Correct Device Placement

In order to install the devices it is important to understand a few things:

1. Sigfox is working on the edge of what’s physically possible. There is less margin in radio performance than in both WiFi and GSM. Sigfox needs to work across tens of kilometres and proper installation of devices is extremely important.

2. Sigfox is using 868/915 MHz frequencies that do not penetrate water or soil very well. Underground installation is possible, but coverage and antenna performance must be excellent for satisfying results. A signal repeater can be used for underground installation if there’s not many devices that will not emit too many messages, won’t require downlink and there’s good coverage outside. Otherwise Micro Access Point is recommended.

3. Modern office buildings quite often have metal plates on the external facade and windows coated in metal. GSM operators install indoor densification units in these buildings and Sigfox might need the local densification through Micro Access Point.

Check this article on improving Sigfox coverage!

Please note that in the SimpleIndustry/SimpleMeter, the PCB is perpendicular to the ground and not flat!

SimplePack/SimpleIndustry/SimpleMeter installation

You can install the SimplePack in any orientation. The emitting pattern is circular in all axes.

We are using a multi-frequency antenna so we are resistant to antenna detuning from direct contact with a large metal object. Even though the SimplePack is Sigfox Class 0, we recommend field tests of radio performance for every field deployment with limited Sigfox coverage. A non-conductive distance plate (spacer) of 2-3 cm in width can help if the radio performance is below expectations on and around larger metallic objects.

SimpleLeak installation

By its design, it should work fine in any environment. For deep basement water leakage monitoring, see Point 2 above.

Also - please don't use metallic duct tape for device fixation.