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TRACER 6000 Series Integrated System Manual Section 2 Microwave Path Engineering Basics
612806420L1-1F Copyright © 2005 ADTRAN, Inc. 21
Path Distance (d)
The path distance is the physical distance between the transmit and receive antennas. For the
TRACER 64x0, these distances can range up to 30 miles (48.27 kilometers).
System Losses (L)
System losses are defined by RF coaxial cable loss, connector losses, and losses added from any additional
lightning protection devices for the power budget analysis. Coaxial cable is required to attach the TRACER
64x0 to the antenna. The length of the cable varies from a few feet to hundreds of feet, depending upon
your application and the proximity of the TRACER 64x0 to the antenna. Various grades of coaxial cable
will work sufficiently for connecting the TRACER 64x0 unit to the antenna. A low-loss coaxial cable will
minimize cable losses.
One end of the coaxial cable requires an N-type male connector (plug) to mate with the TRACER 64x0
unit. The other end of the coaxial cable requires a connector compatible with the antenna chosen for the
installation (usually an N-type male connector). Additionally, ADTRAN recommends that the outdoor
connector on the coaxial cable be weatherproofed to prevent corrosion and electrical shorting.
Table 6 gives typical loss figures for some of the more common coaxial cable types (per 100 feet).
In areas where lightning strikes are frequent, a lightning arrestor should be installed
directly on the antenna coaxial cable. Installing lightning arrestors helps protect the
RF electronics (including the TRACER 64x0 unit) in the downstream path from
damaging voltages and currents.
Table 6. Typical Coaxial Loss for Common Cable Types
Cable Type 2.4 GHz Loss/100 ft (in dB) 5.8 GHz Loss/100 ft (in dB)
RG58 80 Not recommended
RG8 (air) 20 Not recommended
RG8 (foam) 9 Not recommended
1/4-inch Coax 5.91 11.36
3/8-inch Coax 5.76 9.65
1/2-inch Coax 3.83 6.49
5/8-inch Coax 2.98 4.90
7/8-inch Coax 2.2 Not suitable
1 1/4-inch Coax 1.62 Not suitable
1 5/8-inch Coax 1.41 Not suitable
5.8 GHz Elliptical Waveguide Not suitable 1.23