Keri Systems KWX-900 - Manual (Page 2)

KWX - 900 MHz Wireless 485 Network Transceiver
Quick Start Guide
Page 2 of 14 P/N: 01949-001 Rev. A
1.0 System Components
KWX Units
KWX units can be connected to any point in an RS-485 network line; one unit per network line. One
unit, connected to the network line with the master controller, must be mounted in a central location
that allows all other KWX units (connected to individual controller network spur lines) to
communicate with this central unit. All wireless units have an integrated omni-directional antenna
providing a “doughnut-shaped” coverage pattern (see Figure 10 on page 13).
NOTE: For proper operation between master controller and KWX unit, the master controller must be
a PXL-500 with firmware version 8.4.20 or greater. Entraguard controllers cannot be the master
controller.
Long-Range Antennas
The KWX unit is shipped with a unity gain “rubber-ducky” antenna. This antenna is mounted directly
onto the unit, and is not designed to be removed and relocated. Three optional antennas are available
for applications requiring separate antenna mounting or communication over longer distances.
Seventy-two inch (six foot) extention cables are available for these optional antennas, providing
greater flexibility in mounting location. These cables are specifically manufactured to minimize the
amount of signal loss over the length of the cable.
NOTE: Please contact Keri Systems if a cable length greater than 72 inches is required.
Unity Gain, Omnidirectional – Recommended for use in areas where it is not practical to mount the
KWX unit itself (i.e. outdoors, restricted space locations). Being omnidirectional, this antenna has the
same coverage pattern as the standard, rubber-ducky antenna (see Figure 10 on page 13).
4 db Gain, Omnidirectional – Increases the coverage area of a KWX unit by approximately 25%
(increasing to approximately 375 feet). When properly mounted, this antenna can help resolve fringe-
area coverage problems. Being omnidirectional, this antenna has the same coverage pattern as the
standard, rubber-ducky antenna, but with increased coverage in all directions (see Figure 10 on
page 13).
6 db Gain, Directional Yagi – Intended for use in outdoor, point-to-point applications such as between
distant buildings. The coverage distance is approximately 2,000 feet using one Yagi antenna (with the
Yagi antenna at the remote site) and up to one mile with Yagi antennas used at both ends. However,
the coverage area is limited to a very narrow, line-of-sight, antenna-to-antenna pattern (see Figure 11
on page 13). A Yagi antenna cannot be used as a general replacement for the standard, rubber-ducky
antenna.
When considering an optional antenna, please contact Keri headquarters with your requirements so
we can help match the proper antenna with your needs.