Bird Technologies WBC User Manual
Instruction Sheet
Wideband Coupler
Description
The Bird Wideband Coupler is a short length of line section with two directional couplers, allowing the RF
power in the line to be sampled with the Bird 5011 Terminating Power Sensor (TPS). Couplers are available
for either UHF or VHF operation in a variety of line sizes and power ratings.
To provide accurate power readings, the Wideband Coupler is measured across its frequency band to
determine the exact coupling factors. These are provided on a label on the back of the unit.
FORWARD
COUPLER
TO RF
SOURCE
NAMEPLATE
FWD
WIDEBAND
T
COUPLER
U
P
N
I
RFL
REFLECTED
COUPLER
T
U
P
T
U
O
TO LOAD
OR ANTENNA
COUPLING FACTORS
(ON BACK OF
LINE SECTION)
FREQ
(MHz)
557
563
569
:
:
:
COUPLING
FWD
:
:
63.9543
63.6121
63.6100
:
RFL
:
:
63.9543
63.6121
63.6100
:
920-WBC Rev. A Page 1 of 6
Installation
The Bird Wideband Coupler can be inserted directly into the RF line with standard coupling kits.
WARNING
Never attempt to connect or disconnect RF equipment from the
transmission line while RF power is being applied.
Leaking RF energy is a potential health hazard.
CAUTION
Do not remove or switch directional couplers.
Calibration will be voided.
Swivel Flanged Coupling
y Insert the center bullet and push it in until it is fully seated.
y Connect the coaxial input in a straight line and push carefully on the center conductor to close.
NOTE: The swivel flange on the line section makes connection independent of the
orientation of the fixed flange on the RF line.
y Insert the bolt sets and tighten evenly all around to the RF line manufacturer’s recommended torque. Use
all of the bolts.
Unflanged Coupling
y Insert the center bullet and bottom it on the midpoint nibs.
y Position the outer sleeve, with clamping bands, over the line section connector.
y Set the RF line snugly against the coupling stops.
y Position the clamping bands evenly about 3/4” from the ends of the sleeve.
y Tighten the clamping bands.
Operation
NOTE: These instructions are for measuring the transmitted, or forward, power. To
measure reflected power, follow the same instructions but substitute “Reflected” instead
of “Forward” where a direction is specified.
WARNING
Never attempt to connect or disconnect RF equipment from the
transmission line while RF power is being applied.
Leaking RF energy is a potential health hazard.
y Make sure the RF power is off.
y Connect a TPS to the Forward Coupler.
y Connect the TPS to a Bird Digital Power Meter (DPM) or Bird Site Analyzer.
y Look at the coupling factor label on the Wideband Coupler. Note the Forward Coupling Factor at the
operating frequency. Enter this as an offset into the power meter.
NOTE: Refer to the power meter manual for instructions on entering an offset.
y Turn on RF power.
y Measure the power.
Page 2 of 6 Rev. A 920-WBC
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