User's Manual

Table Of Contents
Exalt Installation and Management Guide
EX-i Series GigE (FDD) Digital Microwave Radios
26 202675-008
2016-06-01
At this point, the antenna mounts should be fully secure to the structure, the feed of the antenna
securely mounted to the antenna (if the feed is a separate assembly), and the azimuth and elevation
adjustments not completely tightened in preparation of the antenna alignment activity. It is a good
practice to connect the transmission line to the antenna connector as early in the process as possible, to
reduce the opportunity for debris or moisture to enter either the antenna connector or the transmission
line connector. Use a connector cover or other temporary measures to ensure that the connector is kept
clear. Take extra care if the antenna is installed during inclement weather to ensure that no moisture
gets inside the antenna connector at any time.
Now the antenna can be aimed in the general direction required for the link. Use a compass, a
reference bearing, binoculars or any other similar device to point the antenna in the direction
(generally) of the far end radio, and then slightly tighten the azimuth and elevation adjustments so that
the antenna maintains its general position and is safe to be left without additional securing. Refer to the
Exalt white paper, Antenna Alignment, for more information on antenna alignment techniques.
Transmission Line from Antenna to Egress
Most installations for 6GHz and higher frequencies use waveguide line for the primary connection
between the antenna and the radio device. Alternatively, and especially for shorter paths or where only
short runs of transmission line are needed, coaxial transmission line can be used. Coaxial transmission
line can either have a solid or braided shield. Solid-shield cables are more resistant to external signal
coupling and interference, but are generally stiffer than braided cables. Consult the path or site
engineer(s) to ensure that the proper materials are chosen for the installation and that all factors were
considered. Refer to the Exalt white paper, Transmission Line for Exalt Indoor Radio Systems.
Waveguide is the preferred transmission line approach for these radios, as it exhibits minimum loss to
the antenna system. In some cases, coaxial transmission lines can be used.
For coaxial transmission line, the larger the diameter of the transmission line, the lower the loss. So for
longer runs of transmission line, larger diameter cables are highly advised. However, at every
frequency, there is a maximum diameter cable that supports the operating frequency. Verify the
specifications. This should is determined in the path and site planning process.
It is critical that the transmission line and antenna be capable of supporting the same type of connector,
or easily adapted. It can be important to minimize the number of connectors and adapters, and it is
ideal that they match directly without adaptation. In most cases, 6GHz waveguide transmission line
allows for CPR-137 flange connectors and antennas have the same connectors.
The manufacturers of transmission line typically offer instruction and certification for transmission
line termination, and may also provide videos illustrating the process. There is no amount of extra care,
education, precision, and effort that can be overstated for this process.
Once the transmission line is connected to the antenna, traverse the exact route provided by the site
planner. There is often a need for a small section of flexible transmission line near the antenna to
accommodate the need for extra slack as the antenna is loosened and moved for the alignment process.
Consult your transmission line manufacturer for the proper transportation, hoisting, securing, and
grounding process. Always be very mindful of the entire length of transmission line to ensure that the
transmission line is never twisted, kinked, or over-bent beyond the specified bend radius. Once a
transmission line is over-bent or kinked, it will likely never recover its specified characteristics, even
after straightening, and will often be completely unusable.
Caution! Always follow the manufacturer’s termination process EXACTLY, and only use
the manufacturer’s authorized tools and connectors for a given transmission line type.