A-9 Antenna. LTE, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Multi-Band Antenna. A-9 Antenna. Installation Guide

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "A-9 Antenna. LTE, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Multi-Band Antenna. A-9 Antenna. Installation Guide"

Sophie Fitzgerald
5 years ago
Views:

1 A-9 Antenna LTE, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Multi-Band Antenna Installation Guide A-9 Antenna Installation Guide October 2016

2 Copyright Notice 2012 to 2016 Atlas Labs LLC. All Rights Reserved. Atlas Labs reserves the right to modify the equipment, its specification, or this manual without prior notice, in the interest of improving performance, reliability, or servicing. At the time of publication all data is correct for the operation of the equipment at the voltage and/or temperature referred to. Performance data indicates typical values related to the particular product. No part of this documentation or information supplied may be divulged to any third party without the express written consent of Atlas Labs. Products offered may contain software which is proprietary to Atlas Labs. The offer or supply of these products and services does not include or infer any transfer of ownership.

3 1. Table of Contents 1. Table of Contents Product Overview Cellular Network Support MIMO (Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output) Vehicle Installation Antenna Placement Coax Cable Lengths Ground Plane Antenna Mounting Appendix A Service & Support Product Warranty, RMA and Contact Information RMA Request Product Documentation Technical Support... 11

4 1. Product Overview The Atlas Labs A-9 antenna is a space-saving, high performance, multi-band antenna designed for vehicular use. The A-9 incorporates specialized antenna elements for cellular, GPS, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth frequencies in a single low-profile, sealed enclosure. Figure 1. The Atlas Labs A-9 antenna combines cellular LTE, GPS, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas in a low profile, sealed enclosure. Common applications include deployment of Vehicle cellular routers and modems Mobile DVR and dash cameras Laptop and tablet docking stations with external antennas Location-aware two-way radios Bluetooth Access Points A-9 antennas are typically sold in pairs to accommodate MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) requirements for high bandwidth RF transmitters such as cellular LTE data devices. Antenna Installation Guide Page 4

5 1.1. Cellular Network Support The A-9 supports operation on the major US cellular network bands for Sprint Verizon Wireless AT&T Wireless T-Mobile US Cellular The A-9 may be used with a wide variety of cellular technologies including, but not limited to LTE, HSPA/HSPA+, UMTS, EV-DO, GSM, and CDMA MIMO (Multiple- Input and Multiple- Output) When used with 4G/LTE or other high bandwidth devices, two A-9 antennas should be used per transmitter with each A-9 mounted a minimum of 17 inches apart (based on single wavelength separation at 700 MHz) to meet MIMO requirements. Because the A-9 combines both cellular and Wi-Fi elements, two A-9 antennas will satisfy MIMO requirements for both the cellular and Wi-Fi connections of most cellular modems and routers. Use of a single antenna is not recommended for high bandwidth (LTE and Wi-Fi) equipment and may result in signal degradation. For proper operation, MIMO antennas should be of equivalent design. Do not mix different antenna types when used in a MIMO configuration. Antenna Installation Guide Page 5

6 2. Vehicle Installation Antenna placement is critical to achieving optimal RF (radio-frequency) performance. When planning vehicle installations, the following considerations should be made: Mount antennas as high as possible on the vehicle, away from other antennas and with minimal obstruction on all sides. Keep coax cable length to a minimum. Longer cable runs result in added signal loss and therefore less signal transmitted to the antenna. Significant cable length reductions may be achieved by positioning the modem or radio equipment closer to the antenna s mounting location. Preference should almost always be given to extending power or Ethernet cables over extending antenna coax cables. Use physically identical antennas for MIMO or dual antenna installations for best signal quality. Maintain at least 17 inch separation between antennas for best signal quality. Mount antennas 17 or further from roof edges for best omni-directional pattern. Orient antennas vertically by mounting them on a horizontal or near horizontal surface. Antennas mounted at extreme angles will suffer considerable signal degradation. Ensure antennas are mounted to a metallic surface (also known as a ground plane) with clean electrical contact between the mounting surface and the antenna mounting nut. Antenna Installation Guide Page 6

2.1. Antenna Placement Optimal placement is along the centerline of the roof (Figure 1) or in parallel columns down the length of the vehicle (Figure 2), in a position resulting in the shortest cable

While less of a concern for sedans and SUVs, antenna and equipment placement in some vehicles such as ambulances, buses, fire apparatus, and other specialty vehicles require careful planning to avoid

7 2.1. Antenna Placement Optimal placement is along the centerline of the roof (Figure 1) or in parallel columns down the length of the vehicle (Figure 2), in a position resulting in the shortest cable length possible. Maintain at least 17 separation between antennas. Figure 2. Optimal antenna placement. Mounting in highlighted area provides best omni-directional performance. While less of a concern for sedans and SUVs, antenna and equipment placement in some vehicles such as ambulances, buses, fire apparatus, and other specialty vehicles require careful planning to avoid excessive coax cable runs. Interior electrical cabinets are often well suited for radio/modem equipment placement due to their close proximity to cable pathways, elevated positions (closer to roof), environmental protection, and convenient access to electrical connections. Antenna Installation Guide Page 7

Figure 3. Antennas positioned on parallel columns along the vehicle s longitudinal axis allow increased antenna density while maintaining optimal RF characteristics. Color indicates MIMO antennas (i.

For installations requiring more than a few antennas, optimal placement may be along parallel columns aligned to the length of the vehicle.

8 Figure 3. Antennas positioned on parallel columns along the vehicle s longitudinal axis allow increased antenna density while maintaining optimal RF characteristics. Color indicates MIMO antennas (i.e. blue for cellular antennas, orange for GPS antennas, and purple for WiFi antennas). For installations requiring more than a few antennas, optimal placement may be along parallel columns aligned to the length of the vehicle. For MIMO/dual antennas positioned directly opposite of each other (with respect to the centerline), this placement elongates the signal pattern for longer reach in the forward and reverse directions. Such a pattern benefits vehicles operating in rural areas where cell towers may focus their signal along highways Coax Cable Lengths To minimize coax cable length, antennas and equipment should be positioned in relative proximity to each other with cables routed along the shortest path between the two so as to minimize signal loss along the cable. Use the shortest length allowing enough distance for service loops at both the antenna and modem/radio. Low-loss feed cables may be obtained from Atlas Labs at various lengths, enabling installers to minimize cable runs without the necessity of specialty crimping tools. Antenna Installation Guide Page 8

9 2.2. Ground Plane Transmitting antennas require an electrically conductive ground plane to allow proper signal propagation. Typically the vehicle s metal frame functions as the ground plane, however some vehicles such as RVs, buses, and ambulances with fiberglass roofs will need a separate ground plane plate. Antenna Installation Guide Page 9

Verify roof underside is clear of wires, cables, support posts, or other obstructions. See Figure 2 and Figure 3 for recommended placement. 2. Use center punch to create starting point for drill.

10 3. Antenna Mounting The A-9 is a through-hole antenna, suitable for mounting on surfaces up to 3/8 thick. To install the A-9, perform the following: 1. Select appropriate position on vehicle roof ensuring clearance from obstructions and adequate distance from other antennas. Verify roof underside is clear of wires, cables, support posts, or other obstructions. See Figure 2 and Figure 3 for recommended placement. 2. Use center punch to create starting point for drill. This will prevent drill bit from walking as hole is drilled. 3. Place ½ bit at center punched position and drill through roof, using drilling or cutting oil where necessary for metallic surfaces. 4. For metallic surfaces, use sandpaper to expose bare metal on underside of roof where lock washer and nut will contact surface. 5. Secure antenna to roof with lock washer and nut. Optional fender washer may be used when mounting in holes larger than ½. Figure 4. A-9 antenna mounted to surface (cables not pictured). Fender washer may be used to correct for pre-existing or inadvertently drilled holes larger than ½ in diameter. Antenna Installation Guide Page 10

11 4. Appendix A Service & Support 4.1. Product Warranty, RMA and Contact Information Atlas Labs LLC guarantees that every A-9 antenna will be free from physical defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of purchase when used within the limits set forth in this manual. If the product proves defective during the warranty period, contact Atlas Labs Customer Service to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) RMA Request Contact Customer Service: Atlas Labs LLC 115 E City Place Dr Santa Ana, CA Phone: (949) When returning a product, mark the RMA clearly on the outside of the package. Include a complete description of the problem and the name and telephone number of a contact person. RETURN REQUESTS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT THIS INFORMATION. For equipment under warranty, customers are responsible for shipping charges to Atlas Labs LLC. For equipment returned out of warranty, customers are responsible for all shipping charges. Return shipping instructions are the responsibility of the customer Product Documentation Atlas Labs LLC reserves the right to update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individual or entity. Product updates may result in differences between the information provided in this manual and the product shipped. For the most current product documentation, visit for spec sheets Technical Support Technical support hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Pacific Time Atlas Labs LLC, 115 E City Place Dr, Santa Ana, CA Phone: support@atlaslabs.io Antenna Installation Guide Page 11

Appearance of device and accessories may vary.

Appearance of device and accessories may vary. Tri-Band 4G-V Adjustable Gain 700 (Band 13) / 800 / 1900 MHz In-Building Wireless Smart Technology Signal Booster (Band 13 is 700 MHz Verizon LTE) Tri-Band 4G-A Adjustable Gain 700 (Band 12/17) / 800 /