TC

If you can’t find the answer to your question either by using the search box or via the buttons, 

please call us on 01883 622778 or E-MAIL
Back     FAQ(s) in Category: Antennas & Range   page 10 of 21  
< Previous | Next >
What is the maximum range of SATELLINE radio modems?
Modified On 02/26/2010
 
This is a question we always dread because there is no fixed answer!

There are many calculators and theories available which provide formulae to produce a theoretical distance, but all assume perfect environmental factors and location of the antenna in the ideal place.

Unfortunately reality is not always like this, i.e. you will achieve longer distances transmitting over water than land, but even then the distance varies depending on whether the water is warm or cold! Trees also affect the range and in the spring/summer when the sap is rising and there are leaves on the trees, this can foreshorten the distance. We have visited a site, where merely moving the antenna a meter to the left has achieved the perfect signal from no signal at all!
Most companies achieve an average range around 3 km – 5 km (up to 12 km over water), if the units are in free space.

It is always recommended that the environment is tested before purchasing the equipment. We will provide evaluation equipment for this purpose.

Remember in order to get the maximum range, locate your antenna as high as possible with the shortest run of antenna cable, and if you can’t get a point to point link this way, then you will need to add a repeater.

Please note, that this applies to ALL radio equipment not just SATELLINE radio modems!

Example:
What is the best way to achieve 50km line of sight over water? (assuming that licensing is not an issue)
To achieve line of sight, antenna height of 37 m is needed at the both ends (or e.g. 45 m at the other end and 28 m at the other). This already takes into account the slight bending of the signal on UHF band.
We would recommend -3AS Epic for two reasons
- higher (up to 10 W) output power
- diversity reception as an option (to compensate the fading caused by signal reflection from the water surface)
- 5 dBi antennas and less than 2 dB loss at antenna cables will give the link around 10 dB signal margin
All Categories (21)
 
Networking (2)
Designing and planning a network
 
Software (4)
Programming software
 
Antennas & Range (3)
 
Working with other Protocols (4)
 
Ordering (1)
 
Frequencies (2)
 
Troubleshooting (3)
What do check if it is not going to plan!
 
Certifications (0)
 
Compatibility (0)
 
Manuals (0)
 

This site uses Adobe .pdf files for more information go to www.adobe.com