This simple calculator adds several system elements together to provide an idea of the MAXIMUM POSSIBLE MARGIN of a connection. It will not tell you the expected received signal strength of a link.

     Calculating the maximum margin of a link will demonstrate if a “Line of Sight” connection is possible.

     Once the power threshold for a line of sight connection is determined additional losses from terrain, antenna placement, noise, obstacles and other factors are used to estimate the received signal strength. SATEL U.S.A. recommends maintaining a margin of 20 dB or more for the most reliable connection.

You will need the following data:

• Transmitter power in +dBm for both locations.
• Cable and Accessory Losses for both locations in +dB.
• Antenna gain for both locations in +dBi.
• Receiver Sensitivity for both locations in -dBm.
• Free Space Loss between the two locations.