User's Manual

Exalt Communications, Inc.
Exalt i-Series Installation and Management Guide
5000001 62
2007-04-15
transmission, despite their published specifications, often due to the fully or semi-
automated process of factory termination, which may not have considered the frequency
of your system. When buying pre-terminated transmission line, it is strongly advised to
obtain the documentation of test measurements on the connected transmission line
showing that the loss characteristics and VSWR are within the specified limits
specifically at your operating frequency. In addition to factory-built transmission line,
self-terminated transmission line can suffer the same issues.
Caution: Always follow the manufacturer’s termination process
EXACTLY, and only use the manufacturer’s authorized tools and
connectors for a given transmission line type.
The manufacturers of transmission line typically offer instruction and certification for
transmission line termination, and may also provide videos illustrating the process. There
is no amount of extra care, education, precision, and effort that can be overstated for this
process.
Once the transmission line is connected to the antenna, traverse the exact route provided
by the site planner. There is often a need for a small excess of transmission line near the
antenna to accommodate both the need for extra slack as the antenna is loosened and
moved for the alignment process, and to accommodate a drip loop for the transmission
line and the initial transmission line securing hardware and grounding near the antenna.
In addition, the transmission line is typically very stiff, and can provide undue pulling
force on the antenna connector. Take care to align the cable with the connector so that it
does not provide any torque or strain on the connector.
Consult your transmission line manufacturer for the proper transportation, hoisting,
securing, and grounding process. Always be very mindful of the entire length of
transmission line to ensure that the transmission line is never twisted, kinked, or over-
bent beyond the specified bend radius. Once a transmission line is over-bent or kinked, it
will likely never recover its specified characteristics, even after straightening, and will
often be completely unusable.
The opposite end of this primary transmission line typically terminates at the building or
enclosure egress point. This is where to locate the RF lightning arrestor. Ensure that a
proper termination to the connector-type of the lightning arrestor is made at this location.
A drip loop may be required and proper securing hardware and grounding must be
accommodated.
As soon as practical, weatherproof the connected ends of the transmission line to the
antenna and lightning arrestor. This process should be delayed as long as possible to
ensure that all systems are working properly before applying the weatherproofing. Once
weatherproofing is applied, it may have to be removed for testing or installation
modification. With this in mind, if the installation is occurring during inclement weather,
take extra care at all times to ensure that no moisture enters any connector at any time. If
moisture is suspected to have compromised the antenna or transmission line, it may
render those devices useless without any means for remedy except for full replacement.