User's Manual

CellTrackIT user manual Version 0.9 Page 9

meters Repeater materials materials materials

Figure 2. Data Gathering Input Form

Planning Factors.

Certain factors influence the range of the CellTrackIT. These factors effects

are discussed and illustrated in this section. The 1

tier range is particularly

sensitive to these factors. The effects are then illustrated in a suggested

range table at the end of the section.

Height. The location of the antenna determines how well the antenna is

capable of receiving the transponder signals. As the higher the antenna the

greater number of buildings that the antenna will have unobstructed radio

path to. Normally, the higher the antenna the further the distance allowed.

See diagram at end of section. Antenna heights of less than 5 m (15 feet) in

any environment should generally be avoided.

Obstructions. Any obstacle between the transponders and the repeater

antenna will result in an attenuated signal. The obvious obstacle of the inner

and outer building walls around the transponder will be unavoidable. The best

that can be achieved is attempt to get line of sight to the exterior of the

apartment. There may be other buildings in the line of sight, or trees and

shrubs associated with the site that will reduce the radio signal.

A site with many of these unavoidable obstacles will require that the repeater

to transponder distances be reduced to compensate for signal loss.

Building Construction. Building types have to be considered when

determining the range of the installed transponders. The type of construction

will determine, among other things, how much attenuation the signal will

receive. The increased attenuation of the transponder signal due to reinforced

concrete, concrete, stucco(with metal reinforcement) construction leads to a

reduced range. Wood, particleboard or vinyl construction will allow further

range. Identify the construction type of the site buildings as part of the

information gathering process. It will be the basic information to define the

typical range for the site.

Distribution of buildings The range will be affected by the site’s density.

Buildings close together such as a courtyard setting will cause the range to be