DUAL-POLARIZATION AirCell™ ANTENNA INSTALLATION MANUAL
Page 2
P/N 190-00189-12
Rev. A
2. INSTALLATION
2.1. INTRODUCTION
Careful planning and consideration of the suggestions in this section are required to achieve the desired
performance and reliability from the installed equipment. Any deviations from the installation instructions
prescribed in this document shall be accomplished in accordance with the requirements set forth in FAA
AC 43.13-2A.
2.2. ANTENNA PLACEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The AirCell antenna (CI 5000-1) is designed for belly mounting, but must be mounted at a point on the
fuselage that allows a clear view to the horizon in all directions. This antenna should be located on the
forward portion of the fuselage, rather than the rear, as the cell-to-cell handoffs are more effective when
done forward of the aircraft rather than aft. If the antenna is mounted under the wings, the reception is then
reduced or obstructed as the aircraft banks. In this case, it would be better to mount the antenna aft of the
wing if there were no space forward of the wing. However, NEVER mount the antenna on the upslope of
the tail. The fuselage will block almost all forward reception. Care should be taken to assure that the
engine nacelles hanging down from the wings do not block the view to the sides. Blade antennas should be
mounted on the centerline of the aircraft to minimize performance differences from side to side. It is also
important that the antenna mounting surface be maintained within 5 degrees of horizontal, since the
antenna is designed for horizontal polarization and performs best when mounted on a horizontal surface.
Best
OK
NO!
Better
FIGURE 1. Cellular Antenna Installation Considerations
An AirCell Antenna should not be located in the vicinity of other antennas on the bottom of the aircraft. In
particular, other antennas should be kept at least 18” and preferably 36” fore and aft of the AirCell antenna,
and none should be mounted to the sides of the AirCell antenna. Of particular concern are horizontal wire
elements such as older style ADF antennas or “bent wire” comm antennas and long wire ADF sense
antennas still seen on older aircraft. Even though visually they do not seem to block the AirCell antenna,
they will still significantly disturb its performance.
2.3. CABLING AND WIRING
Check that there is ample space for the cabling and mating connectors. Avoid sharp bends in cabling,
particularly the antenna cables, and routing near aircraft control cables. Cabling should not be routed near
components or cabling which are sources of electrical noise. Do not route the antenna cables near any ADF
antenna cables.
The FCC has imposed strict requirements on the performance of the NavTalk Pilot System to prevent
interference with ground cellular networks. To maximize the range of the system, prevent interference with
ground cellular, and maintain the best reception, AirCell requires that finished coaxial cable assemblies are
tested for loss and VSWR.
The total cable loss from the antenna to the cradle cable must be less than 1.5dB at 900 MHz and no more
than 1.4:1 VSWR. Very long cables with loss higher than this amount may affect the airborne phone
system performance under maximum range conditions. For installations requiring airborne phone coaxial
cable lengths greater than 40 feet, consult AirCell Customer Service at 1-888-286-9876.
