Neptune R450 MC, Installation And Maintenance Manual

Page: 67 / 104

R450 Mini Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide 53
Appendix A: RF Antenna Installation
RF Antenna Overview
There are a number of critical items you must consider when placing and installing
antennas. The following list contains items that can influence the antenna placement and
installation.
Mounting the Antennas
Consider the following when mounting the antennas.
1 Mount the RF antenna at least 30 feet high with an unobstructed view of the coverage
area.
• The supporting structure, if the antenna is not mounted above it, can cause
specific areas of limited coverage.
• Water towers in particular can severely limit coverage where the signal must pass
directly through the tank. It is recommended that when mounting antennas on a
water tower they be mounted on the top, as close to the center, as is practical.
• When mounting the antenna on a traditional three- or four-leg tower, the standoff
mount for the antenna must position the antenna at least two feet away from the
tower to minimize coverage area problems.
2 Avoid making the antenna for the R450 Mini Collector (R450 MC) the tallest point in
the surrounding area. This may be unavoidable, but it increases the potential of the
antenna being damaged by lightning.
Site Recommendations
The following are recommendations for selecting the site to install the antenna with
multiple transmitters, receivers, and antennas.
• Avoid mounting the R450 MC antenna so that it is at the same height as another
antenna on the site, regardless of the frequencies.
If the antenna must be mounted on the side of the water tower, then position it at least five feet
away from the side of the water tower to minimize coverage area problems.
Extra care is required when selecting these sites.