ETS-Lindgren 5503 User Manual

Model 5503 Series

E & H Field Generator

2-Meter, 3-Meter, 5-Meter

User Manual

Model 5503-5M shown

ETS-Lindgren L.P. reserves the right to make changes to any product described

herein in order to improve function, design, or for any other reason. Nothing

contained herein shall constitute ETS-Lindgren L.P. assuming any liability

whatsoever arising out of the application or use of any product or circuit

described herein. ETS-Lindgren L.P. does not convey any license under its

patent rights or the rights of others.

© Copyright 2005–2008 by ETS-Lindgren L.P. All Rights Reserved. No part
of this document may be copied by any means without written permission
from ETS-Lindgren L.P.

Trademarks used in this document: The ETS-Lindgren logo is a trademark of

ETS-Lindgren L.P.

Revision Record

MANUAL,5503 EH FIELD GENERATOR | Part #399773, Rev. B

Revision Description Date

A Initial Release November, 2005

B Added 5503-2M & 5503-3M;

rebrand

ii |

December, 2008

Table of Contents

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings ................................................ v

1.0 Introduction .......................................................................... 7

ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin ................................................... 7

2.0 Maintenance ......................................................................... 9

Maintenance Recommendations ................................................................... 9

Service Procedures ....................................................................................... 9

3.0 Specifications ..................................................................... 11

Electrical Specifications ............................................................................... 11

Physical Specifications ................................................................................ 11

4.0 Assembly and Installation ................................................ 13

Support Structure ......................................................................................... 14

Antenna Elements ....................................................................................... 16

Cables .......................................................................................................... 17

5.0 Operation ............................................................................ 19

Antenna Elements ....................................................................................... 19

Model 5503-5M E-Mode / H-Mode .............................................................. 20

Model 5503-5M: E-Mode Operation .................................................... 21

Model 5503-5M: From E-Mode to H-Mode .......................................... 22

Model 5503-5M: H-Mode Operation .................................................... 23

Model 5503-5M: Load Cable Connections .......................................... 23

Model 5503-5M: Grounding ................................................................. 24

Model 5503-2M & 5503-3M: E-Mode / H-Mode ........................................... 25

Model 5503-2m & 5503-3M: Change Low Power Balun Boxes .......... 26

Model 5503-2M & 5503-3M: Rotate Antenna Elements ...................... 28

Model 5503-2M & 5503-3M: E-Mode Operation .................................. 29

Model 5503-2M & 5503-3M: H-Mode Operation ................................. 30

Model 5503-2M & 5503-3M: Load Cable Connections ........................ 31

Model 5503-2M & 5503-3M: Grounding .............................................. 32

Typical Test Setup ....................................................................................... 33

Model 5503-5M VSWR ........................................................................ 33

Model 5503-5M Power Requirements, 100 V/M .................................. 34

Storage ........................................................................................................ 34

| iii

Appendix A: Warranty ............................................................. 35

Appendix B: Assembly Drawings .......................................... 37

Frame Assembly .......................................................................................... 37

Element Installation ..................................................................................... 38

Framing Element (Strut) Installation ............................................................ 39

Antenna Orientation ..................................................................................... 40

iv |

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

Note: Denotes helpful information intended to

See the ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin for safety,

regulatory, and other product marking information.

provide tips for better use of the product.

Caution: Denotes a hazard. Failure to follow

instructions could result in minor personal injury

and/or property damage. Included text gives proper

procedures.

Warning: Denotes a hazard. Failure to follow

instructions could result in SEVERE personal injury

and/or property damage. Included text gives proper

procedures.

| v

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vi |

1.0 Introduction

The ETS-Lindgren Model 5503 Series E&H Field Generator creates a vertical

or horizontal electric field. This two-conductor transmission line system consists

of parallel radiating elements attached to a non-conductive, non-metallic frame,

as well as a load and balun boxes that are mounted on the frame and attached to

the ground plane. The Model 5503 is available in three sizes: 2-meter, 3-meter,

and 5-meter.

The two operating modes of the field generator are:

• E-Mode (Common)—When the current on the two radiating elements

flows in the same direction, a vertical E-field is the dominant field

component. Field distribution simulates that of a quasi-static

parallel-plate transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM).

• H-Mode (Differential)—When the current on the two radiating

elements flows in the opposite direction, a vertical H-field or a

horizontally polarized E-field is the dominant field component. Field

distribution is approximately that of a quasi-static two-wire transmission

line. A balun is used to isolate the elements from the ground plane.

The Model 5503-2M and Model 5503-3M include two plug-in low power

balun boxes, one for E-field operation and one for H-field operation. The

Model 5503-5M includes one high power balun box for either E-field operation or

H-field operation.

ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin

See the ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin included with your shipment

for the following:

• Warranty information

• Safety, regulatory, and other product marking information

• Steps to receive your shipment

• Steps to return a component for service

• ETS-Lindgren calibration service

• ETS-Lindgren contact information

Introduction | 7

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8 | Introduction

2.0 Maintenance

Before performing any maintenance,
follow the safety information in the
ETS-Lindgren Product Information
Bulletin included with your shipment.

WARRANTY

Maintenance of the Model 5503 is limited
to external components such as cables
or connectors.

If you have any questions concerning
maintenance, contact ETS-Lindgren
Customer Service.

Maintenance Recommendations

Periodically check for wear on the cables that extend from the antenna elements

to the load and balun boxes.

Service Procedures

For the steps to return a system or system component to ETS-Lindgren for

service, see the Product Information Bulletin included with your shipment.

Maintenance | 9

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10 | Maintenance

3.0 Specifications

Electrical Specifications

Low Power

Balun Box
Frequency Range: 100 kHz–30 MHz 100 kHz–30 MHz
Continuous Input

Power:
Input Impedance: 50 Ω 50 Ω
Transmit Line

Impedance:

Connectors:

VSWR: <3.25:1 H

See Model 5503-5M VSWR on page 33.

The VSWR is less than 2.5 for most of the range for both

polarizations. The generator can be used as low as 10 kHz but the

VSWR is higher, reaching values of 9:1.

1 kW 3 kW

~200 Ω H-mode

~100 Ω E-mode

• Type N, female

• One per balun box

<4.25:1 E

High Power
Balun Box

~200 Ω H-mode

~100 Ω E-mode

1 5/8-in EIA flange (2)

<3.25:1 H

<4.25:1 E

Physical Specifications

2-Meter 3-Meter 5-Meter
Length: 4.65 m (15.25 ft) 5.64 m (18.5 ft) 7.65 m (25.0 ft)
Width: 1.79 m (5.9 ft) 1.79 m (5.9 ft) 1.79 m (5.9 ft)
Height: 2.75 m (9.0 ft) 2.75 m (9.0 ft) 2.75 m (9.0 ft)

Specifications | 11

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12 | Specifications

4.0 Assembly and Installation

Before assembling or installing any
components, follow the safety information in
the ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin
included with your shipment.

Model 5503-5M shown

with high power balun box

The Model 5503 Series E & H Field Generator consists of the following

components:

• Non-conductive, non-metallic support structure, including four masts

that enable the vertical movement of the element carriers.

• Two antenna elements, each consisting of a rectangular frame.

Assembly and Installation | 13

• Elements connect to a load box and a balun box through radiating

element wire bundles. Each radiating element wire bundle assembly

consists of two pieces of conductive braid over rope and a spring

retraction system housed in an aluminum tube assembly.

A metal ground plane with minimum dimensions of 8 m x 3 m x 1/16 in

(not included) must be centered under the Model 5503.

Support Structure

A minimum of four people are required to safely
assemble and operate the Model 5503.

See Assembly Drawings on page 37 for additional assembly and

installation illustrations.

The support structure is shipped partially assembled. To complete assembly, set

the vertical supports upright and secure with framing elements (struts).

1. Unfold the support structure

so that the masts and

element supports are

straight and at 90 degrees to

the base.

14 | Assembly and Installation

2. Rotate the two framing

elements and insert them

into the receiving brackets

on the upright elements.

3. Insert the bolt assembly into

each framing element: Insert

the cylinder or bushing

through the hole and then

insert the bolt and fasten it

on both sides with the nuts.

Assembly and Installation | 15

4. Repeat these steps to assemble the remaining vertical support.

Antenna Elements

When both sides of the support structure are completely assembled, attach the

antenna elements:

1. Space the two pieces of the support structure approximately five meters

(16 feet) apart.

2. Slide the ends of the antenna elements into the two clamps. One clamp is

located near the top of the carrier and the other on the side of the carrier

near the bottom.

3. Insert the threaded knobs through the holes near the outer edge, and then

tighten the knobs. These knobs hold the elements in place inside the

U-shaped receptacle.

When both ends of each antenna element are secured in place, the antennas

can be positioned. See Operation on page 19 for information on antenna

orientation.

16 | Assembly and Installation

Cables

To protect your hands, use gloves when extending
or retracting the cables.

Four cables extend down to the load box and balun box from the ends of

each radiating element. These cables must be disconnected and

reconnected each time the radiating elements are moved up and down,

when changing from E-field mode to H-field mode.

The cables extend from and

retract into the antenna

elements. The knob clamp

at each end of the element

ensures good contact.

Assembly and Installation | 17

Each cable is terminated at a post on the load box or balun box. Only one cable

may be connected to each post. Secure the cable into place with a wing nut.

To connect the cables:

1. Loosen the knob clamp on the antenna element around the cable.

2. Pull the connecting loop out from the element and over to the

corresponding connection post on the load box or balun box.

3. Remove the nut and the top washer from the post and slide the

connecting loop into place on the post then replace the washer and nut.

Securely tighten the nut for good contact.

4. Tighten the knob clamp on the antenna element around the cable.

18 | Assembly and Installation

5.0 Operation

Antenna Elements

Before connecting any components or
operating the Model 5503, follow the safety
information in the ETS-Lindgren
Product Information Bulletin included with your
shipment.

Testing with the Model 5503 should not be
conducted in an area where the field generated
could cause disruption to other equipment. This
unit must be used in a screen or shielded
enclosure.

The operator should limit exposure to the field
generated by this device.

Two conductor cables on each of the elements extend downward to connect the

elements to the load box and balun box. The conductive cables extend and

retract out of the elements depending on the distance to the connection point on

the load box and balun box. For more information, see Cables on page 17.

Four masts extend upward to allow the carriers to slide up and down. The masts,

in conjunction with the carriers and phenolic pins (pegs), allow vertical

adjustment to 1.5 m, 2 m, and 2.5 m.

Operation | 19

The pegs are installed

through the masts to hold

the carrier in any of the

three preset positions. The

carrier handle (knob) on

each carrier can be turned

to clamp the carrier at other

heights on the masts.

To raise or lower elements:

1. Remove the peg.

2. Loosen the knob.

3. Adjust the height.

4. Re-insert the peg for the desired height.

5. Tighten the knob.

Model 5503-5M E-Mode / H-Mode

The Model 5503-5M E&H Field Generator includes a high power balun box for

either E-field or H-field operation. The connectors and posts on the box are

labeled according to the type of operation that the generator will perform.

20 | Operation

MODEL 5503-5M: E-MODE OPERATION

The E-field is generated

when the two elements are

parallel with the ground

plane.

• Connect the cables from

the two elements to the

center post on the

high power balun box
labeled E.

• Connect the RF or power

input cable to the RF

connector on the

high power balun box
labeled E.

High Power Balun Box

Operation | 21

MODEL 5503-5M: FROM E-MODE TO H-MODE

When moving the elements up and down on the
carrier, maintain the same level at all times to
avoid bending or damaging the elements.

Following are the steps to rotate the antenna elements from E-mode to H-mode:

1. While holding the element, unscrew the bolt farthest from the upright

element that holds the frame in position.

2. Let the element rotate 90 degrees until it rests in the U-shaped receptacle

on the upright element.

3. Tighten the bolt to hold the element in position.

22 | Operation

MODEL 5503-5M: H-MODE OPERATION

The H-field is generated

when the two antenna

elements are perpendicular

to the ground plane.

• Connect the cables from

each of the elements to

each of the posts on the

high power balun box
labeled H.

• Connect the RF or power

input cable to the RF

connector on the

high power balun box
labeled H.

High Power Balun Box

MODEL 5503-5M: LOAD CABLE CONNECTIONS

For both E-mode and

H-mode operations, connect

the cables from each

element to the two posts on

the load box.

For more information, see

Cables on page 17.

Load Box

Operation | 23

MODEL 5503-5M: GROUNDING

Before operating the

Model 5503-5M, verify that

the ground contact foot on

the load box and balun box

is attached to ground, and is

grounded. This can be

accomplished by using bolts

(not included) that screw

onto the ground plane in the

shielded room.

24 | Operation

Model 5503-2M & 5503-3M: E-Mode / H-Mode

The Model 5503-2M and

Model 5503-3M include one

low power balun box for

E-field operation and one

low power balun box for

H-field operation. Each box

is labeled accordingly.

Operation | 25

MODEL 5503-2M & 5503-3M: CHANGE LOW POWER BALUN BOXES

1. Open clip on each side

of generator unit.

2. Carefully slide balun

box away from

generator unit.

26 | Operation

3. Slide other balun box

toward generator unit

so that it is flush with

the unit.

4. Close clips on both sides to secure the balun box into place.

Operation | 27

MODEL 5503-2M & 5503-3M: ROTATE ANTENNA ELEMENTS

When moving the elements up and down on the
carrier, maintain the same level at all times to
avoid bending or damaging the elements.

Following are the steps to rotate the antenna elements from E-mode to H-mode:

1. While holding the element, unscrew the bolt farthest from the upright

element that holds the frame in position.

2. Let the element rotate 90 degrees until it rests in the U-shaped receptacle

on the upright element.

3. Tighten the bolt to hold the element in position.

28 | Operation

MODEL 5503-2M & 5503-3M: E-MODE OPERATION

The E-field is

generated

when the two

elements are

parallel with

the ground

plane.

1. Connect E-field low power balun box to generator unit. See page 26 for

the steps to change a balun box.

2. Rotate the elements to E-field position. See page 28 for the steps to rotate

the elements.

3. Verify that the cables from the elements are connected to the generator

unit.

4. Attach the RF or power input cable to the connector on the balun box.

Operation | 29

MODEL 5503-2M & 5503-3M: H-MODE OPERATION

The H-field is generated when the two

antenna elements are perpendicular to

the ground plane.

1. Connect H-field low power balun box to generator unit. See page 26 for

the steps to change a balun box.

2. Rotate the elements to H-field position. See page 28 for the steps to rotate

the elements.

3. Verify that the cables from the elements are connected to the generator

unit.

4. Attach the RF or power input cable to the connector on the balun box.

30 | Operation

MODEL 5503-2M & 5503-3M: LOAD CABLE CONNECTIONS

For both E-mode

and H-mode

operations,

connect the

cables from each

element to the

posts on the load

box.

For more

information, see

Cables on

page 17.

Operation | 31

MODEL 5503-2M & 5503-3M: GROUNDING

Before operating the

Model 5503-2M or

Model 5503-3M, verify that

the ground contact foot on

the load box and balun box

is attached to ground, and is

grounded. This can be

accomplished by using bolts

(not included) that screw

onto the ground plane in the

shielded room.

32 | Operation

Typical Test Setup

MODEL 5503-5M VSWR

Operation | 33

MODEL 5503-5M POWER REQUIREMENTS, 100 V/M

Storage

The Model 5503 provides convenient storage when testing is complete.

1. Disconnect all cables, including those that attach the antenna elements

to the load box and balun box.

2. Remove the bolts that connect the elements to the U-shaped brackets.

3. Disconnect the grounding plates.

4. Roll the two sections of the support structure and carry the elements to

the storage location.

34 | Operation

Appendix A: Warranty

See the Product Information Bulletin included with your shipment for

the complete ETS-Lindgren warranty for your Model 5503.

DURATION OF WARRANTIES FOR MODEL 5503

All product warranties, except the warranty of title, and all remedies for warranty

failures are limited to one year.

Product Warranted Duration of Warranty Period

Model 5503 Series E&H

Field Generator

1 Year

Warranty | 35

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36 | Warranty

Appendix B: Assembly Drawings

Frame Assembly

Assembly Drawings | 37

Element Installation

38 | Assembly Drawings

Framing Element (Strut) Installation

Assembly Drawings | 39

Antenna Orientation

40 | Assembly Drawings