User Manual

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Document #7201-001, Rev C Page 9
3.0 INSTALLATION AND START-UP
3.1 Installation and Start-Up
Before installation, the user should have thorough knowledge of the application. The read
locations need to be defined; whether the object is moving or stationary needs to be
determined. If the objects in question are moving objects, their speed is important for
determining the scan interval. The read locations need to be sufficiently spaced. Rule of
thumb is that the distance between two i-PORTs should be at least double the read range
of the i-PORTs (or double the distance required) to synchronize the i-PORTs.
Mounting Site:
The i-PORT should be mounted as close as possible to the read location as lengthy antenna
cables reduce the range of the system. A 10-meter coaxial cable induces a loss of 6 dB.
This in turn means a reduction by 50% in output power and range (see diagrams).
Cable losses as a function of cable length are displayed in the above diagram. The values
are based on an RG58 coaxial cable at a frequency of 900 MHz.
Cable Length vs. Cable Loss
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00
Cable Length (m)
Cable Loss (dB)
Cable Loss / dB