Global Skyware 122H - User Manual

March 2018
Revision A
ASSEMBLY MANUAL
8001129-01
1.2M 122H/123H KU ANTENNA SYSTEM
For all 122H/123H Antennas
with Factory Assembled Az/El Mount
A ORIGINAL RELEASE EC-02806 MAR 2018 R. Thompson
REV. DESCRIPTION DATE APPROVED

Summary

Parts List

Tools Required

Assembly and Installation

Antenna Alignment Procedure

Satellite Alignment

Alignment determined by setting polarization, elevation, and azimuth based on site and satellite longitude.

Elevation - Initial Setting

Set initial elevation by rotating adjustment nuts until desired elevation is indicated on the scale plate.

Azimuth - Initial Setting

Adjust azimuth value for magnetic deviation, point to compass reading, and sweep for signal.

Elevation and Azimuth Fine Tuning

Loosen lockdown nuts, torque to specification, and fine tune for maximum signal strength.

Grounding Procedure

Polarization Chart

Elevation Chart

Azimuth Chart

Site Selection

Warnings

Periodic Inspection & Maintenance

Warranty

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

This document is the assembly manual for the Global Skyware 1.2M 122H/123H Ku Antenna System, specifically for models with a factory-assembled Az/El mount. It provides comprehensive instructions for assembly, installation, alignment, grounding, and maintenance, along with important warnings and warranty information.

Function Description

The Global Skyware 1.2M 122H/123H Ku Antenna System is a satellite antenna designed for receiving and transmitting Ku-band signals. Its primary function is to establish a reliable communication link with a satellite, enabling services such as internet access, data transfer, and broadcasting. The system includes a 1.2-meter reflector, a yoke assembly, an elevation rod, a backframe assembly, a feed support arm assembly, and various hardware components for mounting and alignment. The factory-assembled Az/El mount simplifies the initial setup process, providing a robust and pre-configured base for the antenna. The manual details the step-by-step process for putting these components together, ensuring proper functionality and optimal performance. It covers the mechanical assembly of the reflector, backframe, and feed support, as well as the crucial electrical and alignment procedures necessary for satellite communication.

Important Technical Specifications

While the manual does not explicitly list a dedicated "technical specifications" section with numerical values for parameters like gain, frequency range, or wind loading, it provides critical information regarding the components and their assembly that indirectly define the system's capabilities and requirements.

Antenna Size: The system features a 1.2-meter reflector, indicating its physical aperture size, which is a key determinant of its gain and beamwidth characteristics. Larger reflectors generally offer higher gain and narrower beamwidths, suitable for specific satellite communication applications.

Mount Type: The system utilizes a factory-assembled Az/El (Azimuth over Elevation) mount. This type of mount allows for precise adjustment of the antenna's pointing direction in both horizontal (azimuth) and vertical (elevation) planes, which is essential for accurate satellite tracking. The manual shows the yoke assembly being mounted over a ground pole, suggesting a pole-mount installation.

Hardware Specifications: The manual extensively lists the types and quantities of fasteners used, including:

• Bolts: M10 x 35, M8 x 70 (Coach Bolt), M6 x 25 (Hex HD Cap), M8 x 25 (Capscrew), M8 x 30 (Set Screw).
• Nuts: M12, M8 x 1.25 (Hex), M6, M8 x 1.25 (Hex STL).
• Washers: Flat (M10, M8, M6), Lock (M8, M6), Spring (M10, M8, M6), Plain (M8, M6).
• Drive Screws: 'U' Type Drive Screw.

These detailed hardware specifications are crucial for proper assembly and maintenance, ensuring that the correct fasteners are used and torqued to the specified values.

Torque Specifications: The manual provides specific torque values for various fasteners, which are critical for the structural integrity and long-term stability of the antenna:

• M8 nuts 'A': 11 ft-lb (15 Nm)
• M10 screws 'B': 6 ft-lb (8 Nm)
• M8 socket head screw 'C': 11 ft-lb (14.9 Nm)
• M8 screws 'D': 12 ft-lb (16 Nm)
• M8 screws 'E': 12 ft-lb (16 Nm)
• M8 screws 'F' (feed support): 12 ft-lb (16 Nm) – with a critical note to lift the feed support to relieve load before torquing.
• M6 nuts and M6 screws 'G': 4 ft-lb (5.5 Nm)
• M10 azimuth and elevation lockdown hardware (fine tuning): 16 ft-lb (22 Nm)

Failure to adhere to these torque specifications, especially for the feed support, can lead to degraded antenna performance, highlighting the importance of precise assembly.

Grounding Requirements: The manual emphasizes the necessity of proper grounding, referring to NEC (National Electric Code) Article 810, 820, and local building codes. It illustrates grounding methods for pole mounts, trimast wall mounts, and non-penetrating roof mounts, indicating the need for grounding wire, secure clamps, grounding rods, and ground blocks. This is a critical safety and performance aspect, protecting the system from lightning strikes and electrical surges.

Environmental Considerations: The warnings section implicitly addresses environmental factors by advising against installation on windy days and highlighting the antenna's susceptibility to wind damage. It also mentions severe weather conditions such as excessive wind, ice, storms, and lightning as potential causes of damage, underscoring the need for robust installation and periodic inspection.

Usage Features

The manual outlines several features related to the usage and operation of the antenna system, primarily focusing on its installation and alignment for optimal satellite communication.

Ease of Assembly: The manual breaks down the assembly process into logical steps, starting from mounting the yoke assembly to the ground pole, attaching the elevation scale plate, assembling the backframe and elevation rod, and finally integrating the reflector and feed support arm. The use of exploded diagrams and numbered steps aims to make the assembly process straightforward for professional installers.

Az/El Mount for Precise Alignment: The factory-assembled Az/El mount is a core usage feature, enabling precise pointing of the antenna. The manual provides detailed instructions for both initial and fine-tuning adjustments of azimuth and elevation.

• Initial Azimuth Setting: Involves rotating the reflector and Az/El mount on the ground pole to align with the compass reading, adjusted for magnetic deviation. The process includes sweeping in azimuth for signal acquisition and progressively tightening pipe clamp nuts.
• Initial Elevation Setting: Utilizes an elevation scale plate and adjustment nuts to set the antenna to the desired elevation angle, determined from a provided chart based on site latitude and satellite longitude difference.
• Fine Tuning: After initial settings, the manual instructs loosening lockdown nuts for azimuth and elevation, then using a signal strength measuring device to achieve maximum signal strength by alternating adjustments. Final lockdown torque values are provided for securing the antenna's position.

Polarization Adjustment: The manual refers to instructions packed with the feed assembly for setting polarization, a critical parameter for matching the antenna to the satellite's signal orientation. A polarization chart is included to determine the correct rotation based on the antenna site's longitude relative to the satellite and the hemisphere.

Site Selection Guidelines: The manual provides comprehensive guidance on selecting an appropriate site for the antenna, emphasizing the importance of a clear "look angle" to the satellites, free from obstructions (including future tree growth). It advises conducting an on-site survey with a portable antenna and considering various mount types (ground pole, wall/roof mount, non-penetrating roof mount). This ensures that the antenna can achieve optimal signal reception and transmission.

Safety Warnings: A dedicated "WARNINGS" section highlights critical safety considerations during installation:

• Professional Installation: Emphasizes that installation should only be performed by professional installers, not consumers.
• Power Line Safety: Strict warnings against installing near power lines (maintaining at least 6 meters/20 feet clearance) to prevent electrocution or serious injury.
• Windy Conditions: Prohibition of installation on windy days due to strong forces on the reflector, which can lead to injury or damage.
• Proper Grounding: Reinforces the importance of proper grounding for safety and protection against electrical hazards.
• Structural Soundness: Warns that improper installation or inadequate structure can lead to wind damage, making the owner and installer responsible for ensuring structural integrity.

Warranty Information: The manual includes a 12-month limited warranty from Global Skyware, covering defects in material and workmanship under normal use. It specifies the exclusive remedy (repair or replacement), exclusions (misuse, negligence, accident, severe weather, improper shipping/handling/storage, non-compliance with instructions), and disclaims other warranties. This provides users with an understanding of their rights and the manufacturer's responsibilities.

Maintenance Features

The manual includes a "PERIODIC INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE" section, outlining a routine maintenance schedule and specific checks to ensure the antenna system's longevity, optimal performance, and warranty validity. This section is crucial for proactive care and troubleshooting.

Inspection Frequency: Inspections should be performed every 6 months or following any severe weather event. This proactive approach helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate, maintaining peak performance and extending the system's lifespan.

Key Inspection Areas and Checks: The maintenance section breaks down the inspection into several critical areas:

1. Installation Mount:

   • Loose Hardware: Check for and tighten any loose hardware. This is fundamental for maintaining the structural stability of the entire system.
   • Anchor Bolts/Hardware Integrity: Verify the integrity of anchor bolts or hardware securing the mount to the building or foundations. This ensures the mount remains firmly attached to its base.
   • Ballast (Non-Penetrating Roof Mounts): Inspect ballast blocks for cracks or breakage and replace if necessary. Ballast is essential for stability on non-penetrating mounts.
   • Corrosion: Check hardware and structural members for signs of corrosion. Repair or replace corroded components as needed to prevent structural degradation.

2. Antenna Back Structure or Az/El Mount:

   • Loose Hardware: Check for and tighten any loose hardware.
   • Structural Damage: Look for signs of structural damage such as bending or cracking. Such damage can compromise the antenna's alignment and integrity.
   • Corrosion: Inspect hardware and structural members for corrosion. Repair or replace affected parts to prevent further deterioration.

3. Reflector:

   • Bolt Integrity: Check the integrity of bolts securing the reflector to the back structure or Az/El mount. Tighten any loose hardware. The reflector's attachment is critical for its shape and performance.
   • Damage: Inspect for signs of cracking or impact damage on the reflector face. Damage to the reflector surface can significantly degrade signal quality.
   • Corrosion: Check hardware for corrosion. Repair or replace as needed.

4. Feed Support Structure:

   • Loose Hardware: Check for and tighten any loose hardware.
   • Structural Damage: Inspect for signs of structural damage such as bending. The feed support must maintain its precise position relative to the reflector.
   • Corrosion: Check hardware and structural members for corrosion. Repair or replace as needed.

5. Feed & RF Components:

   • Loose Hardware: Check for and tighten any loose hardware.
   • Corrosion: Inspect hardware for corrosion. Repair or replace as needed.
   • Feed Lens/Window: Check the feed lens or window for damage or signs of leaking. These components protect the sensitive feed electronics from environmental elements.
   • Waveguide Connections: Inspect waveguide connections between the feed and RF electronics. Loose or damaged connections can lead to signal loss.

6. Electrical:

   • Cables and Connectors: Check for loose cables and connectors and tighten if necessary.
   • Grounding Connections: Verify tight grounding connections. This is vital for safety and protection against electrical surges.
   • Cable Condition: Inspect cables for weathering or cracks. Damaged cables can lead to signal degradation or electrical hazards.

By following these detailed inspection and maintenance guidelines, users can ensure the long-term reliability, safety, and optimal performance of their Global Skyware 1.2M 122H/123H Ku Antenna System, while also preserving the validity of the product warranty.

Global Skyware 122H Specifications

General

Brand	Global Skyware
Model	122H
Category	Antenna
Language	English