OGi Modem - Hardware Guide
T401, Version .15 34 © ORBCOMM Proprietary
5
Antenna Installation
The following section contains ORBCOMM's recommended installation guidelines for
installing the antenna. It is recommended that the OEM Integrator include these in the
installation guidelines for end users.
5.1 Antenna Mounting Guidelines
CAUTION
Mount the antenna at
least 20 cm away from humans.
The following guidelines for mounting the remote antenna also apply to an OEM Product
that includes the unpackaged antenna where applicable.
For fixed installations ensure that the antenna is pointing toward the equator,
facing south if in the Northern Hemisphere and facing north if in the Southern
Hemisphere, and its line of sight to the sky (satellite) is clear of obstructions.
For a mobile installation, mount the antenna at the highest point on the vehicle or
vessel where it has a clear view of the sky (satellite) in all directions.
Do not mount the antenna near metal objects. The antenna can communicate with
the satellite through fiberglass, but not through metal. Metal causes interference
if it is above the antenna and within 10.2 cm from the top of the antenna. Respect
the 20° or -15° elevation angle requirement with metallic object. Ensure that the
antenna is at least 1.3 cm higher than the metallic surface in cases where it must
be mounted next to a vertical metallic surface.
Ensure that any paint above the antenna is non-metallic and non-metallic flake, if
the installation is under fiberglass or composite wind fairings.
Mount the antenna on a surface that does not exceed the antenna's maximum
operating temperature. Locating the antenna where temperatures exceed the
recommended range might compromise performance.
Do not mount the antenna close to an exhaust pipe due to the excessive heat and
the potential for the exhaust pipe causing satellite blockage.
Do not mount the antenna close to air horns or any tractor roof hardware
(for example, emergency lights) that could interfere with satellite
communications.
Mount the antenna on the driver's side of the vehicle, if possible, when there is a
possibility of strikes by overhanging tree branches.
Do not drill any holes before checking that you have room for the bend radius of
the low loss coax cable. For reliable operation, do not go below a bend radius of
1.3 cm. Measure the bend radius of the cable as shown in Figure 23.