Badger Meter ORION Fixed Network (SE) - Manual (Page 2)

ORION Fixed Network
Page 2 February 2014
GATEWAY LOCATION AND INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
When selecting a location for a gateway deployment, the following considerations must be addressed before installation.
• How will the gateway be powered?
The gateway requires a power source. Consider the power source when selecting the location.
• How will the data collected by the gateway be sent back to the ReadCenter® Analytics software at the utility?
Cellular networks, LAN (local area network) and proprietary networks are the different backhaul options available.
• Are there other sources of RF in the proposed gateway location? If so, what frequency do they use? What are they
used for? Is there a location far enough away from the other RF devices to avoid potential interference?
Avoid installing the gateway or remotely mounted antennas near RF transmitters or other sources of RF radiation including
high-power in band and near-power sources such as pagers, other 900 MHz transmitters and other communications
transmitters. Other potential sources of RF radiation include power line transformers, neon or fluorescent signs, RADAR
transmitters and SCADA systems. If the gateway is to be located near other RF radiators, a minimum distance of 100 feet
horizontal separation and 10 feet vertical separation must be maintained between the gateway and the source of
RF radiation.
Refer to Badger Meter installation manuals for more information regarding gateway installations.
• How high will the gateway be installed?
Typically, the higher the gateway installation the better for system performance. Mount the gateway as high as possible
above average terrain, within the limits of the 300-foot power cable, and maintain a 360 degree view of the horizon.
Based on previous deployments, there comes a point of diminishing return on performance that can be expected
with additional height, which is somewhere between 100 and 150 feet. Regulatory limitations and requirements may
also apply.
• Will a remote antenna be deployed?
With the ORION Fixed Network II gateway, the TX/RX antennas and/or backhaul antenna can be installed separately from
the gateway transceiver. However, once the antennas have been installed but prior to attaching the antenna assembly
to the gateway enclosure, the professional installer is required to take VSWR readings on the remotely mounted antenna
system and record them.
Other Gateway Installation Considerations
• For optimal reception and transmission, locate the gateway transceiver and antennas in line-of-sight view of the
desired endpoints.
• The gateway transceiver or remotely mounted antennas should be positioned no closer than 25 feet from the
nearest endpoint.
• Avoid installing the gateway or remotely mounted antennas next to or between objects such as tall buildings, towers,
bridges, highway overpasses or signs that obstruct line of sight with the endpoints.
• Avoid installing the gateway transceiver antennas inside metal enclosures or inside a building as the antennas cannot
communicate if surrounded by metal.
• Minimum standoff distance of two (2) feet from any structure is required.
• Locations and heights of gateways should match those used in the propagation study.