Spectracom Path Align-R Technical Notes

Technical Note: Path Align-R™
Field Verification Check
CAUTION
When connecting the SMA terminated end of the cable to the front panel Band connector, do not over-tighten the SMA cable
connector as it can damage the front panel connector's center pin. A 5/16" open-end wrench fits SMA connectors; recommended
torque is 8-inch/pounds. A special 5/16" open end torque wrench with an 8-inch/pound setting is available from Torque Controls, So.
El Monte, California. The manufacturer part number is 'A5'.
The following operational checks of the Path Align-R™ may be made by personnel in the field to confirm proper operation of both
Path Align-R™ units, their coax cables and the waveguide adapters (transitions). This confirmation may be made prior to climbing the
towers or whenever an operational confidence check needs to be made in the field, without access to test equipment or electronic
technicians. The Band 1 (1.8–2.5 GHz) check is given first, using a 40 dB attenuator. Bands 2, 3, and 4 are given next, using the
appropriate waveguide adapters. Figures 1 (Band 1) and 2 (Bands 2, 3 & 4) illustrate the setups.
Band 1 (1.8–2.5 GHz) Field Verification Check
1. First, using two SMA terminated coax cables, connect one end to the Band 1 connector on each Path Align-R™. Connect the
other end of each cable to a 40 dB in line attenuator.
Note: Without the attenuator, the input circuits of the Path Align-R™ would overload. The attenuator needs to pass
frequencies from DC through 18 GHz. An appropriate attenuator is manufactured by Mini-Circuits, Brooklyn, NY, model BW-
S40W2, and sells for about US$30.
2. Using the thumbwheel switches, select any Band 1 frequency.
Note: The Path Align-R™'s thumbwheels must be set to the same frequency on both units.
3. Set one Path Align-R™ to `MASTER' and the other Path Align-R™ to `SLAVE' and then power up both units.
4. Observe that the LED over the Band 1 connector on each unit is lit, indicating operation of that band.
5. The path loss indicated on the meter should be close to 40 dB. If the loss is significantly different, check or replace the coax
cables or attenuator and repeat the above test.
Note: The two 2200s should typically read within 4 dB of one another.
6. This completes the field operational confidence check of Band 1.
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Fig1. Band 1 Field Verification Check Test Setup
1 | Test & Measurement Technical Note