For sectors we like to assemble the standoffs on the ground and
pre-mount the antennas. On the ground we can take the time to measure
precisely and make sure the antennas are at the correct angles relative
to each other. Then tell the tower guy "mount this plumb and turn the
assembly until this sector is facing 0 degrees North." If he's off a
smidgen that's ok because the sectors are all off by the same amount and
we still get full coverage.
On 2/19/2020 12:18 PM, Ken Hohhof wrote:
I could see it for APs, especially if you are going to these narrow
beam horns.
For backhaul links, especially licensed links, I would just use a
multimeter on the BNC connector if the radio has one, or the alignment
tool in the GUI otherwise. Maybe it would make sense to prealign the
dishes before final tweaking for best signal, but Chuck’s rifle scope
method is probably better for that. That’s the only one I would trust
enough not to tweak the alignment once the radios are linked up.
But back to sectors, I will admit I probably have some that are
supposed to be spaced every 60 or 90 degrees but in actuality are off
by 2-5 degrees. Not really a huge deal, but probably suboptimum.
*From:* AF <af-boun...@af.afmug.com> *On Behalf Of *ch...@wbmfg.com
*Sent:* Wednesday, February 19, 2020 10:58 AM
*To:* AnimalFarm Microwave Users Group <af@af.afmug.com>
*Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Advice on spending
I had a project, still have a project to build one.
Not trivial because the baseline between the two GPS receivers is very
short.
Maybe I will finish it someday.
If you buy one, let me “borrow it for a few days”...
Elevation is very simple. You can buy a cheap electronic level from
any hardware store to nail the elevation.
Then all you gotta do is sweep and peak.
I have not talked to anyone that has used one of these things.
If you can find a landmark along the path and use a scope for azimuth
you will be dead on for a lot less money.
*From:*Steve Jones
*Sent:*Wednesday, February 19, 2020 9:50 AM
*To:*AnimalFarm Microwave Users Group
*Subject:*[AFMUG] Advice on spending
I got approval from the boss to order a smart aligner. Ive been
looking at this for a while, particularly with the need for accuracy
in CBRS. Not looking to use it at customer sites, just backhauls and
access points.
We have historically never been verifiably accurate on azimuths,
probably rolled out pretty bad too. We have had issues with
contractors not installing sites to spec, and having to go back up to
turn radios/adjust tilt, etc.
This will be handy for this year, we are dropping in at least 40 new
access points and 3 or 5 new licensed links in the next few months.
but then the tool will sit
Boss said the worst thing to me, "get it if you think its necessary".
If it were a $1k tool it wouldnt be a question bet we are looking at
almost 7k on the kit. It meets my accuracy needs, but I almost wonder
if the convenience outweighs the necessary. ant his is over half the
cost of a licensed link.
Knowing my numbers are right in propagation tools holds a lot of
value. saving maybe an hour getting a tight link aligned here and
there offsets some cost.
You old timers, is this a justifiable expenditure based on your
experience?
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