Hughes AN8-098R User manual

1037752-0001
Revision A
June 17, 2008
.98m Ka-Band Antenna
Installation Guide
Model: AN8-098R

Copyright © 2008 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, HughesNet, Hughes Network Systems, and SPACEWAY are trademarks of Hughes Network
Systems, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This product is
compatible with the Hughes SPACEWAY system.
Revision record
Revision Date of issue Scope
A June 17, 2008 Production Release

• Important safety information
1037752-0001 Revision A iii
Important safety information
For your safety and protection, read this entire installation guide
before attempting to install the AN8-098R Ka-band antenna. In
particular, read this safety section carefully. Keep this safety
information where you can refer to it if necessary.
Types of warnings used
in this manual This section introduces the various types of warnings used in this
manual to alert you to possible safety hazards.
DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a situation or practice that might result in property
damage.

• Important safety information
iv 1037752-0001 Revision A
Product warning labels The following safety alert labels are affixed to the antenna feed
support arms, 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
Safety alert labels on the antenna assembly

• Important safety information
1037752-0001 Revision A v
Antenna installation
safety Observe the following precautions when installing the 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.
Failure to heed these warnings could result in serious injury
or death.
WARNING
Properly ground the antenna assembly according to all
federal and local electrical codes.

• Important safety information
vi 1037752-0001 Revision A
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.

• Important safety information
1037752-0001 Revision A vii
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 that is 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.

• Important safety information
viii 1037752-0001 Revision A
CAUTION
•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 Antenna Site Preparation and Mount Installation
Guide (1035678-0001) for more information.

• Contents
1037752-0001 Revision A ix
Contents
Important safety information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Types of warnings used in this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Product warning labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Antenna installation safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
Chapter 1
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
The model AN8-098R antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Antenna installation summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Tasks related to antenna installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Selecting the installation site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Installing the antenna mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Installing the satellite modem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Grounding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Approved cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Chapter 2
Antenna parts and required tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Antenna kit components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Az/El mount assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Reflector bracket and tilt plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Antenna reflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Feed support arms and tailpiece. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Radio assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Feed horn and collar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Elevation handle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Related Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Tri-mast (or other antenna mount) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
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 antenna reflector bracket and tilt plate . . . . . . . . .19
Installing the feed support arms and tailpiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Installing the antenna reflector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

• Contents
x1037752-0001 Revision A
Installing the radio assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Adjusting transmit circular polarization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Installing the feed horn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Installing the antenna assembly onto the mast pipe . . . . . . . . . .30
Chapter 4
Cabling and connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Cabling requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Routing the cables at the antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Connecting the transmit and receive cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Transmit cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Receive cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Ground connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Chapter 5
Adjusting the antenna azimuth and elevation. . . . . . . .39
Adjusting the elevation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Adjusting the azimuth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Acronyms and abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

• Figures
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Figures
Chapter 1
1. The Hughes AN8-098R .98m Ka-band satellite antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Chapter 2
2. Antenna kit components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
3. Az/El mount assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
4. Reflector bracket and tilt plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
5. Antenna reflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
6. Feed support arms and tailpiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7. Radio assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
8. Feed horn and collar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
9. Elevation handle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
10. Tri-mast in various configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Chapter 3
11. Attaching the reflector bracket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
12. Aligning the Az/El mount. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
13. Attaching the feed support arms to the reflector bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
14. Attaching the tailpiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
15. Insert first bolt into top hole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
16. Attaching the antenna reflector (rear view) . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
17. Positioning the radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
18. Attaching the radio assembly to the tailpiece. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
19. Determining the polarization setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
20. Adjusting circular polarization (collar removed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
21. Remove the protective seal from the polarizer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
22. Attaching the feed horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
23. Making sure the mast is plumb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
24. Installing the antenna assembly onto the mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
25. Assembled antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Chapter 4
26. Transmit and receive cable configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
27. Weatherproofing the cable connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
28. Transmit connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
29. Receive connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
30. Ground screw location on the Az/El mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

• Figures
xii 1037752-0001 Revision A
Chapter 5
31. Elevation adjustment components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
32. Adjusting the elevation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
33. Elevation marker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
34. Loosen the Az/El canister. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
35. Adjusting the azimuth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

• Tables
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Tables
Chapter 2
1. Small hardware parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
2. Tools and additional materials required to assemble and install the antenna. . .15
Chapter 3
3. Torque specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

• Tables
xiv 1037752-0001 Revision A

Chapter 1 • Overview
1037752-0001 Revision A 1
Chapter 1
Overview
This Installation Guide explains how to assemble and install the
Hughes AN8-098R .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 AN8-098R 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 AN8-098R antenna on page 1
•Antenna installation summary on page 2
•Tasks related to antenna installation on page 4
The model AN8-098R
antenna Each satellite modem at a customer site requires an antenna and
radio assembly to communicate with both the system satellite and
the Network Operations Control Center (NOCC). The antenna is
connected to the satellite modem by an intra-facility link (IFL)
consisting of two cables: a transmit cable and a receive cable.
The Hughes model AN8-098R antenna is designed for Ka-band
applications. Figure 1 shows the AN8-098R assembled, with a
radio assembly.

Chapter 1 • Overview
21037752-0001 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.
Figure 1: The Hughes AN8-098R .98m Ka-band satellite antenna

Chapter 1 • Overview
1037752-0001 Revision A 3
3. Install and apply power to the satellite modem, following the
instructions in the installation guide for the specific satellite
modem you are installing.
4. Connect your laptop computer to the satellite modem and
enter the installation parameters from the installation
reference sheet.
5. Determine the most suitable method for mounting the
antenna and install the antenna mast. See the Antenna Site
Preparation and Mount Installation Guide for details.
6. Attach the antenna reflector bracket and tilt plate to the Az/El
mount. See Chapter 3 – Installing the antenna and radio
assembly.
7. Install the feed support arms and tailpiece. 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 radio assembly, adjusting circular polarization if
necessary. See Chapter 3 – Installing the antenna and radio
assembly.
10. Install the feed horn. See Chapter 3 – Installing the antenna
and radio assembly.
11. Attach the Az/El mount and antenna assembly to the antenna
mast pipe. See Chapter 3 – Installing the antenna and radio
assembly.
12. Install the IFL transmit and receive cables between the
satellite modem and the antenna. See Chapter 4 – Cabling
and connections.
13. Ground the antenna assembly. See Tasks related to antenna
installation on page 4.
14. Determine the proper azimuth, elevation, and tilt. See
Chapter 3 – Installing the antenna and radio assembly.
15. Point the antenna in accordance with the instructions in the
Ka-Band Antenna Pointing Guide (1037663-0001).
16. Commission the satellite modem. For instructions, see the
installation guide for the specific satellite modem you are
installing.
Note: You must install the satellite modem before installing
the antenna to determine the proper pointing values (azimuth,
elevation, and tilt).
Note: It is critical that the antenna mast is plumb. The
antenna cannot be adjusted to correct for a mast that is not
plumb.

Chapter 1 • Overview
41037752-0001 Revision A
Tasksrelated toantenna
installation This section explains where to find information on tasks related to
antenna installation.
Selecting the
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.
Before selecting an installation site, check the installation
reference sheet to see if a customer-specific installation 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.
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. Install the antenna in
accordance with local building codes.
Installing the
antenna mount Before installing the antenna, 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 customer-specific installation reference sheet
•The HughesNet Antenna Site Preparation and Mount
Installation Guide (1035678-0001).
Refer to the installation referencesheet for any customer-specific
guidelines concerning the mount installation. Use only the
installation method described in the reference sheet.

Chapter 1 • Overview
1037752-0001 Revision A 5
If the installation reference sheet does not specify a method, use
only the mount installation methods documented in the
HughesNet Antenna Site Preparation and Mount Installation
Guide. Most installations in a commercial, industrial, or
institutional environment use a non-penetrating roof mount.
Installing the
satellite modem See the installation guide for the specific satellite modem you are
installing.
Grounding The entire antenna assembly must be grounded. For grounding
information, refer to your training, best grounding practices, the
Hughes Field Service Bulletin (FSB) HNS Broadband
Requirements for RG-6 and RG-11 IFL Cable Connectors,
Ground Blocks and Ground Block Location (FSB 050518_01),
and applicable parts of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Approved cables For a list of approved cables for the IFL between the antenna and
the satellite modem, see the Hughes FSB, IFL Cable, Approved
List (with lengths) for SPACEWAY Domestic Installations
(FSB 080111_01). The FSB lists the maximum cable length for
each approved cable type for all relevant radio types.
Because it is impossible to predict the requirements specific to
each installation site, you must use your own judgement and best
practices to determine how to route and connect the IFL transmit
and receive cables.

Chapter 1 • Overview
61037752-0001 Revision A