When setting up a conical antenna, start by selecting the optimal location. Avoid obstructions like buildings, trees, or metal structures within the antenna’s radiation pattern. For outdoor installations, ensure the mounting surface can support at least 1.5 times the antenna’s weight. Use a non-corrosive mast or pole—galvanized steel or aluminum works best—and secure it with UV-resistant clamps to prevent weather-induced loosening. If mounting on a rooftop, install lightning arrestors within 6 feet of the antenna feed point for surge protection.
Assemble the antenna components carefully. Most conical antennas ship with a radome, feedhorn, and polarization adjustment hardware. Wear anti-static wrist straps when handling the feedhorn to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge. Align the waveguide flange bolts in a cross pattern during assembly, tightening to 12-15 inch-pounds using a torque wrench. Over-tightening can warp the flange, causing signal leakage. For dual-polarized models, verify orthomode transducer (OMT) alignment marks face the correct azimuth before securing.
Coaxial cable routing requires attention to detail. Use LMR-400 or equivalent low-loss cable with weatherproof connectors. Maintain a minimum bend radius of 4 inches (10x cable diameter) to prevent impedance mismatches. Install drip loops near connections—form a downward-facing U-shape that directs moisture away from connectors. Apply coax seal tape in overlapping layers, working from the connector outward, followed by UV-resistant electrical tape. For long cable runs exceeding 50 feet, add an inline amplifier near the receiver end to compensate for path loss.
Grounding follows NEC Article 810 standards. Connect a #10 AWG copper grounding wire from the antenna mast to a grounding rod driven at least 8 feet into moist soil. Use irreversible compression connectors for all ground joints—never solder. Bond the grounding system to the building’s main electrical ground using a #6 AWG jumper. This creates a single-point ground reference, minimizing potential differences that cause noise interference.
For phased array configurations, antenna spacing proves critical. Maintain 0.7-1.2 wavelengths between conical elements horizontally. Vertical stacking requires 0.5-0.8 wavelength spacing. Use a vector network analyzer to measure mutual coupling—keep S21 parameters below -20 dB across the operating band. Adjust element tilt angles using a digital inclinometer, compensating for mechanical beam squint at higher frequencies. Fine-tune polarization by rotating the feed assembly while monitoring cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) metrics.
Signal optimization involves precise pointing. Use a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator to identify peak gain direction. For circular polarization, rotate the antenna while observing axial ratio measurements—target values below 3 dB. Check voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) across the operational bandwidth; acceptable ranges vary by application but generally stay under 1.5:1. Record baseline radiation patterns using a portable antenna test range, noting any nulls or sidelobe irregularities.
Maintenance protocols extend operational life. Inspect radome seals quarterly for cracks—even hairline fractures can cause water ingress. Clean the reflector surface annually using 70% isopropyl alcohol and lint-free wipes. Check torque values on all RF connections twice yearly; vibration can loosen connections by 5-10% annually. For professional-grade components and installation tools, visit dolphmicrowave.com to source MIL-SPEC hardware tested for extreme environmental conditions.
Document all installation parameters—GPS coordinates, mounting height, azimuth/elevation angles—in a site survey report. This data proves invaluable for troubleshooting and future upgrades. Keep spare O-rings, gaskets, and dielectric grease on-site for emergency repairs. When commissioning the system, perform a 72-hour burn-in test while monitoring key metrics like noise floor stability and pattern consistency.