User`s guide

4000/5000 Modems’ User Guide

Chapter 12: Hardware Installation

Cellular antenna

The cellular antenna(s) you select must meet the following specifications:

 Maximum rated gain of 3dBi for Cellular band and 4dBi for PCS band

 Dual-band 800 & 1900 MHz

 Nominal 50 ohm impedance

 VSWR less then 2.5:1

 Male SMA connector for 4600/5600 modems

 Male TNC connector for 4200/5200 modems

For 4600/5600 modems, there are 2 antenna connections available: RF1 and RF2. RF1

being the main transmit/receive cellular antenna, and RF2 the diversity one for

improvement on signal quality of up to 3dB.

 Final design must maintain a minimum isolation between antennas of 10dB

 Separation distances of 50-60mm is usually sufficient even for like antennas

 Polarity and spatial diversity are all suitable options if space is available

 Placing antenna near opposite corners will usually create sufficiently different

responses to satisfy diversity requirements

 Main antenna should be the dominant antenna. I.e. best performance

 Diversity antenna should perform within 3dB of main antenna.

Warning: “Antenna must not exceed 3 dBi for Cellular band and 4 dBi for

PCS band. This device must be used in mobile configurations. The

antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a

separation distance of at least 30 cm or 12 inches from all persons and

must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna

or transmitter. Users and Installers must be provided with antenna

installation instruction and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying

RF exposure compliance”

On top of the FCC and Industry Canada guidelines, make sure you:

 Mount the antenna(s) more than 30 cm (12 inches) from other antennas

 Do not install the antenna in a closed metallic enclosure (such as a cabinet or

the trunk of a car).

The length of the antenna cable may affect the signal strength. Choose the

appropriate cable type and length. Refer to table below.

Cable type Loss per 100 feet

8216 (RG58) 31 dB

8267 (RG213) 7.6 dB

LMR-400 3.9 dB

LMR-500 3.15 dB

LMR-600 2.5 dB

LMR-1200 1.26 dB