Antesky Introduces How to Survey the Site of Earth Station Antenna

Location of the earth station antenna is by far the must important consideration, in order to have the best coverage. The Tx/Rx antenna site selection is very important.
 
One of the most important factors to be considered for trouble-free, high-quality signal reception from desired satellites is the location of the antenna (i.e., the antenna site). For optimal signal reception, it is important that the antenna site selected provides the following:
 
Operational Clearance. The site must allow clearance for antenna movement (both elevation and azimuth) necessary for aiming and maintenance purposes.
 
Clear Line-Of-Sight. The site must allow clearance for ante-sky antenna to be aimed (pointed) at desired satellite(s) with no obstructions between satellite(s) and any portion of the reflector.
 
Absence Of Signal Interference. The site must be free of strong microwave and other signal interference.
 
In order to evaluate the antenna site selected against the above criteria, the antenna pointing position (i.e., aiming coordinates) for the desired satellite(s) must be determined.
 

 
Ground mount
 
This involves a tube lowered into a hole which is then filled in with concrete. Alternatively the tube may have a metal base plate attached so that it may be screwed to plain concrete base using expanding bolts or similar. The pole should be accurately vertical so that when you sewing the dish around to find the satellite the elevation angle stays the same all the time.
 
Securing the area with fencing or similar may be necessary.
 
Non penetrating mount
 
Based on an angle iron frame covered in concrete slabs. The antenna support tube is held vertical by several angle braces. Make sure that all angle braces are tight so that the pole does not wobble or twist in the wind. Read the assembly instructions carefully. The lower and upper angle braces may need to be attached to opposite sides of the vertical pole to prevent twisting.
 
A permanent safety rope is advised to be attached between the dish assembly and some fixed part of the building so that the dish does not blow off the building in exceptionally high winds.
 
Check the building roof is strong enough to support the weight of all the concrete blocks. In many cases a non-penetrating mount is not possible due to weak roof.