ALMEX presents MicroTek Electronics Wireless Applications Page

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING A WIRELESS SYSTEM

Several factors should be considered when installing a wireless video, audio and/or data transmission system. This section will help you determine which products you need and what to watch for at the installation location.

INDEX:
DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS
LINE OF SITE REQUIREMENTS
SIGNAL INTERFERENCE
NUMBER OF CAMERAS
NUMBER OF DEVICES TO BE CONTROLLED
CONTROLLING THIRD PARTY EQUIPMENT

DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
It is important to know the distance you will be transmitting the video/audio and/or data signal. Refer to the following guidelines to select the appropriate MicroTek product.

LINE OF SITE REQUIREMENTS:
The ranges specified above assume wide-open line of sight between the transmitter and receiver. In some cases, our systems can penetrate wood, wallboard, glass and other similar materials without major signal deterioration; however, the effective transmission range will be reduced. In some cases our systems can also penetrate light vegetation, but again, the effective transmission range will be reduced. The only effective way to know if a system will work in a particular application is to test it. MicroTek does offer a liberal demo policy, please contact your local representative or the factory for details. If the system is installed in the fall or winter months and in an area where trees drop leaves, choose a signal path where there is likely to be the least amount of vegetation. Any vegetation will cause the effective transmission range to be reduced. Degradation in signal quality and range will result if attempting to transmit through steel, water, concrete or other high-density materials. In addition, if there is a significant amount of metal around the transmit antenna (such as a metal building), signal reflection may degrade the quality and transmission range of the system.

It is also important to consider the height at which the antennas are installed. Make sure that pedestrians, vehicles or any other type of traffic will not interfere with the line of site between the transmit and receive antennas. It is always best to test the system in the environment where it will be permanently installed before actually installing it.

Please keep in mind that because of varying conditions, if there are any obstructions in the line of site, system performance cannot be guaranteed.

SIGNAL INTERFERENCE:
It is important to determine if there is RF interference at the install site. Interference is more prevalent in highly populated areas, around airports and near large industrial facilities. Perform a visual inspection of the site to determine if there are other transmitters present. The most common types of interference in the 2.4GHz band are microwave ovens, cordless phones and wireless LAN/WANs. If 2.4GHz interference is present, use the MiniLink 5.8 GHz system, which is mostly immune to microwave interference. If possible, it is best to test the site with a RF analyzer to determine if interference exists. One fail-safe way to make sure you will not experience signal interference is to do a live test at the site.

NUMBER OF CAMERAS:
It is important to know how many cameras will be installed utilizing a wireless system. A transmitter and receiver pair is required for each camera. Refer to the following guidelines to select the appropriate MicroTek product.

NUMBER OF DEVICES TO BE CONTROLLED:
It is important to determine how many PTZ cameras and/or other control equipment will be installed utilizing a wireless connection. The MiniLink Data 900/2400 systems are compatible with most major manufacturer PTZ systems on the market. (Please see the list below under “Controlling third party equipment”) A MiniLink Data 900/2400 transceiver pair is required in addition to the video transmitter and receiver pair to transmit control signals and data. These systems can be configured as point-to-point or point to multi-point control systems. In a point-to-point application, each transceiver receives commands from a separate transceiver. In a point to multi-point application, multiple transceivers receive command signals from a single transceiver. Each receive location has a unique address; therefore, the equipment at each receive location can be operated independently.

CONTROLLING THIRD PARTY PTZ EQUIPMENT:

MicroTek’s MiniLink Data 900/2400 systems are designed to work with most major manufacturer’s PTZ and control systems. Any system that communicates using standard RS232, 485 or 422 protocols will work with the MiniLink Data 900/2400 transceiver. Following is a list of major PTZ and control system manufacturers.

Pelco - www.pelco.com
GE/Interlogix/Kalatel - www.geindustrial.com/ge-interlogix/kalatel
Panasonic - www.panasonic.com/cctv
Vicon - www.vicon-cctv.com
American Dynamics - www.tycovideo.com
Bosch - www.boschsecuritysystems.com

IMPORTANT: THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS APPLICATIONS AND SOLUTIONS PAGE IS INTENDED TO HELP THE USER IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS RELATED TO WIRELESS VIDEO, AUDIO AND DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS. MICROTEK ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE USE OF INFORMATION AND/OR INTERPRETATIONS MADE FROM THIS APPLICATIONS AND SOLUTIONS PAGE.

NOTE: this page is copy of original MicroTek's page. Original is located HERE

MORE ABOUT WIRELESS VIDEO

WHAT IS WIRELESS VIDEO?
A standard wireless video system consists of a transmitter, a receiver, antennas and power supplies. A standard wireless video system transmits an analog video (NTSC or PAL) and audio signal. Transmission distances vary depending on antenna selection. These systems are "simplex," meaning they transmit the signal from the transmitter to the receiver in one direction only. MicroTek markets several video/audio and data wireless products that operate in the 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz ranges.
 

A wireless data transmission system consists of two transceivers, antennas and power supplies. A standard system transmits a digital signal using spread spectrum technology. Again, the distance depends on antenna selection. These systems are "half-duplex," meaning that signals transmit both directions, but only one direction at a time. Data can be transmitted from point to point or from a single point to multiple points. These systems are commonly used as a control link for Pan/Tilt/Zoom systems or any other application requiring the secure, efficient transmission of data.

WHY CONSIDER WIRELESS?
Wireless transmission systems, video/audio or data, are an intelligent alternative to "hard wired" solutions for a variety of reasons:
 

Improved technology - Advances in wireless technology allow for reduced signal interference and overall system reliability. Check out MicroTek’s new products for more information.
 

No license requirements - It’s FREE - all "FCC part 15" products have the correct FCC approvals and do not require user licensing. See below for more details.
 

Immediate installation, no permits required - Have you ever tried to get a permit from a local, state or federal agency for trenching across a highway, street, river or railroad tracks? With a MicroTek wireless system, permits are not necessary.
 

No trenching - Don’t bust the budget! The cost of trenching increases rapidly as the distance required to send the signal increases. With a MicroTek wireless system, simply change the antenna selection and send it through the air. Accomplish projects previously considered cost prohibitive.
 

Mobile & Temporary - Our small and durable systems are ideal for construction sites, covert operations and all types of public events. For maximum flexibility and portability, utilize a solar panel or battery for your power requirements.
 

Convenience & Performance - Have an immediate need? Install it and use it for a day, a week, a year or indefinitely - when getting real-time high-resolution video, audio or data from point A to Point B, wireless technology is the convenient, effective and efficient solution.
 

Cost Effective - Eliminate the high cost of installation and maintenance of fiber, cable, or twisted pair. Also eliminate the reoccurring cost of DSL, ISDN, T-1 and other types of communication links.
 

THREE IMPORTANT CONCEPTS
 

LINE OF SIGHT

A clear and wide-open line of sight is needed between the transmit and receive antennas. Wireless video cannot transmit through concrete, earth, steel, water, or trees. Anytime the transmission median is interrupted, there is a risk of signal loss. If a wireless signal could be viewed from the side, it would be shaped like a football, expanding in an elliptical fashion. In order to achieve a cable-quality signal, the application must be clear of obstacles that would obstruct any part of the signal path. MicroTek systems can be relayed, or antennas can be remoted to avoid obstructions.

INTERFERENCE

Any wireless signal within the same area that is transmitting at or around the same frequency as your system may cause interference. Every potential application site should be surveyed with a spectrum analyzer, frequency locator or demonstration system prior to installation. Interference is common at the 900 MHz levels and 2.4 GHz levels. Common causes of interference are microwaves, cordless phones, wireless LAN/WANs and other wireless systems. MicroTek recommends using the 5.8 GHz frequency band for video transmission to minimize the chance of interference.

THE F.C.C.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency, directly responsible to Congress. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions. If a wireless system in use does not comply with F.C.C. standards, fines may result for the end user should the F.C.C. prosecute. All MicroTek products are F.C.C. approved and have F.C.C. ID numbers. Two categories of F.C.C. licensing apply to MicroTek Products:
 

Part 15 - F.C.C. Part 15 products must have a power output under 50 mW and do not require an end user site license. (MicroTek’s MiniLink 5.8 systems, MiniLink 2.4 systems 6000 feet and under, and PTZ-900 systems apply.)
 

Part 90 - F.C.C. Part 90 products have a power output over 50mW and require the end user to obtain a site license (MicroTek’s MiniLink 2.4 Long Range systems and the MiniLink HP and SHP series apply) An F.C.C. site license can be obtained by accessing www.fcc.gov (go to form 601 and access schedule I) and by paying a fee.
 

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WIRELESS 101 PAGE IS INTENDED TO HELP THE USER IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS RELATED TO WIRELESS VIDEO, AUDIO AND DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS. MICROTEK ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE USE OF INFORMATION AND/OR INTERPRETATIONS MADE FROM THIS WIRELESS 101 PAGE.

NOTE: this page is copy of original MicroTek's page.

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