User’s Manual
Arctic IEC-104 Gateway
28
Viola Systems Ltd.
7. GPRS
The Arctic IEC-104 Gateway provides a direct and reliable GPRS connection and data transmission to
stationary or E-GSM 900/1800 mobile networks around the world.
In this Chapter the specialities related to GPRS operation are described.
Placing Arctic IEC-104
When choosing the installation site of Arctic models with the GPRS option, please remember that it
uses radio waves for data transmission. The surrounding environment affects the behavior of radio
signals. Therefore, if you are using an Arctic with the antenna mounted directly to the antenna
connector (without an extension cable), try to avoid placing the unit in a location where the radio
signal might be shadowed by nearby obstacles. Note also that large metallic surfaces (racks) or walls
with metallic structures (cabling, concrete iron) may highly degrade the antenna performance. In case
of metal racks or surfaces it is recommended to use an external antenna with an appropriate cable.
This allows placing of the Arctic more freely.
GPRS Antenna
The Arctic with GPRS includes a FME connector (male type) for an external antenna. It is possible to
use any kind of external 50
Ω
dual-band antenna intended for GSM900 (880–960 MHz) and
GSM1800 (also known PCN) (1710–1880 MHz) frequency bands. Connect the antenna directly to the
connector provided for the antenna on the back panel of the Arctic unit.
Typically, commercially available antennas are provided with a flexible 50
Ω
cable having a length of
2–3 meters and having a female type FME-connector.
The Arctic IEC-104 Gateway is tested with antennas from Hirschmann Rheinmetall Elektronik GmbH.
Examples of tested external antennas include the following sticker-type and magnetic mount antennas
shown below:
MCA 18 90 STRIPE, sticker type patch
antenna (above), and
MCA 18 90 MH , magnetic mount antenna
(right). Both antennas have a FME (female)
connector and L=250 cm RG174 cable.