B&B Electronics ZXT9-IOA-KIT - Manual - Manual (Page 23)

Hardware
Manual Documentation Number: ZXTx-IO-x-4113m 17
3.5.5 Optional hardware
Optional high gain antennas may be necessary to extend the range of the wireless radios. Omni antennas help propagate the
radio frequency signals 360
°. Yagi antennas are used for directional pointing. For point-to-point (aka peer-to-peer)
applications, 2 Yagi antennas would offer the best performance. For point-to-multi point applications, an Omni antenna at the
central location with Yagi antennas at the remote radios would offer the best performance. These high gain antennas must be
mounted at elevated locations. Line of sight is necessary for better communication. The figures below show Point-to-Point and
Point-to-Multi Point installations Using Omni and Yagi antennas.
Clear Line of Sight
Required
Yagi Antenna
Yagi Antenna
Yagi
Antenna
Yagi
Antenna
Omni
Antenna
Radio Modem
I/O Module I/O Module
Figure 3-8 Point-to-Point System Figure 3-9 Point-to-Multi Point ModbusSystem
Extension cables are available to connect the radios to the antennas. Lightning arrestors are highly recommended in outdoor
installations where thunderstorms and lightning are commonplace.
3.5.5.1 High Gain Omni Antenna
An Omni-directional antenna is an antenna system which radiates power uniformly in one plane with a directive pattern shape
in a perpendicular plane. This pattern is often described as "donut shaped". Omni-directional antenna can be used to link
multiple directional antennas in outdoor point-to-multipoint communication.
These Omni Directional antennas are a good choice if you need to mount your antenna on a mast to increase its elevation.
Please note that mounting brackets must also be purchased. Also note that these antennas have an N style connector. Refer
to section 3.9 to select the correct cable.
Figure 3-10 Representative Omni Antenna