5.2 With Line-of-Sight

When installing the Meter it is important to position your device in such a way to optimize the antenna location within what’s known as the "Fresnel Zone".

The Fresnel Zone can be thought of as a football-shaped invisible tunnel between two locations that provides a path for RF signals between the End Device and the Meter.

Figure 5.2 Fresnel Zone

In order to achieve maximum range, the football-shaped path in which radio

waves travel must be free of obstructions. Obstacles in the path (especially

metal) will decrease the communication range between the End Device and

Meter.

 

Also, if the antennas are mounted just barely off the ground or below the ceiling,

over half of the Fresnel zone ends up being obstructed resulting in significant

reduction in range.

 

Below is the calculated radius of the football-shaped tunnel for different distance

range:

 

Distance (feet)

Radius (feet)

100

3.2

200

4.5

300

5.5

It is recommended that within the tunnel of the above radius, at least 60% of space is free of obstruction.

Since signal reaches destination directly in a line-of-sight situation, it is important to adjust the antenna properly to achieve maximum performance. Antenna for the Meter and End Device should be perpendicular to the plane where the Meter and End Device is located.

69

Page 75
Image 75
Omega WI8XX-U manual With Line-of-Sight, Distance feet