Achievable Range
The radio link works on a licence-free frequency in EU countries. The
transmitter power is regulated by law, and this limits the clear line of sight
range in good conditions to a maximum of about 250m.
The maximum achievable range in real field conditions, working within
canopies, will be less than this. It will depend on the nature of the foliage
in the canopy, and whether it is wet or not. In addition there may be local
sources of electromagnetic RF interference that could reduce the
achievable range.
Disclaimer! In practical use we do not guarantee any minimum range, or
that the radio link can be used at all, in a particular situation. The radio link
is an option. If it cannot be used, the alternative is to use the BFXL cable,
which remains an essential part of a full SunScan system.
About this Manual
This manual describes only the radio link components for use with the
SunScan Canopy analysis System, and it concentrates on the different
procedures needed when the radio link is used instead of the normal
BFXL cable connection.
The radio link is supplied as part of a full SunScan Radio System. The
system must include a Sunshine Sensor type BF3 (or the earlier BF2
model).
The main components of the radio link are the transmitter module type
BF-RL4, and the SunScan probe with built-in radio receiver type SS1-RL4.
Other Documents Required
The operation of the SunScan system, without using the radio link, is fully
covered in the SunScan Canopy Analysis System User Manual. This will
be referred to as the SunScan manual.
You will also need the User Manual for the Sunshine Sensor BF3 This will
be referred to as the BF3 manual.
Upgrade Systems
Existing systems with BF3 or BF2 sensors can be returned to Delta-T for
conversion to the radio link. The radio link cannot be used with the original
BF1 Beam Fraction sensor.
If you have a BF2 sensor, please interpret references to the BF3 in this
document as applying to the BF2. There are some differences but these
should be obvious to the BF2 user.
6 zContents SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0
