MicroPower SLV-C306-1011-IR, Installation Manual, Page: 7 / 40

7
Getting Started - First Steps
Site Survey
A well thought out plan for the location of the hub, hub antenna(s) and camera(s) is a crucial step to ensuring that
the entire system will provide reliable long-term service, and integrate effectively with a new or preexisting video
management system.
RF Considerations
Radio Frequency Line of Sight (RFLoS) differs from
visual line of sight. When dealing with RF, if you
imagine a laser beam between the two antennas, this
needs to be unobstructed, plus an additional space
around the beam. In most situations, the additional
clearance needed is “football” shaped, and (at 1/2mile)
will ideally be at least 13 feet in diameter around at
the center point between the antennas. (100yrds
needs about 4.5’ min. clearance) This accommodates
the system’s Fresnel Zone requirements.
With unobstructed line-of-sight between the hub
and camera antennas, the standard Solveil system
will reliably transmit video up to 1/2 mile. Obstacles
such as trees, buildings, fences, and other objects
will greatly impact wireless performance in terms of
maximum transmission distance, data rate speeds, and
reliability. While a wall or tree may not cause any
significant performance impact at very short ranges
(under 20yrds), it will likely completely block a signal
at longer distances. Additionally, for reliable extremely
short-range performance, the minimum distance
between the hub antenna and the Camera antenna
should be 25 feet with the RF output level set to the
lowest setting unless signal attenuators are installed.
It is also a good idea whenever possible to have an idea
of the ambient RF traffic with regard to the installation
location. Whenever possible, congested channels
should be avoided in favor of less utilized frequencies.
Use of RF scanning tools, such as the MetaGeek
“WiSpy” device, are strongly encouraged.
If obstructions are present, the distance between the
antennas is too great, or area ambient RF conditions too crowded, then the video streams may fail to establish a
link, experience dropouts and/or operate at a reduced frame rate.
Example of good, open RF line of sight.
Example of very challenging / poor RF line of site conditions. Note the metal
surface low, and the buildings on the left and right side that can attenuate the
RF signal.