Hughes AN6-098P - Manual (Page 74)

Chapter 7 • Pointing the antenna
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Antenna pointing
overview This chapter describes a general procedure for pointing the
antenna. The objectives of antenna pointing are to:
• Locate and detect the satellite signal
• Peak the signal to achieve the greatest possible signal
strength
Using the installation
software
The IDU installation software guides you through a step-by-step
process for installing the IDU and pointing the antenna. It
calculates your exact location and the values you use to set
elevation, polarization, and azimuth. (See also Determining the
pointing values on page 21.)
Use the information in this chapter as a guide for the overall
pointing process and for instructions on how to make mechanical
adjustments to the antenna. For specific steps, follow the
instructions in the IDU installation guide and on the installation
software screens.
In general you will alternate between these two activities:
• Following the software prompts and instructions
• Adjusting the antenna (elevation, polarization, and azimuth)
to acquire and then peak the satellite signal. The required
adjustments are different for each installation location.
Peaking the signal
(description)
Correct antenna alignment is critical to the operation of the
system. When the antenna is pointed directly at the satellite, it
receives a strong signal. If it is not pointed properly, the signal
may be weak, and errors may result during data transfers.
Antenna pointing is accomplished by first receive pointing the
antenna and then isolating the transmit signal. Receive pointing
adjusts the antenna to obtain the best receive signal. Isolating the
transmit signal fine tunes the antenna alignment for the strongest
possible signal received by the HN System NOC. Both processes
are explained later in this chapter.
To point the antenna, you go through cycles of making small
adjustments to the antenna until you are satisfied you cannot get a
stronger satellite signal. When you have achieved the strongest
possible signal, you have peaked the signal.
You may achieve the strongest signal strength after just a few
adjustments, or you may find that several adjustments are needed.
By obtaining the strongest possible signal you ensure that the
terminal can operate with peak performance.