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sure there are no check driver configuration error messages, this would be an indication
that the remote driver is not communicating with the SDA controller. An
“antenna cable
open
” message is OK if the antenna cable is not attached to the remote driver board. A
“
driver chip error”
message indicates that one of the driver chips is bad or missing.
7.
If the remote driver is attached to the antenna and you see an occasional flash of “
driver
problem”
on the SDA controller, this is an indication that you do not have enough signal
strength.
Wireless Remote Driver Setup
1.
Since the Wi-Fi antenna is mounted on the remote driver board it should be mounted high
enough above ground to clear obstructions. One option is to use a coax to move the
antenna higher, the coax should be kept as short as possible since it can be quite lossy.
2.
The remote driver requires 30 to 33 VDC.
3.
To protect the driver from static discharge a good Earth ground is needed. You can either
connect the mounting plate or control cable shield at the 25 pin connector to ground.
4.
If signal strength is not giving a reliable connection and moving the Wi-Fi antenna is not
helping you can purchase high gain Wi-Fi antennas. It should be possible to get a reliable
connection over 1000 feet or more.
Installation
The radio link uses frequencies that operate via line of sight (2.4Ghz), they do not go around
corners well. Some windows can be quite lossy because the same technology that limits IR
radiation can limit 2.4 GHz RF as well. Mounting a base antenna just outside the window can have
a dramatic effect on range. In general, mount your units with as close to LOS (line of sight)
conditions as you can, maintain clearance from large metal and other RF blocking objects like
reinforced concrete walls and foil backed insulation. If the operating station is in a basement, or
there is a building or other obstruction between the station and the antenna tower, some antenna
work may be required. The antennas are removable and can be extended using 50ohm coax.
The on-board LEDs allow easy range testing and mounting experimentation of your units. For
reliable communications there should be 3 LEDs ON. The more obstructions you have, the stronger
signal you will need due to signal fade.
1 LED = Threshold
2 LED = 10 dB fade margin
3 LED = 20 dB fade margin
4 LED = 30+ dB fade margin
System Setup
1.
Once everything is properly connected, verify signal strength at both ends (3 leds is OK).
2.
Make sure the controller is not displaying any error messages. If there is a steady “
driver
problem”
message (keeps flashing every 3 to 5 second) check
Setup > Fault Code
menu for
the problem.
3.
If there is an occasional random driver problem message, this is a indication that the signal
