Coarse Alignment; Peak Indicators; Pwm - iDirect evolution x1 Installation Manual

Note: Write down the pointing values, or leave the screen open. The data are needed
in the following sections to perform antenna pointing.

11.2.2 Coarse Alignment

Use the data provided in the previous section to perform a coarse alignment of the antenna
towards the satellite. The following items are required:
• Compass or GPS receiver
• Site magnetic variation data
• Inclinometer
• Indelible marker
• Hand tools as required
For the procedure that follows, it is not necessary to completely re-tighten the antenna axis
fixing hardware. Satellite acquisition and fine pointing are performed later.
To Perform Coarse Alignment:
1. Determine the site magnetic variation, available on the Web.
2. Refer to the Gross Antenna Pointing area of the Angle Calculator. Using an inclinometer
or protractor, adjust the feed horn assembly to the approximate angle indicated in the
Polarization Offset field. See
3. Using an inclinometer, set antenna elevation to the value provided in the Elevation
Actual field. Remember that this value is the true elevation minus the antenna offset
angle.
4. Using a compass or GPS unit, set antenna azimuth to the approximate angle indicated in
the Azimuth True field. Be sure to apply the local magnetic variation to the compass
reading. West variation must be added, and East variation must be subtracted from the
value indicated by the compass. The result is the true azimuth.
5. Mark the coarse azimuth with a line drawn across the lower section of the azimuth mount
and the pole, using an indelible marker.
After completion of coarse alignment, execute the procedures in the sections that follow to
peak the antenna.

11.3 Peak Indicators

For the procedures that follow, two operator feedback methods are employed:
• A DC voltage on the TX Out port that varies with received signal strength (PWM)
• A graphic display depicting received signal strength in a histogram

11.3.1 PWM

When peaking the antenna, the Satellite Router generates a pulse train on the TX Out port.
The duration of each pulse is proportional to the received signal strength. The method is
iDirect Satellite Router Installation and Commissioning Guide
iDX Release 3.3
Figure 39.
Peak Indicators
61