The Sunsight Microwave Path Alignment System is used to precisely mechanically align devices in azimuth, elevation angle (aka Pitch or tilt) and height. The MW system guides the user to physically align the antennas to a calculated azimuth and elevation based on GNSS location.As such, it is frequency and distance-independent. It is commonly used to align point-to-point communication links. The system consists of a measurement unit mounted on the antenna at each end of the link to be aligned.
Using Sunsight’s patented End-to-End Alignment* technology, the two measurement systems communicate with each other to determine the required target alignment parameters of azimuth and elevation. The users at both ends are displayed target data as well as the actual current alignment measurements of the antennas. The user then adjusts the antenna position to match the target data and secures the antenna in the correctly aligned position. The devices (ex. microwave antennas) can be aligned independently once the data is transmitted and the targetvalues are displayed (I.e. technicians at each end can move ahead with antenna adjustment without affecting the opposite end). The system requires no external power or disconnection of the antenna from RF sources (coax, waveguides, or radio/ODU). The alignment results are captured in a comprehensive report.
Once the antennas are physically aligned using the Sunsight MW Tools, they may require slight adjustment to boost signal strength due to refraction and environmental conditions.
*End-to-End Alignment technology is a patented design belonging to Sunsight. US Patent 9,781,233
End to End Alignment Instructions (As of Dec 4, 2025)
To ensure you are using the most recent instructions view the current MW User Manual
1. Ensure that the main MW unit(s) and handheld device(s) batteries are charged.
2. Configure and mount the MW mount to the antenna
***ALWAYS USE THE SAFETY LANYARD TO PROTECT MOUNT AND MW UNIT FROM ACCIDENTAL FALLS Note: The safety lanyard is NOT the same as the black elastic straps used to the secure the mount to the antenna***
3. Attach the MW unit to the mount using the captured thumbscrews
4. Power on the handheld device and MW unit
*** Azimuth accuracy improves dramatically with time. Wait 7-10 minutes after powering on MW unit for best results ***
5. Use the Sunsight app to connect to the MW unit via WiFi or USB-C cable
6. From the Main Menu, choose Microwave End-to-End
7. Choose Snapshot/Measure
8. Select the orientation of the MW unit (front/back/left/right).
9. Enter/Select the MW unit serial number for the remote end of the link. This decides what MW unit will send and receive alignment data from the remote antenna. The MW unit serial number decal is located on the back of the unit and is formatted 501xxxx. The MW remembers the last serial number entered
10. Next, the Elevation Offset must be set to remove any discrepancy between the MW mount (tilted up or down) as attached and the actual antenna. There are two methods for this. These methods are 1) “Set antenna to boresight” or 2) “Use Digital level to measure current angle.”
Option 1) Set Antenna to Boresight
The boresight level method requires the antenna be leveled to horizontal and then pressing the calibrate button to tell the MW unit that the antenna is now level
Place the included digital level on a reference surface of the antenna and adjust the antenna so that the antenna boresight is exactly horizontal
Press the “Calibrate” button. MW unit and mount are calibrated for elevation
Option 2) Use Digital Level to Measure Current Angle
Leaves the antenna where it is currently located and the digital level is used to determine the actual angle of the mounted antenna and tell the MW unit that angle so that the MW unit corrects the displayed angles.
Place digital level on back of antenna and enter angle on screen.
Choose whether the antenna is pointed above or below the horizon and click the appropriate button and press “Calibrate” the MW unit and mount are now calibrated for elevation
Tilt calibration can be reset at any time if the MW mount/unit are disturbed in such a way that would affect elevation measurements
11. Make sure the blue Azimuth LED is solid and not flashing. A solid blue LED indicates that the MW unit has calculated azimuth.
12. The MW unit is now sending alignment data toward the MW unit at the remote end of the link.
***Steps 1-12 must be completed at the remote antenna to allow the end-to-end MW alignment process to begin***
13. Once the remote end technician has setup their unit following the steps above, both users should see their respective targets (azimuth and elevation) as well as lat/long and msl from the opposite end. This may take a few seconds for the data to be transferred from the respective end.
14. Adjust the antennas to closely match the targets for azimuth and tilt. Note that one or two tenths of a degree in azimuth is not critical.
***Be sure to give the MW unit adequate time – up to a minute – to “settle” on an azimuth after making minor adjustments.***
15. Once the antennas are aligned at the local and remote ends of the link, secure the antennas in position.
16. Press the “Save” button and follow the instructions to complete saving and viewing results. This should be performed at both ends of the link. Note that each report will have the local alignment data as well as the remote data, but it is still best practice to capture reports at both ends.
The End-to-End alignment is now complete. The antenna housings are physically aligned but may require additional adjustment for signal strength due to refraction and environmental conditions
Reports can be viewed and downloaded by pressing the PDF symbol on the Measuring page or navigating to the Microwave End-to-End –> Reports page or navigating to the Microwave End-to-End -> Existing Targets page.