Frequently Asked Questions
What does ODU stand for?
Out Door Unit. Most popular radio manufacturers have switched from having a rack
mount radio in a building at the base of the tower to a radio that is actually mounted to
the back of the antenna. Some still have an IDU or In Door Unit that places some of the
electronics at the base of the tower, but the connection between IDU and ODU is a low
cost coaxial cable rather than the expensive waveguide that is used for all indoor units.
The latest trend is to dispense with the IDU altogether and have everything in the ODU.
1. What is REMEC?
Remec is a very large manufacturer of the ODU units used by many radio manufacturers.
The radio manufacturer provide the IDU, ODU modifications and system software; but
standardized on the Remec mounting form factor which defines how the ODU mates with
the antenna. Many brands use the Remec mechanical interface. The other popular
mechanical interfaces are Dragonwave and SAF but those two interfaces are currently
used only by those two companies.
2. Do I have to order it configured for Dragonwave, SAF, Exalt or REMEC styles
or are all the antennas the same?
Standard units are ready to work with SAF and REMEC styles out of the box with a
minor moving of some clips to allow Dragonwave operation. We can produce units preconfigured for Dragonwave or SAF if requested. In the case of SAF pre-configuration we
simply delete the clips required for the others. The clip move requires a small allen
wrench. Exalt feedhorns contain some small clip adapters that will need to be applied to
the antenna.
3. How do I change the frequencies of the Optic Series antennas?
The feed horn itself is the only frequency sensitive part. The user can change the feed
horn by simply rotating it 45 degrees and pulling it out from behind. The radome does
not have to be removed to change the feed. It is a one hand operation. Note: A feedhorn
for a 2 foot diameter antenna will not work on a 3 foot antenna. Feedhorns are
interchangeable amongst same diameter antennas.
4. How do I change polarizations of Optic Series antennas?
You just rotate the feed horn 90 degrees. It is as simple as that.
5. How accurate is the Accu-Aim scope?
It will take some convincing of your installation crew, they all think they know the best
way to aim a dish, but our testing and reports from our customers indicate that once it is
aimed with the scope, you cannot increase the RF signal level further by tweaking the
antenna and looking at the radio RSSI indication. Furthermore, if you can see the other
end (building, mountain peak, tower etc) you will never peak to a sidelobe again.
6. Do you have to remove the radome to use the scope?
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No, there is a small optical window in the center of the radome to allow for the optical
alignment. Hence the name of the product line.
7. Can the Optic Series provide dual polarization?
Dual pol connectorized feeds are available for all Optic Series antennas.
8.
design. Microwave absorbers and shields are incorporated into the radome to give
superior side lobe performance. All at no additional cost.
9. Are Radomes included or extra?
Radomes are included standard on all Optic Series antennas.
10. Are lead times long?
No, our unique design that fits all popular radios and quick changes of frequencies and
waveguide options allow distributors and dealers to stock large quantities of the dishes
and popular feeds. This mix and match capability allows distributors to have the product
11. How long is the warranty period for the Optic Series antennas??
10 years repair or replacement. However we are fully confident you will require neither
repair nor replacement in 10 years. This is the longest warranty period that we know of
in the industry. But a warranty is only as good as the company behind it. We are
confident that you will discover that our long time customers have faith in our company
and our products.
12. How are the Optic Series antennas packed?
2 and 3 ft antennas are shipped in a very strong corrugated cardboard shipping crate. 4 ft
and larger are shipped in wood reinforced double wall corrugated crates.
13. How much wind will an Optic Series antenna survive?
Mechanical design software predicts a 150 mph rating, however many towers will not be
standing after a 150 mph storm. We are not a fan of survival ratings. The operational
rating is much more important and with most of our products it exceeds 100 mph.
14. Are side struts included?
one set of side strut adapters The actual strut itself is
unistrut. Generally locally available. Since most installations require a custom strut
include the actual unistrut itself. Only the end pieces.
15. Are side struts needed?
.
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It never hurts to have side struts. Whether or not they are required depends on many
factors such as tower type, other antennas on the tower, height above ground level,
buildings and trees in the area, but most importantly the prevailing winds. The side strut
helps prevent unintended rotation of the antenna in the Azimuth plane. Obviously if
there is a strong enough wind force, the whole tower will twist. We design our mounts to
prevent any slippage rotation at the operational wind speed with wind coming from any
direction.
16.
We recommend the largest diameter
Yes, Optic Series mount on
mount available be used to keep the assembly as strong and stiff as possible. Smaller,
longer pipes can twist in strong wind storms providing azimuth aiming errors during the
storm. This applies to all brands of antennas, not just the Optic Series.
17. Does the hoisting bracket remain on the antenna after installation?
No, except for connectorized feedhorns, the hoisting bracket is likely to interfere with
mounting the ODU. Moreover, the hoisting bracket is not coated and will rust if left
on the antenna. It is very easy to remove. We consider it a disposable item.
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