Bird Technologies SA-6000XT User Manual
SITE ANALYZER™ XT
CABLE AND ANTENNA TESTER
FOR WIRELESS SYSTEMS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This is a preliminary manual. Specifications, limits, and text are subject to change
without notice. The information within this manual was as complete as possible
at the time of printing. Bird Electronic Corporation is not liable for errors.
©Copyright 2012 by Bird Electronic Corporation
Instruction Book Part Number 920-SA-XT Rev. P3
Site Analyzer is a trademark of Bird Electronic Corporation
Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks
of the Microsoft Corporation
16
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 apply to all
phases of operation and maintenance.
WARNING
Keep Away From Live Circuits
Operating Personnel must at all times observe general safety precautions. Do
not replace components or make adjustments to the inside of the test
equipment with the high voltage supply turned on. To avoid casualties, always
remove power.
WARNING
Shock Hazard
Do not attempt to remove the RF transmission line while RF power is present.
WARNING
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.
WARNING
Safety Earth Ground
An uninterruptible earth safety ground must be supplied from the main
power source to test instruments. 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 supplied.
WARNING
Resuscitation
Personnel working with or near high voltages should be familiar with modern
methods of resuscitation.
WARNING
Remove Power
Observe general safety precautions. Do not open the instrument with the
power on.
iii
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 instrument.
The caution symbol appears on the equipment indicating there is
important information in the instruction manual regarding that particular area
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.
WARNING
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 of an electric shock exists.
On page 6.
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.
On page 6.
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.
On page 7.
iv
Caution Statements
The following equipment cautions appear in the text and are repeated here for
emphasis.
CAUTION
+22 dBm max. input
Do not apply RF power to Antenna Test Port. Exceeding the maximum input
will damage the Site Analyzer.
On page 5, 13, 25, and 43.
CAUTION
Long-term storage of the external battery pack can affect battery
performance and reduce battery life. Do not store the external battery pack
for long periods of time without proper storage maintenance. Failure to
comply may result in reduced battery charge and shortened battery life.
On page 6.
CAUTION
When using a terminating power sensors, do not exceed 2 W average or 125
W peak power for 5 μs.
Doing so will render the sensor inoperative.
On page 43 and 46.
CAUTION
Harsh or abrasive detergents, and some solvents, can damage the display unit
and information on the labels.
On page 77.
v
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.
vi
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.
vii
UNITS ARE EQUIPPED WITH RECHAREABLE BATTERIES.
THESE ARE TO BE REPLACED BY AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY!!!
LAS UNIDADES VIENEN EQUIPADAS CON BATERIAS
RECARGABLES.
¡¡¡Y SOLAMENTE EL PERSONAL DE SERVICIO AUTORIZADO
PUEDE REEMPLAZARLAS!!!
GERÄTE SIND MIT WIEDER AUFLADBAREN BATTERIEN
BESTÜCKT.
BATTERIEN SIND NUR VON QUALIFIZIERTEM SERICE
PERSONAL AUSZUWECHSELN!!!
CES DISPOSITIFS SONT ÉQUIPÉS DE BATTERIES
RECHARGEABLES.
SEUL LE PERSONNEL D’ENTRETIEN AUTORISÉ EST HABILITÉ
À LES REMPLACER !
LE UNITÀ SONO DOTATE DI BATTERIE RICARICABILI,
CHE DEVONO DA COME SPECIFICATO DAL PRODUTTORE LA
PROTEZIONE DI SICUREZZA POTREBBE VENIRNE
COMPROMESSA.
viii
USE CORRECT VOLTAGE SETTING AND FUSE - SEE MANUAL.
UTILISER UNE TENSION ET UN FUSIBLE CORRECTS - CONSULTER
LE MODE D'EMPLOI.
USE LA INSTALACION Y FUSIBLE DE VOLTAJE CORRECTO - VEA
EL MANUAL.
AUSSCHLIESSLICH VORSCHRIFTSMÄSSIGE
WECHSELSPANNUNGS-EINSTELLUNG UND SICHERUNG
BENUTZEN - SIEHE DAZU HANDBUCH.
UTILLIZZARE TENSIONE E FUSIBLE ADATTI - FARE RIFERIMENTO
AL MANUALE.
ix
BE SURE THE 115/230V AC VOLTAGE SELECTOR IS SET TO THE
PROPER LINE VOLTAGE, AND THE CORRECT AC LINE FUSE IS
INSTALLED BEFORE AC POWER IS APPLIED.
S'ASSURER QUE LE SÉLECTEUR DE TENSION 115/230V C.A. EST
BIEN RÉGLÉ POUR LA TENSION DU RÉSEAU ET QUE LE FUSIBLE
DE LIGNE C.A. CORRECT EST EN PLACE AVANT DE METTRE SOUS
TENSION C.A.
CERCIORESE QUE EL SELECTOR DE VOLTAJE DE 115/230V CA
ESTE COLOCADO A LA LINEA DE VOLTAJE APROPIADA Y QUE EL
FUSIBLE ESTE INSTALADO A LA LINEA CA ANTES DE APLICAR LA
CORRIENTE ALTERNA.
VOR EINSCHALTEN DER WECHSELSTROMZUFUHR
SICHERSTELLEN, DASS DER 115/230V WECHSELSPANNUNGSSELEKTOR AUF DIE VORSCHRIFTSMÄSSIGE
LEITUNGSSPANNUNG EINGESTELLT UND DIE RICHTIGE
WECHSELSTROM-HAUPTSICHERUNG EINGESETZT IST.
PRIMA DI EROGARE CORRENTE, ASSICURARSI CHE IL
SELETTORE DI VOLTAGGIO 115/230 V.C.A. SIA REGOLATO
CORRETTAMENTE E CHE IL FUSIBLE ADATTO ALLA LINEA DI
ALIMENTAZIONE C.A. SIA INSTALLATO.
x
About This Manual
This manual covers the operating and maintenance instructions for the following models:
SA-3600XT SA-6000XT
Changes to this Manual
We have made every effort to ensure this manual is accurate. If you 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 on the title page.
Definitions
Measure Match Mode - The Match Measurement mode shows the resonant
frequencies for an antenna or filter. It also confirms that there are no impedance problems in the nonresonant components such as cables, connectors,
lightning protectors, and jumpers.
Fault Location Mode - The Fault Location mode shows the location of any
problems in the antenna system. This is shown in either feet or meters from the
cable end connected to the Site Analyzer.
Cable Loss Mode - The Cable Loss mode shows the insertion loss of a coaxial
cable. By comparing this with the manufacturer’s specs, it confirms that there
are no problems with the cable.
VSWR - VSWR units used to be the preferred way to measure an antenna sys-
tem. A good antenna has a VSWR of less than 1.5:1 at its operating frequency.
Return Loss - Return Loss measures, in dB, how much of a wave is reflected back to
the source. It is now the preferred method for measuring antenna systems. A good
antenna will have a return loss of –14 dB or less at the operating frequency. The more negative the reading, the better the antenna.
Markers - Markers are used to show the exact value at one point on the graph.
In Measure Match and Cable Loss modes, the marker displays the frequency
and loss (or VSWR). In Fault Location mode, the marker displays the distance
and loss.
Run / Hold - When HOLD is displayed, the unit makes a new sweep every few
seconds, and displays the latest sweep. When RUN is displayed, the unit will
only make a single sweep. The display will not update if the Site Analyzer is disconnected or if the cable is jiggled. This is usually preferred.
xi
Equations
Fault Location
Resolution
Resolution
C
-------------------------------=
freq span 2
where C = speed of light (300 x 106 m / sec) or (9.84252 x 108 feet / sec)
Maximum Distance
Max distance resolution data points 1–=
Chapter Layout
Introduction — Describes the features of the Bird Site Analyzer and provides
power-up instructions.
Calibration — Lists the steps to calibrate the Site Analyzer, which must be
done before using Measure Match or Fault Location modes.
Measure Match Mode — Lists the steps to make match measurements, as
well as providing instructions for all functions available in Measure Match
mode.
Fault Location Mode — Lists the steps to make distance to fault measure-
ments, as well as providing instructions for all functions available in Fault Location mode.
Measure Power Mode — Lists the steps to make power measure-ments, as
well as providing instructions for all functions available in Measure Power
mode.
General Operation — Describes how to save and recall traces, set limit lines,
and other basic functions common to all modes of the Site Analyzer.
Utilities — Describes utilities to set up the Site Analyzer.
Computer Software — Provides installation instructions and lists the fea-
tures 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.
xii
Table of Contents
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Warning Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Caution Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Safety Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Changes to this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Fault Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Maximum Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Chapter Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Items Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Items Not Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Site Analyzer Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Antenna Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Measure Match Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Fault Location Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Measure Power Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Internal Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
External Battery Pack (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Charging the External Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Using the External Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Power Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Site Analyzer User Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Site Analyzer Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Display Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 2 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Calibration Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Calibrating the Site Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
xiii
Chapter 3 Measure Match Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Determine the Power of the Component Being Tested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Selecting the Measure Match Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Setting the Measurement Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Setting a Custom Sweep Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Selecting a Sweep Frequency from a Band List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Selecting the Measurement Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting the Measurement Scale Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Setting the Measurement Data Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Setting the Graph Display Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Set and Activate Acceptance Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Measure the Match of the Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Interpreting the Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Cable Loss Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Setting Up a Cable Loss Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Interpreting a Cable Loss Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Chapter 4 Fault Location Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Determine the Power of the Component Being Tested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Selecting Fault Location Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Setting the Frequency Span and Max Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Setting the Maximum Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Setting the Cable Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Setting a Custom Cable Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Selecting a Cable Type from a Cable Type List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Setting the Distance and Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Setting the Start and Stop Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Setting the Distance Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Setting the Scale & Unit of Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Setting Fault Location Scale Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Setting Fault Location Scale Limits Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Setting Fault Location Auto Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Set the Measurement Data Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Setting the Measurement Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Set the Graph Display Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Setting the Graph Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Set and Activate Acceptance Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Test for Fault Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Interpreting the Fault Location Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Chapter 5 Power Measure Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Connecting a Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Display Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Setting the Full Scale Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
xiv
Zeroing Bird Power Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Choosing the Displayed Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Setting Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Changing the Mode for the Directional Power Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
The 43 Peak Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Recall Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Chapter 6 General Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Setting a Limit Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Measurement Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Activate Markers and Set Marker Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Move Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Moving Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Using Delta Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Using Markers with Recalled Traces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Setting Display Smoothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Saving and Recalling Traces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Connecting a USB Flash Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Saving a Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Recalling a Saved Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Viewing a Recalled Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Deleting a Saved Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Instrument Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Recalling a Saved Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Deleting a Saved Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Label Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Label Text Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Label Text Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Editing Label Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Quicktext for Trace Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Adding Quicktext Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Using Quicktext . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Deleting Quicktext Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Chapter 7 Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Adjust Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Return to Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
FM Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Chapter 8 Computer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Computer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
xv
Chapter 9 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
External Battery Pack (Optional), Long-term Storage Maintenance . . . . . . 77
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Antenna Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Match Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Distance to Fault (DTF) Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Optional Equipment Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Precision Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Armored (Phase Stable) Test Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Precision Open/Short/Load Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Power Sensors Supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Fault Location Distance Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Fault Location Distance - 238 Data Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Fault Location Distance - 475 Data Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Fault Location Distance - 949 Data Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
xvi
Chapter 1 Introduction
The Bird Site Analyzer is a multifunction test instrument for use in installation
and maintenance of wireless systems. The current product designation adds the
letters XT after the model number.
SA-3600XT
25 MHz – 3600 MHz
SA-6000XT
25 MHz – 6000 MHz
Antenna systems are tested by using a Site Analyzer to measure match conditions. Data points measured across a user-specified frequency band or distance
range are graphed on a 320 x 240 pixel display area. 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 upon the sensor.
1
Items Supplied
Figure 1 Hardware and Software Supplied
1
3
4
2
6
5
Item Description
1 Site Analyzer (configured as one of the models described earlier).
2 Soft-Sided Carrying Case
3 PCTool Software
4 AC Power Adapter
5 Automobile Cigarette Lighter Adapter
6 USB Communications Cable
7 Instruction Manual CD (Not Shown)
Items Not Supplied
Figure 2 Hardware Not Supplied
Item Description
1 Calibration Combination (Cal Combo).
2
Site Analyzer Features
General
Easy to operate and field ready for first-time, occasional, and experi-
enced users.
High-resolution color display.
Field replaceable Li-ion battery.
Automatic power down conserves battery life.
Operates in temperatures as low as 14°F (–10°C).
Antenna Test
Rejects on-channel interfering signals to +13 dBm.
Three user-selectable trace capture options: 238 data points per sweep,
475 data points per sweep, 949 data points per sweep.
Three graphic display formats: envelope, maximum, minimum.
Sweep measurement progress bar: indicates status of measurement
being taken.
Adjustable pass/fail limit with visual indicator.
64 MB of internal flash memory for storing thousands of traces and setups.
On-screen comparison between current measurement trace and
stored data traces – no PC required.
Pop-up menus contain over 70 cable types and 90 frequency band presets
depending upon the instrument model number.
X and Y scales and units are user adjustable.
Six markers for either direct or difference measurements. Can also
measure relative to limit line or recalled trace.
Measurement hold to temporarily store a trace.
Measure Match Mode
Fast swept measurement.
Frequency can be set using either Start/Stop or Center/Span frequen-
cies.
Measurement units can be Return Loss [dB], Cable Loss [dB], or VSWR [ratio].
Fault Location Mode
Transform Algorithm - Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) with three levels of
smoothing.
Distance units can be either feet or meters.
Measurement units can be Return Loss [dB] or VSWR [ratio].
3
Transmitter Test
Measure Power Mode
Numerical readout and analog dial.
Can display either forward power, reflected power, or match efficiency
depending upon the sensor.
Power measurement units can be either Watts or dBm. Match units
can be VSWR, return loss, or % match efficiency.
Compatible with Bird Directional Power Sensors, Terminating Power
Sensors, and Wideband Power Sensors.
Figure 3 Bird Power Sensors
Directional Power Sensor
Terminating Power Sensor
Wideband Power Sensor
4
Connectors
Figure 4 Connector Diagram
2
1
CAUTION
+22 dBm max. input
Do not apply RF power to Antenna Test Port. Exceeding the maximum input
will damage the Site Analyzer.
34
1 Antenna Test
Port
2 USB 2.0 B Type There is one USB device port for connection to a PC.
3 USB 2.0 A Type There are two USB host ports.
4 DC Input Input for external power supplies. Plug either the AC
Female N connector for connecting to the antenna.
Use a phase-stable cable for best results.
power supply or the cigarette lighter adapter into the
DC input. The external supplies operate the unit and
charge the internal battery.
Power Supply
Internal Battery
The Bird Site Analyzer has an internal, rechargeable, lithium-ion battery pack. This
will operate the unit for a minimum of 5 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 symbol gauge indicates the approximate battery life
remaining. At ¼ charge the gauge also displays “LO”.
When using an external power source, a power cord symbol replaces
the battery symbol gauge.
5
Adapters
WARNING
When using the AC adapter, connect the AC plug only to a properly grounded
receptacle. Serious injury or death can occur if not properly grounded.
The Bird Site Analyzer can be operated using an AC adapter or a 12V automobile
cigarette lighter adapter. Using these adapters will also charge the internal battery.
External Battery Pack (Optional)
WARNING
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 of an electric shock exists.
CAUTION
Long-term storage of the external battery pack can affect battery performance
and reduce battery life. Do not store the external battery pack for long periods
of time without proper storage maintenance. Failure to comply may result in
reduced battery charge and shortened battery life.
The SA-BATPAK is an optional external battery pack. This will operate the unit
for approximately 1 to 2 hours. The liquid acid gel battery will fully charge, from
a full discharge, in about 6-8 hours.
Figure 5 External Battery Pack
6
Charging the External Battery Pack
1. Plug the automobile cigarette lighter adapter into the external battery pack on
the side that says “To Battery”. See Figure 5.
2. Plug the other end of the 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.
Note: The charger’s “On” LED comes on and stays on until the charger is disconnected.
Using the External Battery Pack
1. Plug the automobile cigarette lighter adapter into the charged external battery pack.
2. Plug the other end of the cigarette lighter adapter into the DC input of the
Site Analyzer.
Power Up
For the first power-up and after a failure, reset the unit. See “Return to
Defaults” on page 73.
System Information
Before using the Site Analyzer, record the following system information:
Frequency Span — ex: 824-894 MHz (cellular band)
Cable Type — ex: LDF 7 - 50A
Approximate Cable Length — ex: 300 feet
Transmitter Power — ex: 50 W
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.
Site Analyzer User Keys
There are two types of keys on the Site Analyzer. The first type, referred to as a hard
key, always has a particular function. The function of the key does not change and is
printed on the unit surface or on the key itself.
The second type is referred to as a softkey. The five keys at the left of the display are softkeys. Each softkey has a function which can vary depending upon
the operational mode. The function of the key will be identified at the left of the
display, next to the key.
See Figure 6 and its accompanying table for a description of user keys.
7
Figure 6 User Key Identification
9
8
1
7
6
2
3
1 Softkeys Activates the function described directly to the right
of the key.
2 Hard Keys
Mode
Activates the mode menu. Use this to select
Measure Match, Fault Location, Measure Power, or
Utilities mode.
Config
Activates the configuration menu for the current
mode. Use this to set variable parameters (e.g.
frequency band, distance, and units).
Calibrate
Marker
Activates the calibration menu.
Activates the marker menu. Use this to turn
markers on or off and to move the active marker.
3 Numeric Keys Enters numeric data into the selected item, or as
defined by the function description.
4 Enter Key During
List Selection
Data Entry
Selects the highlighted item in the list.
Exits data entry, changing the value.
5
4
8
5 Escape Key During
Menu Use
Data Entry
6 Cursor Keys
Left Arrow During
Data Entry
Marker Use
All other times
Right Arrow During
Marker Use
All other times
Up Arrow During
Data Entry
Marker Use
Pressing the
Contrast Key
All other times
Down Arrow During
Data Entry
Marker Use
Pressing the
Contrast Key
All other times
7 Battery LED The yellow LED lights when the unit is powered
Backs up one menu level.
Exits data entry without changing the value.
Deletes previously entered data one character at a
time.
Moves active marker left one point at a time.
As defined by the function description.
Moves active marker right one point at a time.
As defined by the function description.
Increases the numeric value.
Moves the marker to the maximum trace value.
Increases the display contrast.
As defined by the function description.
Decreases the numeric value.
Moves the marker to the minimum trace value.
Decreases the display contrast.
As defined by the function description.
from an external DC power source. It blinks while
charging the internal battery. 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.
9
Site Analyzer Display Screen
See the following two figures and the accompanying table for a description of the
display screen components for Measure Match mode and for Fault Location mode.
Display Description
Figure 7 Displays
Measure Match Sample Display
1 Trace Graphic display of the measurement.
2 Marker Value Indicates the position and value of a trace point.
3 Marker Cursor Identifies the trace point displayed in the marker value.
4 Calibration Indicator Indicates the calibration status.
5 Battery Gauge Indicates whether the Site Analyzer is using the
6 Recalled Trace Name Indicates the name of a recalled trace.
7 Mode Indicator Name of the current mode.
8 Measurement Data
Points
9 Progress Bar Indicates data collection progress
10 Softkey Description Describes the function of the softkey to the left of
11 Indicator Ball Indicates if the trace is sweeping.
12 Limit Line Value Indicates the limit value.
13 Limit Test Indicator Displays FAIL if any part of the trace exceeds the
14 Limit Line A horizontal line that graphically displays the limit value.
15 Scale Indicates the minimum and maximum values
16 Units Indicates the measurement units for that axis.
internal battery or an external power supply, and
indicates the amount of battery life remaining.
Indicates the number of datapoints collected for each
trace. 238 = standard, 475 = twice as many data points
as 238, 949 = four times as many data points as 238.
the description.
limit value.
displayed on that axis.
Fault Location Sample Display
10
Chapter 2 Calibration
Calibration Accessories
Calibration Combination (Cal Combo) which contains:
One 50 ohm load
One Open standard
One Short standard
Note: When using a test cable connected to the Site Analyzer, attach
the Cal Combo to the end of the cable during calibration.
Test Cable (optional) – A phase-stable cable will provide consistent,
reliable results.
Note: When using an extension cable, a phase stable cable is needed
to ensure performance and accuracy. Bird offers optional phase stable
cables that will not degrade the performance of the Site Analyzer.
Using a non-Bird phase stable cable may decrease and degrade the
accuracy of the system.
Calibrating the Site Analyzer
For best results, set the frequency and calibrate the Bird Site Analyzer immediately before taking measurements.
Note: When calibrated, the Site Analyzer’s main screen will display
“Calibration: FULL”. When uncalibrated, the Site Analyzer’s main
screen will display “Calibration: OFF”.
Note: Calibration is performed at the highest number of data points
(949 points) and the calibration graphs are displayed using the currently selected display method (envelope, maximum, or minimum).
1. Press the Calibrate key.
2. Connect the Cal Combo “Open” connector to the unit antenna port.
3. Press the Open softkey then wait for the unit to beep and display Done.
4. Connect the Cal Combo “Short” connector to the unit antenna port.
5. Press the Short softkey then wait for the unit to beep and display Done.
6. Connect the Cal Combo “Load” connector to the unit antenna port.
7. Press the Load softkey then wait for the unit to beep and display Done.
8. Remove the Cal Combo from the unit.
11
Figure 8 Calibrating the Site Analyzer
12
Chapter 3 Measure Match Mode
Match 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 and return loss, cable loss, or VSWR is shown on the y-axis.
Before making a match measurement, be sure to have a Bird Calibration Combination (Cal Combo) and all necessary cables and adapters of the correct size and
connector type.
This chapter describes how to make a match measurement and provides step by
step instructions. In addition, this chapter describes how to set and move markers. For information and instructions to save and recall traces, refer to Saving
and Recalling Traces, page 56.
To make a match measurement, follow the procedures in this chapter in the
order they are presented.
Determine the Power of the Component Being Tested
Use a service monitor, power meter, or spectrum analyzer to check that the component being tested does not have power greater than +22 dBm.
CAUTION
+22 dBm max. input
Do not apply RF power to Antenna Test Port. Exceeding the maximum input
will damage the Site Analyzer.
Selecting the Measure Match Mode
1. Press ON/OFF key for ½ second.
2. Press the Mode key.
3. Press the Measure Match key.
Figure 9 Selecting the Measure Match Mode
13
Setting the Measurement Frequency
Frequencies can be set manually or chosen from a list of presets (band list). If
the start, stop, center, or span frequency is manually set, the band list will indicate “Custom”. Be sure to set the frequency to a value that is well beyond the
normal range of the antenna.
Example - For a 450 MHz antenna, set the start frequency
at 400 and the stop frequency at 500 MHz, for an 800 MHz
antenna, set the start frequency at 700 and the stop frequency at 1,100 MHz.
Note: Changing the frequency settings will automatically turn calibration off. Always set the frequency before calibrating the unit.
Note: If a frequency that is outside of the range of the Site Analyzer
is entered, the Site Analyzer will override the entry and set the minimum or maximum frequency of the model.
1. Enable the Measure Match Mode. See “Selecting the Measure Match
Mode” on page 13.
2. Do one of the following:
To set a Custom Sweep Frequency: See “Setting a Custom Sweep Fre-
quency” on page 14.
To select a Sweep Frequency: See “Selecting a Sweep Frequency from
a Band List” on page 15.
Setting a Custom Sweep Frequency
1. Press the Config key.
2. Press the Freq softkey.
3. Select Start, Stop, Center, or Span using the left or right scroll keys.
4. Enter a value.
5. Press Enter.
6. Press the Esc key to exit the configuration screen.
Figure 10 Setting a Custom Sweep Frequency
14
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