User's Manual

Table Of Contents
Exalt Installation and Management Guide
EX-i Series (TDD) Digital Microwave Radios
32 206501-019
2016-05-24
Polyphaser AL-LSXM
Citel PRC5800
Mount and ground the RF lightning arrestor in accordance to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Place it as close as possible to the egress point where the next piece of transmission line enters the
building or enclosure. Minimize the distance to the egress to lessen the opportunity for lightning to
couple to or strike the unprotected section of transmission line (if any). Where possible, use a bulkhead
connector to eliminate any opportunity of this risk. Keep cable lengths behind the arrestor and into the
egress substantially short (less than 3'/1m) as a safe practice. Consult a qualified electrician or installer
in all cases of grounding and lightning arrestor implementation.
Transmission Line from Egress to Radio
A single transmission line section from the egress to the radio RF connection is always desired.
Minimize the number of connectors and adapters. For indoor runs, a cable ladder or tray may be needed
to properly secure the cable. In some cases, a short flexible jumper allows ease of connection to the
radio’s RF connector. A properly specified 90º connector can often eliminate this need. An installation
with space around the radio to accommodate a gentle bend radius of the transmission line is also good
for a direct connection. In all cases, ensure that the transmission line is not a pulling force of the RF
connector on the radio. Transmission lines can be very stiff and can damage the connector if not dressed
properly. Also, follow the transmission line manufacturer’s instructions for the proper use of cable
securing devices.
Antenna Alignment
Antennas must be installed at both ends of the planned link to commence precision alignment. Refer to
the Exalt white paper, Antenna Alignment.
Antennas are typically aligned using the radio hardware for precise alignment. However, there are many
very useful tools available to aid in this process, inclusive of devices specifically designed for the
purpose of aligning antennas. Some examples are:
XL Microwave Path Align-R
Teletronics 17-402
Use of these devices may be extremely advantageous as compared to using the radio, because they
employ many unique facilities to aid in this process. Using these tools also makes it possible to align
the antennas before the radio equipment is delivered. However, many installers successfully use the
radios as the means for antenna alignment.
There are two primary facilities when using the radio to align the antenna:
RSL voltage test point using a volt meter (recommended)
The RSL test point DC voltage is inversely proportional and numerically calibrated to the received
signal level. The voltage rises as the antennas are less in alignment, and falls as antennas are more
in alignment. The voltage measurement corresponds to the received signal level in measurements
of dBm (a negative number for RSL measurements). For example, an RSL of -60dBm yields an
RSL voltage measurement of 0.60VDC; an RSL of -45dBm measures 0.45VDC.
GUI RSL reading indicates the current RSL in dBm.
Alignment of the antennas using the RSL test point can be accomplished in the following ways:
Radio near or at antenna location