Site Planning

Listed below are the recommended guidelines for implementing an ESTeem radio frequency (RF) data communications system.

1. Perform RF Site Survey. The foundation of a radio network
is the RF Site Survey. The EST Customer Support engineer performs on-site
measurements and analysis to determine factors needed to design the RF data communications system including RF signal levels between all nodes, co-channel emitter frequencies/signal strengths, and RF data quality. Additional design input is given on antenna selection and location, feedline requirements, and lightning/power protection for each node, as well as specific installation requirements as dictated by the customer's application. After completion of the analysis, a formal Site Survey Report is prepared to document the above findings and the installation/hardware requirements for the site.

2. Obtain Site License (If Required). The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) requires a site license for operation of the ESTeem products for commercial applications in the United States.  This license guarantees the user their own individual frequency that is free from co-channel interference. EST Phone Technical Support will provide technical assistance to customers applying for their license directly or the name of companies that provide "turn-key" licensing assistance. The typical licensing time is four to six weeks.

3. Select Systems Integrator. Select a qualified systems
integrator based on the project requirements. EST can provide, upon request, company names of referenced integrators. As an aid to integrators, EST provides in-house monthly factory training at no-charge on the ESTeem products, including operation, programming, and installation. EST has available an Engineering Report library to aid the integrator in hardware interfacing.

4. Purchase Equipment. It is recommended that the ESTeem hardware be shipped to the integrators facility for system mockup and testing prior to installation on site. Low cost antennas are available to the integrator for in-house testing. EST Phone Technical Support is available at no-charge for all phases of site design and integration.

5. Perform Site Installation. EST provides a Technical
Bulletin library to aid the installer. Factory tested coaxial cables can be
provided saving the integrator considerable time and expense on site. If a Site
Survey has been performed, this document provides valuable information regarding a detailed hardware list for each node including height of antenna towers, feedline type and length, and other information which could greatly influence the installation cost.

6. Perform Site Commissioning. EST Customer Support personnel are available to provide on site technical assistance for startup and customer
training.


Radio Site Survey

The foundation of a reliable radio network is the RF Site Survey. The EST Customer Support engineer performs on-site measurements and analysis to determine factors needed to design the RF data communications system including RF signal levels between all nodes, co-channel emitter frequencies, their signal strengths, and RF data quality. Additional design input is given on antenna selection and location, feedline requirements, and lightning/power protection for each node, as well as specific installation requirements as dictated by the customer's application. After completion of the analysis, a formal Site Survey Report is prepared to document the above findings and the installation/hardware requirements for the site.

Site Support

EST can provide on-site support for your ESTeem radio network. We have a field engineering staff available for site support worldwide. The field engineer will have radio test equipment to identify, isolate and solve the problem with your communication system.

License Assistance

Electronic Systems Technology would like to provide assistance in obtaining a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) site license for your ESTeem radio modem site. To simplify the process of obtaining a FCC license for the ESTeem radio modem site, we recommend the use of a licensing assistance office (LAO) for turn-key licensing to reduce user frustration, processing time and filing costs. The following are the recommended steps in obtaining a license:

Determine a clear frequency of operation in your site area. Electronic Systems Technology can perform a formal on-site analysis (Site Survey) to determine a reliable operating frequency. If the frequency in operation is unknown, contact licensing assistance office and arrange for a frequency spectrum search in your area. Contact a recommended licensing assistance office and have them start the paperwork.

For more information on site licensing and recommended licensing assistance office please view the following Adobe PDF document:

Commissioning
Site Commissioning

EST can perform site commissioning for your new ESTeem radio network. An EST field engineer will be available on-site for any questions that arise during installation and startup. Our field engineers will have radio test equipment to verify the installation, signal strengths and ESTeem performance. We have experience with interfacing to most industrial controls system and most of the problems can be solved on site.

Our field engineers are also qualified to perform training classes for employees on the operation and troubleshooting of the ESTeem radio network. Training materials and all documentation will be supplied while on site.