User's Guide

Installation & User Guide
Transformer Elevation Evaluation
Large terrain variations can also lead to reduced signal strength due to earth obstructions. The elevation of
each transformer should be noted with any variations of hills or other land masses between the transformers
noted. This can again be accomplished with a web-based tool like https://en-us.topographic-map.com/, which
provides free topographical maps, or site surveying or site maps as available.
Line of Sight – Obstruction Evaluation
Large vegetation, urban development or other physical structures can lead to reduced signal strength and
range. Note any obstructions that would prevent line of sight and obstructions between transformers.
Cell Coverage Evaluation
For USA (United States Americas) installs, the QGateway uses the Verizon network on band 13. For Canadian
installations, the QGateway uses the Bell network on bands 5, and 13. Using a web-based tool like
www.cellmapper.net can assist in determining the location of nearby tower(s) and the band(s) that those towers
operate.
The direction of the tower to the transformer is also important to note for QGateway placement to optimize
antenna direction and minimize obstructions.
QGateway Quantity and Location.
The QGateway must have solar access when installed to ensure recharging of the system batteries. If there
are areas of heavy shading and vegetation growth, make sure to note these during site survey and avoid these
areas for QGateway installation. It is more favorable to place the QGateway away from interference sources
such as inverters and as high above ground level as possible.
Use the following rules of thumb to help determine quantity of QGateways needed for installation.
Calculate adjusted max range: Adjusted Max Range = QGateway Range X Obstruction Rating
• IF (Closest Distance Between Two Transformers) > (Adjusted Max Range) use a 1:1 QGateway to
DGA-LT1 ratio
• IF (Distance between farthest two transformers) < (Adjusted Max Range) use 1 QGateway for DGA-
LT1 quantities of 1-10, 2 QGateways for DGA-LT1 quantities of 11-20, etc.
• IF (Distance between farthest two transformers) > (Adjusted Max Range):
• Approximate Number of QGateways = 𝑅𝑂𝑈𝑁𝐷 𝑈𝑃 (
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑠
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑀𝑎𝑥 𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒
)
Example:
• Distance between the farthest 2 transformers is 600m (about 2,000 ft)
• Adjusted Max Range is 500m (about 1,700 ft)
• Approximate Number of QGateways = ROUND UP (1.2) = 2