Ever since directional antennas were first put in use, the method of establishing the Azimuth for the antenna has been the reliable magnetic compass. The instrument of choice for installers and tower crews had it limitations when RF and Network Engineers decided that True North was a more uniform method for establishing the Azimuth in network designs. The difference between Magnetic North and True North, depending on what part of the northern hemisphere you are located, created a problem for the magnetic compass method, and the reliability of pointing antennas in the field.

With the commercial availability of using the satellite Global Positioning System (GPS), and the enhanced resolution enabled on May 1, 2000, GPS reading has been a standard for establishing Azimuth (as well as altitude, direction, speed and time, among other things). Today, with the widely used GPS systems and devices available for commercial use, the need for precise direction and information has become the norm for everyday life.

Our Antenna Alignment Tool incorporates two High-Resolution, 24 channel DIFF/DGPS GPS Receivers with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System), to establish precise Azimuth alignment for a multitude of directional antenna systems. A compact and lightweight device, with associated mounting mechanism to secure to individual antennas, the Antenna Alignment Tool is easy to transport and use even under the most difficult of scenarios.

The Antenna Alignment Tool was designed with the Tower Technician in mind. Our Quick Connect antenna clamp solution makes antenna attachments a simple process for the technician. An exact reading can be made within two minutes of activating the unit, resulting in a reading accurate to within 1/2 a degree.

A simple 3-step procedure measures and stores an antenna bearing as well as additional site information. Our file encryption process stores the measured azimuth along with position, date, and time stamp on the tool. Back-office processing takes just a few minutes per site leaving you with a carrier-approved pre-formatted report.

Site information (Name, location, etc.), Cell/Sector ID, Antenna Bearing (True North, Measured and Difference), Mechanical Down tilt, Date/ Time Stamp, Latitude / Longitude, Antenna Serial and Model Numbers, Antenna Height, and Tool and software information, are parameters that can be included in the output report of the Antenna Alignment Tool.

To view or download our Antenna Alignment Tool Brochure, click here.

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