PANORAMA ANTENNAS SHK X 4-7-49 X Reef Sharkee Instruction Manual

June 1, 2024
Panorama Antennas

Installation Instructions

SHK[X]4/GPS[X]D[X]4[X]-7-49[-X] Series – Reef Sharkee®
SW3-1107- v1

Introduction

The SHK[X]4/GPS[X]D[X]4[X]-7-49 series is a multi-function sharkfin style antenna with 4×4 MiMo for 4G/5G.The SHK[X]G[X]4 and GPS[X]D[X]4[X] versions incorporate up to two L1 or L1/L5 GPS/GNSS antennas.The GPS[X]D[X]4[X] type features an M6 mounting stud for an optional comms whip. Note: The SHK[X]4 type does not have this feature. Versions are available which can include up to 4×4 MiMo dual band WiFi 6e function. The antenna is suitable for fitment to vehicle panels up to 4mm (0.15”) thick. An extended mounting kit for thicker panels is available as an accessory.

Electrical Safety Note
The standard GPS[X]D4/SHK[X]G4 contain single or multiple active L1 band GPS/GNSS antennas. Rated voltage: 3-5VDC Rated current (each antenna): 20mA maximum.
The GPS[X]D54/SHK[X]G54 contain single or multiple active L1/L5 band GPS/GNSS antennas. Rated voltage: 3-5VDC Rated current (each antenna): 37mA maximum.
The supply to these devices must be provided with over current protection of 1A maximum.

Mounting requirements and selecting location

For optimum performance, it is recommended that all versions of the antenna are fitted on a conductive (metal) panel, although it is possible to mount the antenna on a non-conductive panel with acceptable performance for all the internal antenna function.For GPS[X]D[X]4 type, when a whip is to be used, the antenna must be fitted on a conductive ground plane – recommended minimum size is 1⁄2 wave length diameter at the lowest frequency of whip operation.
To calculate this size, use formula below:
150 / frequency in MHz = 1⁄2 wavelength (m)
Example: 150MHz =100cm (39.4”); 400MHz = 38cm (15”); 900MHz =16cms (6.3”).

When fitting on a non-metallic panel, a ground plane plate of suitable size should be fabricated and fitted under the mounting panel. In all cases, the earthing washer must make low resistance electrical contact with the ground plane (<0.2Ω).
Select a mounting location, checking for roof curvature to ensure that the antenna base will have a flat mounting surface if possible. The antenna should be located as far as possible from surrounding roof mounted items (e.g. light bar, air con unit). Ensure that there is adequate under panel clearance and that there is no double skin panel or cross brace present. Measure to check for central position if applicable.
If mounting the antenna on a vehicle with a ribbed roof where the peak of the ribs are more than 70mm (2.75”) wide the antenna should be mounted on the peak of a rib rather than in the trough.

Important Note Regarding Sealing
To ensure that the antenna base is effectively sealed against the mounting surface, care must be taken regarding curvature of the mounting panel.
It is highly recommended that the antenna is installed on a clean, flat and level surface. After installation the compression of the rubber boot against the mounting panel should be checked and if necessary, a small bead of neutral cure silicone sealant can be applied around the edge of the mounting boot. It is important that the periphery of the antenna is sealed and that no moisture is allowed to penetrate under the antenna boot.

Prepare and drill hole

Up to 13 cables fitted with standard (SMA/FME) connectors, or 12 cables fitted with FAKRA type connectors can pass through a 19mm (3/4”) clearance hole. If other connector types are fitted or the number of feeds exceeds these limits, you may need to consider drilling a larger mounting hole.

Mask panel area around hole position to protect paintwork and headliner. Drill a pilot hole, and then increase to 19mm (3/4”), ensuring that drill/cutter bit does not contact headliner. Clean area around the hole, carefully removing any burrs and swarf. Remove paint and primer from under panel surface to ensure low resistance contact by washer and nut.
Apply some petroleum jelly or paint around the hole to prevent corrosion.

Fitting the antenna

Remove protective backing from underside of antenna, feed coaxial cables through panel. Position the antenna over the hole ensuring correct orientation and stick to panel by applying firm, even, downward pressure. When fitting the nut, it is important to ensure that the cables are held centrally whilst the nut is correctly started on the threads. The nut should fit freely by hand and only requires a final tighten by spanner to a recommended torque of 5Nm. It is important not to over-tighten the nut as this may cause damage to the mounting panel. Remove blanking cap and screw comms antenna whip securely to mounting stud (where used).

  1. Prepare mounting surface. Drill hole etc. as per standard instructionsPANORAMA ANTENNAS SHK X 4-7-49 X Reef Sharkee - Fig 2

  2. Remove nut, washer.
    Remove pad liner

  3. Feed cables through hole

  4. Firmly press down on antenna to affix to mounting surface, ensure that seal skirt splays out into surface

  5. Assemble shakeproof washer and nut tighten to 5Nm.

Routing and terminating coaxial cable(s)

If heat shrink tubes are to be used, slide onto antenna cable tails prior to connecting extension cables – it is recommended that these are heat shrunk only after tests have been satisfactorily completed. Connect extension coaxial cables to antenna and route to equipment. Note: Ensure GPS/GNSS FME antenna connection is fully inserted and tightened. Fit correct coaxial connector or adapter to cables as required.
When routing the cables take care to avoid running them adjacent to any existing vehicle wiring or fouling any moving vehicle components. The cables must not be routed in front of any airbag device.

Commission and test

Check GPS/GNSS cable (where applicable):

  • Check the GPS/GNSS cable(s) with DC to measure high resistance.
  • Connect the GPS / GNSS cable(s) to the GPS/ GNSS receiver(s) and check for satellite acquisition.

Check comms cable(s):

  • Carry out VSWR check, should measure <2.5:1 in transmit band (antenna type dependent).
  • Connect Cellular/ LTE & WiFi cables as applicable or stow unused pigtails.

Notices

| CAUTION
Consider relevant RF exposure rules. Ensure that the antenna is installed to provide a minimum separation distance of at least 20 cm (8”) from all persons during use..
---|---
**| DO NOT
• operate the transmitter when someone is within 20 cm (8”)of the antenna.
• operate the equipment in an explosive atmosphere.
• chew parts or put them in mouth, keep away from unsupervised children.
**
| DO NOT
• operate the transmitter when someone is within 20 cm (8”)of the antenna.
• operate the equipment in an explosive atmosphere.
• chew parts or put them in mouth, keep away from unsupervised children.
| Please Recycle
Printed versions of these instructions can be recycled. When you have finished with these instructions please recycle them.

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.

Head Office
61 Frogmore, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1HF, UK
www.panorama-antennas.com

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