Radio communications
(optional)

The Versa-Tech® Recloser can be fitted with an optional radio which will allow settings, diagnostics and scratchpad to be viewed remotely while the unit is in service. The radios will also allow settings, timestamp and scratchpad to be changed while the recloser remains in service. Remote radio communications are accomplished using two 900MHz spread spectrum radios. The first is a USB powered local radio that is attached to a laptop or other personal computing running recloser programmer software. The second is a recloser powered remote radio module which is adapted to the serial port on the recloser.

Local radio
Catalog No. PSC8620062

The local radio is controlled and powered by connecting a USB cable between the module and a personal computer as shown above. Communication with the local radio is accomplished through the recloser programmer software provided with the recloser.

Remote radio
Catalog No. PSC8620061

The remote radio is designed to be adapted to the recloser serial port. Access to the serial port is provided by removing the serial port cover. The remote radio module is attached to the Recloser as shown above.

Radio operation

The radios communicate with each other on a 900MHz channel which utilizes frequency hopping to minimize interference from other radio frequency sources. The radios use a two-part addressing scheme to help ensure that messages from only authorized sources are passed to a recloser.

First, all Versa-Tech® Recloser local and remote radios have a unique user transparent address which goes out with each communication. The recloser local radio will accept messages only from a remote radio with the same address. This helps prevent other 900MHz radios from making unauthorized communications with Versa-Tech™ Reclosers.

Second, each remote radio is programmed with a unique fixed radio communications address. This address allows users to differentiate between multiple reclosers all within a 500-foot transmit/receive range. The remote radio will discard any message that does not include its unique radio communications address. The local radio has provisions through the recloser programmer software which permits selecting any recloser's remote radio communications address.