ProSoft Technology RLXIB-IHA-A - Manual (Page 28)

Installing the Radios RLXIB-IHA ♦ 802.11a
User Manual RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot
Page 28 of 123 ProSoft Technology, Inc.
July 25, 2013
The Topology view shows a diagram of the network’s wireless connections. Use
this view to see whether all the radios are linked, and that you approve of the
way the radios are linked. A radio that is not linked to a parent will show as a
circle outlined by a flashing dashed red line. It may be near the bottom of the
window, so scroll down to view all available radios. To change how radios link to
the network, see Parent Link settings.
Refer to Improve Signal Quality (page 35) for more information on overcoming
poor connectivity.
2.1 Connecting antennas
Each radio must have an antenna connected to the Main antenna port on the
RLXIB radio; without an antenna for each radio, the network will not function.
All antennas for radios that communicate directly with each other should be
mounted so they have the same antenna polarity. Small antennas with a reverse-
polarity SMA connector can be mounted directly on the radio. Screw the antenna
onto the antenna port connector until it is snug.
Larger antennas and antennas that do not have a reverse-gender SMA
connector must be mounted separately and connected to the radio using a
coaxial antenna cable. Because the antenna cable attenuates the RF signal, use
an antenna cable length that is no longer than necessary to ensure optimum
performance.
Important: If the radio is to be used in a hazardous location, the radio must be mounted in an
enclosure approved for hazardous locations. The radio requires a separate cable connection to the
SMA connector that leads to an internal antenna.
2.2 Testing the Network Installation Plan
Test proposed installations before finalizing the installation.
After you have configured the network and the radios:
 install the Master radio in its proposed permanent location
 cable the Configuration PC to the Master radio
 place the Remote radios in their proposed locations
 temporarily place each radio's antenna near its proposed mounting location.
The temporary placement of the antenna can be by hand, however, with this
testing method, one person must hold the antenna while another monitors the
Remote radio's signal strength as displayed on the Configuration PC.
To improve the signal quality of each Remote's communication:
 increase the height of the antenna's placement
 use higher-gain antennas
 increase the radio's transmission power, cable the radio to the Configuration
PC, and reconfigure it
 select a new location for the Remote radio and/or its antenna
 decrease the length of antenna cable