Gasboy Enhanced Communications - Manual (Page 13)

MDE-4520C Enhanced Communications Installation Manual · February 2008 Page 13
Site Installation Review and Considerations
Site Installation Review and Considerations
At the PC End or the Building End of the Wireless Communications Loop
Ensure the following for wireless modem placement and coaxial cable runs:
• PC power and wireless modem power MUST come from the same AC circuit. The
wireless modem operates in the 900 MHz range, which is in the same range as some
cordless phones and cell phones. It is recommended not to have a 900 MHz spread
spectrum phone base in the vicinity of the wireless modem enclosure.
• Gasboy provides a 15-foot RS-232 communications cable from the PC to the Wireless
modem. This RS-232 cable can be extended to 50 feet only (15.24 meters) and ONLY in
the metal conduit. Cable shield integrity must be maintained if the cable is extended.
• From the wireless modem enclosure to the antenna, you can run RG8/U coaxial cable to
the antenna. During the length of this cable run, it MUST not be run along with or bundled
to AC conduits, CAT-5, or phone line wires. It may cross over these wires at 90 degrees.
• The antenna must be above the roof line and clear of obstructions. This antenna must have
a line of sight view of the antenna mounted at the Gasboy system end of the wireless
communication loop.
• A standard building wall mount mast bracket will only give an 8-foot rise without the use
of guy wires. Gasboy recommends the use of the wall mount at the building so as to not
penetrate the building roof. In Northern climates, ensure that the antenna is placed well
above the roof line so that it does not get buried by snow accumulation.
• Currently, you must have one modem at the polling PC for each modem attached to a
Gasboy system (except TopKAT Online). For example, if you have two Series 1000
systems that can be polled from the same PC, you will need two wireless modems at the
polling PC and two antennas.
Mast or tower at the PC end • Usually, a building mast bracket will be used at the PC end for the wireless modem
antenna. This bracket must be mounted such that the antenna is above the roof
line of the building it is attached to.
• Usually, you can install a 10-foot mast which gives an 8-foot height increase from
the point of mounting. Masts taller than 10 feet generally require the use of guy
wires for support.
• If an appropriate mounting to the side or top of the building cannot be located, a
tower may be used.
Coaxial cable and
connectors used between
wireless modem enclosure
and antenna • Gasboy requires the use of RG8 or RG8U coaxial cable. Belden 7810 or its
equivalent meets the Gasboy cable loss requirement. If you are using Belden
7810 or its equivalent, it is recommended that cable lengths do not exceed 150
feet (45.72 meters).
Note: Ensure that the drip loops are provided on all the coaxial cable runs. These
should be provided in such a manner that all connectors, antennas, wireless
modem enclosures and the accesses to the building have a drip loop
installed.
Conduit If the Gasboy system is not a pedestal mounted TopKAT, conduit from the system
to the wireless modem must be supplied.
Ground Rods and Ground
Wires • Each tower requires a dedicated ground rod located as close as possible to the
tower or mast.
• The tower and the wireless modem enclosures ground lug for that particular end of
the wireless communication loop MUST be connected to that particular ground rod
only.
• The installed ground rod is connected to the tower or mast and to the wireless
modem enclosure ground lug with a ground wire not less than AWG #4.
Parts Explanation