User's Manual

30
Brand of ACOEM
5. EXPANDER INSTALLATION
5.1. EXPANDER LOCATION
The location of the expanders is very important. It must comply with a maximum radius of
50m radio coverage. It must be located in the coverage of the gateway or of another
expander.
It is best practice to install the expanders at high to improve the coverage. This way the
expander has a clear view of the sensors close to it.
The blue plastic cap is where the embedded antenna is located. It must be oriented in the
direction of the sensors or at least vertically.
The radio link is sensible to physical obstacles, such as vehicles, tanks, or walls. If the
distance between an expander and sensors exceed 50m or an obstacle is present, it may be
necessary to add an additional expander to improve the signal strength.
5.2. EXPANDER MOUNTING
A damp cloth should be used when installing or taking off the gateway in hazardous areas to
eliminate static electricity resulting from this operation.
Expander shares the same design as sensors. See “Figure 24: sensor and expander
mounting interface (threads, hex head)” on page 31.
Table 12: mounting characteristics for expander (identical to sensor)
Thread
M6-1, max depth 6mm [0.236 in]
Flat mounting surface
Ø32.5 mm x 1mm height [Ø1.28 in x 0.039 in]
Hex head
44 mm [1.73 in]
Fastening torque
5 - 7 Nm [44 - 62 inch-lb]
CAUTION:
 Do not grasp the expander by the plastic cap.
 Do not hit the plastic cap.
 Do not tighten the expander by the plastic cap
4 mounting modes:
 Ball-joint mount : the most appropriate mounting allowing precise orientation
 Direct mounting: M6 stud on a flat surface
 Cementing pad: the easiest way to install
 Temporary mount: only for testing wireless coverage before final assembly.
5.2.1. Ball-joint mount
The expander is fixed very quickly on a pole or on a wall using a ball-joint mount.
The ball-joint mount is constituted of:
 A ball-joint head
Screw the expander on M6-1 x 6MM male threaded post of the ball-joint head.
 A ball-joint base
The base is to be pegged on a wall or on a pole.
 The mounting on a pole requires a clamp, nuts and washers.
 The mounting on a wall is done using four screws and anchors.
 The mounting on a structure requires bolts nuts and washers.
 An arm
The arm is joining the two ball-joints allowing precise orientation of the expander.