Antenna pointing overview
This chapter describes a general procedure for pointing the antenna. The objectives of antenna pointing are to:
•Locate and detect the satellite signal
•Peak the signal to achieve the greatest possible signal strength
Using the installation software
Peaking the signal (description)
The IDU installation software guides you through a
Use the information in this chapter as a guide for the overall pointing process and for instructions on how to make mechanical adjustments to the antenna. For specific steps, follow the instructions in the IDU installation guide and on the installation software screens.
In general you will alternate between these two activities:
•Following the software prompts and instructions
•Adjusting the antenna (elevation, polarization, and azimuth) to acquire and then peak the satellite signal. The required adjustments are different for each installation location.
Correct antenna alignment is critical to the operation of the system. When the antenna is pointed directly at the satellite, it receives a strong signal. If it is not pointed properly, the signal may be weak, and errors may result during data transfers.
Antenna pointing is accomplished by first receive pointing the antenna and then isolating the transmit signal. Receive pointing adjusts the antenna to obtain the best receive signal. Isolating the transmit signal fine tunes the antenna alignment for the strongest possible signal received by the HN System NOC. Both processes are explained later in this chapter.
To point the antenna, you go through cycles of making small adjustments to the antenna until you are satisfied you cannot get a stronger satellite signal. When you have achieved the strongest possible signal, you have peaked the signal.
You may achieve the strongest signal strength after just a few adjustments, or you may find that several adjustments are needed. By obtaining the strongest possible signal you ensure that the terminal can operate with peak performance.
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Chapter 7 • Pointing the antenna
