Transmission antenna

CAUTION:

Do not stand in front of the antenna. This device emits radio frequency energy. To avoid injury, do not place head or other body parts in front of the satellite outdoor unit (ODU) when system is operational. Maintain a distance of 1 m or more from the front of the satellite terminal ODU.

The TX325 transmission antenna is a right-hand circular polarized Yagi with 11 dBi gain. A bracket is included with the antenna for mounting to a mast or pole. The antenna is directional and should be aimed at the spacecraft. Both elevation and azimuth are unique to the location on the planet and must be set. A poorly aimed antenna will cause a drop in signal strength or possibly prevent successful transmission. As a guide, if the antenna is aimed 20 degrees off the spacecraft, the received power will be half of a properly aimed antenna. Beyond 20 degrees, the received power drops off quickly.

NOTE:

When attaching elements to the boom, make sure to place them such that the number of grooves on the element equals the number of dimples on the boom. For example, the element with four grooves should be placed at the spot on the boom with four dimples, and so forth.

The Device Configuration Utility software has a tool for helping to point the transmitter antenna.

  1. When connected to the CR6, CR1000X, CR350, or CR300 Series data logger, click the Deployment > GOES tab.

  2. Under the General Radio Status, scroll down to the Orient Antenna link.

  3. Click Orient Antenna. A small Orient Antenna window will open. Select the satellite (GOES-16 [East] or GOES-16 [West]).

    NOTE:

    GOES has two satellites, GOES East and GOES West (Coverage of GOES East and GOES West satellites). Both satellites are located over the equator. Within the United States, odd-numbered channels are assigned to GOES East, and even-numbered channels are assigned to GOES West. Channels used outside of the United States are assigned to either spacecraft. If you are unsure check with DCS Help Desk online at https://dcs1.noaa.gov.

    Check that the Latitude, Longtitude, Elevation, and Magnetic Declination are correct for your site; this information should be pulled from the GPS receiver. The bottom window will display the correct Azimuth and Elevation for pointing your antenna.

    TIP:

    To use this tool with the CR3000, CR1000, or CR800-series, select a newer data logger, such as the CR1000X, and use the offline mode (File> Offline Mode>CR1000X Measurement and Control Datalogger with a TX325/TX326 Radio). In the Offline Mode, click the Deployment > GOES tab then click Orient Antenna to access the Orient Antenna window. Values for Latitude, Longitude, Elevation , and Magnetic Declination need to be manually entered.