Installation Instructions
LPW-169 - 169MHz IOT Antenna
Introduction
This panel / bracket mount antenna covers VHF 169MHz. The antenna is sealed to equivalent of IP68 and is suitable
for installation in an environments subject to immersion in water, such as water meter pits. It is important that an IP
rated or correctly sealed connector is used at the device to maintain integrity of the connection. The antenna is sup-
plied with an adjustable bracket but can also be mounted on pipes or directly to a panel using screws or the supplied
adhesive pad.
The antenna is supplied with fi tted RG174 cable and is available with a variety of connectors.
SW3-202 - Document Version 1
Mounting requirements and selecting location
The antenna should normally be placed in a vertical orientation, with the cable exit at the top or the bottom. The
antenna should be spaced a minimum of 30cm (12”) from any nearby metal structure if possible. When fi tting on a
device enclosure/housing, ensure that there is adequate under panel clearance from internal components and that
the coaxial cable can be routed to the equipment.
If the antenna will be subject to immersion, care must be taken to ensure that an appropriate IP rated connector is
selected, or that adequate steps are taken to seal the device connector interface.
Antenna Mounting
C.
Panel Mounting:
The antenna can be secured with the supplied adhesive and by using additional screw holes if
required. When fi tted with a miniature connector (SMA plug or smaller), it is possible to pass the cable through the
rear of the antenna plate to conceal the cable exit. If the cable will exit above the panel, select a suitable breakout
hole and remove the plastic using pliers, ensuring a smooth edge is created. The cable must be routed directly away
from the antenna and not run alongside it, which may determine which cable exit is utilised. The adhesive pad can be
used as a drilling template if required, fi xing holes are 5.5mm (0.21”) and cable entry requires 10mm (0.4”) clear-
ance for an SMA plug. After drilling holes, check that any burs or swarf are removed, to ensure a fl at sealing surface
for the adhesive pad. With the cable in the correct exit position, remove the backing from pad and apply fi rmly to the
antenna base. Clean the mounting panel with alcohol swab and allow to dry. Remove backing tape, position correctly
and press antenna fi rmly to the mounting panel.
Bracket Mounting:
The adjustable bracket can be utilised to mount the antenna to a sidewall, fl oor, lid or to a pipe
(pipe clips, cable ties or worm drive clip required, supplied separately). Figures F-H below illustrate how the bracket can
be used to mount the antenna in a variety of orientations.
Routing and terminating coaxial cable(s)
D.
Route the coaxial cable to the device, ensuring that the cable is secured and protected from subsequent damage
during access. If cable ties are used, they should not be overtightened, as this will distort the cable profi le and could
affect the antenna performance. Any excess cable should be laid “side by side” (not coiled) and can be secured by
cable ties or tape.
Commission and test
E.
Check the comms cables:
• Carry out VSWR check, the VSWR should measure <2.5:1 in transmit band.
• Connect the cable to the radio device
• Seal the connector interface, as required
A.
B.
