Setup Manual

▪ It is critical that antenna alignment be
performed on one end of the link at a time,
one plane at a time.
▪ One antenna should remain stationary at all
times.
▪ Each end should be fine-aligned several
times, until the planned RSL is reached.
In some cases, you may need to perform coarse
alignment using a wide arc in both azimuth and
elevation while reading the RSL to find the main
beam of the opposite end antenna.
BSU Alignment
Coarse-align the BSU antenna by setting the
antenna for flat elevation (no up-tilt or down-
tilt) using a spirit level; point the antenna at a
heading marker obtained using a compass/GPS
(magnetic corrected) back-bearing from an
adjacent location (ideally, 100 feet or more
away from the antenna). If the path has
substantial change to elevation from one end to
the other, this may not be an advisable method
for starting the alignment activities. In such
cases, compare antenna elevations at each end
of the link and set the initial elevation of the
antenna to roughly match the anticipated up-tilt
or down-tilt.
Once the coarse alignment is completed at both
ends, the link can be powered and some level of
reliable communication established. Fine-
alignment of the BSU elevation is performed by
using an SU located near the middle of the
elevation pattern. For example, if there is a
significant change in altitude of the terrain,
choose an SU that is in the middle of the altitude
range. If the terrain is flat however, choose an
SU that is near the maximum distance of the
sector.
When fine-aligning the BSU elevation:
▪ Adjust the elevation of the BSU antenna to
maximize the RSL indication at the SU.
▪ Align the far-end antenna in the same
manner, using the SU RSL indication.
▪ Multiple SU locations may be used to
improve the quality of the BSU antenna
adjustment.
SU Alignment
Coarse-align the SU antenna by pointing the
antenna at the BSU if it can be seen. Otherwise,
set the antenna for flat elevation (no up-tilt or
down-tilt); point the antenna at a heading
marker obtained using a heading marker
obtained using a compass/GPS (magnetic
corrected) back-bearing from an adjacent
location (ideally, 100 feet or more away from
the antenna). If the path has substantial
change to elevation from one end to the other,
set the initial elevation of the SU antenna to
roughly match the anticipated up-tilt or down-
tilt.
Once the coarse alignment is completed at both
ends, the link can be powered and some level of
reliable communication. Fine-alignment of the
SU antenna is performed by listening to the SU’s
audio indicator, or observing the SU’s RSL
indication.
▪ Adjust the azimuth of the SU antenna to
maximize the RSL indication at the SU.
▪ Adjust the elevation of the SU antenna to
maximize the RSL indication at the SU.
▪ Alternate between adjusting the azimuth and
elevation until no further improvement can
be made.
Connecting External Antennas to the BSU and SU 11
CPN 000000 Draft Date: 02/25/03