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WARNING DC Charging Port and A/C Adapter Charging the Site Analyzer or operating while using the A/C or D/C adapters can create external sparks during connection. Connecting or use of these power sources in an explosive atmosphere is dangerous and should never be attempted. Always charge the Site Analyzer away from any explosive atmosphere.
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Site Analyzer Literature Introduction There are two literature items available for the SWR Site Analyzer: Quick Start Guide is a laminated tri-fold held in the Belt Case’s inside pocket. This provides a light-weight condensed guide to calibration, measurement functions and menus Operator Manual is this printed instructional guide which has three purposes: 1.
Table of Contents 1. Site Analyzer Description ................... 1-1 Instrument Layout ....................1-2 Keypad Operations ....................1-3 ON/OFF ........................1-3 Menu Keys ......................1-4 Function Keys ......................1-4 Help ........................1-4 SWR/RL........................1-4 FDR ......................... 1-4 Freq ........................1-4 Scale........................1-4 Sweep/CW ......................
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Frequency Specific Calibration Process ..............4-3 SWR ......................... 4-4 Return Loss ......................4-5 SWR and Return Loss Measurement Steps ............... 4-6 FDR .......................... 4-7 FDR Measurement Steps ..................4-8 FDR Return Loss & k1/k2 Parameters ............... 4-9 5. VNA Site Analyzer Measurements ................5-1 Mode Menu (VNA Dual Port Unit) ................
1. Site Analyzer Description AEA’s Site Analyzer comes in two models, The SWR Site Analyzer Single port, and the VNA Site Analyzer Dual port. Both instruments are rechargeable battery powered, SWR and Return Loss meter with an FDR (Frequency Domain Reflectometer). The VNA Model in addition, features Vector Network Analysis (single and dual port) and Spectrum analysis.
Instrument Layout Frequency Full color QVGA Domain backlit display Reflectometer Quick SWR or RL Frequency Band: access from any Set by Start/ other mode Stop or Center Frequency and Both General Span Help and Contact Sensitive Help Scale Range adjust LED Status Indicators Escape to exit...
Keypad Operations The ON/OFF key is used to power the instrument on and off. There are different ON/ OFF sequences; Normal for starting with using the last settings at power down or Soft Reset for starting with default settings. There are two different power down sequences as described below the Power ON: POWER ON –...
Menu Keys: Refer to Section 2. Menus Function Keys: The Help key has two modes of operation; First, if no function keys are active (CRSR, FREQ, etc.) and no menus are open, pressing Help will open the help information for the displayed Measurement Screen. This includes help with navigation in the screen and adjusting Frequency or Scale ranges.
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The Sweep/Continuous Wave key will switch the modes between them. The LED indicator flashes when the instrument is sweeping the selected band or transmitting the center frequency. Sweep is the normal mode performing frequency sweeps from low to high frequency selected and measurements appear in graphic plots. Continuous Wave mode stops the Sweep mode and only emits a continuous wave at the Center Frequency.
The ENTER key has the following uses: A. In any measurement screen with a highlighted testing parameter, it will either cycle through that parameter’s presets or exit to data entry screen like FREQ for example. B. Saves alpha-numeric entries and moves to the next step. C.
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The alpha-numeric keypad operates like those on smaller cell phones. Press a selected key once for entering the number and repeat the key’s presses to cycle to the character desired above that key. In an alpha entry screen the first press will present the first alpha character above the number.
Battery Charging and Cell Replacement General information The Site Analyzer is powered by 8 NIMH AA cells that were installed and conditioned at the factory as part of the manufacturing and testing process. New and fully charged they will provide about 4 to 4.5 hours of continuous operation. Variables that affect battery operating time are: A.
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adapter will charge or operate the Site Analyzer, but not both. A vehicle’s DC power may vary from one vehicle to the other, but generally puts out about 12.5 to 14 volts when the vehicle’s engine is running. The AC adapter’s input can accept 90-240VAC 50-60Hz, output is 15VDC at 1200mA.
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Battery Replacement Instructions Preliminary: First ensure you have replacement cells on-hand, either 8 AA NIMH or 8 AA Alkaline cells. CAUTION: Mixing of cell types is highly inadvisable, and can lead to faulty operation. Only use cells that are all of the same type and voltage. Steps: 1.
2. Menus Menu Navigation Menus contain two types of lists; vertical list is the one you can see all items available and horizontal lists that only show the selected item’s options; mode or value. The other horizontal selections are hidden. Navigation is accomplished as follows: A.
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BATTERY MENU BATTERY SAVER: ON or OFF BATTERY TYPE: NONE, NI-MH, or ALKALINE BATTERY MA-HR: 2300 EST. REMAINING TIME: 4.5HRS or EST. Chg: 60.7% (only if charging) ERT: (if operating on battery power) BATTERY STATUS: 11.5V, -479MA (voltage & pwr draw) CHARGER STATUS: OFF, PRE Chg, Slow Chg, TRICKLE Chg Notes: 1.
DATE/TIME MENU Date: 17 MAY 2017 Time: 09 35 AM PM or MIL Notes: Use LEFT/RIGHT arrow keys to highlight data to be changed. Use UP/DOWN arrow keys to modify a data field. Press ENTER to exit and save changes in Date/Time Menu. Exit will go up a level to Meter Menu, press ESC to exit to Measurement Screen.
SWEEP TIME: Sweep Time can be adjusted as desired for the best measurement results. Fastest is 8mS to slowest 1 second. Select desired time using the Left/Right Arrow keys. SWEEP ON/OFF: Use the Left/Right Arrow keys to turn the Sweep ON or OFF. When Sweep is on the frequency band selected is constantly being swept.
3. Measurement and Support Screens General Information The SWR Site Analyzer has the following screens: Measurements: SWR – switchable via repeat presses of the SWR/RL Key Return Loss – switchable via repeat presses of the SWR/RL Key CW Mode – Continuous Wave mode FDR –...
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Cursors can be used to get exact frequency points, measurements, or FDR distances by pressing the CRSR key. Control of the cursors is via the LEFT/RIGHT arrow key. When both A & B cursors are selected a CRSR (differential) reading will appear ∆...
Return Loss Screen SWR/RL key switches between SWR and Return Loss Scale key cycles Return Loss scale through preset ranges Low to high frequency Cursor A shows sweep. Use FREQ key to frequency and lowest change Return Loss reading...
CW – Continuous Wave Screen Sweep/CW key opens this mode Center Frequency is at the top Use FREQ screen to change frequency UP/DOWN arrow keys scroll through 2 pages of results Press Sweep/CW key again to exit to last testing mode (Sweep mode will be restored upon exiting).
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Calibration Sequence Screens Pressing ENTER after the Load is attached completes the calibration process and will return the Site Analyzer to the previously selected measurement screen. Pressing <ESC> Goes to un-calibrated measurement screen.
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FDR – Frequency Domain Reflectometer Screen SWR is current vertical measurement Delta F = Center Frequency Use UP arrow key to highlight Use UP arrow key to highlight ENTER to switch between SWR and Return Loss ENTER to change display range (RL is recommended) and center frequency Scale key to change scale range...
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FDR’s VF Screen Velocity can be entered here starting at the cursor (highlighted) or press the FDR key to bring up the Cable List and select the cable type and it’s VF from the list. See next screen. Use UP/DOWN Arrow keys to move the highlight to the desired cable type, then press ENTER to select and exit.
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Use the Alpha/Numeric keypad to enter the cable’s name (15 characters max), then use the down arrow to enter the VF. Down arrow again, enter the k1, then k2 cable parameters (see the tips section for more information about these). Press ENTER to save and exit back to the cable list. The new cable will be at the top of the Cable List and should be highlighted, press ENTER to select that cable and it’s VF.
as F0. The SWR Site analyzer will calculate the feed line’s losses per unit length at that frequency, and subtract these losses from the return loss measurement to get the antennas actual return loss at its feed point. If this return loss measurement is not needed (or if the feed line under test is un-terminated), F0 can be left at 0.
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Note that SWR reading at the cursor is above the 2:1 limit line. For illustrative purposes, we moved the cursor rather than the center frequency to show how limit lines work. The limit lines also work in return loss, as shown here: The return loss at the cursor is 30.7dB, well below the 20dB limit set here;...
Limit lines setup All of the limit line settings are accessed via the MODE button, which brings up the OPTIONS menu. Selecting the LIMIT LINES option here allows you to turn the limit lines on and off. Pressing <ENTER> with the LIMIT SETTINGS menu item selected, will bring you to the limit lines setting screen shown here: Here you can set the limits for SWR, Return Loss, and FDR scales.
4. Calibration, Measurement Information and Helpful Tips Calibration Processes The SWR Site Analyzer has two types of calibrations; Broadband and Frequency Specific. Broadband is a calibration that is done one time using the Site Analyzer’s entire frequency range 100KHz to 1.5GHz and saved for use with any shorter frequency ranges selected for use.
Broadband Calibration Process Preliminary: To perform this process, first decide if you will be using an adapter, test lead or both. Remember if you do, that same test lead and/or adapter MUST be used with all measurements employing the Broadband Calibration. Second, make sure you have the correct terminators OPEN (for 700MHz plus), SHORT and LOAD with correct gender to fit either the far-end of the test lead or the instrument’s N connector.
Frequency Specific Calibration Process Preliminary: To perform this process, first decide if you will be using an adapter or test lead or both. Remember if you do, that same test lead and/or adapter MUST be used with all measurements employing the Frequency Specific Calibration. Second, make sure you have the correct terminators OPEN (for 700MHz plus, SHORT and LOAD with correct gender to fit either the far-end of the test lead, adapter or the instrument’s N connector.
SWR (Standing Wave Ratio aka Voltage Standing Wave Ratio-VSWR) SWR is a measurement of impedance matching of loads to the characteristic impedance of a transmission line or waveguide. Impedance mismatches result in standing waves along the transmission line. Examples are defective antenna, wet line coupler, kinked transmission line, poor quality transmission or lossy cable, etc.
Return Loss Return Loss is the loss of power in a transmitted signal due to impedance mismatches or discontinuities in the transmission line, line components or antenna causing reflected power back to the transmission’s source. It’s expressed in dB as defined by the equation shown below: RL(dB)=Return Loss, Pi = incident power, and Pr = Reflected power The above equation will return a positive dB value.
SWR and Return Loss Measurement Steps SWR or Return Loss Measuring 1. Connect the test lead and any adapter, if they are to be removed from the measurements. 2. Press the SWR/RL key to select desired measurement. 3. Either select Broadband Calibration or perform the “Frequency Specific Calibration” (instructions described earlier in this Section).
FDR (Frequency Domain Reflectometer) The FDR is an excellent tool for checking a transmission line for distance to faults. SWR and Return Loss measurements will tell you if a transmission line is good. However, if either of those measurements are out of specification, an FDR will show you distance to the fault or faults on the line.
FDR Measurement Steps. NOTE: FDR has its own Calibration process as part of the measurement procedure. It can NOT use the Broadband Calibration. 1. Press the FDR key to select FDR Measurement Screen. 2. Attach any test lead only if one is to be used. Do NOT attach the cable to be tested at this time.
NOTES: 1. If the cable has a good trace to the far-end, recommend attaching matched terminator to the far-end of the cable. The high Return Loss reading should diminish or go away and a good Return Loss reading will continue on to end of display. This will confirm there are no defects in the cable-to-end connector’s connection.
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Whenever you select a cable type from the cable list, the appropriate parameters are read from the database, and the line loss for the selected frequency is then calculated. This loss data is then used when making the return loss measurements at the frequency you specify.
5. VNA Site Analyzer Measurements General Information These screens are peculiar to the VNA Site Analyzer: VNA Site Analyzer Specific Measurements In addition to all of the functionality shown previously in the SWR Site Analyzer, the VNA Site Analyzer has the following capabilities: MODE MENU (VNA Dual port unit) VNA PLOT: Vector Impedance Functions...
doing RL and SWR measurements. The calibration process is identical, and occurs whenever center frequency or span is changed (when in frequency specific mode). Once calibrated, use the UP arrow to select the left or right scales. With a scale selected, <ENTER>...
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Standard S Measurement Procedure: Press <FREQ>, enter the desired frequency range. If you’re running frequency-specific calibrations, you will be prompted to do the usual OPEN-SHORT-LOAD calibration process, same as SWR, RL, FDR, etc. Once the O-S-L part of the calibration is completed (assuming you’re using frequency- specific calibrations), you will then be prompted to attach what’s referred to as the THROUGH cable.
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should be reasonably close to zero, but it may not be right on the zero line (remember we’re at ±3dB here). Attach the UUT. If you’ve chosen the correct frequency range for the device, you will see a pattern similar to this one (assuming you’re tuning a notch filter: S21 SCREEN (Tracking, High Range) Tune your device to put the notch on the desired frequency (the CRSR is very useful for this).
REF Level SPAN Center Frequency Resolution BW SPECTRUM ANALYZER SCREEN Selecting the SPEC ANALYZER item from the MODE menu, will bring up the VNA Site Analyzer’s spectrum analyzer function. Use the UP arrow to select each field on the screen in turn: frequency, Resolution Band Width (RBW), reference level setting, and SPAN.
6. PC-Vision Abstract The Site Analyzer PC-Vision™ is the companion windows application for your SWR Site Analyzer. Besides allowing for remote operation of your Site Analyzer, it also contains tools and utilities to help you get the most out of your instrument. Although the Site Analyzer is connected via a USB Cable it uses Serial port protocol to communicate with the PC Vision application.
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You may choose to click CANCEL, and continue to use PC-Vision without connecting to an instrument. This is useful for viewing traces that have been previously stored. Clicking OK will take you to this screen, where you can configure the COM port used to communicate with your Site Analyzer: Please Note: You must ONLY change the COM port number.
If, on the other hand, you have a VNA Site analyzer, your PC-Vision opening screen will look more like this: PC-Vision Opening Screen (VNA) Display Screen In either case, there are two main areas of the PC-Vision display: The control/settings area, and the measurement/display areas. The control/settings area fills the upper quarter of the screen.
Basic Operation Once the PC-Vision application has established communications with the instrument, the application can now use the instrument to actually make measurements. First and foremost, you must select the frequency range to test. The frequency information entered in the appropriate boxes in the ‘Frequency Settings’ section at the top of the screen: The Frequency Settings section (above) can accept frequency information expressed in center/span or start/stop frequency formats.
higher frequencies. It’s DC resistance should be as close to 50 as possible, with good Ω frequency characteristics (the Termination Standards AEA supplies are rated to 3GHz). Calibration At this time, press the S11 button in the ‘Calibrate’ section of the PC Vision screen, shown here: The Calibration process dialog box will appear as shown here: Attach the (optional) OPEN standard to the Site Analyzer, and press the ‘Ready’...
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valid for as long as the frequencies are NOT changed. If any of the frequencies (start, stop, center or span) are changed, you must repeat the calibration process again before you can make measurements. To begin the measurement process, press the PLOT button, shown here..(if calibration has not been completed you will be prompted to do so) ...and the measured results of the UUT (unit under test) will be drawn on the graphs as shown here:...
Graphs in Detail Now that we have a ‘live’ measurement display running, we can examine the displayed charts in detail. When first started, the cursors (one on each chart) may or may not be present. The cursor will appear by clicking your mouse anywhere on the chart.
Chart Zoom: Either the SWR or Return Loss charts can be zoomed to full-screen by right-clicking on the chart you wish to zoom, allowing you to examine the trace in greater detail: Another right-click on the chart will cause both charts to be displayed once again. Z-Plot (VNA Only) Shown here is the Z-Plot, it graphs the UUT’s S impedance, and phase angle.
Smith Chart (VNA Only) The Smith Chart display allows you to easily visualize the UUT’s S-Parameter characteristics. Unlike the other displays in this application, you move the cursor (shown on the chart with frequency, R and X values) using the slide-bar on the upper left. Limit Lines The Limit Line feature allows the user to perform quick go/no-go testing on antennas or tunable resonators.
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This shows a limit line in use on the SWR chart: Note that the cursor is at a point on the trace where the value (in this case, the SWR) is at or below the limit line. Note also that the limit line is GREEN. If the cursor is at a place where the trace is ABOVE the limit line, the trace turns RED, as shown here in this Return Loss example: The cursor is at a point on the curve that is above the -20dB limit, and the limit line (at...
Naming Your Chart Each chart displayed on the screen has a default header, describing the measurement displayed. The default heading for the SWR chart is “SWR Plot”, for example. Sometimes it may be useful to rename these, and PC Vision will allow you to do so. To rename your chart(s), click on the ‘tools’...
Select the chart, and type in the new header at the bottom, click OK to save. If you only have one chart showing (you’ve either zoomed in, or are running FDR), this dialog box will be displayed: Enter the new caption, and click OK. Saving Traces Now that we have ‘live’...
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Select the format to save your trace in, give it a name, and click SAVE. It is advisable to save your traces as .PCV format first. You can later save individual charts in a standard graphic format. Note: other formats can NOT be recalled in PC Vision only handled in their specific application file format.
Basic Operation (FDR) Select the FDR function by selecting it from the Sweep type drop-down box on the Sweep Settings panel as shown here: Clicking here will take you to the FDR screen: Note that a new set of controls appear on the right: Each Field and control will be explained in detail.
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On the left side is a field marked “Distance”. Enter the estimated length of your cable, plus approximately 10-20%. The next thing is to set is the velocity factor for your cable. This can be done one of two ways: The first would be for you to manually enter the cabled VF into the field marked ‘Velocity Factor”.
Markers To assist with analysis and evaluation of this trace, two markers are provided, and clicking on the “Marker 1” button will bring up the first one: Marker 1, the red one shown here, is fixed, in the sense that it will always seek to the highest point on the trace.
Antenna Return Loss So far, we have shown you the basics of FDR operation: Setting the distance, velocity factors, using the markers, and so on. There is an additional feature we haven’t covered: Antenna Return Loss. At the far right, is an optional setting, marked “Return Loss F0”.
Enter a description for the cable, the velocity factor, and the k1,k2 parameters supplied by the manufacturer (consult the cables datasheet). If the k1,k2 parameters are not supplied, the next few paragraphs will explain how to get them. Click OK to save or CANCEL to abort.
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Here, key in the frequency and line loss information off of the data sheet. Some of these data sheets have excessively long tables, and it may not be necessary to key them all in. You shouldn’t need more than about a dozen entries or so, but even if less than that are supplied you should still get reliable results.
Select the file “MasterCableList.csv”, click “Open”. When the “Input Cable data” dialog box reappears, click ‘Import’ and the cable list will be restored. If you wish to also generate a new cable file for your instrument, check the “Export Cable File for VNA”...
Battery Status Another item from the ‘Tools’ menu is ‘Battery Status’. Selecting this item will bring up the message box that you see here. It lists all of the particulars relating to the batteries in your unit, charger status, and rate or charge/discharge. 6-21...
Instrument File Management One of the key applications of the PC Vision application, is to assist with managing trace files generated by the Site Analyzer. It is possible to store traces in the instrument’s file system, and PC Vision provides utilities to handle them. To begin file management, from the ‘File’...
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You get the familiar file open dialog box: Select the file you want to display, click “Open” to view. Once downloaded from the instrument, you may decide you no longer need the trace file to remain on the instrument. From the file management window (shown earlier), select the file(s) you wish to delete, and click “Delete”.
Measurement Screen If you’re using PC-Vision with the VNA Site Analyzer, you can make end-to-end dual- port insertion loss measurements of virtually any PASSIVE two port device using the Measurement Screen. Access it by selecting ‘S PORT’ from the sweep control, as shown here: And the S measurement screen will appear:...
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Tracking High: Enables the upper scale when running the tracking gen. Tracking Low: Enables the lower scale when running the T.G. Phase Trace OFF: Checking this box disables the Phase trace, if not needed. For regular S21 operation, only the last option applies. We’ll address the tracking option in the next section.
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You should see a display similar to this one: The phase trace is in orange, and the gain trace is in blue. Both left and right scales are adjustable, making it possible to observe this filter’s pass band ripple: This is the same filter at high vertical resolution. 6-26...
Spectrum Analyzer Screen Selecting Spec. Analyzer from the sweep menu, as shown here, will bring up the PC-Vision’s Spectrum Analyzer function: The controls are mostly familiar, but with an addition: This is the spectrum analyzer Resolution Band Width (RBW) and Video Bandwidth (VBW) control box.
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Recommended RBW Settings This table lists the minimum and maximum recommended span sizes for each RBW. Min Span Max Span Unit 2500 7500 2500 25000 7500 75000 General Spectrum Analyzer Operation: Start by entering the frequency information in the Frequency Settings control, then select the sweep rate in the Sweep Control Box, followed by the desired Resolution and Video Bandwidths.
7. Warranty, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting Guides Limited Warranty AEA Technology, Inc., warrants to the original purchaser that the Site Analyzer shall be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of two years from the date of shipment. All units returned to the factory, delivery charges prepaid, and deemed defective under this warranty, will be replaced or repaired at the company’s option.
below) sprayed on the cloth first. Rinse with a clean soft damp cloth moistened in water only. Do NOT spray detergents or water directly on the instrument. Avoid using solvents or ammonia based glass cleaners that can discolor the LCD protective cover and that may attack the plastic case or test lead insulation.
Power/Battery Charging Troubleshooting Guide Symptom Possible Issue Corrective Action Operational time is 1-One or more of the 1-remove the cells and check for getting shorter with NIMH cells has gone cell with low voltage each use defective. 2-Replace cells with new set of 2-NIMH cells are near end NIMH cells of useful life...
Appendix A Specifications SWR Site Analyzer Specifications Frequency Range 100KHz – 1.5GHz Tuning/Display Resolution 1KHz Refresh Rate 2.5 times/second Frequency Display 250 points Measurement Speed 10ms to 1s Output Power ~ 0 dBm @ 50 Ohms Ranges 2:1, 5:1, 10:1, 20:1, 40:1 & 100:1 Resolution 0.01 Return Loss...
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VNA Site Analyzer Specifications Frequency Range 100KHz – 1.5GHz Tuning/Display Resolution 1KHz Refresh Rate 2.5 times/second Frequency Display 250 points Measurement Speed 10ms to 1s Output Power ~ 0 dBm @ 50 Ohms Ranges 2:1, 5:1, 10:1, 20:1, 40:1 & 100:1 Resolution 0.01 Accuracy...
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Appendix B Site Analyzer SWR Site SWR Site VNA Site VNA Site Models and Analyzer Analyzer Kit Analyzer Analyzer Kit Accessories 6050-5000 6050-5050 6050-5100 6050-5150 Part Number SWR Site Analyzer 6050-1000 √ √ VNA Site Analyzer 6050-1100 √ √ Terminator Set: N Male 6015-1301 √...
Appendix C - Cold Weather Operation As the temperature drops the Site Analyzer’s display may slow down or fade and the NIMH AA cells may not produce the milliamps required to power the instrument. Refer to Appendix A for Operating Temperature Specifications. The Site analyzer generates its own heat from three sources: Batteries’...
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Testing Made Simple 5933 Sea Lion Place, Suite 112 Carlsbad, California 92010 Tel: 1-800-258-7805 or +1-760-931-8979 Fax: +1-760-931-8969 www.aeatechnology.com...
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