mcf88 MCF-LW06232 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The MCF-LW06232 is a LoRaWAN™ certified device designed to facilitate data transmission and reception via an RS232 serial port over the LoRaWAN™ platform. It incorporates a proprietary mcf88 protocol, which is available upon request. This device is classified as a Class C LoRaWAN™ device.

Function Description:

The primary function of the MCF-LW06232 is to act as a bridge between an RS232 serial port and the LoRaWAN™ network. It enables devices connected via RS232 to send and receive data wirelessly through the LoRaWAN™ infrastructure. This allows for long-range, low-power communication for various applications, particularly in industrial and IoT environments where traditional wired connections are impractical or costly. The device supports different activation methods for joining a LoRaWAN™ network, including Over-the-Air Activation (OTAA) and Activation by Personalization (ABP), as well as a "NONE" mode for unactivated sensors.

Important Technical Specifications:

Communication Interface: RS232 serial port for data input/output.
Wireless Technology: LoRaWAN™ (LoRa Alliance certified).
Protocol: Proprietary mcf88 protocol (available on request).
Device Class: Class C LoRaWAN™ device, indicating it can receive downlink messages at any time, except during the transmit window.
Power Supply Options:
- USB micro B terminal: Connects to a USB Host or a USB power supply.
- AUX connector:
  - RED wire: Positive power supply (range 10-36Vdc).
  - BLACK wire: Negative power supply (ground).
- RS232 cable: Can be powered by a live RS232 port.
Antenna: Magnetic antenna, requiring placement on a metal body, preferably vertical and at least 30 cm away from other metal bodies.
Ordering Codes:
- MCF-LW06232: Serial to LoRaWAN™ interface EU863-870 (for European frequency band).
- MCF-LW06232-AS: Serial to LoRaWAN™ interface AS923 (for Asian frequency band).
DevEUI: Unique device identifier, displayed on the product label.

Usage Features:

Connectivity: The device is connected to a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) via an RS232 cable to integrate it into the LoRaWAN™ network.
Power-On Flexibility: The MCF-LW06232 offers multiple power-on methods, enhancing its adaptability to different deployment scenarios. Users can choose between USB power, an external power supply via the AUX connector, or even power directly from a live RS232 port, providing convenience and versatility.
LoRaWAN™ Activation Methods:
- NONE: The default factory setting, indicating the sensor is not activated on a LoRaWAN™ network.
- OTAA (Over-the-Air Activation): Requires the AppKey and AppEUI to be written to the device for dynamic network joining.
- OTAA MCF88: A specific OTAA method adhering to mcf88 specifications.
- ABP (Activation by Personalization): Requires writing the NwkSkey, AppSkey, and DevAddr to the device for static network joining.
Antenna Installation: The magnetic antenna is designed for optimal performance when positioned on a metal surface, vertically, and at a minimum distance of 30 cm from other metallic objects. A provided clip helps secure the antenna connector.
Signal Coverage Consideration: For reliable operation, the device should be installed in an area with good LoRaWAN™ signal coverage. The manual specifies that an SF=7 (Spreading Factor 7) indicates optimal coverage, while SF=12 suggests weak coverage.
Status Indicators: The device likely includes visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) to show its operational status, although specific details are not provided in the excerpt. The AUX connector's red and black wires for power supply are clearly defined.

Maintenance Features:

Device Configuration via USB: The activation parameters and device settings can be easily read and modified using a dedicated "Lora PC" desktop application. This application connects to the MCF-LW06232 via its USB interface, providing a user-friendly graphical interface for managing network keys, application keys, device addresses, and other LoRaWAN™ settings.
Firmware and Hardware Information: The "Lora PC" application allows users to view the device's firmware version (e.g., FW 01.27) and hardware revision (e.g., HW 1329PO), which is crucial for troubleshooting and ensuring compatibility with updates.
Checksum Verification: The configuration interface displays a checksum (e.g., 02D71EB8), which can be used to verify the integrity of the device's settings.
Date and Time Information: The interface also shows date and time information (e.g., 01/01/2018 and 00:00:12), which might be related to internal logging or last configuration changes.
Read/Write Functionality: The "Lora PC" application provides explicit "Read" and "Write" buttons for device settings, allowing users to retrieve current configurations and apply new ones.
Reset Functionality: A "Reset" button is available within the configuration software, likely allowing users to revert the device to its default settings or restart its operation.
Password Protection: The presence of "Pwd" and "Set Pwd" buttons suggests that access to device configuration can be password-protected, enhancing security.
ModBus Integration (Potential): The "ModBus" button in the configuration software hints at potential ModBus protocol support, which could allow for integration with industrial control systems, although further details are not provided.
End Node Information Display: The configuration tool clearly displays essential end node information such as Network Key, App Key, Dev Addr, AppEUI, DevEUI, Lora Version, and Lora Band, providing a comprehensive overview of the device's LoRaWAN™ identity and operational parameters.

mcf88 MCF-LW06232 Specifications

General

Brand	mcf88
Model	MCF-LW06232
Category	Transmitter
Language	English

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