While antennas are generally perceived as outdated technology, telecom companies are still finding ways on how to improve the antenna for the electronics’ future generation. Although we are now in the era of sophisticated technology some of our communications still utilize mobile phone antennas to function. To ensure their efficiency and effectiveness, these antennas must be properly installed, mounted, and aligned so digital devices could function efficiently. Interestingly, there are several technological advances in antenna alignment that makes installation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and repair easier and more convenient.

What is Antenna Alignment?

Antenna alignment is the process of fine-tuning the elevation, azimuth, as well as the polarizing angles of the antenna to allow the center of beams to align to the objective satellite. In space-related operations, antenna alignment prepares the foundation for the stations on earth to perform daily business transmission and access validation. Precise antenna alignment intended to the objective satellite is the only way that the work on the earth stations could become reliable and stable. Companies like Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon require the use of antenna alignment tools to boost the reliability of the microwave link. In terms of cellular performance, the integrity of the RF is crucial.

Latest Tech Advances

Built-in Camera

One of the most impressive technological advances in antenna alignment is the ability to include a camera in antenna alignment tools. This technology will allow users to not only efficiently align the antenna but also show the direction it is pointing. It offers an image of the line of sight that is mechanically associated with the tool. This latest advancement is very useful especially when the antenna is in a place where there are a lot of building constructions or growing tree lines. The camera can show these obstructions that could reduce the quality of the coverage. Because of this engineers can include these obstructions and can find better ways on how to optimize the orientation of the antenna.

Augmented Integration

Who says AR or Augmented Reality is not applicable to antenna alignment? There are several antenna tools that utilize AR. Integration of Augmented Reality enables users to easily achieve perfect antenna alignment. Linked to the touch screen monitor, the user can adjust the alignment by simply aligning the crosshair with the bullseye or your target position.

GPS Technology

Antenna alignment now utilizes GPS technology. This allows users to calculate the azimuth, roll, tilt, and GDL measurements useful in a wide range of directional antenna systems. This avoids guessing and promotes accurate and reliable calculations.

Smartphone and Mobile Devices Enabled

Another interesting technological advancement in antenna alignment is the ability to link antenna alignment tools with smartphones and other mobile devices. Through this users can easily measure, evaluate, and save alignment information using an App. They can also make and send reports wirelessly from their mobile in PDF version. Additionally, the App also allows the users to save up to four photos for every antenna in the report. There is also a calculator for the microwave azimuth path making it easy for users to do correct calculations.

The latest technological advances in antenna alignment ensure error-free calculations for all alignments and installations. Additionally, it makes the work easier, more convenient, reliable, and efficient. In the future, we can expect that more technological advancements will be applied in antenna alignment that will make it even more dependable.