Hughes AN8-098P User manual

1037750-0001
Revision A
January 30, 2009
.98m Ka-Band Antenna
Installation Guide
Model: AN8-098P

Copyright © 2009 Hughes Network Systems, LLC
All rights reserved. This publication and its contents are proprietary to Hughes Network Systems,
LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written
permission of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, 11717 Exploration Lane, Germantown, Maryland
20876.
Hughes Network Systems, LLC has made every effort to ensure the correctness and completeness
of the material in this document. Hughes Network Systems, LLC shall not be liable for errors
contained herein. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Hughes
Network Systems, LLC makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not
limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Trademarks
Hughes and Hughes Network Systems are trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Revision record
Revision Date of issue Scope
A January 30, 2009 Initial release

• Contents
1037750-0001 Revision A iii
Contents
Understanding safety alert messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Messages concerning personal injury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Messages concerning property damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Safety symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Additional symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Product warning labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Antenna installation safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xii
Chapter 1
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
The model AN8-098P antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Antenna installation summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Tasks related to antenna installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Selecting the installation site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Installing the antenna mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Installing the IDU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Grounding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Cabling Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Chapter 2
Antenna parts and required tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Antenna kit components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Az/El mount assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Reflector bracket and adapter block. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Antenna reflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Feed support arm and support rods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Radio assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Feed horn and collar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Related Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Tri-mast (or other antenna mount) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Small hardware parts list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Chapter 3
Installing the antenna and radio assembly . . . . . . . . . .17
Determining the pointing values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
General instructions for assembling the antenna . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Installing the reflector bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

• Contents
iv 1037750-0001 Revision A
Installing the antenna reflector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Installing the feed support arm and support rods . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Installing the radio assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Adjusting circular polarization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Installing the feed horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Installing the antenna assembly onto the mast pipe . . . . . . . . . .31
Chapter 4
Cabling and connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Cabling requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Routing the cables at the antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Connecting the transmit and receive cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Transmit cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Receive cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Ground connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Adjusting the antenna azimuth and elevation. . . . . . . .43
Adjusting the elevation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Adjusting the azimuth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Acronyms and abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

• Figures
1037750-0001 Revision A v
Figures
Chapter 1
1. The Hughes model AN8-098P .98 m satellite antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Chapter 2
2. Antenna kit components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
3. Az/El mount assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
4. Reflector bracket and adapter block. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
5. Antenna reflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
6. Feed support arm and support rods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7. Radio assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
8. Feed horn and collar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
9. Tri-mast in various configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Chapter 3
10. Attaching the reflector bracket to the Az/El mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
11. Securing the reflector bracket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
12. Attaching the adapter block to the reflector bracket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
13. Aligning the reflector with the adapter block. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
14. Attaching the antenna reflector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
15. Attaching the feed support arm to the adapter block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
16. Attaching the support rods to the reflector (right rod shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
17. Attaching the support rods to the feed support arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
18. Attaching the radio assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
19. Determining the polarization setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
20. Adjusting circular polarization (collar removed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
21. Securing the waveguide collar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
22. Remove the protective seal from the polarizer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
23. Insert O-ring into groove at mouth of feed horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
24. Feed horn position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
25. Attaching the feed horn collar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
26. Making sure the mast is plumb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
27. Installing the antenna onto the mast pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
28. Assembled antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

• Figures
vi 1037750-0001 Revision A
Chapter 4
29. Transmit and receive cable configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
30. Weatherproofing the cable connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
31. Transmit connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
32. Receive connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
33. Ground screw on the Az/El mount. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
34. Elevation adjustment components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
35. Elevation marker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
36. Azimuth adjustment components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

• Tables
1037750-0001 Revision A vii
Tables
Chapter 2
1. Small hardware parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
2. Tools required to assemble and install the antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Chapter 3
3. Torque specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

• Tables
viii 1037750-0001 Revision A

• Understanding safety alert messages
1037750-0001 Revision A ix
Understanding safety alert messages
Safety alert messages call attention to potential safety hazards
and tell you how to avoid them. These messages are identified by
the signal words DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, or
NOTICE, as illustrated below. To avoid possible property
damage, personal injury, or in some cases death, read and comply
with all safety alert messages.
Messages concerning
personal injury The signal words DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION
indicate hazards that could result in personal injury or in some
cases death, as explained below. Each of these signal words
indicates the severity of the potential hazard.
Messages concerning
property damage A NOTICE concerns property damage only.
DANGER
DANGER indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, ifnot
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
NOTICE is used for advisory messages concerning possible
property damage, product damage or malfunction, data loss, or
other unwanted results—but not personal injury.

• Understanding safety alert messages
x1037750-0001 Revision A
Safety symbols The generic safety alert symbol
calls attention to a potential personal injury hazard. It appears
next to the DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION signal words
as part of the signal word label. Other symbols may appear next
to DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION to indicate a specific
type of hazard (for example, fire or electric shock). If other
hazard symbols are used in this document they are identified in
this section.
Additional symbols This document uses the following hazard symbols:
Indicates a safety alert message that concerns a
potential electric shock hazard.
Indicates a safety alert message concerning a
potentially hazardous situation in which you could
fall.
Indicates a safety alert message concerning a
potentially hazardous situation in which you could
be exposed to radio frequency energy.

• Understanding safety alert messages
1037750-0001 Revision A xi
Product warning labels The following safety alert labels are affixed to the antenna feed
support arm, radio transmitter, and antenna reflector, respectively.
These labels advise that the antenna emits radio frequency (RF)
energy. Because of this potential safety hazard, observe all
cautions on these labels and in the next section, Antenna
installation safety.
Feed support arm
Reflector (back side)
Transmitter
CAUTION
This device emits radio frequency energy
Keep two feet (0.6 meters) away from this point
Before servicing or upgrading, unplug indoor
power connection
Safety alert labels on the antenna assembly

• Understanding safety alert messages
xii 1037750-0001 Revision A
Antenna installation
safety Observe the following precautions when installing the satellite
antenna. This manual also includes other safety alerts where
appropriate concerning specific installation procedures.
WARNING
Only Hughes-certified installers may install or service Hughes
antennas and their components. Installers must expressly
acknowledge the Hughes requirements for Hughes installations.
DANGER
If you work on a roof, tower, or other high structure or use a
ladder or scaffold to access the work site, follow these
precautions to prevent personal injury or death:
•Walk only on sound roof structures.
•Make sure the antenna assembly and installation surface
are structurally sound so that they can support all loads
(equipment weight, ice, and wind).
•Use safety equipment (for example, a lifeline) appropriate for
the work location.
•Follow all manufacturer safety precautions for all safety and
other equipment used.
•Perform as many procedures as possible on the ground.
DANGER
•To avoid electric shock, stay at least 20 ft from power lines.
•If any part of the antenna or mount assembly comes in
contact with a power line, call the local power company to
remove it. Do not try to remove it yourself.
•For pole mount installations, be sure to obtain information
regarding underground utilities in the proposed location
before digging.
WARNING
Properly ground the antenna assembly in accordance with all
local and national electrical codes.

• Understanding safety alert messages
1037750-0001 Revision A xiii
WARNING
•Do not work in high wind or rain; or if a storm, lightning, or
other adverse weather conditions are either present or
approaching.
•Do not attempt to assemble, move, or mount the antenna on
a windy day. Even a slight wind can unexpectedly create
sudden strong forces on the antenna surface.
CAUTION
If the antenna or mount assembly begins to fall during the
installation, do not attempt to catch it. Move away and let it fall.
WARNING
Antennas that have been improperly installed or attached to an
unstable structure are susceptible to wind damage, which can
be very serious or even life threatening. The product owner and
installer assume full responsibility that the installation is
structurally sound to support all loads (weight, wind, and ice)
and is properly sealed against leaks.

• Understanding safety alert messages
xiv 1037750-0001 Revision A
CAUTION
Observe these precautions to avoid exposure to RF radiation, a
potential safety hazard:
•The antenna must be installed in a location not readily
accessible to children and in a manner that prevents human
exposure to potentially harmful levels of radiation.
•Antennas mounted in Puerto Rico, the continental United
States, or at any site with a greater than 30° elevation angle
must be installed such that the lower lip of the antenna
reflector is at least 5 ft above any surface upon which a
person might be expected to stand, and 3 ft 3 inches from
any opening (such as a door or window) in a building or
adjacent structure.
•Antennas mounted in Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, or any site
with a less than 30° elevation must be installed such that the
lower lip of the antenna reflector is at least 5 ft 9 inches
above any surface upon which a person might be expected
to stand, and 3 ft 3 inches from any opening (such as a door
or window) in a building or adjacent structure.
•The antenna must be mounted such that no object that
could reasonably be expected to support a person is within 6
ft 7 inches of the edges of a cylindrical space projecting
outward from the antenna reflector toward the satellite.
•If the above distance requirements cannot be met, the
antenna must be mounted in a controlled area inaccessible
to the general public, such as a fenced enclosure or a roof.
•A fenced installation must have a locked entry, and the
fenced area must be large enough to protect the general
public from exposure to potentially harmful levels of
radiation.
•Access to a roof installation in a commercial, industrial, or
institutional environment must be limited by a door or a
permanently fastened ladder thatis locked to deny access to
the general public.
•Once the transmitter becomes operational, maintain a safe
distance; at least 3 feet.
Failure to observe these cautions could result in injury to eyes or
other personal injury.

• Understanding safety alert messages
1037750-0001 Revision A xv
CAUTION
Observe these precautions to avoid exposure to RF radiation, a
potential safety hazard:
•All antennas of any type or size must carry an industry
standard and government approved Radiation Hazard
Caution label on the feed support arm.
•A fenced or roof installation in a commercial, industrial, or
institutional environment must carry a Radiation Hazard
Caution sign on the access door, gate, or permanently
mounted access ladder within plain sight of anyone
approaching the antenna from the front or sides of the
reflector.
Failure to observe these cautions could result in injury to eyes or
other personal injury.
Note: Some installations may require additional precautions. See
the HughesNet System Antenna Site Preparation and Mount
Installation Guide (1035678-0001) for more information.

• Understanding safety alert messages
xvi 1037750-0001 Revision A

Chapter 1 • Overview
1037750-0001 Revision A 1
Chapter 1
Overview
This Installation Guide explains how to assemble and install the
Hughes AN8-098P .98m Ka-band antenna. It is written for
qualified installers who are familiar with satellite antenna
installation practices, and are capable of properly applying the
information presented herein.
This chapter presents an overview of the AN8-098P antenna, a
summary of the steps used to assemble and install the antenna,
and supplemental information on tasks related to antenna
installation. These topics are included in the following sections:
•The model AN8-098P antenna on page 1
•Antenna installation summary on page 2
•Tasks related to antenna installation on page 4
The model AN8-098P
antenna The Hughes model AN8-098P antenna is designed for Ka-band
applications. Each HughesNet antenna station consists of an
antenna assembly and an indoor unit (IDU), which can be either a
satellite modem or a satellite router. The IDU communicates with
both the HughesNet satellite and the Network Operations Control
Center (NOCC) via the antenna and radio assembly.
The antenna is connected to the IDU by an intra-facility link
(IFL) consisting of two cables: a transmit cable and a receive
cable.

Chapter 1 • Overview
21037750-0001 Revision A
Antenna installation
summary This section lists the basic steps and related tasks used to
assemble and install the antenna. These procedures are listed in
the order in which they are to be performed. For more detailed
information on each task, refer to the chapters and documents
listed.
1. Explain the installation process to the customer.
2. Conduct a site survey with the customer to identify a suitable
location for the antenna. See the HughesNet Antenna Site
Preparation and Mount Installation Guide (1035678-0001)
for details.
3. Install and apply power to the IDU, following the instructions
in the installation guide for the specific IDU you are
installing.
Figure 1: The Hughes model AN8-098P .98 m satellite antenna
Note: You must install the IDU before installing the
antenna, to determine the proper pointing values (azimuth and
elevation).

Chapter 1 • Overview
1037750-0001 Revision A 3
4. Connect your laptop computer to the IDU and enter the
installation parameters from the installation reference sheet.
See the HughesNet Ka-Band Antenna Pointing Guide
(1037663-0001) for detailed instructions.
5. Determine the most suitable method for mounting the
antenna, and install the antenna mount and mast. See the
HughesNet Antenna Site Preparation and Mount
Installation Guide for details.
6. Attach the reflector bracket to the Az/El mount. See
Chapter 3 – Installing the antenna and radio assembly.
7. Attach the adapter block to the reflector bracket. See
Chapter 3 – Installing the antenna and radio assembly.
8. Attach the antenna reflector. See Chapter 3 – Installing the
antenna and radio assembly.
9. Install the feed support arm and support rods. See Chapter 3 –
Installing the antenna and radio assembly.
10. Install the radio assembly. See Chapter 3 – Installing the
antenna and radio assembly.
11. Install the feed horn. See Chapter 3 – Installing the antenna
and radio assembly.
12. Attach the Az/El mount and antenna assembly to the antenna
mast pipe. See Chapter 3 – Installing the antenna and radio
assembly.
13. Install the IFL transmit and receive cables between the IDU
and the antenna. See
Chapter 4 – Cabling and connections.
14. Ground the antenna assembly. See Tasks related to antenna
installation on page4.
15. Determine the proper azimuth and elevation. See Chapter 3 –
Installing the antenna and radio assembly.
16. Point the antenna in accordance with the instructions in the
HughesNet Ka-Band Antenna Pointing Guide
(1037663-0001).
17. Commission the IDU. For instructions, see the installation
guide for the specific IDU you are installing.
Note: It is critical that the antenna mast is plumb. It is
impossible to adjust the antenna to correct for a mast that is
not plumb.

Chapter 1 • Overview
41037750-0001 Revision A
Tasksrelatedtoantenna
installation This section discusses tasks related to antenna installation and
explains where to find additional information.
Selecting the
installation site Before selecting an installation site, check the installation
reference sheet to see if a customer-specific site has been
pre-determined and specified. Also, refer to the HughesNet
Antenna Site Preparation and Mount Installation Guide
(1035678-0001), which discusses the factors that you should
consider when selecting an antenna installation site.
The first and most important consideration when choosing a
prospective antenna site is whether the area can provide an
acceptable line of sight (LOS) to the satellite. A site with a clear,
unobstructed view of the southern sky is necessary. Also,
consider obstructions that may occur in the future, such as the
growth of trees. Select your antenna site before performing the
installation, so that the antenna will be able to receive the
strongest signal available.
As with any type of construction, a local building permit may be
required before installing the antenna. It is the property owner's
responsibility to obtain all permits. If necessary, modify the
installation instructions in this manual in accordance with local
building codes.
Installing the
antenna mount Before installing the antenna itself, you must first install a
suitable antenna mount. If the system requires a pole mount
installation, be sure to obtain information about the underground
utilities in the proposed location. Have the appropriate utility
company mark the location of any underground telephone wires,
storm drains, etc. Also, because soils vary widely in composition
and load capacity, it may be necessary to consult a local
professional engineer to determine the appropriate foundation
design.
For pole mounts that require a concrete base, you must allow at
least 24 hr for the concrete to cure before installing the antenna.
Be sure to plan and schedule the installation accordingly.
For complete information regarding antenna mount installation,
including various mounting methods, refer to the following two
documents in the order listed:
•The customer-specific installation reference sheet
•The HughesNet Antenna Site Preparation and Mount
Installation Guide (1035678-0001).