User's Manual

June 21, 2022 Page 18 of 19
Appendix A: Physical Placement Guidelines
Controller Placement
Placing the Controller in an optimal location ensures that the Controller will have a much
better signal with far less interference. It may be necessary in large facilities to install
multiple controllers. The following guidelines can be used to help place the Controller in an
optimal location.
NOTE: The Controller and Repeater are designed to sit on a shelf or other surface to allow
for access to the regulatory information on the device label (which is located on the bottom
of each device).
1. Centralize the Controller: Make sure you place the Controller in the middle of all the
devices (i.e., Readers and Repeaters) that are being used. The signal strength from the
Controller is somewhat based on the distance. A central position can allow even
distribution to all the devices.
2. Controller Placement: Try to place the Controller as high as possible in the room, so
the signal gets dispersed throughout the facility.
3. Minimize Number and Angle of Walls: Keep the number of walls and ceilings between
the Controller and the Reader/Repeater devices to a minimum. Always imagine a direct
line of sight between the Controller and Reader/Repeater devices. Position devices so
that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for
better reception.
4. Wall Building Materials: Consider the type of building material through which the
signal must travel. Drywall or open doorways are good choices. Materials and objects
such as walls with insulation, glass, brick, concrete, steel, metal, water, or mirrors can
degrade signal strength. Also, do not place the Controller inside a cabinet or a storage
area/space.
5. Avoid Other Wireless Devices: Place appliances, such as cordless telephones,
microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, and televisions, as far away as possible from the Controller
(at least 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters)). This will significantly reduce any interference that
theses appliances may cause.
Repeater and RFID Enclosure/Reader Physical Placement
1. IR Bin Placement:
• Envision each IR bin as being at the center of a large circle with a 25-foot radius.
At least one Repeater, or a Controller should be within the edge of that circle.
• It is important that no IR Bin be more than 25 feet (7.62 meters) from a