GPS Puck Mounting Guide for ePMP 4600, Force4600C and Force 4625

Products ePMP
1

Purpose

The GPS puck provides geo-location data for AFC operations and timing synchronization to ensure efficient network performance in TDD (Time Division Duplexing) mode. Proper installation is essential for reliable GPS signal reception.

Mounting Guidelines

1. Placement Considerations

  • Elevation: Mount the GPS puck at the highest possible point on the mast or pole to maximize satellite visibility.
  • Line of Sight: Ensure a clear 360° view of the sky. Avoid placing the puck under eaves, nearby antennas, or other obstructions.
  • Separation from Potential RF Interferers: Keep the receive antenna as far from other RF Emitters as possible, unwanted noise may couple into the receiver and degrade the performance. In some cases additional shielding may be necessary to gain additional isolation from a higher power transmitter.
  • Facing Upward: The flat surface of the puck must face directly upward to receive satellite signals effectively.

2. Mounting Options

Depending on your kit and installation preferences, you may choose one of the following methods:

A. Pole Mount with Zip Ties

  1. Use zip ties to attach the puck to the top of the mast or pole.
  2. Ensure the puck is secure and level, facing skyward.
  3. Route the cable downward along the pole and secure it with additional ties.

B. Magnetic Mount (if puck supports magnet)

  1. Mount directly on a metallic surface with clear sky visibility.
  2. Confirm the surface is clean and rust-free to ensure secure attachment.

Cable Routing

  • Route the cable carefully along the mast or structure.
  • Avoid sharp bends or stress points on the cable.
  • Use weather-resistant zip ties or clips every 30–50 cm.
  • Ensure the cable enters the radio unit via the designated GPS port.
  • Use a drip loop before the radio entry to prevent water ingress.

Waterproofing

  • Use weatherproof tape or sealing compound around the GPS connector at the radio end.
  • Ensure all connectors are tight and properly shielded from moisture. When there is a GPS SMA connector, please torque to 1Nm.

Device-Specific Notes

ePMP 4600

  • ePMP4600 has built-in GPS module and external GPS puck antenna.
  • The GPS SMA port is located on the bottom panel.
  • Use the protective cap if the GPS port is unused.
  • For GPS sync to function, confirm the radio is configured to use “External GPS” in the timing settings.

Force 4600C

  • ePMP4600C has built-in GPS module and external GPS puck antenna.
  • The GPS SMA port is located on the bottom panel.
  • Use the protective cap if the GPS port is unused.

Force 4625

  • Force 4625 doesn’t have built in GPS module, it has external GPS module that can be connected to USB port on the radio.
  • The USB GPS port is located on the bottom panel close to RJ45 Ethernet port.
  • The puck must be connected to the designated USB GPS input port on the device.
  • GPS Sync is not supported.

Post-Installation Checklist

  • Puck is mounted securely and facing the sky
  • Cable is properly routed and strain-relieved
  • GPS port connection is secure and weatherproofed
  • GPS lock confirmed via web UI or monitoring tool
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