— Installer Guide
Bosch CM746B
Antenna
The CM746B 4G plug-on module for the Bosch Solution 6000 ships with a magnetic antenna that Bosch's own description says mounts “onto the metal cabinet”. That is exactly where signal is weakest. If a CM746B is dropping out, get the antenna off the cabinet, out into clear air above it, and use a low-loss lead.
Magnetic
Supplied antenna
Own SIM
BYO 4G SIM
2.51.04+
Solution 6000 firmware
Check
Connector type
What the CM746B is
Bosch's description, as published by its Australian wholesalers:
“The CM746B 4G radio module allows you to interface Solution 144 & Solution 6000 security control panels to the GSM/GPRS/SMS network providing a high reliability primary or backup reporting path. The unit is designed to plug onto the main control panel with the supplied antenna mounting onto the metal cabinet.”
It needs your own 4G SIM, and wholesalers list it for Solution 6000 panels on firmware 2.51.04 or higher.
Check the connector first
We couldn't find a published Bosch document that states the CM746B's antenna connector. Its successor, the CM748B, uses SMA. Check the connector on your module before ordering, or send us a photo through the quote form below and we'll confirm.
Bosch CM746B description →Why “onto the metal cabinet” is the problem
A magnetic base antenna needs a metal surface to work against, so the cabinet is the natural place to stick it. But the cabinet is usually in a cupboard, a riser or a plant room, often low on a wall and surrounded by more steel and concrete. The antenna ends up in the worst RF spot in the building.
The typical story: it reports at commissioning, then drops out intermittently weeks later. The panel isn't faulty. The signal margin was never there.
The fix, in order
- 1
Get the supplied antenna off the cabinet and as high as its lead allows, clear of metal clutter.
- 2
Fit an external antenna above the cabinet, on the wall or a short pole, on a low-loss lead.
- 3
Check signal after the change, not just a successful test report.
Bosch sells its own AN110 outdoor 4G antenna with 15 m of RG58 cable, listed as an accessory in the CM748B datasheet. The antennas below are for when you need a different gain, a different length, or a different termination.
Which D&G antenna fits
All figures are from the D&G datasheets. Confirm the CM746B's connector first, then order the matching termination. Every antenna is tested before dispatch: what we build in Penrith on our Anritsu Site Master, supply-partner products by the partner to D&G specification.
| Antenna | Gain | Bands | Lead | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DG900MB-HG | 7.0 dBi at 700–1000 MHz, 3.5 dBi at 1710–2600 MHz | 680–960 / 1710–2700 MHz | 2.5, 5 or 10 m ALSR195 low-loss, SMA | Weak or fringe signal, where band 28 matters most |
| DG850LP-MB | 5.0 dBi at 700–960 MHz, 3.5 dBi at 1710–2700 MHz | 700–960 / 1710–2700 MHz | 2.5, 5 or 10 m RG58, 16 mm stud mount | Where a low profile is needed. Ground dependent, so mount it on a metal surface or bracket |
| DG850MB-MINI | 3.5 dBi at 690–960 MHz, 7.5 dBi at 1710–2700 MHz | 690–960 / 1710–2700 MHz | 2.5 or 5 m standard, custom lengths to order | Compact option, strongest on the upper bands |
The lead matters as much as the antenna
On a 10 m run at 900 MHz, a 7 dBi antenna on RG174 nets about −0.05 dB. The thin cable eats more than the antenna gives. The same antenna on 10 m of ALSR195 still nets about +3.35 dB. For runs longer than about 10 m, ask for a heavier cable or a custom assembly.
| Cable | Loss at 900 MHz, per 100 m | Per 10 m | 7 dBi antenna nets |
|---|---|---|---|
| RG174 | 70.5 dB | 7.05 dB | −0.05 dB |
| RG58C/U | 53.2 dB | 5.32 dB | +1.68 dB |
| ALSR195 | 36.5 dB | 3.65 dB | +3.35 dB |
Sources: CoaxRF RG174 guide, McGill Microwave RG58C/U datasheet, Times Microwave LMR-195 datasheet (ALSR195 is the LMR-195 equivalent).
Questions installers ask
What antenna comes with the Bosch CM746B?
A magnetic base antenna that Bosch describes as mounting onto the metal cabinet.
Why does my CM746B keep dropping out?
Usually because the antenna is on or in the steel cabinet, in a low-signal spot. Move it out and up, or fit an external antenna on a low-loss lead.
What connector is on the CM746B?
We haven't found it in a published Bosch document. The later CM748B uses SMA. Check your unit before ordering, or send us a photo and we'll confirm.
Should I upgrade to the CM748B instead?
The CM748B is Bosch's LTE Cat 1 module with dual SIM. An upgrade doesn't fix a badly placed antenna, though, so move the antenna either way.
Also relevant: Bosch CM748B antenna · Bosch Solution 6000 guide · How to install an external 4G antenna
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