RF407 900 MHz Spread-Spectrum Radio

Overview

The RF407 is a high-speed 900 MHz serial radio designed for unlicensed operation in several countries, including the United States and Canada. The RF407 is a 902 to 928 MHz frequency-hopping spread-spectrum radio with a configurable transmit-power output of 5 to 250 mW and software-selectable channel masking for improved RF interference immunity. This power-sipping, yet speedy, radio provides a cost-effective way to network data loggers.

The RF407 is part of the RF407 series of radios that includes:

  • RF407: North America (FCC & IC), 902 to 928 MHz
  • RF412: Australia (ACMA RCM), 915 to 928 MHz
  • RF422: Most of Europe and some of Asia (ETSI), 863 to 870 MHz
  • RF427: Brazil (ANATEL), 905/920 MHz

Note to RF401A users: The RF401A is factory upgradeable to an RF407. Contact Campbell Scientific for a Return Material Authorization (RMA).

Benefits and Features

  • Does not require individual operational license in the United States or Canada
  • High-speed serial communication, optimized for PakBus networks
  • Low power (< 2 mA idle) during periods of inactivity
  • Supports point-to-point with RF retries and point-to-multipoint operations
  • Remote diagnostics using PakBus node operations

Try Before You Buy

Spread-spectrum radio test kit

If you are unsure if spread-spectrum communications is right for you, you can try before you buy. Campbell Scientific offers a 900 MHz spread-spectrum demonstration kit that allows you to easily test communications from one point to another using the RF407 and RF451 radios. Testing with RF451 radios will be valid for an RF452 network.

Images

RF407 front tilt view
RF407 front tilt view
RF407 front tilt view
RF407 front view
RF407 back view
RF407 left view
RF407 right view
RF407 top view
RF407 bottom view

Specifications

Radio Type Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
Frequency 902 to 928 MHz
Country Used In US, Canada
Transmission Distance
  • -Note- Transmission distance assumes line-of-sight and appropriate antenna. Line-of-sight obstructions, RF interference, and antenna type will affect transmission distance.
  • Up to 1.61 km (1 mi) with omnidirectional antenna; up to 16.09 km (10) mi with higher-gain directional antennas at ideal conditions
Power Output 5 to 250 mW (software-selectable)
Receiver Sensitivity -101 dBm
Channel Capacity Eight 25-channel hop sequences sharing 64 available channels
Data Rate 200 kbps
Link Throughput 105 kbps (maximum)
Antenna Connector Reverse Polarity SMA (RPSMA) jack
LEDs Red TX/PWR and green RX
RS-232 Baud Rate 1200 to 115200 bps
CS I/O Modes SDC 7, 8, 10, 11, and ME master
Operating Temperature Range -40° to +70°C
Power 9 to 16 Vdc
Power Connector 2.5 mm DC power jack
Powered Over CS I/O or barrel plug
Average Current Drain
  • Transmit: < 80 mA (250 mW TX Power)
  • Receive: 15 mA
  • Stand-by: < 0.5 mA (depending on power-saving mode)
Communication Ports
  • RS-232 9-pin D female
  • CS I/O 9-pin D male
  • USB Type B jack
Maximum Nodes in Network 50
Service Requirements Shares frequency with other devices. Must not cause harmful interference to licensed radios. Requires line-of-sight.
Dimensions 11.1 x 6.9 x 2.7 cm (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.1 in.)
Dimension are from the tip of the antenna connector to the other side of the case, and from the bottom of the case to the top of the DB9 connector jack screw. The width includes the thickness of the screw heads on the screws that hold the case together.
Weight
  • 136 g (4.8 oz) without "Ships With" items
  • 283.5 g (10 oz) with "Ships With" items

Certifications

United States (FCC Part 15.247) MCQ-XB900HP
Industry Canada (IC) 1846A-XB900HP
Mexico IFT RCPDIXB15-0672-A1

Compatibility

Communications

The RF407 is over-the-air compatible with other RF407-based products. The RF407 can only communicate wirelessly with other RF407 radios and other Campbell Scientific products that have the "-RF407" option.

The RF407 is not over-the-air compatible with the RF401A. However, the RF401A is factory upgradeable to an RF407. Contact Campbell Scientific for a Return Material Authorization (RMA).

Data Logger Considerations

Data Logger RS-232 CS I/O
CR200(X)
CR800/CR850
CR1000
CR3000
CR5000
CR9000(X)
CR300 *
CR6
CR510-PB
CR10X-PB
CR23X-PB
Mixed-array data loggers **

Notes:
*Use a 18663 null modem cable.
**It is possible to connect a mixed-array data logger (e.g., CR10, CR10X, CR23X, 21X, CR7) by using an SC932A or SC105 between the data logger's CS I/O port and the RF407's RS-232 port.

Downloads

RF407 OS v.02 (449 KB) 10-10-2016

Current operating system for the RF407 Series of radios including the RF407, RF412, and RF422. Requires the Device Configuration Utility software to load.

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