I N S T A L L A T I O N
6
Installing the Antenna
The ANT-2 is housed in a white enclosure attached to a mast and mounting bracket that is
to be secured vertically to a pole or tripod. The antenna cable inserts through the bottom
of the mast and plugs into the RJ45 connector on the inside of the ANT-2. When
mounting, ensure the ANT-2 is rotated until the label faces true north. The label on the
antenna corresponds to the top of the computer screen. If the label on the antenna does
not face north the strikes will not appear in the correct location in the display software.
Provided there are no large metal objects to block the radio signals, mounting the antenna
6 feet high is ok. Mounting the antenna 12 feet high is good. 20-25 feet is better.
LIGHTNING
Receiving lightning signals does not cause lightning to strike. Your LD-250 antenna
is less likely to be struck by lightning than your anemometer, since the antenna
does not need to be above the roof line. Still though you must exercise common
sense when choosing a location for your antenna. If you mount the antenna on a
ten foot pole on the highest point on your roof, with no trees or television tower
nearby you are asking for lightning to strike.
Your best protection against lightning is to mount the antenna indoors. Radio
waves will pass right through a wood building. Lightning is more likely to strike a
tall tree, television antenna, copper plumbing vent, satellite dish, telephone line,
power lines, or CB antenna. If you do mount the antenna outdoors make sure
there are plenty of ground paths for lightning nearby (such as those just
mentioned), and higher than the antenna.
The LD-250 receiver board has surge suppression in its input to protect against
voltages induced into the antenna cable. It is also a good idea to purchase a surge
suppressor to plug your computer into. If you have a network card try to find one
that will protect your LAN line as well. Both your computer and surge suppressor
will need to be grounded.
The antenna may be mounted indoors or outdoors. Try to mount the antenna as high as
possible (without making it a lightning rod). Mounting the antenna high will keep it away
from noise sources and will improve the maximum range.
