Gateway Instruction Manual
Page 5
2.4 Certifications
This equipment contains a radio module and a cellular modem that comply with
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
3 Installation
3.1
Gateway-Monitor RF Site Guidelines
The Gateway should be mounted in accordance with Section 3.2 and the location
should be selected in accordance with the following guidelines:
Direct line of sight between the Monitor and the Gateway will provide
optimum radio reception. Optimal orientation would have the Gateway
antenna oriented towards as many of the installed Monitors as possible.
The Monitors would ideally be oriented so that the label with the serial
number faces the Gateway.
The Monitor and the Gateway can communicate at distances up to one
mile under optimum line-of-sight conditions.
When obstructions such as walls, buildings, chain link fences, and vehicles
exist between the Monitor and the Gateway the distance between these
units should be limited to less than 500 feet.
Multiple obstructions (such as two or more walls or a tank and a wall)
should be avoided, if possible.
Electrically
conductive objects, such as metal buildings, concrete
reinforcing rods, tanks, silos, and vehicles reflect radio signals. This
reflection can be either an advantage or a disadvantage to good radio
reception at a particular installation site:
1
Metal objects between the Monitor and the Gateway may reflect and
scatter RF energy and reduce radio signal strength at the Gateway.
2
Metal objects behind the Monitor or Gateway may increase the radio
signal strength at the Gateway by reflecting radio signals toward the
Gateway.
Even small objects such as tank vents or toolboxes between the Monitor
and the Gateway can significantly reduce radio signal strength if they are
within a few feet of the Monitor or Gateway. These objects can reflect
radio signals and cause an RF “shadow” which may prevent radio signals
from reaching the Gateway.
Objects which are not electrically conductive such as wooden or fiberglass
buildings, non-reinforced masonry, trees, plastic, and glass have less
effect on radio signals than metal objects.
Windows and wooden doors can provide radio signals access to otherwise
closed metal buildings. However, “low-E” window glass may have a thin
metallic coating that can reflect radio signals.
Gateway Instruction Manual
Page 6
Strong electromagnetic fields such as those found in close proximity to
power lines, large electric motors, generators, electric fences and
transmitter antennas may interfere with the radio signal received by the
Gateway.
The Gateway should be mounted as high as is reasonably possible to
improve its ability to receive radio signals. For example, placing the
Gateway high on a wall would be preferable to mounting at a low level.
Installing the Gateway in an underground basement should be avoided.
Mounting the Gateway so that it has an unobstructed view of the horizon
will improve cellular communication.
3.2
Gateway Site Guidelines
Outdoor models of the Gateway are housed in a polymer enclosure designed for
mounting on a vertical surface. The enclosure is provided with four (4) small
mounting brackets. It is intended that the Gateway be mounted with the wire
entrance on the bottom.
Indoor models of the Gateway can be mounted either on a horizontal or vertical
surface.
Reference Installation Drawing at the end of this manual.
3.3 Antenna
Mounting
The Gateway is supplied with an external mount antenna. Mounting the antenna in
the vertical position provides the best RF performance.
With the antenna in the “L” position and already in the vertical position shown
below, hand tighten the SMA connector of the antenna onto the gold connector
protruding from the enclosure until snug. Do not use a wrench or pliers on the
antenna connector or the interior hex head.
Gold Connector
Outdoor Gateway Position Indoor Gateway Position
