Wattcher® monitor/alarm Models 3026A, 3127A, and 3128A ©Copyright 2010 by Bird Electronic Corporation Instruction Book Part Number 920-3126/27/28A Rev.
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. WARNING Keep Away From Live Circuits Operating Personnel must at all times observe general safety precautions.
The caution symbol appears on the equipment indicating there is important information in the instruction manual regarding that particular area. This symbol indicates that the unit radiates heat and should not be touched while hot. Note: Calls attention to supplemental information. 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.
CAUTION Do not attempt to check the microammeters with an ohmmeter. Damage to the movement or pointer will result. See page 19. CAUTION Replace with only the same type and rating fuse. T, 125 mA, 250VAC. See page 19.
Safety Statements USAGE ANY USE OF THIS INSTRUMENT IN A MANNER NOT SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER MAY IMPAIR THE INSTRUMENT’S SAFETY PROTECTION. USO EL USO DE ESTE INSTRUMENTO DE MANERA NO ESPECIFICADA POR EL FABRICANTE, PUEDE ANULAR LA PROTECCIÓN DE SEGURIDAD DEL INSTRUMENTO. BENUTZUNG WIRD DAS GERÄT AUF ANDERE WEISE VERWENDET ALS VOM HERSTELLER BESCHRIEBEN, KANN DIE GERÄTESICHERHEIT BEEINTRÄCHTIGT WERDEN.
SERVICE SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR USE BY SERVICE - TRAINED PERSONNEL ONLY. TO AVOID DANGEROUS ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING UNLESS QUALIFIED TO DO SO. SERVICIO LAS INSTRUCCIONES DE SERVICIO SON PARA USO EXCLUSIVO DEL PERSONAL DE SERVICIO CAPACITADO. PARA EVITAR EL PELIGRO DE DESCARGAS ELÉCTRICAS, NO REALICE NINGÚN SERVICIO A MENOS QUE ESTÉ CAPACITADO PARA HACERIO. WARTUNG ANWEISUNGEN FÜR DIE WARTUNG DES GERÄTES GELTEN NUR FÜR GESCHULTES FACHPERSONAL.
CONNECT INTERLOCK TO TRANSMITTER BEFORE OPERATING. BRANCHER LE VERROUILLAGE À L'ÉMETTEUR AVANT EMPLOI. CONECTE EL INTERBLOQUEO AL TRANSMISOR ANTES DE LA OPERACION. VOR INBETRIEBNAHME VERRIEGELUNG AM SENDER ANSCHLIESSEN. PRIMA DI METTERE IN FUNZIONE L'APPARECCHIO, COLLEGARE IL DISPOSITIVO DI BLOCCO AL TRASMETTITORE.
About This Manual This manual covers the operating and maintenance instructions for the following models: 3126A 3127A 3128A Changes to this Manual We have made every effort to ensure this manual is accurate. If you discover any errors, or if you have suggestions for improving this manual, please send your comments to our Solon, Ohio factory. This manual may be periodically updated. When inquiring about updates to this manual refer to the part number and revision on the title page.
Table of Contents Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Warning Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii Caution Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Preparation for Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Line Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Chapter 1 Introduction This publication refers to the Wattcher RF Monitor/Alarm models 3126A, 3127A, and 3128A. The differences between models are listed in the specifications. All models will generally be referred as a Wattcher Unit throughout this manual. The information in this instruction book pertains to all models except noted differences referred to in the text.
Items Supplied • • • • • Wattcher Monitor/Alarm 115/230 VAC Power Cord DC Cable (2)—25’ Standard Other Lengths Optional Interlock Connector—Six-Terminal, Screw-Clamp Plug Connector Remote Reset / Auxiliary DC Connector—Four-Terminal Screw-Clamp Plug Connector Options Line Sections & Elements Frequency and power range are governed by the line section and elements selected. Refer to sales catalog for available models. Cable Assemblies DC Cable Assemblies are available for remote rigid line installation.
Table 1-1 Front Panel 1 2 3 Forward Power Meter Reflected Meter Alarm Active LED 4 RFL Alarm LED 5 Reset Push-button 6 View Push-button 7 Adjust Figure 3 Table 1-2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Analog Meter Indicating forward power. Analog Meter indicating reflected power. Green LED, when illuminated the alarm is active, power is on. Red LED, flashes when the reflected power trip level has been exceeded for more than 50ms.
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Chapter 2 Theory of Operation General The forward power meter acts as a continuous monitor of forward power output. This provides a reference against the reflected power value enabling determination of power ratios and VSWR. Alarm Condition An alarm condition occurs as the result of the reflected power being greater than the reflected power set point for longer than 50ms. If enabled, an audible alarm will sound. An alarm condition will also activate the interlock.
The reflected wave originates by reflection at the load, travels, and its power flows from the load back to the source. It has an RF voltage Er and current Ir in phase, with Er / Ir = Zo.
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. a.
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Chapter 3 Installation Items Required • • Wattcher RF Monitor Alarm Thruline Line Section Note: Ordered separately, p/n depends on transmission line type. • Elements Note: Ordered separately, p/n depends on Wattcher model, power level and frequency ranges. • Coupling Kit Note: Ordered separately, p/n depends on transmission line type. • 2 DC Cables - Length as required General The Wattcher Unit model and serial numbers are located on the back panel.
Figure 5 Coupling Connections Wattcher RFMonitor/Alarm The Wattcher is designed to mount in an EIA standard 19" relay rack. Wire lengths are not critical, the unit may be installed where convenient for monitoring and operation. The following connections and switch settings should be made before installation. See “Operating Instructions” on page 11 for descriptions of various modes.
Chapter 4 Operating Instructions 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. If adjustment is required, turn the adjustment screw until the pointer is set at zero.
Figure 7 Interlock Connector 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. The reset input can be jumpered to ground so that the alarm will clear automatically when the reflected power drops below the set point. Auxiliary DC, (9-16 VDC @ 1A), can be used to power the Wattcher Unit.
Figure 9 VSWR Conversion Nomograph 13
Figure 10 14 VSWR Conversion Nomograph
Chapter 5 Maintenance Preparation for Shipment Elements The elements can be left in the sockets of the line section with their ARROWS turned midway between the measuring positions. Any additional elements should be well padded and wrapped before being put in the shipping container. Line Section Wrap the connectors on the flanged models with padding and tape them securely in place. Cover both ends of the line section and the socket to keep out dust and foreign material.
Table 1-3 PROBLEM CAUSE AREAS TO CHECK / CORRECTION No meter indication No RF power Check RF source. Arrow on plug-in element pointing in wrong direction Change position of element. No pickup from DC contact finger Adjust the contacts. See “Contact Adjustment” on page 19. Open or short circuit in DC cable Replace defective DC meter cable (RG58/U). See “Meter Replacement” on page 19.
Customer Service Any maintenance or service procedure beyond the scope of those in this chapter should be referred to a qualified service center. If the unit needs to be returned for any reason, request an RMA through the Bird Technologies website. All instruments returned must be shipped prepaid and to the attention of the RMA number. Bird Service Center 30303 Aurora Road Cleveland (Solon), Ohio 44139-2794 Fax: (440) 248-5426 E-mail: bsc@bird-technologies.
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. Use an aerosol contact cleaner that is self-drying, but forms no residue, on the inaccessible internal parts.
If there is any evidence of contamination inside the RF line section, the accessible portions should be cleaned and the interior carefully blown out. Keep all connections tight, and keep the nut of the meter cord plug turned tight on the line section DC jack. This connection may often be serviced by simply loosening the nut of the DC plug, rotating the body several times through a fraction of a turn and retightening the knurled nut securely.
Specifications Models 3126A and 3127A Power Range6 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) Meter Scales FWD 15/30/60 kW RFL 1.5/3/6 kW FWD 5/10/25 kW RFL 1/2.5/5 kW 3126A 3126A 3127A 3127A Model 3128A Power Range6 100mW to 10kW using Bird plug-in elements Frequency Range 0.
Replacement Parts List Qty. 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 Description Part Number BR1, Rectifier, full wave silicone bridge LS1, Buzzer, alarm F1 - F2, Fuse .125A at 250 Vac LS1, Fuse holder, alarm K1, Power relay, 3pdt M2, Meter, triple scale, incident power - Model 3126, 100uA 15/30/60kW scale - Model 3127, 100uA 5/10/25kW scale - Model 3128, 30uA 25/50/100W scale M1, Meter, triple scale, reflected power Model 3126, 100uA 1.5/3.0/6.0kW scale Model 3127, 100uA 1.0/2.5/5.
Available QC Type Connectors For 7/8“ line section equipped with quick change “qc” connectors. Note: When selecting “QC” connectors, consideration must be given to frequency and power range capability of size of connector.
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.
