Antena 3.8M-4096-535
Antena 3.8M-4096-535
Antena 3.8M-4096-535
Revision F
October 6, 2000
PRODELIN
CORPORATION ASSEMBLY MANUAL
PRODELIN CORPORATION
1700 NE CABLE DRIVE
CONOVER, NC 28613-0368
4096-535
PRODELIN CORPORATION 3.8M C-BAND Rx/Tx ANTENNA SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION TITLE
I GENERAL INFORMATION
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
1.2 MECHANICAL INSTALLATION TOOLS
1.3 SITE SELECTION
V ANTENNA POINTING
5.0 ALIGNMENT TO SATELLITE
5.1 INITIAL ALIGNMENT
VI MAINTENANCE
6.0 MAINTENANCE OVERVIEW
6.1 PERIODIC INSPECTION
6.2 REFLECTOR
6.3 MOUNT & REFLECTOR SUPPORT STRUCTURE
6.4 FEED & FEED SUPPORT
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the assembly and installation of Prodelin's 3.8M C-Band
Rx/Tx antenna system The Prodelin 3.8M is a rugged, reliable antenna system
that will operate at C-band frequencies with high efficiency and at the same time
successfully withstand the effects of the environment.
These instructions are listed by sections that cover all areas of assembly and
installation. Additional sections are included in the manual to provide information
on antenna alignment to the satellite and maintenance.
PRODELIN CORPORATION
1700 NE CABLE DRIVE
P.O. BOX 368
CONOVER, NORTH CAROLINA 28613
USA
(828) 464-4141
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1 / 2” 3 / 4” 20 mm 45 ft-lbs
3 / 4” 1 – 1 / 8” 28 mm 140 ft-lbs
7 / 8” 1 – 1 / 4” 32 mm N/A
1” 1 – 1 / 2” 38 mm 220 ft-lbs
1. The line of site to the satellite should be clear of any obstructions, such as
trees or buildings.
2. The site should be relatively flat and level for ease of installation and
access to the antenna.
3. The site should be checked for underground obstruction, such as buried
cables or pipes.
4. All local building codes should be adhered to (i.e. grounding, foundation
requirements, zoning rules, setbacks, etc.).
NOTE: Due to the wide variety of soil conditions, Prodelin Corporation does not warrant that
any particular design or size of foundation is appropriate for any locality or earth station
installation. It is the responsibility of the installer/user to determine if it meets the site/locality
requirements. If there is any doubt, have it checked by an architect or structural engineer.
Figure 1 shows a suggested In-Ground Mast. The pipe is a 15 ft. length of 10"
schedule 40. Due to the high cost of shipping, Prodelin recommends site
procurement. Note that the Az/El Positioner Interface is a Slip Flange, which is
included with the antenna.
1. Install one [1] 1-8 hex nut and one [1] 1" flatwasher (items 2,3) onto the anchor
rod (item 5), then insert the anchor rod into one of the holes in the plywood
template (item 6) and install another 1-8 hex nut and 1" flatwasher. Repeat this
procedure for the remaining anchor rods. This will keep all the anchor rods in
the straight and proper orientation when the concrete is poured. Next, install two
[2] 1-8 hex nuts and one [1] flatwasher (items 2,3) on the other end of each
anchor rod. See following pad layout and figures 2 & 3.
2. Once the site location is determined, dig up the area where the foundation will be
installed. Be careful not to dig too deep because the soil in the bottom and sides
of the foundation should be undisturbed. Position the reinforcing bars as shown.
Position the anchor rods so that the flatwashers are positioned under the
reinforcing bars. Pour concrete and allow to dry for 24 hours.
3. Once the concrete is dry, remove the plywood template and screw the lower hex
nuts as far down on the anchor rods as possible. Then install the mast pipe
(item 1) on to the anchor rods. Adjust the lower hex nuts until the mast pipe is
level in the vertical position. Reinstall the flatwashers, lockwashers and hex
nuts. With the mast pipe tightened down, fill the space between the concrete
slab and the mast pipe base with grout.
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5.50
30.0 A A 120.0
SEE NOTE #7
SECTION A-A
2 x 2 1/4 HRS ANGLE
24 INCHES LONG
TYPICAL 2 PLACES 36.0
Figure 1.
NOTES:
1. 2 x 2 x 1/4 HRS ANGLE & 10" SCHEDULE 40 PIPE SHOULD CONFORM WITH ASTM A36
STRUCTURAL STEEL.
2. ALL CONCRETE SHOULD CONFORM TO BUILDING CODE STANDARDS AND HAVE A MINIMUM
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF 3000 PSI AT 28 DAYS. (PER ACI-318-77)
3. SOIL BEARING CAPACITY SHOULD BE NO LESS THAN 2000 PSF.
4. CONCRETE SHOULD BE POURED AGAINST UNDISTURBED SOIL.
5. ALLOW CONCRETE 24 HOUR SET TIME BEFORE INSTALLATION OF ANTENNA.
6. THE ANTENNA SHOULD BE PROPERLY GROUNDED TO MEET APPLICABLE LOCAL CODES.
7. MINIMUM DEPTH AS SHOWN OR EXTENDED TO LOCAL FROST LINE.
(PRODELIN CORP. DOES NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT ANY PARTICULAR DESIGN OR SIZE
OF FOUNDATION IS APPROPRIATE FOR ANY LOCALITY OR EARTH STATION INSTALLATION.)
PEDESTAL FOUNDATIONS
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[6]
Remove before
installing Pedestal
Mount
96.0”
82.0”
[ 2, 3, 4, 5]
7.0”
82.0”
96.0”
PAD LAYOUT
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30.0” 27.0”
[1]
[5]
1-1/2” Grout Leveling
(if required) [ 2, 3, 4 ]
[2, 3 ]
27.0”
4.0”
[ 2, 3, 2 ]
120.0”
(6) #7 Bars. Equally
spaced both directions
#3 Ties @ 14”
center to center
Figure 3.
30” DIA
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Major Axis
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1 4
Center Line
of Reflector
(Minor Axis)
2 3
Major Axis
3 2
Center Line
of Reflector
(Minor Axis)
4 1
Figure 5. (Inverted)
WARNING! The reflector support frame includes a precision alignment feature. Do not drop or
drag the frame during the installation process. Do not attempt to adjust the round tube spacers
in the frame assembly, as these are factory pre-set. If these spacers are loose or damaged, or
there is any obvious damage to the frame, then you must obtain replacement parts for a
successful installation.
STEP 1:
Q4 Q1
A) Before beginning antenna assembly.
Install 12 threaded inserts (items 1-6)
thru the face of each reflector quadrant.
5 5 Note that there are 6 different insert
lengths, 2 of each. Each insert must be
6 3 3 6 in the correct position in each quadrant
for correct assembly. The top of each
insert is stamped with a insert number
( 1 thru 6). The numbers shown in the
1 1 4 illustration correspond with the stamped
4
numbers on the inserts.
[ 21 ]
[ 20 ]
[ 19 ]
Quadrant Face
Threaded Insert
1/2
Hardware STEP 2:
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Crossarm
Crushtube
1/2 Bolt
STEP 3:
Crossarms A) Lay the support frame (item 13) on
a safe flat surface, being careful not
to damage the tube spacers.
Support Frame
Crossarm
Labels Detail A
STEP 4:
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[ 34, 35, 36 ]
Both Sides
Positioner
STEP 5:
A) Position quadrant 2 (quadrant 4 for
inverted) to the bottom left side of the
frame as shown. Note that it may be
B C
necessary to loosen the 3 reflector
inserts to attain the proper alignment
A with the 3 tubes in the support frame.
Quadrant 2 this procedure may occur with each of
the quadrants.
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Quadrants
Insert
Green Washer
Tube
Frame
[28, 29 ]
[ 29, 30, 31 ]
1/2” Hardware
Detail B Detail C
STEP 6:
STEP 7:
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STEP 8:
Quadrant 4
A) Position quadrant 4 (quadrant 3 for
inverted) to the top right side of the
frame as shown.
B) Place green washers as in step 5
and Detail A.
A C) Secure the quadrant to the frame with
C B
1/2” hardware ( Detail B ). Note that
there are 3 different 1/2” bolt lengths:
Location A = (items 23, 25, 26)
Location B = (items 22, 25, 26)
Location C = (items 24, 25, 26)
D) Secure Quad 4 to Quads 1 and 3 with
3/8” hardware (items 28, 29, 30, 31)
See Detail C.
E) At this time tighten all the 1/2”, 3/8” and
insert hardware alternating from one
side of a quadrant to another in a
circular pattern starting at the center
and working outward. Check the face of
the reflector while tightening to insure
all mating edges are flush.
STEP 9:
[ 35, 36, 37 ]
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[ 34, 35 ]
Support Frame
Channel
Elevation Rod
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STEP 1:
Attach the long end of each feed rod
(item 1) loosely to the sides of the
reflector with 3/8”” hardware (items 4,
8, 9, 10). See detail D.
Feed Rods
See Detail D
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STEP 2:
Position the feed support (item 2) in front
of the reflector as shown and attach to
the to ends of the feed rods with 1/2”
hardware (items3, 5, 6, 7).
See Detail E.
Feed Rods
See Detail E
Feed Support
STEP 3:
Mount the other end of the feed support
along with the feed stabilization
brackets
and pivot assembly to the bottom of the
reflector with 3/8” hardware (items 4,
8, 9, 10). See detail F. Tighten all
feed support hardware at this time.
Feed Support
See Detail F
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[ 8, 9, 10 ]
[ 4, 8 ]
Reflector
Feed Rods
[ 3, 5 ]
[ 8, 9, 10 ]
Reflector
Feed Support
[ 4, 8 ]
DETAIL F
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1. Attach the bottom feed mounting bracket (item 2) to the feed support tube with
four [4] 3/8-16 x 1.25" bolts, four [4] 3/8" lockwashers, and four [4] 3/8-16 hex
nuts (items 4,5,6) as shown. Tighten securely.
2. Place the neck of the feed horn into the cradle of the bottom mounting bracket
and secure in place by placing the top mounting bracket (item 3) over the neck of
the feed horn and fastening with two [2] 5/16-18 x 1.00" bolts, two [2] 5/16"
lockwashers and two [2] 5/16-18 hex nuts (items 7,8,9 Tighten securely.
[ 7, 8, 9 ]
[3]
[2] [1]
[ 4, 5, 6 ]
Figure 6
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Prodelin 3.8m Rx/Tx antenna system is available in Left Hand or Right Hand
Circular Polarized feed assemblies with type "N" or "WR137" connectors.
Note that the sense of polarization is relative to the transmit band of the feed
assembly and not the antenna system. For instance, a left hand circular polarized
feed assembly will transmit a left hand polarized signal which will strike the
reflector and be reversed to a right hand uplink to the satellite. The feed is
factory assembled for testing purposes but can be switched from left hand to
right hand or vice versa in the field if necessary. To switch, remove the eight
screws holding the OMT to the polarizer, rotate the OMT 90° so that the arrow on
the OMT flange aligns with the correct marking on the polarizer flange (LHCP or
RHCP), and replace the eight screws. Tighten securely.
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Refer to the part list and figure 7 for this section. Follow the instructions in the listed
sequence. Do not tighten any hardware until instructed.
1. Place feed mounting bracket (item 2) on the feed support and attach with 5/16-
18
x 1.00 bolts, flatwashers, lockwashers and hex nuts (items 5,6,7,8). Tighten
securely. Note that the smaller opening (2.75" dia) is for the feed horn and
should be pointed towards the reflector.
2. Place the feed assembly (item 1) into the cradle of the feed mounting bracket
and
secure by placing the feed horn top clamp (item 3) in position and secure with (2)
1/4-20 x 2.50 bolts, lockwashers and flatwashers (items 10, 11, 12). Tighten
securely.
3. Place the circular polarizer top clamp in place and secure with (2) 1/4-20 x 3.00
bolts, lockwashers and flatwashers ( items 9, 11, 12 ). Tighten securely. The
antenna system in now ready to be aligned to the satellite.
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[1]
POLARIZER
[ 5, 8 ] Transmit
2 PL
[2]
Receive
Feed Rod [ 6, 7, 8 ] 2 PL
Feed Support
Figure 7
WR137
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Refer to the part list and figure 8 for this section. Follow the instructions in the listed
sequence. Do not tighten any hardware until instructed.
1. Apply silicone grease to [2] o-rings (item 7) and place [1] in the o-ring groove in
the circular polarizer (item 3). Attach the feed horn (item 1) to the circular
polarizer (end with the o-ring) with [8] #10 x 1.25 screws, [16] flatwashers, [8]
lockwashers and [8] #10 hex nuts (items 8,9,10,11). Tighten securely. Note: The
screws should be inserted from the feed horn side to prevent any interference.
2. Bolt the OMT (item 2) to the circular polarizer by placing the remaining o-ring in
the groove of the OMT and fastening it to the circular polarizer with [8] #10 x 1.25
screws, [16] flatwashers, [8] lockwashers and [8] #10 hex nuts (items 8,9,10,11).
Note: The screws should be inserted from the circular polarizer side to prevent
interference. For left hand polarization, align the "LHCP" on the flange of the
circular polarizer with the arrow on the OMT. For right hand polarization, align the
"RHCP" with the arrow on the OMT. Tighten securely. Note: when a polarization
setting is attempted, installers should keep in mind that right hand and left hand
polarization refers to the transmission of signals from the feed to the reflector.
Then the reflector reverses signal. Therefore, a "LHCP" feed system results in an
antenna system that transmits a Right Hand Circular Polarized signal.
3. Attach [1] bottom feed mounting bracket (item 4) and the circular polarizer
bracket (item 60 to the feed support tube plate with [4] 3/8 x 1.25 bolts,
[4] lockwashers and [4] hex nuts (items 13, 14, 15) through the feed mounting
bracket, circular polarizer and feed support as shown, and [2] 5/16 x 1.75 bolt,
[2] lockwasher,[4] flatwasher and [2] hex nut (items 18,19,20,21 through the
circular polarizer bracket and feed support tube only. Tighten securely
.
4. Attach the remaining bottom feed mounting bracket (item 4) to the circular
polarizer bracket with [4] 3/8 x 1.00 bolts, [4] lockwashers and [4] hex nuts (items
12, 14, 15). Do not tighten.
5. Place the feed assembly from step #1 into the brackets and secure by fastening
[1] top feed mounting bracket (item 5) over the neck of the feed horn with [2]
5/16 x 1.00 bolts, [2] lockwashers and [2] hex nuts (items 16,19,20). Fasten the
remaining top feed mounting bracket (item 5) over the neck of the circular
polarizer with [2] 5/16 x 1.50 bolts, [2] lockwashers and [2] hex nuts (items
17,19,20). Tighten the feed mounting bracket (from step #4) to the circular
polarizer bracket. The antenna system is now ready to be aligned to the satellite.
[ 16 ] [ 17 ]
[1]
[5] [5] WR137
[3]
[19,20] [2]
[4]
[13] [12]
[4]
[14,15]
[6]
Figure 8
[18,19,20,21]
1. Apply silicone grease to gasket (item#1) and place gasket in groove in flange of
LNA/LNB (customer supplied), as shown below in figure 9.
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2. Attach LNA/LNB to side port (Rx) flange of OMT with (10) 1/4-20 x 1.00" bolts,
(10) 1/4" flatwashers, (10) 1/4" lockwashers, and (10) 1/4-20 hex nuts
(items 2,3,4,5).
[2] OMT
[ 3, 4, 5 ]
Side Port (RX)
[1]
LNA / LNB
Figure 9
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Prodelin recommends that the 3.8 meter Az/El mount be positioned to the
satellite orbital arc by a trained or experienced installer. The instructions in
section 5.1 are intended as an overview of the alignment procedure.
The 3.8 meter offset reflector contains a 22.62o elevation offset look angle.
Therefore, when the reflector aperture is perpendicular to the ground, the
o
antenna is actually looking 22.62 in elevation.
1. Raise the antenna by turning the 2" nuts on the elevation rod assembly.
2. After the correct elevation angle is set, rotate the antenna in azimuth by
loosening the 2” nut on top of the positioner and removing the 1” hardware (4
places) in the positioner plate, refer to figure 10.
3. At this time rotate the antenna in azimuth by turning the 1" nuts located at the
azimuth adjustment tube. Rotate azimuth until a signal is reached.
4. Peak the antenna by fine adjustments made in both the elevation and the
azimuth.
6. Re-install the 1" hardware in the Az/El positioner (form step# 2) and tighten all
adjustment hardware securely.
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Inclinometer
Upright:
(reading + 22.620 =
elevation look angle)
Inverted
Azimuth (reading – 22.620 =
Adjustment elevation look angle)
Elevation
Adjustment
Figure 10
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SECTION VI MAINTENANCE
NOTE: After any very severe weather condition, inspection of the antenna should
be performed to determine if foreign objects have caused damage or if
survival specification have been exceeded.
3: Check the foundation anchor bolts - they must be secure and have no failure
signs in the foundation.
6.2 REFLECTOR
Prodelin's reflector does not require any maintenance. The composite construction of
the reflector is virtually impervious to any damages that could be caused by weather or
other atmospheric conditions.
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The mount and reflector support structure supplied with this antenna is of steel
construction and has a galvanized finish with zinc w/ultraguard finish for
hardware.
If inspection shows any sign of structural failure, the mount members that are
damaged should be repaired or replaced.
Corrosion: Any corrosion on steel members may be repaired with a cold,n zinc
rich galvanizing paint.
The feed support tube and feed rods should be inspected to insure that all
hardware is secure. The feed and radio mounting bolts should be tight.
The feed horn window should be inspected to insure that it is intact so that no
moisture can collect inside the feed horn. Replace if damaged.
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