User Manual

A3 ALPHA® with SynergyNet® communications 3
Figure 2. Retaining clip and connector lead
LOCAL EXTERNAL ANTENNA
If the A3 ALPHA meter is used in a metal service cabinet, using a local external antenna may be necessary. To obtain better
coverage, the local external antenna can be mounted on the top of the metal service cabinet or the meter socket enclosure (see
[1] in Figure 3).
Honeywell Smart Energy recommends the Laird/Antenex 902-928 MHz permanent mount antenna (TRA9023P).
See Figure 3 for the recommended location of the SynergyNet NIC external antenna. Honeywell Smart Energy recommends
mounting the external SynergyNet NIC antenna on the top of the meter socket box as shown, centered in the available space on
the meter box’s top surface.
Drill a 5/8-inch hole into the cabinet wall with a step drill and/or punch the specified antenna mounting hole in the top of
the meter socket box and install the antenna using the antenna manufacturer’s instructions.
Connect the meter's RF “pigtail” output cable directly to the antenna via its integral N-type connector. The SynergyNet NIC
antenna output cable may be ordered in two lengths: 19 or 36 inches. Choose the length based on the distance from the
meter to the SynergyNet NIC external antenna, which is in turn determined by the size of the meter socket box.
For installations where the mounting of the local antenna does not provide a conductive metallic ground plane, the Antenex
TRA9023NP (no ground plane required) may be employed. The gain and pattern are virtually identical with the TRA9023P
version. The TRA9023NP antenna may also be employed on metallic ground planes with good results.
REMOTE EXTERNAL ANTENNA
If the A3 ALPHA meter is used in a metal building, or the meter is installed in a location where the site requires an antenna at a
greater height, a remote antenna may be used. If a remote external antenna is used, a lightning/surge arrestor should be
installed at the bottom of the socket enclosure (see [2] in Figure 3). Honeywell Smart Energy recommends a PolyPhaser DSXL
IN-LINE EMP surge filter (Tessco P/N 491574).
NOTICE
Do not use a standard RG-8/U cable with solid polyethylene dielectric. The losses in solid dielectric RG-8/U cables in short
distances make solid dielectric RG-8/U cables unacceptable.
The most economical connection to the remote external antenna is the RG-8/U “foam” or “LMR-400” type cable. This type of
cable is suitable for distances of up to 100 feet. The foam dielectric cable will incur a loss of approximately 3.9 dB in 100 feet (or
approximately 2 dB in 50 feet). The coaxial cable should be mounted at the bottom of the meter socket in “drip loop” fashion. A
drip loop” is formed by bringing the coaxial cable to a point below the meter socket and then bending it back up to the
connector. This forms a U-shape, which allows water to run down the cable exterior. Antenna cables should be ordered with N-
type male connectors on each end.
External antenna
connection lead
N-type connector
to external antenna
Antenna cable
Retaining clip
Ferrite bead
Connector lead
Antenna isolation board
Wire tie