23
Other Considerations – Antenna Grounding
WARNING: VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The loss of each pair of connectors on all cables must be included to determine the
total signal loss (attenuation) between the antenna and ODU.
As an elevated metal object with a wire connection below, an antenna is an excellent
lightning attractor, and an effective ground must be provided to deflect lightning strikes
to ground. An additional advantage of effective system grounding is the minimizing of
electrical noise and interference, which can significantly degrade system
performance.
Grounding involves providing a good, very low resistance connection from the
antenna and radio to earth ground to provide a better path for lightning and electrical
noise than that through the equipment. The following points should be taken into
account in setting up system grounding:
•
The antenna should be mounted on a mast or tower that is well grounded to
earth.
•
All antenna lead connectors should be correctly installed to provide a
good, solid connection to the cable shield.
•
Threaded couplings mating antenna lead connectors should be clean
and tight; bayonet type connectors should not be used.
•
Weatherproof connectors must be used for outdoor connections to
prevent corrosion, which will interfere with grounding.
•
All power and antenna grounds should be made common at a single point
such as an equipment rack, cabinet enclosure chassis, or antenna tower. This
single-point ground should have a solid ground connection to earth.
•
A surge arrestor or lightning protector should be installed at the point where
the antenna cable enters the building or cabinet. The lightning protector should be
properly grounded at the single-point chassis ground. Carefully follow the
installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of the protection device. An
appropriate lightning protector is available from Wireless Interactive.
