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11
Cooper Bussmann BU-245U-E Wireless Ethernet & Device Server User Manual
C
HAPTER
2 INSTALLATION
2.0 General
The BU-245U-E modules are housed in a rugged aluminum case, suitable for DIN-rail mounting. Terminals will accept wires up to 2.5 mm
2
(12 gauge) in size.
All connections to the module must be SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage). Normal 110-250V mains supply must not be
connected to any terminal of the BU-245U-E module. Refer to Section 2.3 Power Supply.
Before installing a new system, it is preferable to bench test the complete system. Configuration problems are easier to recognize when the
system units are adjacent. Following installation, the most common problem is poor communications caused by incorrectly installed antennas, or
radio interference on the same channel, or the radio path being inadequate. If the radio path is a problem (i.e., path too long, or obstructed), a
higher performance antennas or a higher mounting point for the antenna may rectify the problem. Alternately, use an intermediate BU-245U-E
Module as a repeater.
The BU-245U-E Installation Guide provides an installation drawing appropriate to most applications. Further information is detailed below.
Each BU-245U-E module should be effectively earthed via the "GND" terminal on the back of the module - this is to ensure that the surge
protection circuits inside are effective.
2.1 Antenna Installation
The BU-245U-E module will operate reliably over large distances however the achievable distances will vary with the application, radio model, type
and location of antennas, the degree of radio interference, and obstructions (such as buildings or trees) to the radio path.
The maximum range achievable depends on the radio model, the regulated RF power permitted in your country, and whether you use separate
transmit and receive antennas.
If using a BU-245U-E-G (2.4GHz) with a single antenna, 10 km (6 miles) can be achieved in USA, Canada and Australia (4W EIRP) and 2km in
Europe (100mW EIRP).
If using a BU-245U-E-A (5GHz) with a single antenna, 5 km (3 miles) can be achieved in USA, Canada and Australia (1W EIRP) and 3km in Europe
(500mW EIRP) however more care is needed in selecting antennas, coax as well as radio paths need to be complete line of site (No obstruction
what so ever).
To achieve the maximum transmission distance, the antennas should be raised above intermediate obstructions so the radio path is true “line of
sight.” The modules will operate reliably with some obstruction of the radio path, although the reliable distance will be reduced. Obstructions
which are close to either antenna will have more of a blocking affect than obstructions in the middle of the radio path.
The BU-245U-E modules provide a diagnostic feature which displays the radio signal strength of transmissions (refer Chapter 4 “Diagnostics”).
Line-of-sight paths are only necessary to obtain the maximum range. Obstructions will reduce the range, however may not prevent a reliable path.
A larger amount of obstruction can be tolerated for shorter distances. For short distances, it is possible to mount the antennas inside buildings. An
obstructed path requires testing to determine if the path will be reliable - refer the section 6 of this manual.
Where it is not possible to achieve reliable communications between two BU-245U-E modules, then a third BU-245U-E module may be used to
receive the message and re-transmit it. This module is referred to as a repeater. This module may also have a host device connected to it.
The BU-245U-E unit has two antenna connections at the top of the module, allowing for two antennas to be fitted to the module. The left
connector (looking at the front) labeled “RX” by default is connected only to the internal wireless receiver and the right connector labeled TX/RX is
connected to both the transmitter and receiver (**Note).
NOTE: Each antenna port has the option to enable /disable the Receive and Transmit functionality by selecting Receive and
Transmit Diversity on the radio page. When only one antenna is used, it must be connected to the TX/RX connector.
3A1576Rev1.7
