User's Manual

Overview
MTU Installation Requirements 3
Signal Propagation
The STAR Network operates in the range of 450 - 470 Megahertz (MHz).
Frequencies in this range are specifically licensed by the FCC for business use, and
are considered to be part of the Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) band of radio
communications. As with all UHF communications, there are certain factors that
affect the propagation of the radio transmissions. The STAR Network is designed
to overcome these factors, but failure to follow these installation guidelines may
create conditions that exceed the limits of the STAR Network.
All devices that operate in the UHF band are considered to use line of sight
transmission, and operate best when the path between the transmission point and
the reception point is unobstructed.
Every Meter Transmission Unit (MTU) installation location presents its own set of
variables, and this document is intended to help guide installers by providing
general information about UHF radio transmissions and MTUs.
There are four main things that affect the propagation of UHF radio waves. These
are free space attenuation, absorption, reflection, and shadowing.
DRAFT