2.5.20 357-05854-03 Rev A © Inovonics, 2020 - www.inovonics.com
EN4200 Security Only Serial Receiver
Installation Instructions
1 Overview
The EN4200 security only serial receiver is a security only gateway that
uses reliable frequency-hopping, spread-
spectrum
technology to decode
radio frequency (RF) transmissions from security end devices and high-
power repeaters, and then outputs the decoded data to the application
controller in a common serial data format. The EN4200 is used for security
only applications.
1.1 Installing an Inovonics Security System
An EchoStream survey kit should be used to establish an EchoStream
system. The EchoStream survey kit measures the signal strength of high-
power repeater and sensor messages to help optimize your EchoStream
system.
Figure 1
Sample EchoStream system
The EchoStream survey kit provides you with two signal strength
measurements: signal level and signal margin.
Signal level
The signal level is the measurement of the overall decibel level of the
message.
Signal margin
The signal margin is the measurement of the decibel level of the message,
minus the decibel level of any interfering signals. Inovonics equipment
should be placed within a facility such that all end-devices produce signal
margin readings of at least 4 decibels.
Both the signal level and signal margin are measured in decibels. Because
signal strength and signal margin are measured on a logarithmic scale, the
difference between a decibel level of 3 (Weak) and a decibel level of 4
(Good) is a much larger difference than it would be on a linear scale.
Note:
For more information about the EchoStream survey kit, see the
EN7017 Survey Kit and App Installation and Site Survey Instructions
.
Caution:
The EchoStream system should be tested regularly to ensure
operation. To test: place the system in test mode, activate an end device,
and ensure an appropriate response.
1.2 RF Signal Propagation
While wood, drywall and glass usually let the RF signals pass, some
materials may inhibit or attenuate radio frequency (RF) signal propagation
by blocking, reflecting, deflecting or absorbing RF signals.
Consider anything between transmitters and repeaters and/or the receiver.
Is there concrete and steel construction? Are there earthen berms or hills?
Are there a lot of trees? Devices should be mounted such that they are
least affected by these elements.
For best results, transmitters and repeaters should be mounted at the
optimal height to achieve line of sight to repeaters and/or the receiver.
Usually this means they will be mounted as high as possible.
Following are some typical obstacles to RF signal propagation:
1.3 Inovonics Contact Information
If you have any problems with this procedure, contact Inovonics technical
services:
• E-mail: [email protected].
• Phone: (800) 782-2709.
1.4 What’s In The Carton
• Two drywall anchors.
• Two mounting screws.
• Two pieces of mounting tape.
• One frequency band selection shunt.
Material
Affect
Recommendation
Metal construction, including
ductwork; pipes; studs;
stucco, plaster or concrete
with wire mesh; satellite
dishes, metal-lined rooms
such as walk-in coolers or
freezers; metal siding, safes,
etc.
Can reflect, absorb
and/or disrupt RF
signals.
Perform a site survey
using an Inovonics
wireless survey kit to
verify the RF signal is
acceptable, and, when
necessary, to determine
where to locate
repeaters.
Completely enclosed metal
boxes/enclosures.
Can restrict RF
signals.
Solar panels, cinder block
walls, windows with built-in
solar tinting.
Can absorb and/or
reflect RF signals.
Vegetation.
Can attenuate RF
signals. The RF
environment can
alter as trees shed
or sprout leaves.
Add repeaters as issues
arise.
Automobile and truck traffic.
Can disrupt RF
signals.
Mount Inovonics devices
at a height sufficient to
achieve line of sight
above traffic.
For product and installation videos visit us at
www.inovonics.com/videos or use the QR
code below.
