Exalt Communications, Inc.
EX-5i Installation & Management
5000005
30
2006-05-17
align the antennas before the radio equipment is delivered on site. However, many installers
routinely use the radios as the means for antenna alignment, and they have much success with
this method as well.
If using the radio, there are two primary facilities to aid in antenna alignment:
•
Received Signal Level (RSL) voltage test point using voltmeter (recommended)
o
The RSL test point DC voltage is inversely proportional and numerically
calibrated to the received signal level. The voltage will rise as the antennas are
less in alignment, and fall as antennas are more in alignment. The voltage
measurement corresponds to the received signal level in measurements of dBm (a
negative number for RSL measurements). For example, an RSL of -60dBm yields
an RSL voltage measurement of 0.60VDC; an RSL of -45dBm measures
0.45VDC.
•
Browser-based GUI interface RSL reading
o
The browser-based GUI interface of the radio indicates the current RSL in dBm.
Aligning the antennas using the RSL test point can be accommodated in a number of ways:
•
Radio near/at antenna location
o
Temporarily connect the radio to the antenna using a short piece of transmission
line, so that the radio is very close to the antenna location
Run wires, as necessary, from RSL test point to voltmeter so that antenna
installer can view the voltmeter directly
Using this method, the final RSL voltage readings during alignment will likely be
different (better) than the planned RSL, due to the short RF transmission line. Use
a path calculation tool to determine the RSL that should result in this temporary
configuration to assure proper ideal alignment.
•
Run separate wires from radio mounted location to antenna location
o
Temporarily connect a set of wires from the RSL test point of the radio up to the
antenna location, for the radio installer to use a local voltmeter
Due to the resistance of the cable, the RSL readings might be impacted. Use the
thickest wiring possible in this configuration, where possible. You may test the
impact of the voltage reading due to the wiring by comparing a direct measurement at
the RSL test point versus at the end of the wiring, if necessary.
•
RF/DC coupler
o
Install a temporary DC coupling device at the radio antenna port and at the
antenna connector. Connect the RSL test point to the radio antenna port coupler,
and the voltmeter to the antenna connector coupler. See Appendix C for more
information.
•
Verbal relay/Walkie-talkie/Mobile radio/Cell phone
