Extension Cables¶
Every connection between the SNAP radio and the antenna will create a small amount of loss.
As a rule of thumb:
Every connection introduces .5 dBi of signal loss
Every foot of good quality RF cable introduces .5 dBi of signal loss
Refer to the antenna cable’s datasheet for the exact amount of loss. A specified loss of more than 0.5dB per foot is generally unacceptable and may indicate an inferior cable design.
SNAP Light Controllers have an integrated power amplifier, with significant output power. See the list below for the output power of the different SNAP controllers and the recommended antenna gain for each SNAP Light Controller. Do not substitute antennas.
SNAP Light Controller |
Controller Gain |
Indoor Antenna Gain |
Outdoor Antenna Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
LP150-001 |
15dBi |
3.2dBi |
1.5dbi |
DIM10-087 |
20dBi |
3.2dBi |
1.5dbi |
DIM10-100-00 |
20dBi |
3.2dBi |
1.5dbi |
DIM10-250-11 |
20dBi |
3.2dBi |
1.5dbi |
DIM10-280-21 |
20dBi |
3.2dBi |
1.5dbi |
The following two examples are typical outdoor installations. Even with cables and connections the output power for both examples is excellent and the Simply SNAP communications will be excellent.
A – Standard Antenna Kit + DIM10-250-11 |
SNAP module |
+20dBm |
Outdoor Antenna |
+1.5dBi |
|
Internal – Cable (Module to Bulkhead Connector) |
Connection |
-.5dBi |
Cable |
-.5dBi |
|
External – Cable to Bulkhead Connector |
Connection |
-.5dBi |
Cable |
-.5dBi |
|
Connection Cable to Bulkhead |
-.5dBi |
|
Connection Antenna to Bulkhead |
-.5dBi |
|
Total Output Power |
+18.5dBm |
B – Add a 10 foot Cable to the above example¶
Antenna Kit + DIM10-250-11 + 10 Foot Cable |
|
Antenna Kit + DIM10-250-11 |
+18.5dBm |
10 Foot Cable |
-5.0dBi |
Total Output Power |
+13.5dBm |