REI MDC-900 User Manual
Version 4 27 Feb 08
MDC-900
MDC-2100
OWNER’S GUIDE
RESEARCH ELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL
455 Security Drive
Algood, TN 38506 U.S.A.
+1 931-537-6032
http://www.reiusa.net/
REI MDC-2100/MDC-900 1
Version 4 27 Feb 08
TABLE of CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................... 2
TABLE OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ 2
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 3
INSTALLING THE MDC-2100/MDC-900 .......................................................................... 5
OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE MDC ...................................................................... 6
OSCOR
OSCOR
OSCOR
TORING A SWEEP SPAN WITH THE MDC ........................................................................ 10
S
S
TORING A SIGNAL IN THE MDC FREQUENCY RANGE ...................................................... 10
VERSION 4.0 ...................................................................................................... 6
VERSION 5.0 ...................................................................................................... 6
SWEEP AND ANALYZE MODES WITH THE MDC ..................................................... 8
MICROWAVE TRANSMISSION CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE MDC-2100/MDC-900 12
USING THE MTU-2100 MICROWAVE TEST UNIT ........................................................ 14
MDC-2100/MDC-900 SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................ 15
TECHNICAL BULLETIN, 24 APR 02 .............................................................................. 16
TABLE of FIGURES
FIGURE 1 MDC-2100 MICROWAVE DOWNCONVERTER ............................................... 3
F
IGURE 2 ILLUSTRATION OF THE MDC-2100 DOWNCONVERSION PROCESS .......... 4
F
IGURE 3 OPERATIONAL FREQUENCY BANDS ............................................................. 4
F
IGURE 4 INSTALLATION OF THE OEP ........................................................................... 5
F
IGURE 5 MDCA-ALL (OSCOR 5.0) .................................................................................. 7
F
IGURE 6A ANALYZING AN MDC SIGNAL (OSCOR 4.0) ................................................ 8
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IGURE 6B ANALYZING AN MDC SIGNAL (OSCOR 5.0) ................................................ 8
IGURE 7 USING "IDENTIFY" TO VERIFY A SIGNAL (OSCOR 5.0) ................................. 8
F
F
IGURE 8 SELECTING A SIGNAL WITH THE MDC .......................................................... 9
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IGURE 9 SELECTING THE PROPER MDC BAND AND FILTER (OSCOR 4.0) ............ 10
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IGURE 10 EXAMPLES OF STORING SPANS ................................................................ 11
IGURE 11 ANALYZE MODE USING THE MDC (OSCOR 4.0) ....................................... 11
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F
IGURE 12 PROPER MTU ORIENTATION FOR BAND 1 (3-9GHZ) ............................... 14
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IGURE 13 PROPER MTU ORIENTATION FOR BAND 2&3 (9-21GHZ) ........................ 14
REI MDC-2100/MDC-900 2
Version 4 27 Feb 08
INTRODUCTION
The OSCOR Microwave Downconverter option (MDC-2100) expands the OSCOR ’s
frequency range limit to 21GHz.
Note: General descriptions of the MDC-2100 in this guide may not always include
exceptions for the MDC-900, which does not cover the 9 to 21GHz spans.
Microwave signals tend to be directional; therefore, the MDC-2100 features an array of
high gain directional antennas. The MDC is compatible with the OPC interface and the
OTL locator options. It can function in the sweep, analyze and correlation modes and
includes a tripod, which provides the stability needed to securely point the antennas and a
swivel neck for easy positioning.
The MDC-900 extends the OSCOR ’s range to 9GHz.
Figure 1: MDC-2100 MICROWAVE DOWNCONVERTER
The span of frequencies from 3 to 21GHz is so broad the OSCOR cannot display them all
in a single window; therefore, a special folding process is implemented. This process
folds the entire spectrum from 3 to 21GHz into twelve 1.5GHz windows. Six windows may
be viewed simultaneously when using OSCOR 5.0 software. Figure 2 illustrates the
down-conversion process.
REI MDC-2100/MDC-900 3
Version 4 27 Feb 08
MDC-900 only
3 6 9 1 2 15 18 21
4.5 7.5 10.5 13.5 16.5 19.5
0 1.5
All Num b ers
in GHz.
Antennas
3-9*
9-15
15-21
*The MDC-900 only covers the band 1 frequency range.
Figure 2: ILLUSTRATION OF THE MDC-2100 DOWNCONVERSION PROCESS
The OSCOR (version 5.0) displays up to six 1.5GHz (1500MHz) windows simultaneously,
or the spectrum may be separated into three antenna frequency bands: 3 to 9GHz, 9 to
15GHz, or 15 to 21GHz with two 1.5GHz windows displayed simultaneously.
Note: The MDC-900 has a single antenna and covers the band from 3 to 9GHz.
Built-in microwave filters can reduce the display even further. These filters are referred to
as Filter A and Filter B. The Identify function allows for the determination of the
frequency. Below is a chart representing the display of the frequencies in response to the
selected antenna and microwave filter. Understanding Figure 3 is critical to
understanding the OSCOR operations using the MDC-2100 and MDC-900.
Note: The OSCOR always super-imposes the various 1.5GHz windows.
ANTENNA BAND Filter A Filter B Filter A & B
(Not applicable for OSCOR 5.0)
3 – 9GHz
9 – 15GHz
(MDC-2100 only)
15 – 21GHz
(MDC-2100 only)
4.5 -- 6
6 -- 7.5
10.5 -- 12
12 -- 13.5
16.5 -- 18
18 -- 19.5
3 -- 4.5
7.5 -- 9
9 -- 10.5
13.5 -- 15
15 -- 16.5
19.5 -- 21
4.5 -- 6 3 -- 4.5
6 -- 7.5 7.5 -- 9
10.5 -- 12 9 -- 10.5
12 -- 13.5 13.5 -- 15
16.5 -- 18 15 -- 16.5
18 -- 19.5 19.5 -- 21
Figure 3: OPERATIONAL FREQUENCY BANDS
REI MDC-2100/MDC-900 4
Version 4 27 Feb 08
Installing the MDC-2100/MDC-900
In order to use the MDC with the OSCOR, a special connector (the OEP-2100) must be
installed in the connector tray of the OSCOR. This connector should be installed
permanently into the connector tray and provides for easy connection of the MDC while
not affecting the OSCOR normal operation. Note the step numbers on Figure 4 below to
assist in the installation.
To install the OEP-2100:
1. Turn the OSCOR off and wait at least 30 seconds before proceeding.
2. Remove the OEP from the packaging and insert the mini-din connector (OSCOR
EXP.) into the EXPANSION PORT of the OSCOR as shown in Figure 4. (You may
have to unplug the two tape recorder cables labeled REMOTE OUT RECORDER).
3. Insert the metal support bar into the connector tray. Align the depression at the center
of the bar with the screw head at the top of the OEP. (The cables that provide
connection to the tape recorder controls must be placed under the metal support.)
4. Use the hex wrench to tighten the two hex screws. (This holds the OEP in place.)
5. Unplug the HF/UHF BNC connector from the OSCOR and plug it into the OEP at the
ANTENNA PANEL RF jack.
6. Connect the OEP BNC cable (HF/UHF INPUT) to the OSCOR HF/UHF INPUT.
To install the MDC-2100 or MDC-900:
1. Plug the MDC BNC connector into OEP BNC jack (MDC RF).
2. Plug MDC mini-din connector into the MDC POWER/CTRL jack.
3. Utilize the OSCOR keypad to control the MDC.
4
3
3
5
6
Figure 4: INSTALLATION OF THE OEP
The MDC can be used in a stationary position sitting on the provided tripod or it can be
moved around the environment to provide a thorough sweep of the area. For best
operation, the MDC should be located at least three feet away from the OSCOR. Position
the metal housing towards the OSCOR.
2
REI MDC-2100/MDC-900 5
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