User's Manual

MDS 05-6302A01, Rev. A MDS Mercury 16E Technical Manual 45
RSSI value. (See “Antenna Heading Optimization” on Page 46 for
details.) If adequate signal strength cannot be obtained, it may be neces-
sary to mount the station antennas higher, use higher gain antennas,
select a different site or consider installing a repeater station.
6.8 A Word About Radio Interference
The transceiver shares the RF spectrum with other services and devices.
As such, near 100% error-free communications may not be achieved in
a given location, and some level of interference should be expected.
However, the radio’s flexible design should allow adequate perfor-
mance as long as care is taken in choosing station location, configura-
tion of radio parameters and software/protocol techniques.
In general, keep the following points in mind when setting up your com-
munications network.
• Systems installed in rural areas are least likely to encounter interfer-
ence; those in suburban and urban environments are more likely to
be affected by other devices operating in the same spectrum.
• Use a directional antenna at remote sites whenever possible.
Although these antennas may be more costly than omnidirectional
types, they confine the transmission and reception pattern to a com-
paratively narrow lobe, that minimizes interference to (and from)
stations located outside the pattern.
• If interference problems persist, try reducing the length of data
streams. Groups of short data streams have a better chance of getting
through in the presence of interference than do long streams.
• The power output of all radios in a system should be set for the low-
est level necessary for reliable communications. This lessens the
chance of causing unnecessary interference to nearby systems.
If you are not familiar with these interference-control techniques, con-
tact your factory representative for more information.
6.9 Radio (RF) Measurements
There are several measurements that should be performed during the ini-
tial installation. These will confirm proper operation of the unit and if
recorded, can serve as a benchmark for troubleshooting should difficul-
ties appear in the future. These measurements are:
• Transmitter Power Output
• Antenna System SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)
• Antenna Heading Optimization (RSSI)
These procedures may interrupt traffic through an established network
and should only be performed by a skilled radio-technician in coopera-
tion with the network manager.