Worth Data 701 RF manual Performance Issues, Evaluating your area of planned operation

Chapter 4

Performance Issues

Evaluating your area of planned operation

Since every operational environment is different, it is impossible for us to tell you exactly what equipment you need and where you should put it to achieve maximum performance from your RF System. However with 3000 ft. open area range, unless you are going through a lot of walls, you probably won't care where the Base is located, and you probably will not need a Relay.

Site Testing was developed so that the user could start with a minimum system (RF Terminal and Base Station) and determine for themselves what their realistic operating range is, what additional equipment they need, and where to install their Base Stations to achieve optimum performance. Some other manufactures require expensive Site Tests before you can even purchase any equipment from them. Our Site Testing allows you the flexibility to Site Test whenever you choose, whether it is before you install your system or during operation to troubleshoot RF problems. Site Testing is the most valuable tool you have to help you achieve an efficient RF System with maximum range.

There is also some basic information about Radio Frequency itself that can help you make smart choices about the location and composition of your system:

•Metal walls are almost impenetrable by RF. If your warehouse computer is located in a metal shed, don’t locate the Base Station inside with the computer. Locate the Base Station outside the metal shed instead.

•The more walls you try to transmit through, the more the signal breaks down. Walls that have metal studs (interior office walls) and concrete walls with steel rebar slightly degrade the signal with each wall you try to go through. Metal walls may require the use of Relay Stations to achieve adequate coverage.

•Organic material absorbs RF energy. If you are trying to operate in an area with lots of densely packed organic material (bags of beans or corn), expect and plan for reduced operating ranges.

There are some additional measures (other than a Site Test) you can take early on to maximize your range:

•Base Stations should be located at the center of the area of intended coverage. If they are not located in the center, they should be tilted in the direction of use.

•Raise the Base Station. Sometimes just raising the Base Station 12 feet will dramatically increase your operating range, especially

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