User's Manual

14
If outside coverage is required for speed team coverage, mount the base as close as
possible to the wall that faces the desired coverage area. In this case, mounting the
base at location #5 to cover location #6 will minimize wall penetrations. Stores with a
large window near the base will have better outside coverage if the base is facing the
windows. If there are large windows along the wall next to location #6 outside
coverage will be enhanced. Also consider in-store coverage. If the base is located in
the best location for inside and outside coverage, but the coverage outside is still
spotty then the antenna extension cable needs to be run outside the store. In this
case, hanging the antenna under an eve next to the desired area will cover that side of
the store very well. Another approach is to go up through the roof and have the
antenna overlook the desired side area. This approach overcomes obstacles, like
walls, that may shadow the signal when the antenna is at a lower height.
Discuss the location of the base station with the store owner or manager. It should
be mounted less than 10 feet (3 meters) from an available electrical outlet, and away
from grease and large metal objects. Also, the base transmitter antenna(s) must be
installed where they will be at least 7.87 inches (20 cm) from all persons, and will not
be near any other antenna or transmitter. The remote antenna kit should be used to
extend the coverage area if needed. See section 3.1.3.
Tandem or Dual Drive-Thru Base Stations
For tandem or dual drive-thrus, two base stations (primary and secondary) will be
installed. They must not be more than 20 feet (6 meters) apart. Cables must be
pulled and routed to connect the primary base station to the secondary base station
as shown in the wiring diagrams on pages 43 – 50. A vehicle detector and an outside
speaker and microphone will be installed for each order point, and cables pulled as
described in sections 3.2 and 3.3.
3.1.1 Walk Test for Best Transmission/Reception
You must do a walk test before permanently mounting the base station, with the
base station at various locations until the best possible transmission/reception is
found. Check transmission and reception around the area where the
COMMUNICATOR
®
s will be used, with two people using Communicators (with fully
charged batteries) pressing button B to communicate with each other. Also, walk
past the menu board to test reception when using speed-team operation.
If you need to extend the antenna coverage area, remove power from the base
station and install the Remote Antenna Kit as described in section 3.1.3, but do not
permanently mount the antenna. Return power to the base station and place the
antenna in the area where improved performance is needed. Repeat the walk test as
described above, moving the antenna around the area while communicating to
determine where the antenna improves transmission and reception most.
Figure 12. Typical tandem and dual drive-thru layouts