Exalt Installation and Management Guide
EX-r Series GigE Digital Microwave Radios
31
201872-003
2015-10-23
opportunity for lightning to couple to or strike the unprotected section of transmission line (if any).
Consult a qualified electrician or installer in all cases of grounding and lightning arrestor
implementation.
Antenna Alignment
Antennas must be installed at both ends of the planned link to commence precision alignment. Refer to
the Exalt white paper,
Antenna Alignment
. The EX-r Series GigE radios have an integrated antenna.
Antennas are typically aligned using the radio hardware for precise alignment. However, there are
many very useful tools available to aid in this process, inclusive of devices specifically designed for
the purpose of aligning antennas. Some examples are:
•
XL Microwave Path Align-R
•
Teletronics 17-402
Use of these devices may be extremely advantageous as compared to using the radio, because they
employ many unique facilities to aid in this process. Using these tools also makes it possible to align
the antennas before the radio equipment is delivered. However, many installers successfully use the
radios as the means for antenna alignment.
The following are the primary facilities when using the radio to align the antenna:
•
RSL voltage connection using a volt meter (recommended)
Insert the included adapter into the GPS connector on the radio housing and the opposite end
connected to a volt meter.
The RSL test point DC voltage is inversely proportional and numerically calibrated to the received
signal level. The voltage rises as the antennas are less in alignment, and falls 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.
•
Audio alignment buzzer
Enable the audio alignment buzzer through the Exalt GUI. When enabled, the radio enclosure
emits a sound. The pitch rises when higher (better) levels of RSL are achieved. Align the antennas
until the highest pitch is accomplished. The tone is continuous when the two ends of the radio
system are in communication. Otherwise, the buzzer beeps.
•
Exalt GUI RSL reading indicates the current RSL in dBm.
Note:
There is a slight delay in RSL readings in the GUI as the RSL levels change. In this
case, fine alignment can be done in small adjustments allowing a small gap of time so that the
impact of the adjustment on the GUI display catches up to real time.
Note:
Only use the browser-based GUI for antenna alignment if there are no other means
available. If this method is required, refer to
Exalt Graphical User Interface (GUI)
. The RSL
reading can be read on a PC or any handheld computing device that supports an HTML
browser and Ethernet connectivity.
