Point-to-point alignment accuracy has become critical as beamwidths narrow and higher frequency communication equipment is deployed. Interference is now of great concern due to equipment congestion on towers/buildings. Self-contained GNSS-based alignment products have become the primary method for aligning end-to-end/point-to-point applications before final tuning with RF power measurements. Specifically, the Sunsight microwave solutions are being used for that application.
The single most important item that determines the accuracy of any GNSS-based alignment product is the physical distance between the GNSS antennas mounted on the alignment unit.
Fact: The smaller the GNSS alignment product’s GNSS antenna spacing, the less azimuthal accuracy is possible. The higher accuracy needed for microwave alignment requires an alignment tool with larger GNSS antenna separation baselines.
GNSS Antenna separation is especially crucial for aligning long-distance and high-frequency links. This eliminates most self-contained GNSS cellular alignment products from producing the required result for microwave alignment projects.
As such, Sunsight produces multiple products that vary in size (and hence accuracy) for various customer needs. The AAT Mini, for instance, is the product of choice for cellular panel alignment products, but, like other cellular alignment products, it is not the right tool for microwave alignment. The MW and MW Max have much larger antenna spacing, making them the market segment leader in accuracy and antenna alignment results. The azimuth accuracy results for the MW product is over 300% better than competitive cellular alignment products (even those that claim to perform MW alignment), and 600% better for the MW Max.
The MW Kit has an azimuth accuracy of +/- .15 degrees (rms), suitable for most point-to-point alignment, with the added benefit of performing directional antenna alignment when needed. The MW Max Kit has an extreme azimuth accuracy of +/-.08 degrees (rms) and is recommended for mmWave or exceptionally long links far outside the typical link distance.