Antenna spacing
If several radio links are installed in parallel, the antennas should ideally be 2 meters apart. However, there is usually no minimum distance between the transmitting and receiving antennas. However, care must be taken to ensure that the aperture angles overlap (e.g. spherical antenna 10361). See also under 4.4 Radiation.
Pay attention to the height when mounting the antenna
Ideally, antennas (without tilt) of a radio link should be mounted at the same height. The larger the opening angle, the greater the height offset can be.
Correct alignment when mounting antennas
Ideally, align the antennas of a radio link parallel to each other, e.g. all vertically.
Incorrect alignment when mounting the antenna
When mounting antennas, never mount them with the heads of the antennas facing each other (see also Fundamentals 2.2 Radiation characteristics).
Radiation
When mounting the antenna, pay attention to its aperture angle and that it overlaps.
Distance and free radiation
Antennas should not be mounted in the immediate vicinity of metal parts, motors or frequency converters in order to avoid interference and reflections.
Ensure line of sight when installing antennas
The antennas of a radio link should have line of sight, as this ensures the best data transmission quality. (Basics 2.5 Fresnel zone)
Out of the control cabinet
Mount antennas outside the control cabinet, as this causes a high attenuation of the radio signal, which has a negative effect on the range. The exception to this is an enclosure made of plastic, which causes low attenuation and therefore makes it possible to install an antenna inside the enclosure.
Wall mounting
Ideally, you should mount directional antennas on walls. If only a short range is required but the radiation characteristics of an omnidirectional antenna are required, an omnidirectional antenna can also be mounted on a wall. Wall-mounting omnidirectional antennas creates reflections, which has a negative effect on the quality of the radio transmission and the range.
Mast mounting
Ideally, mount omnidirectional antennas free-standing, e.g. on a mast, so that they can radiate evenly in all directions on a horizontal plane.
Observe protection class (IP)
If antennas are installed outdoors, make sure that no water can penetrate the antenna. Please also note the protection class of the respective antennas.
Polarization
Ideally, antennas on a radio link should have the same polarization. Exception: For special applications, it may make sense to combine an antenna with clockwise polarization - as a fixed station antenna - with a vertically polarized antenna - on a mobile, rotating object.
Explanation of polarization:
Polarization describes the direction in which the oscillations of the electric field propagate. A distinction is made between horizontal and vertical linear polarization (VP) and right-hand circular polarization (RHCP). The transmitting and receiving antennas should have the same polarization. The use of unequally polarized antennas can lead to losses or no radio connection can be established. We use antennas with vertical linear polarization (VP) and clockwise circular polarization (RHCP). An RHCP antenna is suitable when using directional antennas with line of sight. We recommend VP antennas for all other applications.
Use of mounting material
Please use the mounting accessories we offer to optimally position and align directional antennas. The mounting material is matched to our antennas. By combining two mounting brackets (10519), the antenna can be swiveled on both sides.
Use cases - how it works in industry
Whether conveyor technology for cranes, connecting systems in sewage treatment plants or driverless transport systems: Wireless is always sexy. Especially in industry, stable connections are the be-all and end-all. Intelligent radio is the reliable partner for everything that counts.
