Base mounting plate After the baseplate is bolted to the support structure (roof,
wall, etc.), the mount can be easily assembled and the link head is attached to the head
mounting plate. For your convenience the power box is directly attached to the
mounting pole.
AIRLINX Communications will actively assist customers finding the best location for the
setup of the LightStation laser communication links. In addition, we offer the
service of installing the system at the customer site. Please inquire regarding
installation costs.
Guidelines for the installation of LightStation laser communication links
When customers install the laser links, they should follow the guidelines and/or answer
the following questions:
What does free line-of-sight mean?
To ensure the proper operation of a laser link, the link heads must be within a clear
line of sight of each other. Verify that a clear line of sight exists between the
two link heads. There should be no obstructions, such as trees or buildings that
block the view between both links. Also consider temporary objects that may disrupt
the transmission beam. Heat shimmer (scintillation) from nearby objects can
temporarily disrupt the transmission beam. To ensure the highest reliability of the
communication link we recommend to find a transmission path that is clear of all objects
by at least eight feet (2.5 m) in horizontal and vertical direction. Consider that
scintillation can also be caused by intermediate buildings, rooftops, air conditioners,
and heater vents. If possible, we also recommend to avoid mounting the link heads
close to high-power transmission equipment, satellite dishes and three-phase power lines.
How to position the link head?
The LightStation links are equipped with a high performance optical bandpass filter
which blocks most of the sunlight that may interfere with the optical signal transmitted
between both link heads. Therefore, our links will even operate in the brightest of
indirect sunlight. However, we strongly recommend to avoid pointing the link head
directly into the sun. This might result in a saturation of the receiver and
consequently in a temporary loss of communication. When positioning links, consider
that the position of the sun varies around the year. Although the links are equipped
with a rather long weather shield, avoid pointing a link head upward at a steep angle.
This might reduce the effectiveness of the weather shield to prevent rain or snow
to fall directly onto the lens surface.
How to mount the link head indoors?
Before making the decision to mount the link head indoors, be aware of the fact that
not all glass transmits infrared light equally. A single pane of normal glass
imposes very little attenuation. However, the link range will slightly decrease when
the unit is kept behind a glass window. We do not recommend to mount the link head
indoors if the glass is either very heavily tinted, or specially coated. Also, rain
or snow may accumulate on the window. Installing the link head under a great angle towards
the glass surface will decrease the transmission distance. The greater the angle
from perpendicular between the beam and the glass surface, the less infrared light is
transmitted through the glass. In any case do not mount the link head directly
perpendicular to the glass surface.
How to install the mounting post?
A solid mount is the key for reliable operotion of the laser link. Eagle provides
a solid mounting post that can be used either as a wall mount or a pedestal mount.
If you can not attach (bolt) the mount directly to the wall or onto the roof, please call
us and we will suggest alternate mounting procedures.
What is the distance between both link heads?
Estimate the distance between the LightStation link heads as precisely as possible.
If available, use standard street or survey maps with a known scale. If
possible use a meter-wheel, or even better, an optical "laser" range device.
Determine the height of the installation spot from the street to each LightStation
link head.
What about the network connection?
The LightStation laser link head is connected to the network via standard 50 or 62.5
micron multimode fiber. Please use a standard ST-connector to terminate the fiber at
the link head site. To operate the link it is neccessary to run at least two fibers
(transmit/receive). If you decide to monitor the link by using the network
management interface (OMI), it is neccessary to install a third fiber. Note: Keep in
mind that fiber optic devices from different vendors are not always compatible. To
avoid unnecessary delays during the installation process, we recommend that you use
compatible fiber optic devices from the same vendor at both sites. Please contact us
if your networking equipment has an electrical output port such as AUI or RJ-45, and no
fiber optic connector. We can provide media converters to transform electrical into
optical signals.
Other useful information
