Draft Only. Not for distribution Rev 1.1 1 of 12 RFS APXV18-206517S-C ANTENNA JAM TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE. This procedure is applicable to RFS base station antennas used in multiple markets. This process is for Version 3.x of the NEM-ALD control software. This document includes troubleshooting steps tips pertaining to possible antenna / ACU issues, as well as return procedures and standard setup processes. This procedure must be followed before replacing antennas or ACUs. Specific instructions must be complied with for each error message. All antennas from RFS are currently shipped with the ACU (motor) pre-configured and calibrated. Field re-calibration of the Antennas / ACU is Not required nor recommended. The ACU stores the calibration status and current down tilt data for up to 10 years in non- volatile memory. NOTE : If the Antenna / ACU is in a failure mode due to attempting a calibration cycle follow the steps below to diagnose and trouble shoot the issue. A failed calibration could issue one of two different error messages; each one indicates a different type of issue. #1 If the error message is (note the term Motor Jam) This indicates something is physically stopping the ACU from completing the calibration process. The first thing to check is that the correct antenna Model has been loaded into the ACU (see the Antenna Model Number field), if it is not, follow steps 6-11 to correct it, then attempt to recalibrate the unit. If the model is correct it is frequently possible to clear the error by attempting to repeat the calibration process. RFS would suggest attempting a maximum of 10 attempts to clear the problem with this method. If this does not clear the problem, tower maintenance or antenna replacement may be required. Contact RFS before attempting this maintenance to validate the issue and to provide required product information if tower crew reimbursement is expected. i. If the ACU was field installed, verify that it is not on too tight. Take the ACU off and reconnect it to the antenna, observing screw torque requirements. Attempt recalibration
Transcript
Draft Only. Not for distribution Rev 1.1 1 of 12
RFS APXV18-206517S-C ANTENNA JAM TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE. This procedure is applicable to RFS base station antennas used in multiple markets. This process is for Version 3.x of the NEM-ALD control software. This document includes troubleshooting steps tips pertaining to possible antenna / ACU issues, as well as return procedures and standard setup processes. This procedure must be followed before replacing antennas or ACUs. Specific instructions must be complied with for each error message. All antennas from RFS are currently shipped with the ACU (motor) pre-configured and calibrated. Field re-calibration of the Antennas / ACU is Not required nor recommended. The ACU stores the calibration status and current down tilt data for up to 10 years in non-volatile memory.
NOTE: If the Antenna / ACU is in a failure mode due to attempting a calibration cycle follow the steps below to diagnose and trouble shoot the issue. A failed calibration could issue one of two different error messages; each one indicates a different type of issue. #1 If the error message is (note the term Motor Jam)
This indicates something is physically stopping the ACU from completing the calibration process. The first thing to check is that the correct antenna Model has been loaded into the ACU (see the Antenna Model Number field), if it is not, follow steps 6-11 to correct it, then attempt to recalibrate the unit. If the model is correct it is frequently possible to clear the error by attempting to repeat the calibration process. RFS would suggest attempting a maximum of 10 attempts to clear the problem with this method. If this does not clear the problem, tower maintenance or antenna replacement may be required. Contact RFS before attempting this maintenance to validate the issue and to provide required product information if tower crew reimbursement is expected.
i. If the ACU was field installed, verify that it is not on too tight. Take the ACU off and reconnect it to the antenna, observing screw torque requirements. Attempt recalibration
ii. The phase shifter inside the antenna may be stuck. Take the ACU off, and see if it is possible to move the antenna hex socket using a 3/16” hex key. This may loosen the antenna. Then reconnect the ACU to the antenna, observing screw torque requirements. Attempt recalibration
iii. If neither of the above methods work the antenna should be replaced. iv. Take screen shots capturing the error message along with the antenna model,
the antenna and the ACU serial numbers, the firmware version.
#2 If the error message is
This indicates something is stopping the ACU from identifying that a calibration attempt has been completed. Several different things, a power fluctuation during calibration, an incorrect antenna model being selected, incompatible ACU and NEM-ALD software versions or a fault of the ACU motor itself could cause this.
i. Verify the proper antenna model is selected ii. Verify ACU software version (2.30) and NEM-ALD-A software version 3.0.10 iii. Ensure all electrical connections are tight.
Attempt re-calibration. If this does not clear the problem, tower maintenance or antenna replacement may be required. Contact RFS before attempting this maintenance to validate the issue and to provide required product information if tower crew reimbursement is expected.
i. Replace the ACU. Re-configure and Re-calibrate (Step 6-13) ii. If this does not work the antenna should be replaced. iii. Take screen shots capturing the error message along with the antenna model,
the antenna and the ACU serial numbers, the firmware version.
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Procedure to move antenna to a specific down tilt. 1. Launch the NEM-ALD software. The software will scan all the devices available and
launch its Overview window. Select the ACU to downtilt from the available devices
A properly configured and calibrated Antenna / ACU should appear as shown here (The tilt setting shown below is simply representative)
Black text = Status OK Green Light = Status OK
If your screen does not look like this, proceed to Step # 4
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2. Set down tilt required by moving the slider tab, clicking on the slider bar, or directly enter
the down tilt value numerically. Press Set.
3. Repeat step 2 for all antennas.
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4. Non-configured or Non-calibrated ACU(s) will be highlighted in the software by the use of RED text. (Red text = Device Not Available). Double click on the device to open the RET main window as shown here.
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5. The main window will indicate the current device status.
If Not Configured is blank in the in the Alarm list, go to Step 12.
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6. To configure an antenna. Select the Antenna tab. .
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7. Select the ‘Antenna Configuration Data’ button.‘···’
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8. The Configuration button ‘···’ will launch a list of folders. Select the folder with the correct antenna, and then press open.
9. Pick the data file shown then press open.
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10. The software will return to the Main window, Press ‘Set’ this will start the upload to the ACU.
11. When the upload is completed the NEM-ALD software will rescan the device and indicate the change in status. (Not configured will be cleared, Not calibrated will remain active.)
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12. If the Antenna model is correct. To Calibrate an ACU press Calibrate. RET Moving will activate.
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13. When the calibration cycle is complete the RET status should change Black text = Status OK Green Light = Status OK Not Calibrated = Clear
