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Appendix B - Conducting a Site Survey
Improving Site Survey Results
If your site survey results have more yellow than green,
consider replacing the node's antenna with one of the
following:
•
A 2 dBi Omni dome antenna (model BWA-9O2-D)
or a 5 dBi Omni antenna (model BWA-9O5-C)
•
A 6 dBi Yagi (directional) antenna (model
BWA-9Y6-A)
If the distance between devices is greater than 5,000
meters (3 miles) line-of-sight, or objects (such as trees
or man-made obstructions) interfere with the path, and
the Missed packet count exceeds 25%, consider the
following steps:
•
Install antenna(s) remotely at a higher position
(requires an antenna signal cable);
•
Use a higher gain antenna;
•
Decrease the distance between devices; or
•
Use data radios to extend the position of the
gateway relative to the host system.
Performance Levels
Very strong signal strength is 100 green (displayed
on the LCD) or eight flashes per second (models without
LCDs). If the included 2 dBi OMNI antenna does not
achieve this signal strength, use a different omni
antenna, such as the 2 dBi dome antenna (same gain,
different form factor) or 5 dBi antenna (higher gain). You
may also use a low-gain directional antenna, such as
the 6.5 dBd Yagi antenna.
Strong signal strength is represent by some green
signals and some yellow signals (very few red signals
and very few missed signals) for four flashes per
second. To improve your radio performance, consider
using a different omni antenna, such as the 2 dBi dome
antenna, 5 dBi antenna, 6 dBi antenna, or 8 dBi
antenna. You may also use a low-gain directional
antenna, such as the 6.5 dBd Yagi antenna. We also
recommend installing the antenna(s) remotely at a
higher position. Additional antenna cables are available
from Banner Engineering if needed.
32
Good or weak signal strength equals some yellow
signals and a majority of red signals (very few green
signals, a small number of yellow signals, and a small to
medium number of missed signals) or one to two flashes
per second. To improve your radio performance,
consider using one of the 6 dBi or 8 dBi omni-directional
antennas or the 10 dBd directional antenna. We also
recommend installing the antenna(s) remotely at a
higher position. Additional antenna cables are available
from Banner Engineering if needed.
No radio communication is when more than 50% of
the radio signals are missed or a solid amber LED. To
improve radio performance, use a 8 dBi omni-direction
antenna or a 10 dBd directional antenna and elevate the
antenna above any obstructions. The lack of signals
may also be due to the distance between the Gateway
(master radio) and Nodes (remote radio). If this is the
case, please contact Banner Engineering for further
assistance. We also recommend installing the
antenna(s) remotely at a higher position. Additional
antenna cables are available from Banner Engineering if
needed.
3A6715B
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