User's Instructions

CellTrackIT user manual Version 0.8 Page 11
Repeater site Apartment A Apartment B Apartment C
A. Illustration of roof mounted antenna, arrows indicate strongest signal path
(In reverse)
Repeater site Apartment A Apartment B Apartment C
B. Illustration of below roof mounted antenna, arrows indicate strongest signal
path (In reverse)
The advantage of high mounted antennas is shown in case A above. In case
B, for below average roof height antenna, if the buildings are of concrete or
stucco then apartment block B will have only a 50% chance of all
Transponders being read whereas the probability of all Transponders being
read in apartment B is much higher with wood or plastic clad construction.
2. Define the RF Range for first and second Tiers
RF range is defined as the maximum distance between transmitter and
receiver so that RF signal transmitted is reliably received. For planning
purpose, ranges to be used are typical ranges. It is possible that actual range
on the site is higher if RF path loss is lower than typical (e.g. transmitter line
of sight with receiver, no obstacles between transmitter and receiver).
Determine the RF range for the first tier. The first tier, which consists of
the transponder to repeater link, has a transponder signal path that must
travel through the building construction material of both inner and outer walls.
Those units that are in the lower furthermost apartments must also transmit
their signals through the various floors. The following chart provides estimated
ranges of signals that have been attenuated by the construction material of
the buildings.
Figure 3. Transponder to Repeater Ranges
Building construction Typical range
Stucco with metallic mesh frame (apartment complex) 240ft / 75 m
Reinforced concrete (courtyard apartment) 240ft / 75 m
Concrete (apartment complex) 320ft / 100 m
Wood (apartment complex) 420ft / 130 m
Plastic (apartment complex) 420ft / 130 m
Antenna