05-6709A01_Orbit_MCR_Setup_Guide-All models -17_June

05-6709A01, Rev. B GE MDS MCR Setup Guide 1

GE MDS MCR

Setup Guide

This guide provides installation and startup instructions for the

MDS Orbit Managed Connected Router(MCR) shown in Figure 1.

The MCR is a highly secure, industrial wireless solution for broad

based applications, including control center monitoring, well site

pad operations and video surveillance.

The unit provides wireless communication via multiple

technologies in a single, industrial package, without the need for

additional modules or add-ons. In addition, wired serial, Ethernet

and USB interfaces are provided at the front panel, reducing

network cost and complexity. Depending on order entry options the

unit may be equipped with a combination of Cell, Wi-Fi, and 900

MHz unlicensed FHSS/DTS radio.

Units are offered in two different interface offerings; 2 Ethernet/1

Serial (2E1S), or 2 Serial/1 Ethernet (2S1E). The 2E1S configura-

tion is the standard model and is shown here, although most infor-

mation applies equally to both configurations.

Invisible place holder

Figure 1. MCR Sample Unit, Showing Connectors & Indicators

1.1 Technical Manual

This Setup Guide covers basic installation and startup instructions

for the unit. A more detailed Technical Manual is also available

(05-6632A01). Refer to the Technical Manual for important

warnings, cautions and notes. GE MDS manuals, Setup guides,

Firmware, drivers and Application Notes are available free of

charge at www.gemds.com.

GE MDS has produced a series of instructional videos for

configuration and setup of the Orbit MCR products on YouTube.

These are available free of charge at: http://tinyurl.com/pey2ull.

2.1 Main Requirements

WARNING: When the unit is to be installed in hazardous locations,

use only the serial or Ethernet connections on the

unit’s front panel. Do not use the USB port in

hazardous locations.

Figure 2 shows a typical installation of the unit. There are three

main requirements for installation:

• Adequate and stable primary power (10-60 VDC).

• Efficient and properly installed antennas for configured

options.

• Correct interface connections between the unit and associ-

ated data equipment.

2.2 Installation Steps

Installation details for the product may vary, depending on

site-specific factors. The steps here provide the basic tasks

needed at most sites.

1. Mount the unit. Attach the supplied brackets to the bottom of

the case (if not already attached), using the screws provided.

Mounting bracket dimensions are shown in Figure 3. If DIN

Rail mounting brackets are to be used, consult the Technical

Manual for details.

NOTE: To prevent moisture from entering the unit, do not mount

the case with the cable connectors pointing up. Also,

dress all cables to prevent moisture from running along

the cables and into the enclosure.

Figure 2. Typical MCR Installation

(Equipment images may differ)

Figure 3. Mounting Bracket Dimensions

2. Install the antennas and feedlines. The antennas used must

be designed to operate in the appropriate frequency band and

be mounted in a location providing a clear path to the associ-

ated station(s). Antennas should be mounted away from large

masses of metal and other obstructions.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 INSTALLATION

DC Power

(10-60 Vdc)

Ethernet Ports

(RJ-45 10/100)

Mini USB

Port

Cellular

Antennas

(Aux & Main)

SIM Card

Slot

COM Port

(RJ-45)

WiFi Antenna

LED Indicator

Panel

2 MDS Orbit MCR Setup Guide 05-6709A01, Rev. B

Often, at least one of the antennas will be connected directly

to one of the coaxial connectors on the unit’s front panel.

When remotely mounted antennas are used, coaxial feedlines

should be low loss and be kept as short as possible.

3. Connect the data equipment. Connection may be made

using any combination of Serial protocols (RS-232/RS-485),

Ethernet signaling, or USB. Refer to the Technical Manual for

wiring details.

• Serial connection: Attach data equipment to the front panel

COM port. The unit is hardwired as a DCE device, thus a

straight-through Ethernet cable may be used in most cases

(DB9-F to RJ-45 connector part no. 73-2434A12).

• Ethernet connection: Attach data equipment to the front

panel ETH1 and/or ETH2 port next to the PWR connector.

The auto-sensing MDIX feature allows either a

straight-through or crossover cable to be used.

• USB connection: Attach data equipment to the front panel

mini USB port. The unit supports USB 2.0 with proper driv-

ers installed. Drivers available at www.gemds.com.

4. Connect primary power. Input power must be 10.0 to 60 Vdc

and capable of providing at least 15 watts. A power connector

with screw-terminals is provided (see Figure 4). Strip the wire

leads to 6 mm (1/4 inch) and insert them into the wire ports.

Be sure to observe proper polarity as shown. Tighten the bind-

ing screws securely.

Figure 4. DC Power Connector

CAUTION: The unit is designed for negative-ground power

systems only. The power supply should be equipped

with NEC Class 2 overload protection, to guard

against a short circuit between its output terminals

and the unit’s power connector.

2.3 Unit Configuration

2.3.1 Default Settings

As shipped from the factory, the unit is configured with a set of

pre-defined defaults. For example, when equipped with Cell, the

unit is configured to operate as a WiFi hotspot. (3G requires

carrier-specific configuration.) For “4G WiFi hotspot” operation, the

unit normally contains the following settings:

• WiFi enabled as an Access Point (AP)

• SSID = GEMDS_SERNUM (SERNUM refers to the unit’s

serial number, printed on a chassis sticker.)

• SSID broadcast enabled

• Security = WPA2-PSK, CCMP with passphrase:

GEMDS_ORBIT

• Default Ethernet IP address 192.168.1.1

• Firewall/NAT/DNS proxy enabled

• DHCP enabled (192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.10)

• If 900 MHz radio present (unlicensed), radio set to Remote

This configuration allows connection of a PC to the unit via WiFi or

the LAN port and access to the Internet via cellular, if equipped and

supported by a suitable service plan.

2.3.2 Connecting via Ethernet/WiFi

The configuration PC may be connected to the unit by hardwired

cable (USB, serial or Ethernet), or by WiFi. The following steps

describe a WiFi or Ethernet connection to the built-in web server.

This connection can be made using the WiFi or Ethernet informa-

tion above. The initial sign-in prompt appears as shown below:

1. Enter the username (default is admin).

2. Enter the Password (default is admin). Press . Upon

successful login, the Device Overview page appears.

3. For initial configuration the Setup Wizard appears and pro-

vides guidance in typical setups. This will be disabled after the

initial setup, but may be re-run at anytime from the Wizards

page.

Key items that should be set/reviewed:

• Create one-time programmable passwords for device

recovery.

• Change login passwords (to maintain security).

• Evaluate default factory configuration and lock it down to

required security level.

Refer to the Technical Manual for detailed information on the

above items.

2.3.3 Connecting via Serial

The configuration PC may be connected to the unit by hardwired

cable (USB, serial, or Ethernet), or by WiFi. The following steps

describe a cabled serial cable connection, as illustrated in Figure 5.

Note that not all PCs have a serial port. If one is not available, a

USB-to-Serial adapter and appropriate driver software may be

used to provide serial connectivity.

Figure 5. Setup for PC Configuration—Serial Port

(RJ-45 adapter is required)

1. Connect a PC to the unit’s COM port and establish a console

terminal session, using HyperTerminal or a similar

communications program. The following parameters must be

used: 115200 bps, 8 bits, no parity, one stop bit (8N1), flow

control disabled, VT100 emulation.

Lead

Screws (2)

Binding

Wire Ports (2)

(Polarity: Left +, Right –)

Retaining

Screws (2)

ENTER

PC Running Terminal Session

To COM Port

05-6709A01, Rev. B GE MDS MCR Setup Guide 3

NOTE: As an alternative, the unit may be configured via a Secure

Shell (SSH) terminal. For enhanced security, the unit

does not support Telnet configuration. Refer to the Tech-

nical Manual for further information.

2. Press the key to receive the login prompt. The COM

LED flashes to indicate data communications.

3. Enter the username (admin is the default) and press .

4. At the Password prompt, enter the password (admin is the

default). Press . Upon successful login, the connec-

tion message appears.

5. Enter the configuration mode by typing configure followed by

the key.

6. Review and configure all key settings for the required applica-

tion. Built-in help is available by pressing the Tab key. A sum-

mary of all unit settings may be viewed by entering the

% show | details command.

Tab-completion is a useful feature that presents CLI users

with assistance while typing commands. Depending on the

text that was already entered, tab-completion will display dif-

ferent possible completions. When the Tab key is pressed and

no text has been entered, the CLI shows all possible com-

mands that can be typed.

Key items that should be set/reviewed for the unit are:

• Create one-time programmable passwords for device

recovery.

• Change login passwords (to maintain security).

• Evaluate default factory configuration and lock it down to

required security level.

Refer to the Technical Manual for detailed information on the

above items.

7. When finished, log out of the console session and disconnect

from the PC.

2.3.4 Cellular Setup and Connection

The MDS Orbit MCR is available with the following Cell options:

• 4G LTE/CDMA (Verizon Only)

• 4G LTE, HSPA+,GSM/GPRS (EMEA/APAC)

• 3G GSM/UMTS/HSPA+ (Global)

Insert the SIM card with the power OFF and then information

regarding the cell—including IMEI and ICCID—can be found in the

Cell Status section. Navigate to:

Home / Interfaces State / Interface = Cell

or type the following at the CLI prompt:

show interfaces-state interface Cell cell-status

NOTE: Dual SIM functionality is a selective order-entry feature.

Default units are shipped with only SIM-A enabled; SIM-B

is not supported.

For most setups all that is needed is to set the Access Point Name

(APN). On the Web UI navigate to:

Home / Interfaces / Interface = Cell / Cell Config / Connection

Profile = ORBIT1

In the Bearer Config - enter the APN and press the Create button

then the green Save button at the top of the window. (If Verizon 4G,

this field is pre-configured to vzwinternet.)

Figure 6. Cell Basic Setup Info

Or, use the following commands at CLI prompt:

4G LTE (Verizon Only):

%configure

%set interfaces interface Cell cell-config connec-

tion-profile VZW bearer-config apn <apn>

%commit and-quit

3G GSM (Global) and 4G LTE (EMEA/APAC):

%configure

%set interfaces interface Cell enable true

%set interfaces interface Cell cell-config connec-

tion-profile ORBIT-1 bearer-config apn <apn>

%commit and-quit

2.3.5 900 MHz Unlicensed Operation

An Orbit device configured as an MCR-900 provides next-genera-

tion LAN extension operating in the FCC 900 MHz ISM band. Sim-

ilar to the older MDS iNET-II 900 transceivers, it supports

connection of Ethernet and/or Serial devices in the field in a

Point-to-Multipoint or Point-to-Point wireless network topology.

In its simplest configuration, the Network Name (3rd item down)

must be changed in all units. For the AP, you must change Device

Mode to AP and change Network Name to a valid entry. All other

parameters can remain at their default settings.

Figure 7. Orbit MCR-900 -Remote Setup

Configure the remote to match the AP:

1. Set Device Mode to Remote.

2. Set Modem Mode - choices: 125kbps, 250kbps, 500kbps,

1000kbps, 1000Wkbps - 1250kbps, or auto.

3. Set Network Name - The name of the network.

4. Set Radio Mode to Mac 1.

5. Set Power - Valid values: 20 to 30 dBm.

6. Set Data Compression - LZO or none.

Review settings for the required application. Press the green Save

button at the top of the window.

NOTE: For MCR-900 MHz configurations, DHCP is typically

disabled to allow for configuration of a specific IP

address. On the Web UI, navigate to Home /Services

/Dhcp, click on the Enabled box and press the green

Save button at the top of the window.

2.4 Initial Checkout

In-service operation of the unit is completely automatic. The only

operator actions required are to apply power and observe the

LEDS for proper indications. Table 1 summarizes the unit’s LED

functions.

LED Functions

Figure 8. LED Status Indicators

ENTER

GE MDS, LLC

175 Science Parkway

Rochester, NY 14620

MDS Orbit MCR Setup Guide General Business: +1 585 242-9600

05-6709A01, Rev. B FAX: +1 585 242-9620

Table 1: Description of LED Status Indicators

NOTE: As shown below, NIC1 and NIC2's operation will vary

depending on the interfaces installed. Refer to the Tech-

nical Manual for further details.

NOTE: In addition to the LEDs above, the Ethernet connector

has two embedded LEDs. A flashing green indicates

Ethernet data activity. A yellow indicates 100 Mbps oper-

ation.

For proper operation, all units must meet the basic requirements

which follow. Check these items first when troubleshooting:

• Adequate and stable primary power

• Secure connections (antennas, data and power)

• A clear transmission path between associated units

• An efficient, properly installed antenna system

• Proper configuration of unit settings

• Correct interface between the unit and other equipment

3.1 LEDs & Event Logging

The unit’s LED indicator panel can provide useful information when

troubleshooting. Refer to Table 1 for LED status indicators.

An event (such as an alarm condition) is a notification that some-

thing significant occurred on the unit. Events can be stored locally

and/or transported to a remote server. Consult the Technical

Manual for details on Event Logging, including Common Event

Expression (CEE™) syntax.

The COM port (Figure 9) is commonly used to connect an external

DTE telemetry device to the unit, supporting either the RS-232 or

RS-485 (balanced) format, depending on how the device is config-

ured. The unit supports data rates of 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,

19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 bps (asynchronous data only).

This connector mates with a standard RJ-45 plug available from

many electronics parts distributors.

4.0.1 Pin Descriptions—RS-232 Mode

Table 2 provides pin descriptions for the COM connector when

operating in RS-232 mode. Refer to the Technical Manual for

RS-422/485 descriptions.

LED Name LED State Description

PWR

(DC Power)

Off

Solid Green

Solid Amber

Fast Blink/Red

(1x/sec.)

No power to unit

Unit is powered, no problems

detected

Initializing-boot-up

Alarm indication

ETH

(Ethernet)

Off

Solid Green

Blinking Green

No Ethernet link to network

Ethernet link present

Ethernet traffic in/out

COM

(Serial

Comm. Port)

Off

Blinking Green

No serial connection, or idle

Serial traffic in/out

LED - NIC1 or 2

-WiFi

State Description

WiFi Interface Off Interface disabled

Access Point Mode Solid Green

Solid Red

Operating as AP and at

least one client connection

Operating as an AP and no

client connection

Station Mode Off

Solid Green

No connection

Wi-Fi connection

established.

LED - NIC1 - Cell State Description

Cell Interface Off

Solid green

No cellular connection

Cell connection

LED - NIC2 -900

MHz (NX915)

State Description

Off Interface disabled

Access Point Mode Blink Red

Solid Red

Solid Green

NIC Initialization

No Remotes connected

Linked with at least 1

Remote

Remote Mode Blink Red

Solid Green

NIC Initialization / Not linked

to an Access Point

Linked with Access Point

3.0 TROUBLESHOOTING

4.0 COM PORT REFERENCE

Figure 9. COM Connector (RJ-45)

As viewed from outside the unit

Table 2: COM1/COM2 Pin Descriptions—RS-232

Input/

Output

Pin Description

1 Reserved -- (Do not connect)

2 OUT DCD (Data Carrier Detect)

3 Reserved -- (Do not connect)

4 Ground Connects to ground (negative supply potential)

on chassis

5 OUT RXD (Received Data)—Supplies received data

to the connected device

6 IN TXD (Transmitted Data)—Accepts TX data

from the connected device

7 OUT CTS (Clear to Send)

8 IN RTS (Request to Send)

NOTE: The unit is hardwired as a DCE device

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Hazardous Locations Notice

When installed in hazardous locations,

use only the serial and Ethernet

connections on the unit’s front panel. Do

not use the USB port in hazardous

locations.

RF Exposure Notice

To comply with RF exposure requirements, the antenna shall be installed

to ensure a minimum separation distance of 20 cm from persons. The

antenna may not be co-located or operated in conjunction with other

transmitting devices.

Approved Antennas

Only approved antennas may be used on the unit's WiFi RF output

connectors, as listed below. The use of non-approved antennas may result

in a violation of FCC rules and subject the user to FCC enforcement action.

Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the

manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FCC Part 15 Notice

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not

cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interfer-

ence received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modification or changes to this device without the

express approval of the manufacturer may void the user’s authority to

operate this device. Furthermore, this device is intended to be used only

when installed in accordance with the instructions outlined in this manual.

Failure to comply with these instructions may void the user’s authority to

operate this device.

Industry Canada Notice

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003

du Canada.

Servicing Precautions

When servicing energized equipment, be sure to wear appropriate Per-

sonal Protective Equipment (PPE). During internal service, situations could

arise where objects accidentally contact or short circuit components and

the appropriate PPE would alleviate or decrease the severity of potential

injury. When servicing radios, all workplace regulations and other appli-

cable standards for live electrical work should be followed to ensure per-

sonal safety.

Manual Revision and Accuracy

This manual was prepared to cover a specific version of firmware code.

Accordingly, some screens and features may differ from the actual unit you

are working with. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure

the accuracy of this publication, product improvements may also result in

minor differences between the manual and the product shipped to you. If

you have additional questions or need an exact specification for a product,

please contact GE MDS, using the information at the back of this guide.

In addition, manual updates can be found on our web site at

www.gemds.com.

Environmental Information

The manufacture of this equipment has required the extraction and use of

natural resources. Improper disposal may contaminate the environment

and present a health risk due to hazardous substances contained within.

To avoid dissemination of these substances into our environment and to

limit the demand on natural resources, we encourage you to use the appro-

priate recycling systems for disposal. These systems will reuse or recycle

most of the materials found in this equipment in a sound way. Please con-

tact GE MDS or your supplier for more information on the proper disposal

of this equipment.

Product Test Data Sheets

Test Data Sheets showing the original factory test results for this unit are

available upon request from the GE MDS Quality Leader. Contact the fac-

tory using the information at the back of this manual. Serial numbers must

be provided for each product where a Test Data Sheet is required.

CSA/US Notice

This product is approved for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C & D

Hazardous Locations. Such locations are defined in Article 500 of the

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publication NFPA 70, other-

wise known as the National Electrical Code. The transceiver has been rec-

ognized for use in these hazardous locations by the Canadian Standards

Association (CSA) which also issues the US mark of approval (CSA/

US).

The CSA Certification is in accordance with CSA STD C22.2 No.

213-M1987.

CSA Conditions of Approval: The transceiver is not acceptable as a

stand-alone unit for use in the hazardous locations described above. It

must either be mounted within another piece of equipment which is certified

for hazardous locations, or installed within guidelines, or conditions of

approval, as set forth by the approving agencies. These conditions of

approval are as follows: The transceiver must be mounted within a sepa-

rate enclosure which is suitable for the intended application.The antenna

feedline, DC power cable and interface cable must be routed through con-

duit in accordance with the National Electrical Code. Installation, operation

and maintenance of the transceiver should be in accordance with the trans-

ceiver's installation manual and the National Electrical Code. Tampering or

replacement with non-factory components may adversely affect the safe

use of the transceiver in hazardous locations and may void the approval. A

power connector with screw-type retaining screws, as supplied by GE

MDS, must be used.

Do not disconnect equipment unless

power has been switched off or the area is

known to be non-hazardous. Refer to

Articles 500 through 502 of the National

Electrical Code (NFPA 70) for further

information on hazardous locations and

approved Division 2 wiring methods.

Grounding Requirements

To minimize the chance of damage to the unit and connected equipment,

a safety ground (NEC Class 2 compliant) is recommended which bonds the

antenna system, chassis, power supply and connected data equipment to

a single-point ground, keeping all ground leads as short as possible.

Normally, the unit is adequately grounded if the supplied flat mounting

brackets are used to mount it to a well-grounded metal surface. If the unit

is not mounted to a grounded surface, it is recommended that a safety

ground wire be attached to one of the mounting brackets or a screw on the

enclosure.

The use of a lightning protector is recommended where the antenna cable

enters the building. Bond the protector to the tower/support ground, if pos-

sible. All grounds and cabling must comply with applicable codes and reg-

ulations.

Regulatory and Product

Information—GE MDS MCR

Antenna Application GE MDS

Part Number

WiFi (indoor direct connect), RP SMA,

2.4-2.5 GHz Antenna, 3.2dBi Gain

97-4278A34

WiFi (Magnetic Mount) 5 ft./1.52 m

Cable, RP SMA Plug (accessory) use

with above

97-4278A78

WiFi (outdoor external mount), Omni

Ant. N M Term., 2.4-2.5 GHz, 2 dBi Gain

97-4278A48

Cell (direct connect),

960/2170/2700MHz 2dBi - SMA Paddle

antenna (indoor)

97-2485A04

3G/4G Cellular (outdoor external

mount, ground

plane),960/2170/2700MHz 4.5 DBi,

N-FEMALE

97-2485A05

EXPLOSION

HAZARD!

EXPLOSION

HAZARD!