Worth Data RF Terminal 7000 - Manual (Page 35)

successful your communications will be from that area. Site Survey does not require your Base Station be
attached to your Host Computer. All you need is your Base Station, 5v power supply and RF Terminal. For
detailed information on how to perform a Site Test and use the results to determine the best location for your
Base Station, go to Chapter 4; Performance Issues.
Performance Issues
Evaluating your area of planned operation
Since every operational environment is different, it is impossible for us to tell you exactly what equipment
you need and where you should put it to achieve maximum performance from your RF System. However
with 3.3 miles of open area range, unless you are going through a lot of walls, you probably won't care
where the Base is located and you probably will not need a Relay.
Site Survey was developed so that the user could start with a minimum system (RF Terminal and Base
Station) and determine for themselves what their realistic operating range is, what additional equipment they
need, and where to install their Base Stations to achieve optimum performance. Some other manufactures
require expensive Site Surveys before you can even purchase any equipment from them. Our Site Survey
allows you the flexibility to Site Survey whenever you choose, whether it is before you install your system
or during operation to troubleshoot RF problems. Site Survey is the most valuable tool you have to help you
achieve an efficient RF System with maximum range.
There is also some basic information about Radio Frequency itself that can help you make smart choices about
the location and composition of your system:
• Metal walls are almost impenetrable by RF. If your warehouse computer is located in a metal shed, don’t locate
the Base Station inside with the computer. Locate the Base Station outside the metal shed instead.
• The more walls you try to transmit through, the more the signal breaks down. Walls that have metal studs
(interior office walls) and concrete walls with steel rebar slightly degrade the signal with each wall you try to go
through. Metal walls may require the use of Relay Stations to achieve adequate coverage.
• Organic material absorbs RF energy. If you are trying to operate in an area with lots of densely packed organic
material (bags of beans or corn), expect and plan for reduced operating ranges.
There are some additional measures (other than a Site Survey) you can take early on to maximize your
range:
• Base Stations should be located at the center of the area of intended coverage. If they are not located
in the center, they should be tilted in the direction of use.
• Raise the Base Station. Sometimes just raising the Base Station a foot or two will dramatically increase
your operating range, especially in a warehouse or grocery store environment. Mounting the Base
Station on the ceiling with the antenna pointing down is the best.
Performing a Site Survey
As we have said before, the Site Survey is your most valuable tool for evaluating your planned area of
operation. All you need to perform a Site Test is a RF Terminal, a Base Station and its 5v power supply.
There are a few things you need to do though before you begin:
• Make sure all other Base Stations are turned OFF.