Z-Wave Antenna Extension Cable

[telljcl]

My ISY is mounted in a metal enclosure and I don't have many zwave devices.

 

I wanted to move my external antenna (which I got with the Zwave dongle) to a location close, but outside the enclosure.

 

Do I need an RP-SMA extension or a "Regular" SMA extension?

 

Or anybody have a link to one they used that didn't induce signal degradation due to the longer cable?

 

Thanks!

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi telljcl,

 

RP-SMA = Reverse Polarity SMA. You do NOT want RP.

 

Please note that antenna would not contribute much to Z-Wave performance and, therefore, I recommend getting range extenders instead of adding more variables by having a long wire from ISY to the antenna.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[telljcl]

So you're saying that the ISY with external antenna attached to the back, inside a metal wall enclosure, will work as well or better than using a 6' connector which would allow the same antenna to be located just outside the metal box?

 

Also, wouldn't a range extender involve cabling as well?

 

Lastly, do you have a link to a range extender that is recommended (or at least used with some success) with the ISY?

 

Thanks!

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi telljcl,

 

I am saying that when you add an external antenna to ISY, the signals become more directional. So, you may have good communications in one direction and horrible on others.

 

I think what I am recommending is to move ISY out of the metal box (if at all possible).

 

Range extenders (they do not require rewiring):

http://www.amazon.com/Aeon-Labs-Extender-Repeater-DSD37-ZWUS/dp/B00K7QZUZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442171618&sr=8-1&keywords=z-wave+range+extender 

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[telljcl]

Thanks Michel.

 

So the directional issues you describe would be even if I use the UDI provided antenna I have on my ISY now -vs- the internal one?

 

In the metal box, setting (via the console) to use either internal or external doesn't make much difference. That's why I'd like to use the same external antenna, but just put it somewhere else. 

 

I could move the whole ISY, but it would not be an ideal solution because it is easier to hide a small omni antenna -vs- the ISY with several cables coming out of it etc...

 

So range extenders in this case are generic ZWave devices (repeaters) you are referring to - not an RF device between ISY and antenna, I gather.

 

Thanks!

[stusviews]

I found the Range Extender that Michel liked to useless (sorry, Michel, but that's my specific situation). However, the Aeon Siren worked wonders--in my situation.

[ryanmead83]

Man I wish I hadn't clicked the link Michel provided, to see all the suggestions there.  We get ripped off so hardcore in Canada it's not even funny.  I can't believe how many Z-Wave devices there are on Amazon.com for $29.  Amazon.ca's selection is pretty poor, but even the stuff they do have is always like $50+.  That same range extender mentioned shows $44 plus $7 shipping in Canada and then $29 on Amazon.com.  If pricing was the same man my house would be loaded! 

 

Does anyone know if this Leviton dimmer doubles as a range extender as well since it is plug in?  I have one of them and they are great, and at $39 at Home Depot they are some of the cheapest Z-Wave devices I've seen.  Haven't had issues on my end but was thinking of getting range extenders to help out, unless anyone knows if this does the same thing, as might help the OP as well.

 

Edit: Guess the link would help: http://www.homedepot.ca/product/z-wave-wink-compatible-plug-in-lamp-dimmer-module-white/417546

[MikeD]

The Leviton dimmer http://products.z-wavealliance.org/products/1020/embedpics

has the same capabilities as the Aeon Repeater http://products.z-wavealliance.org/products/752/embedpics

Neither is Z-Wave Plus like the Aeon Siren http://products.z-wavealliance.org/products/1134/embedpics

~Mike

[MWareman]

I found the Range Extender that Michel liked to useless (sorry, Michel, but that's my specific situation). However, the Aeon Siren worked wonders--in my situation.

This matches my experience. Aeotec range extenders did nothing appreciable (I had 3 of the strategically placed around the house). Two Aeotec Sirens at opposite ends of my house solved all of my com issues.

[giesen]

I use the Aoen Smart Switch 6 as range extenders. While the on-off doesn't seem to work properly, the range extension works great for my Z-Wave door locks

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi telljcl,

 

Correct. You are welcome to go ahead with the external antenna solution and keep an eye out for directional communication issues. Also, the longer the pigtail from the antenna to ISY, the more the attenuation of the signal. So, I would not use a very long antenna cable unless the antenna itself has high gain.

 

With kind regards,

Michel