User guide

45 Mbps Backhaul User Guide
Issue 3, December 2004 Page 102 of 113
11.8 Installation
The section covers the generic installation instructions for the connectorized 45 Mbps Backhaul. The actual
installation procedure will depend on antenna choice, cable choice, required antenna separation etc.
11.8.1 Antenna Choice
Table 11 shows a wide variety of antennas that can be used with the connectorized 45 Mbps Backhaul. The
main selection criteria will be the required antenna gain. The secondary criteria should be the ease of mounting
and alignment. For example the Radio Waves Parabolic dishes are supplied with a mount that allows adjustment
for alignment independent of the actual antenna mounting. This type of antenna is much easier to align than
those that have to be rotated around the mounting pole for alignment.
11.8.2 Cables and Connectors
Cables should be selected using the above criteria. However it should be noted that LMR400 cable is a lot more
difficult to handle and route than LMR100 cable.
Important! When using connectorized antennas, the connector can be a point of failure over time due to
moisture. Accepted industry practices should be used to wrap the connector to prevent water ingress.
The male and female N-type connectors form a gas tight seal with each other, but the point where the cable
enters each connector can be a point for water ingress, with eventual corrosion and failure of the connection.
Wrapping and sealing is critical to long-term reliability of the connection.
One option for a weather-tight wrap around the N-type connector is Coax-Seal, made by Universal Electronics,
http://www.coaxseal.com. Sealing material may also be provided with some antennas.
Start the wrap on the cable 0.5 to 2 inches inches (about 1.5 to 5 cm) from the connection and finish on the
cable 0.5 to 2 inches (about 1.5 to 5 cm) above the connection. Once done wrapping, squeeze the wrap with
your hand or fingers to compress and remove any trapped air. For abrasion resistance and appearances,
premium vinyl electrical tape can be used over the wrap.
The connectors required at the connectorized 45 Mbps Backhaul end of the antenna cables are N-Type Male.
The connectors required at the antenna end of the antenna cables is dependant on the antenna type chosen.
11.8.3 Tools
The tools required for mounting a connectorized 45 Mbps Backhaul unit are the same as those required for a 45
Mbps Backhaul with integrated antenna detailed in section 5.3 “Tools Required”. The tools required for
mounting the antennas are specific to the antenna chosen. The installer should refer to the antenna
manufacturer’s instructions.
11.8.4 Miscellaneous supplies
The following miscellaneous supplies will be required:
• Cable ties, cable cleats – for securing cables
• Weather-tight wrap – to weatherproof the RF connectors
• Premium vinyl electrical tape – for additional protection of the RF connectors and securing
cables