Q: The range spec is 20 miles with line of sight. How line of sight is that?
A: Line of sight is just that - if you stand at one end of a link with a pair of binoculars or a telescope can you see the other end? Line of sight means that there are no obstructions in the way. Keep in mind that with normal curvature of the earth you will be out of line of sight at 20 miles if both end points are at sea level.
Q: How far can I get without line of sight?
A: It depends. It is very difficult to predict results in non line of sight conditions, but at 900 MHz the signal will penetrate buildings and trees to a degree. Hills will cause the most problems.
Q: Are there any conditions where I will be able to achieve greater range than the spec?
A: We tend to be very conservative with our range spec. Under ideal conditions it is possible to achieve range much greater than the 20 mile spec. There are customers who have achieved up to 100 miles with the transceivers (one customer achieved an 85 mile link at 1/3 watt using 10dB yagi antennas).
Q: How do weather conditions affect the radio signals?
A: With the 900 MHz radios, weather does not have any significant impact on their performance. With the 2.4 GHz radios you will see some signal degradation in heavy precipitation because of their shorter wavelength signals.
Q: What about all of these other spread spectrum manufacturers claiming comparable range?
A: The best advice we can offer is to try the product. We have no doubt that other 900 MHz spread spectrum products are capable of 20 miles - with high gain antennas, no other RF anywhere near the area, going downhill (just kidding). What happens under real world conditions? We heard of one case where someone else's product was being interfered with by a 900 MHz cordless phone (no kidding). Test our product against any other 900 MHz spread spectrum transceiver under identical conditions and make your own assessment.
Q: Can the product be used on a moving vehicle?
A: Yes, there are many applications where the internal transceivers have been used on moving vehicles of all varieties. The highest speed known where a transceiver maintained a link was ~450 mph.
Q: What is the performance difference between the 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz models?
A: All other things being equal, the 900 MHz models will achieve better range than the 2.4 GHz. They have higher output power (1 watt vs. 500mW) and will be able to penetrate foliage and other obstructions better. Both products have the same dimensions and software interfaces.
Q: How is the channel selection and hop pattern determined?
A: There are 15 different psuedo-random patterns that can be selected to minimize interference with any other ICL ScadaBridge or SSR model spread spectrum radios operating in the area.
Q: Is there a diagnostic program for checking signal strength?
A: Yes -- there is an optional software package that includes this feature.
Q: Is the RF output adjustable?
A: Yes -- 9 settings in roughly 100mW increments up to 1W.
Q: Is there a "continuous key" option in diagnostic mode?
A: Yes.
Q: In what countries can I use the ScadaBridge?
A:
Radio licensing issues are complex, involving hundreds of regulatory
agencies throughout the world and regulations are constantly changing. To
be certain, you must check with the local agencies in the region in
question, but here are some general guidelines:
| Region | 900MHz | 2.4GHz |
| North America |  |
|
| Central America | |
|
| South America (except Peru) |
|
|
| Peru |  |
|
| Asia | |
|
| Australia | |
|
| New Zealand | |
|
| Europe | |
|
Q: Can the ScadaBridge RTU do totalization and rate measurements for analog and digital input channels?
A:
As a matter of fact, it can. Here's how it works: