Hi,
I added an external antenna to my Globallink 520 the other day. Signal strength was boosted by 5 -10Db, so no complaints there! The antenna used is the one Victron recommends on it's site.
Statusscreen keeps saying that an internal antenna is used (lower right in picture):
Do I have to make adjustments in the configuration to get this reading to change to "external antenna used"?
Any thoughts on this appreciated, greetings!
Jan
I suspect you’re still on “Internal” antenna.
You have to move the tiny switch next to the antenna connector to EXTERNAL.
Your signal strength with an external antenna should jump up to around -65dBm to -70dBm. Your current signal strength of around -85dBm is typical for the internal antenna.
Signal level RSSI depends on many factors. I have seen similar on one of my units which showed Internal in both positions of the switch (later deemed faulty). Try the switch in both locations and compare signal level (reboot unit each time and only flip switch with power disconnected). Make sure the GL520 rests in somewhat same position each time you test.
First of all: I really, really like this Globallink 520!
Thanks Jolir and thanks Ostein Henno (never seem to get the "O's" right, not for lack of trying),
Both of your answers have helped me a lot:
Jolir, you were right, I had not switched to "external" on the device. Had overlooked it completely. Had the GL520 mounted as high as possible and just screwed the antenna in without looking for switches).
Switching it "upped" RSSI by almost 10dB. Thanks for this solid piece of advice.
Henno, Thanks also! Like you said: according to the VRM graph the antenna is still in "intern" mode (which I'm sure it isn't), so tomorrow I'm going to try your recommendations and reboot stuff. See what happens.
Overall very happy with the 10dB boost, although to be honest ... I barely had any glitches before ...
have a great evening!
jan
At around -65dBm to -75dBm, you’ll get a faster data rate and few data dropouts. Below around -75dBm, you’ll get dropouts and at <-85dBm, the link will be unreliable.
