Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post

Transcription

1 Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post IS10012 Issue September 2010 Nautel Limited Peggy's Cove Road, Hackett's Cove, NS, Canada B3Z 3J4 T nautel (628835) or F info@nautel.com U.S. customers please contact: Nautel Inc. 201 Target Industrial Circle, Bangor ME T nautel (628835) or F info@nautel.com support@nautel.com Copyright 2010 NAUTEL. All rights reserved.

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3 IS10012 Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post INFORMATION SHEET 1 INTRODUCTION This information sheet contains procedures for installing your COMROD AS1R whip antenna, antenna tuning unit (ATU), supporting anchor post and ground plane. These instructions supplement those provided in Section 3 (ATU500) and Section 2 (ATU-LP) of the ATU Technical Instruction Manual and COMROD AS1R assembly instructions provided with the antenna. This document contains the following sections: Description Section Special Tools/Test Equipment 1.2 Visual Inspection 2 Site Preparation 3.1 Base Installation 3.2 Ground Plane Installation 4 Antenna Mounting 5 ATU Mounting 6 Cable Connections 7 Lightning Rod Installation 8 Antenna Maintenance 9 Final Checks 10 Note that some of these sections will refer to handbooks of the associated components. Please read all material before proceeding with installation. 1.1 Equipment Affected This procedure applies to the antenna tuning unit (ATU500 or ATU-LP) and COMROD AS1R whip antenna. 1.2 Special Tools/Test Equipment The tools listed in Table 1 are required. Site preparation may also require digging equipment and installation of a concrete base. Table 1: Required Tools Tool Socket Set Combination Wrench Set Adjustable Wrench Screwdrivers Level Propane Torch Solder and flux Hammer Pliers Type Metric 8 mm to 19 mm, SAE 5/16 in. to 3/4 in. Metric 8 mm to 19 mm, SAE 5/16 in. to 3/4 in. Opens to 1-1/4 in. Slot Head (medium), Philips 4 ft. Suitable for soldering Suitable for application Standard 10 in. vise grip, electricians side cutting Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post Page 1 IS10012 Issue 1.0

4 2 VISUAL INSPECTION Verify that all components have been accounted for and no damage has occurred during shipment before starting the installation procedure. 3 SITE SELECTION AND PREPARATION This section contains information to help with site selection and preparing the site for antenna installation. Nautel recommends that all requirements be incorporated to ensure optimum reliability and performance. NOTE Failure to comply with these recommendations and instructions could void the manufacturer s warranty. Please review Nautel s warranty terms for more information. 3.1 Site Selection The intended application of the antenna will dictate its general location. Consider the following factors when selecting a site: The area near the antenna should be free from other fixed structures such as overhead power lines, other antennas, etc. The material already in place should be of sufficient depth and competence to support the antenna base (see 3.2 for base installation options). Consider the possible difficulties that may be encountered burying the ground mat. 3.2 Base Installation Once site selection is complete, excavate for, as necessary, and install the base as detailed in Figure 3-1a (standard concrete base, see also 3.2.1) or 3-1b (non-standard base, see also 3.2.2). NOTE Various factors can affect the installation of the selected antenna base. Refer to the General Notes in Figure 3-1a if using a standard concrete base. Nautel recommends that you consult a local civil engineer prior to installing the antenna base to ensure proper installation and in the case of the non-standard base mounting hardware selection and anchoring foundation design. For all types of base mounting, design should be based on a net overturning moment at the top of the base of 6500 ft-lbs Standard Concrete Base For the standard concrete base (see Figure 3-1a), the anchor post (Nautel Part # ) is cast right in the concrete base. A 17/32 inch diameter drain hole, 54 inches from the bottom of the post can be used to determine the depth to embed the anchor post in the concrete. Embed the post in the concrete such that this drain hole is approximately three to six inches above the concrete. Ensure the drain hole is kept clear. Particular care should be taken to ensure that the anchor post is maintained perfectly plumb until the concrete has set Non-Standard Base For the non-standard base (see Figure 3-1b), the anchor post ( ) is part of a welded base that includes a base plate and support gussets. A 9/16 inch diameter drain hole is located just above the base plate. Page 2 Issue 1.0 Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post IS10012

5 ANCHOR POST ( ) DRAIN HOLE (KEEP CLEAR) GROUND LEVEL GENERAL NOTES 1 Concrete shall have a minimum 28-day compressive strength of 3000 psi. 2 Reinforcing shall be deformed hard grade rail or billet steel conforming to the requirements of the latest issue of CSA G30.12 and G30.13 or equivalent. 3 Footing shall be founded on undisturbed material below the depth of normal frost penetration. 4 All formwork shall be removed prior to backfilling. 5 Antenna erection shall not begin until at least seven days after concrete placement. 6 Design is based on normal cohesive soil: Allowable bearing pressure Horizontal bearing capacity Unit weight 3000 psf 400 psf/linear foot of depth 110 pcf Non-cohesive saturated or submerged soils are not considered normal. Alternate design should be based on a net overturning moment at the top of base of 6500 foot pounds. 7 Anchor post must be installed perfectly vertical; any deviation from the vertical will be reflected and amplified by antenna. Figure 3-1a: Standard Concrete Base Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post Page 3 IS10012 Issue 1.0

6 Mounting design should be based on a net overturning moment at the top of base plate of 6500 foot pounds. Figure 3-1b: Non-Standard Base Page 4 Issue 1.0 Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post IS10012

7 4 GROUND PLANE INSTALLATION If a ground plane has been purchased (see available options in Table 2), install it as shown in Figure 4-1 (18 radials) around the antenna base. Make all joints by wrapping a minimum of four turns of one wire around the other and soldering. Lay out each cable, fanning out 360 degrees from the center. NOTE The ground mat forms an integral and necessary part of the antenna system, providing the return path for RF current flow. Avoid any alteration to your particular configuration as it will likely reduce antenna efficiency. Table 2: Ground Planes Nautel Part Number Number of Radials Length of Radials Degree of Radial Separation ft ft ft ft ft ft 12 NOTE All ground planes in Table 2 take the same circular shape as shown in Figure 4-1. Ground plane part numbers are subject to change. Please refer to your order for the correct part number. Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post Page 5 IS10012 Issue 1.0

8 ENLARGED VIEW OF GROUND MAT CENTRE NOTES: 1 Unless site conditions dictate otherwise, ground mat should be buried to a depth of at least six inches. 2 All joints should be minimum of four turns of one wire around the other and soldered - silver solder is recommended. Figure 4-1: Ground Mat Installation, 18 Radials Page 6 Issue 1.0 Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post IS10012

9 5 ANTENNA MOUNTING Assemble the COMROD AS1R whip antenna as outlined in the materials provided with the antenna. Once the antenna is assembled, mount the antenna to the mounting pole using the ATCantenna mounting clamps included with the antenna (see Figure 6-1). Follow mounting instructions provided with the antenna. NOTE The top mounting bracket should be mounted 1 to 3 from the top of the anchor post to help ensure the ATU is mounted above any ground debris. The spacing between the antenna mounting brackets must be between 18 and ATU MOUNTING Install the two ATU mounting bracket assemblies (see Table 3 for appropriate part number) on the back of the ATU using the hardware existing on the bracket assemblies. This may require relocating and reversing the four mounting angles to the back of the ATU. Attach the ATU to the anchor post below the top antenna mounting clamp (see Figure 6-1). Table 3: ATU Mounting Bracket Assemblies ATU Type Mounting Bracket Part Number ATU-LP ATU Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post Page 7 IS10012 Issue 1.0

10 Figure 6-1: ATU Mounting Page 8 Issue 1.0 Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post IS10012

11 7 CABLE CONNECTIONS Once the COMROD AS1R whip antenna has been mounted to the anchor post, install and the connecting cables as follows: The downlead assembly (see Figure 6-1) is the RF feed cable between the ATU RF output and the COMROD AS1R whip antenna. Refer to both the ATU manual and the COMROD AS1R instruction material for connections and correct wiring methods. If the downlead assembly is included in your order (see Table 4 for part number, as applicable), connect the lugged end of the cable to the ATU s RF output. This cable is provided with extra length and will need to be cut and stripped to length. Observe proper wiring methods. Table 4: Downlead Assemblies ATU Type Downlead Assembly Part Number ATU-LP N/A ATU Connect the three polyethylene covered wires from the ground plane to the ground bolt on the bottom left side of the ATU (see Figure 6-1). Refer to the ATU manual and connect the RF feed cable (not included) from the transmitter to the RF input on the bottom right side of the ATU. Power cables and serial communications cables (not included) can also be connected at this time. Observe proper wiring and cable routing methods. 8 LIGHTNING ROD INSTALLATION For a concrete base: approximately 1.5 feet to 2 feet from the base, drive a 5/8 diameter x 6 ft ground rod (not included) into the ground as deep as possible, leaving enough room on top to attach cables. This will be the dedicated lightning rod. Ensure this rod does not touch the center ground plane rod or ground plane radials. For a non-standard base: provide a low-resistance termination point (not the ground plane) near the base. Once the lightning rods are in place, run two lengths of 8 AWG cable (not included) from the ATU ground bolt on the bottom left of the ATU to the lightning ground rod. Use a ground rod clamp, or other suitable means, to connect the ground wires from the ATU to the ground rod or low-resistance termination. NOTE Keep the cable between the ATU and lightning ground rod as short as possible. Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post Page 9 IS10012 Issue 1.0

12 9 ANTENNA MAINTENANCE Nautel recommends that you perform a thorough visual inspection of the antenna and ATU at least once every six months. Check bolts and electrical connections. Check the base for cracks and heaving. Check the anchor post for excessive movement within the base. Check the mast s verticality and the mast and radiator for any distortion or unusual vibration. If necessary, take the appropriate remedial measures. If the antenna is located near salt water or in an area of high air pollution, undesirable deposits may build up on the insulator which, in turn, may impair its performance. If the insulator becomes visibly fouled, turn off the RF input signal to the antenna and wash these items with clean, fresh water. Ensure the area surrounding the antenna base is clear of debris such as a build up of foliage, mounds of snow, etc. Visually check the ATUs sealing washers, gaskets and cable glands for signs of cracking or leaks. Replace these items as required. 10 FINAL CHECKS When installation of the ground plane, lightning rod and connecting cables is complete, perform a check to verify all tasked items have been completed and connections and mountings are secure. The COMROD AS1R antenna system is fully installed. Use the Vector and ATU manuals to restore power to the transmitter and any other locked out power to these units, then proceed with the Vector transmitter s initial turn on and ATU tuning procedure. Page 10 Issue 1.0 Installing a COMROD AS1R Whip Antenna with Anchor Post IS10012