3.4 Plan Device Placement
We recommend a site survey and device placement plan for wireless installations. To plan device
placement, obtain or develop an accurately scaled site plan detailing the placement of the
machinery you need to monitor, including architectural details like walls and pillars. Then
complete a site survey and plan.
To develop a survey and plan:
1. On the accurately scaled site plan, mark the locations where you need to install sensors.
o
Mount sensors as close as possible to the machine point being monitored.
o
To avoid destructive interference, install devices at least 18 inches apart.
o
Whenever possible, avoid obstructions such as machinery or walls that might “hide”
devices from routing devices or access point antennae.
o
Allow clearance for mechanical installation and suitable clearance around the top
(100 mm or 4 inches).
o
If possible, install devices at least two meters (6 ½ feet) above ground level with clear
line of site to at least two other devices.
2. Determine the optimal wireless range for each device. Use the map scale and draw a circle
representing the nominal radio frequency range around the proposed location of each
Ranger Pro device. (When connecting to a backbone router or access point, the range is
about 50% greater.)
When the device is placed among:
Draw a circle with:
Dense metal structures with no line-of-sight
25 m (82 ft) radius
Sparse metal structures with limited line-of-sight
50 m (164 ft) radius
Unobstructed, clear line-of-sight locations
100 m (328 ft) radius
3. Identify the locations of any existing gateways, routers, or access points.
o
If you’re installing sensors in extremely congested plant areas or in areas with
insufficient wireless connectivity, consider installing additional gateways, backbone
routers, and access points.
o
Add locations where you need to install additional gateways, backbone routers, and
access points.
o
When placing gateways, backbone routers, and access points, consider the
location of line power and suitable connections to the existing plant network.
Place gateways, backbone routers, and access points in locations where as many devices
as possible can connect directly to each gateways, backbone routers, and access points.
Refer to your network hardware vendor documentation for the maximum number of
devices supported.
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Ranger Pro Wireless Condition Monitoring Device
User Guide
125M6113 Rev. D
