Intuicom Communicator
TM
User Manual
Revision A © 2001 Intuicom, Inc.
44
September 2001
12.1 Antenna Alignment
Intuicom modems have a convenient, built-in tool that simplifies the task of aligning
directional antennas. This tool is particularly useful when the antenna on either end is not
visible from the other end due to distance or obstructions. To use this feature, the modems
must be configured for point-to-point operation.
12.2 Setup procedure
1. Program the modem operation mode (menu 0) for point-to-point operation, i.e.,
program one modem as a point-to-point master and one modem as a point-to-point
slave. This procedure may also be used with intermediate repeaters. If intermediate
repeaters are used, program the modem(s) to be used as repeaters for point-to-point
repeater operation.
2. Program each modem’s call book (menu 2) as necessary for point-to-point
communications.
3. On the modem programmed as the point-to-point master, set the Xmit Rate parameter
on the Radio Transmission Parameters menu (menu 3, item 3) to 0.
4. When the modems are returned to operation, the master modem will transmit a
continuous stream of high-speed data. The slave modem sends acknowledgements
for each of the data packets received from the master. The CTS LED on either the
slave or the master provides and indication of the quality of the link. A solid
indication on the CTS LED indicates a strong link with minimum packet
retransmissions. A flickering indication on the CTS LED indicates a weaker link
with a higher percentage of packet retransmissions. While observing the CTS LED
display, adjust the alignment of the directional antenna for the most solid indication.
5. After the antennas have been aligned for optimum performance, restore the Xmit Rate
parameter on the master radio to 1 for normal operation.
12.3 Point to multipoint procedure
Following the above procedure, each individual slave/master link in a multipoint network can
be aligned. After all links have been aligned, all modems in the network are programmed
for multipoint operation.