Chart-12
IF Cable System Installation
PURPOSE
This chart provides instructions to install IF coaxial cable system from the Type N Adapter Bracket to the ODU.
GENERAL
NOTE: This chart is only required for applications which include IF coaxial cable system from the Type N Adapter Bracket to the ODU. For applications without IF coaxial cable system from the Type N Adapter Bracket to the ODU installation, continue on to the next chart.
Figure12-1 shows typical IF cable system installation including antenna, ODU, IF cable, lightening surge suppressors, and system cable grounding.
LMR-400 is a low-loss RG-8 type with the following specifications:
• Characteristic impedance: 50 ohms
• Center conductor: solid BCCAI, 2.74 mm (0.108 inch) diameter.
• Insulation: foam PE
• Shield: dual, aluminum foil and tinned copper braid
• Jacket: PE (black)
• Overall diameter: 10.3 mm (0.405 inch)
• Bend radius (install): 25.4 mm (1 inch)
• Nominal center conductor DC resistance: (1.39 ohms per 1000 ft. 305m, max length 1000 ft. 305m)
• Nominal outer shield DC resistance: 1.65 ohms per 1000 ft. (305m)
• Nominal attenuation at 300 MHz: 2.2 dB per 100 ft. (30m)
• Operating temperature: -40 to +85oC
IF Cable System Installation 1-86
Figure 12-1. Typical Tower Coaxial Cable Detail
IF Cable System Installation 1-87 When installing the connectors, always use the compression tool designed for the compression connectors/cable being used. A recommended compression tool kit for the connectors used with the LMR-400 cable is available from Alcatel-Lucent.
WARNING Possibility of equipment damage. The performance of the radio may be affected if PPC connectors are not used and the connectors are not installed using the correct PPC connector tool kit.
Take great care when removing the jacket to keep the outer conductor intact. A scored outer conductor will weaken the cable and, for a solid outer cable, can cause the outer conductor to break or crack when subsequently bent. Always use the cut-off and strip tool specifically designed for the cable being used. Tighten Type N connectors (male to female) by hand or with the special tool in the compression tool kit. All outdoor connections must be made weatherproof. Refer to Weatherproofing.
When planning the route, the route chosen must provide physical protection for the cable (protection against accidental damage). The cable must be positioned so that there is unimpeded access to the tower and to services on the tower. Use a route which minimizes potential for damage to the cable jacket and avoids excessive cable re-bending.
When installing the cable, keep cable clear of sharp edges. Rod support kits or similar must be used across unsupported sections of the cable run indoors and outdoors.
Ensure the minimum bend radius for the cable is not exceeded.
Use one UV-resistant cable tie (from the ODU cable kit) every 1m (3 ft.) or less, of cable.
Ensure the cable is grounded in accordance with the instructions provided in the Ground Kits section.
Ensure adequate physical protection for the cable where ice-fall from towers can occur.
Lightning Surge Suppressor
The suppressor is an in-line matrix type. It has a dc-blocked RF path with multiple protection stages in the parallel dc path. These suppressors are designed to withstand repeated strikes up to 15 kV and in the event they do fail to hard-fail so as not to cause un-certain or intermittent operation. The recommended installation has one suppressor installed at building entry and one at the ODU. A jumper cable is required from the 9500 MPR radio to the lightning surge suppressor installed at the building entry. The lightning surge suppressor kit includes ground wire, ground clamp,
waterproofing tape, and a support bracket for use at an ODU installation.
+
NOTE: Failure to correctly install lightning surge suppressors can invalidate the Alcatel-Lucent warranty. If circumstances do not appear to warrant installation of suppressors at both ends of the ODU cable, this should be checked and confirmed in writing with your Alcatel-Lucent technical support center or an Alcatel-Lucent approved installation company.
IF Cable System Installation 1-88
For detailed instructions on installation of IF cable system lightening surge suppressors, refer to Chart-13, Lightning Surge Suppressor Installation.
System Grounding Requirements
For tower/mast installations the ODU cable must be grounded at the points where the cable comes on to, one or more points along the path down, and leaves the tower. Additionally the ODU cable must be grounded just prior to building entry.
NOTE: Grounding of pole, antenna, customer interfaces, and all entrances to the building interior shall meet local electrical code and standard business practices.
For detailed instructions on installation of IF cable system grounds, refer to Chart-14, IF Cable System Grounding.
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing kits are included with the ODU cable and lightning surge suppressors. The two types supplied are mastic tape and Self Amalgamating Tape.
For detailed instructions on weatherproofing, refer to Chart-15, Weatherproofing Coaxial Cable Connectors and Cable Grounds.
PREREQUISITE
Integrated Antenna and ODU Installation and/or Non-Integrated Antenna and ODU Installation must be completed. Refer to Chart-10 and/or Chart-11 respectively.
Type N Adapter Bracket installation must be completed. Refer to Chart-8.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS Integrated Antenna Mount
• Times Microwave Systems LMR-400 cable Alcatel-Lucent PN: 1AC14320002
• N type male connectors Alcatel-Lucent PN: 1AB095530045, Qty 3
• N type female connectors Alcatel-Lucent PN: 1AB095530046, Qty 1
• PPC compression tool kit Alcatel-Lucent PN: 1AB38393001
IF Cable System Installation 1-89
STEP PROCEDURE
1 Plan coaxial cable route. Identify the locations for the following cable system components and ensure cable system requirements:
• Location cable run exits the building
• Location of ODU or antenna
• Location of required surge suppressors
• Location of required ground kits
• Identify all unsupported sections of cable run
• Location of required cable supports
• Ensure unimpeded access to the tower and to services on the tower
• Ensure the minimum bend radius for the cable is not exceeded
• Ensure route minimizes the potential for damage to the cable
• Ensure route avoids excessive cable re-bending
• Ensure cable path is clear of sharp edges
• Ensure adequate physical protection for the cable where ice-fall from towers can occur
2 Install rod support kits or similar across unsupported sections of the cable run indoors and outdoors.
3 Install lightning surge suppressor at the ODU or antenna. Refer to Chart-13, Lightning Surge Suppressor Installation.
4 WARNING: Possibility of equipment damage. The performance of the radio may be affected if PPC connectors are not used and the connectors are not installed using the correct PPC connector tool kit.
5 Physically install the coaxial cable from the ODU to the building entry point.
Keep the cable clear of sharp edges.
Ensure the minimum bend radius for the cable is not exceeded.
6 Install UV-resistant cable tie every 1 m (3 ft) or less of cable.
IF Cable System Installation 1-90
7 Install lightning surge suppressor at the building entry point. Refer to Chart-13, Lightning Surge Suppressor Installation.
8 Install system grounding. Refer to Chart-14, IF Cable System Grounding.
9 Install adequate physical protection for the cable where ice-fall from the tower can occur.
10 Physically install the coaxial cable from the building exit point lightning surge suppressor to the Type N adapter plate.
Keep the cable clear of sharp edges.
Ensure the minimum bend radius for the cable is not exceeded.
11 Install UV-resistant cable tie every 1 m (3 ft) or less of cable.
12 STOP. This procedure is complete.