Frequently asked questions

Typical “rule of thumb” is that it is needed to raise the antennas as many meters from the ground level as is intention to reach distance in kilometers. The radio frequency bends over the horizon a bit, but all obstacles that comes to the zeppelin shaped Fresnel zone between the antennas effect to the RF link maximum range. Thus the typical ranges with around 400 MHz frequency range with 1 W transmitter power are up to ~30 kilometers and up to ~80 kilometers with 10 W transmitter power.

Please see the pdf document for more information

Data security is often a concern when using radio communication. In SATEL radio products, strong AES128/256-bit encryption (CTR-mode) on the air-interface ensures privacy in the radio network. The principle of encryption in the radio path is to collect a certain amount of data to a shift register and manipulate it according to a certain rule. Every data packet is encrypted individually

The product models that support the encryption for the RF interface can be viewed in SATEL WEB sites at www.satel.com/products/. The radio models that doesn’t support the encryption feature are compatible with the radio models with the encryption when the feature is disabled. The factory default value for the encryption feature is OFF state.

Please see the pdf for more information.

SATEL offers wide variety of cables and other accessories for radio modems, but which one to use with what modem?

Please see Cables for modems -document for more information.

Channel spacing: Defines the frequency difference between adjacent radio channels in the radio modem
Channel Width: Reserved channel bandwidth. Typically channel spacing is the same in the radio modems as the channel width.

Channel Spacing (width) with SATEL products:

• SATEL-EASy+, SATEL-TR4+, SATELLINE-EASy product and variants (SATELLINE-EASy Pro, -M3-TR1, SATEL Compact-Proof, EASy-Proof etc.): adjustable 25, 20*, 12.5 kHz
• SATELLAR XT 5R / 5RC products (QAM): adjustable 25 and 12.5 kHz

In the context of SATEL radio modems channel spacing defines also the width of the radio channel.

*) The only exception is that SATEL radio modems with 20 kHz channel spacing uses 12.5 kHz channel width.

Please see the pdf for more information.

Advantages of a license-free radio

• Quick deployment and cost-effective. No license required, no operating cost, no contracts
• Easy to use. Pre-programmed frequencies make them plug-and-play
• Global operations!

Disadvantages of license-free radios

• Limited range. Typically license-free frequencies are available on higher frequency bands with lower transmission power, so range is shorter.
• Interference-sensitive use. The shared nature of license-free frequencies means that multiple users can operate on the same channel, leading to potential interference and communication disruptions.
• Not suitable for business-critical nor emergency use cases. In this type of application, it is always recommended to use licensed frequencies.

When are license-free radios a great fit?

When high availability of communication link does not play a crucial role in the system, for example:

• Closed environments like factories or industrial areas, where the network is controlled and isolated
• Remote locations with minimal risk of other users in the selected frequency
• Open outdoor areas such as agricultural fields, construction sites, or mining areas where medium-range and low infrastructure needs matter
• Temporary setups, for example at sports events, outdoor exhibitions, or mobile operations, where quick deployment without licensing is essential

They offer cost-effective, flexible, and rapidly deployable solutions — especially where licensed infrastructure is unnecessary.

See the License-free frequencies -documentation on how to do this.

*For the RS-485 operation, the port2 must be configured by the user to RS-422 mode and then take care of the termination by the external cable or adapter. The difference of NARS-2 and CRS-PB is that NARS-2 provides two wire connectivity (4-wire for RS-422), whereas the CRS-PB provides D9 connectivity.
** Contact SATEL for availability

This depends slightly on the used radio modem as well as whether you have repeater in the network or not.

Please see the following PDF for details.

1. Enter the WEB user interface of SATELLAR
2. Go to Tools -tab -> NMS Value
3. Enter the value / values to fetch from the radio modem:
   • 1.111 for current RSSI value
   • 1.122 for current SNR value
4. Set the RMAC address that the values are fetched from
5. Press the “Get Values Repeatedly” and wait for reply
6. Check that the readings are in the required levels

Read the full answer.

SATELLAR USB-A port can be used to update and setting adjustment / replacement purposes during the electrical reboot of the SATELLAR. The required hardware for these tasks is a basic, FAT32 performatted flash drive. 

Read the full answer.