
1. PREFACE
1.1 Introduction
The VHF and UHF paging systems require an antenna to transmit the paging signals from the central equipment to the signal
receivers or transceivers. The paging system can use 5 Watt transmitters or low power (2 Watt VHF or 1 Watt UHF) transmetters
mounted on or near a master operator console. The low power transmitters may be equipped with a built-on helicoil antenna or an
outdoor antenna. The 5 Watt transmitters usually use an outdoor antenna.
The antenna (or antennas) should be installed in such a way that adequate reception of the signais is obtained wherever required.
This should, as a matter of fact, be obtained with a minimum of costs, i.e. on the most convenient place ensuring sufficient field
strength for the receivers
Always make sure the installation of antennas, their location and height, as well as transmitters, their location and output power,
comply with local regulations. Always check the local telecommunications authority requirements.
It is very useful to try various antenna locations to establish the most effective one.
1.2 Scope of the Installation Instruction
The scope of this instruction is to give a guideline for antenna installation. Because there are so many differences between one site
and the other, in number of buildings, construction of buildings etc., it is not possible to give exact data for each possible case. The
information in this manual, together with some practical experience, will enable you to select the most suitable position for the
antennas for the different applications. Also some special applications are indicated for instance in high rise buildings and tunnels.
On-site tests, using a demonstration set for instance, give the best aerial location, avoiding areas of poor or no reception of the signal,
and inform you if more transmitters will be necessary to cover the site.
2. GENERAL ASPECTS OF PAGING COVERAGE
2.1 General
An essential condition for good reception is that the antenna is optimally sited. The capacity to transmit over the greatest possible
distance is usually of secondary importance. What is important, is that the transmitted signals reach, or penetrate into places like
basements, lift shafts, stair wells etc. Places in which reception is desired can generally be served if the site of the antenna is chosen
with care.
The coverage range and penetration depend on field strength and receiver sensitivity. The field strength in turn depends on output
power and antenna location with respect to obstructions like walls, buildings, hills etc.
2.2 Recelver types, sensitivity
Basically, there are two types of transmission in the present paging system:
1. Digital code transmission for bleep and display receivers.
2. Analogue speech transmission for receivers with additional speech facility.
Generally, a receiver requires a stronger field strength to give good speech performance than for bleep and display only.
2.3 Data to be considered
The following data of a certain site have to be taken into consideration to determine in advance the location(s) of the antennas
and transmitters:
1. Size of the site to be covered.
2. Details of the building: a. position; b. height; c. construction: - presence of basements; -
amount of reinforcement; - type of windows.
3. Topography of the site, whether flat or hilly.