PANORAMA ANTENNAS SW3-684 UHF Rail Antenna with Optional GNSS Instruction Manual
- June 12, 2024
- Panorama Antennas
Table of Contents
PANORAMA ANTENNAS SW3-684 UHF Rail Antenna with Optional GNSS
Product Information
The TRNC[G] range of transit antennas is designed for installation onto a
vehicle roof. This guideline provides instructions for a well-planned
installation, although specific requirements may vary. It is recommended to
seek advice from installation experts or the vehicle manufacturer if there is
any doubt.
The document version is SW3-684, and it is the first version.
Important Safety Considerations
- It is crucial to carry out an adequate risk assessment, follow relevant laws, specifications, and best practices, and plan installations with expert advice. Failure to do so may increase the risk of death, serious injury, or property damage.
- Panorama strongly recommends mounting the antenna using appropriate stainless steel M12 cap head bolts, nuts, and washers. These should be sealed with the supplied M12 bonded sealing washers and tightened to a torque of 6Nm. The supplied N connector mounting nuts and washers should be tightened to 5Nm.
- Electrical Safety Note: The product contains an active GPS/GNSS antenna (part number SR8-HG26-04FJ). It operates at a rated voltage of 3-5VDC and a maximum current of 20mA. The supply to these devices must be provided with overcurrent protection of 1A maximum.
Product Usage Instructions
- B.i. Earthing-Grounding
- Ensure proper earthing-grounding of the antenna during installation. Follow electrical safety guidelines to prevent electrical hazards and ensure optimal performance.
- B.ii. Sealing
- Properly seal the antenna using the supplied M12 bonded sealing washers. This will protect the antenna from moisture, dust, and other environmental elements, ensuring its longevity.
- B.iii. Other Safety Considerations
- Take into account any additional safety considerations that may be specific to your installation. This could include factors such as vehicle type, location, and regulatory requirements. Seek expert advice if needed.
- C. Planning & Preparation
- Prior to installation, carefully plan and prepare for the antenna installation. This includes assessing the vehicle roof, determining the optimal mounting location, and ensuring all necessary tools and materials are available.
Introduction
This document is a guideline for the installation of the TRNC[G] range of
transit antennas onto a vehicle roof and should be used as guidance in the
context of a well-planned installation.
It should be noted that the requirements of a specific installation may differ
from those outlined in this document, which gives best practices. If In any
doubt, advice from installation experts or the vehicle manufacturer should be
sought.
Important Safety Considerations
- Failure to carry out an adequate risk assessment, to follow relevant laws, specifications, and best practices, and to plan installations with expert advice in respect of the matters below may increase the possibility of death, serious injury, or damage to property.
- Panorama strongly recommends mounting the antenna using appropriate stainless steel M12 cap head bolts, nuts, and washers sealed with the supplied M12 bonded sealing washers tightened to a torque of 6Nm along with the supplied N connector mounting nuts and washers tightened to 5Nm.
Electrical Safety Note
- This product contains an active GPS/GNSS antenna (part number SR8-HG26-04FJ.
- Rated voltage : 3-5VDC Rated current: 20mA maximum.
- The supply to these devices must be provided with overcurrent protection of 1A maximum.
Earthing-Grounding
- In many installation scenarios (e.g.: where overhead lines are present) it will be extremely important to ensure that there is a low resistance contact between the antenna housing and the body of the vehicle. After the roof is prepared for installation the conductivity in the contact areas with the antenna should always be checked using an ohmmeter. In accordance with Panorama’s recommendations above it is important that appropriate corrosion-resistant mounting hardware is utilized for installation with washers and other ancillaries sufficient to provide and maintain the required level of contact. Where the antenna is to be tested to a non-conductive panel an appropriate conductive mounting plate and earthing cable or similar apparatus should be employed in order to provide adequate earthing contact.
- The installer should take all necessary steps to ensure that the antenna installation and mounting hardware are fully compliant with applicable regulations and industry best practices with respect to conductivity and earthing.
Sealing
- Theantennaissuppliedwithaclosedcellsiliconerubbersealingpadwhichrequiresatotallyat, a clean and clear mounting surface of sufficient strength and a significant amount of compression in order to provide an adequate seal to the vehicle roof. These factors should be taken into account when planning the installation or alternative sealing measures should be adopted as appropriate. If mounted using the recommended fixings, then the sup-plied M12 bonded seal (Dowty) washers should be used. If an additional sealant is used, then care should be taken to select the correct type to meet environmental durability, adequate adhesion, and in particular, compatibility with the antenna component material.
- It is extremely important that any measures taken to seal the mounting bolts do not impact the earthing contact they provide between the vehicle body and the antenna.
Other Safety Considerations
- The installation should always be planned to take into account any other applicable safety concerns. These should be established through an appropriate risk assessment exercise. Other factors which may need to be considered are the strength of the mounting panel and hardware in the event of an impact, the position of the antenna, which should be adequately protected from any impact which may damage the antenna and installation location and the height of the installation which should be compliant with the relevant regulations. The antenna installation location should be safely accessible by installation personnel.
Planning & Preparation
Select an installation location, with the antenna sited a minimum of 1m (3’) away from existing roof structures. Check clearance under the panel, considering the depth required for the mating connector(s). For the cellular LTE variant (TRNC[G]-7-60-NJ), the antenna should be fitted in the center of a metallic (conductive) ground plane of minimum size 250mmx250mm (10”x10”) or 600mm x 600mm (2’ x 2’) for UHF variants (e.g.: TRNC[G]-TET-NJ). If getting to a non-conductive panel, a ground plane plate of above minimum dimension should be tested to the underside of the panel. In both these cases, the antenna must make low resistance contact with this plate (<0.1Ω) using the mounting bolts and washers. In some cases, it may be better to mount the antenna on a separate angle with integrated mounting bolts, which are then welded to the roof panel.
Drilling Holes
Drill mounting and connector holes as appropriate. The supplied drilling
template (SW3-320) can be utilized as a guide if required.
NOTE: Do NOT use a photocopy of the template as it may not be 1:1 scaled!
Clearance holes for the connectors should not exceed 24mm in diameter to avoid
encroaching on the sealing area. Clean the area around the holes, removing all
burrs and swarf. Apply a conductive corrosion-resistant coating or paint to
bare metal surfaces to prevent corrosion.
Fitting
Ensure that the mounting panel is clean and at within the antenna base footprint area. Place the antenna in position, check that the mounting holes are aligned, and check that the connectors have adequate clearance through the holes and are accessible from the underside. Fit the bolts with washers and lightly tighten them, checking that the sealing pad is compressing evenly. Finally, tighten all bolts to the recommended torque setting.
Route and Connect Coaxial Cables
Plan the cable routing to take into account the minimum bend radius for the cable type used. The cable should be routed to avoid running parallel to existing wiring or fouling any moving controls or components. Fit connector to suit both the equipment and cable to type and consider securing to avoid coming loose in service.
Test and Commission
The comms antenna elements are d.c. grounded and will present a short circuit. In order to test this antenna disconnect the comms cable from an antenna, and the connector body to the center pin (on the cable) should measure the open circuit. Reconnecting the comms cable to the antenna and the connector body to the center pin (on the cable) should measure a short circuit. With the GPS cable connected to the GPS antenna port the connector body to the center pin should measure high resistance. It is recommended to carry out a VSWR check, this should measure <2.5:1.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The antenna should not be cleaned with or exposed to strong base or solvent cleaners. The antenna should not be exposed to excessive oil and grease. Once installed it is not recommended to remove or set the antenna. The antenna should be checked periodically for signs of damage.
Notices
- European Waste Electronic Equipment Directive 2002/96/EC
- Please ensure that your old Waste Electricals and Electronics are recycled do not throw them away into standard waste.
- R&TTE: DIRECTIVE 1999/5/EC of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity. Compliance is declared ac-cording to: EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2 –
- Electromagnetic compatibility and radio spectrum matters (ERM); Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 1: Common technical requirements – Referencing EN 301 489-3 V1.6.1 and EN 300 440-1 V1.6.1 (2010-08) – Electromagnetic compatibility and radio spectrum matters (ERM); short-range devices; radio equipment to be used in the 1GHz to 40GHz frequency range; Part 1: Technical characteristics and Test methods in accordance with EN 300 440-2 V1.4.1 (2010-8) – Electromagnetic compatibility and radio spectrum matters (ERM); short-range devices; radio equipment to be used in the 1GHz to 40GHz frequency range; Part 2: Harmonised EN covering the essential requirements of article 3.2 of the R&TTE Directive.
- Low Voltage Directive: Directive 2006/95/EC (Electrical Equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits) of August 2007. Compliance is declared according to:
- EN60950-1: Safety of information technology equipment – according to test specication EN 60950-1:2006 +A11:2009 +A1:2010 +A12:2011.
- Waiver: This document represents information compiled to the best of our present knowledge. It is not intended to as a representation or warranty of fitness of the products described for any particular purpose. This document details guidelines for general information purposes only. Always seek specialist advice when planning installations and ensure that antennas are always installed by a properly qualified
- installer in compliance with local laws and regulations.
Mounting Instructions
Mounting Surface
- Ensure that mounting surface is at and clean.
- Drilling of Boreholes
- Use drilling template supplied for all required holes. Remove all burrs and sharp edges from holes.
- Mounting
- Mount to panel using M12 hexagon socket head cap screws and supplied M12 sealing washers (supplied).
- Washer Assembly
- On underside of the panel, assemble M12 hexagon socket head cap screws with suitable M12 nuts and washers. Assemble N-connector nut, shake proof washer and washer.
- Tighten
- Tighten the N connector nut to 5Nm and the four outer nuts to 6Nm.
- Seal and Cap
- Seal area between M12 screws and antennas base with a suitable silicone sealant and assemble M12 screw caps (supplied).
Waiver: This document represents information compiled to the best of our present knowledge. It is not intended as a representation or warranty of fitness of the products described for any particular purpose. This document details guidelines for general information purposes only. Always seek specialist advice when planning installations and ensure that antennas are always installed by a properly qualified installer in compliance with local laws and regulations.
Panorama Antennas Ltd. | 61 Frogmore, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1HF, UK | Phone: +44(0)20 8877 4444