antenna alignment topics

Antenna alignment topics

DESCRIPTION

The antenna alignment procedures are performed at installation and after major repairs. The type of antenna alignment depends on the antenna type. Only tracking antennas that use the antenna command can be aligned by these commands.

Sun Alignment: The command sunalign will cause the antenna to track the sun, if it is above the horizon. The antenna position can be adjusted during sun tracking using the align command so that the antenna points directly at the sun. This is the most accurate type of alignment.

Automatic signal strength alignment: The autoalign or trackeye autoalign commands will cause the antenna's alignment to be adjusted to give the maximum signal strength while tracking a satellite. Not all systems can use this command.

Manual signal strength alignment: The command align can be used to manually align the antenna to yield the maximum receiver signal strength while tracking a satellite.

True North alignment: The command alignnorth can be used to place the antenna in a position that can be aligned by a compass.

NOTES

The system location (see sitelocation) and system time (see systemclock) must be properly set before aligning the antenna. If the antenna is mounted on a ship,
the shipheading must be set before aligning the antenna.

The antenna cannot be aligned while another command is using the antenna.