User Manual

28 CompactRF
TM
Operating Manual: Chapter4 Configuration
All units within a network
must use the same
encryption key.
AT Menu
Encryption Key S107 6
The Encryption Key provides a measure of security and privacy of
communications by rendering the transmitted data useless without the
correct key on the receiver. Valid Encryption Keys range from 0 to 65535.
Keep in mind that all units within the network must use the same key for
communications to succeed.
AT Menu
Output Power Level S108 7
The Output Power Level determines at what power the CompactRF
TM
transmits. The CompactRF
TM
can operate with very low power levels, so it
is recommended that the lowest power necessary is used; using excessive
power contributes to unnecessary “RF pollution”.
The allowable settings are:
0 1 mW
1 10 mW
*2 100 mW
3 1000 mW
Ideally, you should test the communications performance between units
starting from a low power level and working upward until the RSSI is
sufficiently high and a reliable link is established. Although the conditions
will vary widely between applications, typical uses for each setting are
described below:
Power Use
1 mW
For in-building use, typically provides a link up to 300 feet on the
same floor or up/down a level. Outdoors, distances of 1 km can be
achieved if high-gain (directional) antennas are placed high above
ground level and are in direct line-of-sight.
10 mW
200-500 ft indoors, 2-5 km outdoors.
100 mW
400-800 ft indoors, 4-8 km outdoors.
1000 mW
(1 W)
Typically provides communications up to a distance of 1000 feet or
more in-building on the same floor or up/down a few levels,
depending on building construction (wood, concrete, steel, etc.). In
ideal line-of-sight conditions, up to 16 km or more can be achieved.
Note that only an antenna with a gain of no more 6 dBi may be used.
Any higher is a violation of FCC rules. See IMPORTANT warning
below.