Sunsigight recommends using the patented MW End-to-End Mode for the most accurate point-to-point alignment. However, if you are in an area without cellular coverage, do not have SIM cards, or have only one MW unit or crew available, the MW Tool can be used in Single-Ended Mode to align with the other end of the link in minutes. In Single-Ended Mode, you manually enter the known details of the antenna being aligned to, and the MW tool designs your path and provides azimuth and elevation angle targets.
***NOTE: The latitude, longitude and MSL height of the remote antenna must be available in order to calculate accurate target alignment data***
*** Azimuth accuracy improves dramatically with time. Wait 7-10 minutes after powering on the MW unit for best results ***
Use the Sunsight app on the handheld device to connect to the MW unit via WiFi or USB-C cable
From the Main Menu, choose Single-Ended Microwave
Select the orientation of the MW unit (front/back/left/right). Typically, this would be “back” with the handle facing the back of the antenna (towards the tower)
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.
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 from digital level in the app
- In the app, 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
Adjust the antenna to closely match the actual target azimuth and tilt displayed on the app.
- 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.
Once the antenna is aligned as desired, secure the antenna in position.
With alignment complete, press the “Save” button and follow the instructions to complete saving and viewing results
Reports can be viewed and downloaded by pressing the PDF symbol on the Measuring page or navigating to the Microwave Single End -> Reports page or navigating to the Microwave Single End -> Existing Targets page.
The Single-Ended alignment is now complete. The antenna housings are physically aligned but may require additional adjustment for signal strength due to refraction and environmental conditions.