User's Manual Part 1a

Pre-Installation Tasks
G
ATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC.
2007
CART CONTAINMENT MANUAL
Page 9
Perimeter Antenna Configurations
Using the information from the Site Survey, you can now determine the optimal Perimeter Antenna configuration.
The four primary perimeter antenna configurations are described below. Use as is or tailor to your particular site
needs.
1. Single Locking Loop
A single locking loop is the most effective method of containing carts in a free-standing store environment.
This configuration is utilized when it is possible to run the antenna out from the transmitter (in combination
with using twisted pair to get out of the building), all the way around the intended perimeter, and back to the
transmitter. When laying out a system using a single loop, it is important to confirm that there is room behind
the store or other buildings to saw cut the antenna path. If the store abuts another property or building, it
may not be possible to work behind the building (see sample Site Plans).
2. Double Saw Cut Locking Loop
Often in sites where the store is attached to other buildings, it is not possible to route the antenna around or
over the attached buildings and back to the CentralTransmitter. Remember, a single locking line needs to
complete a loop back to the CentralTransmitter. In these instances, you may choose to route the antenna in
a double saw cut configuration. In this layout, twisted pair leaves the CentralTransmitter and is then
connected to a long single loop that runs around the perimeter locking area and then back along in a parallel
path, with at least two (2) feet of separation. By routing it back along the same path, you have enabled a
closed loop configuration (see “Sample Site Plans”).
3. Single Locking Loop Over Building
An alternative to the double saw cut for instances where the store is connected to other buildings, is to route
the antenna around the store in a single loop, and up and over the roofline of the connecting buildings. This
installation type allows for a single saw cut in the parking lot area and is often the most efficient way to
design the system. It is important to note a few things when considering this layout: Is there an easy way to
route the antenna up the side or front of the connected building in conduit? Are there any awnings on the
connected buildings that will make this task difficult? Keep in mind at all times that you should NEVER
penetrate any roof or permanently attach anything to the roof.
4. Twisted Pair and Lockbox Combination
If a site’s perimeter contains many existing barriers, it is often best to configure the system using a twisted
pair and lockbox combination. This will minimize the total size of the installation and provide an effective cart
containment perimeter. This is generally designed with twisted pair leading from the CentralTransmitter out
to the areas that do not have an existing perimeter boundary, such as a fence or wall. When the antenna
reaches this area, the twisted pair is then spliced to a lock box of single conductor locking line. A lock box is
a rectangular box created by embedding 14g locking loop in a rectangular, box formation, with at least 24
inches separation between the long sides of the rectangle (see “Sample Site Plans”).