Raco AlarmAgent.com AA-102DC, Installation Manual

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Appendix A: Advanced Antenna Topics
Antenna options for your AlarmAgent
TM
RTU depend in part upon whether or not the RTU is
installed within a metallic cabinet or metal building.
If the RTU is installed within a metal cabinet or metal building:
If the RTU is installed within a metal cabinet, the antenna will need to be located separately
outside the enclosure. This in turn will require a “cabinet cable” which runs from the RTU to
somewhere on the outer surface of the cabinet. Cabinet cables are available in 18” and 36”
lengths, or other lengths on special order.
The same is true if the RTU is installed inside a metal building, except that a longer extension
cable will be required in lieu of the cabinet cable, to reach a suitable outer surface of the
building. Extension cables are available in 10’ and 30’ lengths, or other lengths on special
order.
Cable Length:
Signal loss is proportional to cable length. For that reason, long cable runs are
discouraged. If your installation requires a long cable, contact RACO about custom
lengths and low-loss cables.
Rule of Thumb
If your cell phone works outside the building but not inside the building at the RTU
location, you can assume that a separately located external antenna will be required.
If the RTU is installed indoors, but not inside a metal cabinet or metal building:
If the RTU is installed indoors, but not inside a metal cabinet or metal building, which standard
antenna to use depends upon the RTUs enclosure option.
1. A “whip” antenna is standard for the Indoor Enclosure or Open Chassis option.
2. A RM3 conical shaped antenna is standard for the outdoor NEMA 4X enclosure option.