RuralConnect® Gen3 User Manual V1.0
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Copyright
©
2020 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LEDs) will be different between these points. The web interface can help you determine if the
antenna needs to be realigned for an improved uplink.
Interference Solutions
Interference problems can arise with external devices installed near the antenna or radio, including
external devices later installed. External interference can adversely affect the operation of a
RuralConnect
®
TV White Space Radio, to the extent that the link is unusable.
To determine if a RuralConnect
®
is interfering with other equipment, power down the unit and check
the other device(s) for interference issues.
Though less common, to determine if an external device is interfering with the RuralConnect
®
, shut
down suspected devices while streaming audio or video over the link, or just run and monitor a
continuous ping to a website. For the latter, open a Windows command prompt and run command
“ping -t {ip address}.”
Before calling Technical Support, the installer is encouraged to try correcting the problem by trying
one or more of the following suggestions:
•
Relocate the offending/offended device,
•
Reorient or relocate the antenna to a new position,
•
Change the frequency of the radio or offending device,
•
Separate the power sources, or filter sources between the offenders,
•
Use RF “trap” filter(s) to isolate interference from specific channels
•
If you are not a professional installer, consult with the dealer, service provider or other
experienced technician
Surge Protection
6.8.1. RF Lightning Protection
The most common source of damage to wireless products is lightning-induced power surges. These
surges attribute to almost all wireless equipment failures in the field. A lightning strike generates
tremendous currents whenever it touches down. These currents travel through towers, pipes,
telephone wires, power wires, trees, lakes, rivers, and the ground.
The installer is responsible for the installation of proper surge protection on the power, data, and
antenna lines.
For protecting the radio from power surges, Carlson stocks both coaxial and POE lightning surge
suppressors as primary lightning protection. These are optional items, sold separately and included
in all general system quotes.
In-line protectors mount in series with the coaxial cable, data or power line, which provides an
excellent solution for a retrofit application. The installer will ground the protector using the external
ground screw attached to the body of the surge protector.
6.8.2. Antenna Port Protection
Normally mounted high on a tower, antennas are subject to lightning surges when lightning strikes.
Alternately, lightning can strike near a tower, and a momentary potential difference of thousands of
volts can exist between the tower ground and other nearby ground systems, causing current surges
through ground and antenna wiring.