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"lobes," thata 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: