SMK TS5 TS6 Connectors. IBurst Antennas and Unwired Anteannas.
The older iBurst modems use SMK TS5 and TS6 (PCMCIA and Desktop) connectors respectively. The newer black ones use MMCX , so pleae specify which you have when ordering.
IBurst use a frequency of 1.9GHz and Unwired use 3.5GHz. Any external antennas have to be chosen to operate in the correct frequency bands.
Like a TV signal , the signal strength of iBurst and Unwired is usually better at a higher elevation. This is because the signal path is clearer; free of buildings, trees etc. Unfortunately at these higher frequencies it is not advisable to run long lengths of coaxial cable from the modem to the antenna. Any extra signal picked up would be offset by cable loss. Unwired with its 3.5GHz signal is particularly susceptible to this.
To imporove the signal, the first thing to try is putting the modem in the best possible position. Often a considerable improvement can be obtained by mounting the modem in a weatherproof box mounted outside the building and preferably on the roof. Of course, If you are in a city location and surrounded by high buildings it may not be much of an advantage to put it on the roof but getting the modem outside may help.
Another option would be to just mount the modem high up in the building , maybe in a roof space. This can work well if the roof is tiled rather than metal. You don't need an external box and we can supply just the two extension cables, ethernet and DC extension cable for about $45 for 10 metres. Please email us for your length requirements. The power supply of the Unwired modem is +6V. You can't afford more that about a 0.5V drop in the cable which will restrict the maximum length of to 15 metres but 10 metres is safer.
The Unwired modem can get quite warm and even warmer, which may cause it to cut-out, if it is placed in a hot roof space or an external box which is in the sun. Try to find some shade if possible. The modem has plastic sides which can be removed to increase the air flow around the heatsink.
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The external box is designed to fit on to a pole such as a J type hockey pole which can be purchased from any TV antenna supplier. This can also be fitted on to an existing TV pole. The frequencies of Unwired , Iburst and TV signals are different and no interference should occur.
You will also need a CAT5 ethernet extension lead and a DC extension lead. We stock a 10 meter version of each. Or, email us with your length requirements.
Unfortunately as the voltage is 5V with a high current, it is not possible to run POE to the unit.
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To add an external antenna for Unwired:
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Setting Up an External Antenna for Unwired
Antenna: SPPI15 (15dBi panel)
Extension Lead: N30MCX30-JBY195-700
700=length in mm
Other lengths available on request
Unwired Freq: 3.5GHz
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The external antenna should be used with the outside enclosure for best results.
Q. Is adding an external antenna going to fix my problem?
A. If you are getting no signal at all with the Unwired modem then PROBABLY NOT. However if you are getting something, adding an external antenna should help. The first step should be getting the modem into the best possible position. The second step should be adding an external antenna.
If you want to save a bit of money on an antenna you can make your own "cantenna" . See: http://www.rfshop.com.au/ContactUs/Bloggs/tabid/648/EntryID/2/Default.aspx
These take the same pigtail cables as the commercial antenna above.
To remove the "wabbit ear" antenna from the Unwired modem rotate it until it is in approximately the "8 o'clock " position. It should then pull off and a MCX connector will be visible.
You'll get the most benefit from getting the Unwired modem into a good location. The signal level can vary by 30dB or more between a 'good' and a 'poor' location at a given site. Adding the 15dBi external antenna will increase the gain by 10dB or so to the main antenna only. Unwired use a 'MIMO' system of multiple antennas, there are two internal antennas beside the 'wabbit ear'. You can only fit a single external antenna on to this port.
Products related to Unwired:
http://www.rfshop.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=426&txtSearch=unwired&List=1
For pigtails: see under cable, coaxial>Pigtails with MXC (unwired)
To add an extenal antenna for iBurst.
You will need three things: The antenna, an extension lead, and the pigtail adaptor.
The pigtail adaptor will be used to connect into your modem. These are different for the Kyocera desktop and the laptop modems. To make life more difficult, the connectors on the newer model modems, which are usually black, have been changed to MMCX. So it's worth just checking to see what you have.
For the older models:
Pigtail Adaptor: FME30TS6 (Kyocera Desktop Modem)
FME30TS5 (PCMCIA Card)
You'll need to specify the length of the extension lead that you would like. Its possible to have a few metres of cable , usually. The cable loss issue is not quite so bad as for Unwired.
We also have arange of antennas that you can use. The bigger antennas have more gain but are less convenient to use.
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Antenna: SPLD11
Extension Lead: A30FME80-JBY195-2000
2000=length in mm
Other lengths available on request
A good option if you need some mobility with your laptop modem.
Pigtail Adaptor: FME30TS6 (Kyocera Desktop Modem)
FME30TS5 (PCMCIA Card)
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Antenna: SPLD22 (14dBi panel)
Extension Lead: N30FME80-JBY195-2000
2000=length in mm
Other lengths available on request |
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Antenna: SPDD120 (5dBi omni)
Extension Lead: N30FME80-JBY195-5000
5000=length in mm (5metres)
Other lengths available on request
The omni antenna is recommended for mobile applications. Normally the more directional panel gives better results for fixed applications. |
If you would prefer a grid style antenna:
List of products that are relevant to Iburst:http://www.rfshop.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=426&txtSearch=iburst&List=1