MarketSpark Antenna Installation and Best Practices Guide

MarketSpark Antenna Installation and Best Practices Guide

Workflow

Pre-Check

Prepare the site

  1. The antenna install location must have a clear line of sight to the tower (if practical)

  2. The antenna install location must sit at least 24 inches from other antennas/devices - to limit interference

  3. The antenna install location must avoid power lines

  4. For antenna positioning, keep antenna install location 8 feet away from "people" and 2 feet away from other "devices or rooftop equipment"

Verify you have the following

Part #

 

Part Number / Name

 

Notes / Purpose

 

Qty per Kit

 

Part #

 

Part Number / Name

 

Notes / Purpose

 

Qty per Kit

 

1

  • (reserved)

Reserved for kit-level reference

-

2

Kit SKU - placeholder

Represents the complete antenna kit SKU

1

3

SM12FTSF200

12 ft LMR-240 (SMA-M → SF) - short extension / pigtail

2

4

NM65FTSM400

65 ft LMR-400 (N-M -. SMA-M) - main coax run

1 pair

5

NM1FTNM200

1 ft LMR-240 (N-M → N-M) - connects antenna → arrestor

1 pair

6

L5NFM

Lightening Arrestor (N-F ↔︎ N-M) - surge protection device

2

7

MTPole

Mounting Pole Hardware Kit (U-bolts, saddle plates, washers, nuts, brackets)

1

8

GroundWire

10 AWG Bare Copper Wire - bonding and grounding connections

1 spool (25ft typical)

9

MAST24

24” Mast Pipe - supports Z bracket and antenna assembly

1

10

JointCompound

Anti-oxidation compound - prevents corrosion on aluminum joints

1 tube

11

LagBolts

Lag bolts + anchors + drill bits kit - wall / pole mounting

1 set

12

LUG (single)

Aluminum Mechanical Lug (single) - for 10 AWG bonding

2

13

ScrewGround

Grounding Self-Tappin g Screws (#10-16 x 3/4” stainless hex-washer head)

5

14

GroundClamp

Ground Clamp - secures copper wire to site ground

1

15

SiliconeTape

Silicone Weatherproof Tape - seals N-type connectors

1 roll

16

Parsec Great Dane 4x4 MIMO Atenna

Main 5G external antenna

1

18

LUG (double)

Aluminum Mechanical Lug (Zdouble) - for shared grounding

2

19

Grounding Star Washers

Maintains metal-to-metal continuity at bounding points

5

20

Grounding Ring Terminals (10 AWG)

Secure termination of 10 AWG ground wire to lug or ground point

3

 

Tools Needed

Safety Equipment

 

Tools Needed

Safety Equipment

 

  • Corded or cordless power drill

  • Level (bubble or digital)

  • Ratchet or socket set (for bolt tightening)

  • Pencil or marker (for marking pilot holes)

  • Basic Hand Tools

  • Wire strippers

  • Crimping Tool (for 10 AWG ground)

  • Hard hat (when applicable)

  • Gloves (when applicable)

  • Safety glasses

  • Harness (if applicable)

  • Non-slip shoes


Grounding Preparation (Pre-Installation)

Ensure all grounding components and tools are prepared prior to installation. This step establishes proper bonding continuity for the remainder of the installation process.

Lugs will be installed as shown in photo.

image-20251030-220852.png

Required Components and Tools

Before installation begins, confirm all components and tools are available and ready for use.

From BoM / Tools

 

Description

 

From BoM / Tools

 

Description

 

13

Grounding Self-Tapping Screws (#10-16 × ¾", stainless, hex-washer head)

17

Aluminum Mechanical Lug (Single)

18

Aluminum Mechanical Lug (Double)

19

Grounding Star Washers (for metal-to-metal bonding between Z bracket, mast, and lugs)

Installer’s Tools

Wire brush (for cleaning metal contact surfaces)

Installer’s Tools

Wrench set and torque driver

image-20251030-220922.png

 

 

 

image-20251030-220922.png

 

 

 

Identify a Mounting Location

Drill bracket holes.jpg
  1. Select a structurally sound vertical surface (e.g., wall stud, plywood panel, concrete wall).

    1. Make sure the location:

      1. Has sufficient clearance vertically to hold the 24" mast.

      2. Is free of electrical wiring or obstructions behind the mounting area.

      3. Will allow a straight and unobstructed antenna line-of-sight when installed.

  2. Use the Z Bracket as a Template

    1. Hold the Z bracket against the wall in the planned position.

    2. Use a level to ensure the mast is plumb.

    3. Mark the four (4) lag bolt hole positions using a pencil or marker through the Z bracket’s pre-drilled holes.

  3. Drill Pilot Holes

    1. Using the 10mm drill bit supplied in the LagBolts kit (Part 11), drill pilot holes into the marked positions.

      1. For concrete/masonry walls - use the included masonry bit and anchorsl

      2. For wood - pilot holes alone are sufficient.

Mark and Start Mounting Points

Antenna.jpg
  1. Using the mechanical lugs as a template, mark the hole locations where each bond will be made.

  2. Use the self-tapping ground screws (Part #13) to start each hole directly into the metal Z bracket, creating a clean thread for final installation.

  3. Clean each contact area with a wire brush to remove debris or oxidation before installing.

  4. Attach Mechanical Lugs

    1. Attach the appropriate mechanical lug (see image) to the Z bracket at each prepared hole.

    2. Install a star washer (Part #19) between the lug and the Z bracket before securing with the ground screw (Part #13).

    3. Each lug should sit square (90°) and face outward (green screws inward) to allow for easy bonding to the lightning arrestors later in this guide.

      1. Confirm lug orientation before tightening to avoid misalignment during later assembly.

    4. Maintain clean contact surfaces for all bonding points.


Mounting Pole / Mast to Z Bracket

This section details how to assemble and mount the Mounting Pole Hardware Kit (Part #7 - MTPole) to the Mast Pipe (Part #9 - MAST24). This is part of the core mounting structure used to secure the antenna and ensure structural stability during outdoor deployments.

Things to consider

  • Our bolt kit can mount to metal, concrete, or wood

  • The pole must be vertical

Components Used in the Section

Item #

 

Part Name / Description

 

Qty

 

Reference Image

 

Item #

 

Part Name / Description

 

Qty

 

Reference Image

 

7

MTPole - Mounting Pole Hardware Kit

1

Item 7.png
reference photo

7A

U-Bolts (Pipe Holders)

2

7B

Pipe Locks (Curved Plates)

2

7C

Main Mounting Z Bracket

1

7D

Locking Washers

2

7E

Flat Washers

2

7F

Hex Nuts

2

9

MAST24 - 24” Mast Pipe (Galvanized Steel)

1

U-bolt.jpg
  1. Assemble U-Bolt

    1. Take U-Bolt 7A and insert it through the holes on one side of the Main Z Bracket (7C).

    2. Slide a Pipe Lock (7B) onto the U-bolt behind the Z bracket, ensuring it conforms to the shape of the mast pipe.

    3. On each end of the U-bolt attach the following

      1. Flat Washer (7E)

      2. Locking Washer (7D)

      3. Thread a Hex Nut (7F) onto each end by hand (do not fully tighten yet).

    4. Repeat step 2 with the second U-bolt (7A) and Pipe Lock (7B) on the other side of the Z bracket

Mount to Mast_Mount to Mast Pipe.jpg
  1. Mount to Mast Pipe

    1. Take the assembled bracket (with both U-bolts and pipe locks loosely attached) and wrap it around the MAST24 mast pipe (Part #9).

    2. Position the Z bracket (7C) so it faces outward and is aligned to receive the antenna mounting assembly in later steps.

    3. Ensure both U-bolts hug the mast securely with the curved pipe locks providing a firm grip.

    4. Using a socket wrench or appropriate tool, evenly tighten all hex nuts (7F) until the Z bracket is firmly clamped to the mast.

    5. Do not overtighten the Z bracket, it should feel secure with no play or sliding.


Mounting the Z bracket to the Wall

This section explains how to securely attach the assembled mast + Z bracket (Mast-to-bracket) to a flat mounting surface such as a building wall, utility pole, or other vertical structure.

This section is only applicable if mounting the antenna to a WALL - if pole mounting the antenna (to an existing mast/pole on site) please disregard this section and secure the Antenna directly to the Pole (in step below see Antenna to the Mast).

Components Used in This Section

Part #

 

Part Name / Description

 

Part #

 

Part Name / Description

 

7

MTPole Kit (Z Bracket & Clamps Assembly)

9

MAST24 – 24" Mast Pipe

11

LagBolts – Lag bolts, anchors, drill bits kit

Note: This guide assumes that Part 7 and Part 9 are already assembled per instructions in Section 1: Pole to Mast Installation.

Antenna Illustrations_Secure bracket.png
  1. Secure the Z Bracket with Lag Bolts

    1. Align the bracket over the pilot holes.

      1. Insert the lag bolts through the Z bracket’s holes and tighten them with a socket wrench or impact driver.

        1. Do not over-tighten to avoid damaging the wall or Z bracket.

        2. This will be a tight fit for the lag bolts to go through the existing penetrations on the Z bracket, this is expected

      2. Confirm the Z bracket does not shift when torque is applied.

  2. Final Mounting Check

    1. Visually inspect to ensure

      1. Mast remains vertically stable.

      2. All bolts are flush and tight.

      3. Z bracket is firmly affixed and does not flex when pushed.


Mounting the Antenna to the Mast

This section will walk you through securing the antenna (16A) onto the mast in the correct orientation, ensuring a stable mechanical connection and solid electrical continuity between the Z bracket and mast.

  • This section assumes the mast (Part #9) and wall-mount kit (Part #7)** are already installed.

Required Components 

  1. Unpack the antenna and verify all components are present.

From BoM

 

Description

 

 

 

From BoM

 

Description

 

 

 

16A

Parsec Great Dane Antenna (x1)

image-20251029-212337.png
Parsec Great Dane with included hardware

16B

¾-inch Mounting Screws (x4)

16C

Star Washers (x4)

16D

Antenna Pole Mount Brackets (x2)

16E

Hose Clamps (x2)

(Installed)

Part #9 – Mast / Pole

(Installed)

Part #7 – Wall Mount Assembly

Mount pole brackets.jpg
  1. Align the pole mount brackets (16D) to the back of the antenna (16A) using the provided mounting screws (16B) and star washers (16C).

    1. Tighten the screws until the star washers (16C) bite into the metal surface to ensure a secure mechanical and electrical bond.

    2. Do not overtighten; brackets should be snug but still adjustable for alignment.

Tighten pole brackets_Tighten pole brackets.jpg
  1. Lift the assembled antenna (16A) with pole mount brackets (16D) securely installed and align with the Pole / Mast (Part #9).

    1. Place the antenna (16A) against the mast at the desired mounting height.

    2. Align the pole mount brackets (16D) so the antenna (16A) sits squarely and vertically on the mast.

  2. Wrap the hose clamps (16E) around the mast and engage the screw heads into the band slots.

    1. Tighten both clamps evenly, alternating between them to maintain even pressure.

    2. Once snug, confirm that the antenna (16A) face is level and aimed correctly (back of the antenna should be facing the wall (if applicable).

    3. Final-tighten the clamps until the antenna (16A) is firmly secured without distorting the bracket (16D) or mast.

  3. Final Check

    1. Verify the antenna (16A) cannot rotate or shift with light pressure.

    2. Confirm all contact surfaces (16D, 16E, and mast) maintain solid metal-to-metal continuity.


Cable Routing

Preparation

  1. Connect coax cables to the antenna’s N-Type connectors.

  2. Form a drip loop below each connector to prevent moisture intrusion.

  3. Secure cables to the mast with weather-rated cable ties every 12–18 inches.

  4. Maintain proper bend radius: LMR240 = 1 inch min, LMR400 = 1.5 inches min.

Keep the antenna (16A) clear of nearby metal structures or vents.Maintain vertical alignment for optimal RF performance.Apply thread-lock compound on fasteners if vibration is expected.Avoid painting any bonding or contact surfaces.

Required Components

From BoM

 

Description

 

Description

 

 

 

From BoM

 

Description

 

Description

 

 

 

4

LMR400 Cabling (main coax runs)

65 ft LMR-400 coax cable (N-M → SMA-M)

image-20251031-191830.png

5

LMR240 Pigtails (1 ft each)

1 ft LMR-240 pigtail (N-M → N-M)

6

Lightning Arrestors

Lightning Arrestor (N-F ↔ N-M)