5.8GHz All Weather 8 Channel Series Manual Rev. J
6
PRE INSTALLATION
Site Evaluation
Identify line-of-sight
Although wireless video transmission may seem like a viable option for a particular application at first
glance, there are many considerations. Is there a clear, unobstructed view between the transmitter and
receiver? Are there any other devices that may cause interference? Depending on the height of the
building, tower or structure, you must consider the path that the wireless video will travel between the
transmitter and receiver. Line-of –sight is defined as a clear and unobstructed view between the
transmitter and receiver.
Up & in the clear
To realize the optimum distance for your VideoComm Technologies wireless devices, “give them
some air”. The radio waves coming from your TCO-5800 system antennas do not shoot out like a laser
beam, rather they radiate from the antenna like a flash light beam. Therefore the transmitter and
receiver should both be up and in the clear. A good rule of thumb is to mount the devices at least 15 to
20 feet above obstructions, like the roof of a building, the roofs parked cars in a parking lot, or top of a
fence line.
See Figure 2.
Ground Plane
If the radio devices are not mounted high enough above obstructions, the signal strength will be
seriously reduced; therefore your distance will be reduced. The signal will literately bounce up and
away from your intended target. This is known as a negative ground plane effect. The ground plane
could not only be the ground you stand on, but could also be the rooftops of cars or distant buildings.
See Figure 3
.
If we have a choice, place the transmitter/receiver enclosures, or if external antenna, on
the edge of the roof looking AWAY from the building, rather than installing them in the middle of the
roof , shooting across the top of the roof.
See Figure 4
.
This is particularly important if we have a
metal roof that tends to deflect signals away from the target.
Also consider any obstruction that may
get in the way, like another roof or a tractor-trailer that may pass through your “line of sight”.
.
