User's Manual

Exalt Communications, Inc.
EX-5r Installation & Management
5000007 54
2006-05-17
The EX-5r provides considerable flexibility to tune to different frequencies across the band. This
is the easiest method to use to try to avoid existing interference. In addition, the occupied
bandwidth of the radio may be reduced, and along with re-tuning, this can be very effective,
however throughput will be reduced.
Repositioning the antenna and/or changing polarization, or upgrading the antenna to a higher
gain and/or using a high-performance antenna, are all secondary means that can be used. It may
be necessary to perform combinations of both radio changes (retuning, occupied bandwidth
reduction) and antenna system changes (position, polarization, upgrade).
6.6 Path Obstruction
A path obstruction is defined as an object, such as a building or tree, that is impeding the proper
path clearance of the radio system. If the system design was proper at the time of installation,
and issues have arisen at a later date, an updated path profile and survey may be necessary to
identify changes in the path clearance.
6.7 Misaligned Antenna
At the time of initial installation, it is critical that the antennas at each end are properly aligned
and that the designed RSL is achieved. However, antennas may become misaligned due to high
winds, changes in the guy-wiring systems keeping the antenna mast stable, or loosening of the
antenna mounting hardware. A reduction in the RSL of the link will be symptomatic of this
condition, but this condition is not the only condition that results in a reduction of RSL.
However, if conditions have occurred where the antenna alignment may be suspected, the
mechanics may need to be inspected, and the antennas may need to be realigned.
6.8 Faulty Antenna
A faulty antenna is rare, but still a possibility. In some cases, the mechanics of the antenna feed
can get moisture inside, or a bad or weak connection in the pin and connector structure of the
antenna may occur. A VSWR measurement of the antenna connection can be made to verify this
condition.
6.9 Improper Grounding
In addition to being a potential human safety issue, improper system grounding is a somewhat
common condition that can cause continuous bit errors, or bit errors when metal objects come in
contact with the radio, transmission system or racking system. If touching the radio causes
errors, grounding is the cause. It can be difficult to identify grounding problems, but a
professional electrician can normally inspect a system and identify if there are deficiencies in the
grounding system.
6.10 Insufficient Link Margin
Ideally, your link was designed with enough link margin (fade margin) to allow for multipath
propagation and atmospheric fading and remain reliable. In some cases, link margin is
compromised by economic factors, such as using low-cost RF cabling or lower-cost antennas
that have less gain or deficient performance compared to higher cost transmission system