P/N 1389990 Rev B (ECN 32099)
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Spread Spectrum Installation Guide
4.6 Verify/Modify Design
Each FieldNET site must be individually evaluated. Once the Bridge, Base RTU
and Repeater have been installed verify that each pivot’s RTU can mesh with the
Base RTU. When a pivot’s RTU is first powered up it will attempt to
communicate with a Base RTU. If the pivot RTU can communicate with the Base
RTU the mesh LED on the pivot RTU will momentarily turn on during power up.
If the mesh LED does not turn on the RTU cannot communicate with the Base
RTU. If the pivot RTU cannot communicate with the Base RTU check that all
antenna cables are tight. Improperly aligned antennas can also be a cause of
communication failure. If the pivot RTU still cannot communicate with the Base
RTU then design modifications are required.
Antenna Height
The higher the antennas are the better they will perform. Ensure the pivot RTU
antenna is mounted as high as possible without touching the rotating span or
span cable. Moving repeater antennas to a higher location may also improve
communications. Ensure that omni directional antennas are mounted at least 2
feet away horizontally from any metal structures.
UHF Radios
In some situations UHF radios may have better range than the 900 MHz spread
spectrum FieldNET radios. If the installation has existing UHF Neulink or Skyline
radios an additional Neulink or Skyline radio can be installed on a pivot. If the
installation does not have any Neulink or Skyline radios both a base and pivot
radio will be required. Consult UHF radio documentation for more information on
installation.
