Hardware Reference Manual
MCU500 Mobile Locator/Control Unit
Type
Description
Part No.
100-00191
Revision 1.01
9
Mag m ount
Magnetic mount antenna for temporary use on a vehicle.
Suppled with integral 5m long RG174 RF cable and SMB plug
for connection to the radio modem .
50-00002
The Hard Mount antenna is most frequently used in permanent vehicle
installations - this antenna has a TNC RF socket and requires a separate cable
to connect it to the MCU500. The following cables are available:
Part
Number
Description
70-00103
TNC to SMB, RG188 PTFE co-axial
cable, 2m long
70-00122
TNC to SMB, RG188 PTFE co-axial
cable, 5m long
Other lengths are available to special order - please enquire.
3.4.2 Alternative GPS antennas
A wide range of GPS antennas are available on the market, some of which may
be used with the MCU500. The MCU500's internal GPS receiver module requires
a standard antenna on the GPS L1 frequency (1575.42MHz) with an active pre-
amplifier with 26dB gain powered from 5V DC from the cable. A “passive”
antenna cannot be used with the MCU500.
The antenna should draw approximately 20-50mA in order that the internal
“antenna fault” alarm is not operated. Low loss (small diameter) cable (RG174 or
RG188) may be used up to 5m long. The cable should be terminated in an SMB
50ohm plug for connection to the MCU500.
Several companies, for example Panorama Antennas Limited
(http://www.panorama.co.uk), manufacture dual-band combined antennas for
operation as GPS+GSM and GPS+TETRA. These antennas have been found to
work with the MCU500 and can be ordered with the correct connectors fitted.
Panorma Part
Number
Description
GPSK-SM B-S2-5B
GPS Kom bi TETRA 410-430 MHz 6m G PS cable with SMB fitted, 5m
TETR A cable BNC fitted
GPSK-SM BP-DE-5F
GPS Kom bi 800/900/1800/1900 6m G PS cable with SMB fitted, 5m
Cellular cable FME fitted