User's Manual
MDS 05-6399A01, Rev. D MDS Master Station 23
Table 3-1
Signal Loss in Coaxial Cables (at 900 MHz)
Cable Type
10 Feet
(3 Meters)
50 Feet
(15 Meters)
100 Feet
(30.5 Meters)
200 Feet
(61 Meters)
RG-8A/U
0.85 dB 4.27 dB 8.54 dB 17.08 dB
1/2 inch HELIAX
0.23 dB 1.15 dB 2.29 dB 4.58 dB
7/8 inch HELIAX
0.13 dB 0.64 dB 1.28 dB 2.56 dB
1-1/4 inch
HELIAX
0.10 dB 0.48 dB 0.95 dB 1.90 dB
1-5/8 inch
HELIAX
0.08 dB 0.40 dB 0.80 dB 1.60 dB
Table 3-2 Signal Loss in Coaxial Cables (at 400 MHz)
Cable Type
10 Feet
(3 Meters)
50 Feet
(15 Meters)
100 Feet
(30.5 Meters)
200 Feet
(61 Meters)
RG-8A/U
0.51 dB 2.53 dB 5.07 dB 10.14 dB
1/2 inch HELIAX
0.12 dB 0.76 dB 1.51 dB 3.02 dB
7/8 inch HELIAX
0.08 dB 0.42 dB 0.83 dB 1.66 dB
1-1/4 inch HELIAX
0.06 dB 0.31 dB 0.62 dB 1.24 dB
1-5/8 inch HELIAX
0.05 dB 0.26 dB 0.52 dB 1.04 dB
3.5 Grounding Considerations
To minimize the chance of damage to the radio and connected equipment, a safety ground (NEC Class 2
compliant) is recommended which bonds the Master Station, antenna system, and connected data equip-
ment to a single-point ground, keeping all ground leads as short as possible.
The Master Station should be grounded using the #6-32 screw and star washer provided for this purpose
on the rear panel.
The use of a lightning protector is also recommended where the antenna cable enters the equipment
building; bond the protector to the tower/mast ground, if applicable. All grounds and cabling must comply
with applicable codes and regulations.