User's Manual

Exalt Communications, Inc.
EX-5r Installation & Management
5000007 23
2006-05-17
The antenna shall be mounted in a restricted area and in a manner which prevents
long-term human exposure to the transmitted RF energy. To comply with FCC
and Industry Canada regulations, the minimum safe distance from the antenna for
continuous human exposure is 22 feet (6.7m). Warning signage may be required
in accordance to federal or local regulations.
The antenna structure must be secure and safe with respect to the mounting of the antenna,
transmission system weight, and the combined weight of any personnel that may climb or attach
to the structure. The combined weight of items and forces on the structure must be carefully
considered in the design and construction of the structure. This must include the weight bearing
on the structure in the highest wind conditions possible in the region, and with respect to all
objects that may be affixed to the structure.
If additional objects may be affixed to the structure in the future, it may be important to evaluate
both the mechanical impact of these planned additions (with respect to wind and weight loading)
as well as the potential impact to RF interference and frequency coordination if additional radio
equipment is anticipated. This is especially important if future equipment is likely to operate
within the same frequency band.
Once you have mounted, cabled and aligned the antenna, your goal will be to never require
modification, so this prior planning can be important in the path and site planning stage, and the
construction of the antenna structure.
Follow the antenna manufacturer’s instructions for mechanical mounting of the antenna. Make
sure that there will be enough room around the antenna to allow for alignment activities (moving
the antenna in vertical and horizontal arcs) and for the RF transmission line to connect to the
antenna connector unobstructed and within the specified bend radius requirements of the
transmission line.
At this point, the antenna mounts should be fully secure to the structure, the feed of the antenna
securely mounted to the antenna (if the feed is a separate assembly), and the azimuth and
elevation adjustments not completely tightened to prepare for the antenna alignment activity. It is
a good practice to connect the transmission line to the antenna connector as early in the process
as possible, so as to reduce the opportunity for debris or moisture to enter either the antenna
connector or the transmission line connector. Otherwise, a connector cover or other temporary
measures can be taken to keep the connector clear. Extra care must be taken if the antenna is
installed during inclement weather to be certain that no moisture gets inside the antenna
connector at any time.
The antenna may be aimed at this point in the general direction required for the link. Using a
compass, a reference bearing, binoculars or any other similar device, you may point the antenna
in the direction (generally) of the far-end, and slightly tighten the azimuth and elevation
adjustments enough so that the antenna maintains its general position and is safe to be left
without additional securing. See the Exalt White Paper entitled Antenna Alignment for more
information on the general topic of antenna alignment techniques.
!