User's Manual

19
Note: As the RF signal travels through the cable to the receiver, there will be some loss of signal level,
which at greater lengths and with higher loss cables can be significant. With a passive antenna, use the
lowest loss cable you can find and try not to exceed about 15 feet of length. With an active antenna that
provides additional gain, set it to the proper amplification for the cable length, and try not to exceed
100 feet of cable.
When used properly, remote antennas can increase range and lessen dropouts and interference
conditions, compared with having the half-wave antennas directly connected to the receiver. This is
especially true when the receivers must be located in a non-line-of-sight position or behind obstacles.
Omnidirectional antennas are best applied when the users will be transmitting from a wider area – in
front, to the sides, and even behind the antenna. Directional antennas provide greater signal strength
at the front of the antenna, and greater rejection of the signal at the rear – in the case of the P180,
a cardioid coverage pattern of approximately 90 degrees with a rolloff to the sides. Use them when
the users are in a more confined area or not roaming as much. They can also be used to minimize an
interfering signal source by facing the back of the antenna toward the interferer and the front toward
the transmitters.