Table of Contents
Advertisement
Note:
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.
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:
26
• 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.
Mounting surface requirements
When selecting a mounting surface ensure:
• the product will be adequately supported on a secure, flat surface. Do
NOT mount units or cut holes in places which may damage the structure of
the vessel.
• sufficient space is available around the product.
• there is nothing behind the mounting surface that may be damaged when
drilling.
Cable routing requirements
Ensure you have identified the route that all required cables will take and that
sufficient space is available to allow connection of cables:
• Unless otherwise stated, a minimum cable bend radius of 100 mm (3.94 in)
is required.
• Where necessary, cable supports should be used to prevent stress on
connectors.
Electrical interference
Select a location that is far enough away from equipment that may cause
interference, such as motors, generators and radio transmitters/receivers.
Power supply
Select a location that is as close as possible to the vessel's DC power supply.
This will help to keep cable runs to a minimum.
Advertisement
Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
