Verifying Antenna And Cable Operation; Checking The Antenna Voltage; Power Supply Check; Checking The Antenna Resistance - Arbiter Systems 1092A Operation Manual

4.2 Verifying Antenna and Cable Operation

4.2 Verifying Antenna and Cable Operation
A two-color operate LED, located at the base of the antenna, indicates proper antenna operation.
GREEN indicates proper operation (i.e. the antenna is getting the correct voltage); AMBER
indicates improper operation (i.e. the voltage is low).
4.2.1

Checking the Antenna Voltage

The GPS clock provides +5 VDC to the GPS antenna, which is carried through the antenna cable.
Nominal antenna current is 29 mA (nominal). Check the voltage at the antenna connector on the
rear panel. Without a 5 VDC signal applied to the antenna, the GPS clock will not synchronize
with the Global Positioning System and can generate an out-of-lock alarm, if the Out-of-Lock
feature is enabled.
4.2.2

Power Supply Check

The Antenna Voltage test (above) actually tests the main power supply voltage for all models of
clocks. This signal should be between 4.9 and 5.1 VDC.
4.2.3

Checking the Antenna Resistance

Checking the internal resistance of the Arbiter GPS antenna is not as useful as verifying the antenna
current mentioned above. Antenna resistance measures several megohms with meter probes at one
polarity and less so if you change the meter probe polarity.
4.3

GPS Surge Arrester

Figure 4.4 illustrates the GPS surge arrester kit (P/N AS0094500), which is mounted in line with
the antenna cable. The surge suppressor has two female F connectors, which are bidirectional, and
two ground lugs with hardware for connecting to a solid ground. The surge arrester passes power
to the GPS antenna, but does not draw power from the clock.
4.3.1

Using the GPS Surge Arrester

Before installation, review the documentation on this device found in Appendix B. The AS0094500
surge arrester is weatherproof except for the F connectors, which may be sealed with rubber port
seals or GE Silicone II compound.
Figure 4.4: GPS Surge Arrester
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