Lancer 3W Installation Guide
3-2
Antennas America F800 antenna mounted internally
Decide what equipment you want in sight (normal) or out of sight (covert), then plan a
layout to fit that plan. You should also consider whether a covert or normal layout fits the
requirements for the vehicle’s primary mission. Undercover units may choose a covert
layout, while patrol cars would benefit from the increased reception from an external
antenna in a normal layout.
3.2 Antenna
Location
You should choose the location on the vehicle
for the antenna installation carefully. Use the
shortest cable length possible to get the best
signal. A shorter length is better for a clear
path for radio transmission. The following
sections describe layouts to locate the
antenna.
3.2.1 Covert Layout (Internal Antenna)
In a covert layout the antenna is hidden in
the vehicle and attaches to any surface
easily using Velcro
tape. This makes it
easily adaptable for antenna placement
and less labor intensive. In addition, it’s
easier to plan a shorter cable route and the antenna has its own grounding allowing for
more flexibility in placement.
3.2.2 Normal Layout (External Antenna)
In a normal operation you can see the antenna placement. There is a fixed antenna
attachment on the outside of the vehicle (usually with a whip antenna). In this layout, cable
length is the most important consideration. In addition, you’ll be mounting the antenna on
an external surface and will need to consider the ground plane - both the area (an optimum
ground plane is a one foot area around the antenna) and surface.
You should always plan equipment location based on department needs. The following are
some common layouts for collocating an external antenna with the Lancer 3W modem:
•
Roof to trunk. In this layout there is a trunk-mounted modem and antenna attached to
the roof with a whip antenna. This gives the best overall signal range.
•
Trunk to trunk. In this layout there is a trunk-mounted modem and antenna attached to
the trunk with a whip antenna. This creates the shortest antenna cable length between
the antenna and modem.
•
Roof to console
or dashboard. This layout uses an antenna attached to the roof with a
modem on the center console or dashboard. This gives access to the modem and
works well for a portable location when you plan on moving the unit from vehicle to
vehicle. You can see status lights easily and it’s easier to service the modem.
