Product Manual

Table Of Contents

48 DragonWave Inc.

6.5. Fine-adjust align the radios

Caution

Alignment of the radios requires power to be supplied to the

modem.

Caution

Proper alignment results in increased signal quality! Once

the radios have been visually aligned, fine adjust alignment

can begin. Pan across the entire beamwidth to ensure the

alignment corresponds to the Main Lobe and not to a Side

Lobe.

Caution

Transmission of radio signals results in a primary signal

(Main Lobe) and secondary signals (Side Lobes) being sent

towards the destination. During installation the Side Lobes

can be mistaken for the Main Lobe, resulting in a 20-30 dB

loss of signal strength. On a 12”/30 cm antenna, the entire

beamwidth typically lies within a 5 degree span so it is

critical to ensure alignment targets the Main Lobe and not

the Side Lobes. Larger antennas have a narrower beam. For

a 24”/60 cm antenna, the entire beamwidth lies within a 3

degree span.

Note: It is recommended that you use the DragonWave’s DragonPair PDA software when

aligning 24 GHz AirPair systems. DragonWave’s software runs on a Personal Digital Assistant

(PDA) with Palm OS V3.5 or higher. The software provides an Antenna Alignment Indicator that

shows relative signal strength. It retains the peak value that was reached. This allows for

multiple panning attempts.

Procedure 6-6

Fine-adjust Align Radios

Use this procedure to fine-adjust the alignment of the radios.

At the first end:

(a) Pan or move the antenna horizontally at one end across the entire beamwidth to

identify the Main Lobe and the two side lobes. See Figure 12. Place a mark on

the radio bracket to identify Main Lobe and each of the Side Lobes. The Main

Lobe is approximately 2 degrees in width. The two Side Lobes are approximately

5 degrees apart.

(b) Tilt or move the antenna vertically and locate the strongest receive signal

reading.

(d) Tighten the bolt to lock the antenna in place.

At the other end:

AirPair 100 UL 24 GHz Product Manual