Summary

In this article, learn how to install all the antennas for your IG41.

Designed to meet the harsh demands of the most remote sites across a number of industries, Samsara offers several antenna options for amplifying cellular signals. This article lays out the options and installation considerations for each antenna type and outlines how to connect the device to the cloud.

First, to determine antenna type, determine the connectivity strength. We recommend the WilsonPro 460218 RF signal meter kit: Purchase page // Spec sheet // How to use. Refer to previous sites and cases for tower locations and local cellular issues

IG41 Antenna Options:

  1. Individual Stick Antennas Pack (sold separately) - with individual LTE, bluetooth/Wifi, LoRaWAN, and GPS. These are individual “stick” antennas that work best in areas with good service and when the IG41 is not installed in a metal enclosure.

  2. Array Antenna (most commonly used) (sold separately) - with LTE, bluetooth/Wifi, LoRaWAN, and GPS. Active / powered. The array antenna is mounted on a flat surface, generally the top of an enclosure. This antenna generally gets a better signal than the “stick” antennas, and forms a watertight seal with the enclosure.

  3. Directional Antenna (sold separately) - with only LTE (cellular). Suitable for hard to connect areas (when Array is not enough). For areas with the worst service, the directional antenna is recommended. These are typically installed on a 15’-20' push pole, with two coaxial cables with N-type connectors going from the antenna down to the enclosure. Bulkhead fittings can be used to securely pass the cable through the enclosure wall in order to connect to the IG41. This antenna needs to be pointing in the direction of the nearest cell tower, a signal meter can be used to tune the antenna for the strongest signal.

Datasheets and Install Guides

Go to All Datasheets and Install Guides and search for IG41 Antenna.

IG41 Individual Stick Antennas Pack Install Guide

Five antennas are included in the IG41 Individual Antenna Pack (Wifi, LTE1, LTE2, GPS, LoRa), one for each port. All of the antennas and ports are labeled, attach each of the antennas to their respective ports on the IG41.

LTE1 and LTE2

GPS

Wifi

Lora

IG41 Array Antenna Install Guide

If installing the IG41 in an enclosure, Samsara offers an array antenna that can be installed outside of the enclosure. The array antenna is omnidirectional and provides a higher gain than the standard antennas. 

  1. Drill a 16mm diameter hole in the enclosure - This will allow the antenna cables to pass through and be routed back to the IG41

  2. Mount the antenna outside the enclosure - The antenna can be screw-mounted or mounted with the included adhesive strip.

  3. Route the antenna cables to the corresponding connectors on the IG41. 

Important: Both cables should be connected to the LTE Main and LTE Aux SMA port on the IG41.

Warning: Sub_G antenna connector will plug into the 915Mhz connector and the WIFI connector will plug into the IG41s WIFI/BT connector. Be sure to connect the correct antenna lead to the correct corresponding gateway SMA connector.

IG21 vs. IG41 Array - There is one more cable on the IG41 array antenna for the diversity antenna, LTE2. The IG41 Array also uses an active GPS, while the IG21 uses inactive GPS. The GPS antenna is not compatible between the two units.

IG41 Directional Antenna Install Guide

Samsara offers directional antennas that can provide a more powerful signal when pointed at the nearest cellular tower. You can use a cellular signal meter to determine the direction of the strongest cellular signal and the nearest tower. Note: the IG41 directional antennas only carry cellular signals. 

Steps to install:

  • Mount the antenna via a push pole securely fastened to an existing structure, a pole cemented into the ground, or onto an existing pole.
    a. Ensure that the antenna is positioned at a high viewpoint, clear of obstacles.

  • Wire the two antenna leads back to the gateway using shielded coaxial cable with N Type connectors.*

Note: Cable must be purchased separately outside of Samsara. Speak to Samsara to ensure you get the correct cable.

Important: Both cables should be connected to the LTE Main and LTE Aux SMA port on the IG41.

  • Tune the antenna. The best method to tune the directional antenna is to use the signal meter to find the direction with the strongest signal. Another less accurate option is to find the location of the nearest cell tower and point the directional antenna that way.

There are two N-type connectors on the back of the directional, one for the main antenna and one for the diversity antenna. The IG41 uses SMA connectors. The most common cable strategy is an N-type connector bulkhead panel mounted with a SMA whip attached for the IG41 inside the enclosure.

Recommended Cable Length and Types

Cable Type

Cable Length

LMR 195/200

15 feet or less (best for enclosure forming)

LMR 400

Up to 50 feet

LMR 600

50 feet to 130 feet

LMR 900

130 feet or greater

Additional Antenna Supplies and Components

  • Gland for Array Antenna CGB192

  • Lighting Arrestor for Directional Antenna

  • SMA connector male to female (whip)