NavCom VueStar Rev.B - Manual (Page 9)

9
VueStar ™ Manual- Rev B
This section of the VueStar™ Manual is dedicated to the specifications for mounting the Airborne
Antenna to the fuselage of an airplane. Included within are measurements and spacing of hardware
based off of production designs, it is recommended to verify these measurements against the shipped
product before undertaking installation. All work should be performed by someone experienced with
aviation mechanics.
The Airborne Antenna includes the following items:
•
1 FAA Certified Airborne Antenna
•
4 Phillips Flat Head Mounting Screws
•
1 FCC Airworthiness Approval Certificate
Since aircraft and applications differ, nuts and washers have not been included. In order to
continue with installation, these items will need to be purchased/obtained independently and
in accordance to your unique situation.
Optimum performance of the receiver is with a front end gain of 32—36 dB at the engine connector,
which the standard 12ft antenna cable shipped with the VueStar™ package delivers. However, other
cables can be used, as long as all the cables and connectors between the antenna and the RF front
end of the receiver experience no more than 3—7 dB of loss. Anything above or below 32—36 dB
could result in degraded receiver performance. It should, however, be understood that the receiver
has an overall operating dynamic gain range of 26—40dB, but operation on the extreme high and
low ends of this dynamic range are not recommended.
Make sure the chosen location provides the antenna with a clear and unobstructed view of
the entire sky. Any obstructions to this view will degrade position accuracy.
Mounting the Airborne Antenna requires 5 holes; 4 for the mounting screws, and 1 for the TNC
connector which protrudes from beneath the antenna body. Reference the antenna spec sheet in
Figure 1 to determine the required size and relative spacing of the holes. Orientation of the antenna
is not as important as making sure that the antenna is flush against the body of the vehicle and tightly
held in place. (Figure 2)
When creating the hole for the TNC connector, be sure that it is smaller than the width of the
o-ring that surrounds the connection. This will allow the o-ring to create an effective seal and
establish a secure connection point, free of air flow around the TNC connection.
The measurements in Figure 1 are based off of production designs and may have a small
degree of variance compared to shipped antennas. It is strongly recommended to use the
antenna that will be mounted as a guide before creating any holes in the aircraft skin.
Aircraft Antenna
Included Materials
Antenna Specifications and Mounting Guidelines
Mounting Requirements