Honeywell AlarmNet GSM-ANT3dB Installation Manual

General
7845GSM and 7845i-GSM Communication Modules both come equipped with internal dual band cellular
antennas. In most cases, this antenna will provide a sufficient received signal strength indication (RSSI) for
a successful installation.
The Honeywell GSM-ANT3dB Remote Weatherproof Antenna should be used in installations where the
antenna must be mounted outdoors at some distance from the radio and gain is needed.
Signal Strength
For reliable service, 7845GSM and 7845i-GSM should only be installed in locations where the RSSI is a
minimum of three bars. RSSI is a measure of how well the 7845GSM is receiving the cell tower.
The RSSI value measured in dBm can be viewed using the 7720P Programming Tool, by using the shift <E>
command.
dBm is displayed as a negative value on the 7720P and a lower negative number is better.
i.e.: -60 dBm is a better RSSI than -100 dBm.
Installation Guidelines
By following a few simple guidelines, you can maximize the performance of 7845GSM / 7845i-GSM using the
internal antenna and simplify your installation.
•
Find the best coverage before mounting and wiring into the radio by moving 7845GSM to several
locations while monitoring the RSSI.
•
The best RSSI can usually be found at the highest point in the building on an exterior wall. Avoid
the basement.
•
Maintain at least 12 inches of clearance between 7845GSM and steel I-beams, HVAC ducts, metal
studs, steel roofs, exterior walls with metalized insulation or aluminum siding and other large metal
objects.
If a consistent RSSI of three bars cannot be found with the internal antenna, an external antenna should be
used.
External Antenna
The GSM-ANT3dB is an exterior weatherproof antenna that can be mounted up to 50 feet away from the
radio when the proper coax cable is used. Refer to Table 1 for coax cable selection. Install the GSM-ANT3dB
as follows:
1. Measure and record the 7845GSM RSSI using the internal antenna for reference.
2. Disconnect all power from the unit including the battery.
3. Remove plastic plug from the SMA mounting hole on top of the 7845GSM and insert the SMA end of
the adapter cable. Secure the SMA connector with the included washer and nut.
4. Plug the MMCX end of the adapter cable into the external antenna port and route cable as shown.
5. Attach the antenna and ground plane to the mounting bracket as shown in Figure 1.
6. Find a suitable location so that the antenna will be mounted vertically:
• The best antenna location is usually at the highest point within the building. Avoid the basement.
• Maintain at least 12 inches of clearance between the antenna and large metal objects.
7. Route the coax cable and make all required connections.
8. Restore power to the unit, measure the RSSI and compare the new value to the value recorded in
Step 1.
9. Adjust the location of the antenna if needed to maximize the RSSI, for at least three bars.
10. Permanently mount the antenna vertically using the hardware as shown. The included silicon
rubber tape is used to waterproof the antenna connection
Remote Weatherproof Remote Remote Remote
Installation Guide
AlarmNet GSM AlarmNet AlarmNet AlarmNet GSM- - - - ANT GSM GSM
Weatherproof Antenna Weatherproof Weatherproof
K14441 8/06 Rev. A
ANT3dB ANT ANT 3dB 3dB 3dB
Antenna Antenna Antenna