December 2008 IL42-4032A
3
The most economical connection to the remote external antenna is the RG-8/U “foam” or “LMR-400” type cable. This
type of cable is suitable for distances of up to 100 feet. The foam dielectric cable will incur a loss of approximately 3.9
dB in 100 feet (or approximately 2 dB in 50 feet). The coaxial cable should be mounted at the bottom of the meter
socket in “drip loop” fashion. A “drip loop” is formed by bringing the coaxial cable to a point below the meter socket
and then bending it back up to the connector. This forms a U-shape, which allows water to run down the cable
exterior. Antenna cables should be ordered with N-type male connectors on each end.
The A3 ALPHA meter with the ILC/ILN option board has been certified for operation with the following remote external
antennas. Both antennas are rated to withstand 100 mph winds and are fitted with Type N female connectors:
■ PCTEL/MAXRAD MFB9150 Series (Tessco P/N 39493) for unity gain (2.15 dBi)
■ PCTEL/MAXRAD MFB9153 Series (Tessco P/N 74330) for 3 dB gain (5.15 dBi)
Regardless of the antenna selected, the antenna should be mounted with at least two MMK1 pipe clamps (Tessco
SKU 68869). The antenna should be mounted in the clear, as free from conductive or metallic obstructions as
possible. The connectors should be sealed for waterproofing.
Figure 2. External antenna options
Remote antenna materials described in this IL can be obtained from the following:
Tessco Technologies, Inc.
11126 McCormick Road
Hunt Valley, MD 21031-1494
+1 800 508 5444
tessco.com
Laird/Antenex antennas can be obtained from the following:
OEM Sales M6
Laird Technologies
1751 Wilkening Court
Schaumburg, IL 60173
+1 847 839 6916 (telephone) or +1 847 839 6063 (fax)
www.lairdtech.com
[2] Lightning/
surge arrestor
N-type female connector for
cable to remote external antenna
[1] External
antenna
Local external antenna installation Remote external antenna installation
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