Installation

<< Click to Display Table of Contents >>

Navigation:  External Antenna Kit >

Installation

Break the calibration seal

This procedure requires breaking the calibration seal and opening the register.

 

 

Placement of the antenna

Placement affects performance

Proper antenna placement is critical for successful wireless operation.

 

Step 1 – Decide on a mounting location for the antenna, which must be within 10 feet of the register.

 

Wireless performance can vary from vehicle to vehicle, depending on antenna height and placement. Follow these guidelines to achieve the best performance:

 

The remote device must be able to receive the antenna signal — wi-fi signals follow line-of sight.

Install the antenna as high as possible.

Attach the mounting bracket to the metal structure of the truck, using suitable metal hardware. This antenna uses the metal on the truck as a ground plane for proper operation.

 

antenna_kit_2

 

 

Avoid installing the antenna on one side of the truck, unless this is desired operation. The metal will block the signal from the opposite side.

Do not attempt to extend the length of the antenna cable. Longer cable length will attenuate the radio signal, which severely reduces wireless performance.

Do not install outboard power amplifiers between the antenna and register — this may violate applicable radio regulations and damage register components.

Avoid bending the antenna cable in a radius sharper than 3 inches.

Do not attempt to repair or splice damaged antenna cable. Replace damaged cable with LC part 84375.

Replace damaged antenna with LC part 84373.

Use the included cable gland to protect LCRiQ from moisture entry when installing the coaxial cable.

If in-cab connectivity of wi-fi / Bluetooth is desired, mount the antenna as close as possible to the vehicle cab. Consider mounting the register closer to the cab and installing a POD pulser on the meter.

antenna_kit_3

 

Step 2 – Attach the mounting bracket to the vehicle. Use metal fasteners and hardware to ensure good bonding to the metal of the vehicle. Orient the mounting bracket so the antenna is vertical. Install the antenna in a vertical orientation only. Mounting the antenna horizontally severely reduces wireless performance.

antenna_kit_4

 

Step 3 – Begin to assemble the antenna to the mounting bracket by unscrewing the nut and removing the lockwasher.

 

antenna_kit_5

 

Insert the antenna into the bracket and install the lockwasher, as shown.

 

antenna_kit_6

 

Install the nut and tighten securely with a 1-inch wrench.

 

antenna_kit_7

 

 

Step 4 – Connect the coaxial cable to the antenna with the N-connector.

 

antenna_kit_8

 

 

Step 5 – Insert the cable gland on the SMA end of the cable.

 

Step 6 – Install the cable gland on the register.

 

Step 7 – Unscrew the internal antenna and connect the coaxial cable to the SMA connector. Gently tighten the SMA connector with a 5/16-inch wrench.

 

antenna_kit_9

 

Step 7bAlternate method for bottom-mounted SMA connector. Unscrew the internal antenna and connect the coaxial cable to the SMA connector. Gently tighten the SMA connector with a 5/16-inch wrench.

 

antenna_kit_10

 

antenna_kit_10b

 

Step 8 – Close the register.

Step 9 – Tighten the cable gland until it securely anchors the antenna cable.

Step 10 – Make a small loop facing downward as the cable leaves the register. This allows water to drip down away from the register.

 

antenna_kit_11

 

Step 11 – Attach the cable securely to the vehicle using wire ties or insulated wire clamps. The cable requires no special standoffs.

 

Step 12 – Close and seal the register.

 

Step 13 – Installation is complete. The register requires no changes to any settings.