..\Manuals\RCI-200-RFM rev.B.doc
Page 8 of 8
Cable & Antenna Selection & Installation:
The antenna is a very important component in a radio system. Make sure you consult the factory for
proper antenna selection for your project. Cable leading from the radio to the antenna is just as
important in establishing a reliable link. Special low-loss cable is available to ensure minimal signal
losses in the cable leading to the antenna. This cable must be kept as short as possible. We
recommend purchasing the cable from Pribusin Inc. to ensure a good match for the entire system.
Regular TV coaxial cable or even satellite dish coaxial cable will not work.
Even ‘good’ TV cables
have enormous losses at the high frequency of this radio.
Line-of-Sight Installation:
To achieve maximum operational reliability, all antennas in a system must
be installed in a line-of-sight fashion. This means that there are no
obstructions between the host antenna and each of the remote antennas.
This may require the antenna to be raised on a mast with some low-loss
coaxial cable being installed. We recommend coaxial cables be kept as
short as possible and not exceed 100ft.
In some cases a direct line-of-sight may not be established, but if there are
solid structures such as buildings, tanks etc. in the vicinity, the signal may
reflect off these surfaces and reach an antenna via an indirect path. Such
installations are not easy and are difficult to predict without on-site testing.
Antenna Polarization:
When installing antennas keep in mind that polarity matters. Align all
antennas in the same direction. For example, if using omni-directional
antennas, point them all straight up (or straight down). Do not point them in
different directions or the range of the antennas will be greatly diminished to
the point where no transmission may take place.
We suggest you consult Pribusin Inc. or your local Sales Rep. to discuss your antenna and cable
requirements.
