Antenna Selection

Making the Right Choice for Optimum System Performance

Many factors that can affect the performance of your antenna system. Simple systems like a (point-to-point) connection can be easily designed using Yagi antennas on both ends - even at long ranges. A Modbus master with slave devices (multi point) would be better served with an Omni-directional antenna on the master device and Yagi antennas on slave devices pointing back to the master. If possible, your system’s antennas should be able to “see each other” – with an unobstructed line of sight crucial for signal integrity. If this isn’t possible, you may want to consider a higher gain antenna to reduce signal loss. For every 3db of gain, you will double the effective radiated power out of the antenna. Keep in mind - you may also experience some cable or connector signal loss. Your system should always be designed for more than the minimum signal level to arrive at the receiver. This allows some “link margin” in situations where environmental changes may degrade the signal. Here’s a quick “rule of thumb” reference chart.

Antenna Cables

Getting the Right Antenna Cable

The wrong cable, wrong impedance, or wrong length can send your system south in a hurry. Long cable runs can cause additional signal loss, so keep RF coaxial cable runs as short as possible.

Cables to Connect Optional Antennas

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Lightning Arrestors & Installation Tape

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