Do I need an external antenna?
Do I need an external antenna?
Section titled “Do I need an external antenna?”This section outlines ways to identify if a site requires an external antenna prior to installation.
PRO-TIP: It is recommended to always bring a hi-gain magnetic base antenna (contact: https://supplypartners.com.au/contact-us/) to order)
Solar Analytics Smart Monitors communicate mainly using the Telstra 3G/4G network or it may roam to Optus network when needed. Some sites do not have an adequate signal strength to allow the device to communicate to our server. As such, the device needs to be equipped with an external antenna.
Checking signal strength
Section titled “Checking signal strength”There are two ways to determine if a device requires an external antenna:
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Use the Telstra coverage map (link) to check the coverage at a site. The Telstra coverage maps have four scales to indicate the signal strength intensity. Please refer to the image below.
If a site falls in a ‘3G external antenna’ region, it is likely that the device requires an external antenna to communicate data to our server
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Alternatively, the number of reception bars received by mobile phone on the site can be an indication of signal strength. If reception is below 2 bars out of 4 bars, an antenna may be required.
Recommended antenna:
- Hi-gain magnetic base antenna with two-metre extension lead (SKU: HGA-ANT2) — to order this, simply contact https://supplypartners.com.au/contact-us/
As signal strength varies from site to site, this article serves as a guideline only. Even sites indicated to have a strong signal on coverage maps can be limited due to poor meter placement in areas such as basements, brick garages and metal sheds.