Siklu Alignment
Alignment Process
Under Construction
Link Budget Calculator
The Siklu Link Budget Calculator predicts link availability in a given location. This should be done first, to calculate optimal signal levels. We can use this information when when performing fine alignment with a digital multi-meter.
Video: How to use Link Budget Calculator
Video: Siklu Etherhaul Antenna Alignment
Coarse Alignment
Coarse alignment should be done after mounting the antenna.
Video: Coarse Alignment
Fine Alignment
The Siklu radiation pattern has multiple "lobes," a bit like two concentric donuts (side lobes) around the center target (main lobe). These are effectively "lumps" in signal strength emitted by the antenna. Like a mountain top there are many local peaks, but only one true highest point.
Video: Aligning Large Form-Factor Radios
To align the Siklu:
- sweep through all these lobes in pitch and yaw
- record the signal strength values
- determine the maximum signal strength nearest the expected RSSI according to link budget calculator
- finally align the antenna at this maximum position and bolt it permanently in place
Alignment Tool
A system of digital output multimeter and logging software can aid in the alignment process. This software creates a Grafana graph of the signal strength / lobes, removing the need to manually record with pen and paper.
Video: Using a Digital Multi-Meter to Perform Fine Alignment
Software:
Hardware
TP4000zc multimeter (Ask Andy to borrow the meter + cables)
See Also:
Siklu, before its aquisition by Ceragon in December 2023, had a very helpful technical support staff. Since then, a lot of the Siklu documentation has disappeared from the website, only a support email is provided. Luckily the Siklu YouTube channel still exists, we still have some guides squirreled away in this Master Drive Folder. Notably: