ELAN Services & Capabilities
Antenna
Systems Installation and Maintenance
Antenna
Installation
ELAN Technologies specializes in the installation of all types of
antenna systems. These include spread spectrum 902-928MHz, cellular
antenna band for GPRS, Multiple Address Systems (MAS) using licensed
radio and antennas used for microwave data transmission. ELAN Technologies
received the Antenna Systems 2004 Innovative Antenna Application Award,
for our manhole antenna cover system application in down town Chicago,
used for TARP SCADA communications. Innovative antenna design and
installation play an important part in maintaining relationships
with stakeholders surrounding your sites. Look to ELAN Technologies
to solve your most difficult antenna installation site. Please
take time to review some of our antenna installation photos
Sweep Testing and Interference Analysis
ELAN
Technologies technicians and engineers are trained in time domain
reflectometry for transmission line and antenna testing. Utilizing
the Anritsu Site Master and other specialized testing equipment,
we provide documentation in chart/report format including a written
executive summary of findings in the analysis of the antenna system.
On-site analysis with state of the art tools result in reduced man
hours diagnosing and troubleshooting antenna systems. What is most
important is making sure your antenna system is working at peak;
delivering the wireless data you rely on, continuously. Data logging
and trending of remote site antenna analysis and performance over
several years of time can provide early indicators of potential
antenna system issues.
Interference
Analysis
The
extensive use of the non-licensed spread spectrum frequency bands
has resulted in many new networks deployed over the last dozen
or so years. ELAN Technologies has been leading the way for spread
spectrum network deployment since 1994.
The
wireless industry acceptance of the unlicensed band has resulted in signal
interference issues, as many new contractors and installers have developed
wireless systems that sometimes lead to signal configurations that unintentionally
interfere. While these products are robust, and designed to operate in
an unlicensed band, interference is an issue that must be dealt with
in the beginning of a project, and documented as time goes on.
When
unlicensed technology is applied to microwave data links and multiple
address systems, trouble may result when multiple systems are installed
near each other, such as elevated water tanks and communication
towers. Although the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) specification
limit for transmitter power is 1 Watt, the system operator can choose
to use very high gain antennas. These provide higher EIRP (Effective
Isotropic Radiated Power) and can cause interference for other systems
in or near their path. If the antenna gain is increased by 3 dB,
the FCC rules require backing off the transmit power by 1 dB which
still allows a net increase of radiated power and increases the
chance of creating unwanted interference.
ELAN
Technologies utilizes state of the art field measurement spectrum
analyzer equipment for interference analysis, and can assist an
owner in the documentation and identification of interference sources.
This expertise is applied to the early stages of design and feasibility
during field radio surveys. When confronted with an interference
issue, do not hesitate to contact ELAN Technologies for on-site
assistance.
Maintenance
Utilizing
the finest test equipment and best of breed industrial wireless
technology has lead to the development of a comprehensive maintenance
program for our systems. Best current practices require system sweep
and optimization services of at least once per year, perhaps more
often for higher humidity and corrosive environments, and certainly
high wind location like communication towers or elevated water tank
sites.
If
ELAN Technologies installed your system, then you are familiar with
these services. Where practical, radio firmware
can be upgraded in your system, as well as analyzing radio diagnostics
collected over time. ELAN Technologies can keep your wireless infrastructure
investment running peak for many years, while keeping you up to
date on new technologies, and system advances.
If
ELAN did not install your system, we welcome the opportunity to
provide a second opinion along with maintenance and support documentation
of your antenna system and radio network. We can provide baseline
information with report, and present a maintenance plan moving
forward.
Communication Tower Services
ELAN
can build out communication towers as part of a new design, or an
upgrade to an existing wireless network system not optimized for
its current use. If necessary, sealed stamped drawing can be provided
for approval. Tower services often include; antenna system installation,
necessary path alignment, and sweep testing along with interference
analysis. We work with our customers to make sure tower bases ship
ahead of schedule so they can be incorporated into a poured concrete
foundation. When remaining tower sections arrive, the foundation
is cured and has been inspected. Tower installation day goes smoothly,
and the important wireless data is at your fingertips.
We
pride ourselves in our ability to custom design an antenna system,
including custom fabricated, mounts and steel parts. Our end result
is a solution that exceeds our customer requirements.
Please contact ELAN
Technologies for more information.
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