TAP Placement

The TAP (Tigo Access Point) is a radio transceiver with integrated antenna that supports wireless communication to and from the Tigo TS4 MLPE O, S and M models all of which have a production monitoring feature. Communications are between the Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) and the TS4 optimizers, and a cable from the TAPs to the CCA.

TAP basics

• Up to seven TAPs can be connected in series using daisy-chained cables to the Cloud Connect Advanced gateway port using RS-485 or CAT5/6 ethernet cable (not included.)
• Each TAP can communicate with up to 300 Tigo TS4 units, 600 PV modules when using the TS4-R-Duo units.
• Each CCA supports 900 TS4 units. 1800 panels when using Duo dual PV module input models.
• With the TAP, the TS4's automatically act as repeaters relaying messages when required.
  • For the signal to make a repeated hop, the TS4s must not be more than 10m (33ft) apart.  So, if there is a gap between arrays of modules, make sure the distance is within the 10 meter limit.  This is shown in the drawing below, with the green arrow indicating the distance between arrays of panels.
• The maximum distance range of a TAP, with multiple repeater hops, is a maximum of 115ft (35m) line of sight - meaning no signal obstructions.
• If modules are located more than 115ft (35m) from the TAP, or if there are physical obstructions in the array, such as HVAC units, or roof gables, use additional TAPs. 

Module Arrangements Affecting Range

Some module arrangements also affect range. For example, in a U-shaped array the range may need to be measured around the shape of the "U" since the direct distance (red arrow) is more than 10 meters. See below.

Another example is a metal stepped factory roof. A metal roof like this is considered an obstruction, so a separate TAP may be required for every roof face, even if they are less than 10 meters apart. See below.

For best results:

• TAP needs to be placed within 33ft (10m) of at least five TS4s
• Allow 50ft (15m) line of sight spacing between TAPs
• Place TAP near the center of the array

Below is an illustration of the hop distance between the TAP and optimizers.

Below is an illustration of the range and scale of a TAP/Mesh layout, using average 60-cell size modules.  In this example, there are over 500 modules within range of the TAP, much more than the limit of 300 per TAP.  Since this array is 560 modules, we would need two TAPs.  As you can see, we would have a lot of freedom in placing them.

Now that you know the basics, it's time to design your layout.