ABB aquamaster - GSM-Equipped Transmitters; GSM Antenna Installation

Electronic Commercial Water Meter
AquaMaster™ 2 Mechanical Installation
10 IM/AM Issue 13
2.4 GSM-equipped Transmitters
2.4.1 GSM Antenna Installation
Before deciding on an antenna mounting location, check that the local signal strength for the chosen
mobile phone network is satisfactory. Use the GSM-equipped transmitter's integral signal strength test
facility to establish signal strength. Refer to 'Commissioning test for signal strength' in the Quick Reference
Guide for the AquaMaster S with GSM (IM/AMG–QRG).
If a GSM-equipped transmitter is not available, a standard mobile phone on the same network, positioned
as close as possible to the intended location, will give a good indication of local signal strength. For GSM
and logger download services, a minimum of two visible signal strength indicator 'bars' are recommended.
For SMS text, a minimum of one visible signal strength indicator 'bar' is recommended.
The following must also be observed when deciding on the antenna mounting location:
 For best results, mount the antenna as high above local ground level as possible.
 If the antenna must be mounted below ground, achieve optimum results by ensuring:
– there is a strong mobile phone network signal at ground level
– the antenna is mounted 50mm below the chamber cover, which must be plastic – see
Fig. 2.19
 Ensure the antenna will not become submerged under water – see Fig. 2.19.
 Metallic enclosures will seriously degrade the signal. If an enclosure is used it must be non-metallic.
 Do not mount the antenna closer than 50mm to any solid wall or surface – see Fig. 2.20.
 Do not mount the antenna beneath a solid surface (e.g. metal cover, floor/ceiling, etc).
Fig. 2.20 GSM Antenna Installation
³ 50mm
(2 in.)