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Basic MW Antennas Alignment

Guide Line for split MW System

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Index
1
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 3
2
ALIGNMENT FUNDAMENTALS ...................................................................................... 3
2.1.
Azimuth Location.......................................................................................................... 3
2.2.
Levelling Antenna......................................................................................................... 5
2.3.
Pole fixing..................................................................................................................... 5
2.4.
Antenna Polarization (single polarization antenna)...................................................... 6
2.5.
Antenna Polarization (double polarization antenna) .................................................... 7
2.6.
Radiation Pattern and Signal Strength......................................................................... 8
2.7.
Tools and Tests instruments ........................................................................................ 9
2.7.1.
Mechanical Tools ................................................................................................... 10
2.7.2.
Test Instruments..................................................................................................... 10
3
PATH ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE................................................................................ 12
3.1.
Basic procedure ......................................................................................................... 12
3.1.1.
Adjusting the antenna ............................................................................................ 13
3.1.2.
Vertical adjustment of antenna............................................................................... 14
3.1.3.
Fine adjustment of antenna.................................................................................... 14
3.2.
Step by step Basic ..................................................................................................... 15
3.2.1.
Standard Link (one antenna per site) ..................................................................... 15
3.2.2.
Link in Antenna Diversity configuration and / or Hot Stand-By system (Two
antennas per site) .................................................................................................................. 15
3.2.3.
Link in Antenna Diversity configuration and / or Freq. diversity system (Two
antennas per site) .................................................................................................................. 16

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INTRODUCTION

For a reliable microwave link communication between two terrestrial radio sites, fundamental is a correct antennas
alignment.
Parabolic microwave antennas can be aligned using either a customer supplied radio, independent path alignment
transceiver set or other properly tools and test instrument related to the equipments specifications.
Microwave antennas must be accurately positioned on true azimuth and be absolutely level before beginning path
alignment. Most alignment difficulties are the result of incorrect azimuth position or inadequate levelling.
Target of antennas alignment is to adjust the properly direction of both antennas (site A and B), in order to obtain
the Calculate (Nominal) Power receive in both site.
This module is just a help pointed at those never worked on Microwave Antenna Systems and when this task is
new.

ALIGNMENT FUNDAMENTALS

2.1.

Azimuth Location

Azimuth position errors can result from incorrect bearing marker position or inaccurate compass readings.
True North (Map) and Magnetic North (Compass).
True north on most maps is the geographic North Pole. Azimuth bearing on site maps is generally given with
respect to true north. Compasses, however, point to the magnetic North Pole
If this difference is not taking in consideration, the antenna azimuth will be incorrect.
The angular difference between true north and magnetic north is called the Declination Constant. Declination
varies from place to place.
To convert TRUE BEARING indicated on a site map, to corrected MAGNETIC BEARING read by a compass
apply the following rule:
Add the declination constant to true bearing for sites EAST of the zero declination line , or subtract the declination
constant from true bearing for sites WEST of the zero declination line.
Declination constants are often given on site data sheets.
All the above mentioned data normally are reported to the Survey report documents.

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Compass Readings and Azimuth Marker Location.

Azimuth position errors can also result from inaccurate compass readings. Magnetic compasses are not reliable
near metal towers.
Compass readings should be taken at least 30 mt away from metal towers (if the compass is not screened
properly).
One method o f locating an azimuth marker is to first locate a point, on true azimuth, 30 mt or more from the tower
(point A in a next figure).
Then locate a second point on true azimuth 30 mt away from the point A and place the azimuth marker in the
ground (point B in a next figure). The greater these distances are from the tower, the more accurate the azimuth
position will be.
For Azimuth marker is also possible use a stick or rope near the Tower.

TN
MN

MA

Tower

30 mt or more

TN= True North

MN= Magnetic North
D= Declination Constant
MA= Magnetic Azimuth

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Flag or Stake

Stick or Rope

Ref A

30 mt or more

Ref B

True Azimuth = 90
Equivalent Magnetic Azimuth = 94
North
Declination Constant = 4

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Levelling Antenna

Another common alignment problem is improper levelling of antenna and feed. The antenna and feed must be
absolutely level. In rare instances, where extreme differences in elevation exist, such as in mountainous terrain or
on tall buildings, the antenna will not be level. For normal variations in tower heights and ground elevations,
levelling corrections should not be made unless exact differences are known.
For example, with a level antenna, beam width at 40 Km is typically many times the height of a 76 mt tower (see
next Figure). However, if the basic level position is only half a bubble width off level, (as shown in the second
figure), the antenna's main beam will be shifted 2 degrees, missing the adjacent tower by a 800 mt.
Make attention of antennas levelling due to the feed attachment.
Example with a 6 Ghz 3 mt Antenna

76 mt
Tower

Beam Width
700 mt

40 Km

Feed Horn
Flange

Bubble Width
Direction of radiation

2
Level Surfac

2.3.

Pole fixing

In rare instances, alignment problem is caused by improper levelling (installation or project faulty) of antenna fixing
pole.
This is very important to check when the pole of the frame is mounted on a tower. A bad vertical position of the
pole may result a wrong performance during the antennas alignment.
The wrong results depend to the cross polarization effect.
Is suggested that after a visual check of antenna installation, verify (using a bubble width) the verticality of
antenna pole.
To get a vertical position of the pole for all around it, it is necessary checking on all 360 degree around the pole.

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Antenna Polarization (single polarization antenna)

Important consideration for antenna Path alignment is the Antenna polarization status.
In case that the polar axes arent levelled correctly the Microwave link will encounter a lower receive level, the
proper adjustment of the antenna is not possible, since the radiation pattern are not that developed and you may
get a wrong level received.
It should be the same for both sites and according with the RF planning.
For properly polarization, verify on the back side of the antenna that the polar axes are correctly.
The polarization is usually specified as follows: V for vertical and H for Horizontal (with a properly mark point or a
label on the antenna feed piece).
In any case refer to the installation instruction insert on the antennas box.
See some Flanges view (only for example)
UDR Type

Vertical Polarization

UBR Type

Horizontal Polarization

Vertical Polarization

Horizontal Polarization

See Antennas back side view (only for example)

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Antenna Polarization (double polarization antenna)

In case of double polarization horn is mandatory refer to the installation instruction. There is different type of
double polarization feed, any model use a different assembly and view for the output flanges.
See Antennas back side view (only for example)
Example 1

General view of feed hub

Rear view of feed hub

Horizontal arrow > Horizontal Polarization
Vertical arrow > Vertical Polarization
Example 2

General view of feed hub

(see label for polarization reference)
For the Antenna Path alignment is fundamental the feed are properly assembled and levelling.
To check the feed levelling in case of feed horn on example 1, loosen feed assembly mounting bolts. Place
bubble level across feed horn in back of antenna to measure horizontal level. If necessary rotate feed assembly
until horizontally level. Tighten feed assembly mounting bolts.

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Radiation Pattern and Signal Strength

Antennas can be verified as being on main beam by comparing measured received signal strength with calculated
Rx power level.
Signal strength readings are usually measurable when at least a main beam and first side lobe are aligned. The
strongest signal occurs at the center of the main beam.
The highest first lobe signal is typically 20-25 dB less than the main beam signal. When both antennas are aligned
for maximum main beam signal strength, the PRx Level will typically between -30 to -55 dBm (depend to the hop
calculation).
If calculated Power Receive Level, matches with the measured signal strength, both antennas are aligned on main
beam.
For example:
Typical path loss at 6 GHz for a 33 km path is about 138 dB.
Typical antenna gain for a 3 mt antenna at 6 GHz is about 43 dB, or 86 dB for both site antennas.
We consider Tx Power +0 dBm
+0
-138
+86
-52

dBm
dB
dB
dBm

Tx Power
path loss
antenna gain (2 antennas)
Nominal Receive Level

If the measured signal was near -52 dBm, the antennas would be aligned on main beam. If the measured signal
was only -75 dB, one antenna would be aligned on the first side lobe - not the main beam. If both antennas are
aligned on the first side lobe, the receive signal would probably not be measurable.
Main beam
Center of main beam (peak radiation level)
Outer edge of main beam
3 to 10 dB below the main BWM peak
First side Lobe
Inner edge of 1 st side lobe
30 dB or more below the main beam peak
Center of 1st side Lobe
20 to 25 dB below the main beam peak
Head on view

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st

Outer edge of 1 side lobe

30 db or more below the main Beam peak

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Tools and Tests instruments

Parabolic microwave antennas can be aligned using either a customer supplied radio, independent path alignment
transceiver set or other properly tools and test instrument related to the equipments specifications.
The tests instruments used most of cases depend to the type and specification of the MW equipment attached
with the parabolic Microwave antennas.
For the Siemens MW Equipment is suggested the following material:
Common Test Instruments Lists
Personal Computer / Laptop
OS Used
LCT Engine
Plug in software
Multimeters
RS232 not modem PC serial cable
Compass
binocular
spirit level
Test Instruments Lists for Split
system
Multimeters
Alignment Cable

Note
Technical requirement referred to the MW
system used
Windows 2K/ XP
Related to the system SVR
Related to the system SVR
Suggested Analogic and Digital Multimeter
Pin to Pin (Sub D9 Male / Sub D9 Female)

Qty
(1 for team)

(1 for team)
(1 for team)
(1 for team)
(1 for team)
(1 for team)
Qty

Note
Suggested Analogic and Digital Multimeter
BNC / Banana (to be build in Field)

(1 for team)
(1 for team)

Note

Qty
(1 for team)
(1 for team)
(1 for team)
(1 for team)

Path alignment test instrument

Suggested with Battery

In the properly RF Frequency Range
In the properly RF Frequency Range
In the properly RF Frequency Range
In the properly RF Frequency Range and
Flangie adaptor
optional

Mechanical Tools
Small Tools Case
Installation Tools Bag
Safety device

Note
With two set on wrench
(1 for each personnel)
(1 set for each personnel)

Test Instruments Lists for Full

Indoor system
Power Meter
Power Sensor for power meter
Spectrum Analyzer
RF Cable
WG-Cable Adaptor

Documents support
LCT OMN Manual
PLUG IN SW OMN Manual
UMN Manual
System Installation Instructions
Antennas Installation Instructions
Survey Report
MW Info Link Form

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(1 for team)
(1 for team)
Qty
(1 for team)

Note
Related to the system SVR
Related to the system SVR
Related to the system SVR
Related to the system SVR
Related to the properly antenna
Related to the project specification
Related to the project specification

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Mechanical Tools

Is suggested use two set of wrench. Type and specification of wrench are indicating in the antenna installation
instruction.

2.7.2.

Test Instruments

Power receive Measured value

To check the real power receive value is necessary measure the value with the properly test instrument (Power
meter) or with the included application SW of the equipment (if applicable).
Note that the test instruments suggested depend to the alignment method applied.

Independent path alignment transceiver set

Using one the path alignment test and installation of the associated hardware (cables, waveguide, Flange Cable
Adaptor etc.) can be facilitated to reduce excess mobilization costs. Some of the most widely used equipment for
this application are signal generators (used as the transmitter) and receive analyzers (used as the receiver).
A example of Test Instrument is The Path Align-RTM of XL-Microwave Company.
Two identical battery operated Path Align-Rs, one for each tower, are carried in their Weather-resistant Instrument
Back-packs to the antenna sites. By coax connection to the antenna, each Path Align-R drives its respective
antenna directly...while receiving the signal from the other Path Align-R, simultaneously. During alignment, the
Path Align-R provides continuous duplex voice communication over the antenna link, using the included headset,
allowing the two technicians to communicate with each other (no cell phones required!). Both units indicate the
received path loss, in dB, with 0.1 dB resolution (to -100 dB sensitivity).

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Power meter or spectrum analyzer

This type of test instruments is most used for Full Indoor type of MW equipment
These method measures direct the real Rx RF Signal (from the antenna Back RF output point or from the Rx
Branching group of MW equipment). In this case is used a Power Meter or Spectrum Analyzer for a direct
measure of RF Signal.
The MW equipment is used for the signal generators (used as the transmitter) and on the receive station is used a
RF Power meter or the spectrum analyzer to check and analyze the received Signal.
The test instruments are connected to the main RF output of the equipment (just after the Branching Filter output).
Note that if the spectrum analyzer is used for a RF Power measure; consider the reading error related to the
typical setting of the test instruments (Resolution bandwidth and Video bandwidth).

Station A
Transmitter System

MW Link

Station B
Receive system

Model and Type of test instruments depend to the frequency band of system under test.

AGC Voltage reference

This type of method is used for most of Split type of MW equipment (eg. SRAL XD or SRA 4)
With AGC (Voltage control Signal, from the Reference Voltage point on the ODU or in the in same case on the
properly measure monitoring point on Indoor Equipment). In this case is used a Voltmeter (suitable a analogic
multimeter).
Note that (in case of AGC voltage) during the alignment it is not important to reach a specific value of voltage, but
the maximum value. The target of alignment is to seek the main lobe and verify the position of the two lateral
lobes (left and right).
Connect the voltmeter to the ODU BNC connector (for 1+1 systems connect to the main ODU).

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PATH ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE

3.1.

Basic procedure

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In order to apply a properly antenna alignment is important following the below steps indications.
Is suggested following this phase order (example with AGC voltage method):

Verify the properly antenna installation

Verify the verticality of the antenna pole
Verify that the frequency band and the polarization is under the project specification
Verify (using a compass or with visual reference point the properly direction of the antenna (azimuth and
elevation).
Identify (related to the antenna type and supplier) the mechanical elements for antenna adjustment.
Connect the Voltmeter (suggested analogical instrument) to the AGC voltage point on the ODU (or other
measure point depending to the test instruments used).
If the MW system is with the ATPC function, disable this function in both station and set the Ptx power on
the maximum value (at the same time verify that all RF component are active and under project
specification).
Start the main analysis of Prx signal in station A (move in Azimuth and after elevation), search the
maximum value on the Voltmeter.
Proceed with a fine adjustment in Station A for the maximum value on the Voltmeter.
Start the main analysis of Prx signal in station B (move in Azimuth and after elevation), search the
maximum value on the Voltmeter.
Proceed with a fine adjustment in Station B for the maximum value on the Voltmeter.
At the end verify that the Prx value are under the project specification, if not proceed with next step
Alternative fine adjustment (alternatively in station A and B) to search the maximum value on the
Voltmeter.
At the end verify that the Prx value are under the project specification
Close all mechanical elements (under a severity control with the Voltmeter) of the antenna.

Check if the Antennas in both sites are mounted in the correct direction. If you cannot see the opposite site use a
compass but remember that it may not work properly close to a metal tower.
The use of compass is only to identify a reference for the main direction, in any case is suggested adjust the
antenna with the electrical reference (voltmeter).
Start the alignment operation from site A. Connect the voltmeter to the ODU BNC connector (for 1+1 systems
connect to the main ODU).
Note the relative reference point when the operator starts the mechanical adjustment.
Sometime is suggested a Prx analysis referred to a large angle and not only using a fine adjustment method. In
this case is suggested slacken the main bolts (1 or 2 turn) in order to move the antenna from the main attachment
on the pole. In a secondary time use the fine elements.

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Adjusting the antenna

Main fixing Bolts

Fine adjustment Bolts

For all mechanical adjustment reference point see the documentation regarding antenna installation.
Horizontal adjustment of the antenna
Start to move slowly the azimuth at site A and observe the readings of the voltmeter in order to define the principle
lobe from the two lateral lobe (in case of no signal detect apply the suggested step in the above chapter).
Repeat the panning in left and right to be sure about the principal lobe and then fix the horizontal.
1

Note that sometime to search the main lobe is necessary open the main bolts of antenna and not only the
bolts for the fine adjustments.

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Vertical adjustment of antenna

Start to move slowly the elevation at site A and observe the readings of the voltmeter in order to define the
principle lobe from the two lateral lobe (in case of no signal detect apply the suggested step in the above chapter,
but for the vertical adjustment).
Repeat the scansion of elevation (up and down) to be sure about the principal lobe and then fix the vertical.

3.1.3.

Fine adjustment of antenna

The vertical and Azimuth fine adjustment follows the same procedure as it did with the proceedings described
below but only into the maximum signal or in the main lobe of the antenna radiation.
After completing all steps fix all screw on the antenna and verify the receive level with the calculated receive level.
If you within a range of project specification you have perform the job.
In any case for all adjustments reference point see the antenna documentation.

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Step by step Basic

Related to the Link configuration use the following main step:

3.2.1.

Standard Link (one antenna per site)

Step 1: Move antenna Station A for max Prx value. (Azimuth and Elevation) and than fix the antenna
Step 2: Move antenna Station B for max Prx value. (Azimuth and Elevation) and than fix the antenna
Step 3: Fine adjustment antenna Station A for max Prx value. (Azimuth and Elevation) and than fix the
antenna
Step 4: Fine adjustment antenna Station B for max Prx value. (Azimuth and Elevation) and than fix the
antenna
Step 5: Verify the Prx value (in both station) with project specification. If the values are in the
specification fix all antennas elements. If not, repeat step 3 and 4.

3.2.2.

Link in Antenna Diversity configuration and / or Hot Stand-By system (Two antennas per
site)

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Step 1: Move the main antennas in station A and B, referred to the procedure for standard alignment.
Step 2: Verify the Prx value (in both station) with the project specification. If the values are in the
specification fix all antennas element.
Step 3: Move the diversity antenna only in Station A with the main in station B for max Prx value
(Azimuth and Elevation). Than fix the antenna (dont move the Main Antenna in the Station B)
Step 4: Move the diversity antenna only in Station B with the main in station A for max Prx value
(Azimuth and Elevation). Than fix the antenna (dont move the Main Antenna in the Station A)
Step 5: Verify the Prx value (in both station) with the project specification. If the values are in the
specification fix all antennas element.

3.2.3.

Data

Link in Antenna Diversity configuration and / or Freq. diversity system (Two antennas per
site)

Step 1: Move the main antennas in station A and B, referred to the procedure for standard alignment.
Step 2: Verify the Prx value (in both station) with the project specification. If the values are in the
specification fix all antennas element.
Step 3: Move the secondary antennas in station A and B, referred to the procedure for standard
alignment.
Step 4: Verify the Prx value (in both station) with the project specification. If the values are in the
specification fix all antennas element.
Step 5: Verify all the Prx value (in both station) with the project specification. If the values are in the
specification fix all antennas element.

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