© Safe Fleet | 2022 | All rights reserved
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Smart-Reach AC Base
Antenna Installation Guide
Antenna Installation
General Guidelines
• Install antennas a maximum of 10ft above the roof line
of the vehicles in the yard.
• Mount antennas in locations that avoid obstructions
such as building corners, fences, etc.
• Avoid installing antennas next to metal objects such as
metal gutters/downspouts, ductwork, piping, signage,
etc.
• Avoid installing antennas behind trees or foliage, or
where trees or foliage comes between the antenna and
the coverage area.
• Never install antennas behind windows.
Omni Antennas
• Install Omni antennas above the roof line of the building
to avoid obstructing the signal wherever possible.
Directional Antennas
• When mounting directional antennas on a wall, ensure
the metal plate on the back of the antenna is toward the
wall, not facing toward the coverage area.
Mini-Panel Antennas
• When mounting mini-panel antennas on a building
(versus directly on an access point), antennas can be no
more than 12 inches apart.
• Always use the V-Pol connector on mini-panel antennas
with 2 connection options.
Mounting Materials
• Metal is preferred. If it is necessary to use wood, only
pressure treated wood is acceptable.
• Ensure the structure the access point and antenna
mount are being attached to is sound.
Installation Requirements
Ensure each antenna and its cabling is installed using
the installation instructions provided with the antenna.
Note that a lightning arrestor is integrated at each
antenna port.
LIGHTBULB
IMPORTANT
To avoid common installation problems, ensure you
review and adhere to these requirements.
Cable Adapters
2.4 GHz 5dBi Omni and 5.8 GHz 7dBi Omni antennas
(Antenna IDs 1 and 2) require an adapter between the cable
connector and the antenna connector, in order to attach the
mounting bracket:
Adapter Type N
Female to Female
1/8" Bulkhead
The longer end of the
adapter threads into the
antenna connector.
Weatherproofing
Weatherproof all outdoor connections: apply several layers
of rubber splicing or vulcanizing tape over the connection.
Drainage is very important with unpressurized radomes.
Ensure the drain hole is on the bottom, and it has not been
blocked during installation.
Drip Loops
Add a small loop to antenna and Ethernet cables to direct
rainwater flow away from the connector:
WARNING: Equipment Damage Risk
Do not remove the metal sealing caps from any
unused connectors
. If the connectors are uncovered,
moisture will enter and damage the Smart-Reach AC
Base. This will void the Safe Fleet product warranty.
Water flow
Water flow
Antenna
Never place a drip loop above the
access point or antennas
- water can
leak down and damage the device.
Ensure the drip loop is underneath
the lowest component (either AP
or antenna) if the components are
mounted vertically apart.
Access Point
Drip Loop
