IEPE-Link
™
-LXRS
®
Wireless Sensor Node
User Manual
Node Installation
31
4.2
Optimizing the Radio Link
In ideal conditions, the nodes and gateway can communicate up to two kilometers apart. In
order to accomplish this, the node must be installed in a manner that optimizes the wireless
transmission. The IEPE-Link
™
-LXRS
®
operates at a 2.4GHz transmission frequency and
comes standard with a right-angle, ¼- wave rubber whip antenna with an omni-directional
radiation pattern. The antenna has a joint in the middle that allows it to be rotated and aimed.
Using any other antenna than what is included with the node will void FCC compliance.
The best method for ensuring optimal radio communication is to conduct an RF survey of the
installation site. This is easily accomplished in Node Commander
®
by using the range test
feature to quantify the radio signal strength (RSSI) in various scenarios.
for instructions on using Node Commander
for measuring RSSI. The following
bullets are general guidelines for maximizing transmission range:
l
Establish Line of Sight (LOS)
between the node and gateway antennas as best as
possible. Try to avoid obstructions between the antennas, such as buildings, terrain,
vegetation, or other physical barriers. Increase the mounting height of the node or
antenna if it allows a clearer LOS path to the gateway.
l
Minimize Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
such as other equipment
antennas, especially those operating in the same frequency range. This includes
other nodes. If other antennas are required nearby, mount them at different heights
to minimize interference. Additionally, the specific node frequency is selectable within
its operational range using the Node Commander
®
software. Set the devices to
different transmission frequencies.
l
Minimize Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
such as that generated by power
transmission equipment, microwaves, switching power supplies, and other
electromagnetic sources.
l
Metal Objects
in close proximity to the node antenna, especially ferrous metals such
as steel and iron, can be problematic for wireless communications. The larger the
object, the greater the influence. If mounting the node on metal or near metal objects
in unavoidable, the antenna can be mounted remotely with an antenna cable. The
connector on the antenna is male reverse polarity SMA (male RPSMA), so a male-to-
female RPSMA cable would be required.
