Installation Manual for .
Copyright © 2004, 2005 Hughes Network Systems, LLC All rights reserved. This publication and its contents are proprietary to Hughes Network Systems, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, 11717 Exploration Lane, Germantown, Maryland 20876. Hughes Network Systems, LLC has made every effort to ensure the correctness and completeness of the material in this document.
Important safety information For your safety and protection, read this entire installation manual before you attempt to install the satellite antenna. In particular, read this safety section carefully. Keep this safety information where you can refer to it if necessary. Types of warnings used in this manual This section introduces the various types of warnings used in this manual to alert you to possible safety hazards.
Product warning labels The following safety alert label is affixed to each side of the satellite antenna feed arm: CAUTION This device emits radio frequency energy Keep two feet (0.6 meters) away from this point Before servicing or upgrading, unplug indoor power connection T0145005 This label advises that the antenna emits radio frequency (RF) energy. Because of this potential safety hazard, observe all cautions in the following section (Antenna installation safety) concerning RF radiation.
DANGER • To avoid electric shock, stay at least 20 ft from power lines. • If any part of the antenna or mount assembly comes in contact with a power line, call your local power company to remove it. Do not try to remove it yourself. Failure to heed these warnings could result in serious injury or death. WARNING • Do not work in high wind or rain or if a storm, lightning, or other adverse weather conditions are present or approaching. • Do not attempt to assemble, move, or mount the antenna on a windy day.
CAUTION Observe these precautions to avoid exposure to RF radiation, a potential safety hazard: • The antenna must be installed in a location or manner not readily accessible to children and in a manner that prevents human exposure to potentially harmful levels of radiation.
CAUTION • All installations of any type or size must carry an industry standard and government approved Radiation Hazard Caution label on the feed arm. • A fenced or roof installation in a commercial, industrial, or institutional environment must carry a Radiation Hazard Caution sign on the access door, gate, or permanently mounted access ladder that is within plain sight of anyone approaching the antenna from the front or sides of the reflector.
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Contents Important safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Types of warnings used in this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Product warning labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Antenna installation safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv About this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xv Scope and audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a shim for vertical transmit polarization . . . . . . . . . .21 Installing the radio assembly on the feed arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Connecting the feed arm to the antenna reflector. . . . . . . . . . . .26 Installing the antenna assembly onto the mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Attaching the optional shroud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Chapter 4 Cabling and connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Routing the cables at the ODU. . . . . .
Figures Chapter 1 1. Installed .74 m antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Chapter 2 2. Az/el cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 3. Antenna reflector (rear view) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 4. Feed arm (unattached) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 5.
Chapter 4 30. Transmit and receive cable configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 31. Connecting the transmit cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 32. Connecting the receive cable to the LNB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 33. Ground screw on the transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Chapter 5 34. OPI (optional tool) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tables Chapter 2 1. Parts list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 2. Tools required to install and point the antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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About this document Scope and audience This manual explains how to assemble, install, and point the DIRECWAY® model AN4-076-DF .74 m antenna. It is written for qualified installers who are familiar with satellite antenna installation practices and are capable of properly applying the information presented. The installer may be required to: • Use a power drill to drill holes into a building. • Locate studs, rafters, or trusses and drill holes in the exact center of them.
Revision record This section describes the revision history of this manual.
Chapter 1 Overview The DIRECWAY model AN4-074-DF .74 m antenna is used for Ku-band consumer installations. This chapter presents an overview of the DIRECWAY broadband satellite system, a summary of the antenna installation steps, and information about tasks related to antenna installation.
Figure 1 shows the .74 m antenna installed on a pole mount. Radio (not visible) in optional shroud Antenna reflector Transmitter Feed arm Mast Figure 1: Installed .
Antenna installation overview The antenna installation steps and related tasks are summarized below. The steps in bold type are documented in this manual. 1. 2. 3. 4. Choose an installation site. Select a method for mounting the antenna. Install the antenna mount. Install the IDU. Note: Install the IDU before installing the antenna so you can run the installation software to determine the pointing values (azimuth, elevation, and polarization). 5.
Tasks related to antenna installation This section explains where you can find information on tasks related to antenna installation. Selecting the installation Factors you should consider in selecting an installation site are site discussed in the DIRECWAY Antenna Site Preparation and Mount Installation Guide (HNS 1035678-0001). Installing the antenna A suitable antenna mount must be installed before the antenna mount can be installed.
Chapter 2 Antenna parts and required tools This chapter describes the components and parts provided with the model AN4-074-DF antenna kit. It includes the following sections: • Antenna kit components on page 5 • Small hardware list on page 9 • Tools on page 10 Antenna kit components This section identifies and describes the key components of the .74 m antenna kit. For an illustration of an installed .74 m antenna, see Figure 1 on page 2.
Az/El cap and collar The Az/El cap (Figure 2) is used to point the antenna at the satellite. The Az/El cap is shipped unassembled; it can be assembled in about 2 to 5 min. Az/El mechanism Revolving plate Polarization plate Figure 2: Az/el cap The Az/El cap is shipped in a bag containing: • • • • Az/El mechanism Revolving plate Polarization plate Four 7/16-in. bolts, nuts, and washers Antenna reflector The antenna reflector is shown in Figure 3.
Feed arm and radio Figure 4 shows the feed arm, and Figure 5 shows the radio assembly. Figure 4: Feed arm (unattached) The radio assembly (Figure 5) consists of the transmitter, low noise block converter (LNB), and transmit/receive isolation assembly (TRIA).
Trimast (or other antenna The trimast is not part of the antenna kit. It is shown here because mount) it is the most commonly used mounting option for the .74 m antenna. As shown in Figure 6, the trimast can be configured and manipulated in several ways to adapt it for mounting onto surfaces of various angles. For other suitable mounting options, see the DIRECWAY Antenna Site Preparation and Mount Installation Guide (HNS 1035678-0001).
Small hardware list Table 1 lists the small hardware parts that are included in the antenna kit. You may have hardware left over after you have completed installation. Table 1: Parts list Item Details Quantity Parts used for antenna assembly and installation Bolts 5/16-18 2 Flat washers 5/16 in. 6 Lock washers 5/16 in. 2 Lock washers M4 4 Bolts (with Az/El cap) 7/16 in. 4 Nuts (with Az/El cap) 7/16 in. 4 Washers (with Az/El cap) 7/16 in.
Tools Table 2 lists the tools required to assemble, install, and point the antenna. Table 2: Tools required to install and point the antenna Tool Details Open-end wrench 1/2 in. Open-end or socket wrench 7/16 in. Socket wrench or adjustable wrench 5/16 in. Socket wrench 1/2 in. Torque wrench With 1/2-in. socket capable of torquing to 12 ft-lbf Allen wrench 3 mm Phillips-head screwdriver No.
Chapter 3 Installing the radio and antenna assemblies This chapter explains how to install the antenna, radio, and associated hardware.
Determining the pointing values Before proceeding, use the installation software to determine the initial values to use for setting azimuth, elevation, and polarization. Record these values and keep them handy for reference as you install and point the antenna. In this manual, installation software refers to: • Satellite-based commissioning (SBC) – This is the preferred and most automated method for pointing the antenna.
Assembling the Az/El cap The Az/El cap is shipped un-assembled. Follow the directions in this section to assemble it. You should be able to assemble it in about 2-5 min. To assemble the Az/El cap: 1. Place the revolving plate on a flat surface. See Figure 8. Figure 8: Revolving plate 2. Place the polarization plate over the revolving plate. 3. Use one hand to hold the two plates together. Align the revolving plate so its four bolt holes are visible, as shown in Figure 9.
4. Place the Az/El mechanism over the revolving plate so the bolt holes align. 5. Install a bolt from underneath the revolving plate. While holding it with one hand, install the 7/16-in. flat washer and nut. See Figure 10. 6. Repeat until all four bolts are installed. Align bolt from underneath and install washer and nut.
Installing the Az/El cap onto the antenna Before you attach the Az/El cap to the antenna, you must set the antenna elevation and polarization. As you set the elevation and polarization, refer to Figure 11. Clamp bolts (3) Elevation nuts (one on each side) Elevation scale Canister TOP label Polarization scale Polarization nuts (4) Figure 11: Antenna adjustments for elevation and polarization The cap has an arrow, labeled TOP, to show you how to orient the cap vertically. (See Figure 12.
Adjusting elevation This section describes how to adjust the antenna elevation to the value determined by the installation software. Later, when you point the antenna, you fine-tune the elevation adjustment. Figure 13 illustrates how you adjust the elevation by moving the antenna up and down. Elevation Elevation T0145007 Figure 13: Adjusting elevation To adjust the elevation: 1. Make sure you know the elevation value calculated by the installation software. 2.
3. Use a 1/2-in. socket wrench or open-end wrench to loosen the two elevation nuts. See Figure 14. 4. Locate the elevation reference edge on the elevation scale on the right side of the cap assembly. See Figures 14 and 15. Elevation nut (one on each side) Elevation reference edge Figure 14: Locating the elevation reference edge Read the elevation value at the elevation reference edge. In this picture, the elevation is set to 34°. Figure 15: Reading the elevation reference edge 5.
Adjusting polarization This section describes how to adjust the antenna’s polarization to the value determined by the installation software. Later, when you point the antenna, you fine-tune the polarization adjustment. Figure 16 illustrates how you adjust polarization by rotating the antenna. Polarization T0145008 Figure 16: Adjusting polarization Adjust polarization as follows: 1. Make sure you know the polarization value calculated by the installation software. 2.
5. Place the Az/El cap over the screw holes in the back of the antenna reflector (see Figure 17). Self-tapping screws Self-tapping screws Bottom of reflector Figure 17: Placing the Az/El cap on the antenna reflector Make sure the Az/El cap mount screw holes are properly aligned with the holes in the antenna reflector. The arrow on the Az/El labeled TOP should point to the top of the antenna reflector. Make sure the reflector is oriented so the section with a hole in its rim is on the bottom. 6.
Installing the fine elevation pointing tool The fine elevation pointing tool (Figure 18) consists of a long elevation adjustment bolt with a clamp on one end and a flange on the other end. The clamp and flange attach to the Az/El cap as shown in Figure 18. Flange Flange bolts and nuts (2 sets) Elevation adjustment nuts (2). Do not remove. Elevation adjustment bolt Do not remove this nut and bolt.
Installing a shim for vertical transmit polarization Follow the instructions in this section only if installation specifications or a service order states that vertical transmit polarization is required. If vertical transmit polarization is not required, go to Installing the radio assembly on the feed arm on page 25. The radio assembly is shipped with a horizontal transmit polarization shim installed.
Figure 20 illustrates the difference between the horizontal shim and vertical shim. Note the positions of the alignment pins. TRIA Horizontal shim in place Vertical shim in place (In this photograph, the TRIA has not yet been rotated.) Alignment pins O-ring Alignment pins Horizontal shim Vertical shim Figure 20: Horizontal shim and vertical shim for transmit polarization 4. Remove the horizontal shim and O-ring. 5. Install the vertical shim and O-ring in the same location.
Because of the shim’s alignment pins, you must rotate the TRIA 90 ° from its horizontal polarization position. You must rotate the TRIA before you re-attach the waveguide end so you can insert the shim alignment pins into the waveguide end plate. See Figures 21 and 22.
Figure 22 shows how the TRIA is positioned for horizontal transmit polarization compared to how it is positioned for vertical transmit polarization. TRIA Horizontal polarization TRIA TRIA rotated for vertical polarization Figure 22: TRIA position for horizontal and vertical transmit polarization 6. Make sure the O-ring shown in Figure 21 on page 23 is in place in the shim. 7. With the TRIA correctly positioned (rotated), place the waveguide end plate against the shim. 8.
Installing the radio assembly on the feed arm If the radio assembly is already attached to the feed arm, skip this section and go to Connecting the feed arm to the antenna reflector on page 26. Follow these steps to install the radio assembly on the feed arm: 1. Place the O-ring in the circular depression in the square end of the feed arm. See see Figure 23. O-ring Figure 23: Securing the O-ring 2.
6. Use a 5/16-in. socket wrench or open-end wrench to tighten the bolts attaching the transmitter to the feed arm. 7. Make sure the transmitter and feed arm are oriented correctly, as shown in Figure 24. Feed assembly Transmitter Waveguide Figure 24: Radio assembly installed on the feed arm 8. Attach the transmitter to the bottom of the feed arm. When you are done, the assembly looks like Figure 24.
To connect the feed arm to the antenna reflector: 1. Insert the 5/16-18 wedge nut, thinner end first, into the slot provided on the back of the reflector, as shown in Figure 25. The wedge nut is keyed so that it will fit properly only one way into its slot in the reflector. Make sure the hole in the wedge nut is aligned with the hole in the reflector so you can insert the bolt. See Figure 25. Antenna reflector 5/16 - 18 wedge nut Feed arm Wedge nut Transmitter Close-up view 5/16-in.
Installing the antenna assembly onto the mast This section describes how to install the antenna assembly (including the Az/El cap) onto the mast. To install the antenna assembly onto the mast: 1. Lightly grease the area at the end of the mast or metal pole that will be covered by the Az/El cap canister. This makes it easy to rotate the antenna to adjust the azimuth. Any grease will do; you can use automotive grease or household grease such as Vaseline. 2. Use a 1/2-in.
Attaching the optional shroud This section explains how to attach the optional shroud to the feed assembly. The shroud helps protect the feed assembly and improves its appearance, but it is not required. One side of the shroud is wider than the other. You place the wider side on the right side of the feed assembly, as you face the antenna. The shroud screws are in a bag taped inside the shroud. The two side screws are optional, but installing them does provide a tighter fit and plug the screw holes.
2. Use a No. 2 Phillips-head screwdriver to install the bottom screw. See Figure 28. Side screw holes, one on each side Bottom screw Figure 28: Shroud screws 3. Optional: Install the two side screws. The final assembly will look like Figure 29.
Chapter 4 Cabling and connections This chapter illustrates where the ODU transmit, receive, and ground connectors are located; shows how to route the transmit and receive cables at the ODU, and explains how to connect the transmit and receive cables to the radio assembly. You must connect the transmit, receive, and ground cables before you can point the antenna (Pointing the antenna on page 37).
Routing the cables at the ODU Route the coaxial transmit and receive cables at the ODU as follows: 1. Route the transmit cable (marked with blue electrical tape) to the back of the transmitter in a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 30. Receive cable (marked with RED tape) Receive cable passes through feed arm. LNB Transmitter Transmit cable (marked with BLUE tape) T0145004 Figure 30: Transmit and receive cable configurations 2.
Connecting the transmit and receive cables This section explains how to connect the transmit and receive cables to the radio assembly. Transmit cable Connect the transmit cable to the transmitter as follows: 1. From inside the building, disconnect the IDU power supply. 2. Go outside and connect the transmit cable (marked with blue electrical tape) to the transmitter connector marked IFL, as shown in Figure 31. Use a weatherproof connector.
Receive cable Connect the receive cable to the LNB as follows: 1. Connect the receive cable (marked with red tape) to the LNB connector as illustrated in Figure 32. Receive F connector, female Figure 32: Connecting the receive cable to the LNB 2. Tighten the cable connector with a 7/16-in. wrench. 3. Apply dielectric silicone grease to the connection. 4. Secure the cable with cable ties.
Ground connection Figure 33 shows the location of the ground screw on the transmitter. Ground the transmitter and mast. For grounding procedures, refer to your training, best grounding practices, and applicable parts of the NEC.
36 Chapter 4 • Cabling and connections 1035567-0001 Revision A
Chapter 5 Pointing the antenna This chapter explains how to point the antenna and connect the transmitter.
Antenna pointing overview This chapter describes a general procedure for pointing the antenna. The objectives for antenna pointing are to: • Locate and detect the satellite signal • Peak the signal to achieve the greatest possible signal strength Using the installation The exact pointing procedure depends on the installation software software used, SBC or WebSetup. (For a description of SBC and WebSetup, see Determining the pointing values on page 12.
By obtaining the strongest possible signal you ensure that the terminal can use all the system’s capacity. Personnel requirements One person can point the antenna if an OPI is used. Otherwise, pointing is usually a two-person task. One person aims and adjusts the antenna while the other watches the signal strength display on the computer and relays the readings to the person at the antenna. A portable telephone or walkie-talkie is helpful for this.
The OPI attaches to the receive cable from the LNB, as shown in Figure 35. Note that the OPI will not work unless it is enabled on the appropriate screen on the installation software. (Check the box labeled Enable OPI Display.) For further details, see Outdoor Pointing Interface Operating Instructions (HNS 1031832-0001).
Prerequisites for antenna pointing The following are required for antenna pointing: • The antenna must be installed. • The IDU must be installed. • The transmit and receive cables must be connected to the IDU and ODU. • The outdoor pointing interface (OPI) must be installed. • The ODU and IDU must be grounded. • You must have access to the installation software. (See Using the installation software on page 38.
Adjusting the antenna To point the antenna you make three adjustments: • Azimuth – Side-to-side adjustment • Elevation – Adjustment up and down • Polarization – Rotational adjustment These adjustments are illustrated in Figure 37. The corresponding mechanical adjustments on the antenna are explained in the sections that follow.
Pointing adjustments on Figures 38 and 39 show the antenna parts that are used to adjust Az/El cap antenna azimuth, elevation, and polarization.
Checking the azimuth, elevation, and polarization settings 1. Check to see if the elevation reference and polarization settings are still at their previously set values (the values calculated by the installation software). If they are not, see Installing the Az/El cap onto the antenna on page 15 and follow the instructions to align the antenna to the correct values. 2.
Receive pointing Receive pointing peaks the receive signal. You must peak the signal even if the antenna is locked to it. Use the installation software to check the signal strength. Then adjust the antenna to peak the signal. The installation software shows numerical and graphic indications of signal strength. Adjusting azimuth Figure 41 illustrates how you adjust antenna azimuth by moving the antenna from side to side.
not yet moved to mark 3 on the mast, return to step 1 (in Adjusting azimuth) and adjust it again. Keep moving the reflector a little at a time until you get a signal. 4. Keep moving the antenna reflector a little at a time until you detect a signal or until you reach the limit to the right. 5. If there is no signal after the antenna reflector has been moved from mark 2 to mark 3 (1-1/2 in.), there may be an error. If there is no signal, perform the following quick checks.
Adjusting elevation Figure 42 illustrates how you adjust the elevation by moving the antenna up and down. Elevation Elevation T0145007 Figure 42: Adjusting elevation Fine-tune the antenna elevation as follows: 1. Loosen the two elevation nuts. See Figure 43. The elevation nuts are located on the curved slots on each side of the canister. Do not confuse the elevation nuts with the elevation adjustment nuts (also shown in Figure 43).
2. While watching the signal strength display, adjust the elevation adjustment nuts by turning them a few turns clockwise and counterclockwise until you peak the signal again. Note: You may have to pull back on the top of the antenna to take pressure off the elevation adjustment bolt when making adjustments. 3. When the signal is peaked, tighten the two elevation nuts. (See Figure 43 on page 47.) 4.
7. While watching the signal strength number to ensure that it stays at maximum, tighten the elevation nuts in the following sequence: a. Snug the left nut but do not completely tighten it. b. Snug the right nut but do not completely tighten it. c. Fully tighten the left nut (torque to 12 ft-lbf). d. Fully tighten the right nut (torque to 12 ft-lbf).
Isolating the transmit signal To prevent signal cross talk, you use a procedure known as Automated Cross Polarization (ACP) to isolate the transmit signal from the receive signal. ACP is included in the installation software. The ACP software operates in two different modes—manual or automatic fine pointing.
The following steps are necessary only if the antenna does not pass the manual ACP test: 1. Loosen the two elevation nuts. In the following steps you make very small adjustments in azimuth and elevation. If you make too great a change, you lose the receive signal and the test cannot continue because you are out of contact with the NOC. You then have to go back to the receive pointing instructions (Receive pointing on page 45) and perform that procedure again. 2.
Final steps After pointing, make sure the required safety labels and/or signs are present: • Make sure a Radiation Hazard Caution label is present, legible, and visible on the feed arm. • If the antenna is enclosed by a fence, make sure a Radiation Hazard Caution sign is present, legible, and visible on the entrance gate. • If the antenna is installed on a roof with a permanently mounted access ladder, make sure a Radiation Hazard Caution sign is present, legible, and visible on or near the ladder.
Acronyms and abbreviations F O ft-lbf – Foot-pound force ODU – Outdoor unit I OPI – Outdoor pointing interface IDU – Indoor unit R in.
54 • Acronyms and abbreviations 1035567-0001 Revision A
Index A H Antenna adjustment locations 43 installing onto the mast 28 mount 4 pointing 38 isolating the transmit signal 50 receive pointing 45 reflector 6 Az/El cap 6 assembling 13 installing 15 Azimuth, adjusting 44 Hardware parts list 9 C Cables 4 connecting 32 Components 5 Connectors 31 E Elevation adjusting 47 fine elevation pointing tool 20 initial setting 16 scale 17 F I Installation summary of steps 3 Isolating the transmit signal 50 M Mount for antenna 4 O OPI ground block 40 P Parts list
Signal strength, maximizing 46 Summary of installation steps 3 System components 1 T Tasks 3 related to antenna installation 4 Tool list 10 Transmit cable connecting 33 routing 32 Transmit polarization shim 21 Transmit signal, isolating 50 Transmitter, connecting 33 Trimast 8 56 • Index 1035567-0001 Revision A
