4 AL-NSM Networx Signal Meter & AL-NSG Networx Signal Generator User's Guide
3. NOISE LVL dBm
Displays the maximum and minimum background radio
noise level in the installation environment, in dBm units.
"Noise" refers to unwanted radio signals that can
"interfere" or obstruct the Networx radio signals.
The top line displays the current noise reading, and
the bottom line displays the maximum and minimum
noise levels received. To reset the display (all noise lev-
el readings) press and release the right RESET button.
TIP: Upon entering this Mode, we recommend imme-
diately pressing the right RESET button, clearing any
unintended noise level readings. To obtain realistic noise
level readings, it is recommend to observe the results for
several minutes, then reset (press and release the right
RESET button) and repeat several times.
A typical NSM display in this Mode will look like this:
NOISE LEVEL -77
MIN-107 MAX- 56
Noise levels noisier than -85 (as readings move up to
zero, for example -84, -83, -82, etc.), indicate unaccepta-
ble levels of noise.
The example above shows a current noise reading of -
77, which is noisier than the -85 limit. The lower the neg-
ative number (as readings move up to zero), the more
noise detected by the NSM. Note: The integral sound-
er will chirp any time the noise level exceeds -85. Note:
Be careful not to confuse normal Networx communication
radio traffic with noise. In the example above, notice also
the minimum noise -107 (quiet) and the maximum noise
detected -56 (noisy) in the area.
TIP: Some locations may contain more radio noise
than other locations. Computer rooms and electrical con-
trol panel utility closets are examples of locations that
often contain high amounts of electrical noise, and
should therefore be avoided.
IMPORTANT: When a Gateway is added to the Net-
worx system, DL-Windows assigns the Gateway a specif-
ic channel number that determines the frequency for all
subsequent communications between the Gateway and
the Networx locks. The noise level readings may vary
depending upon the channel number selected. There-
fore, the proper channel MUST be set on the NSM to
determine potential radio interference on that pre-set
channel.
First, find the channel number assigned to the Networx
Gateway in DL-Windows Gateway Configuration screen.
Then, set the NSM channel number as follows:
Channel Selection Procedure
With the display showing the example above, to change
and set the desired Gateway channel number (1 - 50),
press and hold both buttons simultaneously, then
release right STEP button and press again (repeatedly).
When the desired channel number appears, release both
buttons.
This mode can be helpful when walking around to find
the source of where the noise is highest.
A typical NSM display will look like this:
CHANNEL # 12
General Noise Search
When you are unaware of the Gateway channel assigned
to the Gateway by DL-Windows, or are looking for gen-
eral noise during a site survey, we recommend scanning
for noise on every tenth channel. For example, check for
noise on channel 5, 15, 25, 35, etc.
TIP: If you determine there is noise in the area, it
may be helpful to utilize this Mode to locate the source of
the noise. While surveying the area, pay close attention
to the Noise level readings to locate the peak / Max level
able to be detected (lowest negative number).
4. SIGNAL QUALITY
Displays the overall quality of the link between a Networx
Gateway (or an NSG) and the NSM. The link is defined
by several measured factors, including the number of
missed data packets, signal strength and consistency of
the data.
A typical NSM display in this Mode will look like this:
LINK QUAL EXCEL
MISSED PKTS 00
The options are displayed as "EXCEL" ("Excellent"),
"GOOD", "FAIR" and "POOR" (refer to chart on page 3).
The accumulation of missed packets will affect the link
quality displayed. Occasional missed packets are com-
mon and are of no concern.
TIP: Upon entering this Mode, we recommend imme-
diately pressing the right RESET button to clear any am-
biguous missed data packets. To obtain realistic sam-
ples of data, it is recommend to keep physically still, ob-
serve the results for 1-2 minutes, then reset (press and
release the right RESET button) and repeat several
times.
Channel Number shown in DL-Windows
Don't forget to read the USEFUL
TIPS section on page 6 !
