Antenna waveguide flange on RAy unit (located across the holder) ensures perfect microwave connection between the unit and the antenna. All RAy units are equipped with identicaly sized round flange (with the outer diameter 50 mm and the inner diameter 28 mm). The only visible mechanical difference between RAy models are the diameters of the round waveguide hole in the middle of the flange. Those diameters differs according frequency ranges and are following:

RAy2 link requires the use of external parabolic antenna for each RAy unit – both for physical mounting as well as for the wireless transmission itself. Parabolic antennas from different producers are available.

Fig. 1.2: Waveguide pivot and flange

Fig. 1.3: Antenna pivot with O-ring and RAy waveguide flange

Important

Each antenna has to be equipped by a corresponding RACOM RAy antenna waveguide interface – the metalic pivot (28 mm diameter) with a rubber O-ring on it, otherwise the signal to/from the unit can not be transmitted from/to the antenna and such a link would not work. Before assembling RAy unit with antenna, always carefully lubricate both antenna waveguide pivot and RAy waveguide flange with thin layer of silicone grease to prevent the damage of O-ring and surfaces. Pivot fits smoothly in to the flange, if it is properly lubricated. A box with silicone grease is packaged with each delivery of new units – see Section 1.6.3, “Packaging”.

	Note
	If O-ring is injured or damaged, please exchange it immediately for a new one (size 22×2 mm, type ‘FPM80’), otherwise moisture + dust can leak into the waveguide and emitter. It may eliminate several dB of signal and cause a corrosion.

The RAy unit is mechanically fixed to the antenna by 4x M8 screws (one per each side of Ray unit). Installation and basic adjustment of the antenna are described in the Section 4.2, “Antenna mounting”. Attaching RAy unit to it by 4x M8x30 (Allen) screws delivered with each antenna or each mount kit is described in the Section 4.3, “RAy unit mounting”. For adjusting the exact antenna direction see Section 4.7.2, “Directing antennas” .

Fig. 1.4: RAy2 Microwave link – antenna and RAy unit

Note

Antennas from Jirous, LEAX Arkivator and Shenglu ordered for RAy mounting are automatically equipped for mechanical fixing of RAy unit (including the delivery of 4× M8×30 Allen screws). Adapters for antennas from other vendors always contain proper mechanical fixing of RAy unit (including the delivery of 4× M8×30 Allen screws). The adapter has to be mounted to the antenna first, the RAy unit is then mounted on this adapter. All available antennas and adapters are listed on RAy web pages in section Accessories / Antennas.

Fig. 1.5: Grounding screw

Grounding screw is used for a proper grounding of the RAy unit, which is necessary for its function (ensured by galvanic connection to the mast through a grounding cable).

One M8 screw (with standard 6-edge head) is delivered with each RAy unit. Grounding screw has two possible positions (two holes) to be mounted in. Those are located near the left and right fixing screws of the RAy unit and both are marked by a yellow grounding symbol and both are equivalent (second hole remains unused). For more information about unit grounding see Section 4.3.3, “RAy unit grounding”.

	Note
	Grounding screw function is to ensure proper grounding of the RAy unit (by a grounding cable), not for mechanical fixing of the unit.

Fig. 1.6: Pressure equalization screw

Pressure equalization between outside and inside of RAy unit is an important technical requirement. It is realized by a small plastic screw located in the geometrical center of 4 unit interfaces (for 2x Ethernet, Power and System). It ensures the pressure equalization without letting moisture or humidity to enter the unit.

	Important
	Do not manipulate or remove this small plastic screw. It is part of the cabinet and its manipulation or a deformation can damage the water protection of the unit. Warranty does not apply for units with this screw missing or deformed.

Fig. 1.8: RJ45 Ethernet connector

RJ45 socket connector marked „ETH1+POE“ is a standard 10/100/1000Mbps metallic Ethernet port. One plastic RJ45 plug for CAT5e and CAT6 cables is delivered with each RAy unit, ready to be punched to an Ethernet cable.
NOTE: Higher quality and CAT7 compatible RJ45 plugs are available from RACOM as well – see for example item CON-RJ45-CAT7.

This port can be optionally used for power sourcing the unit by PoE (Power over Ethernet). Both an active PoE power supply (compliant with at least IEEE 802.3at standard known also as „PoE plus“) and a passive PoE power supply (with voltage range 40-60 V) are supported.

Technical parameters of PoE power input:

More information about usage and installation of available power options can be found in Section 4.5, “Grounding” and Section 4.6, “Power supply”.

	Note
	The microwave unit does not support a combination of both power supplies. Only one power supply – DC or PoE – can be connected at any one time.

Fig. 1.9: SFP slot

„ETH2“ is a standard SFP slot for 1000Mbps Ethernet SFP modules, user exchangeable. Both fibre optic and metallic Ethernet SFP modules are supported. For optical both single and dual mode fibre optics Ethernet modules (= 2 or 1 fibers) can be used. CSFP modules are not supported. RACOM offers all mentioned types of SFP modules, tested to be RAy compatible as a standard accessory.

The SFP status LED is located just next to the slot. It is controlled by SFP module. Its function is specific for each SFP module. The typical behavior is an indication the received signal from the fibre optic or metallic link to be within operational range.

	Note
	It is strongly recommended to use a high quality SFP module with industry temperature range (up to 80°C). The SFP modules listed in Accessories are thoroughly tested by RACOM and are guaranteed to function with RAy units. It is possible to use any other SFP module with power consumption up to 1.25 W, but RACOM cannot guarantee their complete compatibility with RAy units.

	Important
	SFP module has to be inserted to out-of-power unit, otherwise its function is unpredictable and the module and/or the RAy unit can be damaged. Do not remove the small plastic screw in the middle of 4 flanges. It is a part of the cabinet and assures pressure equalization between outside and inside.

Fig. 1.10: Power supply connector

Slot „P“ is named according to “Power” and it contains a 3 pins DC power source connector (see picture on right). HW button for service purposes is situated next to the DC connector – discussed in Section 1.4.5, “HW button ( P )” .

Supported voltage range is 20 to 60 V, polarity is documented on the Fig. 1.10, “Power supply connector”. RAy internal DC power circuits ensure galvanic separation. Ground pin is connected with the RAy chassis (grounded by Grounding screw to the mast) and it can be used for grounding of DC cable (either positive or negative wire or the shield).

One 3-pin power plug with screw-terminals is delivered with each RAy unit (see ACS-RAy2), ready to be mounted to a customer DC cable. The connector is designed for electric wires with a cross section up to 1.5 mm² (AWG 14).

More information about usage and installation of DC power sourcing can be found in section Section 4.6, “Power supply” .

	Note
	The microwave unit does not support a combination of both power supplies. Only one power supply – DC or PoE – can be connected at any one time.

Fig. 1.11: USB connector

Slot „S“ is shortcut of “Service”. It contains system connectors – standard USB port and a pair of contacts for RSS voltage output (red + green ones).

USB-A port is designed for access to RAy management through USB/WiFi adapter or USB/Eth adapter plugged in to. More information about installation and configuration of available adapters can be found in Quick Guide and in Section 5.4.3, “Service access” (part “USB Accessories”).

	Note
	Only RACOM recommended adapters are supported. See USB adapters on RAy Accessories web.

Fig. 1.12: USB WiFi adapter

RAy2 unit can be equipped with the service WiFi interface as an option. It can be used solely for unit management (no user data can be transmitted using this WiFi connection).

Optional WiFi module (ordering code OTH-USB/WIFI-W2) can be inserted in to the slot “S” USB connector (see chapter Section 1.4.1, “USB connector ( S )” for more details). Management of the WiFi port is described in Section 5.4.3, “Service access” (part “USB Accessories”).

	Note
	Only RACOM recommended adapters are supported.

Fig. 1.13: Ethernet adapter

RAy2 unit can be equipped with the service Ethernet interface as an option. It can be used solely for unit management (no user data can be transmitted using this Ethernet connection).

Optional Eth adapter (see RAy USB accessories web for available types can be inserted in to the slot “S” USB connector (see chapter Section 1.4.1, “USB connector ( S )” for more details). Management of this Ethernet port is described in Section 5.4.3, “Service access” (part “USB Accessories”).

	Note
	Only RACOM recommended adapters are supported.

Fig. 1.14: RSS voltage contacts

RSS voltage output connectors are located in slot „S“ aside USB connector. This pair of contacts (red + green ones) allows to connect a voltmeter to the RAy unit and measure RSS value transformed to the voltage output.

RSS (Received Signal Strength) is a basic parameter used for directing antennas to the optimal direction. RSS output voltage is calibrated to be proportional to actual RSS dBm (for example 0.547 V means RSS –54.7 dBm). Thus a standard digital voltmeter allows to see RSS value in a digital form interactively during the antenna alignment. More information about RSS voltage output usage is in Section 4.7.2, “Directing antennas” (part “Voltmeter”) together with several alternative ways to get this value by other methods.

Fig. 1.15: Hardware button

It is located in a small hole next to DC connector. It can be pushed by any tiny blunt thing with the diameter up to 2 mm. Its length has to reach about 7 mm in to the hole. (It can be ball pen cartridge – both ends work on the thin one, match, toothpick, etc.).

	Important
	Usage of very sharp things for pushing the HW button (like needle, edge clip etc.) may destroy the contact inside RAy unit! Such a button destruction is not covered by warranty.

The button supports multiple functions, which are activated dependent on the state of the unit when the button is pushed and the length of the push:

	Note
	Those actions and their use are described in detail in Section 5.6.1, “Maintenance”.

Basic technical parameters like identification of the HW model, working frequency, maximum Tx power, requirements for power supply, most important certifications, etc. are visible on RAy Production label. All technical parameters are stated in detail in Chapter 9, Technical parameters .

The label contains name, bar code record, CE + FCC label, etc.:

Fig. 1.17: Example of production label – RAy2-18

Fig. 1.18: Example of production label – RAy2-24

Fig. 1.19: Packaging of both units

Fig. 1.20: SILICONE GREASE capsule

If only one unit is delivered, then delivery includes one piece of each item.

Single unit packaging

Double unit packaging

RAy2 units are ready for direct mounting to:

	Note
	Jirous Class 3 antennas (type JRMC in Ordering code) smoothly replaced Jirous Class 2 antennas (types JRMA or JRMB in Ordering code) in RACOM portfolio of antennas during Q1/2020.

Individual datasheets with exact sizes and weights are accessible on RACOM website.

Standard antennas shipment is one antenna in its own box. RACOM is able to arrange more compact shipment for a bigger amount of antennas (on a special request).

Andrew (Class 2 or 3 or 4) or traditional Arkivator antennas or antennas from other suppliers can also be used, but they require an antenna mounting kit. Flexible waveguide is a general-purpose option for any antenna usage. Contact us for available types and details.

Antennas and other accessories are necessary for RAy units to allow a proper functionality of the whole microwave link.

RACOM always tries to ship all ordered accessories together with RAy units and antennas. Accessories are mostly small items, so typical RACOM packaging is that all accessories are shipped on the same palette with other material (within one additional RAy box).

RAy ordering codes begin with a string printed on Production label (8-10 characters long, lasting by „-L“ or „-U“). It defines HW parameters and factory settings, which cannot be changed later on (like working frequency, factory defaults and limitations built in to units in the factory like limitation of Tx power). Rest of the ordering code defines functionalities and options which could be added, erased or changed by a user later on (like SW key for initial capacity).

Ordering Code structure:

Note

For 10, 11 and 18 GHz a link has to consist from a pair of ‘L’ and ‘U’ units (L/U of each unit is always indicated within the last part of the Code). For 17 and 24 GHz a link should also consist from a pair of ‘L’ and ‘U’ units (L/U of each unit is always indicated by a yellow circle label nearby Ethernet slots), but it is not mandatory (HW for L and U unit is identical and L/U settings could be assigned by SW). Using L + U pair ensures all default settings of both units match each other (including proper IP addresses as described in this manual). It ensures the link is automatically established when received from the factory or after applying Default link settings or Factory settings (to simplify initial setting of both units).

RAy units allow to pay only for purchased transmission capacity (pay as-you-grow concept). Activation keys could be purchased together with the unit or later at RACOM E-shop. Each key is generated for specific S/N of the unit and the purchased capacity. It unlocks all combinations of channels and modulations up to the purchased capacity. Once installed, a specific feature or function of the unit is allowed. Feature keys could be erased or upgraded. See Configuration / Feature keys for more details.

Several types of SW feature key are available for RAy units:

Maximum transmitted data capacity can be limited by a SW feature key. Capacity feature key defines allowed combinations of channel width and modulation for transmitting channel according Capacity SW keys table. The Capacity feature key limit applies for transmitted data on the unit where the key is installed. It means, that for asymmetrical capacity keys could be different for each side of the link.

Capacity feature keys could be purchased bundled with RAy2 unit (and installed in the factory) or standalone or as a capacity upgrade key (both installed by user). Every Capacity feature key could be upgraded.

Separately purchased capacity

Keys purchased separately and installed by user.

Tab. 1.5: Capacity keys code scheme

For available ordering codes see RACOM web.

	Note
	RACOM is able to generate customer specific Capacity feature keys on special request.

Capacity upgrade

Keys purchased separately and installed by user.

Tab. 1.6: Upgrade keys code scheme

For available ordering codes see RACOM web.

Ordering codes for all accessories offered by RACOM to allow a proper functionality of the whole microwave link are listed on Accessories section of RAy web site and they are available for purchase in RACOM E-shop.

More information about accessories can be also found in Chapter 2, Accessories.

	Note
	Accessories are necessary to be added to RAy units to allow a proper functionality of the whole microwave link. Please consult your supplier to ensure completeness of your product delivery for the individual link situation, spectrum regulations, local security requirements, type of power sourcing, grounding, etc.