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High Power Repeater (RC5040-20T) Installation & Operation
Overview
The RC5040-20T High Power Repeater receives, decodes, and retransmits signals at enhanced power from RATH®
devices. It acts as a range expander for any valid transmission, including signals from other High Power Repeaters.
Repeaters can be layered as necessary, allowing systems to scale from small commercial sites to complete
campuses consisting of several buildings. The repeater features AC power loss and jam detection, as well as case
tamper and wall tamper detection. Input power is provided by listed UL1310 class 2 transformer, MPI-NEO Co., Ltd.
W48A-J1000-2T.
Installing a Security System
The EchoStream survey kit measures the signal strength of repeaters and sensor messages to help optimize the
EchoStream system.
Signal Level
The signal level is the measurement of the overall decibel level of the message.
Signal Margin
The signal margin is the measurement of the decibel level of the message, minus the decibel level of any interfering
signals. RATH® wireless equipment should be placed within a facility such that all end-devices produce signal
margin readings of at least 4 decibels. Both the signal level and signal margin are measured in decibels. Because
signal strength and signal margin are measured on a logarithmic scale, the difference between a decibel level of 3
(weak) and a decibel level of 4 (good) is a much larger difference than it would be on a linear scale.
Note:
The system should be tested regularly to ensure operation. To test, place the system in test mode, activate an
end device, and ensure an appropriate response.
RF Signal Propagation
While wood, drywall, and glass usually let the RF signals pass, some materials may inhibit or attenuate radio
frequency (RF) signal propagation by blocking, reflecting, deflecting, or absorbing RF signals. Consider anything
between transmitters and repeaters and/or the receiver. Is there concrete and steel construction? Are there earthen
berms or hills? Are there a lot of trees? Devices should be mounted such that they are least affected by these
elements. For best results, transmitters and repeaters should be mounted at the optimal height to achieve line of sight
to repeaters and/or the receiver. Usually this means they will be mounted as high as possible. The following
are some typical obstacles to RF signal propagation:
Material
Affect
Recommendation
Metal construction, including
ductwork; pipes; studs; stucco,
plaster or concrete with wire
mesh; satellite dishes,
metal-lined rooms such as
walk-in coolers or freezers;
metal siding, safes, etc.
Can reflect, absorb, and/or
disrupt RF signals.
Perform a site survey using a survey kit to verify
the RF signal is acceptable, and, when necessary,
to determine where to locate repeaters.
Completely enclosed
metal boxes/enclosures
Can restrict RF signals.
Same as above.
Solar panels, cinder
block walls, windows
with built-in solar tinting
Can absorb and/or reflect RF
signals.
Same as above.
Vegetation
Can attenuate RF signals. The
RF environment can alter as
trees shed or sprout leaves.
Add repeaters as issues arise.
Automobile and truck traffic
Can disrupt RF signals.
Mount devices at a height sufficient to achieve line
of sight above traffic.
