RV-M7 Data Radio Modem Technical Manual

• General Information and Overview
• Specifications
• Electrical Inputs and Outputs
• Serial Port Commands
• Using the M7 Modem – Packet Mode
• Using the M7 Modem – Streaming Mode
• Installation
• FCC Licensing Information
• M7 Diagnostic Provisions
• Tuneup and Alignment
• Skyline Compatibility
• Antenna Information
• Appendix A.   Serial Port Hardware
• Troubleshooting
• Mechanical Information

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• Oil and Gas
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• Irrigation
• SCADA and Telemetry
• Utilities
• Weather Monitoring

RV-M7 Data Radio Modem Technical Manual

Antenna Information

Key to a successful installation is the choice and installation of a good antenna system.  A good quality antenna can more than double the range of a radio system.  Properly locating the antenna is vital to creating a quality radio link, and a poor installation can decrease the range of the system by as much at 90%. 

Use these guidelines to evaluate your antenna system design, and be sure contact a quality radio communication equipment distributor such as Talley Electronics(http://www.talleycom.com ) to help choose the proper antenna for your system.

To increase your communications range, located the antenna high as needed, practical, safe, and allowed by your license.  On fixed base-station applications, you may utilize an antenna with gain.  Note: The maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) for this product was computed using a 0dB gain antenna, and must be recalculated if a gain antenna is used.

Height    Try to locate the antenna as high above obstructions, vehicle, and buildings as possible.  UHF radio channels require a clear  “line-of-sight” between the transmitter and the receiver.  Radio waves will penetrate buildings, and reflect off and around obstacles, but the fewer obstacles between stations the better the signal quality.

Gain    Antennas are specified by their gain.  They actually do not have gain, but rather they can increase the strength of a signal in certain directions, at the expense of attenuating signals from other directions.  Gain antennas always have “patterns” of gain.  It is important you understand the pattern of your antenna.  Omni directional antennas will receive from almost any angle, 360 degrees around them.