Bird Technologies SA-4000 User Manual

SITE ANALYZER™

CABLE AND ANTENNA TESTER

FOR WIRELESS SYSTEMS

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

©Copyright 1999, 2002 by Bird Electronic Corporation

Instruction Book Part Number 920-7002A800 Revision K

Site Analyzer is a trademark of Bird Electronic Corporation

Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks

of the Microsoft Corporation

This page is not blank

Safety Precautions

Remove Power

Observe general safety precautions. Do not open the instrument with
the power on.

Safety Earth Ground

An uninterruptible safety earth ground must be supplied from the
main power source to the instrument. Grounding one conductor of a
two conductor power cable is not sufficient protection. Serious injury
or death can occur if this grounding is not properly installed.

Safety Symbols

Warning notes call attention to a procedure, which if not correctly

Caution notes call attention to a procedure, which if not correctly

☞

NOTE: Calls attention to supplemental information.

Warning Statements

The following safety warnings appear in the text where there is
danger to operating and maintenance personnel, and are repeated
here for emphasis.

The SA-BATPAK is shipped charged. Be careful when removing the

safety cap, 12Vdc @ 2.0 AH/20 hour rate can be present inside the

receptacle. Do not touch the inside of the receptacle. The possibility

performed, could result in personal injury.

performed, could result in damage to the instrument.

The caution symbol appears on the equipment indicating
there is important information in the instruction manual
regarding that particular area. See page 82 for specific
cautions.

of an electric shock exists.

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNING

i

Bird Site Analyzer

WARNING

This equipment should not be connected to an antenna or operated

during a storm that has the potential to produce lightning. The

possibility exists for electrical shock.

WARNING

When using the ac adapter, only connect the plug to a properly

grounded receptacle. Serious injury or death can occur if grounding

is not properly installed.

Caution Statements

The following equipment cautions appear in the text and are repeated
here for emphasis.

Harsh or abrasive detergents, and some solvents, can damage the

CAUTION

display unit and information on the labels.

CAUTION

When using a Bird 5011, do not exceed 2 W average or 125 W peak

power for 5 µs. Doing so will render the sensor inoperative.

CAUTION

+22 dBm max. input

Do not apply RF power to Antenna Test Port. Exceeding the

maximum input will damage the Site Analyzer.

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.

ii

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.

SERVICE

SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR USE BY

SERVICE - TRAINED PERSONNEL ONLY. TO AVOID

DANGEROUS ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT PERFORM

ANY SERVICING 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.

iii

Bird Site Analyzer

About This Manual

This instruction book covers the Bird Site Analyzer Models SA-2000,
SA-2000A, and SA-2500A.

Changes to This Manual

We have made every effort to ensure this manual is accurate. If you
should discover any errors, or if you have suggestions for improving this
manual, please send your comments to our Solon, Ohio 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.

Quick Start and Reference Card

The Quick Start and Reference Card contains minimum operational
steps and the order they should be performed. Use this manual for
reference or if further explanation of any step is required.

Site Analyzer Keys

There are two types of keys on the Site Analyzer. The first type is a hard
key with a particular function. The function is indicated on or next to the
key. Hard key names are set in a bold type, e.g., Press the

ENTER

key.

The second type is a soft key. Each of the soft keys (there are five to the
left of the display), has a corresponding soft key legend which depends
on the function selected. The name will be at the left of the display,
directly to the right of the corresponding key. Soft key names are set in a
bold italic type, e.g. Press the

Soft Key

SCALE

key. Refer to the figure below.

Soft Key Legend

A magnified soft
key legend is an
instruction to
press the
corresponding

soft key.

Hard Key

iv

Chapter Layout

Introduction — Identifies the parts, functions, and features of the Site
Analyzer as well as optional equipment available.

Getting Started — Provides power up information for the Site
Analyzer.

Calibration — Provides step by step instructions for calibrating the
Site Analyzer, which must be done before using Measure Match or
Fault Location modes.

Measure Match Mode — Lists the steps required to make match
measurements, as well as providing instructions for all functions
available in Measure Match mode.

Fault Location Mode — Lists the steps required to make distance to
fault measurements, as well as providing instructions for all functions
available in Fault Location mode.

Save and Recall — For units with the most recent firmware revision.
Describes how to save, recall, and delete traces and setups in Measure
Match or Fault Location modes.

Old Save and Recall — For firmware older than 1-Nov-2001.
Describes how to save, recall, and delete traces and setups in Measure
Match or Fault Location modes.

Measure Power Mode — Lists the steps required to make power
measurements, as well as providing instructions for all functions
available in Measure Power mode.

Utilities — Describes utilities to set up the Site Analyzer.
Computer Software — Provides installation instructions and lists the

features of the Bird Site Analyzer PC Software.
Maintenance — Lists routine maintenance tasks for the Site

Analyzer, as well as troubleshooting for common problems.
Specifications and parts information are also included.

v

Table of Contents

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Items Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Items Not Supplied. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Site Analyzer Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Antenna Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Transmitter Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Component Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Connection Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Display Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Internal Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

External Battery Pack (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Power Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Calibration Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Calibrating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Measure Match Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Setting the Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Band List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Setting the Scale & Unit of Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Auto Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Setting Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Cable Loss Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Limit Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Limit Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Marker Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Measurement Hold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

vi

Fault Location Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Setting the Frequency Span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Setting the Cable Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Cable List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Setting the Distance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Setting Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Setting the Scale & Unit of Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Auto Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Setting Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Limit Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Limit Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Marker Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Smooth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Measurement Hold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Save and Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Save Trace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Trace Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Trace Label Quicktext . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Trace Label Config. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Save Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Recall Trace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Recall Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Delete Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Delete Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Old Save and Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Save Trace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Label and Sort Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Save Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Recall Trace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Recall Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Delete Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Delete Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Measure Power Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Connecting a Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Setting the Full Scale Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Setting the Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Recall Setups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Choosing the Displayed Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Setting Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

vii

Calibrating the Bird 5011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Adjust Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Return to Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

FM Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Computer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Computer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Unit Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Flash ROM Upgrade (SA-2500A Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

EPROM Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Optional Equipment Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

viii

Chapter 1 Introduction

The Bird Site Analyzer is a multifunction test
instrument for use in installation and maintenance of
wireless systems.

Antenna systems are tested by using a Site Analyzer
to measure match conditions. Data is graphed at 238
points across a user-specified frequency band or
distance range. Transmitter systems are tested by
using a Site Analyzer and a Bird power sensor to
measure RF power. Data is displayed as power or
match efficiency, depending on the sensor.

Items Supplied

1. Site Analyzer

2. Soft-Sided Carrying Case

3. PCTool Software

4. AC Power Adapter

5. Automobile Cigarette Lighter Adapter

6. 9-Pin Serial Communications Cable

7. Instruction Manual (Not Shown)

8. Quick Start and Reference Cards (Not Shown)

1

Bird Site Analyzer

Items Not Supplied

y Calibration Combination

y Bird 5010 Directional Power Sensor

y Bird 5011 Terminating Power Sensor

Site Analyzer Features

General

y Field replaceable Li-ion battery.
y Automatic power down conserves battery life.

Antenna Test

y Rejects on-channel interfering signals to +13 dBm.
y Stores up to 15 calibration profiles.
y Adjustable pass/fail limit line with visual indicator.

2

Introduction

y Stores up to 300 sets of measurement data in raw

format to facilitate conversion between antenna
match and DTF.

y On-screen comparison between current

measurement and stored data – no PC required.

y Pop-up menus contain over 70 cable types and 30

frequency band presets.

y X and Y scales and units are user adjustable.
y Dual measurement markers and one difference

marker.

y Measurement hold to temporarily store a trace.
y Printing capability. The Bird Site Analyzer is

compatible with all printers that use HP PCL
Level 3, including most HP inkjet printers.

Measure

Match Mode

Fault

Location

Mode

Measure

Power Mode

y Fast swept measurement.
y Frequency can be set using either Start/Stop or

Center/Span frequencies.

y Measurement units can be either return loss [dB],

cable loss [dB], or VSWR [ratio].

y Transform Algorithm - Fast Fourier Transform

(FFT) with three levels of smoothing.

y Distance units can be either feet or meters.
y Measurement units can be either return loss [dB] or

VSWR [ratio].

Transmitter Test

y Numerical readout and analog dial.
y Can display either forward power, reflected power,

or match efficiency depending on the sensor.

y Power measurement units can be either Watts or

dBm. Match units can be either VSWR, return loss,
or % match efficiency.

y Compatible with the Bird Directional Power Sensor,

Terminating Power Sensor, VSWR Alarms, and
Broadcast Power Monitors.

3

Bird Site Analyzer

9

1

2

Component Description

8

7

3

4

5

6

4

Introduction

1. Soft Keys Activates the function described directly to the
right of the key.

2. Mode Keys

Mode Activates the mode menu. This menu allows the

user to select Measure Match, Fault Location,
Measure Power, or Utilities modes.

Config Activates the configuration menu for the current

mode. This menu provides access to the variable
measurement parameters (e.g. frequency band,
distance, and units).

Calibrate Activates the calibration menu.

Marker Activates the marker menu. This menu allows

the user to turn markers is on or off and to move
the active marker.

3. Numeric Keys Enter numeric data into the selected item, or as
defined by the function description.

4. Escape Key

During:

Menu Selection Backs up one menu level.

Data Entry Exits data entry without changing the value.

5. Enter Key

During

List Selection Selects the highlighted item in the list.

Data Entry Exits data entry, changing the value.

6. Cursor Keys

Left Arrow

During:

Data Entry Deletes previously entered data one character at

Marker Control Moves active marker left one point at a time.

All other times As defined by the function description.

a time.

5

Bird Site Analyzer

Right Arrow

During:

Marker Control Moves active marker right one point at a time.

All other times As defined by the function description.

Up Arrow

During:

Data Entry Increases the numeric value.

Marker Control Moves the marker to the maximum trace value.

While pressing

Increases the display contrast.

the contrast key

All other times As defined by the function description.

Down Arrow

During:

Data Entry Decreases the numeric value.

Marker Control Moves the marker to the minimum trace value.

While pressing

Decreases the display contrast.

the contrast key

All other times As defined by the function description.

7. Battery LED The yellow LED lights when the unit is powered
by an external dc power source. When charging
the internal battery pack, the yellow LED blinks.
Once the battery is fully charged the yellow LED
stops blinking.

The green LED lights whenever the unit is on.

8. Contrast Key Hold while pressing the up/down arrow keys to
adjust the contrast of the display.

9. l/0 (On/Off) Turns the instrument on and off. The key must be
pressed for at least one-half (½) second.

6

Introduction

S

Connection Description

DC Input

Parallel

Antenna

Tes t P o rt

+22 dBm max. input

Do not apply RF power to Antenna Test Port. Exceeding the maxi-

mum input will damage the Site Analyzer.

Printer Port

CAUTION

Computer Port

Remote Power

ensor

Antenna Test Port Standard N-type female connector. Use a

phase-stable armored cable to connect
the Site Analyzer to the antenna.

Optional Test Port Extension Cables and
adapters are listed in the Accessory
Guide Brochure.

Parallel Printer Port 25-pin (DB25) parallel connector.

Connect the Site Analyzer to a HP-type
inkjet printer. The cable is not included.

Computer/Power Sensor Port 9-pin RS-232 (DB9) serial connector.

9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no
parity, and no handshake. Connect the
Site Analyzer to a PC serial port or to
Bird power sensors.

DC Input Input for external power supplies. Plug

either the ac power supply or the
cigarette lighter adapter into the dc
input. The external supplies operate the
unit and charge the internal battery.

7

Bird Site Analyzer

Display Description

Measure

Match
Sample
Display

Fault

Location

Sample
Display

18

Measure Match Mode

Save/

Recall

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O n

Run

000, ABC, 01-JAN-2001 12:01

1.70

R
W

S
V

1.00

825.00

Calibration: Full

Print

Limit: 1.43

FAIL

2 3 4 5

914

Fault Location Mode

Save/

Recall

1.70

M1

M2

MHz

M1: 835.20 MHz

M2: 831.50 MHz

∆M: 3.70 MHz

6

7

841.00

1.64

1.20

0.44

13

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O n

Run

Print

1.00

R
W

S
V

0.0

Calibration: Full

Meters

18.2

10 11 12

8

Introduction

1. Trace Graphic display of the measurement.

2. Calibration Indicator Indicates the calibration status.

3. Limit Line Value Indicates the limit value.

4. Limit Test Indicator Displays FAIL if any part of the trace

exceeds the limit value.

5. Limit Line A horizontal line that graphically
displays the limit value.

6. Marker Value Indicates the position and value of a
trace point.

7. Marker Cursor Identifies the trace point displayed in
the marker value.

8. Recalled Name Indicates the name of a recalled trace.

9. Soft Key Description Describes the function of the soft key to

the left of the description.

10. Indicator Ball Indicates if the trace is sweeping.

11. Scale Indicates the minimum and maximum

values displayed on that axis.

12. Units Indicates the measurement units for
that axis.

13. Battery Gauge Indicates whether the Site Analyzer is
using the internal battery or an external
power supply, and indicates the amount
of battery life remaining.

14. Mode Indicator Name of the current mode.

9

Bird Site Analyzer

Measure

Power
Sample
Display

2

3

4

5

6

Display

Fwd

PwrUnit

Watts

MatchUnit

Rtn Loss

1

Measure Power Mode

Sensor Connected

Fwd 0.0 Watts

600.00

Refl

7

Match

0.00 Watts

0.00 Loss(dB)

1. Sensor Status Indicates the current status of power
sensor.

2. Primary Measurement Identifies the measurement displayed on
the analog dial.

3. Primary Value Numeric display of the primary value.

4. Measurement Scale Indicates the dial’s full scale.

5. Dial Graphic display of the primary

measurement.

6. Secondary Measurements Identifies the measurements not
displayed on the dial.

7. Secondary Value Numeric display of the secondary values.

10

Chapter 2 Getting Started

Power Supply

Internal

Battery

Adapters

External

Battery

Pack

(Optional)

The Bird Site Analyzer has an internal, rechargeable
lithium-ion battery pack. This will operate the unit for
a minimum of 3 hours of continuous usage. Recharging
time, from a full discharge, is approximately 4 hours.

☞

NOTE: When the unit is received the battery may
not be fully charged. An ac adapter should be used
when operating the unit for the first time.

The battery gauge indicates the approximate battery

¼

life remaining. At
“LO”. When using an external power source, a power
cord symbol replaces the battery gauge.

The Bird Site Analyzer can be operated using an ac
adapter or a 12 V automobile cigarette lighter adapter.
Using these will also charge the internal battery.

When using the ac adapter, only connect the plug to

a properly grounded receptacle. Serious injury or

death can occur if not properly grounded.

The SA-BATPAK is an optional external battery pack.
This will operate the unit for approximately 2 hours.
The liquid acid gel battery will fully charge, from a full
discharge, in about 6-8 hours.

charge the gauge also displays

WARNING

The SA-BATPAK is shipped charged. Be careful

WARNING

when removing the safety cap, 12Vdc @ 2.0 AH/20

hour rate can be present inside the receptacle. Do

not touch the inside of the receptacle. The possibility

of an electric shock exists.

11

Bird Site Analyzer

4

3

2

Electronic
Corporation

SA-BATPAK
CHARGER

15V

2.7A

y
r
e

n

o

t
t

T

o

a

c

i

i

B

t

n

a

r
o
r

o
t

n

K

p
c

r
e

R

O

l

A

o

C

E

P

E

T

G

A

R

B

A

­H

A

A

C

S

7
.

2
V
5
1

To

Battery

On

1

SA-BATPAK

12

To charge the external battery pack:

1. Plug the automobile cigarette lighter adapter
into the external battery pack on the side that
says “To Battery”. Refer to the figure above.

2. Plug the other end of the automobile cigarette
lighter adapter into the charger adapter.

3. Plug the ac adapter into the charger adapter.

4. Plug the ac adapter into a properly grounded
outlet. The charger’s “On” LED comes on and
stays on until the charger is disconnected.

To use the external battery pack with a Site Analyzer:

1. Plug the automobile cigarette lighter adapter
into the adapter of the charged external
battery pack.

2. Plug the other end of the automobile cigarette
lighter adapter into the dc input of the Site
Analyzer.

Getting Started

yrig

Power Up

On first power up or after a failure set the unit to
default parameters. Refer to “Return to Defaults”,
page 93.

Self Test

System

Information

A self test is run at power up. If the test fails, see
“Troubleshooting” on page 100 for instructions. If the
problem persists, return the unit for service.

The software revision information is displayed during
the self test, as shown below.

Model SA-2500A, 780 - 2500 MHz

SN: 00000000

8 Feb 2002

Cop

ht © 1998 - 2002 by Bird Electronic Corporation

Have the following system information ready before
you begin using the Site Analyzer:

Frequency Span — ex: 806-960 MHz (Top end of
cellular band)

Cable Type — ex: RG-8

Approximate Cable Length — ex: 300 feet

Transmitter Power — ex: 1 kW

WARNING

This equipment should not be connected to an

antenna or operated during a storm that has the

potential to produce lightning. The possibility exists

for electrical shock.

13

Bird Site Analyzer

14

Press key

from either

Measure

Match or

Fault

Location

mode

Chapter 3 Calibration

Calibration Accessories

Calibration Combination including:

y One 50 ohm load
y One Open standard
y One Short standard

Test Cable (optional) – Phase-stable for reliable,
consistent results.

☞

NOTE: If a test cable is used to connect the Site
Analyzer system under test, attach the standards
to the end of the test cable during calibration.

Calibrating

Calibration Mode

Open

1.70

Short

Load

VSWR

Cal Done

1.00

825.00

Calibration: Off

MHz

841.00

15

Bird Site Analyzer

y Press the CALIBRATE key.
y Attach the open standard.

Press the OPEN key.
Wait for a “beep” and for the trace to scroll before
continuing.

y Attach the short standard.

Press the SHORT key.
Wait for a “beep” and for the trace to scroll before
continuing.

y Attach the load standard.

Press the LOAD key.
Wait for a “beep” and for the trace to scroll before
continuing.

y Press the CAL DONE key. New coefficients are

calculated. The Site Analyzer is now calibrated.

☞

NOTE: Now is a good time to save the setup.
Saving after calibration will save the new
calibration coefficients. See “Save Setup”, page 75.

16

Press the
Mode key

Measure

Match

Fault

Location

Press from

Select Mode

Chapter 4 Measure Match Mode

This measurement verifies and monitors the match
conditions in the antenna system at various
frequencies. The results are shown on an x-y graph.
Frequency is shown on the x-axis while return loss,
cable loss, or VSWR is shown on the y-axis.

Set the frequency and calibrate the Site Analyzer
before taking any readings.

Measure Match Mode

Save/

Recall

99.99

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O F F

HOLD

Print

1.00

R
W

S
V

780.00

Calibration: OFF

MHz

2500.00

17

Bird Site Analyzer

Setting the Frequency

Frequencies can be set manually or chosen from a list
of presets. If the start, stop, center, or span is
manually changed, the band will become “Custom”.

☞

NOTE: Changing the frequency settings will
automatically turn calibration off. Always set
the frequency before calibrating the unit.

☞

NOTE: If a frequency outside of the Site
Analyzer’s range is entered, the unit’s minimum or
maximum frequency will be set instead.

Press from

Measure

Match Mode

Freq

Scale

Press to

display the

frequency

settings

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

Measure Match Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

780.00

Start: 780.00 MHz
Stop: 2500.00 MHz

MHz

Center: 1640.00 MHz

Span: 1720.00 MHz

Band List: Custom

2500.00

18

Scroll to

Start, Stop,

Center, or

Span

Enter a new

value

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

Measure Match Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

1500.00

Start: 1500.00 MHz
Stop: 2500.00 MHz

Measure Match Mode

MHz

Center: 2000.00 MHz

Span: 1000.00 MHz

Band List: Custom

2500.00

Band List

Scroll to

Band List

The band list pop-up menu contains frequency band
presets. Using a preset is quick, easy, and sets test
parameters while eliminating a possible source of
operator error.

Measure Match Mode

Freq

99.99

Scale

R
W

S

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

V

1.00

780.00

Start: 780.00 MHz
Stop: 2500.00 MHz

MHz

Center: 1640.00 MHz

Span: 1720.00 MHz

Band List: Custom

2500.00

19

Bird Site Analyzer

Display the

band list

and select a

frequency

band

Activate the

selected

band

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Measure Match Mode

Band

<Full Band>
IS-553(Rx)
IS-553(Tx)

IS-54(Rx)

IS-54(Tx)
IS-95(Rx)
IS-95(Tx)
IS-95(Rx)

Measure Match Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

Start Stop

780.00
824300

869.00

824.00

869.00

1850.00

1930.00

824.00

2500.00

849.00

894.00

849.00

894.00

1910.00

1990.00

849.00

20

Cable

Loss

1.00

824.00

Start: 824.00 MHz
Stop: 849.00 MHz

MHz

Center: 836.50 MHz

Span: 25.00 MHz

Band List: IS-54(Rx)

849.00

Measure Match Mode

Setting the Scale & Unit of Measure

The display scale can be set manually or by using Auto
Scale. The display can have units of return loss [dB],
cable loss [dB], or VSWR [ratio].

Press from

Measure

Match Mode

Freq

Scale

Press to

display the

scale

settings

Scroll to Min

or Max

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Measure Match Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

780.00

Min: 1.00
Max: 99.99

Measure Match Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

MHz

Auto Scale
Units: VSWR

2500.00

Enter a new

value

Cable

Loss

10.00

780.00

Min: 10.00
Max: 99.99

MHz

Auto Scale
Units: VSWR

2500.00

21

Bird Site Analyzer

Auto Scale

Scroll to

Auto Scale

Activate

Auto Scale

Save/

Recall

Auto

Scale

Press from

Measure

Match Mode

Auto Scale automatically sets the display scale so that
the entire trace is displayed.

Measure Match Mode

Freq

1.70

Scale

R
W

S

1.00

V

780.00

Min: 1.00
Max: 99.99

MHz

Auto Scale

Units: VSWR

2500.00

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

Auto Scale can also be activated from the main screen.

Measure Match Mode

Save/

Recall

99.99

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O F F

R
W

S
V

22

HOLD

Print

1.00

780.00

Calibration: OFF

MHz

2500.00

Setting

Units

Scroll to

Units

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

Measure Match Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

780.00

Min: 1.00
Max: 99.99

Measure Match Mode

MHz

Auto Scale
Units: VSWR

Measure Match Mode

2500.00

Display the

units list

and select

VSWR,

Cable Loss,

or

Return Loss

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

99.99

1.00

R
W

S
V

780.00

Min: 1.00
Max: 99.99

Units

MHz

VSWR

Auto Scale

Rtn Loss

Units: VSWR

Cable Loss

2500.00

23

Bird Site Analyzer

Activate the

selected

unit

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

Measure Match Mode

0.0

)
B
d

(
s

s
o
L

n

t
R

-60.0

780.00

Min: -60.0 dB
Max: 0.0 dB

MHz

Auto Scale
Units: Rtn Loss

2500.00

24

Press from

Measure

Match Mode

Press to

activate

Cable Loss

Measure Match Mode

Cable Loss Measurements

To measure cable loss, the cable being tested should
have an open on the far end.

Measure Match Mode

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

Cable Loss Mode

0.0

)
B
d

(
s

s
o
L

e

l
b
a

C

-60.0

780.00

Calibration: OFF

MHz

2500.00

Press to

deactivate

Cable Loss

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

Measure Match Mode

0.0

)
B
d

(
s

s
o
L

n

t
R

-60.0

780.00

Calibration: OFF

MHz

2500.00

25

Bird Site Analyzer

Press from

Measure

Match Mode

Press to

display the

limit line

value

Limit Line

The limit line is an option that helps you see a failure.
It appears as a horizontal line at the limit line value.

Measure Match Mode

Freq

99.99

Scale

R
W

S

Limit

Line

V

Enter a new

value

26

Cable

Loss

1.00

780.00

Limit Line: 1.43

MHz

2500.00

Measure Match Mode

Limit Test

Limit Test compares the trace to the limit line.

Measure Match Mode

Save/

Recall

1.70

Press from

Measure

Match Mode

Toggle

between Off,

Audio, & On

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O n

HOLD

Print

1.00

R
W

S
V

825.00

Calibration: Full
Limit: 1.43

FAIL

MHz

841.00

Test Off — disables the comparison and the pass/fail
indicator.

Test On — enables the comparison. If all of the trace is
below the limit value, “PASS” is displayed at the
bottom of the screen. If any part of the trace exceeds
the limit value, that portion is displayed in red and
“FAIL” is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Test Audio — as Test On. In addition, the Site
Analyzer will beep if any part of the trace exceeds the
limit value.

27

Bird Site Analyzer

Press from

Measure

Match Mode

Marker Adjustment

Markers indicate VSWR to 0.01, or Return or Cable
Loss to 0.1 dB. The exact values of M1, M2, and the
delta marker (difference of M1 and M2) are displayed
at the bottom of the screen.

☞

NOTE: If M1 was Active, it becomes ON
(displayed) when M2 becomes Active.

Toggle

between Off,

On, and

Active

Toggle

between Off

and Single

28

M1

Active

M2
On

∆M

Single

Measure Match Mode

1.70

R
W

S
V

1.00

825.00

Calibration: Full

M2

MHz

M1: 838.50 MHz

M2: 834.10 MHz

M: 4.40 MHz

∆

M1

841.00

1.40

1.30

0.10

Move

across the

trace

Measure Match Mode

Measure Match Mode

Locate the

highest

point of the

trace

Locate the

lowest point

of the trace

M1

Active

M2
On

∆M

Single

1.70

1.00

R
W

S
V

825.00

Calibration: Full

M1

M2

MHz

M1: 835.20 MHz

M2: 831.50 MHz

∆M: 3.70 MHz

841.00

1.64

1.20

0.44

29

Bird Site Analyzer

Measurement Hold

Measurement Hold stops tracing at the end of the
current measurement and displays the last measure­ment result. It is active when a lock appears in the
indicator ball.

Measure Match Mode

Save/

Recall

1.70

Press from

Measure

Match Mode

Toggle
between
Run and

Hold

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O f f

Run

Print

1.00

R
W

S
V

825.00

Calibration: Full

MHz

841.00

30

Measure Match Mode

Printing

The Bird Site Analyzer can print the information
displayed on the screen to any HP Deskjet printer that
supports the PCL Level 3 protocol.

Measure Match Mode

Press from

Measure

Match Mode

Prints the

information

on the

screen

Save/

Recall

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O f f

Run

Print

1.70

1.00

R
W

S
V

825.00

Calibration: Full

M1

M2

MHz

M1: 835.20 MHz

M2: 831.50 MHz

∆M: 3.70 MHz

841.00

1.64

1.20

0.44

31

Bird Site Analyzer

32

Press the

Mode key

Chapter 5 Fault Location Mode

This measurement identifies the position of impedance
discontinuities (faults) within the antenna/feeder
system. The measurement results are displayed on an
x-y graph. Distance from the Site Analyzer is shown
on the x-axis, while relative magnitude of the
discontinuity is shown on the y-axis.

Set the frequency span, cable type, and calibrate the
Site Analyzer before taking any readings.

Fault Location Mode

Save/

Recall

1.70

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O n

R
W

S
V

Press from

Select Mode

Run

Print

1.00

0.0

Calibration: Full

Meters

18.2

33

Bird Site Analyzer

Setting the Frequency Span

The frequency span and relative propagation velocity
determine the maximum distance at which distance­to-fault measurements can be taken. For best results,
use the table below to select the frequency span which
matches the length and either the propagation velocity
or dielectric constant of the cable under test.

☞

NOTE: Changing the frequency settings will
automatically turn calibration off. Always set
the frequency before calibrating the unit.

Veloc ity

Percentage

Dielectric

Constant

Frequency

Span (MHz)

1900

1800

1700

1600

1500

1400

1300

1200

1100

1000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

Table 1: Frequency Span vs. V

60%

2.778

Distance

ft (m)

37 (11) 1.9 (4.7) 49 (15) 2.5 (6.3) 62 (19) 3.1 (7.9)

39 (12) 2.0 (5.0) 52 (16) 2.6 (6.7) 65 (20) 3.3 (8.3)

41 (13) 2.1 (5.3) 55 (17) 2.8 (7.1) 69 (21) 3.5 (8.8)

44 (13) 2.2 (5.6) 59 (18) 3.0 (7.5) 73 (22) 3.7 (9.4)

47 (14) 2.4 (6.0) 62 (19) 3.2 (8.0) 78 (24) 3.9 (10.0)

50 (15) 2.5 (6.4) 67 (20) 3.4 (8.6) 84 (26) 4.2 (10.7)

54 (16) 2.7 (6.9) 72 (22) 3.6 (9.2) 90 (27) 4.5 (11.5)

59 (18) 3.0 (7.5) 78 (24) 3.9 (10.0) 98 (30) 4.9 (12.5)

64 (19) 3.2 (8.2) 85 (26) 4.3 (10.9) 106 (32) 5.4 (13.6)

70 (21) 3.5 (9.0) 94 (29) 4.7 (12.0) 117 (36) 5.9 (15.0)

78 (24) 3.9 (10.0) 104 (32) 5.3 (13.3) 130 (40) 6.6 (16.7)

88 (27) 4.4 (11.2) 117 (36) 5.9 (15.0) 146 (45) 7.4 (18.8)

100 (31) 5.1 (12.9) 134 (41) 6.8 (17.1) 167 (51) 8.4 (21.4)

117 (36) 5.9 (15.0) 156 (48) 7.9 (20.0) 195 (60) 9.8 (25.0)

141 (43) 7.1 (18.0) 187 (57) 9.5 (24.0) 234 (71) 11.8 (30.0)

176 (54) 8.9 (22.5) 234 (71) 11.8 (30.0) 293 (89) 14.8 (37.5)

234 (71) 11.8 (30.0) 312 (95) 15.8 (40.0) 390 (119) 19.7 (50.0)

351 (107) 17.7 (45.0) 469 (143) 23.6 (60.0) 586 (179) 29.5 (75.0)

Resolution

in (cm)

Distance

ft (m)

80%

1.562

Resolution

in (cm)

p

Distance

ft (m)

100%

1

Resolution

in (cm)

34

Press the

Mode key

Measure

Match

Fault

Location

Press from

Select Mode

Fault Location Mode

For example, for a cable with a dielectric constant of

2.778, the velocity percentage is 60%. If the cable is
100 feet long, then the Site Analyzer should be set to a
frequency span of 700 MHz. The resolution of the
graph will be 5 inches.

Measure Match Mode

Save/

Recall

99.99

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O F F

HOLD

Print

1.00

R
W

S
V

780.00

Calibration: OFF

MHz

2500.00

Press the

Config key

Freq

Scale

Press to

display the

frequency

settings

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Cable

Loss

Measure Match Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

780.00

Start: 780.00 MHz
Stop: 2500.00 MHz

MHz

Center: 1640.00 MHz

Span: 1720.00 MHz

Band List: Custom

2500.00

35

Bird Site Analyzer

Scroll to the

Span value

Freq

Scale

Limit

Line

Measure Match Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

Enter the

value from

Table 1

Press the

Mode key

Press from

Select Mode

1.00

Cable

Loss

1290.00

Start: 1290.00 MHz
Stop: 1990.00 MHz

MHz

Center: 1640.00 MHz

Span: 700.00 MHz

Band List: Custom

1990.00

Fault Location Mode

Save/

Recall

99.99

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O n

HOLD

Print

1.00

R
W

S
V

0.0

Calibration: OFF

Meters

30.5

If you enter a span greater than the current settings
allow, the span will be set to the maximum possible
value. In this case, set the center frequency shown
below for your model and try to set the span again.

36

SA-2000 1403 MHz

SA-2000A 1553 MHz

SA-2500A 1640 MHz

Press from

Fault

Location

Mode

Fault Location Mode

Setting the Cable Type

The cable type can be set manually or chosen from a
list of presets. If the velocity of propagation or loss is
manually changed, the cable will become “Custom”.

☞

NOTE: Changing the cable type or velocity of
propagation will reset the distance scale to the
maximum possible distance. Always set the cable
type before setting the distance scale.

Press to

display the

cable

settings

Scroll to

Velocity of

Propagation

or Loss

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

Fault Location Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

0.0

Vel. Prop.: 0.8800 Cable List: Custom
Loss: 0.105 dB/m

Meters

18.2

37

Bird Site Analyzer

Fault Location Mode

Enter a new

value

Cable List

Scroll to

Cable Type

Display the

cable list

and select a

cable

Distance

Cbl Type

Scale

Limit

Line

Smooth

Low

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

0.0

Vel. Prop.: 0.8800 Cable List: Custom
Loss: 0.262 dB/m

Meters

18.2

The cable list pop-up menu contains cable presets.
Using a preset is quick, easy, and sets test parameters
while eliminating a possible source of operator error.

Fault Location Mode

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

Smooth

Low

Typ e

5062

5088
5092
5128
5228
5328
5438
FSJ1-50A

Vp@1Ghz Loss

0.8200

0.8800

0.8200

0.8800

0.8800

0.8800

0.8800

0.8400

0.1447

0.1047

0.1089

0.0745

0.0420

0.0312

0.0259

0.1968

38

Cbl Type

Fault Location Mode

Fault Location Mode

Activate the

selected

cable

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

0.0

Vel. Prop.: 0.8200 Cable List: 5062
Loss: 0.1447 dB/m

Meters

17.0

39

Bird Site Analyzer

Press from

Fault

Location

Mode

Setting the Distance

The maximum possible Stop Distance is determined
by the frequency span. (See Table 1 on page 34)

Fault Location Mode

Press to

display the

distance

settings

Scroll to

Start or Stop

Enter a new

value

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

0.0

Start: 0.0 m
Stop: 18.2 m

Fault Location Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

Meters

Units: Meters

18.2

40

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

1.00

0.0

Start: 0.0 m
Stop: 10.0 m

Meters

Units: Meters

10.0

Setting

Units

Fault Location Mode

Fault Location Mode

Scroll to

Units

Display the

units list

and select

Meters or

Feet

Activate the

selected

unit

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

0.0

Start: 0.0 m
Stop: 18.2 m

Fault Location Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

Units

Meters

Units: Meters

Meters

Feet

18.2

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

1.00

0.0

Start: 0.0 ft
Stop: 59.9 ft

Feet

Units: Feet

59.9

41

Bird Site Analyzer

Setting the Scale & Unit of Measure

The display scale can be set manually or by using Auto
Scale. The display can have units of return loss [dB] or
VSWR [ratio].

Press from

Fault

Location

Mode

Press to

display the

scale

settings

Scroll to Min

or Max

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

Fault Location Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

0.0

Min: 1.00
Max: 99.99

Fault Location Mode

1.07

R
W

S
V

Meters

Auto Scale
Units: VSWR

18.2

Enter a new

value

42

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

1.00

0.0

Min: 1.00
Max: 1.07

Meters

Auto Scale
Units: VSWR

18.2

Fault Location Mode

Auto Scale

Scroll to

Auto Scale

Activate

Auto Scale

Save/

Recall

Auto

Scale

Press from

Fault

Location

Mode

Auto Scale automatically sets the display scale so that
the entire trace is displayed.

Fault Location Mode

Distance

Smooth

Cbl Type

Scale

Limit

Line

Low

1.07

1.00

R
W

S
V

0.0

Min: 1.00
Max: 99.99

Meters

Auto Scale

Units: VSWR

18.2

Auto scale can also be activated from the main screen.

Fault Location Mode

Save/

Recall

1.70

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O n

R
W

S
V

Run

Print

1.00

0.0

Calibration: Full

Meters

18.2

43

Bird Site Analyzer

Setting

Units

Fault Location Mode

Scroll to

Units

Display the

units list

and select

VSWR or

Return Loss

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

99.99

R
W

S
V

1.00

0.0

Min: 1.00
Max: 99.99

Fault Location Mode

99.99

R
W

S
V

Meters

Auto Scale
Units: VSWR

18.2

44

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

1.00

0.0

Min: 1.00
Max: 99.99

Units

Meters

MHz

Auto Scale

VSWR

Units: VSWR

Rtn Loss

18.2

Fault Location Mode

Fault Location Mode

Activate the

selected

unit

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

0.0

-60.0

)
B
d

(
s

s
o
L

n

t
R

0.0

Min: -60.0 dB
Max: 0.0 dB

Meters

Auto Scale
Units: Rtn Loss

18.2

45

Bird Site Analyzer

Press from

Fault

Location

Mode

Limit Line

The limit line is an option that helps you see a failure.
It appears as a horizontal line at the limit line value.

Fault Location Mode

Press to

display the

limit line

value

Enter a new

value

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

Smooth

Low

Cbl Type

99.99

1.00

R
W

S
V

0.0

Limit Line: 1.50

Meters

18.2

46

Fault Location Mode

Limit Test

Limit Test compares the trace to the limit line.

Fault Location Mode

Save/

Recall

1.70

Press from

Fault

Location

Mode

Toggle

between Off,

Audio, & On

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O n

HOLD

Print

1.00

R
W

S
V

0.0

Calibration: Full
Limit: 1.43

FAIL

Meters

18.2

Test Off — disables the comparison and the pass/fail
indicator.

Test On — enables the comparison. If all of the trace is
below the limit value, “PASS” is displayed at the
bottom of the screen. If any part of the trace exceeds
the limit value, that portion is displayed in red and
“FAIL” is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Test Audio — as Test On. In addition, the Site
Analyzer will beep if any part of the trace exceeds the
limit value.

47

Bird Site Analyzer

t

Press from

Faul

Location

Mode

Marker Adjustment

Markers indicate VSWR to 0.01, or Return Loss to 0.1
dB. The exact values of M1, M2, and the delta marker
(difference of M1 and M2) are displayed at the bottom
of the screen.

☞

NOTE: If M1 was Active, it becomes ON
(displayed) when M2 becomes Active.

Toggle

between Off,

On, and

Active

Toggle

between Off

and Single

48

M1

Active

M2
On

∆M

Single

Fault Location Mode

1.70

R
W

S
V

1.00

0.0

Calibration: Full

M2

Meters

M1: 15.3 m

M2: 10.2 m

∆M: 5.1 m

M1

18.2

1.40

1.30

0.10

Move

across the

trace

Fault Location Mode

Fault Location Mode

Locate the

highest

point of the

trace

Locate the

lowest point

of the trace

M1

Active

M2
On

∆M

Single

1.70

1.00

R
W

S
V

0.0

Calibration: Full

M2

Meters

M1: 13.1 m

M2: 8.4 m

∆M: 4.7 m

M1

18.2

1.32

1.20

0.12

49

Bird Site Analyzer

Smooth

Smooth is an option that will digitally average the
displayed trace. Three levels of smooth are available.

Fault Location Mode

Press from

Fault

Location

Mode

Toggle
between

None, Low,

Medium,

and High

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

Smooth

None

Cbl Type

Distance

Scale

Limit

Line

1.70

R
W

S
V

1.00

0.0

Calibration: Full

Fault Location Mode

1.70

R
W

S
V

Meters

10.0

50

Smooth

High

Cbl Type

1.00

0.0

Calibration: Full

Meters

10.0

Fault Location Mode

Measurement Hold

Measurement Hold stops tracing at the end of the
current measurement and displays the last measure­ment result. It is active when a lock appears in the
indicator ball.

Fault Location Mode

Save/

Recall

1.70

Press from

Fault

Location

Mode

Toggle
between
Run and

Hold

Auto

Scale

Limit

Test Off

Run

Print

1.00

R
W

S
V

0.0

Calibration: Full

Meters

18.2

51

Bird Site Analyzer

Printing

The Bird Site Analyzer can print the information
displayed on the screen to any HP Deskjet printer that
supports the PCL Level 3 protocol.

Fault Location Mode

Press from

Fault

Location

Mode

Prints the

information

on the

screen

Save/

Recall

Auto

Scale

Limit

Test Off

Run

Print

1.70

1.00

R
W

S
V

0.0

Calibration: Full

M2

Meters

M1: 13.1 m

M2: 8.4 m

∆M: 4.7 m

M1

18.2

1.32

1.20

0.12

52

Press from

Measure

Match or

Fault

Location

Mode

Chapter 6 Save and Recall

This chapter applies to Bird Site Analyzers with
firmware from 1-Nov-2001 or later. If you have an
older firmware version, see “Old Save and Recall” on
page 71.

Traces and setups can be stored in nonvolatile
memory, along with descriptive labels and a time-date
stamp.

Save and Recall

Save

Reg Description Date

Recall

Label

Delete

001 015 ALPHA RX02 05-OCT-2001 11:26

Setup

1 of 1:

53

Bird Site Analyzer

Press from

Save and

Recall

The trace is

saved

Save Trace

Save

Recall

Label

Delete

Setup

Save and Recall

Reg Description Date

001 015 ALPHA RX02 05-OCT-2001 11:26

000 05-OCT-2001 11:26

2 of 2:

54

Trace Label

Delete

Save and Recall

Save and Recall

Press from

Save and

Recall

The Label

menu is

displayed

Space

A D G J M P S V Y .

M

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

N

C F I L O R U X / -

O

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

QuickText

_ * ( )

55

Bird Site Analyzer

Entering

Numbers

Enter

numbers

using the

number pad.

Entering

Letters

If the numeric shortcuts are off, press a number key
once to enter a number. If the numeric shortcuts are
on, press the key twice.

Save and Recall

Delete

016

A D G J M P S V Y .

M

QuickText

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

N

C F I L O R U X / -

O

Space

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

_ * ( )

Delete is always the first softkey. The characters in
the highlighted column can be entered using the other
softkeys.

Scroll to a

column

Press to

enter a

symbol, or

space

56

letter,

Delete

Save and Recall

016 B

A D G J M P S V Y .

A

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

B

C F I L O R U X / -

C

:

#

@

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

:

[Space]

QuickText

_ * ( )

Changing

Labels

Save and Recall

The label

should be

RX01,

not TX01

Scroll to the

text to be

changed

Delete

Save and Recall

016 BETA TX01

A D G J M P S V Y .

V

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

W

C F I L O R U X / -

X

*

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

QuickText

_ * ( )

OR

Press to

replace the

character

under the

cursor

Delete

Space

Save and Recall

016 BETA X01R

A D G J M P S V Y .

P

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

Q

C F I L O R U X / -

R

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

QuickText

_ * ( )

57

Bird Site Analyzer

Deleting

Labels

Scroll to the

text to be

deleted

Press to

delete the

character to

the left of

the cursor

Delete

Save and Recall

016 TX01

A D G J M P S V Y .

V

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

W

C F I L O R U X / -

X

*

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

QuickText

_ * ( )

58

Saving

Labels

Save and Recall

A complete

label

Save the

label

Delete

Save

Recall

Save and Recall

016 BETA TX01

A D G J M P S V Y .

V

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

W

C F I L O R U X / -

X

*

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

_ * ( )

Save and Recall

Reg Description Date

001 015 ALPHA RX02 05-OCT-2001 11:26

000 016 BETA TX01 05-OCT-2001 11:26

QuickText

Label

Delete

Setup

2 of 2:

59

Bird Site Analyzer

From Trace

Label, scroll

past the

rightmost

column to

activate

Quicktext

Trace Label Quicktext

Store commonly used label elements in the Quicktext
to speed label entry.

Save and Recall

Select

Add to

Qtext

Delete

A D G J M P S V Y .

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

C F I L O R U X / -

QuickText

View

Quicktext

Press to

view the full

Quicktext

entry

View

QText

@

#

:

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

[Space]

_ * ( )

If a Quicktext entry is more than 15 characters long,
the complete entry will not be shown in the QuickText
column.

Save and Recall

Select

Add to

Qtext

A D G J M P S V Y .

016 BETA

[Enter]

QuickText

016 BETA

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

Delete

C F I L O R U X / -

View

QText

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

_ * ( )

60

Create

Quicktext

Save and Recall

Enter text

into the

label, then

activate

Quicktext

Press to

store the

label

contents in

QuickText

Select

Add to

Qtext

Delete

View

QText

Select

Add to

Qtext

Delete

Save and Recall

016 BETA

A D G J M P S V Y .

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

C F I L O R U X / -

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

_ * ( )

Save and Recall

016 BETA

A D G J M P S V Y .

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

C F I L O R U X / -

QuickText

QuickText

016 BETA

View

QText

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

_ * ( )

61

Bird Site Analyzer

Use

Quicktext

Scroll to a

Quicktext

entry

Select

Add to

Qtext

Delete

Save and Recall

A D G J M P S V Y .

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

RX
TX
BETA
ALPHA

C F I L O R U X / -

QuickText

Press to

insert the

Quicktext at

the cursor

View

QText

Select

Add to

Qtext

Delete

View

QText

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

_ * ( )

Save and Recall

TX

A D G J M P S V Y .

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

C F I L O R U X / -

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

_ * ( )

RX
TX
BETA
ALPHA

QuickText

62

Delete

Quicktext

Scroll to a

Quicktext

entry

Select

Add to

Qtext

Delete

Save and Recall

A D G J M P S V Y .

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

RX
TX
BETA
ALPHA

C F I L O R U X / -

Save and Recall

QuickText

Press to

delete the

Quicktext

entry

View

QText

Select

Add to

Qtext

Delete

View

QText

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

_ * ( )

Save and Recall

A D G J M P S V Y .

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

C F I L O R U X / -

@

:

#

[Space]

Shortcuts off. See config/help for details.

_ * ( )

RX
BETA
ALPHA

QuickText

63

Bird Site Analyzer

Trace Label Config

Label Help

Press from

Trace Label

Press to

display the

help screen

Label

Shortcuts

Label Help provides instructions for labelling traces.

Save and Recall

Help

016 BETA X01T

Disable

Shortcuts

Use LEFT or RIGHT arrows to select column or

A D G J M P S V Y .

Use NUMBER keys to select column
Use SOFTKEYS to enter letters
Press NUMBER keys TWICE to enter digits
Use UP or DOWN arrows to move cursor

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

Use ENTER or ESC to exit.

[Enter]

QuickText

C F I L O R U X / -

@

:

Done

#

[Space]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

Shortcuts on. See config/help for details.

_ * ( )

Enabling shortcuts allow you to select a column by
pressing the key corresponding to the column number.
When shortcuts are enabled, press the number key
once to move the column, and twice to enter a number.

Press from

Trace Label

Toggle
between

Enable and

Disable

64

Help

Disable

Shortcuts

Done

Save and Recall

A D G J M P S V Y .

B E H K N Q T W Z ,

C F I L O R U X / -

@

:

#

[Space]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

Shortcuts on. See config/help for details.

_ * ( )

QuickText

Press from

Save and

Recall

The Setup

menu is

displayed

Save and Recall

Save Setup

Saving the setup will save the following:

Calibration Coeff. Start Frequency Center Frequency

Limit Line Stop Frequency Span Frequency

Scale Min Start Distance Units

Scale Max Stop Distance

Save and Recall

Save

Frequency

DateTe mp

Recall

Delete

Setup

00 824-849 32 05-OCT-2001 09:01a

Press to
save the

current

setup

Traces

Save

Recall

Delete

Traces

Save and Recall

Setup

00 824-849 32 05-OCT-2001 09:01a

01 780-2500 25 23-OCT-2001 11:26a

Frequency

DateTe mp

65

Bird Site Analyzer

From Save

and Recall,

scroll to the

trace to be

recalled

Recall Trace

When a trace is recalled it is displayed along with the
trace currently being measured. The frequency range
will be changed to the recalled trace’s settings. To
remove a recalled trace from the display, press the
ESCAPE key from the Save and Recall screen.

☞

NOTE: Calibration is automatically turned off if
the recalled trace has a different frequency range.

Save and Recall

Save

Reg Description Date

Recall

Label

Delete

001 015 ALPHA RX02 05-OCT-2001 11:26

000 016 BETA TX01 05-OCT-2001 11:26

The trace is

recalled

66

OR

Setup

Save/

Recall

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O n

Hold

Print

2 of 2:

Measure Match Mode

000, 016 BETA TX0..., 05-OCT-2001 11:26

1.70

VSWR

1.00

825.00

Calibration: Full

MHz

841.00

Recall Setup

Save and Recall

Press from

Save and

Recall

The Setup

menu is

displayed

Scroll to the

setup to be

recalled

OR

Save

Recall

Delete

Traces

Save/

Recall

Auto

Scale

Limit

Tes t O n

Save and Recall

Setup

00 824-849 32 05-OCT-2001 09:01a

01 780-2500 25 23-OCT-2001 11:26a

Frequency

DateTe mp

Measure Match Mode

99.99

VSWR

The setup is

recalled

Hold

Print

1.00

780.00

Calibration: Full

MHz

2500.00

67

Bird Site Analyzer

From Save

and Recall,

scroll to the

trace to be

deleted

Delete Trace

Save

Reg Description Date

Recall

Label

Delete

Setup

001 015 ALPHA RX02 05-OCT-2001 11:26

000 016 BETA TX01 05-OCT-2001 11:26

Save and Recall

2 of 2:

Save and Recall

Press to

delete the

trace. Press

again when

asked “Are

You Sure?”

68

Save

Recall

Label

Delete

Setup

Reg Description Date

001 015 ALPHA RX02 05-OCT-2001 11:26

1 of 1:

Delete Setup

Save and Recall

Press from

Save and

Recall

The Setup

menu is

displayed

Scroll to the

setup to be

deleted

Press to

delete the

setup. Press

again when

asked “Are

You Sure?”

Save

Recall

Delete

Traces

Save

Recall

Save and Recall

Setup

00 824-849 32 05-OCT-2001 09:01a

01 780-2500 25 23-OCT-2001 11:26a

Frequency

DateTe mp

Save and Recall

Setup

00 824-849 32 05-OCT-2001 09:01a

Frequency

DateTe mp

Delete

Traces

69

Bird Site Analyzer

70

Press from

Measure

Match or

Fault

Location

Mode

Chapter 7 Old Save and Recall

This chapter applies to Bird Site Analyzers with
firmware from before 1-Nov-2001. If you have a more
recent firmware version, see “Save and Recall” on
page 53.

Measurement data is stored in non-volatile memory.
Data labeling allows descriptive naming of
measurement data. The time-date stamp is automatic.

Save Trace

The trace is

saved

71

Bird Site Analyzer

Press from

Save and

Recall

The Label

menu is

displayed

Label and Sort Trace

Press to

display the

Site setting

Enter site

number

72

Toggle

between

[Blank], Alpha,

Beta, and

Gamma

Toggle

between

[Blank],

Transmit, and

Receive.

Also displays

the antenna

number

Old Save and Recall

Enter

antenna

number

Traces are automatically sorted in the order of Site,
Sector, Antenna, and Date (with unlabeled traces at
the top of the list) when the Done key is pressed. To
sort them in the Label menu, press the Sort key.

73

Bird Site Analyzer

Press to sort

traces

Press to

complete trace

labeling

74

Old Save and Recall

Save Setup

Five setups can be stored in the unit. Saving the setup
will save the following:

Calibration Coefficients Dielectric Start Frequency
Stop Frequency Center Frequency Span Frequency
Mode Scale Units Minimum
Maximum Smoothing Limit Test Settings
Cable Type

Press from

Save and

Recall

The Setup

menu is

displayed

The setup is

saved

75

Bird Site Analyzer

From Save

and Recall,

scroll to the

trace to be

recalled

Recall Trace

When a trace is recalled it is displayed along with the
trace currently being measured. The frequency range
will be changed to the recalled trace’s settings. To
remove a recalled trace from the display, press the
ESCAPE key from the Save and Recall screen.

☞

NOTE: Calibration will automatically be turned
off if the recalled trace was saved with a different
frequency range.

The trace is

recalled

76

OR

Press from

Save and

Recall

The Setup

menu is

displayed

Old Save and Recall

Recall Setup

Scroll to the

setup to be

recalled

or

The setup is

recalled

77

Bird Site Analyzer

From Save

and Recall,

scroll to the

trace to be

deleted

Delete Trace

Press to

delete the

trace. Press

again when

asked “Are

You Sure?”

78

Press from

Save and

Recall

The Setup

menu is

displayed

Old Save and Recall

Delete Setup

Scroll to the

setup to be

deleted

Press to

delete the

setup. Press

again when

asked “Are

You Sure?”

79

Bird Site Analyzer

80

Press the

Mode key

Chapter 8 Measure Power Mode

This measurement verifies and monitors the condition
of the transmitter system. Up to three measurement
values can be simultaneously displayed, depending on
the sensor. One measurement is also displayed on an
analog dial.

For best results with element-based sensors, connect
the sensor and enter the power rating of the forward
element before taking any readings.

Measure Power Mode

Waiting for Sensor...

PwrUnit

Watts

Do not apply power to the RF test port.
An external sensor is required to
measure RF power.

Warning:

Press from

Select Mode

CAUTION

When using a Bird 5011, do not exceed 2 W average

or 125 W peak power for 5 µs. Doing so will render

the sensor inoperative.

81

Bird Site Analyzer

Connecting a Sensor

CAUTION

+22 dBm max. input

Do not apply RF power to Antenna Test Port. Exceed-

ing the maximum input will damage the Site Analyzer.

The antenna test port is only used for testing
unpowered systems. For power measurement, an
external power sensor connected to the Remote Power
Sensor Port must be used.

Connect the Bird Site Analyzer to power sensors using
the built-in serial port, labeled “Remote Power Sensor”
(see “Connection Description” on page 7). A 9 pin serial
cable should be used. When a sensor is properly
connected to the Site Analyzer, the sensor status
message will change from “Waiting for Sensor” to
“Sensor Connected” and the warning message will be
replaced by the main display.

A sensor is

properly

connected

82

Display

Fwd

PwrUnit

Watts

MatchUnit

Rtn Loss

Measure Power Mode

Sensor Connected

Fwd 0.0 Watts

Refl

Match

0.00 Watts

0.00 Loss(dB)

600.00

Press from

Measure

Power Mode

Scroll to Full

Scale

Measure Power Mode

Setting the Full Scale Power

The Bird Site Analyzer will automatically set the full
scale power for sensors that do not use elements. For
element-based sensors, enter the power listed on the
forward element. The reflected element’s power rating
should be 10% of the forward element’s.

Measure Power Mode

Configuration Screen

Recall

Setups

Fwd 0.000 KWatts

1.20

Enter the

forward

element

power

Offset

FullScale

0.00 dB

1000.00 Watts

83

Bird Site Analyzer

Setting the Offset

To read unattenuated power when using a coupler or
attenuator, enter (in dB) the attenuation or coupling
factor. To convert percentages to dB, use the equation:

Attenuation(dB) = 10 x Log10[Attenuation(%) / 100]

Press from

Measure

Power Mode

Scroll to

Offset

Enter the

new value

Esc

The offset is

displayed at

the bottom

of the main

display

Recall

Setups

Display

Fwd

PwrUnit

KWatts

Measure Power Mode

Configuration Screen

Fwd 0.00 KWatts

Offset

FullScale

500.00 Watts

Measure Power Mode

Sensor Connected

Fwd 0.00 KWatts

24.00

16.00 dB

24.00

84

MatchUnit

Rtn Loss

Refl

Match

0.00 Watts

0.00 Loss(dB)

Offset 16.00 dB

Measure Power Mode

Recall Setups

Power measurement setups can be created using the
Bird Site Analyzer PCTool Software, then stored in
the Site Analyzer’s nonvolatile memory. These setups
store both the offset and full scale power.

Press from

Measure

Power Mode

Press to

display the

Power

Setup menu

Scroll to the

setup to be

recalled

Recall

Recall

Setups

Measure Power Mode

Select Power Setup

Name

Setup1

Dflt1
Dflt2
Dflt3
Dflt4
Dflt5
Dflt6
Dflt7

Offset Scale

16.00

1000.00 W

0.00

500.00 W

0.00

500.00 W

0.00

500.00 W

0.00

500.00 W

0.00

500.00 W

0.00

500.00 W

0.00

500.00 W

Measure Power Mode

Configuration Screen

Fwd 0.00 KWatts

50.00

The setup is

recalled

Offset

FullScale

16.00 dB

1000.00 Watts

85

Bird Site Analyzer

Toggle
between

Fwd, Refl,

and Match

Choosing the Displayed Measurement

The primary display shows one value on the large
numerical display and the dial. Other measurements
are displayed numerically below the dial.

☞

NOTE: When using a terminating power sensor,
only forward power can be measured. Reflected
power and match will not be displayed.

Measure Power Mode

Display

Match

PwrUnit

Watts

MatchUnit

Rtn Loss

Sensor Connected

Match 0.00 Loss (dB)

0.00

86

Fwd

Refl

0.0 Watts

0.00 Watts

Toggle
between

Watts and

dBm

Setting Units

Display

Fwd

PwrUnit

dBm

Measure Power Mode

Measure Power Mode

Sensor Connected

Fwd -30.00 dBm

58.00

Toggle
between

VSWR,

Return

Loss, and

Match

Efficiency

MatchUnit

VSWR

Refl

Match

-30.00 dBm

2.00 VSWR

87

Bird Site Analyzer

Calibrating the Bird 5011

Press from

Measure

Power Mode

When using a Bird 5011, do not exceed 2 W average

CAUTION

or 125 W peak power for 5 µs. Doing so will render

the sensor inoperative.

The Bird 5011 is a highly accurate terminating power
sensor. Over time, the sensor’s “zero value” (reading
with no applied RF power) can drift, making all
readings inaccurate by this value. For example, if the
zero value is –2 µW, measuring a 5 mW signal will
give a reading of 4.998 mW, a 0.04% error. Measuring
a 50 µW signal will give a reading of 48 µW, a 4%
error. To keep this drift from causing a significant
error, rezero the sensor as necessary.

☞

NOTE: For best results, make sure the sensor has
been connected to the Site Analyzer and the SA
turned on for at least 5 minutes. Do not apply RF
power to the sensor during calibration.

Measure Power Mode

Recall

Setups

Calibrate

5011

Configuration Screen

Fwd 0.00 mWatts

This will take about 45
seconds to complete. Do
you wish to continue?

12.00

Press to

begin the

calibration

88

Offset

FullScale

[Enter/Esc]

0.00 dB

0.01 Watts

Press to the

warning

Recall

Setups

Calibrate

5011

Measure Power Mode

Configuration Screen

Fwd 0.00 mWatts

WARNING
Do not disconnect sensor
until cal is complete.

Measure Power Mode

12.00

Wait for

calibration

to finish

Recall

Setups

Calibrate

5011

Offset

FullScale

Measure Power Mode

Configuration Screen

Fwd 0.00 mWatts

Offset

FullScale

0.00 dB

0.01 Watts

12.00

0.00 dB

0.01 Watts

89

Bird Site Analyzer

90