
This recommendation is primarily aimed at avoiding absorption of RF signals by non-reflective obstacles, especially people. Where possible, antennas should be positioned at least 2 meters above the ground. In these cases, it usually only takes a minor adjustment to antenna location to completely change the system response, so experiment with positioning to achieve best results. Sometimes environmental circumstances dictate antenna positioning and recommendations such as this cannot be adhered to.

Positioning antennas less than one wavelength from reflective surfaces can increase the risk of a drop-out due to reflection induced multi-path phase cancellation. The RF signal detected by the receive antenna is a complex mix of direct and reflected waves, the nature of which is constantly varying as the transmitter moves. In terms of location, receive antennas should not be positioned closer than one wavelength to any reflecting surface. Transparent materials such as glass, Perspex and water should be considered obstacles, as should seemingly transparent structures such as chain link fences and cages. A clear line of sight does not just mean the antennas are visible. The electromagnetic wave should be able to propagate from transmit to receive antenna without interference from obstacles. Most audio engineers are aware that it is best practice to maintain a clear line of sight between transmit and receive antennas whenever possible however, there is sometimes confusion regarding what a clear line of sight actually is. We will also examine dynamic range in RF systems, which provides the foundation knowledge for understanding why the antenna positioning recommendations provided are considered best practice. In this issue, we will focus on antenna positioning.
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The application is, of course, of relatively limited use for civilians, but if there's a chance we'll see it commercialized since the BATS management team is currently seeking potential investors to get this project dialed in.Welcome to the fourth installment of All About Wireless, brought to you by Shure.
Wifi antenna aiming software software#
The movement of the seeker antenna is controlled by two servo motors and a programmable logic controller (PLC) that is directed by software calculations, which in tests could maintain a signal on a moving watercraft for 12 miles, and keep a cruising vehicle connected for 8 miles. Currently designed for WiFi and fixed wireless broadband radios (WiMax support is planned, if ever needed), the BATS system can maintain a connection longer and suffer less interference due to the directional antennas broadcasting a fixated beam. Using proprietary software and off-the-shelf electronics, the system works by mounting a seeker antenna on a stationary or mobile object (boats and vehicles included) and allowing the powerful tracking software to keep a constant lock on the nearest target antenna. Broadband Antenna Tracking Solutions, or BATS for short, is a start-up company founded by a group of Purdue University professors who are developing an auto-aiming antenna system for wireless networks.
