Learn how to choose the ideal location, position antennas, and install the Smart Receiver, Smart Receiver PRO, and Smart Receiver Ultra to ensure reliable communication with the sensors at your plant.
Before You Start
Make sure you have everything listed below before starting the installation:
A Tractian receiver (Smart Receiver, Smart Receiver PRO, or Smart Receiver Ultra) with its accessories
Tractian sensors already installed on the assets to be monitored
Access to a power outlet (110/220V)
A mounting surface (wall or structure) in an elevated position, preferably about 6.5 feet (2 meters) above the sensors
For the Smart Receiver and Smart Receiver PRO: an acrylic protective enclosure if the environment is exposed to water, dust, or particulates
Important: Do not install any receiver inside metal electrical panels. Metal enclosures block the receiver's signal. Use plastic electrical panels, which do not interfere with signal propagation.
Understanding Signal Propagation
Understanding how signals behave in industrial environments helps you choose the best installation location and avoid connectivity problems.
How Obstacles Affect the Signal
When a wireless signal travels from a sensor to a receiver, physical obstacles in the path can weaken or distort it through three phenomena:
Reflection — The signal bounces off the surface. Common in metal, thick glass, ceramic tiles, and smooth coated surfaces.
Absorption — The surface absorbs part of the signal's energy. Common in concrete, wood, and water.
Transmission — The signal passes through the material with some loss. Common in regular glass, plastic, wood, and drywall.
In most real-world environments, all three phenomena occur simultaneously, in proportions that vary depending on the material.
Signal Loss by Obstacle Type
The table below shows the approximate signal loss (in decibels) caused by common obstacles:
Obstacle | Signal Loss (dB) |
Wooden door | 6 |
Brick wall (~6 in / 15 cm) | 15–20 |
Concrete | 15–25 |
Reinforced concrete | 20–25 |
The higher the dB value, the greater the signal loss. A reinforced concrete wall, for example, can drastically reduce your receiver's effective range.
Tractian Sensors — Antenna Locations
Knowing where the antenna is on each sensor helps you orient the receiver correctly.
Smart Trac PRO
The antenna is located on the left side of the sensor when you are looking directly at the Tractian logo.
Smart Trac Ultra
The antenna is located on the top of the sensor.
Tractian Receivers — Models and Specifications
Smart Receiver
The Smart Receiver has two antennas: one for the network signal and another for sensor connectivity.
Smart Receiver PRO
The Smart Receiver PRO has three antennas: one for the network signal, one for connection with classic sensors, and one for connection with PRO sensors.
Important: The Smart Receiver and Smart Receiver PRO must not be exposed to weather, dust, water, or other factors that may damage the receiver. Use the acrylic protective enclosure when installing in exposed environments.
Smart Receiver Ultra
The Smart Receiver Ultra has four antennas: one for the network signal, two for sensor connectivity, and one for the Wi-Fi signal.
The Smart Receiver Ultra has an IP69K rating, meaning it is fully protected against dust, rain, water jets, and steam. It is not protected against submersion.
Because of the IP69K protection, the Smart Receiver Ultra does not require a protective enclosure for outdoor installations.
Comparison: Smart Receiver PRO vs. Smart Receiver Ultra
Feature | Smart Receiver PRO | Smart Receiver Ultra |
Range | 165 ft (50 m) | 330 ft (100 m) |
Max. supported sensors | Up to 40 * | Up to 100 * |
Mounting | Magnet or Hellermann tape | Magnet, screw, or Hellermann tape |
Voltage | 110/220V | 110/240V |
Operating temperature | 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to +60°C) | -22°F to 158°F (-30°C to +70°C) |
IP rating | None | IP69K |
💡 Tip: The maximum sensor counts above are theoretical limits. We recommend a ratio of 1 receiver per 20 sensors whenever possible.
How to Position the Receiver
Correct positioning is the most important factor in ensuring reliable communication with the sensors. Follow these guidelines in order of priority.
Step 1: Choose an Elevated, Centered Location
Choose a point approximately 6.5 feet (2 meters) above the sensors you want to monitor.
Position the receiver as centrally as possible relative to all sensors in the area. This reduces signal shadows and ensures uniform coverage.
Make sure the receiver is facing directly toward the sensors.
Step 2: Minimize Obstacles in the Signal Path
Choose a location that offers a direct line of sight between the receiver and the largest possible number of sensors.
Avoid positioning the receiver behind walls, large equipment, or metal structures relative to the sensors.
Step 3: Keep the Receiver Away from Surfaces
Do not mount the receiver flush against a wall or ceiling. Leave space between the receiver and the surface.
Walls reflect and absorb signal, creating signal shadows — zones the signal cannot reach. The closer to the wall, the larger these dead zones become.
Step 4: Adjust the Antenna Angle
This step applies only to the Smart Receiver and Smart Receiver PRO, which have adjustable external antennas. The Smart Receiver Ultra has internal antennas and does not require adjustment.
Tilt each antenna at a 45° angle relative to the receiver's vertical axis.
Do not leave the antennas fully vertical. In that position, the signal concentrates in a narrow band around the base of the receiver and may not reach sensors at different heights.
Do not point the antennas directly at a sensor. The antenna emits almost zero signal along its own axis. Any sensor aligned with the tip of the antenna ends up in a dead zone.
Installation Locations and Scenarios
Installing the receiver within the recommended limits is essential to prevent interference and ensure stable communication. Maintaining a clear line of sight between the sensors and the receiver is very important, as it directly contributes to communication efficiency and overall system stability.
The scenarios below illustrate common positioning mistakes and how to correct them.
Scenario 1: Asset Shadowing
Problem: In this scenario, the receiver is installed in Zone A of the plant, while sensors in Zone B are located at a greater distance. Between these two zones, physical barriers significantly impact signal propagation, even when the installation is within the recommended maximum distance of 330 feet (100 meters).
As the signal from the sensors passes through these obstacles, progressive attenuation occurs, reducing signal strength and compromising communication. Materials such as metal and concrete can reflect and absorb portions of the signal, making propagation more difficult and potentially causing communication failures, delays, or data transmission loss.
Solution: To address this issue, install a new receiver closer to the sensors in Zone B, ensuring a clear line of sight free from large structures that could attenuate the signal. Additionally, install the receiver approximately 6.5 feet (2 meters) above the sensors to optimize signal propagation and minimize further obstructions. This approach stabilizes communication without affecting the sensors already connected to the receiver in Zone A.
Even if you cannot move the sensor, repositioning the receiver to the opposite side or a higher point usually solves the problem.
Scenario 2: Installation Distances
Problem: In this scenario, the receiver is installed too far from the sensors, compromising communication quality. Even in the absence of significant physical barriers, transmission efficiency decreases with distance, which can lead to data transmission failures.
Solution: To ensure stable operation, the receiver should be repositioned closer to the sensors to maintain appropriate range and reliable communication. The maximum distance between the sensors and the receiver depends on the environment:
Open field: The signal can reach up to 0.6 miles (1 km), depending on the plant's topology.
Indoor environment: A maximum distance of 330 feet (100 meters) is recommended, considering physical barriers and interference.
If greater coverage is required, installing additional receivers is essential to extend range and maintain communication quality.
Scenario 3: Receiver on a Side Wall, Far from Half of the Sensors
Problem: The receiver is mounted on a wall, near only half of the sensors. The other half is behind obstacles with no direct line of sight.
Solution (option 1): Move the receiver higher on the same wall so that the signal passes above the obstacles.
Solution (option 2): Reposition the receiver on an opposite wall, centrally located, so it faces all of the sensors.
Scenario 4: Sensors Up High, Receiver Down Low
Problem: The sensors are installed high up in the plant, but the receiver is mounted low on the wall. The height difference compromises communication.
Solution: Move the receiver higher on the same wall, at least 6.5 feet (2 meters) above the sensor positions. This allows the signal to have a clear path down to the sensors.
Installation Tips by Receiver Model
Smart Receiver and Smart Receiver PRO
Keep the antennas away from walls and surfaces — do not let them touch or press against anything.
Do not point the antennas directly at a sensor (see Step 4 above).
Do not enclose the receiver in a metal box or panel.
Position the receiver approximately 6.5 feet (2 meters) above the sensors.
Install the sensors on the asset in a position where the body of the asset does not create a signal shadow.
In open areas, ensure a direct line of sight between the sensor and the receiver.
Smart Receiver Ultra
Do not enclose the receiver in a metal box or panel.
Position the receiver approximately 6.5 feet (2 meters) above the sensors.
Install the sensors on the asset in a position where the body of the asset does not create a signal shadow.
In open areas, ensure a direct line of sight between the sensor and the receiver.
💡 Tip: The Smart Receiver Ultra does not have adjustable external antennas, so there is no antenna angle to adjust.
Installation Accessories
Acrylic Protective Enclosure (BR/EU)
The acrylic enclosure protects the Smart Receiver and Smart Receiver PRO from water, dust, and particulates in exposed environments. The signal loss caused by the enclosure is minimal.
The Smart Receiver Ultra has IP69K protection and does not need a protective enclosure.
Antenna Extender
In areas where mobile network coverage is weak near the sensors, you can use an antenna extender cable. This allows you to:
Install the body of the receiver near the sensors (for short-range communication with the sensors).
Run the extender cable to a location with better mobile network coverage.
Mount the antenna at that location using the Antenna Mount accessory.
If you need to use an antenna extender, contact the Tractian team.
Troubleshooting: Weak or Lost Signal
If the sensors are not communicating with the receiver after installation, investigate the causes below, from the most common to the least common.
Cause 1: Obstacles Blocking the Signal Path
Symptom: Some sensors connect, but others drop intermittently or never connect.
Fix: Check whether there are walls, large equipment, or metal structures between the receiver and the affected sensors. Reposition the receiver to obtain a cleaner line of sight, or add an extra receiver on the other side of the obstacle.
Cause 2: Receiver Mounted Too Close to the Wall
Symptom: Sensors on one side of the receiver connect, but sensors behind it or beside it do not.
Fix: Move the receiver away from the wall to reduce signal shadowing. Leave at least 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) of distance between the receiver and any surface.
Cause 3: Antennas in the Wrong Position
Symptom: Sensors at different heights from the receiver do not connect.
Fix: Adjust the antennas to 45° relative to vertical (Smart Receiver and Smart Receiver PRO only). Confirm that no antenna is pointed directly at a sensor.
Cause 4: Receiver Installed Inside a Metal Cabinet
Symptom: No sensor connects, or the receiver does not show a network signal.
Fix: Remove the receiver from the metal panel immediately. Install it on the outside, using a plastic panel or the acrylic protective enclosure if environmental protection is needed.
Cause 5: Receiver Too Far from the Sensors
Symptom: Sensors at the edge of the coverage area connect and disconnect intermittently.
Fix: Check the distance against the range limits of your receiver model (165 ft / 50 m for the PRO, 330 ft / 100 m for the Ultra indoors, and up to 0.6 miles / 1 km for the Smart Receiver Ultra in open line of sight). Add an extra receiver to cover the most distant sensors.
If the issue persists after all the attempts above, contact Tractian's technical support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many sensors does a single receiver support?
The Smart Receiver PRO supports up to 40 sensors and the Smart Receiver Ultra supports up to 100. However, for best performance, use a ratio of 1 receiver per 20 sensors.
Q: Does the acrylic protective enclosure weaken the signal?
The loss is minimal. The enclosure is made of acrylic (a type of plastic), which allows signal transmission with very little attenuation.
Q: Can I install the Smart Receiver Ultra outdoors?
Yes. The IP69K rating protects against dust, rain, water jets, and steam. It is not protected against submersion, so do not install it in locations where it could become submerged.
Q: Why shouldn't I point the antenna directly at a sensor?
The antenna emits almost zero signal along its own axis (the direction of the tip). A sensor aligned with the tip of the antenna ends up in a dead zone and will not receive a signal.
Q: Can I install the receiver inside any electrical panel?
Only inside non-metal panels (such as plastic ones). Metal panels act as a Faraday cage and block the signal completely.