User's Guide

Getting Started
2110059 Rev 1.1 Proprietary and Confidential Page 7
2.3.2. Physical considerations
NOTE
The MIB and modem can be sensitive to static so the work surface should be a
static controlled environment.
2.3.3. Antenna considerations
The SB300 Series modem uses standard mobile cellular radio signals. An antenna (part
number 1810009) is provided with the OEM Developer’s Kit. Along with this antenna is a
connector adapter (part number 2000066) to convert the antenna connector (Male SMA) to match
the modem requirement (Male MMCX).
You can use an antenna of your own if you choose. Any standard cellular antenna of good quality
will function properly provided you have a suitable connector.
CAUTION
The combination of cable loss and antenna gain must yield an overall system gain not
exceeding 0 dB. The transmitter output of 0.6 Watt is delivered at the connector. This
is the FCC regulated limit of a Class I device.
Antenna performance is subject to the following guidelines:
Location – Locate the antenna as far away from personnel as possible to minimize signal
blocking. For optimum reception in indoor fixed location applications, position the antenna above
the height of personnel and nearby equipment or structures. Locate the antenna as close to a
window as possible.
Cabling – Select a low loss, high quality, 50-ohm, coaxial cable with the appropriate connectors.
The cable can be any length, but lengths greater than 4 metres (13.1 feet) increase cable loss and
offset the antenna’s nominal gain. If longer length cables are required, use a heavier wire gauge to
reduce the dB loss/m and to minimize the effect of the cable loss on antenna gain.
Ground Plane – For installations where a good antenna ground plane (metal surface) is not
available, use a non-ground plane type of antenna to help maximize signal reception.
Proximity to Other Antennas – In general, do not locate the SB300 Series modem antenna closer
than 1.5 metres (5 feet) to another antenna. In certain cases even more separation is required. The
effect of the interference from two-way transmitters varies from slowing down response times to
blocking modem transmission.
The SB300 has recently had hardware modifications to support an upcoming Sierra Wireless
3-Watt booster.
CAUTION
In cases where the antenna output is to be connected to test equipment, DC blocks must
be used on the antenna output to protect the test equipment and avoid false booster
detection..