Network-Wide Diagnostics; Redundant Versus Non-Redundant Operation; Applications - GE MDS 4790M Installation And Operation Manual

MDS 05-3628A01, Rev. B

2.1 Network-Wide Diagnostics

Newer GE MDS remote and master station radios, including the MDS 4790M,
offer network-wide diagnostics capability. Network-wide diagnostics
communications is a modern, packetized mode that has several advantages
over DTMF diagnostics communications (used by older GE MDS radios):
• Diagnostic data can be gathered over a large radio network without
disrupting system communications flow.
• When required, diagnostics communications speed can be increased
by actively collecting diagnostic data.
• Diagnostic data for each radio in the network can be accessed from
any radio diagnostics port in the network.
• Certain messages can be broadcast to all radios in the system
simultaneously.
The master station can be used to poll remote radios in its radio system for
diagnostic data. For more information on the implementation of network
diagnostics, refer to the GE MDS Network-Wide Diagnostics Handbook (P/N
05-3467A01).

2.2 Redundant versus Non-redundant Operation

A redundant configuration means that the master station has two complete
transceiver boards installed in the enclosure. In the event of a primary board
failure, the controlling logic causes a switch-over to the stand-by transceiver
board. The redundant transceiver configuration has a stand-by transceiver
board that is constantly operating and its operational readiness is monitored.
However, the transmitter power amplifier in the stand-by transceiver board is
not operating when it is in stand-by mode.
In a non-redundant configuration, there is only one transceiver board installed
in the "A" slot of the enclosure, and back-up transceiver board operation is not
possible.
Transceiver boards may be moved from one master station to another, or an
additional transceiver board may be added to a non-redundant master station.
You do not need to specify redundant or non-redundant operation, or select the
active transceiver board. Installing or replacing a transceiver board will cause
the boards to communicate briefly with each other to establish which board will
operate as the active board and which operates as the stand-by. For more
information, see "Transceiver Board and Power Supply Assemblies" on page 67.

2.3 Applications

The master station is designed for point-to-multipoint data transmission in utility
monitoring systems, telecommunications networks, and transactional data
applications. An MAS network provides communications between a central host
computer and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection devices. The
operation of the radio system is transparent to the computer equipment.
MDS 4790M (MPT 1411) I/O Guide 3