COPYRIGHT
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher.
IFR 2002
10200 West York / Wichita, Kansas 67215 U.S.A. / (316) 522-4981 / FAX (316) 524-2623
CABLE STATEMENT
Double shielded and properly terminated external interface cables must be used with this
equipment when interfacing with the RS-232 and IEEE-488.
For continued EMC compliance, all external cables must be 3 meters or less in length.
NOMENCLATURE STATEMENT
The COM-120C Communications Service Monitor is the official nomenclature for the EMC and
Safety compliant COM-120C Communications Service Monitor. In this manual the COM-120C
refers to the COM-120C Communications Service Monitor. The generic terms unit and Test
Set also refer to the COM-120C Communications Service Monitor.
BATTERY STATEMENT
For continued EMC compliance with EN61000-3-2:1995/A14:2000, always allow a discharged
battery to recharge in Stand-by Mode.
SAFETY FIRST: TO ALL OPERATIONS PERSONNEL
REFER ALL SERVICI NG OF UNIT TO QUALIFIED TECHNICAL PE RSONNEL. THIS UNIT CONTAINS NO
OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS.
CASE, COVER OR PANEL REM OVAL
Removing protective c overs, casings or panels from this unit exposes the operator to electric al hazards that
can result in electric al shock or equipment damage. Do not operate this unit with the case, cover or panels
removed.
SAFETY IDENTIF ICATION IN TECHNICAL MANUAL
This manual uses the foll owing terms to draw attention to possible s afety hazards, that may exi st when
operating or servicing this equipment.
CAUTION: THIS TERM IDENTIFIES CONDITIONS OR ACTIVITIES THAT, IF IGNORED, CAN RESULT IN
EQUIPMENT OR PROPERTY DAMAGE (E.G., FIRE).
WARNING: THIS TE RM IDENTIFIES CONDITIONS OR ACT IVITIES THAT, IF IGNORE D, CAN RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
SAFETY SYMBOLS IN MANUALS AND ON UNITS
CAUTION: Refer to accompany ing documents.
AC OR DC TERMINAL: Terminal that m ay supply or be supplied with ac or dc volt age.
DC TERMINAL: Terminal that m ay supply or be supplied with dc voltage.
AC TERMINAL: Terminal that m ay supply or be supplied with ac or alternati ng voltage.
SWITCH OFF: AC line power to the devi ce is OFF.
SWITCH ON: AC line power to the devi ce is ON.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE: Indicates electrical shock hazard due to high vol tage levels.
CAT II
EQUIPMENT GROUNDING PRE CAUTION
Improper grounding of equipment can result in electrical shock.
USE OF PROBES
Check the specific ations for the maximum voltage, current and power ratings of any connector on the unit
before connecting it with a probe f rom a terminal device. Be sure the term inal device performs within these
specifications bef ore using it for measurement, to prevent el ectrical shock or damage to the equipment .
AC POWER CORD
AC power cord must not be frayed or brok en nor expose bare wiring when operating this equipment.
DC POWER CORD
DC power cord is non-terminated. Care s hould be taken when connecting to external dc s ource.
USE RECOMMENDED FUSES ONLY
Use only fuses spec ifically recommended for the equipment at the specified current and voltage ratings .
INTERNAL BATTERY
This unit contains a Seal ed Lead-Acid Battery, see Battery Instructions for servici ng.
INSTALLATION CATEGORY II: Denotes impulse withstand v oltage of 2500 V.
CAUTION: SIGNAL GENERATORS CA N BE A SOURCE OF ELECTROMAGNETIC I NTERFERENCE (EMI) TO
COMMUNICATION RECEI VERS. SOME TRANSMITT ED SIGNALS CAN CAUSE DISRUPT ION AND
INTERFERENCE TO COMMUNICATION SERVICES OUT TO A DISTANCE OF SEVERAL MILES.
USERS OF THIS EQUIP MENT SHOULD SCRUTINIZE ANY OPERAT ION THAT RESULTS IN
RADIATION OF A SIGNAL (DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY) AND SHOULD TAKE NECESSARY
PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID POTENTIAL COMMUNICATION INTERFERENCE PROBLEMS.
LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES
The manual pages listed below that are affected by a current
change or revision, are so identified b y a revision number.
Date of Issue for original and chang ed pages are:
Original ........................... 0 .................... Feb 2002
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES IN THIS MANUAL IS 326 CONSISTING
THE FOLLOWING
OF
Pg. No. Rev. No. Pg. No. Rev. No.
Title and Copyright ....................0
Cable Statement .......................0
Safety ...................................... 0
A through B..............................0
i through x ................................0
1-1 through 1-24 ....................... 0
2-1 through 2-4 ......................... 0
3-1 through 3-28 ....................... 0
4-1 through 4-72 ....................... 0
5-1 through 5-30 ....................... 0
6-1 through 6-116 .................... 0
A-1 through A-4 ....................... 0
B-1 through B-4 ....................... 0
C-1 through C-2 ......................0
D-1 through D-12 ..................... 0
Index-1 through Index-4 ........... 0
Battery Title Page ....................0
High Voltage Warning ..............0
ESD Caution Page................... 0
Page 1 through Page 4............. 0
A
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
B
PREFACE
SCOPE
This manual contains instructions for operating the COM-120C Communications Service
Monitor. The instruction level is relatively basic and presupposes no previous
experience on the part of the operator with a communication service monitor of this
type. A basic understanding of communication electronics and practical troubleshooting
methods is helpful. It is strongly recommended that the operator be thoroughly familiar
with this manual before attempting to operate the unit.
ORGANIZATION
The COM-120C Operation Manual is composed of the following sections:
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
Provides an introduction to the unit and a brief overview of unit functions.
Specifications are also included in this section.
SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION
Provides a step-by-step procedure for placing the COM-120C into operation.
SECTION 3 - CONTROLS, CONNECTORS AND INDICATORS
Identifies and functionally describes all COM-120C controls, connectors and
indicators. All Operation Screens and Menus are identified and available
parameters listed and explained.
SECTION 4 - OPERATION
Provides instructions for operating the COM-120C Mode Operating Screens and
Menus. In addition, this section contains a selection of basic operating
procedures pertaining to all major functions of the Test Set.
SECTION 5 - COMMON PRACT ICES
Identifies and presents some examples of common practices the oper ator can use
to help become familiar with the COM-120C operation.
SECTION 6 - OPTIONS
Identifies and provides instructions for operating the options available with the
COM-120C.
The COM-120C is a microprocessor controlled, digitally synthesized communication
service monitor, which combines the operations of many different test instruments into a
single, compact unit. The COM-120C is capable of performing these functions:
RF GeneratorRF Receiver
Full Duplex OperationSpectrum Analyzer
Audio/Data/Signaling
Generators
DVMDeviation Meter
Distortion MeterSINAD Meter
Audio Frequency MeterFrequency Error Meter
RF Power MeterModulation Meter
Received Level Meter
The COM-120C utilizes an alphanumeric keypad, dedicated function keys, multitask
“Soft” Function Keys and a high resolution, monochrome flat panel display. Perform
tests remotely or manually. Microprocessor controlled memory allows parameter
storage and recall. For instance, store and recall Oscilloscope and Spectrum Analyzer
traces for signal comparison.
The COM-120C performs a multitude of important functions simultanelusly. The three
basic modes of operation are: RF Generate Operation, RF Receive Operation and
Duplex Operation. These modes allow generate and receive functions in duplex and
simplex mode, while testing other aspects of the Unit Under Test like Modulation Level,
Power, Sensitivity and Frequency Error.
Additionally, the COM-120C provides these independent test instruments:
The COM-120C is capable of generating CW or modulated signals from 250 kHz to
1000 MHz.
The output level is variable from -130 to -13 dBm.
Modulation types include AM, FM and PM (Phase Modulation) or apply an external
modulation source. Generate DTMF, User Defined Tone Codes or Digital Codes.
Meters
Metering functions include SINAD, Distortion and Audio Frequency Level.
Full Oscilloscope and Spectrum Analyzer operation is available.
Testing
Testing in RF Generate Operation includes Receiver Sensitivity, Receiver Selectivity,
and Audio Frequency Level measurements.
n
T
O
Use the decode capability for defined DCS and POCSAG
e
protocols using the Tone and Digital Coding functions.
1-2
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1-3RF RECEIVE OPERATION
Receiving
The COM-120C receives CW and modulated signals ranging from 250 kHz to 1000 MHz.
In addition to single frequency operation, the COM-120C demodulates and detects AM,
FM and PM modulated signals and executes defined frequency sweep operations by
scanning a range of predetermined Frequency List settings.
The COM-120C receives “off-the-air” signals via the Antenna Connector or connects
directly to the Unit Under Test via the T/R Connector.
Meters
Receive Operation Metering functions include RF Power, AM Modulation, FM Deviation,
Phase Modulation, Distortion, Frequency Error, AF Frequency, Received Level and
SINAD.
Full Oscilloscope and Spectrum Analyzer operation is available.
Testing
Testing in RF Receive Operation includes measuring Carrier Power, Modulation,
Distortion, SINAD and RF Frequency Error.
n
T
O
Use the independent Audio/Data/Signaling Generators to
e
modulate the Unit Under Test when performing RF Receive
Operation.
1-3
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1-4DUPLEX OPERATION
The COM-120C Duplex Operation feature ranges from 250 kHz to 1000 MHz.
The RF Generator and RF Receiver both work in Duplex Operation Mode with the added
capacity of using offset frequencies up to ±999.7500 MHz. Testing capabilities mirror
those found in RF Generate and RF Receive Operations.
Duplex Operation is composed of three Operation Screens.
Ú The Duplex Operation Screen contains both Receive and Generate
information.
Ú The Duplex Receive Operation Screen is provided to test the Transmit
section of the Unit Under Test.
Ú The Duplex Generate Operation Screen is provided to test the Receive
section of the Unit Under Test.
1-4
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1-5AUDIO FUNCTION GENERATORS
Audio/Tone Coding
The COM-120C has two Audio Generators. One generator has a range of 10 Hz through
20 kHz and the second generator has a fixed 1 kHz tone. The waveforms are sine,
square, triangle and ramp.
DATA
The DATA Generator generates in DCS, DCS Inverted, POCSAG and POCSAG Inverted
formats.
DTMF
The DTMF Generator generates DTMF coding, up to 16 characters long, in Burst,
Continuous Mode or configures the DATA ENTRY Keypad as a DTMF Keypad. The
DTMF Mark and Space timing and the time between string transmissions are
programmable.
1-5
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1-6OSCILLOSCOPE
The COM-120C has a 50 kHz single trace Oscilloscope. The Oscilloscope can operate
as a dependent or independent function in each of the Operation Modes. Both functions
give the choice of operation modes, live, store, recall, compare and average. The
Trigger type choices are Normalized, Auto and One Shot.
Dependent
The dependent Oscilloscope is available with meters and shares space in all Operation
Modes with the dependent Spectrum Analyzer. In Generate Operation, sources
available for the Oscilloscope are through front panel input connectors, Notch Filter
Residual and internal modulation sources. In Receive Operation, sources available for
the Oscilloscope are through the front panel input connectors, Audio/Data/Signaling
Generators, decode lines, meter lines and the demodulated signal, both filtered and
unfiltered. Sweep and scale values differ with each input type.
Independent
The independent Oscilloscope only accepts signals from the SCOPE/DVM Connector.
The coupling choices are AC, DC and Ground.
1-6
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1-7SPECTRUM ANALYZER
The Spectrum Analyzer monitors internal and external signals ranging from 250 kHz to
1000 MHz. The Scan width range is editable from 1 kHz to 100 MHz per/div. The
Sweep rate and Resolution Band Width (RBW) are editable with a menu or manual edit.
An UNCAL indication appears on the screen when settings cause an analyzer “uncal”
situation.
The log scales are 2 and 10 dB per division. Amplitude scale units of dBm, dBµV,
dBmV, dBV, dBµW and dBW are available in the Independent Spectrum Analyzer and
with the Receive Operation. The Generate Spectrum Analyzer is a relative measuring
device only. Available units are limited to dB.
Memory functions for the Spectrum Analyzer include store and recall of a trace,
compare a stored trace to a live trace and peak hold. The Slot number is editable.
External signals can be “off the air” through the Antenna Connector or connected
directly to the T/R Connector.
The Independent and Receive Function Spectrum Analyzer have attenuation of 0 and
30 dB through both connectors. The Spectrum Analyzer is available for display alone or
with all RF Generate and Receive functions except where the Duplex Transmit and
Receive functions are shown simultaneously.
1-7
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
Generate Operation
The Generate Operation Spectrum Analyzer is a relative measuring device only and
available units are limited to dB. Scan widths range from 1 kHz to 100 MHz per/div and
zero scan. Available log scales are 2 and 10 dB per division. Memory functions for the
Spectrum Analyzer include store and recall of a trace, compare a stored trace to a live
trace and peak hold.
Receive Operation
The Receive Operation Spectrum Analyzer receives signals ranging from 250 kHz to
1000 MHz. Scan widths range from 1 kHz to 100 MHz per/div and zero scan. Available
log scales are 2 and 10 dB per division. Amplitude scale units are dBm, dBµV, dBmV,
dBV, dBµW and dBW. Memory functions for the Spectrum Analyzer include store and
recall of a trace, compare a stored trace to a live trace and peak hold. Input signals
can be “off the air” through the Antenna Connector or connected directly to the T/R
Connector. The Spectrum Analyzer has 0 and 30 dB attenuation available through both
connectors.
Independent
The Independent Spectrum Analyzer receives signals ranging from 250 kHz to 1000
MHz. Scan widths range from 1 kHz to 100 MHz per/div and zero scan. The log scales
are 2 and 10 dB per division. Amplitude scale units are dBm, dBµV, dBmV, dBV, dBµW
and dBW are available. Memory functions for the Spectrum Analyzer include store and
recall of a trace, compare a stored trace to a live trace and peak hold.
Input signals can be “off the air” through the Antenna Connector or connected directly to
the T/R Connector. The Spectrum Analyzer has 0 and 30 dB attenuation available
through both connectors. Additional Functions available with the Independent Spectrum
Analyzer include a Find function for finding signals above a certain level and split
screen displaying two Spectrum Analyzer screens.
1-8
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1-8METERS
Dependent
The COM-120C provides metering capability in all three Operation Modes. The meters
are in Receive Operation, Generate Operation or both. The meters are available for
Simplex and Duplex Operation. The meters are represented directly on the Mode
Operation Screen as numeric readout or as a bar meter and numeric readout. Although
a meter is available in both Receive and Generate Operation, available inputs may
differ. Dependent Meters for each Operation Mode are identified below:
RECEIVE OPERATIONGENERATE OPERATION
SINADSINAD
FM DeviationDistortion
Phase ModulationAudio Level
Received Level
Audio Counter
Independent
The COM-120C provides metering capability independent of the Operation Modes.
These meters include:
SINADAudio Counter
DistortionDigital Voltmeter
1-9
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1-9OPTIONS
Option 01 – Internal Battery
Option 02 – 0.01 OCXO
Option 03 – 30 kHz IF Filter
Option 04 – Variable Audio Generator 2
Option 05 – Generate Amplifier
Option 07 – Data Generator/Bit Error
Rate (BER) Meter
Option 08 – SSB Receive Filter
Option 09 – RCC Signaling
Option 11 – Audio/Digital Signaling
Provides self-contained dc power when
external ac or dc power is unavailable.
Replaces the standard TCXO as system
time base. Provides 0.01 x 10
This option provides additional band
limiting between 15 kHz and 300 kHz
offered in a standard set.
Replaces standard fixed 1 kHz Audio
Generator with variable frequency Audio
Generator.
Internal RF Amplifier providing 26 dB
gain for additional RF output.
This option provides testing for digital
characteristics of transceivers.
This option provides ability to monitor
SSB signals.
This option provides 10 PS, 20 PS, MTS,
IMTS and Tone Remote Control
signaling.
This option provides encode/ decode
capabilities for the formats: CCIR,
CCIRH, CCIRH4, EEA, EIA, NATEL,
ZVEI, DZVEI, DDZVEI, EURO, 5/6 Tone
and POCSAG.
6
accuracy.
Option 12 - Tracking Generator
Option 13 - IEEE 488 (GPIB) Interface
Option 14 - CLEARCHANNEL LTR
Option 15 - AMPS Mobile Station Test
Option 16 - EDACS
This option provides internal Tracking
Generator for use with Spectrum
Analyzer.
This option provides parallel GPIB
interface for remote operation.
Simulates the CLEARCHANNEL LTR
repeater system. CLEARCHANNEL LTR
is a Registered Trademark of E. F.
Johnson.
Auto and manual test to verify operation
of AMPS mobiles, transportables and
portables.
Provides test capability for EDACS
repeaters and mobiles
1-10
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1-10 COM-120C PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
A warm-up time of 5 minutes is required for the following performance requirements.
RF measurements are referenced to 50
Ω .
Accuracy and Resolution stated in percent are refer enced to measured or selected value
unless otherwise stated.
Where resolution exceeds accuracy, resolution takes precedence.
Specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
RF SIGNAL GENERATOR
Frequency
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy:
Output (T/R and AUX RF Connectors)
Range (T/R):
Range (AUX):
Resolution:
Accuracy:
250 kHz to 1 GHz
100 Hz
Same as Master Oscillator.
-130 to -20 dBm (Simplex Mode)
-130 to -40 dBm (Duplex Mode)
-130 to +13 dBm
0.1 dB
± 2 dB (>-90.1 dBm, <400 MHz)
± 2.5 dB otherwise
VSWR:
Spectral Purity
Residual FM:
Residual AM:
Harmonics:
Non Harmonics:
Input Protection
(T/R): 50 W CW continuous
<1.15:1 (0.25 to ≤ 100 MHz)
<1.23:1 (100 to ≤ 400 MHz)
<1.38:1 (400 MHz to 1 GHz)