However, from our experience in various development and rollout projects, there are often further challenges that should definitely be trained:
– Antennas are filigree structures. Often, antenna cables are only provided with a light strain relief, therefore no tension should be applied to already installed antenna cables
– The nuts around antennas in meter cabinets or on brackets should be tightened to the maximum torque specified by the manufacturer (often approx. 3-5Nm). Otherwise, the antenna may be damaged, and seals are often damaged on outdoor antennas.
SMA (and other screw connections) should be tightened with a torque wrench. If the connections are made by hand, the connections must not be tightened more than slightly hand-tight
– All antenna connectors must be protected with dummy plugs during installation (especially when pulling the antennas into meter cabinets)
– Antenna cables must not be bent bluntly during installation. Otherwise, there is a risk of considerable loss of performance and subsequent faults
– If antenna cables are damaged (e.g. cracks in the sheath), the entire antenna must be replaced. The antenna cable must be cut off immediately at the damaged antenna. The defective area should be marked with a piece of insulating tape or similar for later analysis
In practice, other challenges often become apparent. On request, we are happy to offer training on all topics related to the installation of antennas. With good preparation of the technicians in the rollout of smart meter gateways and other devices with mobile radio (GSM / UMTS / LTE) and other radio standards (Wireless MBus, LoRo, BLE, WLAN), cash can be saved.