RF400
Overview
The RF400 was a 100 mW spread spectrum radio/modem for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint data logger communications. It could serve as a field radio/modem connected to a data logger or as a base station radio/modem connected to a computer. The RF400 had a 910 to 918 MHz operating frequency range, which was used in the US/Canada.
Note: In the image, the RF400 is shown with the 14204 indoor antenna.
Specifications
- Operating Frequency
- 910 to 918 MHz
- Type
- Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Transceiver
- I/O Data Rate
- 9600 bps
- Channel Capacity
- 65,000 Network Identifiers share 25 hop channels.
- Frequency Hopping Patterns
- Six different selectable patterns
- Frequency Control
- Direct FM
- Receiver Sensitivity
- -110 dBm at 10-4 bit error rate
Campbell Scientific protocols will issue retries wherever a bit error occurs.
- Interface Rejection
- 70 dB
(at pager and cellular phone frequencies)
- Transmitter Power Output
- 100 mW
(nominal)
- Antenna Connector
- Reverse polarity SMA
- FCC ID
- OUR9XTREAM
- Operating Temperature Range
- -25° to +50°C
- Power
- 9 to 16 Vdc
- LEDs
- Power on, TX, RX, diagnostics
- CS I/O Connector
- 9-pin “D” pin (male) for all needed communications lines.
Newer loggers provide power to the radio on this connector. Older loggers may require optional power cable pn 14291.
- RS-232 Connector
- 9-pin “D” socket (female) for TX, RX, CTS, ground RS-232 levels
- Power Connector
- Barrel connector, center positive 12 V for use in base station configuration or with older data loggers.
Newer loggers provide power to the radio on the CS I/O connector.
- Dimensions
- Allow an additional 3 in. (7.5 cm) along the longest axis for external cable connection.11.4 x 7.0 x 2.9 cm
(4.9 x 2.8 x 1.2 in.)
12.7 x 7.0 x 2.8 cm(5.0 x 2.8 x 1.1 in.) with mounts
- Weight
- 227 g
(8 oz)
Average Current Drain
- Standby
- < 1 mA
(assuming power-saving options used)
- Receiving
- 24 mA
- Transmitting
- < 75 mA
Replacement Parts
(13)14291
Field Power Cable, 12 Vdc Plug to Pigtail
The 14291 power cable allows the RF400 to be powered from a suitable 12 Vdc battery.
Orderable15966
Wall Charger with Barrel Plug
A 15966 wall charger is required for ac power to serve as the power source for the RF400. This ac/dc transformer accepts inputs from 90 to 260 Vac @ 47 to 63 Hz, then outputs 12 Vdc @ 880 mA for use by the RF400. The 15966 is fitted with a cable and barrel plug to connect the transformer to the RF400; cable length is 6 ft.
Orderable14201
900 MHz 9 dBd Yagi Antenna with Mounting Hardware
The 14201 is a high-gain (9 dBd), directional (Yagi) antenna suitable for outdoor use. It has a narrow beam width, so precise aiming is mandatory. The 14201 is useful for longer distances and when communicating only with one other station (due to narrow beam width). The antenna has a Type N Female connector and requires an antenna cable to connect it to the radio.
Orderable14221
900 MHz 3 dBd Omnidirectional Antenna with Mounting Hardware
The 14221 has the highest gain (3 dBd) of our omnidirectional antennas. It is suitable for base station use where you need to communicate with multiple stations located in different directions. It's rugged FM2 antenna mounts will accommodate a vertical pipe of up to 2.5" (6.5 cm) outside diameter. The antenna has a Type N Female connector and requires an antenna cable to connect it to the radio.
Orderable14204
900 MHz 0 dBd 1/2 Wave Omnidirectional Antenna with RPSMA Connector
The 14204 is a unity gain (0 dBd) omnidirectional antenna. This antenna must reside inside a building or enclosure. It's right angle knuckle joint can be oriented vertically or at right angles. The 14204 attaches directly to the RF400 (antenna cable not required).
Orderable15731
900 MHz 0 dBd 1/4 Wave Omnidirectional Antenna with RPSMA Connector
The 15731 is a unity gain (0 dBd), straight, omnidirectional antenna that attaches directly to the RF400 (antenna cable not required). This antenna must reside inside of a building or enclosure.
Limited availability15730
900 MHz 0 dBd 1/4 Wave Omnidirectional Antenna with RPSMA Connector
The 15730 is a unity gain (0 dBd), right angle, omnidirectional antenna that attaches directly to the RF400 (antenna cable not required). This antenna must reside inside of a building or enclosure.
Limited availability15970
900 MHz 1 dBd Omnidirectional Dipole Antenna with Adhesive Mount
The 15970 is an omnidirectional antenna with a 1 dBd gain. It includes adhesive backing that adheres the antenna to a wall, rear-view mirror, window, or another suitable flat, non-conductive surface. A 79 in. cable is provided for attaching the antenna to the RF400. The 15930 must reside inside of a building or enclosure.
OrderableCOAXRPSMA
LMR195 Antenna Cable with Reverse Polarity SMA and Type N Pin (Male) Connector
Either this cable or the COAXNTN (see below) is required when using the 14201 or 14221 antennas. The COAXRPSMA is an LMR 195 cable that terminates in a Type N pin (male) connector on the "antenna end" and a Reverse Polarity SMA (RPSMA) pin (male) connector on the "transceiver end." It is recommended for applications where the cable length is less than 10 feet.
OrderableCOAXNTN
RG8 Antenna Cable with 2 Type N Pin (Male) Connectors
Either this cable or the COAXRPSMA (see above) is required when using the 14201 or 14221 antennas. The COAXNTN is a low-loss RG8 coaxial cable that requires the 14462 surge suppressor to connect it to the RF400. The COAXNTN/14462 combination is recommended over the COAXRPSMA when the antenna cable is longer than 10 feet (as measured between the transceiver and the antenna) or when the RF400 is used in an environment susceptible to lightning or electrostatic buildup.
Orderable21212
Black Cold Shrink Tape
This 10 ft (3.1 m) roll of 1"-wide black self-vulcanizing tape can help protect the connection of outdoor antennas. After connecting the coaxial cable to the antenna, wrap the tape around the connectors that are exposed to the environment.
Orderable18663
Null Modem Cable, 9-Pin PIn (Male) to 9-Pin Pin (Male)
The 18663 is a 9-pin to 9-pin null modem cable used to connect the RF400 radio to the datalogger's RS-232 port.
Orderable10873
Serial Data Cable, 9-Pin Socket (Female) to 9-Pin Pin (Male)
The 10873 is a serial cable that is useful for connecting the RS-232 port of the datalogger to the 9-pin RS-232 port of a computer. The cable is six feet long.
Orderable
Ships With
(3)
Compatibility
Communications
The RF400 can transmit data to another RF400 radio or a CR205 datalogger. The RF400 may also be used in a network with RF401 radios and/or CR206(X) dataloggers if all of the RF401 radios and CR206(X) dataloggers are set to the transparent mode.
Campbell Scientific does not recommend using the RF400 in networks containing FGR-115 or RF450 radios.
Enclosure Considerations
A desiccated, non-condensing environment is required. The 14162 Mounting Kit includes hardware for securing the RF400 to an enclosure backplate (see Ordering Info).
Compatible Products
(6)ENC10/12
Weather-Resistant Enclosure, 10 x 12 inches
OrderableNotes—ENC10/12R
Raised Lid Enclosure, 10 x 12 inches
OrderableNotes—ENC12/14
Weather-Resistant Enclosure, 12 x 14 inches
OrderableNotes—ENC14/16
Weather-Resistant Enclosure, 14 x 16 inches
OrderableNotes—ENC16/18
Weather-Resistant Enclosure, 16 x 18 inches
OrderableNotes—CR6
High-Capacity Data Acquisition System
OrderableNotes—
Related Resources
Case Studies
Documents
Downloads
- OS and FirmwareRF400 Series OSv10
January 1, 1990
Current RF400, RF410, RF415 firmware. Requires the Device Configuration Utility.
- Software ApplicationsDevice Configuration Utilityv2.36
June 22, 2026
A software utility used to download operating systems and set up Campbell Scientific hardware. Also will update PakBus Graph and the Network Planner if they have been installed previously by another Campbell Scientific software package. Supported Operating Systems: Windows 11 or 10 (Both 32 and 64 bit)
Services Available
- Repair
- No
- Calibration
- No
- Free Support
- No