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LIMITED WARRANTY All products manufactured by Seller are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year, unless otherwise specified, from date of shipment and to conform to applicable specifications, drawings, blueprints and/or samples. Seller’s sole obligation under these warranties shall be to issue credit, repair or replace any item or part thereof which is proved to be other than as warranted;...
Safety Precautions The following are general safety precautions that are not necessarily related to any specific part or procedure and do not necessarily appear elsewhere in this publication. These precautions must be thoroughly understood and apply to all phases of operation and maintenance. Keep Away From Live Circuits Operating personnel must at all times observe general safety precautions.
Bird Models 3126A, 3127A, 3128A Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm 3126A/27A/28A Warning Statements The following safety warnings appear in the text where there is danger to operating and maintenance personnel and are repeated here for emphasis. WARNING Electrical shock hazard. Disconnect from ac power source before servicing.
About This Manual This instruction manual covers the Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm models 3126A, 3127A, and 3128A. This instruction book is arranged so that essential information on safety is contained in the front of the book. Reading the Safety Precautions Section before operating the equipment is strongly advised. The remainder of this Instruction Book is divided into Chapters and Sections.
The information in this instruction book pertains to all models except noted differences referred to in the text. The Bird Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm—when installed with a dual port Thruline Line Section and two elements—is designed for the protection and monitoring of radio frequency transmission systems.
Bird Models 3126A, 3127A, 3128A Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm Specifications Models 3126A and 3127A Power Range: 100W to 250 kW using Bird plug-in elements Frequency Range: 2 to 1000 MHz Accuracy: ±5% of full scale (for elements calibrated with the Wattcher)
Chapter 1 - Introduction Functional Description The Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm is enclosed in an aluminum housing intended for a standard 19" Enclosure rack mount. Figure 2 Front Panel Front Panel Analog Meter Indicating forward power. Forward Power Meter Analog Meter indicating reflected power. Reflected Meter Green LED, when illuminated the alarm is active, power is on.
Bird Models 3126A, 3127A, 3128A Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm Figure 3 Back Panel Rear Panel Forward Sensor Input connector for forward power sensor cable from port A of line section. Input Connector Reflected Sensor Input connector for reflected power sensor cable from port B of line section.
Chapter 2 - Theory of Operation The forward power meter acts as a continuous monitor of forward power output. This provides General a reference against the reflected power value enabling determination of power ratios and VSWR. An alarm condition occurs as the result of the reflected power being greater than the reflected Alarm Condition power set point for longer than 50ms.
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Bird Models 3126A, 3127A, 3128A Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm The forward wave travels and its power flows from the source to the load. It has an RF voltage and current I in phase, with E The reflected wave originates by reflection at the load, travels, and its power flows from the load back to the source.
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Chapter 2 - Theory of Operation Where appreciable power is reflected, as with an antenna, it is necessary to subtract the reflected power from the forward power to get the effective power. This correction is negligible, less than 1 percent, if the loading device has a VSWR of 1.2 to 1 or less. VSWR scales, and their attendant controls for setting the reference point, have been intentionally omitted from the Thruline Wattmeter for two reasons.
The model and serials numbers will be required when obtaining information from the Factory or Bird’s customer service department. A coupling kit is required for connecting the line section to the transmission line. The coupling Line Section kit will be similar to one of the coupling kits shown below.
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Bird Models 3126A, 3127A, 3128A Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm Wattcher RF The Wattcher is designed to mount in an EIA standard 19" relay rack. Wire lengths are not Monitor/Alarm critical, the unit may be installed where convenient for monitoring and operation.
Chapter 4 - Operations General This section contains information about the various operating modes and features of the Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm. Zero Adjust The two panel meters should be checked for zero set under no power conditions. With no power applied the meter pointers should set exactly on zero.
Bird Models 3126A, 3127A, 3128A Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm Using Remote Reset & Auxiliary DC Remote reset can be used to wire a reset switch in a convenient location. Actuating the switch will reset the alarm condition after the error has been corrected.
Chapter 5 - Maintenance Any maintenance or service procedure beyond the scope of those provided in this section should be referred to a qualified service center. Bird Electronic Corporation maintains complete repair and calibration facilities at the following address: Bird Electronic Corporation...
Bird Models 3126A, 3127A, 3128A Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm Troubleshooting The following table contains troubleshooting information for problems which can occur during normal operation. Locate the problem, review the possible cause, and perform the corrective action listed. Only those functions within the scope of normal maintenance are listed. This manual cannot list all malfunctions that may occur, or all corrective actions.
Chapter 5 - Maintenance Cleaning WARNING When using dry cleaning solvents, provide adequate ventilation and observe normal safety precautions. Many dry cleaning agents emit toxic fumes that may be harmful to your health, if inhaled. If any of the contacts or line connectors become dirty, they should be wiped off with a clean cloth and a dry cleaning solvent.
Bird Models 3126A, 3127A, 3128A Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm Meter Replacement Caution Do not attempt to check the microammeters with an ohmmeter. Damage to the movement or pointer will result. 1. Remove four screws securing the front panel. Disassembly 2. Pull front panel forward until it clears the lamps and switches.
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