KBC Networks
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Can KBC products control dome cameras wirelessly?
Yes, the MiniLink encoders and decoders as well as Data 900/2400 transceivers will transmit RS232, 422/485, 2 and 4 wire data protocols.
The data systems will operate in a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint configuration. The encoder and decoder can be used to send data across anything that can send Ethernet (MiniLink WES, network, cables, etc).
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How many channels do the MiniLink Data 900/2400 have?
The MiniLink Data 900/2400 systems utilize digital spread spectrum technology. In most data applications, the PTZ or data system gets its addressing information from the control system. Therefore, these systems can communication with an unlimited number of PTZ or data devices. -
How do I configure a MiniLink Data 900/2400 transceiver?
The MiniLink Data 900/2400 transceivers are programmable using the CTU software located on our software tools page. If the factory settings need to be changed, load the application software on a computer and connect the MiniLink Data 900/2400 to the computer using the supplied 9-pin serial cable. Select all settings as desired. For more detailed instructions, refer to the system manual which can be downloaded in PDF format from the Data 900/2400 Products page. -
Do installations require line of sight between transmitters and receivers?
Clear and wide-open line of sight is required in order to connect at the specified range. KBC defines line of sight as being a wide-open path, an area large enough to fly an airplane between the transmitter and receiver antennas. Visibly seeing the antennas through tree branches or any other obstruction does not constitute wide-open line of sight. If you think your application is marginal, it is recommended that a site test be conducted. To make various applications more flexible, KBC's products can be remoted from the camera and/or receive location in order to obtain line of sight. -
Is the wireless signal able to penetrate objects?
In some cases. It actually would depend upon the composition of the obstruction, how many obstructions exist in the line of sight and the desired distance of transmission among other environmental concerns. KBC's systems are able to penetrate some objects, however, this typically results in range loss and possible video degradation. Brick, concrete, water, trees and thick metal objects are extremely difficult to penetrate because the signal bounces and refracts off of those substances. It is unlikely that KBC's Part 15 products will transmit a signal through such conditions. Trees are also a very difficult substance to pass through due to their density. Since every obstruction could reduce signal quality and/or transmission distance, transmitting through objects is not advised. -
Why is the ML 5.8 System factory set to channel 10?
Digital devices are becoming more and more prevalent even in the 5 GHz band. However, the digital frequencies allowable by FCC for license-free use do not go up as high as KBC's Analog 5.8 GHz Series. In case there are 802.11a deives in the area, channels 9 and 10 are both above the frequencies used for those digital systems. -
What are the differences between the 5.8 GHz Systems and the 5.8 GHz Modular Systems?
The difference between these systems is the transmitter. The MiniLink 5.8 GHz Modular system comes with a modular TXM transmitter with an omni-directional antennA: The video, audio and power connections are made on a 4-pin plug versus standard connectors. The TXM transmitter is also smaller than the standard transmitter. -
Are KBC systems compatible with solar power or batteries?
Yes. When ordering a solar power system a number of factors should be considered. The most important variable is the amount of sun hours per day for the particular geographic region. This will be the determining factor for the size of the solar panels and the type of battery needed to operate the camera and transmission equipment. All KBC products operate on DC power. Please refer to KBC's solar application guide for more details regarding solar applications. -
Do rain and/or snow affect the transmit signal?
The transmission signal is unaffected by weather elements at the current frequencies. -
Can more than one system be operated at the same location?
Yes. There can be as many systems as there are channels for each product. The user could use ten MiniLink 5.8 GHz systems in the same area simultaneously with out channel interference. Likewise, the user could use eight MiniLink WES systems in a similar fashion. Please contact KBC for help with systems larger than 10 cameras. -
Since all KBC wireless video products have multiple channels, do I need a receiver for every transmitter?
While all KBC products have multiple channels, analog video operates in a point-to-point fashion, meaning that every transmitter needs its own receiver. This restraint is due to the fact that each receiver can only process one signal at a time in a live feed from each camera: Since each transmitter/receiver system is set on its own individual channel, a MiniLink 5.8 GHz user could have ten systems operating simultaneously without experiencing any cross interference between the systems. -
How many channels do KBC systems have?
Wireless Ethernet Systems (WES) - 8 Channels and 5.8 GHz systems - 10 Channels -
What is the maximum distance allotted between camera and transmitter before signal loss occurs?
Up to 500 feet of standard RG59 coaxial cable. -
What types of antennas are necessary?
The type of antenna needed varies based upon which system is being used. Different antennas are used for different frequencies depending on the distance needed. Transmitting a further distance is accomplished by increasing the gain on the antenna (if allowable by FCC). All KBC systems are categorized by distance, and their corresponding part numbers include the necessary antennas for the distance specified. Please see our MiniLink Accessories page for antenna specifications and compatibilities. -
Can the cable between the transmit/receive unit and the antenna be extended?
This is not recommended in almost every circumstance because it will make the unit very susceptible to signal loss in that extension. -
Can I extend the length of the cable from the receiver to the LNB?
Cable lengths should be a minimum of 10 feet and a maximum of 100 feet of RG-6 co-axial cable. Rather than extending the RG-6, consider locating the receiver box closer to the LNB provided it is in a safe weatherproof location. -
What is an omni-directional antenna
An omni-directional antenna sends off radio frequency in all directions from the antenna, as opposed to a directional antenna, which sends frequency in a straight line. An omni-directional antenna is ideal if the orientation of the transmitter will not be constant. This may be the case in mobile, covert or other similar applications. -
What is a directional antenna?
A directional antenna sends off radio frequency in one focused direction from the antenna and is ideal for point to point applications. -
What is a circular polarized antenna?
A circular polarity antenna sends off radio frequency in a directional"" left or right circle from the antenna. If visible", the transmission signal would look like a spring. MicroTek does not offer standard circular polarized antennas for a number of reasons. The main reason being that circular antennas are twice as susceptible to outside interference when compared to omni-directional or directional linear polarized antennas.
Since a circular polarized signal path is a directional 360-degree circle, it is more susceptible to vertical and/or horizontal interference. This interference cannot be filtered out due to the circular nature of the signal. While circular polarized antennas will allow signals to be transmitted further, the tradeoff in interference may offset that advantage. 404,154,N,What is Polarity?,"Polarity refers to what direction and plane the signal is transmitting upon. MicroTek's products can either be set on a vertical or horizontal polarity. It is important that both the transmitter and receiver are set on the same polarity. Positioning the antenna vertically or horizontally changes a transmitter or receiver's polarity. -
Which antenna polarity should I use?
In most mobile applications an omni-directional transmit antenna is most desirable because it does not require aiming. The most common antenna polarity is vertical due to the radiation pattern of the popular dipole antenna. Remember that antenna polarity must match at the transmit and receive sides for each separate channel of operation. On the other hand, directional antennas offer much greater distances with equivalent power output. -
What are the differences between analog and digital transmission?
Analog transmissions are live (real time) and maintain the specified video resolution once set up. KBC's 5.8 GHz analog video transmission systems can support 500+ lines of resolution and 10 live video feeds can be co-located in given area. Digital transmissions use a spread spectrum technology transmitting and receiving data packets at an extremely rapid rate on multiple frequencies within a channel select.
These data packets can fail in their attempt to communicate with the remote/host side but minor and random packet loss will not result in video loss. In fact, the lines and artifacts in the video that is specific to analog transmission difficulties are not seen in digital systems. -
Which KBC products are digital and which products are analog?
The MiniLink Wireless Ethernet System is a digital product because it sends its signal in packets of zeros and ones. This compressed signal transmission method enables it to be more effective in RF harsh environments than its analog predecessor. The MiniLink WES can be connected to an analog video device with the use of an encoder/decoder pair so an analog camera is not limited to an analog wireless system.
The MiniLink 5.8 GHz video and audio system is an analog wireless technology product. This system can be connected to an analog camera with a simple coaxial connection and requires no extra encode/decode devices. -
Where can I find out information about the F.C.C.?
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Where does the F.C.C.'s jurisdiction apply?
Only the U.S.A. and its possessions. -
Can KBC equipment be used legally overseas?
KBC equipment can be used overseas. However, an overseas customer is responsible for verifying that KBC systems comply with the laws of the country the equipment is to be used in. -
Does KBC's Minilink transmission equipment require an FCC license for operation?
KBC transmission equipment can be divided into two product lines: FCC Part 15 approved and FCC Part 90 approved. Part 15 approved products, such as all WES, 5.8 GHz systems and Data systems do not require a user license. KBC does offer long-range super high power 2.4 GHz products, which can transmit from 3 to 160 miles in a line of sight interference free environment. While these products are FCC Part 90 approved, the end user will need to obtain a site license to operate this equipment legally. Product use and licensing or Part 90 products are the sole responsibility of the end user. -
When would using KBC's 2.4 Part 90 equipment be appropriate?
For the majority of applications, Part 90 equipment is not necessary or practical. Part 90 equipment requires a site license from the FCC and operates at the heavily trafficked 2.4 GHz frequency. It is most often used by local, state and federal government agencies, police departments, fire departments, bomb squads and other similar groups. -
What is the process for obtaining an FCC site license?
The end user must fill out the FCC form 601 and pay a documentation fee. This form requests the latitude and longitude of operation as well as other site evaluation questions in an effort to prevent high power interference/domination of products in a particular area.