Remote BLE

Fuellox supports the use of a Remote BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) aerial for enhanced connectivity.

This option is particularly beneficial when the Fuellox unit is installed in enclosed or obstructed environments such as:

• Electrical cabinets
• Pump housings
• Containers or pump bays
• Remote or shielded locations

For optimal performance, mount the BLE aerial in a location with clear line of sight to all operator positions. The aerial can be installed either vertically or horizontally depending on the site layout.

Water Ingress

Be sure to weather proof any exterior aerial connections.

Aerial Assembly

The image below shows the Remote BLE Aerial Assembly used for extended communication range.

Note

This unit is displayed prior to the installation of heat shrink tubing over the cable joint for weatherproofing and protection.

Antenna Specifications

Item	Spec
Mounting	Threaded Stud 13mm for 16mm hole
Frequency MHz	2400 - 2500
Tuned Bandwidth	Full. No tuning required
VSWR	<1.5:1 VSWR
Polarisation	Vertical
Nominal Gain [dBi]	6
Frequency Range [MHz]	2400 - 2500
Connector	SMA(M)
Cable And Connector	5.0m CELLFOIL cable terminated with SMA male connector Connects directly to PCB Pigtail
Antenna Type	Omni
Antenna Application	Outdoor & Vehicle Antenna
Frequency Band	Single Band 2.4GHz suits BLE
Antenna Configuration	SISO
Beamwidth E / H	22° / 360°
Dimensions	420mm L x 16mm Diameter 0.26 Kg

Antenna Performance

E Plane Radiation

VSWR Response

Aerial Connector

The image below highlights the Aerial Connector mounted inside the iFUEL Mobile enclosure for connecting the remote BLE aerial.

Weatherproof Connection

To prevent corrosion of the aerial internals over time, it is essential to ensure proper weatherproofing. Follow these guidelines:

1. Make sure the join is tight and secure.

2. Apply a waterproof compound such as Vaseline or non-conductive grease over the join.

3. Wrap the join using a long section of heat-activated insulation.

4. Surround the aerial cable in a suitable conduit to protect it from environmental exposure.

Parts

The extension cable used is an SMA to SMA type. Ensure that the female threaded end contains a center pin, which is required for proper connection.

You may refer to an example of compatible part available here: Jaycar SMA to SMA extension cable.

Position the Fuellox unit within appropriate proximity to the user. Cables exceeding 5–10 meters are typically too long and may result in signal degradation.

The puck-style aerial is available as a replacement part from IOTIQ Pty Ltd.

Installation Steps

Follow the below steps to properly install the Remote BLE Aerial:

1. Mount the aerial in a location with a clear line of sight to the operator.

2. Route the cable to the Fuellox unit.

3. Insert the SMA cable into the Fuellox enclosure through a gland fitting (e.g., Size 16 or similar).

4. Carefully connect the cable to the SMA connector inside the enclosure.

5. Complete any cable joins as needed and refer to the weatherproofing instructions above.

6. Install the cable inside a suitable conduit for protection.

7. Test the aerial to confirm it is functioning properly.

Range

The standard design range for Bluetooth is 10 meters. However, in most cases, Fuellox will operate reliably within a 10–15 meter range. The use of a remote aerial typically ensures a strong and stable signal at up to 15 meters.

Note

Performance may be affected by RF interference in the surrounding area.

Common sources of RF noise that can impact Bluetooth signals include:

• High-powered Cellular or Wi-Fi equipment.
• 3-phase motor operation.
• Competing signals in the 2.4 GHz frequency range.
• General electrical noise in the environment.