Baseline Systems Ethernet Radio Antenna User Manual

Ethernet Radio Antenna

Installation Guide

Choosing a Location for the Antenna

 The key to the overall robustness of the radio link is the height of the antenna. In general,

Ethernet radio units with a higher antenna placement will have a better communication
link. An adjustment of as little as 2 feet in antenna placement can resolve some noise
problems. Keep in mind, however, that an antenna can be placed too high.

 If the signal level is low (below 40) there may be a line-of-site issue with the antenna. The

antenna may need to be redirected or increased in height.

 When using an external antenna, placement of that antenna is critical to a solid data link.

Other antennas in close proximity are a potential source of interference. The Radio Statistics
on the Status page of the FreeWave configuration interface can help identify potential
problems. To access the configuration interface, refer to the Change Additional Radio
Settings section in Baseline’s Ethernet Radio Configuration Guide.

 When interference is excessively high (above 70) due to a pager or cellular telephone

tower, a band-pass filter may help eliminate this out-of-band noise.

 Ensure as much vertical separation as possible between all antennas. Baseline

recommends 10’ of vertical separation from other 900MHz or other high power antennas.

Antenna and Cable Guidelines

 Ensure the antenna is of proper characteristics for Ethernet radio network being installed.

(For example, in a 900MHz network, the antenna being installed must be capable of
covering the 902MHz to 928MHz bandwidth.)

 As energy travels through the cable between the antenna and the radio, some of that

energy is lost. The longer the cable, the greater the loss. Ensure that the cable is of proper
length to preserve the integrity of the signal.

 Always use LMR400 low loss cables or better. Baseline offers directional and omni-

directional antennas with cable lengths ranging from 3 to 150 feet.

 Make sure the net gain of the antenna cable assembly is no less than 0dBm and no more

than 6dBm.

 During installation, ensure all antenna cable connections are secure without over

tightening.

 When coax connections will be exposed to the elements, take special care to

weatherproof each connection.

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Ethernet Radio Antenna

Installation Guide

Installing a Yagi Antenna

Note: The illustration below shows one example of antenna installation. Other installation

methods are acceptable provided that they meet all criteria outlined in the following steps.

1. Mount the Yagi antenna so the length of the antenna is parallel to the ground and the
elements are pointing to the ground and skyward.

2. Reference the results of the Radio Site Survey to set the location and position of the
antenna.

3. Point the antenna in the direction of the next antenna. Make sure the antenna is securely
connected to the mounting pole so the orientation does not change over time.

4. Connect the antenna cable to the antenna and seal the connection with shrink tubing or
weatherproof tape.

5. Provide strain relief on all
connections.

6. Baseline recommends running a
ground wire along with the RF
cable from the antenna to the
lightning arrestor.

7. Secure the cable to the mast or
tower with tie-wraps.

8. Install a lightning arrestor and
ground appropriately following
all manufacturer installation
guidelines and precautions.
Refer to the BL-CX-LA High Gain
Antenna Lightning Arrestor
Installation Guide.

9. Connect the RF cable to the
lightning arrestor and seal with
shrink tubing or weatherproof
tape.

10. Connect the antenna cable to the radio module in the enclosure as described on
page 4.

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1-866-294-5847 Rev 8.19.2014 www.baselinesystems.com