Page
11
February 2010
Chapter Two INSTALLATION
2.1
General
The WI-MOD-E module is housed in a rugged aluminium case, suitable for DIN-rail mounting.
Terminals will accept wires up to 2.5 sqmm (12 gauge) in size. Module is mounted using the
spring loaded DIN Rail mounts located on the back of the module. To mount, clip the top of the
DIN Rail clip on to the DIN rail and then press the module back firmly until it clicks into place.
To release firmly pull the bottom of the module toward you.
All connections to the module must be SELV. Normal 110-250V mains supply should not
be connected to any terminal of the WI-MOD-E module.
Refer to Section 2.3
Power
Supply
.
Before installing a new system, it is preferable to bench test the complete system. Configuration
problems are easier to recognize when the system units are adjacent. Following installation, the
most common problem is poor communications caused by incorrectly installed antennas, or radio
interference on the same channel, or the radio path being inadequate. If the radio path is a
problem (i.e. path too long, or obstructions in the way), then higher performance antennas or a
higher mounting point for the antenna may rectify the problem. Alternately, use an intermediate
WI-MOD-E Module as a repeater.
The foldout sheet WI-MOD-E
Installation Guide
provides an installation drawing appropriate to
most applications. Further information is detailed below.
Each WI-MOD-E module should be effectively earthed via the "GND" terminal on the WI-
MOD-E module - this is to ensure that the surge protection circuits inside the WI-MOD-E
module are effective.
2.2
Antenna Installation
The WI-MOD-E module will operate reliably over large distances. The distance which may be
reliably achieved will vary with each application - depending on the type and location of
antennas, the degree of radio interference, and obstructions (such as buildings or trees) to the
radio path.
The maximum range achievable depends on the regulated RF power permitted in your country,
and whether you use separate transmit and receive antennas. With a single antenna, 5 km (3
miles) can be achieved in USA, Canada and Australia (4W ERP) and 1km in Europe (100mW
ERP). With separate transmit and receive antennas, more than 10km (6 miles) can be achieved
in USA, Canada and Australia and more than 5 km in Europe.
To achieve the maximum transmission distance, the antennas should be raised above
intermediate obstructions so the radio path is true “line of sight”. The modules will operate
reliably with some obstruction of the radio path, although the reliable distance will be reduced.
Obstructions which are close to either antenna will have more of a blocking affect than
obstructions in the middle of the radio path. The WI-MOD-E modules provide a diagnostic
feature which displays the radio signal strength of transmissions (refer
Diagnostics
section).
Line-of-sight paths are only necessary to obtain the maximum range. Obstructions will reduce
the range, however may not prevent a reliable path. A larger amount of obstruction can be
