Nortel CTR 38 GHz Installation Manual

Reunion

CTR 38 GHz

Sub-Band 38-02P
Outdoor Microwave Transceiver
Installation Guide

Release 1.2 March 1999

411-1333-205

Reunion

CTR 38 GHz

Outdoor Microwave Transceiver
Installation Guide

Document number: 411- 1333 - 205.01.02
Product release: Release 1.2
Document version: Preliminary
Date: March 1999

Copyright Country of printing Confidentiality Legal statements Trademarks



1999 Northern Telecom

Northern Telecom Ltd., all rights reserved

Printed in Canada

NORTHERN TELECOM CONFIDENTIAL:

The information contained in this document is the property of Northern
Telecom. Except as specifically authorized in writing by Northern Telecom, the holder of this document shall keep the information
contained herein confidential and shall protect same in whole or in part from disclosure and dissemination to third parties and use
same for evaluation, operation, and maintenance purposes only.

Information is subject to change without notice.

v

Reunion CTR 38 Ghz Installation Guide

Publication history

December 1998

• Draft release of the document

• Information subject to change without notice

March 1999

• Preliminary release of the document

• Information subject to change without notice

vi

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

vii

Reunion CTR 38 Ghz Installation Guide

About this guide

Purpose

This guide provides the information required to install and operate the
CTR 38 Ghz outdoor microwave transceiver.

The CTR 38 Ghz is one of the Radio Frequency (RF) products that constitute
a Nortel Networks Reunion product line. The associated products include the
following types of cell site equipment:

• broadband transmitters

• broadband receivers

• broadband repeaters

• broadband transceivers

Audience

The audience for this document are those who install and operate the
CTR 38 Ghz. To take full advantage of this guide, you should have a basic
understanding of microwave fundamentals and know how to use microwave
test equipment.

viii

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Organization

This Guide is divided into seven sections:

• Product Overview describes the CTR 38 Ghz’s components and theory of
operation.

• Pre-Instalation describes the basics of handling the equipment upon
arrival.

• Reunion Safety Standards provide a quick review of general safety
guidelines.

• Installing the CTR 38 Ghz explains how to physically install the
transceiver.

• CTR 38 GHz Maintenance describes basic maintenance procedures to
ensure that the transceiver is operating correctly.

• CTR 38 GHz Diagnostic Reference Chart provides a quick
troubleshooting guide.

• Grounding and Surge Protection explains basic grounding and lightening
protections requirements and methods for the Reunion equipment.

• List of terms provides a quick reference to terms and acronyms found in
the guide.

ix

Reunion CTR 38 Ghz Installation Guide

Documentation Suite

This Reunion Release has a suite of fifteen documents:

Reunion System Overview, 411- 1343 - 010
Reunion Network Node Equipment Installation Guide, 411- 1313 - 200
Reunion NIU 6054 Network Interface Unit Installation Guide,

Release 1.2, 411- 1323 - 201
Reunion NIU 6154 Network Interface Unit Installation Guide,

Release 1.2, 411- 1323 - 202
Reunion NIU 5008 Network Interface Unit Installation Guide,

Release 1.2, 411- 1323 - 203
Reunion BTR 28 GHz Outdoor Microwave Transceiver Installation Guide,

Release 1.2, 411- 1333 - 202
Reunion CTR 28 GHz Outdoor Microwave Transceiver Installation Guide,

Release 1.2, 411- 1333 - 203
Reunion BTR 38 GHz Outdoor Microwave Transceiver Installation Guide,

Release 1.2, 411- 1333 - 204
Reunion CTR 38 GHz Outdoor Microwave Transceiver Installation Guide,

Release 1.2, 411- 1333 - 205
Reunion Redundancy Switching Matrix Installation Guide, Release 1.2,

411- 1313 - 201

Reunion Procedures Reference Manual, 411-1343-400
DSS for the NNE User Guide, 411-1343-501
Reunion DSS 1000 for the NIU 6054 User Guide, 411-1343-502
Reunion DSS 1000 for the NIU 6154 User Guide, 411-1343-503
Reunion DSS 1000 for the NIU 5008 User Guide, 411-1343-504

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411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Customer Support

In addition, Nortel Networks Broadband W ireless Access (BWA) provides
24-hour customer service and technical support to ensure your service operation
is trouble-free. If you have questions or need technical support, contact Nortel
Networks Broadband Wireless Access at the following telephone numbers:

• In the USA and Canada, call 972-BWA-ETAS/972-292-3827

• Fax [phone]

Write Nortel Networks at:

• Nortel Networks
Broadband Wireless Access

14 Fultz Blvd.
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 1V3
Canada

xi

CTR 38 Ghz Installation Guide

Contents

Publication history v
About this guide vii

Purpose vii
Audience vii
Organization viii
Documentation Suite viii
Customer Support ix

Contents xi

CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2 1-1

Product Overview 1-1
How the CTR 38 GHz Works 1-2
CTR 38 GHz Specification 1-4
CTR 38 GHz Component Descriptions 1-6

Diplexer / Power Supply 1-6
Mixer 1-6
Dielectric Resonance Oscillator (DRO) 1-6
Isolator 1-6
Bandpass Filter 1-6
Low Noise Amplifier 1-7
Power Amplifier 1-7
Duplexer 1-7
Antenna 1-7

Pre-Installation 1-8

Prevention of Access 1-8
Unpacking Shipment 1-8

Reunion Safety Standards 1-9

Safety Disclaimer 1-9
General Safety 1-9
Electrical Safety 1-9

Installing the CTR 38 GHz 1-10

Mounting Bracket Assembly 1-10
Installing the Tower Equipment 1-11
Installing Indoor Equipment (NIU 5008 only) 1-12
Installing Indoor Equipment (NIU 6054 only) 1-13

CTR 38 GHz Maintenance 1-20

Mechanical Checks 1-20

CTR 38 GHz Diagnostic Reference Chart 1-21

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411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Grounding and Surge Protection 2-1

Grounding/Lightning Protection 2-1

Scope 2-1
Grounding Methods/Indoor Equipment 2-1
Wire Gauge Guidelines 2-2
Outdoor Equipment: the need for surge (lightning) protection 2-3
Ground connections to outdoor equipment 2-7
Regulatory Considerations 2-10

List of terms 3-1

1-1

Reunion CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

1CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2

Product Overview

The CTR 38 GHz outdoor transceiver is a customer premise transceiver
designed to operate in the Receiver (RX) 39.45 to 3 9.65 GHz and Transmitter
(TX) 38.75 to 38.95 GHz frequency bands. It is a Nortel Reunion product
which operates in conjunction with base station products. It is compatible

with Reunion’s Release 1.2 equipment.
The CTR 38 GHz transceiver is mounted on a pole or a building. It features a

small size and low noise characteristics. The combination of digital
modulation and low-loss mounting results in an efficient and low-cost
installation. It has a high-stability reference oscillator.

The CTR 38 GHz features the following attributes:

• light-weight and compact packaging designed for mounting outdoors

• solid-state upconverter and downconverter designs

• high frequency stability over a wide temperature range

• standard 18 VDC input for use around the world

The transceiver comprises the following components:

•diplexer

• power supply

•mixers

• local oscillator

•isolators

• bandpass filters

• low noise amplifier (LNA)

• power amplifier

• duplexer

• antenna

1-2 CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Figure 1-1
CTR 38 GHz Block Diagram

How the CTR 38 GHz Works

This section provides an overview of the theory of operation for the CTR 38
GHz outdoor transceiver.

Its installation on a pole or building enhances transmitting and receiving
capabilities by avoiding the need for long expensive waveguide runs. This
technique minimizes the power loss from waveguide attenuation, which
results in a highly eff icient, compact and cost-effecti ve inst allation. Minimum
maintenance is required.

The high-stability reference oscillator ensures that the transmitter and
receiver remain on frequency over a wide operating range.

The radio uses a common input cable to carry the 18 VDC and transmit
intermediate frequency (IF) signals. The DC power supply and the IF signals
are separated by the diplexer in the radio. The radio uses a common antenna
for both the transmit and receive microwave signals.

18 VDC

Diplexer

12 VDC

TX Filter P. Amp. TX Filter

Antenna

Duplexer

RX FilterLNARX Filter

VHF-AMP

IF Output

DRO

Mixer

Mixer

LO Test Port

IF/PS Input

Power Supply

CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2 1-3

Reunion CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

1. The CTR transceiver’ s input coaxial cable carries the IF signals and the 18
VDC power supply to the diplexer. The diplexer distributes the DC po wer
to the power supply unit and interfaces with the mixer for the IF signals.

2. The 450-650 MHz transmit IF signals enter the mixer which upconverts
the signals to the 38.75 to 38.95 GHz band for the transmit path. The
received 39.45 to 39.65 GHz RF band is downconverted to a receive
signal in the 50-250 MHz range.

3. The local oscillator (LO) provides loc al oscilla tor signal to t he mix er. The
LO uses a phase-locked dielectric resonance oscillator (DRO) with an
oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO).

4. The bandpass filters remove the undesired sideband signals, in both the
transmit and receive paths.

5. The upconverted signal is fed into the po wer amplif ier which pro vides the
required gain to the microwave signals. The power amplifier output is
connected to the antenna through the filter and duplexer.

6. The received RF simultaneously passes through the antenna, the band
pass filter , the Lo w Noise Amplif ier (LN A), and enters the do wncon v erter
mixer .

There are three connectors on the outside of the transceiver case:

• The IF (TX) and power supply input uses a Type N female jack

• The IF (RX) output uses a Type N female jack

• Test Port uses SMA jack

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411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

CTR 38 GHz Specification

Table 1: CTR 38 GHz Specifications

TX

IF Input RF Output

Frequency Range

450-650 MHz 38.75-38.95 GHz

Output Level (P1dB)

>21 dBm, -40° to +30° C
>20.7 dBm, +30° to +50° C
>20.2 dBm, +50° to +55° C

Output Level (IP3)

29.0 dBm, -40° to +30° C

28.7 dBm, +30° to +50° C

28.3 dBm, +50° to +55° C

Input Impedance

50 Ohms

Input/Output Connector

N Type Female WR-28 Cover Flange

Input VSWR

1.8:1, max 1.6:1, max

Gain (not including antenna)

27 ±5 dB

Gain over Temperature

±2.0 dB, (-40° to +55° C)

Gain Flatness

±1.5 dB over bandwidth

Frequency Stability ±2 ppm, max, (-40° to +55° C)

RX

RF Input IF Output

Frequency Range

39.45-39.65 GHz 50-250 MHz

Nominal Input Level

- 50 dBm

Input/Output Connector

WR-28 N Type Female

Output VSWR

1.6:1, max 1.6:1, max

Gain (not including antenna)

39 ±5 dB

Gain Stability

±2.0 dB over temperature

Gain Flatness

±1.5 dB over bandwidth

Output Impedance

50 Ohms

Noise Figure

< 7.5 dB, -40° to +30° C
< 7.8 dB, +30° to +50° C

<8.3 dB, +50° to +55° C
Frequency Stability ±2 ppm, (-40° to +55°C)
Test Port -20, SMA

CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2 1-5

Reunion CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Note: Use the following formula to calculate the converted frequency:

TX: ƒ

RF OUT

(GHz) = 39.4 - ƒ

IF IN

(GHz)

RX: ƒ

IF OUT

(GHz) = ƒ

RF IN

(GHz) -39.4

Antenna CTR

Frequency 38-40 GHz
Gain 30 dB, minimum
TX / RX wave polarity linear, single pole
Full Duplex one antenna

Power Supply CTR

Input Voltage 16 VDC, 3A, max

diplexed with TX cable
Input Current <3 Amp
Input Power 48 Watts, maximum

Environmental CTR

Humidity 100% condensing
Operating Temperature

(base plate)

-40 to +55° C

Storage Temperature Range -60 to +75° C

Mechanical CTR

Size (Height x Diameter) 15.19" x 12.4"
Weight without brackets 7 lbs. (3.2 KG)

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411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

CTR 38 GHz Component Descriptions

Diplexer / Power Supply

The diplexer separates the IF input signals and the DC power supply. The
isolation between the IF path and the power supply path is more than 45 dB.
A transient voltage protector on the board helps to protect the transceiver
from possible lightning damage.

The 18 VDC power from the diplexer is first regulated to 12 VDC for all the
modules.

Mixer

The CTR 38 GHz uses a third harmonic mixer. The mixer uses a third
harmonic local oscillator (LO) signal to convert the IF input signals to the

38.75-38.95 GHz microwave frequency band. The same LO is used to
downconvert the incoming microwave signals to the receive IF frequency
band.

Dielectric Resonance Oscillator (DRO)

The Dielectric Resonance Oscillator is equipped with a OCXO reference
oscillator. When the DRO is phase-locked, it provides a 13.133333 GHz
microwave frequency stability derived from the reference crystal.

When the DRO is phase-locked, the phase-locked voltage at the test port on
the DRO can vary from 3 VDC to 10 VDC. The voltage at the alarm test port
is approximately 5 VDC.

When the DRO is unlocked, the phase-locked voltage becomes an oscillating
ramp wave. The voltage at the alarm test port goes down to 0 VDC.

Isolator

Three isolators provide adequate return loss in the CTR 38 GHz. Each

isolator’s maximum forward insertion loss is 0.5 dB, and its return loss is
greater than 18 dB.

Bandpass Filter

The bandpass filter removes the undesired sideband elements and LO
leakage, and passes the required sideband signals.

CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2 1-7

Reunion CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Low Noise Amplifier

The low noise amplifier (LNA) provides gain in the receive path and
amplifies the received microwave signals to the mixer. The gain and noise
figure of the LNA are chosen to maximize the overall dynamic range and
noise performance of the CTR 38 GHz receiver section.

Power Amplifier

The power amplifier pro vides gain in the transmit path. It boosts the signals in
the 38.75-38.95 GHz frequency range to the required lev el. The ampli f ier is a
solid state amplifier that has high linearity within a high output power range.

Duplexer

The CTR 38 GHz uses the duplexer to combine and separate the transmit and
receive RF signals, allowing use of a common antenna for receiver and
transmitter.

Antenna

The CTR 38 GHz uses a reflector antenna to transmit and receive RF signals.
The CTR polarity must be polarized with the BTR polarity. The CTR 38 GHz
operates only in a vertical or a horizontal polarization.

Note: V= vertical TX wave polarization

H= horizontal TX wave polarization

Note: Lightening arrestors are not supplied with the CTR transceiver.

1-8 CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Pre-Installation

Prevention of Access

Allow only authorized personnel to access the equipment. Install the
equipment in a restricted-access location or similar environment. Failure to
prevent unauthorized user access invalidates the equipment warranty.

Unpacking Shipment

Use the following steps to unpack and inspect the shipment of Nortel Networks
Broadband Wireless Access equipment:

1. Copy adequate Inventory Forms

2. Check each package against the order form and packing slip to ensure that
all components are received

3. Check each package for signs of damage

4. Open the package and closely inspect all components for obvious signs of
damage

5. Know exactly where you are going to place the equipment, before
removing them from the package

6. Carefully remove the equipment from the packaging

7. Save packing material for future use

8. Be aware of electrostatic discharge devices (ESD) requirements when
handling BWA equipment

Note: For more information, refer to the Electronic Industries
Association (EIA) standard, Requirements for Handling Electrostatic-
Discharge-Sensitive Devices (ESDS), EIA-625, as well as local and
national standards.

CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2 1-9

Reunion CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Reunion Safety Standards

Safety and safety considerations are important while using Nortel Broadband
Wireless Access equipment.

Safety Disclaimer

The safety standards discussed in this guide cannot address all safety
problems associated with their use or all applicable regulatory requirements.
The customers are responsible for establishing appropriate safety and health
practices and for determining the applicability of re gulatory limitations before
their use.

General Safety

Ensure that installation personnel are trained on CPR (Cardio Pulmonary
Resuscitation), as well as on local, regional and national safety standards.

When working on Nortel Networks Broadband Wireless Access equipment,
follow these guidelines:

• Keep your work site clean and free of clutter.

• Wear close fitting clothing.

• Remove jewelry such as rings, bracelets, or watches.

• Where it is possible to dislodge small pieces, wear eye protection.

• Place equipment or cabinets on level surfaces.

• Wear a safety belt when climbing a tower and installing equipment on a
tower.

• Work in pairs so that you have someone to help in case of an emergency.

Electrical Safety

Locate the main power shut-off switch controlling the equipment you are
working on. This is important in the event of an accident, so you can quickly
cut the power.

Disconnect all power when working on power supplies.
In an emergency (electrocution):

• shut the power off.

• have someone call for emergency medical assistance

•start CPR

Warning

Do not move in front of the antenna, nor look
directly into the face of the antenna when the CTR
38 GHz is running.

1-10 CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Installing the CTR 38 GHz

Installation involves three separate operations:

• mounting bracket assembly

• installing the tower equipment

• installing the indoor equipment

For information about installing the antenna(s) and such aspects as line of
sight, antenna mast spacing, coverage angle, etc., refer to the Network
Engineering Package and the Design Document.

Mounting Bracket Assembly

It is recommended that you assemble the mounting brackets on the ground
prior to mounting them on the pole. See Figures 1-7, 1-8, and 1-9.

Tools

You require the following tools to assemble the brackets:

i. Allen Key
ii. two open ended wrenches or a wrench and a socket

Steps

i Bolt the two side supports onto either side of the ‘U bracket support.’
ii Align the holes in the U bracket with the holes in the ‘base support. Ensure that the

flat surface of the base support is in the upward position, while the curved/concave

surface faces downward.
iii Bolt the assembled U bracket support to the narrow end of the ‘base support.’
iv Position the assembled pole mounting hardware on the mounting pole at the point

you want to mount the CTR.
v Bolt the assembled mounting hardware to the two saddle brackets using the supplied

6

" threaded bolts. Ensure that the bracket is securely tighten and correctly

positioned on the mounting pole before attaching the radio.

CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2 1-11

Reunion CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Installing the Tower Equipment

Install the CTR 38 GHz microwave transceiver as follows:

1. Mount the CTR 38 GHz to a stable pole using the supplied mounting
brackets. Ensure that you assembled the mounting brackets prior to
attaching the CTR. See Figure 1-9.

The mounting brackets accommodate poles with outside diameters from
2" to 4.5". See Figures 1-5 and 1-6.

The CTR 38 GHz requires 18 VDC (3A) power supply unit.

2. Connect the IF/power supply input cable to the CTR’s N-type

IF IN 18 VDC port. See Figures 1-4 and 1-5.

3. Connect the RX cable from the CTR’s N-type IF OUT port to the NIU’s
RX port. See Figures 1-4 and 1-5.

4. Seal all connections using Coax-Seal® or equivalent, cold shrink or hot
shrink tubing.

5. Ground all RF cables at the recommended spacing intervals. (Refer to
tower and cable manufacturers’ specifications).

6. Ensure that all feed lines are securely attached to the support structure.
Plan for drip (service) loops on all cables.

Caution

Do not turn on the power supply until the
installation is complete. After you install the
equipment, check the cable connections.

1-12 CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Installing Indoor Equipment (NIU 5008 only)

Install the NIU 5008 equipment associated with the CTR 38 GHz microwave
transceiver as follows:

1. Connect the CPI 9000 (power inserter) to -48 VDC power source.

2. Adjust voltage out of CPI 9000. It is adjustable from 17V to 21V,
depending on cable length and type.

3. Connect power inserter unit’ s IF IN port (N-type connector) to the NIU’ s

IF OUT N-type (bulkhead) connector as shown in Figure 1-2.

4. Connect CTR 38 GHz IF/PS cable to the CPI 9000 output (PS/IF) port
(N-type connector).

5. Connect CTR 38 GHz RX cable to NIU IF IN N-type (bulkhead)
connector.

6. Refer to Reunion NIU 5008 Network Interface Unit Installation Guide,
Release 1.2, 411- 1323 - 203, and the Network Engineering P ackage.

Figure 1-2
Block Diagram showing CTR 38 GHz indoor set-up with NIU 5008

NIU 5008

CMM

TX

RX

to CTR 38 GHz IF/PS
from CTR 38 GHz RX

CPI 9000

-48 DC

18 V

-48 VDC

CDM

DC In

IF In

CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2 1-13

Reunion CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Installing Indoor Equipment (NIU 6054 only)

Install the NIU 6054 equipment associated with the CTR 38 GHz microwave
transceiver as follows:

1. Adjust voltage out of NIU 6054. It is adjustable from 17V to 21 V,
depending on cable length and type.

2. Connect CTR 38 GHz IF/PS cable to the NIU 6054’ s output (PS/IF) port

(N-type connector).

3. Connect CTR 38 GHz RX cable to NIU N-type (bulkhead) connector.

4. Refer to Reunion NIU 6054 Network Interface Unit Installation Guide,
Release 1.1, 411- 1323 - 201, and the Network Engineering P ackage.

Figure 1-3
Block Diagram showing CTR 38 GHz indoor set-up with NIU 6054

NIU

CTR

IF IN

IF OUT/DC Powe r IF IN/DC Power

IF OUT

1-14 CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Figure 1-4
The CTR 38 GHz Back View-Showing Input and Output Points

IF IN

18 VDC

IF OUT

Bracket

Drainage Hole

LO Test Port

TX/V

Polarity Symbol

Drainage Hol

e

CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2 1-15

Reunion CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Figure 1-5
CTR 38 GHz Mounted to a Pole-Back View

U-Bracket Support

Drainage Hole

Polarity Symbol

Mounting Pole

IF IN

18 VDC

IF OUT

LO Test Port

Drainage Hole

6 “ threaded bolt

Base Support

Saddles

1-16 CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Figure 1-6
CTR 38 GHz Mounted on a Pole - Side View

CTR 38 GHz

Connectors

Antenna Module

Mounting Pole

90°

55

°

LO Test Port

CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2 1-17

Reunion CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Figure 1-7
Bracket Components

Figure 1-8
Bracket Mounted on the Pole

Base Suppor t

Bolts - 6” threaded

U Bracket Support

Side Support

Saddles for
pole mounting

Base Suppor t

Bolts

U-Bracket Support

Side Support

Saddle

1-18 CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Figure 1-9
CTR mounted to a Pole

Figure 1-10
CTR 38 GHz with Connectors

IF IN

18 VDC

IF OUT

LO Test Port

Base Suppor t

Bolt

U-Bracket Support

Side Suppor t

Saddle

Note: This is a previous model of the CTR, however it
shows bracket assembly.

IF Out

LO Test Port

IF In 18 VDC

U-Bracket Support

Drainage Hole

CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2 1-19

Reunion CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Figure 1-11
CTR 38 GHz Angled View with Bracket

Figure 1-12
CTR 38 GHz Bottom View with Bracket

Drainage Holes

IF Out

LO Test Port

IF In 18 VDC

U-Bracket Support

Drainage Hol

e

IF Out
LO Test Port

IF In 18 VDC

U-Bracket Support

1-20 CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

CTR 38 GHz Maintenance

Establish a regular check procedure. This quickly identifies any problem
which might develop. There are no repairable internal components in the CTR
38 GHz. Therefore, the checks focus on the exterior features of the
transceiver unit.

Mechanical Checks

Check the following mechanical areas to prevent problems.

1. Check the bolts and fasteners which hold the transceiver , wa ve guides, and
antenna. Vibrations due to wind can cause bolts and fasteners to loosen.
Verify that equipment is secure and properly mounted. If the bolts or
fasteners are loose, tighten them carefully. Use lock and spring washers.

2. Check to ensure that all connections between the transceiver and antenna
remain watertight. If water enters the wav eguide or coaxial connections, it
can cause attenuation of the microwave signals. If water is detected, call
Nortel Networks Broadband Wireless Access.

3. Visually inspect all equipment for signs of external damage. If signs of
damage are detected, call Nortel Networks Broadband Wireless Access.

Note: If you detect an unsolvable problem during the electrical and
mechanical inspections, contact Nortel Networks Broadband Wireless
Access so that action can be taken to rectify the problem.

CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2 1-21

Reunion CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

CTR 38 GHz Diagnostic Reference Chart

Symptom Possible Cause Check Procedure

Output power low 1. VHF input signal level low. a. Check VHF signal level.

b. Check coaxial cable.
c. Check cable connectors.
d. Check antenna for blockage (e.g. guano)

No power a. check main fuse power

b. check cable connections

If you detect any problem during the electrical and mechanical checks, contact Nortel Networks
Broadband Wireless Access so that action can be taken to rectify the problem.

Caution

Warranty void if seal is opened. This means do not
attempt to remove cover.

Caution

Warranty void if CTR is not equipped with
lightening arrestor.

1-22 CTR 38 GHz Release 1.2

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

2-1

CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

2Grounding and Surge Protection

Grounding/Lightning Protection

Scope

This chapter presents guidelines for the grounding and electrical protection of
Reunion equipment in typical buildings, assuming

1. indoor equipment is installed in an appropriate equipment room and

2. outdoor equipment is installed on rooftops using a pole mount.

Further, Nortel Networks assumes building electrical systems comply with
the appropriate national and local regulations.

Grounding Methods/Indoor Equipment

Components of a communications system can be grounded together using an
isolated bonding network (IBN). The IBN can be configured in several dif ferent
ways:

1. Mesh

2. Mesh – IBN with bonding mat

3. Star or sparse-mesh

In turn, the IBN is bonded at a single point to the Common Bonding Network
(CBN) that forms the principal bonding network in a building. Figure 2-1
shows a typical installation:

2-2 Grounding and Surge Protection

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Figure 2-1
Typical Grounding configuration for Indoor Equipment

The single point ground (SPG) represents the connection of IBN to the
building grounding system.

Wire Gauge Guidelines

Main bonding conductors

All main bonding conductors in the equipment room shall be No. 2 AWG or
larger copper wires.

Other bonding conductors

All other bonding conductors in the room, including

• bonding individual frames/cabinets to the collector cable, supplementary
conductor or BPG

• bonding conductors of other metallic objects such as cable trays and
building utility equipment

are No. 6 AWG or larger insulated copper conductors.

SPG

Cabinet 1 Cabinet 2 Cabinet 3 Cabinet N

Mesh Connection

Collector Cable

Grounding and Surge Protection 2-3

CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Outdoor Equipment: the need for surge (lightning) protection

Apart from the need to provide good grounding for safety, outdoor equipment
is subject to more environmental hazards than is indoor equipment. Radio
communication equipment, with antennas mounted well above ground level,
have conductive parts exposed to lightning.

Safety needs are met by grounding practices and protection needs are met by a
combination of grounding and protective de vices. Many protective de vices are
availa ble:

• air terminals,

• solid state OVPs,

• filters,

•zeners,

• MoVs,

•isolators

• capacitors,

• resistors,

• QWS and more.

The application of these devices is beyond the scope of this document. The
equipment designer needs to consider both the protection requirements and
the geographic region where the equipment is installed.

Grounding and Lightning Protection

In general, all exposed metallic equipment must be grounded. Besides the
need for lightning protection, it is desirable to conduct induced current to
ground through as low a resistance as possible, along as short a path as
possible.

In practice this means multiple ground connections and multiple conductors.
Figure 2-2 shows a typical rooftop installation of Reunion customer premise
equipment. Figure 2-3 shows a typical rooftop installation of Reunion base
station transceiver (BTR).

The radio equipment should, where possible, be grounded through the ground
lug using a 6AWG bonding wire to the building common bonding network.
Alternatively, the equipment can be grounded through the mounting bracket.
Provision must be made to prev ent corrosion on the metallic contact surfaces.
Similarly, the installer shall ensure that there is a good metallic connection to
the building CBN.

If a common mounting plate is used for the two redundant BTRs and the radio
power extractor (RPE), the installer shall insure that ground continuity to the
CBN is maintained and corrosion protection is applied. The common

2-4 Grounding and Surge Protection

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

mounting plate should be considered as an alternative bonding to the
preferred technique of separately bonding each BTR and RPE. The size of the
bonding wire should be #6 AWG.

The coaxial cable shall be bonded at least at the RPE/BTR/CTR and at the
building entry. For a tower higher than 30 meters (98 ft), the cable shall be
bonded at 30 meter intervals. The size of the bonding conductor shall be #6
AWG or larger.

Mount the radio in an area protected from lightning strikes. If local conditions
require an air terminal, install it in accordance with ANSI/NFPA 780. The air
terminals are shown schematically in Figures 1-2 and 1-3. The air terminal
(lightning rod) if used, is at least 1 meter (3.3 ft) above the highest object
being protected and within 2 meters (6.6 ft) ± 30 cm (1.0 ft) of the object.

Caution

Do not install Reunion equipment on lightning
protection air terminals.

Grounding and Surge Protection 2-5

CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Figure 2-2
Rooftop Installation of Reunion Base Radio Equipment

NOTE

The outer coaxial cable conductor is
bonded (grounded) at the building
entrance and at the customer
premise transceiver (CTR).

Surge
arrestors

Lightning

rod

Building
entrance

Grounding
plate

to common

bonding network

to common

bonding network

2 m ± 30 cm

6.6 ± 1.0 ft

Steel pipe
mount

6.4 cm
(2.5 in.)

1 m

3.3 ft

CTR

2-6 Grounding and Surge Protection

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Figure 2-3
Rooftop Installation of Reunion Base Radio Equipment

NOTE

The outer conductor of the coaxial
cable is grounded at the building
ground’s entrance and at the BTR.

On the building side, the RPE
comes equipped with surge
arrestors.

Lightning

rod

to common

bonding network

2 m ± 30 cm

6.6 ± 1.0 ft

Steel pipe
mount

6.4 cm
(2.5 in.)

1 m

3.3 ft

BTR

BTR

Building
entrance

Grounding
plate

to common

bonding network

RPE

Surge
arrestors

Surge
arrestors

Redundant
radios

Grounding and Surge Protection 2-7

CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Ground connections to outdoor equipment

The grounding lug is supplied with all current releases of outdoor brackets. In
addition, a 6 AWG braided ground wire connected to the common bonding
network is required to complete the ground connection for all microwave
products.

Note: There is no grounding lug supplied with previously-released
microwave products. To retrofit these installations, order one retrofit kit
for each sector and use the following procedures.

Retrofit procedure for grounding the base station equipment
(BTR and RPE)

You will need an NTVG15BA BTR and RPE grounding retrofit kit for every
base station sector to be retrofitted, containing the following parts:

Use the following method to install the kit on the BTR, referring to Figure 2-4:

1 Remove the 3/8” mounting bolt, two flat washers and the mounting

washer from the BTR. Discard one flat washer and the locking washer.

2 Crimp the 3/8 terminal (A0297956) onto the grounding wire.
3 Install the existing bolt, flat washer, new internal tooth washer, and the

complete ground cable as shown in Figure 2-4.

Use the following method to install the kit on the RPE, referring to Figure 2-4:

1 Remove the 1/4” mounting bolt and split lock washer as shown in

Figure 2-4.

2

Crimp the 1/4 terminal (A0315080) onto the grounding wire.

3 Install the ¼” original mounting bolt and a stainless steel internal tooth

washer.

4 Repeatedly tighten and loosen the fastener assembly, rotating the

internal tooth lock washer, until the powder coating is scraped off and
the bare metal is exposed. Repeat this procedure if required.

5 Discard the internal tooth washer used to remove the powder coating.
6 Using new stainless steel internal tooth washers, assemble the complete

ground cable connection, as per Figure 2-4.

Item Qty Vendor part no. Description CPC no.

1 2 LCA6-38 6 AWG, 3/8” compre ssion terminal (Pa nduit) for BTR A0297956
2 1 LCA6-14 6 AWG, 1/4” compression terminal (Panduit) for RPE A0315080
3 2 W-2064 1/4” Stainless steel internal tooth lock washer (Spaenaur) for RPE TBD
4 2 W-2069 3/8” Stainless steel internal tooth lock washer (Spaenaur) for BTR TBD

2-8 Grounding and Surge Protection

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Figure 2-4
Grounding the BTR and RPE

Retrofit procedure for grounding the customer premise
equipment (CTR)

You will need an NTVG15CA CTR grounding retrofit kit for every CTR to be
retrofitted, containing the following parts:

Item Qty Vendor part no. Description CPC no.

1 5 LCA6-38 1/4” Stainless stee l internal tooth lock washer (Spae naur) TBD
2 1 LCA6-14 6 AWG, 1/4” compression terminal (Burndy) for CTR A0315080
3 3 1/4” stainless steel flat washer P0883797
4 1 1/4” x 1” Stainless st eel hex head bolt P0888501
5 2 MS35649-2254 1/4” Stainless steel nut P0860421

Internal tooth
lock washer

Existing
flat washer

Existing
Hex head
capscrew

Cable (not
provided)

Internal tooth lock
washer

Existing
socket head
capscrew

Existing split
lock washer

Cable (not
provided)

BTR

RPE

Grounding and Surge Protection 2-9

CTR 38 GHz Installation Guide

Use the following method to install the kit on the CTR, referring to Figure 2-5:

1 Install the ¼” stainless steel hex bolt, stainless steel flat washer and the

stainless steel internal tooth washer through one of the four holes in the
CTR. (Refer to Figure 2-5 for the hole location.)

2 Install a stainless steel internal tooth washer, stainless steel flatwasher

and the 1/4” nut onto the assembly installed in Step 1.

3 Repeatedly tighten and loosen the fastener assembly, rotating the

internal tooth lock washer, until the powder coating is scraped off and
the bare metal is exposed. Repeat this procedure if required.

4 Discard the internal tooth washer used to remove the powder coating.
5 Using new stainless steel internal tooth washers, assemble the complete

ground cable connection, as per Figure 2-5.

Figure 2-5
Grounding the CTR

Hex head
capscrew

Flat washer

Internal tooth
Lock washer

Hex nut

Cable (not provided)

CTR

2-10 Grounding and Surge Protection

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Regulatory Considerations

Electrical

1. UL1950/IEC950

Lightning protection

1. UL1492

2. IEC 65

3. IEEE/ANSI C62.41

4. Bellcore GR-1089-CORE

5. ANSI/NFPA 780 Lightning Protection Code

Grounding

1. CCITT Rec K.27

2. Corporate Standard 4122, Grounding of Communication Systems

It is assumed that building construction complies with NEC Article 250 (US)
or CEC Section 10 (Canada). In the US the recommended ground resistance
is 5 ohms and the maximum for a single electrode is 25 ohms.

3-1

Reunion CTR 38 Ghz Installation Guide

3List of terms

AC

Alternating Current

Air Terminal

Another name for lightning rod

AWG

American Wire Gauge

DBMS

Digital Broadband Microwave System

DC

Direct Current

DRO

Dielectric Resonance Oscillator

Earthing

Another term for grounding used by safety agencies. Earthing is the term often seen in
safety standards.

EIA

Electronic Industries Association

ESD

Electrostatic Discharge

FCC

Federal Communications Commission

IBN

Isolated Bonding Network

3-2 List of terms

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

IC

Industry Canada

IF

Intermediate Frequency

kHz

kilohertz, one thousand hertz or cycles per second

LO

Local Oscillator

LNA

Low Noise Amplifier

LNB

Low Noise Block Downconverter

MHz

MegaHertz, one million hertz or cycles per second

NIU

Network Interface Unit

OCXO

Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator

PA

Power Amplifier

PI

Power Inserter

PS

Power Supply

QAM

Quadrature Amplitude Modulation, which entails modulating frequency

RF

Radio Frequency

RMM

Radio Modem Module

List of terms 3-3

Reunion CTR 38 Ghz Installation Guide

SPG

Single Point Ground

VAC

Voltage Alternating Current

VDC

Voltage Direct Current (Volts Direct Current)

VHF

Very High Frequency

3-4 List of terms

411-1333-205.01.02 Preliminary March 1999

Family Product Manual Contacts Copyright Confidentiality Legal statements DocInfo

Reunion

CTR 38 GHz

Installation Guide

Nortel Broadband Wireless Access
14 Fultz Blvd.
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 1V3
Phone: 972-BWA-ETAS/972-292-3827; Fax: [phone]
1-800-4-NORTEL (1-800-466-7835)

http://www.nortel.com



1999 Northern Telecom

Northern Telecom Ltd., all rights reserved

NORTHERN TELECOM CONFIDENTIAL:

The information contained in this document is the property of
Northern Telecom. Except as specificall y authorized in writing b y
Northern Telecom, the holder of this document shall keep the
information contained herein confidential and shall protect same
in whole or in part from disclosure and dissemination to third
parties and use same for evaluation, operation, and
maintenance purposes only.

Information is subject to change without notice.

Publication number: 411-1333- 205.01.02
Product release : Release 1.2
Document version: Preliminary
Date: March 1999
Printed in Canada