www.mentorradio.com
Phone: 216-65-2315 Fax: 216-267-2915
MB-R-OM-03/11
INSTALLATION
Select a desk, counter, shelf or table top on which to place the Model MB-R,
convenient to the operator but inaccessible to unauthorized persons. Allow several
inches of space behind and above the unit for air circulation; this is especially
important if heavy use is anticipated. Plug the line cord into a properly grounded
standard 3-wire electrical outlet. If an extension cord is needed, a 3-wire type should
be used. For operation outside of North America, an appropriate line cord must be
used.
The performance of both the receiver and transmitter is affected considerably by the
antenna and coaxial cable installation. For greatest range in all directions, the
antenna should be as high as practical, consistent with regulations concerning heights
of structures near the airport. If possible, the antenna should be higher than nearby
buildings to prevent shielding or “shadowing”. Antenna height is especially important
for communications with lower altitude aircraft, or if there is higher terrain within
desired communications distances.
The antenna for the Model MB-R should be located well away from other
communications antennas, if at all possible. Strong nearby signals from transmitters
on other channels can block or interfere with reception in any radio receiver. If there
are other aviation band transmitters and antennas on the airport, the minimum
recommended distances between these and the MB-R antenna depend on the
frequency separations, and are as follows:
Frequency Separation
Distance Between Antennas
less than 0.5 MHz
0.5 miles (800 meters)
0.5 to 2 Mhz
1000 ft. (300 meters)
2 to 5 Mhz
500 ft. (150 meters)
over 5 Mhz
300 ft. (100 meters)
If it is impossible to locate the MB-R’s antenna sufficiently far from other antennas,
and interference results, consult with Mentor Radio.
The coaxial cable (“coax”) connecting the antenna to the Model MB-R causes signal
attenuation proportional to its length in both the receive and transmit modes,
therefore a short cable is desirable. This factor often conflicts with the need to
locate the antenna high, away from structures and distant from other antennas. For
longer cables, coax types with lower signal loss should be used. Type RG-58 coax is
suitable for lengths up to 50 feet (15 meters). Type RG-8, or similar, can be used for
lengths to 150 feet (45 meters). For more than 150 feet, consult with Mentor Radio
about very low loss cables.
Low loss coaxial cable offers the lowest attenuation but are stiffer and therefore
harder to work with and install. For lengths that exceed 150 feet (50 meters),
consider remote operation.
