Also consider the location of the solar panel and antenna and how all cabling will connect to
enclosure.
Mount the enclosure with the sensor connectors, antenna connector, and ground lug facing
downward. This minimizes water intrusion from precipitation and helps keep the inside of the
enclosure dry.
8.6 Installing the CRVW3 antenna
When using a radio option on the CRVW3 (CRVW3–RF451/RF452 or CRVW3–RF407), carefully
consider the kind of antenna to use with the device. Ensure that it can communicate properly
with the applicable remote CRVW3s, radio repeater stations, and the radio base station. See
(p. 13) and the specific radio manual:
or
for more information about the configuration of radio networks.
A small whip or dipole antenna may be connected directly to the enclosure bottom. These are
used for testing or for short distance communications links. For longer distances, a higher gain,
externally cabled antenna is usually necessary. These antennas require mounting hardware (such
as a pole) separate from the CRVW3.
If the CRVW3 communicates with only one other radio station or device, use a directional Yagi
antenna, and position it to point directly at the remote station. If the CRVW3 communicates with
more than one radio station or device (for example, when it is configured to operate as a
repeater station), an omnidirectional antenna should be used. Raising the antenna higher may
improve the signal reception and transmission.
It is important that there is an unobstructed line-of-sight (LOS) between the transmitting and
receiving antennas. For more information, see
https://www.campbellsci.com/blog/line-of-sight-
.
Antenna connections that are exposed to the environment should be protected with self-
vulcanizing cold shrink tape. A surge suppressor kit is also recommended when using cabled
antennas. This will protect against lightning strikes or other electrical hazards. An example of a
weatherproofed surge suppressor is shown in the following figure.
Figure 8-6. Properly weatherproofed antenna cable connection with surge protection
CRVW3 3-Channel Vibrating-Wire Data Logger
46