA–20.00mA
20 mA (A) point and span to define the range. The null value is the starting temperature to be associated
with 4 mA. The span is the entire temperature range that is to be associated with 4 to 20 mA. For
newer firmware models, type codes 8 and 9 are treated the same.

9 Signed Analog, 4 to In older models, this units type is for degree Fahrenheit conversions only. Use null to set the start 4.00mA–20.00mA
20 mA (B) point and span to define the range. The null value is the starting temperature to be associated
with 4 mA. The span is the entire temperature range that is to be associated with 4 to 20 mA. For
newer firmware models, type codes 8 and 9 are treated the same.

10 Unsigned Analog, 0 to For an unsigned value, such as 0 to 20 mA, that is to be converted to a voltage out value. Use 0.00V–10.00V
10 V the null to set the start point and span to define the range. The null value is the distance to be
associated with 0V. The span is the entire distance range that is to be associated with 0 to 10 V.

11 Counter, 16-bit The 16-bit counter value records counts up to 65535. 0000

12 Unsigned Analog, 4 to For an unsigned value, such as 0 to 10 V, that is to be converted to a mA out value. Use the null 4.00mA–20.00mA
20 mA to set the start point and span to define the range. The null value is the distance to be associated
with 4 mA. The span is the entire distance range that is to be associated with 4 to 20 mA.

4.7.3 Interpreting Register Values in the Banner Wireless System

The units conversion table defines the type and range of values for each type of I/O.
The wireless devices have many different units of measure for inputs including: milliamp (mA), voltage (V), temperature (°C
or °F), humidity (RH), or a raw 16-bit or 32-bit value. Outputs can be either current (4 to 20 mA, 0 to 20 mA) or voltage (0 to
10 V DC). All values stored in Modbus registers are unsigned numbers, except for temperature readings. The temperature
readings are stored as signed numbers (two's complement).
The following table defines the range of values and descriptions for input units.
Table 7: Register values

Holding Register
I/O Range
Input Type Representation Data Conversion Description
Min. Max. Min. Max.

Discrete 0 1 0 1 - -

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Holding Register
I/O Range
Input Type Representation Data Conversion Description
Min. Max. Min. Max.

Linear mapping of unsigned register

0 to 20 mA 0.0 mA 20.0 mA 0 65535 (20 mA ÷ 65535) × Reg Value = mA
value to current

((16 mA ÷ 65535) × Reg Value) + 4 = Linear mapping of unsigned register

4 to 20 mA 4.0 mA 20.0 mA 0 65535
mA value to current

0.0 V Linear mapping of unsigned register

0 to 10 V dc 10.0 V DC 0 65535 (10 V ÷ 65535) × Reg Value = V
DC value to voltage

Temp C/F (high

–1638.3 +1638.4 0 65535 (Converted Reg Value) ÷ 20 = Temp Signed Values
resolution)

Counter 0 65535 0 65535 - -

16-bit T30UF 0 mm 65535 mm 0 65535 None; stored as millimeter value Unsigned

(Reg Value) ÷ 100 = Relative Humidity

Humidity 0% RH 100% RH 0 10000 Unsigned
(RH)

Temperature Measurements:
• In high resolution mode, the temperature = (Modbus register value) ÷ 20. For high resolution temperature input, 0 in
the register is interpreted as 0° and 65535 in the register (0xFFFF) is interpreted as −1 ÷ 20 = −0.05°.
• In low resolution mode, the temperature is (Modbus register value) ÷ 2. For low resolution temperature input, 0 in the
register is interpreted as 0° and 65535 in the register (0xFFFF) is interpreted as −1 ÷ 2 = −0.5°. The I/O range values
are –16383 through 16384.
When using a 4 to 20 mA sensor with a 0 to 20 mA input, the sensor uses the 4 to 20 mA section of the total range. Using a 4
to 20 mA with a 0 to 20 mA input allows you to determine when you have an error condition with the sensor. A normal input
reading between 4 and 20 mA indicates a functioning sensor whereas a value below 4 mA indicates an error condition, such
as a broken wire or loose connection. Some Sure Cross devices allow you to configure the analog inputs and outputs to use
either 0 to 20 mA or 4 to 20 mA.

4.7.4 Signed Numbers

Temperature values are stored in Modbus registers as two's complement signed numbers. Using two's complement allows
negative numbers to be stored in Modbus registers.
Although not technically a sign bit, the most significant bit (MSB) indicates a negative number when the value is set to one
(1). When the most significant bit is zero (0), the value is greater than or equal to zero.
Modbus register values of 32768 through 65535 (decimal) represent negative temperatures. These numbers in binary form
are: 1000 0000 0000 0000 through 1111 1111 1111 1111.
To convert to a negative temperature value from a Modbus register value, first convert the value from the two's complement
number. To convert from a two's complement number in binary form, invert all the bits (0 changes to 1, 1 changes to a 0),
then add 1. Convert this binary value to a decimal value and divide by either 20 (high resolution mode) or 2 (low resolution
mode) to calculate the negative temperature.
Table 8: Defining the signed numbers

Register Value Converted Decimal Calculated Temperature

(Converted Decimal ÷ 20)
Two's Complement Value Decimal Value

0000 0000 0000 0101 5 5 0.25

0000 0000 0000 0100 4 4 0.20

0000 0000 0000 0011 3 3 0.15

0000 0000 0000 0010 2 2 0.10

0000 0000 0000 0001 1 1 0.05

0000 0000 0000 0000 0 0 0

1111 1111 1111 1111 65535 -1 -0.05

1111 1111 1111 1110 65534 -2 -0.10

1111 1111 1111 1101 65533 -3 -0.15

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Register Value Converted Decimal Calculated Temperature

(Converted Decimal ÷ 20)
Two's Complement Value Decimal Value

1111 1111 1111 1100 65532 -4 -.20

1111 1111 1111 1011 65531 -5 -0.25

1111 1100 0001 1000 64536 -1000 -50

4.7.5 Mapping Unit Types

Using signed or unsigned value types allows the user to generically map any input to any output. The signed and unsigned
values read the null and span parameters to create the linear translation between one scale and another. The output type is
set to mA or V.
Output = (Fullscale/Span)(InputValue − Null) + Offset
Table 9: Defining the mapping unit types

Output Scale Fullscale (range) Offset

0 to 20 mA 20 mA 0 mA

4 to 20 mA 16 mA 4 mA

0 to 10 V 10 V 0V

Fullscale
Defined in the table; the output range.
Input Value
The value mapped to the output.
Null
The starting point for the output scale.
Offset
Defined in the table; the starting output value.
Span
The total range of values mapped to the output.

Example: Mapping a Temperature

Map a temperature input from a Node to a 4 to 20 mA output. The starting temperature is −20 °F and the last temperature will
be 50 °F (4 mA = −20 °F, 20 mA = 50 °F). This defines the null as −20 °F and the span as 70.
With an input temperature value of −5 °F, the output value will be:
Output = (Fullscale ÷ Span)(InValue − Null) + Offset
(Fullscale ÷ Span) = 16 ÷ 70 = 0.22857
(Value − Null ) = −5 − (−20) = 15
Offset = 4
Output = 0.22857 × 15 + 4 = 7.42 mA

Example: Mapping a Distance

Map a distance input from a Node to a 0 to 10 V output. The starting distance is 200 mm and the last distance will be 2000
mm (4 mA = 200 mm and 20 mA = 2000 mm). This defines the null as 200 and the span as 1800.
With an input distance reading of 1560 mm, the output value will be:
Output = (Fullscale ÷ Span)(InValue − Null) + Offset
(Fullscale ÷ Span) = 10 ÷ 1800 = 0.00555
(Value − Null ) = 1560 − 200 = 1360
Offset = 0
Output = 0.00555 × 1360 + 0 = 7.54 V
Alarm Conditions. The standard alarm conditions are as follows:

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Unsigned Alarm = 0xFFFF

Signed Alarm = 0x7FFF
If special alarm conditions are needed, consult the factory for details.

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5 Troubleshooting
5.1 Restore the Device to the Factory Default Settings
To restore the device to its factory default settings, clear the I/O links, or reboot the device, follow these steps.
1. Go to the Device Restore screen.
2. Select the device from the drop-down list.
3. Reset the device to factory defaults, erase the I/O linking, or reboot the device as needed.
• To reset the device back to its factory default settings, click Restore.
• To clear the I/O links from a device, click Clear Links. This erases any I/O links to or from the selected device.
• To reboot or cycle power to a device, click Power Cycle. Cycle power to a device after you have changed any of
the settings of that device.

5.2 Read (or Write) Registers

To read (or write) registers, use the Register View screen.
1. To read registers:
a) Select the device from which to read registers from the drop-down list or select a starting register and the number
of registers to read.
b) Click Read Registers. The register values are displayed for the selected device.
Select Enable Polling and enter a time in seconds to enable constant polling from the Gateway. The Read
Registers button changes to Begin Polling. Click Begin Polling to start polling at the defined rate.
2. To write to specific registers:
a) Select a device to write to from the drop-down list or select the starting register and the number of registers to
write to.
b) Enter a value into the value column for the specific register you want to write to.
c) Click Write Registers.

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6 Product Support
6.1 Contact Us
Banner Engineering Corp. headquarters is located at:
9714 Tenth Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55441, USA
Phone: + 1 888 373 6767
For worldwide locations and local representatives, visit www.bannerengineering.com.

6.2 Banner Engineering Corp. Software Copyright Notice

This software is protected by copyright, trade secret, and other intellectual property laws. You are only granted the right to use the software and only for the purposes described
by Banner. Banner reserves all other rights in this software. For so long as you have obtained an authorized copy of this software directly from Banner, Banner grants you a
limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable right and license to use this software.
You agree not to use, nor permit any third party to use, this software or content in a manner that violates any applicable law, regulation or terms of use under this Agreement.
You agree that you will not reproduce, modify, copy, deconstruct, sell, trade or resell this software or make it available to any file-sharing or application hosting service.
Disclaimer of Warranties. Your use of this software is entirely at your own risk, except as described in this agreement. This software is provided "AS-IS." To the maximum
extent permitted by applicable law, Banner, it affiliates, and its channel partners disclaim all warranties, expressed or implied, including any warranty that the software is fit for a
particular purpose, title, merchantability, data loss, non-interference with or non-infringement of any intellectual property rights, or the accuracy, reliability, quality or content in or
linked to the services. Banner and its affiliates and channel partners do not warrant that the services are secure, free from bugs, viruses, interruption, errors, theft or destruction.
If the exclusions for implied warranties do not apply to you, any implied warranties are limited to 60 days from the date of first use of this software.
Limitation of Liability and Indemnity. Banner, its affiliates and channel partners are not liable for indirect, special, incidental, punitive or consequential damages, damages
relating to corruption, security, loss or theft of data, viruses, spyware, loss of business, revenue, profits, or investment, or use of software or hardware that does not meet Banner
minimum systems requirements. The above limitations apply even if Banner and its affiliates and channel partners have been advised of the possibility of such damages. This
Agreement sets forth the entire liability of Banner, its affiliates and your exclusive remedy with respect to the software use. You agree to indemnify and hold Banner and its
affiliates and channel partners harmless from any and all claims, liability and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees and costs, arising out of your use of the Services or
breach of this Agreement (collectively referred to as "Claims"). Banner reserves the right at its sole discretion and at its own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and
control of any Claims. You agree to reasonably cooperate as requested by Banner in defense of any Claims.

6.3 Glossary of Wireless Terminology

This definitions list contains a library of common definitions and glossary terms specific to the Wireless products.
EtherNet/IP™ is a trademark of ODVA, Inc.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Modbus® is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
PROFINET® is a registered trademark of PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V.

active threshold An active threshold is a trigger point or reporting threshold for an analog input.
a/d converter An analog to digital converter converts varying sinusoidal signals from instruments into binary code for a
computer.
address mode The Sure Cross® wireless devices may use one of two types of addressing modes: rotary dial
addressing or extended addressing. In rotary dial address mode, the left rotary dial establishes the
network ID (NID) and the right rotary dial sets the device address. Extended address mode uses a
security code to "bind" Nodes to a specific Gateway. Bound Nodes can only send and receive
information from the Gateway they are bound to.
antenna Antennas transmit radio signals by converting radio frequency electrical currents into electromagnetic
waves. Antennas receive the signals by converting the electromagnetic waves back into radio frequency
electrical currents.
attenuation Attenuation is the radio signal loss occurring as signals travel through the medium. Radio signal
attenuation may also be referred to as free space loss. The higher the frequency, the faster the signal
strength decreases. For example, 2.4 GHz signals attenuate faster than 900 MHz signals.
baseline filter Under normal conditions, the ambient magnetic field fluctuates. When the magnetic field readings drift
(M-GAGE) below a threshold setting, the baseline or drift filter uses an algorithm to slowly match the radio device’s
baseline to the ambient magnetic field.
binding (DX80 Binding Nodes to a Gateway ensures the Nodes only exchange data with the Gateway they are bound
star networks) to. After a Gateway enters binding mode, the Gateway automatically generates and transmits a unique
extended addressing (XADR), or binding, code to all Nodes within range that are also in binding mode.

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The extended addressing (binding) code defines the network, and all radios within a network must use
the same code.
After binding your Nodes to the Gateway, make note of the binding code displayed under the *DVCFG >
XADR menu on the Gateway's LCD. Knowing the binding code prevents having to re-bind all Nodes if
the Gateway is ever replaced.
binding Binding MultiHop radios ensures all MultiHop radios within a network communicate only with other
(MultiHop radios within the same network. The MultiHop radio master automatically generates a unique binding
networks) code when the radio master enters binding mode. This code is then transmitted to all radios within range
that are also in binding mode. After a repeater/slave is bound, the repeater/slave radio accepts data only
from the master to which it is bound. The binding code defines the network, and all radios within a
network must use the same binding code.
After binding your MultiHop radios to the master radio, make note of the binding code displayed under
the *DVCFG > -BIND menu on the LCD. Knowing the binding code prevents having to re-bind all radios
if the master is ever replaced.
binding (serial Binding the serial data radios ensures all radios within a network communicate only with the other radios
data radio within the same network. The serial data radio master automatically generates a unique binding code
networks) when the radio master enters binding mode. This code is transmitted to all radios within range that are
also in binding mode. After a repeater/slave is bound, the repeater/slave radio accepts data only from
the master to which it is bound. The binding code defines the network, and all radios within a network
must use the same binding code.
bit packing i/o Bit packing uses a single register, or range of contiguous registers, to represent I/O values. This allows
you to read or write multiple I/O values with a single Modbus message.
booster (boost A booster is an electronic circuit that increases a battery-level voltage input (3.6V) to a sensor operating
voltage) voltage output (5 to 20 V).
CE The CE mark on a product or machine establishes its compliance with all relevant European Union (EU)
Directives and the associated safety standards.
change of state Change of state reporting is a report initiated by the Node when a change to the sensor’s input state is
detected. If the input does not change, nothing is reported to the Gateway.

Something
has changed

data

channel A channel may be either a path for communications or a range of radio frequencies used by a
transceiver during communication.
collision A collision is a situation in which two or more transmissions are competing to communicate on a system
that can only handle one transmission at a time. This may also be referred to as a data collision.
collocated To prevent interference between collocated wireless networks, assign each wireless network a different
networks Network ID. The Network ID is a unique identifier assigned to each wireless network using the rotary
dials on the Gateway.
contention Contention architecture is a wireless communication architecture that allows all network devices access
architecture to the communications channel at the same time. This may lead to transmission collisions.
counter - event The event counter counts the total number of times an input signal changes to the high/ON/1 state. The
counter increments on the falling edge of an input signal when the signal level crosses the threshold.
Event counters can be used to measure the total operational cycles of a spinning shaft or the total
number of items traveling down a conveyor.
counter - The frequency counter calculates the frequency of the input signal, in Hz.
frequency Frequency counters can be used to measure flow rates, such as measuring the flow rate of items on a
conveyor or the speed at which a windmill spins.
courtesy power Courtesy power outputs provide continuous power and cannot be turned on or off.
outputs

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cyclic reporting Cyclic reporting is when the Gateway polls the Node at user-defined intervals.

It is time to
report

data

debounce When a signal changes state using a mechanical switch or relay, the signal can oscillate briefly before
stabilizing to the new state. The debounce filter examines the signal’s transitions to determine the
signal’s state.

The signal oscillates between states after a mechanical switch

or relay activates.

Without a debounce filter, the signal is interpreted to change

state multiple times.

With a debounce filter, the signal is interpreted to change state

only once.

The factory default setting is to activate the input filtering to compensate for unclean state transitions.
decibel A decibel is a logarithmic ratio between a specific value and a base value of the same unit of measure.
With respect to radio power, dBm is a ratio of power relative to 1 milliWatt. According to the following
equation, 1 mW corresponds to 0 dBm.
Equation: PmW = 10x/10 where x is the transmitted power in dBm, or dBm = 10 log(PmW)
Another decibel rating, dBi, is defined as an antenna’s forward gain compared to an idealized isotropic
antenna. Typically, dBm = dBi = dBd + 2.15 where dBi refers to an isotropic decibel, dBd is a dipole
decibel, and dBm is relative to milliwatts.
deep sleep Potted Puck models, potted M-GAGE models: Some battery-powered M-GAGE radios ship in a "deep
mode sleep" mode to conserve battery power. While in "deep sleep" mode, the M-GAGE does not attempt to
transmit to a parent radio and remains in "deep sleep" until an LED light at the receiving window wakes
it up. M-GAGEs that ship in "deep sleep" mode are typically the potted M-GAGEs that require an LED
Optical Commissioning Device to configure the M-GAGE.
Wireless Q45 Sensors: If the Wireless Q45 Sensor fails to communicate with the Gateway for more than
5 minutes, it enters sleep mode. The radio continues to search for the Gateway at a slower rate and the
LEDs do not blink. To wake up the sensor, press any button. After the Q45 wakes up, it will do a fast
rate search for the Gateway for five more minutes.
default output Default output triggers are the conditions that drive outputs to defined states. Example default output
triggers conditions include when radios are out of sync, when a device cycles power, or during a host
communication timeout.
Device Power Up—Outputs are set to user-defined states every time the device is powered up.
Out of Sync—Outputs are set to user-defined states when the radio is out of sync with its parent radio.
Host Link Failure—Host link failure is when the defined timeout period has elapsed with no
communications between the host system (or Modbus master device) and the DX80 Gateway, typically
about four seconds. Outputs are set to user-defined states when a host link failure has been detected.
Node Link Failure—Node link failures are determined by the polling interval or the out-of-sync timing.
When a Node detects a communications failure with the Gateway and the Node Link Failure flag is set,
the output points are set to the user-defined states and the inputs are frozen.

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 DX80 Performance Configuration Software

Gateway Link Failure—Gateway link failures are determined by three global parameters: Polling
Interval, Maximum Missed Message Count and Re-link Count. When the Node’s Gateway Link Failure
flag is set and the Gateway determines a timeout condition exists for a Node, any outputs linked from
the failing Node are set to the user-defined default state.
default output Default output values are specific values written to output registers. For discrete outputs, this is a 1 (on)
value or 0 (off) value. For analog outputs the value can be any valid register value. When a default condition
occurs, these default output values are written to the output register.
delta The delta parameter defines the change required between sample points of an analog input before the
analog input reports a new value. To turn off this option, set the Delta value to 0.
determinism A deterministic system defines how network endpoints behave during the loss of communications. The
network identifies when the communications link is lost and sets relevant outputs to user-defined
conditions. Once the radio signal is re-established, the network returns to normal operation.
device, node, or The Node address is a unique identifier for each wireless device on a network and is set using the rotary
radio address/ID dials. For the DX80 networks, Gateways are identified as device 0. Nodes are assigned addresses
(DX80 (NADR) from 01 to 47 using the rotary dials.
Networks)
directional A direction antenna, or Yagi, is an antenna that focuses the majority of the signal energy in one specific
antenna direction.

Direct Sequence Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum is a method for generating spread spectrum transmissions where the
Spread transmitted signal is sent at a much higher frequency than the original signal, spreading the energy over
Spectrum a much wider band. The receiver is able to de-spread the transmission and filter the original message.
(DSSS) DSSS is useful for sending large amounts of data in low to medium interference environments.
Power

Direct Sequence
Spread Signal

902 MHz 928 MHz

Frequency
DX83 Ethernet The Ethernet Bridge acts as a communications bridge between the Modbus RTU network (Gateway)
Bridge and Modbus/TCP or EtherNet/IP host systems and includes the ability to configure the network using a
Web browser interface.
effective The EIRP is the effective power found in the main lobe of a transmitter antenna, relative to a 0 dB
isotropic radiator. EIRP is usually equal to the antenna gain (in dBi) plus the power into that antenna (in dBm).
radiated power
(EIRP)
Ethernet Ethernet is an access method for computer network (Local Area Networks) communications, defined by
IEEE as the 802 standard.
EtherNet/IP™ EtherNet/IP is Allen-Bradley’s DeviceNet running over Ethernet hardware.

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extended Using extended address mode isolates networks from one another by assigning a unique code, the
address mode extended address code, to all devices in a particular network. Only devices sharing the extended
address code can exchange data. The extended address code is derived from the Gateway's serial
number, but the code can be customized using the manual binding procedure.
flash pattern Flash patterns are established by selecting timeslots to turn the output on or off. While originally the
flash pattern was designed to turn on and off an indicator light, the flash pattern can be set for any
discrete output or switch power output.
FlexPower Banner’s FlexPower® technology allows for a true wireless solution by allowing the device to operate
using either 10 to 30 V DC, 3.6 V lithium D cell batteries, or solar power. This unique power
management system can operate a FlexPower Node and an optimized sensing device for up to 5 years
on a single lithium D cell.
free space loss The radio signal loss occurring as the signal radiates through free space. Free Space Loss = 20 Log
(FSL) (4(3.1416)d/λ ) where d is in meters. Remembering that λf = c = 300 x 106 m/s, the equations reduce
down to:
For the 900 MHz radio band: FSL = 31.5 + 20 Log d (where d is in meters).
For the 2.4 GHz radio band: FSL = 40 + 20 Log d (where d is in meters.)

Frequency Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) is a method for generating spread spectrum
Hopping Spread transmissions where the signal is switched between different frequency channels in a pseudo-random
Spectrum sequence known by both the transmitter and the receiver. FHSS is useful for sending small packets of
(FHSS) data in a high interference environment.
Power

1 2 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 26 27

902 MHz 928 MHz

Frequency

Fresnel zone Fresnel zones are the three-dimensional elliptical zones of radio signals between the transmitter and
receiver. Because the signal strength is strongest in the first zone and decreases in each successive
zone, obstacles within the first Fresnel zone cause the greatest amount of destructive interference.

3rd Fresnel Zone

2nd Fresnel Zone

1st Fresnel Zone

Tx Rx

gain Gain represents how well the antenna focuses the signal power. A 3 dB gain increase doubles the
effective transmitting power while every 6 dB increase doubles the distance the signal travels.
Increasing the gain sacrifices the vertical height of the signal for horizontal distance increases. The
signal is ‘squashed’ down to concentrate the signal strength along the horizontal plane.
gateway A gateway is a general network device that connects two different networks.
Gateway A Sure Cross® Gateway is the wireless sensor network master device used to control network timing
and schedule communication traffic. Similar to how a gateway device on a wired network acts as a
"portal" between networks, the Sure Cross Gateway acts as the portal between the wireless network
and the central control process. Every wireless I/O sensor network requires one Gateway device. Every
Sure Cross device is a transceiver, meaning it can transmit and receive data.
GatewayPro The GatewayPro combines the standard Gateway and the DX83 Ethernet Bridge into one device.
ground loop Ground loops are grounds within a system that are not at the same potential. Ground loops can damage
electrical systems.
ground plane A ground plane is an electrically conductive plate that acts as a ‘mirror’ for the antenna, effectively
doubling the length of the antenna. When using a 1/4 wave antenna, the ground plane acts to ‘double’
the antenna length to a 1/2 wave antenna.

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heartbeat mode In heartbeat mode, the Nodes send "heartbeat" messages to the Gateway at specific intervals to
indicate the radio link is active. The heartbeat is always initiated by the Node and is used only to verify
radio communications. Using the Nodes to notify the Gateway that the radio link is active instead of
having the Gateway "poll" the Nodes saves energy and increases battery life.

I am here

hibernation/ While in storage mode, the radio does not operate. To put any integrated battery Sure Cross radio into
storage mode storage mode, press and hold button 1 for five seconds. To wake the device, press and hold button 1 for
five seconds. The radio is in storage mode when the LEDs stop blinking, but in some models, the LCD
remains on for an additional minute after the radio enters storage mode. After a device has entered
storage mode, you must wait one minute before waking it.
For the Wireless Q45 and Q120 Sensors: While in storage mode, the device's radio does not operate,
to conserve the battery. To put any device into storage mode, press and hold the binding button for five
seconds. The device is in storage mode when the LEDs stop blinking. To wake the device, press and
hold the binding button (inside the housing on the radio board) for five seconds.
hop As a verb, hopping is the act of changing from one frequency to another. As a noun, a hop is the device
to device transmission link, such as from the Master device to the Slave device.
hop table A hop table is a precalculated, pseudo-random list of frequencies used by both the transmitter and
receiver of a radio to create a hopping sequence.
hysteresis Hysteresis defines how far below the active threshold (ON point) an analog input is required to be before
the input is considered OFF. A typical hysteresis value is 10% to 20% of the unit’s range. For more
specific details, see Threshold.

ON point
Input Value

Threshold

Hysteresis

Input
OFF point

Time

Industrial, The ISM, or Industrial, Scientific, and Medical band, is the part of the radio spectrum that does not
Scientific, and require a license for use. The Sure Cross radios operate in the ISM band.
Medical Band
(ISM)
latency A network's latency is the maximum delay between transmission and reception of a data signal.
lightning Also called a lightning suppressor, surge suppressor, or coaxial surge protection, lightning arrestors are
arrestor used in remote antenna installations to protect the radio equipment from damage resulting from a
lightning strike. Lightning arrestors are typically mounted close to the ground to minimize the grounding
distance.

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line of sight Line of sight is the unobstructed path between radio antennas.
link failures A Host Link Failure occurs when the defined timeout period, typically about four seconds, elapses with
no communication between the host system (or Modbus master device) and the DX80 Gateway.
A Gateway Link Failure refers to the radio link between a Node and the Gateway and is determined by
three global parameters: Polling Interval, Maximum Missed Message Count, and Re-link Count. When
the Node’s Gateway Link Failure flag is set and the Gateway determines a timeout condition exists for a
Node, any outputs linked from the failing Node are set to the user-defined default state.
A Node Link Failure is determined by the polling interval or the out-of-sync timing. When a Node
detects a communications failure with the Gateway and the Node Link Failure flag is selected, the output
points are set to the user-defined states and the inputs are frozen.
local and non- Local registers are registers specific to the device in question. When discussing a Gateway, the
local registers Gateway's local registers include the registers specific to the Gateway in addition to all the Nodes'
registers that are stored in the Gateway. Non-local, or remote, registers refer to registers on other
Modbus slave devices, such as other MultiHop slave radios or third-party Modbus devices.
master/slave The master/slave relationships is the model for a communication protocol between devices or processes
relationship in which one device initiates commands (master) and other devices respond (slave). The Sure Cross
network is a master/slave network with the Gateway acting as the master device to the Nodes, which
are the slave devices. A PC can also be a master device to a wireless sensor network. See star
networks.
maximum bad The maximum bad count refers to a user-established maximum count of consecutive failed polling
count attempts before the Gateway considers the radio (RF) link to have failed.
maximum The maximum misses is the number of consecutive polling messages the Node fails to respond to. For
misses more information, see Polling Rate and Maximum Misses.
median filter When the median filter is turned on, three samples are taken for each analog sensor reading. The high
and low values are discarded and the middle value is used as the analog value. Set to zero (0) to turn
off the median filter. Set to one (1) to turn on the median filter.
Modbus Modbus is a master-slave communications protocol typically used for industrial applications.
Modbus/TCP Modbus/TCP is an open standard protocol very similar to Modbus RTU except that it uses standard
Internet communication protocols.
MultiHop MultiHop networks are made up of one master radio and many repeater and slave radios. The MultiHop
networks are self-forming and self-healing networks constructed around a parent-child communication
relationship. A MultiHop Radio is either a master radio, a repeater radio, or a slave radio.
The master radio controls the overall timing of the network and is always the parent device for other
MultiHop radios. The host system connects to this master radio. Repeater radios extend the range of the
wireless network and slave radios are the end point of the wireless network.
For more information, refer to the Sure Cross MultiHop Radios Instruction Manual (p/n 151317).
multipath fade Obstructions in the radio path reflect or scatter the transmitted signal, causing multiple copies of a signal
to reach the receiver through different paths. Multipath fade is the signal degradation caused by these
obstructions.
network ID The Network ID (NID) is a unique identifier you assign to each wireless network to minimizes the
chances of two collocated networks interfering with each other. Assigning different NIDs to different
networks improves collocation performance in dense installations.
node A node is any communications point within a network.

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Node Nodes are remote I/O slave devices within Banner's wireless sensor networks. Sensors and other
devices connect to the Node's inputs or outputs, allowing the Node to collect sensor data and wirelessly
transmit it to the Gateway. Every Sure Cross device is a transceiver, meaning it can transmit and
receive data.
noise Noise is any unwanted electromagnetic disturbances from within the RF equipment, especially the
receiver. Noise is more of a concern when signal levels are low.
omni-directional Omni-directional antennas transmit and receive radio signals equally in all directions.
antenna
out of sync/link The Sure Cross wireless devices use a deterministic link time-out method to address RF link interruption
loss (loss of or failure. When a radio link fails, all pertinent wired outputs are sent to the selected default value/state
radio signal) until the link is recovered, ensuring that disruptions in the communications link result in predictable
system behavior. Following a time-out, all outputs linked to the Node in question are set to 0, 1, or hold
the last stable state depending on the value selected.
path loss Path loss describes attenuation as a function of the wavelength of the operating frequency and the
distance between the transmitter and receiver.
path loss (or Link loss calculations determine the capabilities of a radio system by calculating the total gain or loss for
link loss) a system. If the total gain/loss is within a specific range, the radio signal will be received by the radio.
calculations Total Gain = Effective output + Free space loss + Total received power . Because the transmitter
and receiver gains are positive numbers and the free space loss is a larger negative number, the total
gain of a system should be negative. A link loss calculation may also be called a link budget calculation.
peer to peer Peer-to-peer is a model for a communication protocol in which any device in the network can send or
network receive data. Any device can act as a Master to initiate communication.
polling interval/ The Gateway communicates with, or polls, each Node to determine if the radio link is active. The polling
rate rate defines how often the Gateway communicates with each Node. Polling is always initiated by the
Gateway and only verifies radio signal communications.
Are you there?

Yes, I am here.

polling interval/ The Gateway communicates with, or polls, each Node to determine if the radio link is active. The polling
rate and rate, or interval, defines how often the Gateway communicates with each Node. Polling is always
maximum initiated by the Gateway and only verifies radio signal communications. Nodes that fail to respond are
misses counted against the ‘Maximum Misses’ for that Node. If the ‘Maximum Misses’ is exceeded for any
Node, the Gateway generates an RF timeout error in the Modbus I/O register 8 of the appropriate Node.
The ‘Maximum Misses’ is defined as the number of consecutive polling messages that the Node fails to
respond to.
radiation An antenna's radiation pattern is the area over which the antenna broadcasts an easily received signal.
pattern The radiation pattern/shape changes based on the antenna type and gain.
re-link count The re-link count is the number of completed polling messages the Gateway receives from a Node
before a lost RF link is considered re-established and normal operation resumes.
remote antenna A remote antenna installation is any antenna not mounted directly to the Sure Cross wireless device,
especially when coaxial cable is used. Always properly install and ground surge suppressors in remote
antenna systems.
repeater radio A repeater radio extends the transmission range of a wireless network. Repeaters are typically used in
long-distance transmission.
report interval/ The report rate defines how often the Node communicates the I/O status to the Gateway. For battery-
rate powered applications, setting the report rate to a slower rate extends the battery life.

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DX80 Performance Configuration Software

I/O Status

Change of state reporting sets the system to report only when the value crosses the threshold setting.
rotary dial See: address mode
address mode
Received Signal An RSSI is the measurement of the strength of received signals in a wireless environment. See Site
Strength Survey.
Indicator (RSSI)
resistance An RTD is a temperature measurement device that measures the electrical resistance across a pure
temperature metal. The most commonly used metal is platinum because of its temperature range, accuracy, and
detector (RTD) stability.
RTDs are used for higher precision applications or for longer wire runs because RTDs can compensate
for wire length. In industrial applications, RTDs are not generally used at temperatures above 660º C.
Though RTDs are more accurate, they are slower to respond and have a smaller temperature range
than thermocouples.
sample high/ For analog inputs, the sample high parameter defines the number of consecutive samples the input
sample low signal must be above the threshold before a signal is considered active. Sample low defines the number
(analog I/O) of consecutive samples the input signal must be below the threshold minus hysteresis before a signal is
considered deactivated. The sample high and sample low parameters are used to avoid unwanted input
transitions.
sample high/ For discrete inputs, the sample high parameter defines the number of consecutive samples the input
sample low signal must be high before a signal is considered active. Sample low defines the number of consecutive
(discrete I/O) samples the input signal must be low before a signal is considered low. The sample high and sample
low parameters are used to create a filter to avoid unwanted input transitions. The default value is 0,
which disables this feature. The value range is 1 through 255.
sample interval/ The sample interval, or rate, defines how often the Sure Cross device samples the input. For battery-
rate powered applications, setting a slower rate extends the battery life.

sample on Sample on demand allows a host system to send a Modbus command to any register and require the
demand inputs to immediately sample the sensor and report readings back to the host system. Sampling on
demand can be used between the normal periodic reporting.
To use the Sample on Demand feature requires using a host-controlled system capable of sending
Modbus commands to the master radio.
signal-to-noise The signal-to-noise ratio is the ratio of the signal to any background noise or noise generated by the
ratio (SNR) medium. In radio terms, it a ratio of the transmitted radio signal to the noise generated by any
electromagnetic equipment, in particular the radio receiver. The weaker the radio signal, the more of an
influence noise has on radio performance. Like gain, the signal-to-noise ratio is measured in decibels.

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The equations for calculating SNR are:

SNR = 20 × log (Vs/Vn) where Vs is the signal voltage and Vn is the noise voltage;
SNR = 20 × log (As/An) where As is the signal amplitude and An is the noise amplitude; or
SNR = 10 × log (Ps/Pn) where Ps is the signal power and Pn is the noise power.

single-point All grounds within a system are made to a single ground to avoid creating ground loops.
ground
site survey Conducting a site survey, also known as a radio signal strength indication (RSSI), analyzes the radio
communications link between the Gateway (or master radio) and any Node (or slave radio) within the
network by analyzing the radio signal strength of received data packets and reporting the number of
missed packets that required a retry.
slave ID The slave ID is an identifying number used for devices within a Modbus system. When using more than
one Modbus slave, assign each slave a unique ID number.
By default, Gateways are set to Modbus Slave ID 1.
sleep mode During normal operation, the Sure Cross radio devices enter sleep mode after 15 minutes of operation.
The radio continues to function, but the LCD goes blank. To wake the device, press any button.
slow scan mode (All internal battery models)In slow scan mode, the device enters a deeper sleep mode to conserve
battery power after the device loses its communication link with its parent or master radio. The device
wakes up periodically to search for its parent radio. If a parent or master radio is not found, the device
goes back to sleep for another sleep cycle. If the parent or master radio is detected, the device exits
slow scan mode. To manually exit slow scan mode, press the binding button.
SMA connector An SMA connector (SubMiniature version A) is a 50 ohm impedance connector used for coaxial RF
connections and developed in the 1960s. An SMA connector is typically used between the radio and the
antenna.
spread Spread spectrum is a technique in which the transmitter sends (or spreads) a signal over a wide range
spectrum of frequencies. The receiver then concentrates the frequencies to recover the information. The Sure
Cross radio devices use a version of spread spectrum technology called Frequency Hop Spread
Spectrum.
star networks A star topology network is a point to multipoint network that places the network master radio in a center
or hub position. Slave radios only transmit messages to the master radio, not to each other. These
network layouts can be very flexible and typically operate relatively quickly. Slave radios acknowledge
receipt of messages transmitted from the master radio.

For more information on Banner's star network products, refer to the Sure Cross Performance DX80
Wireless I/O Network Instruction Manual (p/n 132607)
switch power Efficient power management technology enables some FlexPower devices to include an internal power
output supply, called switch power (SP), that briefly steps up to power sensors (ideally, 4 to 20 mA loop-
powered sensors). The warmup time denotes how long the sensor must be powered before a reliable
reading can be taken. After the warmup time has passed, the input reads the sensor, then the switched
power shuts off to prolong battery life.
system The system operating margin, or fade margin, is the difference between the received signal level (in
operating dBm) and the receiver sensitivity (also in dBm) required for reliable reception. It is recommended that
margin (fade the receiver sensitivity be more than 10 dBm less than the received signal level. For example, if the
margin)

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DX80 Performance Configuration Software

signal is about –65 dB after traveling through the air and the radio receiver is rated for -85 dB, the
operating margin is 20 dB — an excellent margin.
tau filter Set to zero (0) to turn off the tau filter. Set to 1 (weakest filter) through 6 (strongest filter) to turn on the
tau filter. (In the DX80 products, the Low Pass Filter is a combination of the median filter and the tau
filter.)
TCP/IP TCP/IP stands for Transfer Control Protocol / Internet Protocol and describe several layers in the OSI
model that control the transfer and addressing of information.
time-division TDMA is a wireless network communication architecture that provides a given slot of time for each
multiple access device on the network, providing a guaranteed opportunity for each device to transmit to the wireless
(TDMA) network master device.
thermistor A thermistor is a temperature-sensitive resistor that changes resistance based on temperature
fluctuation.
thermocouple A thermocouple is a temperature measuring device consisting of two dissimilar metals joined together so
that the difference in voltage can be measured. Voltage changes in proportion to temperature, therefore
the voltage difference indicates a temperature difference.
The different “types” of thermocouples use different metal pairs for accuracy over different temperature
ranges. Thermocouples are inexpensive, relatively interchangeable, have standard connectors, and
have a wide temperature range of operation. They can be susceptible to noise, with the wire length
affecting accuracy. Thermocouples are best suited for applications with large temperature ranges, not
for measuring small temperature changes over small ranges.
threshold and Threshold and hysteresis work together to establish the ON and OFF points of an analog input. The
hysteresis threshold defines a trigger point or reporting threshold (ON point) for a sensor input. When the input
value is higher than the threshold, the input is ON. Hysteresis defines how far below the threshold the
analog input is required to be before the input is considered OFF. A typical hysteresis value is 10% to
20% of the unit’s range.

ON point
Input Value

Threshold

Hysteresis

Input
OFF point

Time

In the example shown, the input is considered on at 15 mA. To consider the input off at 13 mA, set the
hysteresis to 2 mA. The input will be considered off when the value is 2 mA less than the threshold.
Setting threshold and hysteresis points prevents inputs from oscillating between ‘on’ and ‘off’ when the
input remains close to the threshold point.
timeout interval The Timeout Interval is the total elapsed time before the system flags an error condition. This is a
calculated value from Polling Interval (sec) × Maximum Misses.
topology Topology is the pattern of interconnection between devices in a communication network. Some
examples include point to point, bus, ring, tree, mesh, and star configurations.
transceiver A transceiver includes both a transmitter and receiver in one housing and shares circuitry; abbreviated
as RxTx.
wireless sensor A wireless sensor network is a network of low-power electronic devices that combine sensing and
network (WSN) processing ability. The devices use radio waves to communicate to a gateway device, connecting
remote areas to the central control process.
Yagi Yagi is the name commonly given to directional antennas. The full name of the antenna is a Yagi-Uda
antenna, named for the developers Shintaro Uda and Hidetsugu Yagi, both of Tohoku Imperial
University in Sendai, Japan. Yagi antennas may also be called beam antennas or directional antennas.

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Index
A input parameters 10 registers, read from 33
input value 29 registers, write to 33
analog input configuration 17 installing the software 4 report rate 20, 24–26
invert flag 24–26 report type 24–26
C restore factory default 33
L
configuring analog inputs 17
connecting to your device 5 linking I/O 17 S
connection settings 5 sample rate 20
M samples low/high 24–26
D menu bar 4 site survey 21
span 29
default output triggers 8 switch power voltage 24–26
default value 24–26 N
system parameters 8
delta 24–26 network devices 22
device menu 4 null 29
duty cycle 24–26 T
O threshold 24–26
F
offset 29
factory default 33 output parameters 12 U
file menu 4
units
fullscale 29 P conversion 29
parameter numbers 24–26
H parameters 10, 12 W
heartbeat 8, 19 polling 8, 18, 19
hysteresis 24–26 power supply 24–26 warm-up time 24–26
pulse width 24–26 write to registers 33

I R
I/O linking 17 read from registers 33