The procedure below must be followed:

1. Connect AirGate-Modbus to the PC with the USB cable and wait for the drivers automatic installation.
2. Access DigiConfig and configure communication parameters:
• Serial port: select the USB port where AirGate-Modbus  is connected from the list;
• Baud rate: “115200”;
• Parity: “None”;
• Stop bits: “2”
• Timeout (msec): “1000”.
3. Put the AirGate-Modbus into configuration mode by pressing the setup button;
4. Search for Address 246.

On our website, please download the latest AirGate-Modbus firmware version.

After downloading the latest firmware version, please follow these steps:

1. Connect AirGate-Modbus to the PC with the USB cable and wait for the drivers automatic installation to finish.
2. Access DigiConfig and configure communication parameters:
• Serial port: select the USB port where AirGate-Modbus  is connected from the list;
• Baud rate: “115200”;
• Parity: “None”;
• Stop bits: “2”
• Timeout (msec): “1000”.
3. Put the AirGate-Modbus into configuration mode by pressing its setup button;
4. On DigiConfig, search for address 246;
5. Click on the “Firmware” tab on the “Device Setup” screen;
• Select “Enable firmware update”;
• Click on “Open” and search for the new firmware file (“.cbin”);
• Click on the “Apply” button;
• Wait for the firmware update process to be concluded. DigiConfig will show a “AirGate-Modbus firmware recording performed successfully” message. Click on “OK” to go on;
• DigiConfig will return to its initial screen and AirGate STATUS led will start to flash rapidly.

It is possible to have more than one wireless network in a single Modbus network, which leads to a Tree topology (How can I increase the length between AirGates?). In order to make it possible, each wireless network must be configured with a different PAN ID.

AirGate-Modbus can reach up to 1000 m (˜ 3281 ft) in line-of-sight propagation.
Tests run from our team showed a tiny communication error rate when using AirGates far from each other for about 1200 m.

In buildings with obstacles (no line-of-sight):
Even with obstacles (“dirty” electromagnetic spectrum, concrete walls, floors, etc.), AirGate-Modbus can operate up to 100 m (˜ 328 ft). Tests run in buildings showed AirGate successfully communicating through 7 brick walls and 50 m total length.

Important detail:
Electromagnetic waves sent by wireless technologies do not contour obstacles, they try to cross them directly towards the reception units. So, in case an AirGate-Modbus is placed in one side of a wall and another AirGate is placed at the other end on the other side of the wall (see the figure below), communication may be compromised because waves will have to cross the wall diagonally, losing great energy on that.

Conclusion:
There is no exact formula to know what length can be expected from AirGates. We suggest the wireless site survey technique, where the devices are installed in the desired places and their operation is then checked.

How can I increase the length between AirGates?

This requires that both AirGates are DIRECTLY connected by their RS485 interfaces, as shown in the figure below.

Some important things to point out:

1. Each wireless network must have a unique PAN ID (What is PAN ID?);
2. Attention to the operation mode configured to each AirGate;
3. It is highly recommended to use baud rate 115200 between RS485 interfaces of both back-to-back AirGates.
4. If necessary, Modbus master timeout may be increased.

It is also possible to increase AirGates wireless length by using special antennas.

(Posso utilizar outras antenas no AirGate-Modbus?)