Choosing a Location to Mount the Station
Page 7
Range of Wireless Transmission
The range of wireless transmission depends on many factors. For the best
reception, position the transmitter shelter and your console/receiver as close
together as possible.
The maximum range is up to 400' (120 m) in the line of sight, under optimal
conditions. Typical range under most conditions is 100' to 200' (30 to 60 m), but
this may be reduced by walls, ceilings, trees, or foliage. Radio-frequency
interference (RF) can also reduce transmission distance. Cordless phones and
ham radios are common examples of devices that can cause RF interference.
A metal roof or other large metal structure can interfere with the signal
(aluminum siding, a furnace with metal ducts, and your refrigerator are
examples). Sometimes transmission between wireless units is obscured by
something you cannot identify, or by some obstacle that you can’t work
around. If necessary, consider using Wireless Repeater #7624 or #7625 to
strengthen the signal or increase the distance between the transmitter and the
console/receiver.
Testing Transmission from Proposed Location
It is very important to test reception from the proposed location before perma-
nently mounting the Soil Moisture Station.
• Place the shelter at the intended mounting site, or have someone hold it
there, so you can walk around with the console/receiver for a few min-
utes. Rotating the antenna may help to improve reception.
• Test wireless reception anywhere you might want to use or mount your
console/receiver now or in the future. Take your time. If you aren’t pick-
ing up strong signals where you intend to place your console, better to
move the shelter now than after it has been mounted. Experiment.
• If you have irregular terrain in the area, it may interfere with the signal.
For example, if the transmitter is mounted downhill from the console/
receiver, the ground may block a wide angle of the transmitted signal.
