Inovonics EN4200 Installation Instructions

EN4200 Security Only Serial Receiver

Installation Instructions

1 Overview
The EN4200 serial receiver is a security only gateway that uses reliable
frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum technology to decode radio
frequency (RF) transmissions from security end devices and high-power
repeaters, and then outputs the decoded data to the application controller
in a common serial data format. The EN4200 is used for security only
applications.
1.1 Installing an Inovonics Security System
An EchoStream survey kit should be used to establish an EchoStream
system. The EchoStream survey kit measures the signal strength of high-
power repeater and sensor messages to help optimize your EchoStream
system.
Figure 1 Sample EchoStream system
The EchoStream survey kit provides you with two signal strength
measurements: signal level and signal margin.
Signal level
The signal level is the measurement of the overall decibel level of the
message.
Signal margin
The signal margin is the measurement of the decibel level of the message,
minus the decibel level of any interfering signals. Inovonics equipment
should be placed within a facility such that all end-devices produce signal
margin readings of at least 4 decibels.
Both the signal level and signal margin are measured in decibels. Because
signal strength and signal margin are measured on a logarithmic scale, the
difference between a decibel level of 3 (Weak) and a decibel level of 4
(Good) is a much larger difference than it would be on a linear scale.
Note: For more information about the EchoStream survey kit, see the
EN7017 Survey Kit and App Installation and Site Survey Instructions.
Caution: The EchoStream system should be tested regularly to ensure
operation. To test: place the system in test mode, activate an end device,
and ensure an appropriate response.
1.2 RF Signal Propagation
While wood, drywall and glass usually let the RF signals pass, some
materials may inhibit or attenuate radio frequency (RF) signal propagation
by blocking, reflecting, deflecting or absorbing RF signals.
Consider anything between transmitters and repeaters and/or the receiver.
Is there concrete and steel construction? Are there earthen berms or hills?
Are there a lot of trees? Devices should be mounted such that they are
least affected by these elements.
5.18.17 05854D © Inovonics, 2017 - www.inovonics.com
For best results, transmitters and repeaters should be mounted at the
optimal height to achieve line of sight to repeaters and/or the receiver.
Usually this means they will be mounted as high as possible.
Following are some typical obstacles to RF signal propagation:
Material
Metal construction,
including ductwork;
pipes; studs; stucco,
plaster or concrete with
wire mesh; satellite
dishes, metal-lined
rooms such as walk-in
coolers or freezers;
metal siding, safes, etc.
Completely enclosed
metal boxes/enclosures.
Solar panels, cinder
block walls, windows
with built-in solar tinting.
Vegetation.
Automobile and truck
traffic.
1.3 Inovonics Contact Information
For product and installation videos visit us at
www.inovonics.com/videos or use the QR
code below.
If you have any problems with this procedure, contact Inovonics technical
services:
• E-mail: support@inovonics.com.
• Phone: (800) 782-2709.
1.4 What's In The Carton
• Two drywall anchors.
• Two mounting screws.
• Two pieces of mounting tape.
• One frequency band selection shunt.
Affect Recommendation
Can reflect, Perform a site survey
absorb and/or using an Inovonics
disrupt RF wireless survey kit to
signals. verify the RF signal is
acceptable, and, when
necessary, to
determine where to
locate repeaters.
Can restrict RF
signals.
Can absorb and/
or reflect RF
signals.
Can attenuate Add repeaters as
RF signals. The issues arise.
RF environment
can alter as
trees shed or
sprout leaves.
Can disrupt RF Mount Inovonics
signals. devices at a height
sufficient to achieve
line of sight above
traffic.