SatSite installation guide

This page describes the installation of the Rev 3 SatSite unit on a tower or mast.

'''Note: Tower work is dangerous. Do not attempt to climb a tower without proper equipment and training.'''

Mounting the SatSite on the tower
In the following you can find the step-by-step guide for attaching the SatSite unit to a tower or mast.

Some of these steps can be performed on the ground, but the final steps must be completed on the mast by a trained tower technician with appropriate equipment.



These are the basic parts you need for attaching the SatSite unit to a tower or mast. The package might come with extra spare parts. Read all instructions first.



Step 1: Put nuts on threaded rods, about 1cm up. Put split washers on the rods with the regular nuts.



Step 2: Depending on your installation, it may be easier to place the grounding wire lug on the rod before screwing the rod into the case of the SatSite unit.



Step 3: First, check that M6 holes on the unit are clean.

Then screw threaded rods into holes on the unit, until it reaches the back of the hole.

You need to grease with vaseline (the same used for automobiles) the nut holding the cable and also the other end of the cable, to avoid exposure to unfriendly weather conditions.



Step 4: Detail of rod with normal M6 nut and split washer. Torque to 20 ft-lb (28 Nm).



Step 5: Detail of rod with toothed washer showing placement of lug from grounding kit. Torque nut to 20 ft-lb (28 Nm).



Step 6: Place unit against mast pole and slide brackets onto rods. Allowed mast sizes are 35 mm - 85 mm.

SatSite unit should be mounted on the pole with the connectors pointing down.



Step 7: Apply M6 split washer and M6 nut to each rod, as shown. Torque to 20 ft-lb (28 Nm).

Grounding Connection
'''Tower mounted radio equipment is at risk of being struck by lighting. Good lightning protection is critical for safe and reliable operation of the SatSite unit and a proper explanation of it is outside the scope of this document.'''

The SatSite unit has an internal lightning arrestor that will protect its internal electronics. However, for this internal arrestor to be effective, the SatSite unit case must be properly grounded. For a conductive metal mast, grounding is achieved in three steps:
 * 1) The grounding cable (the heavy green and yellow wire) must be firmly attached to the mast, with good electrical contact.
 * 2) The mast itself must be properly grounded. The requirements and techniques for such grounding vary depending on local factors, like soil composition and local electrical codes. Because of this local variation, you are advised to consult a local electrician for an effective grounding plan.
 * 3) The power supply system the feeds the mast must be properly grounded. Again, you are advised to consult a local electrician for an effective grounding plan.

Power connections


This is the power cable for the SatSite.



Connection to +48VDC power supply: brown and grey to positive, green and black to negative.

The power supply is delivered already assembled.

(Note the SatSite unit is negative grounded and the negative side of the +48VDC supply is tied to the unit case internally.)



When attaching the Binder 692 power connector to the unit, allign the connector first, then press it into place and then turn the threaded ring on the connector body.



If there is no power cable available when the unit is installed, protect the connector on the unit by attaching the spare cable-side connector provided with the unit.

Ethernet connector


Thread the shroud onto the ethernet cable.



Attach and crimp the R5-45 connector onto the cable in the standard way.



For this step, you need two 19 mm wrenches. Slide the shroud over the connector.

The connector will slide completely into the shrowd, further than shown here. Then tighten the gland nut around the cable.



When attaching the cable to the SatSite unit, align the connector first, then press it into place, then turn the

shroud body to lock the connector. Also check the gland nut is tight and forms a good seal.

Antenna connection


Location of the antenna connector. Connector is type "N", female. Output is up to 10 watts.



When the SatSite unit is powered, the output can be as high as 10 watts.

'''This is enough power to cause burns if you come into direct contact with the central conductor in the connector or on the cable. Use caution and avoid working with actively powered radio equipment.'''



Attach the cable to the antenna and then to the SatSite unit. Tighten the connector body, being sure that it is firmly sealed against water infiltrations.