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Conductive materials in the signal path can have a significant impact on
wireless signal performance. Reflective surfaces such as metal surfaces,
some types of glass and even mirrors can drastically affect performance
or even block the wireless signal. Installation locations that are in close
proximity to these materials should be avoided. Do NOT mount wireless
products directly to conductive materials. This includes any mounting
surface or enclosure/pod.
Examples of conductive materials include, but are not limited to:
• carbon fibre, kevlar, or aramid (including sails made from these materials)
• aluminium
• steel
In installations with conductive materials, if available, mount the wireless
product using an accessory pole mount or deck mounting kit. A clearance
of at least 10 cm (3.9 in) is required to minimize the ground effect from
conductive materials. This applies to transmitters as well as displays. If
moving the product fixes the problem, consider cutting an antenna clearance
hole behind the unit (once the product position and mounting have been
finalized).
Wireless performance can also be degraded in locations where the wireless
signal passes through a bulkhead containing power cables.
Crew members (especially when wet) can also be obstructive to wireless
signals, if their bodies pass through the signal area between wireless sensor
and any associated displays.
Checking and optimizing signal strength
It may be necessary to experiment with the location of your wireless products
to achieve optimal wireless performance and a clear signal path.
The distance between wireless products should always be kept to a
minimum. Do not exceed the maximum stated range of your wireless product
(maximum range will vary for each device).
Wireless performance degrades over distance, so products farther away will
receive less network bandwidth. Products installed close to their maximum
wireless range may experience slow connection speeds, signal dropouts,
or not being able to connect at all.
For best results, the wireless product should have a clear, direct line-of-sight
to the product it will be connected to. Any physical obstructions can degrade
or even block the wireless signal.
Location requirements
Some wireless products feature a signal strength indicator to assist in the
process of determining the location with the best wireless performance.
Choose the location with the highest and most consistently strong direct
signal reading, during a 5 minute monitoring period. Try alternative locations
for the transmitter to maximise the signal strength to the displays; e.g. try
locations below a hatch or skylight or near to a window. A small change in
product position can result in a significant change in the signal strength.
Note:
Some wireless products (e.g. a Hull Transmitter) will not transmit data
unless a transducer is connected. Also consider that an NMEA or
SeaTalkng product (e.g. an interface) will not transmit data unless an
appropriate data source is connected.
Interference and other equipment
Interference from other people's wireless devices can cause interference
with your products. You can use a third-party wireless analyzer tool /
smartphone app to assess the best wireless channel to use (e.g. a channel
not in use or one used by the least number of devices).
Wireless products should be installed at least 1 m (3 ft) away from:
• Other wireless-enabled products
• Transmitting products that send wireless signals in the same frequency
range
• Other electrical, electronic or electromagnetic equipment that may
generate interference.
Software updates
It's also important to ensure all your wireless products are running the
latest software versions, as improvements are made over time to wireless
performance.
6.7 Viewing angle considerations
As display contrast and color are affected by the viewing angle, It is
recommended that you temporarily power up the display, prior to installation,
to enable you to best judge which location provides the optimum viewing
angle.
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Troubleshooting
