28
ProPak6 Installation and Operation User Manual Rev 4
Chapter 2
Installation
2. Insert the SIM card and replace the card holder cover.
3. Use a coaxial cable to connect an antenna to the CELL port on the front face of the ProPak6. Specific
antenna types are available from NovAtel for the GSM/GPRS/HSDPA version of the ProPak6.
Secure the RF connector to the ProPak6 ensuring a “hand tight” connection.
Section 5.3, Cellular Activation GSM/GPRS/HSDPA
for details on activating a
cellular network. Refer to
Section 3.1.9, Cell Port and LED
for details on cell status
information. Also refer to the section Mobile/Cellular Antenna Port,
Once the SIM card is correctly installed, secure the SIM cover to the base using a
screwdriver. Screws should be torqued to 4-6 inch-pound.
Failure to properly
secure SIM cover will violate ProPak6 IP67 ingress rating.
Ensure the cellular antenna is installed at least 30 cm away from the ProPak6 or
GNSS positioning accuracy may be degraded. Refer to
Antenna Keep-out Area and Antenna Location
on page 114 for details.
•
Antennas must be installed on a “ground plane”. A vehicle with a metal roof is
inherently a ground plane. For vehicles with a non-metallic roof a metal ground
plane (available from NovAtel) must be used.
•
When installing the antenna on a metallic roof, it is recommended that the
antenna be installed no closer than 10 cm, (4 inches) from the edge of the
rooftop, to avoid adversely affecting the antenna performance due to distortion
of the antenna pattern.
•
The NovAtel ground plane accessory for use on non-metallic vehicle cab roofs
is designed to provide a sufficient symmetrical ground plane around the
antenna to guarantee optimal antenna performance.
•
Do not shorten the cable lengths provided with any particular antenna type as
this creates a safety hazard.
•
Do not use pliers or other tool types to over tighten the RF connector as
damage to the connector will occur.
•
Ensure the RF connectors (male and female) are clean and dry before mating.
Low pressure compressed air can be used to clean the connectors (that is,
compressed air available in aerosol can format). Do not use a high pressure
compressed air as moisture seals in the connector can be damaged. If the
ProPak6 is moved between multiple vehicles each with its own cellular
antenna, some means of sealing the unmated RF connectors should be used.
Cellular radio frequencies are much higher than older forms of radio
communications; the effects of moisture and/or dust will have a greater effect
on performance.