Visual Alignment Of The; Ntennas; Antennas - DragonWave Horizon COMPACT Plus Product Manual

11.0 Aligning the Antennas
Follow the steps of the alignment procedure shown below. Note: ensure that the CLI command set
alignment on has been entered at both ends of the link if you are using the BNC connector to measure
field strength.
The alignment process is carried out in two stages.
1. Visual alignment of the antennas
2. Radio frequency alignment of the antennas
11.1 Visual Alignment of the Antennas
This section details how to align the Horizon Compact Plus antennas visually.
Procedure 11-1
Align the antennas visually
Before attempting to visually align the Horizon Compact Plus systems, make sure that the aiming
adjustment mechanisms (pan and tilt) on the mounting assembly are set to their mid positions. This
ensures that there is adequate to and fro movement available from the adjustment mechanism for fine
adjustment later. To visually align, loosen the clamping nuts and rotate the mounting assembly clamp on
the mounting pole, then, securely tighten the clamp.
There are three methods that are recommended for visually aligning the systems. In each case the use of
signaling mirrors, on a sunny day, or a powerful flashlight for dull days, may greatly assist in locating the
other end of a link.
1. If the far end site is visible, aim the near end dish/reflector towards the far end site as
accurately as possible. The beamwidth of the signal is approximately 2 degrees (or less), which is
approximately equivalent to a thumb's width when the arm is fully extended. Align as closely to
the centre of the 2-degree beamwidth as possible. Clamp the radio/antenna mounting brackets in
place on the pole/tower torquing the nuts to specification. See Table 11-1 for torque values.
Repeat this for the far end site. This should provide you with a signal strong enough to perform an
accurate alignment later.
2. If the far end site is NOT visible (due to poor visibility), and the site locations appear on a
map, use a large scale map of the area and mark the positions of each end of the link. Draw a
line on the map between each of the ends of the link. Locate a landmark which falls on the line
that is visible from the near end and point the dish/reflector to the landmark. Clamp the
radio/antenna mounting brackets in place on the pole/tower torquing the nuts to specification. See
Table 11-1 for torque values. At the far end of the link locate a second landmark, visible from the
far end, that falls on the line and align the far end dish/reflector to that landmark. Clamp the
mounting bracket as before. The systems should be aligned sufficiently to obtain a signal strong
enough to perform an accurate alignment later.
Table 11-1
Torque Specifications for Antennas
Bolt size (in inches)
Horizon Compact Plus Release 1.0.1
¼
5/16
3/8
7/16
½
9/16
Nut torque
50 in-lb
102 in-lb
15 ft-lb
24 ft-lb
37 ft-lb
37 ft-lb
Wireless Ethernet Product User Manual – Volume 1