Bird Technologies AT100 User Manual

INSTRUCTION BOOK
Operator Manual
AT-100 Antenna Tester
© Copyright 2007 by Bird Electronic Corporation
Instruction Book Part Number 920-AT100 Rev F

Safety Precautions

The following are general safety precautions that are not necessarily related to any specific part or procedure, and do not necessarily appear elsewhere in this publication. These precautions must be thoroughly understood and applied to all phases of operation and maintenance.
Resuscitation
Personnel working with or near high voltages should be familiar with modern methods of resuscitation.
Keep Away From Live Circuits
Operating personnel must at all times observe normal safety regulations. Do not replace components or make adjustments to the equipment with high voltage turned on. To avoid casualties, always remove power.
Do Not Service Or Adjust Alone
Under no circumstances should any person reach into an enclosure for the purpose of service or adjustment of equipment except in the presence of someone who is capable of rendering aid.
Safety Earth Ground
An uninterruptible earth safety ground must be supplied from the main power source to test instruments. Grounding one conductor of a two­conductor power cable is not sufficient protection. Serious injury or death can occur if this grounding is not properly supplied.
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Bird AT-100 Antenna Tester
Shock Hazard
Do not attempt to remove the RF transmission line while RF power is present. Radiated RF power is a potential health hazard.
Safety Symbols
WARNING
Warning notes call attention to a procedure which, if
not correctly performed, could result in personal injury.
CAUTION
Caution notes call attention to a procedure which, if
not correctly performed, could result in damage to
the equipment.
The caution symbol appears on the equipment indicating there is important information in the instruction manual regarding that particular area. See page 16
and 37 for specific cautions.
NOTE: Calls attention to supplemental informa-
tion.
Warning Statments
The following equipment cautions appear in the text whenever there is a danger to people.
WARNING
Live RF energy. Do not touch or ground the center
conductor of a live RF connection. Failure to
comply may result in equipment damage and
serious burns or death to personnel.
ii
Caution Statements
The following equipment cautions appear in the text whenever the equipment is in danger of damage and are repeated here for emphasis.
CAUTION
Required input is 11 to 16 VDC @ 250mA. Connector
is wired outside positive, inside negative.
CAUTION
AVOID STATIC DISCHARGE
Use proper Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions to avoid static discharge when making connections to the test port. Equipment failure can
occur if the test port is subjected to ESD.
CAUTION
250mW max. input
Exceeding the maximum input will cause damage to
internal components. Do not connect transmitter
output to the AT-100. Damage can also be caused by
testing antennas near other transmitting antennas. If
testing base station antennas, first measure the power
at the coax end to be sure it does not exceed 250mW.
CAUTION
Harsh or abrasive detergents and some solvents can
damage the display unit and information on labels.
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Bird AT-100 Antenna Tester
CAUTION Replace with only NiCad rechargeable AA batteries, IEC code KR-15/51. Nominal Voltage 1.2V; Capacity
650mAhr. Do not install alkaline batteries.
CAUTION
Replace with only the same type and rating fuse.
315mA 250V
Safety Statements
USAGE ANY USE OF THIS INSTRUMENT IN A
MANNER NOT SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER MAY IMPAIR THE
INSTRUMENT’S SAFETY PROTECTION. USO EL USO DE ESTE INSTRUMENTO DE MANERA NO
ESPECIFICADA POR EL FABRICANTE, PUEDE ANULAR LA PROTECCIÓN DE SEGURIDAD DEL INSTRUMENTO.
BENUTZUNG WIRD DAS GERÄT AUF ANDERE WEISE VERWENDET
ALS VOM HERSTELLER BESCHRIEBEN, KANN DIE GERÄTESICHERHEIT BEEINTRÄCHTIGT WERDEN.
UTILISATION TOUTE UTILISATION DE CET INSTRUMENT QUI N’EST
PAS EXPLICITEMENT PRÉVUE PAR LE FABRICANT PEUT ENDOMMAGER LE DISPOSITIF DE PROTECTION DE L’INSTRUMENT.
IMPIEGO QUALORA QUESTO STRUMENTO VENISSE
UTILIZZATO IN MODO DIVERSO DA COME SPECIFICATO DAL PRODUTTORE LA PROZIONE DI SICUREZZA POTREBBE VENIRNE COMPROMESSA.
iv
SERVICE SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR USE
BY SERVICE - TRAINED PERSONNEL ONLY. TO AVOID DANGEROUS ELECTRIC SHOCK,
UNLESS QUALIFIED TO DO SO. SERVICIO LAS INSTRUCCIONES DE SERVICIO SON PARA USO
EXCLUSIVO DEL PERSONAL DE SERVICIO CAPACITADO. PARA EVITAR EL PELIGRO DE DESCARGAS ELÉCTRICAS, NO REALICE NINGÚN SERVICIO A MENOS QUE ESTÉ CAPACITADO PARA HACERIO.
WARTUNG ANWEISUNGEN FÜR DIE WARTUNG DES GERÄTES
GELTEN NUR FÜR GESCHULTES FACHPERSONAL. ZUR VERMEIDUNG GEFÄHRLICHE, ELEKTRISCHE
SCHOCKS, SIND WARTUNGSARBEITEN AUSSCHLIEßLICH VON QUALIFIZIERTEM SERVICEPERSONAL DURCHZUFÜHREN.
ENTRENTIEN L’EMPLOI DES INSTRUCTIONS D’ENTRETIEN DOIT
ÊTRE RÉSERVÉ AU PERSONNEL FORMÉ AUX OPÉRATIONS D’ENTRETIEN. POUR PRÉVENIR UN CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE DANGEREUX, NE PAS EFFECTUER D’ENTRETIEN SI L’ON N’A PAS ÉTÉ QUALIFIÉ POUR CE FAIRE.
ASSISTENZA TECNICA LE ISTRUZIONI RELATIVE ALL’ASSISTENZA SONO
PREVISTE ESCLUSIVAMENTE PER IL PERSONALE OPPORTUNAMENTE ADDESTRATO. PER EVITARE PERICOLOSE SCOSSE ELETTRICHE NON EFFETTUARRE ALCUNA RIPARAZIONE A MENO CHE QUALIFICATI A FARLA.
DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING
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Bird AT-100 Antenna Tester

About This Manual

About this Manual
Many people read the operators manual only as a last resort. If you are one of those people, you should at least read the next two pages so that you can find the information when you do need it. You will also learn where to find valuable time saving information.
Changes to this Manual
We have made every effort to ensure this manual is accurate at the time of publication. If you should discover any errors or if you have suggestions for improving this manual, please send your comments to our factory. This manual may be periodically updated, when inquiring about updates to this manual refer to the part number and revision level on the title page.
Typography
There are two types of keys on the Antenna Tester. A Hard Key is a key that has a particular function and it is indicated on the key. These key names are set in a bold typeface, e.g. Press the MENU key.
A Menu Select Key, (there are five under the display), will have a different label, or name, depending on the selected function. The name will be at the bottom of the display located directly above the corresponding key. These key names are set in a bold Italic typeface, e.g. Press the SWEPT FREQ key.
vi
Chapter Layout
Introduction—Will help you become familiar with the parts of the Antenna Tester, Features Available, and Optional Equipment.
Basic Operation—Everyone should read this section! This section will provide the information required to get the Antenna Tester powered up, and provides helpful information about how to operate the Antenna Tester, and some time saving hints for alternate operating methods.
Installation—This chapter contains the information on how to connect the AT-100 to antenna systems, and to power sources to charge and operate the unit.
Measure Match—Since the AT-100 Antenna Tester offers a unique method of measuring Antenna Systems we have included the section, “Understanding the Operating Modes.” Even if you already know the basics of antenna match testing you might find this section useful. The remainder of the chapter provides step by step instructions for measuring match.
Field Strength—Provides step by step instructions for measuring relative field strength of fixed antennas.
Maintenance—This chapter contains the information required to keep the AT-100 working for you. This includes battery and fuse information, troubleshooting information, parts lists, and specifications.
vii

Table of Contents

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Items Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Component Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Display Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Basic Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Connecting the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Measure Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Understanding the Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Swept Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Limit Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Single Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Field Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Charging Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Operational Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Fuse Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Menu Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
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Chapter 1 Introduction

Items Supplied

1
4

Figure 1 Supplied Items

1. Bird AT-100
2. AC Mains Adapter
3. Female TNC Connector
4. Field Strength Antenna
5. Instruction Book (Not Shown)
2
3
1
Bird AT-100 Antenna Tester
0

Component Description

1
2
3
4
1314
12
11
1
9
8
7

Figure 2 Component Description

1. LCD Display Backlit liquid crystal display.
2. External DC Connector
Connect either the ac adapter or the cigarette lighter adapter. External supplies operate the unit and charge the internal battery.
2
6
5
Introduction
3. Cursor Keys
Left Arrow
Right Arrow
Up Arrow
Down Arrow
4. Backlight Key Turns the backlight on or off. Backlight
5. On Key Press to turn tester on, press and hold
6. +/- Key Toggles between positive and negative
7. Enter Key Completes data entry.
8. ESC Key
9. Menu Key Displays software menu and enables
10. Select Key Allows current parameter, indicated by
11. Numeric Keys Input numeric values.
12. Menu Select Keys
13. Test Port Connect antenna or antenna lead.
14. Serial Port Connect communication cable to allow
Press in swept frequency mode to move the cursor to the left. Press during data entry to erase data.
Press in swept frequency mode to move the cursor to the right.
Moves the cursor to the maximum point on the displayed trace. Press during data entry to increase numeric data.
Moves the cursor to the minimum point on the displayed trace. Press during data entry to decrease numeric data.
is on a timer to increase battery life.
to turn tester off.
numbers.
Back up through menu structure. At the top menu level, blanks menu. Exits data entry without saving changes.
menu select keys.
flashing cursor, to be changed. Press again to enable the next parameter to be changed.
Used to access the menu sections described directly above them. Can also be used to scroll through available settings in a particular parameter.
data transfer to a PC.
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Bird AT-100 Antenna Tester

Display Description

2.0
1
2 3
4
*
VSWR
1.0
2.00 MHz 136.00
Band
1.2
Meas Units
1.35
69.00 MHz
Sweep Type
1.35
69.00 Mhz
1.5
8910
8910
Busy
LimitTrace
7
6
5
2
4
Freq MHz
Units Manual

Figure 3 Display Description

4
VSWR
Scale
Auto Scale
Low Batt
Audio Off
7
14
Introduction
1. Sweep Rate Indicator
2. Measurement Units Indicates selected measurement
3. Trace Graphic display of measured
4. Menu Select Key Labels
5. Frequency Band Scale
6. Cursor Used to select measurement
7. Utility Label Area for displaying general data
8. Frequency Selected Frequency (for swept
9. Measured Value Numeric display of measured
Blinks when sweeping.
units.
results across selected frequency band.
Defines function of menu select keys located below the display.
Displays frequency band selected.
position on the trace.
(Lo Batt, Busy, Hold, Noise, and test results).
mode this is frequency at the cursor position).
value (for swept mode this is the value at the cursor position).
10. Scale Displays user defined
measurement scale.
11. Pointer Moves across scale to show analog
type indication of measured value.
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Bird AT-100 Antenna Tester

Features

Swept Frequency Mode — Fast scan shows VSWR, ρ, match efficiency or return loss across an entire band. A movable cursor can be used to pinpoint a scan frequency and the corresponding measurement value is displayed.
Single Frequency Mode — Provides measurement information in units of Reflection Coefficient ( Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR); % Match, or Return Loss (dB) at one frequency on a simulated meter movement. An audio generator can be enabled to produce a tone that is proportional to the match condition.
Auto Scaling — Used in either swept or single frequency modes, sets the Y axis for best measurement display.
Relative Field Strength — Provides means for optimizing the radiated signal of any transmitter within the specified frequency band.
Limit Testing — Quick pass-fail indication; compares measurements to user selected limits.
Data Storage — Saves and recalls up to 12 traces to be used to set limit or long term monitoring of antenna performance.
ρ); Voltage
Serial Communication Link — Built in serial port and optional software uploads data to a personal computer for analysis or storage.
6
Introduction

Optional Equipment

Automobile Cigarette Lighter Adapter — (P/N 5A2238-1) Connects tester to standard 12V automotive cigarette lighter jack.
Carrying Case — (P/N 5000-030) Convenient and protective, large enough to carry the tester, AC adapter, connectors, field strength antenna and instruction book.
Verification Kit — (P/N 7000A145) Used to verify tester performance. Includes standard mismatch and connector adapter.
Interface Software — (P/N 7000A840) PC software used to upload trace data for analysis, printing or storage.
System requirements: IBM PC or equivalent; Windows 95 or later, 4 MB free hard disk space; VGA monitor, open com port. Includes interface cable.
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