User Manual

MCA9129-90-A Installation & Service Manual

044-05060 Rev. C 2-1 July 2001November 2002

Section 2 Installation

2-1 Introduction

This section contains unpacking, inspection, and installation instructions / recommendations for

the model MCA9129-90

MCA9129-90-A multicarrier cellular amplifier. It is important that the li-

censee perform the following tasks correctly and in good faith:

1. Carefully read all material in this section prior to equipment unpacking or installation.

2. Also, read and review the operating procedures in Section 3 prior to installing the equipment.

3. If applicable, carefully review the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules as they

apply to your installation. DON'T TAKE CHANCES WITH YOUR LICENSE.

2-2 Site Survey

Powerwave Technologies recommends that site surveys be performed by qualified individuals or

firms prior to equipment ordering or installation. Performing a detailed site survey will reduce or

eliminate installation and turn-up delays caused by oversights. A general site survey form is pro-

vided in Appendix A. This form is commonly used by Powerwave Field Engineers and may be

used as a guide. Pay particular attention to power plant capacity, air conditioning needs, floor

space, and RF/DC cabling/breaker requirements.

2-3 Electrical Service Recommendations

Powerwave Technologies recommends that proper AC line conditioning and surge suppression

be provided on the primary AC input to the +27 Vdc power source. All electrical service should be

installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code, any applicable state or local codes, and

good engineering practice. Special consideration should be given to lightning protection of all

systems in view of the vulnerability of most transmitter sites to lightning. Lightning arrestors are

recommended in the service entrance. Straight, short ground runs are recommended. The elec-

trical service must be well grounded.

Each amplifier system should have its own circuit breaker (70-amp minimum), so a failure in one

does not shut off the whole installation. Circuit breakers should be thermal type, capable of han-

dling the anticipated inrush current, in a load center with a master switch. See table 2-1.

A typical three-sector site will utilize three MCR4109-1 amplifier subracks, each housing up to four

MCA9129-90

MCA9129-90-A amplifiers. The power plant should be able to support the 540 amps

432 amps of current required by this equipment, plus the remaining base station equipment. A

power plant of less than 800 amps is probably not sufficient. Since all the amplifiers are not run-

ning at full capacity at the same time in normal operation, table 2-1 describes the current load for

a 3 sector (70%), 2 sector (80%) and omni (90%) site. Based on this table, an 800 amp power

plant may suffice.

Battery backup or UPS systems should be installed in remote sites or in sites which experience

brownout conditions or generator switchovers. Adding this equipment should eliminate the need

for site visits by technicians after brownouts or power outages. Battery backup systems also pro-

vide excellent DC filtering as a side benefit.