TM
GE/AR80 Installation Manual
580-00519, rev A 26 of 40
3.8 Turning the System On and Alignment
1) Before Turning On the System
a) Finish the installation as described in Chapter 3.6 and 3.7
b) Ensure fiber cables are still disconnected!
c) Connect DC power to the radio.
d) Verify that the Power LED is lit. If the Power LED is not lit, use voltmeter to
verify correct voltage and polarity at radio. To reverse the power polarity, unplug
the power jack and swap the crimp connectors for the two conductors.
e) Repeat steps 1 through 4 on the far-end of the link.
2) Prepare to Rough Align the Radio
a) Connect RSL test lead cable to radio and place voltmeter with readings in view
b) Loosen the pole mount brackets enough to allow you to swing the unit
horizontally.
c) Reference Chapter 3.6 for illustration of antenna mount bolts and their purpose.
3) Rough Align the Radio Antennas
a) Set the radio terminal to the pre-defined azimuth if available. If not, you may
utilize binoculars or mirror to locate the far end radio location.
b) If you can see the far-end radio terminal estimate the alignment visually and
tighten the pole mount brackets with fine adjustment bolt set to the middle of
adjustment range.
c) Ensure the horizontal adjustment bolts are snug; only tighten bolts one quarter of
a turn.
d) Slightly rotate each antenna up/down for best vertical alignment and left/right for
best horizontal alignment by finding the maximum RSL voltage reading.
e) To ensure that the antennas are not aligned on a side-lobe, they must be rotated at
least ten degrees on each side of the visually-perceived alignment center to ensure
that the true maximum RSL voltage is found; note that the width of the center
beam is only 0.9 degrees and the first side-lobe beam is only 1 degree off from
center.
f) Set the antenna in the position that results in the highest RSL voltage reading.
g) Repeat these steps on far end radio.
4) Fine Adjustment
a) Ensure to loosen the “fine adjustment” bolt (the small eye bolt)
b) Pan antenna slowly from left to right and capture the highest RSL voltage peak
i) See Figure 3-15 below to help guide you in obtaining the highest RSL voltage
reading.
c) Tighten down the Horizontal control bolts.
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* For pricing and a quotation, visit MeridianMicrowave.com