Maxon SD-174EL UHF Data Radio – 450-490 MHz, 5/1 Watt, 16 Channels

Reliable wireless data communication is essential for applications such as SCADA systems, remote controls, telemetry, security systems, industrial automation, and monitoring equipment. The Maxon SD-174EL UHF Data Radio is a durable and flexible data radio designed for wireless applications where dependable communication, low current consumption, and rugged construction are important.

Operating across the 450-490 MHz UHF frequency range, the SD-174EL provides selectable 5-watt or 1-watt transmit power, supports 16 channels, and offers optional GMSK and FFSK modem configurations for data communication.

The radio features a BNC female antenna connector, DE-15 female connector, tri-color LED status indicator, CTCSS/DCS encode and decode, carrier detection, busy-channel lockout, and a transmit time-out timer.

The Maxon SD-174EL is supplied as a radio-only unit, with antennas, modems, programming equipment, and other accessories available separately.

Built for Wireless Data Applications

The Maxon SD-174EL is part of the Maxon/TecNet SD-170EL Series, a family of data radios designed for OEM and end-user wireless applications.

Its compact mechanical design and BNC antenna connection make the radio suitable for integration into new systems or existing wireless infrastructure. Optional modem boards provide additional flexibility for applications requiring different data communication methods.

The SD-174EL supports GMSK at 9600 baud and FFSK at 4800 baud through optional modem modules.

Key Features

• UHF frequency range: 450-490 MHz

• 5-watt / 1-watt selectable transmit power

• 16 channels with DIP-switch selection

• Optional GMSK 9600-baud modem

• Optional FFSK 4800-baud modem

• CTCSS/DCS encode and decode

• 12.5 / 25 kHz channel spacing

• TX time-out timer

• Carrier detect

• Busy-channel lockout

• Tri-color LED status indicator

• DE-15 female connector

• BNC female antenna connector

• Software-aligned squelch

• Low current drain

• Fast transmitter/receiver attack times

• Die-cast aluminum cabinet and lid

• PC programmable

• Radio-only configuration

• Accessories available separately

UHF 450-490 MHz Operation

The SD-174EL is designed for UHF operation from 450 to 490 MHz.

UHF operation provides a practical platform for a variety of industrial and commercial wireless data applications. The radio can be incorporated into telemetry, control, monitoring, security, and automation systems where reliable wireless connectivity is required.

Selectable 5-Watt or 1-Watt Output

The SD-174EL provides selectable transmit power settings of 5 watts or 1 watt.

This allows system designers and installers to select an appropriate power level based on the requirements of the application, helping provide the necessary wireless coverage while supporting efficient operation.

16-Channel DIP-Switch Selection

The radio provides 16 channels, with channel selection available through DIP switches.

This configuration can be useful for OEM systems and installations where predefined operating channels are required without the complexity of a conventional portable radio user interface.

Optional GMSK and FFSK Modems

One of the key advantages of the SD-174EL is its support for optional modem boards.

Two modem options are available:

• ACC-513 GMSK Modem – 9600 Baud

• ACC-2514E FFSK Modem – 4800 Baud

These optional modules allow the SD-174EL to be configured for different data communication requirements.

Whether a system requires GMSK or FFSK data transmission, the modular design gives integrators flexibility when developing or upgrading wireless data systems.

CTCSS and DCS Support

The SD-174EL supports CTCSS/DCS encode and decode.

These signaling capabilities can help systems distinguish intended transmissions and manage radio communication within a larger wireless installation.

Tri-Color LED Status Indicator

The SD-174EL incorporates a tri-color LED status indicator that provides an at-a-glance indication of radio operating status.

This can be particularly useful when the radio is installed as part of an industrial control or telemetry system where quick visual status identification is important.

Rugged Die-Cast Aluminum Construction

Industrial data radios may be installed in environments where equipment is exposed to electrical interference and demanding operating conditions.

The SD-174EL uses a die-cast aluminum cabinet and lid, providing a durable enclosure and helping provide resistance to RF interference.

This construction makes the radio suitable for integration into a wide variety of industrial and commercial equipment.

BNC Female Antenna Connector

The SD-174EL includes a BNC female antenna connector, providing a standard connection interface for compatible UHF antennas and antenna systems.

Available accessories include the TB-450BN UHF antenna, as well as magnetic-mount antenna bases and compatible NMO-style UHF antennas.

DE-15 Female Data Connector

The SD-174EL incorporates a DE-15 female connector for system integration.

This connector provides an interface for connecting the radio to compatible external equipment in applications such as telemetry, automation, monitoring, control, and security systems.

Carrier Detect and Busy Channel Lockout

For systems operating in environments where multiple wireless devices may share radio channels, the SD-174EL provides carrier detect and busy-channel lockout functions.

These features can help the radio identify channel activity and prevent transmission when the channel is already in use, depending on system configuration.

TX Time-Out Timer

The integrated transmit time-out timer helps prevent the transmitter from remaining active continuously.

This can be useful in automated and unattended installations where a stuck transmission could otherwise occupy the channel for an extended period.

PC Programmable

The Maxon SD-174EL is PC programmable using the appropriate programming equipment and software.

Available programming accessories include:

• ACC-916E/N Programming Software

• ACC-2016E USB Programming Cable

Programming allows the radio to be configured according to the requirements of the intended system.

Featured Applications

The Maxon SD-174EL can be integrated into a wide range of wireless data and telemetry applications.

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants

The radio can be used as part of wireless telemetry and monitoring systems for water and wastewater infrastructure.

Oil and Gas Fields

Industrial wireless data communication can support remote monitoring and control applications in oil and gas environments.

SCADA Security and Alarm Systems

The SD-174EL can be integrated into SCADA-related communication systems, security monitoring, and alarm applications.

Gate Systems

The radio can provide wireless connectivity for automated gate control and access systems.

Remote Controls

Its data-radio architecture makes the SD-174EL suitable for remote-control applications requiring wireless communication.

Commercial Sign Control

The radio can be incorporated into systems used to remotely monitor or control commercial signage.

Automatic Vehicle Location

The SD-174EL can serve as a wireless communication component within appropriate vehicle-location and telemetry systems.

Murphy/Kill Switch Systems

The radio can be integrated into remote monitoring and control systems involving equipment shutdown or safety-related control functions.

Weather Monitoring

Wireless data communication can be used to transmit information from remote weather monitoring equipment.

Irrigation Systems

The SD-174EL can support remote control and telemetry applications for irrigation equipment.

Emergency Call Boxes

The radio can be incorporated into appropriately designed emergency call box communication systems.

Low-Power Repeaters

Its selectable power and data capabilities can also make the SD-174EL suitable for certain low-power repeater applications.

Technical Specifications

Available Accessories

The SD-174EL can be paired with a range of optional antennas, programming equipment, and modem accessories.

Antennas

TB-450BN
UHF antenna covering 400-512 MHz with BNC connection.

G8BI
Magnetic-mount antenna base with coax and BNC connector. Requires QW152 or QW450 antenna.

G8BI20
20-foot coax magnetic-mount antenna base with BNC connector. Requires QW152 or QW450 antenna.

QW450
UHF 1/4-wave NMO-type antenna for use with G8BI or G8BI20.

QW152
VHF 1/4-wave NMO-type antenna for use with G8BI or G8BI20. While designed for VHF applications, it is part of the accessory family and is not the appropriate antenna for the SD-174EL's 450-490 MHz UHF operation.

Heat Sink

ACC-HSNF
Black anodized aluminum pin-style flat-mount heat sink.

Programming

ACC-513
GMSK 9600-baud modem.

ACC-2514E
FFSK 4800-baud modem.

ACC-916E/N
Programming software.

ACC-2016E
USB programming cable.

Radio-Only Configuration

The Maxon SD-174EL is sold as a radio-only unit.

This means that additional components such as the antenna, modem board, programming cable, programming software, and other installation accessories may need to be purchased separately depending on the intended application.

When planning a complete system, verify which accessories and modem configuration are required before installation.

Why Choose the Maxon SD-174EL?

The Maxon SD-174EL combines a rugged hardware platform with flexible data communication capabilities.

Its key advantages include:

• 450-490 MHz UHF operation

• Selectable 1W/5W transmit power

• 16 DIP-switch selectable channels

• Optional GMSK and FFSK modem technology

• CTCSS/DCS support

• BNC antenna connection

• DE-15 system interface

• PC programmability

• Carrier detect and busy-channel lockout

• Durable die-cast aluminum construction

• Low current drain

• Fast transmitter/receiver attack times

These features make the SD-174EL a flexible option for OEMs, system integrators, industrial operators, and end users developing wireless data communication systems.

Why Buy from Deputy Electronics?

At Deputy Electronics, we help customers find communication equipment and accessories for industrial, commercial, security, fleet, and specialized applications.

Our product offerings include two-way radios, data communication equipment, antennas, accessories, fleet communication equipment, vehicle safety equipment, and related communication solutions.

If you are planning a new wireless telemetry system or upgrading an existing installation, our team can help you identify the appropriate radio and accessories for your application.

Final Thoughts

The Maxon SD-174EL UHF Data Radio is designed for dependable wireless data communication across the 450-490 MHz UHF band. With selectable 5-watt/1-watt output, 16 DIP-switch selectable channels, optional GMSK and FFSK modem boards, CTCSS/DCS, carrier detect, busy-channel lockout, PC programming, and rugged die-cast aluminum construction, it provides a flexible platform for industrial and commercial wireless applications.

From SCADA and security systems to remote controls, irrigation, weather monitoring, emergency call boxes, and telemetry applications, the SD-174EL can be configured to meet a variety of wireless data requirements.