GPS Antenna Do's and Don'ts Summary

Antenna Do's and Don'ts Summary
Think about the Antenna site before starting the installation. Choose the best available location with regard to view of the sky, particularly to the South. Choose site to minimise multi-path problems if practical. Calculate cable-run length (fairly accurately). Use the right sort of cable, appropriate to the length required. Install cable carefully with particular regard to minimum bend radius. Test the cable for Continuity and VSWR making certain that both the Receiver and the Antenna are disconnected whilst the Tester is in use. If cable length is near the maximum for a particular cable type, also measure cable attenuation. If possible, do the measurement at 1.6Ghz -- it should not exceed 14dB, and a 10dB figure should be the target. Complete the cable and support work before installing the Antenna unit. Avoid dropping the Antenna (but report it if you do!!). Tighten connectors firmly but without excessive force. Tools should not normally be used to tighten N-type connectors. Ensure that any weatherproofing measures appropriate to the Antenna type in use are completed. Where 'drip loops' are required in the cable run, ensure that the minimum-bend-radius rules are still observed. Do not paint any part of the Antenna except its support clips or brackets. Think about the Antenna site before starting the installation. Choose the best available location with regard to view of the sky, particularly to the South. Choose site to minimise multi-path problems if practical. Calculate cable-run length (fairly accurately). Use the right sort of cable, appropriate to the length required. Install cable carefully with particular regard to minimum bend radius. Test the cable for Continuity and VSWR making certain that both the Receiver and the Antenna are disconnected whilst the Tester is in use. If cable length is near the maximum for a particular cable type, also measure cable attenuation. If possible, do the measurement at 1.6Ghz -- it should not exceed 14dB, and a 10dB figure should be the target. Complete the cable and support work before installing the Antenna unit. Avoid dropping the Antenna (but report it if you do!!). Tighten connectors firmly but without excessive force. Tools should not normally be used to tighten N-type connectors. Ensure that any weatherproofing measures appropriate to the Antenna type in use are completed. Where 'drip loops' are required in the cable run, ensure that the minimum-bend-radius rules are still observed. Do not paint any part of the Antenna except its support clips or brackets.