INSTRUCTION BOOK Operator Manual AT-800 Antenna Tester © Copyright 2009 by Bird Electronic Corporation Instruction Book Part Number 920-AT800 Rev N
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.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester WARNING Safety Earth Ground An uniterruptible earth safety ground must be supplied from the main power source to test instruments. Grounding one conductor of a two conductor power cable is not sufficient protection. Serious injury or death can occur if this grounding is not properly supplied. WARNING Resuscitation Personnel working with or near high voltages should be familiar with modern methods of resuscitation.
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 Care should be taken when handling batteries. Do not heat or dispose of batteries in fire. May burst or release toxic materials. Avoid forced discharge. Do not short circuit. Restrict charging current and time to the recommended value. Do not solder the battery directly. Do not disassemble, apply excessive pressure or deform.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Caution Statements The following equipment cautions appear in the text whenever the equipment is in danger of damage and are repeated here for emphasis. CAUTION Follow guidelines for battery charging. Avoid constant charging of batteries for long periods of time. Overcharging can result in reduced battery efficiency, service life, and possible permanent damage. On page 15 and 42. CAUTION Required input is 11 to 16 VDC @ 250mA. Connector is wired outside positive, inside negative.
CAUTION 250mW max. input Exceeding the maximum input will cause damage to internal components. Do not connect transmitter output to the AT-800. Damage can also be caused by testing antennas near other transmitting antennas. If testing base station antennas, first measure the power at the coax end to be sure it does not exceed 250mW. On page 17. CAUTION Harsh or abrasive detergents and some solvents can damage the display unit and information on labels. On page 41.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester 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.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester UNITS ARE EQUIPPED WITH RECHAREABLE BATTERIES. THESE ARE TO BE REPLACED BY AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY!!! LAS UNIDADES VIENEN EQUIPADAS CON BATERIAS RECARGABLES. ¡¡¡Y SOLAMENTE EL PERSONAL DE SERVICIO AUTORIZADO PUEDE REEMPLAZARLAS!!! GERÄTE SIND MIT WIEDER AUFLADBAREN BATTERIEN BESTÜCKT. BATTERIEN SIND NUR VON QUALIFIZIERTEM SERICE PERSONAL AUSZUWECHSELN!!! CES DISPOSITIFS SONT ÉQUIPÉS DE BATTERIES RECHARGEABLES.
RF VOLTAGE MAY BE PRESENT IN RF ELEMENT SOCKET - KEEP ELEMENT IN SOCKET DURING OPERATION. DE LA TENSION H.F. PEAT ÊTRE PRÉSENTE DANS LA PRISE DE L'ÉLÉMENT H.F. - CONSERVER L'ÉLÉMENT DANS LA PRISE LORS DE L'EMPLOI. HF-SPANNUNG KANN IN DER HF-ELEMENTBUCHSE ANSTEHEN - ELEMENT WÄHREND DES BETRIEBS EINGESTÖPSELT LASSEN. PUEDE HABER VOLTAJE RF EN EL ENCHUFE DEL ELEMENTO RF - MANTENGA EL ELEMENTO EN EL ENCHUFE DURANTE LA OPERACION.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester About This Manual This manual covers the operating and maintenance instructions for the following models: AT-800 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.
Chapter Layout Introduction—Will help you become familiar with the parts of the Antenna Tester, Features Available, and Optional Equipment. Basic Operation—Everyone should read this section! This section provides information to get the Antenna Tester powered up, helpful information about how to operate the Antenna Tester, and time saving hints for alternate operating methods.
Table of Contents Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Warning Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Caution Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v Safety Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi Changes to this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 2 Basic Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Out of Range Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Selecting the Cellular System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Setting the Auto Shut-Off Timer . . . . . . . . . . 12 Return to Factory Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Set Serial Baud Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limit Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Turn Audio On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Selecting Limit Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Using a Trace as the Limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Clearing a Limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Single Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Selecting the Frequency User Defined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Antenna Tester will not power up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 NVRAM Test Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 ROM, EEPROM, RAM, A/D, TEMPR, PLL Test Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Stuck Keys Test Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 “Noise” is Displayed During Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Antenna Tester indicates a Perfect Match . . . . . . . . .
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Chapter 1 Introduction Items Supplied Figure 1 Supplied Items 1 4 2 3 1. Bird AT-800 2. AC Mains Adapter 3. Female TNC Connector 4. Field Strength Antenna 5.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Component Description Figure 2 Component Description 14 13 1 2 12 11 10 3 9 8 4 7 6 5 1. 2. 2 LCD Display External DC Connector Backlit liquid crystal display. Connect either the ac adapter or the cigarette lighter adapter cable. External supplies operate the unit and charge the internal battery.
Introduction 3. Cursor Keys Left Arrow Right Arrow Up Arrow Down Arrow 4. Backlight Key 5. On Key 6. +/- Key 7. 8. Enter Key ESC Key 9. Menu Key 10. Select Key 11. Numeric Keys 12. Menu Select Keys 13. Test Port 14. Serial Port Press in swept frequency mode to move the cursor to the left. Press during data entry to erase data. Press in swept frequency mode to move the cursor to the right. Moves the cursor to the maximum point on the displayed trace.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Display Description Figure 3 Display Description 13 12 11 1.35 858.27 MHz 2.0 1 * 2 3 VSWR AMPS Mobile TxRx 10 9 8 Busy 7 6 1.0 824.01 4 Meas Match MHz 13 5 893.97 Field Str Util 12 Test 11 1.35 858.27 MHz CH 345 1.2 15 AMPS Mobile 10 9 Low Batt 7 1.
Introduction 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Sweep Rate Blinks when sweeping. Indicator Measurement Units Indicates selected measurement units. Trace Graphic display of measured results across selected frequency band. Menu Select Key Defines function of menu select keys located below the display. Labels Frequency Band Displays frequency band selected. Scale Cursor Used to select measurement position on the trace.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Features Swept Frequency Mode Fast scan shows Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR); Reflection Coefficient (ρ); % Match, or Return Loss (dB) across an entire band. A movable cursor can be used to pinpoint a scan frequency and the corresponding measurement value is displayed. Single Frequency Mode Provides measurement information in units of VSWR, ρ, match efficiency or return loss at one frequency on a simulated meter movement.
Introduction Optional Equipment Automobile Cigarette Lighter Adapter Cable (P/N 5A2238-1) Connects tester to standard 12V automotive cigarette lighter jack. Carrying Case (P/N 5000-030) Convenient and protective, large enough to carry the tester, AC adapter, connectors, field strength antenna and instruction book. Verification Kit (P/N 7000A845) Used to verify tester performance. Includes standard mismatch and connector adapter.
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Chapter 2 Basic Operations Getting Started This section describes initial quick steps to get started. For detailed information regarding connecting the Antenna Tester refer to "Connecting the Antenna" on page 17 Note: This unit is shipped with the batteries not charged. Charge batteries for at least 8 hours before use. ON z z Power On/Off To turn the Antenna Tester on, momentarily press the ON key. The results of a self test will be displayed if a failure is present.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester MENU z Software Menu Press the MENU key to display the software menu. Blinking Cursor (black square) The cursor will be blinking in the selected area, indicating that the parameter for that area can be changed. ENTER Enter Key All data entry, and mode changes accessed using select key, require the enter key to be pressed before they are initiated.
Basic Operations Select Key The instructions in this manual are based on stepping through the software menu using the keys below the display. Once comfortable operating the AT-800, it may be faster to use the SELECT key to access some functions. These include: Units, Scale, Start and Stop Frequencies in swept frequency mode and Units, Scale, Frequency and Channel in single frequency mode. Press the SELECT key until the cursor is blinking at the desired function.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester “Noise” Displayed if there is excessive background noise measured. Note: The measurement may not be accurate. See "Troubleshooting" on page 49 if this condition is persistent. Out of Range Values When entering numeric data, it is possible to enter a value out of range. Depending on the function, the Antenna Tester will either enter the minimum or maximum value, or the cursor will continue to blink on the function out of range waiting for the correct entry.
Basic Operations Follow the steps below to select the length of time, before auto shut-off occurs. 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Press the UTIL key. 3. Press the TIMER key until the desired interval is displayed. Return to Factory Presets When the Antenna Tester is turned on, the various software parameters will be set to the condition they were at when the tester was turned off. To return the parameters to the factory setting follow the steps below.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Set Serial Baud Rate Measurement data can be transferred between the AT-800 and a personal computer using the serial port and optional interface software. The data can then be used for analysis, printed, or stored. The data transfer rate (baud rate) between the Antenna Tester and computer must be identical and set to 9600. To change the baud rate for the serial port on the Antenna Tester, follow the steps below.
Chapter 3 Installation The following paragraphs will explain how to connect the Bird Antenna Tester for various operations. See “Component Description” on page 2 if needed. Power Supply The AT-800 can use an external power source. Using the ac adapter or the 12V cigarette lighter adapter cable will also charge the battery. Using the ac adapter, charge time is about 8 hours. Using the cigarette lighter adapter cable, charge time will depend on the car battery charge.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester AC Mains Adapter 1. Insert the adapter’s barrel connector into the Antenna Tester’s DC jack. 2. Insert the adapter plug into a wall receptacle. CAUTION Required input is 11 to 16 VDC @ 250mA. Connector is wired outside positive, inside negative. Automobile Cigarette Lighter Adapter Cable Note: Before inserting the adapter’s barrel connector into the Antenna Tester’s DC jack (Figure 4), verify that the polarity of the adapter barrel is correct (Figure 4).
Installation Connecting the Antenna CAUTION AVOID STATIC DISCHARGE Use proper Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions to avoid static discharge when making connections to the test port. Equipment failure can occur if the test port is subjected to ESD. CAUTION 250mW max. input Exceeding the maximum input will damage the unit. Do not connect transmitter output to the AT-800. Damage can also be caused by testing antennas near other transmitting antennas.
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Chapter 4 Measure Match Understanding the Operating Modes The Antenna Tester is connected and the cellular system is selected (see basic operation). User selections are customized, the power is on, and the top level menu is displayed (also in basic operation). Since the AT-800 changes the way antennas are tested, take some time to explore the different operating modes and find what is best for individual applications. Swept Frequency vs.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Single Frequency mode displays the measurement on a simulated analog meter. This mode is useful when tuning an antenna, especially with audio on. Figure 6 Single Frequency 1.35 858.27 MHz 1.2 AMPS Mobile 1.5 VSWR Freq MHz Units Manual Auto Scale Scale Audio Off Band Selection Presets vs. User Defined In swept frequency mode, band presets ensure the antenna system is tested at the correct frequencies.
Measure Match Rho The ratio of reflected wave voltage to forward wave voltage. Note: A perfect antenna would not have any reflected waves and a 0.00 reflection coefficient. VSWR The ratio of maximum and minimum voltages on a transmission line caused by the combination of a forward and reflected wave. Note: For a perfect antenna the VSWR would be 1:1 and shown as 1.00. Match Efficiency (%) Indicates how much of the transmitted power is being used and how much is wasted.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Auto Scale vs. Manual Scale In swept mode Auto Scaling sets the measurement unit scale to make the trace easier to read. However, for quick comparisons of the size or shape of traces, it might be more meaningful to set a standard scale. Note: It is possible to set the scale manually so the information is not on the display at all. Figure 7 Auto Scaling Swept Frequency Mode 1.35 858.27 MHz AMPS Mobile TxRx 1.5 * VSWR 1.2 824.01 Meas Match Figure 8 MHz Field Str 893.
Measure Match Figure 9 Auto Scaling Single Frequency Mode 1.35 858.27 MHz 1.2 AMPS Mobile 1.5 VSWR Freq MHz Figure 10 Units Manual Auto Scale Scale Audio Off Manual Scaling Single Frequency Mode 1.35 858.27 MHz 1.0 AMPS Mobile 5.0 VSWR Freq MHz Units Manual Auto Scale Scale Audio Off Sweep Type – Single Hold vs. Continuous Continuous sweep continually sweeps the frequency band and updates the value after each sweep.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Swept Frequency Select Frequency Band - Presets With the cellular system selected, the start and stop frequencies can be automatically selected for transmit (Tx), receive (Rx), or both (TxRx). 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Press the MEAS MATCH key. 3. Press the SWEPT FREQ key. 4. Press the BAND key. 5. Press TX to select transmit band, RX for receive band and TXRX for both. Note: The start and stop frequencies will change and the tester will begin sweeping.
Measure Match Start Stop MHz The cursor will blink on the start frequency and Start Stop MHz will be highlighted. a. Enter the frequency using the numeric keypad or change the frequency using the UP/DOWN arrow keys. b. Press the ENTER key. Note: The cursor will blink on the stop frequency. c. Enter the frequency using the numeric keypad or change the frequency using the UP/DOWN arrow keys. d. Press the ENTER key. Note: The tester will begin sweeping.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Select Measurement Units Antenna match information can be presented using four different measurement units. Depending on the application, follow the steps below to select Rho, VSWR, %Match or Return Loss. 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Press the MEAS MATCH key. 3. Press the SWEPT FREQ key. 4. Press the MEAS UNITS key. 5. Press the UNITS key. 6. Press either the RHO, VSWR, %MATCH or RETURN LOSS key. Note: The selected unit will be shown on the left side of the display. 7.
Measure Match Auto Scale The units scale changes and the Antenna Tester begins sweeping. Manual Scale The cursor will blink on the minimum scale value and Manual Scale will be highlighted. a. Enter the desired value using the numeric keypad or change the value using the UP/DOWN arrow keys. b. Press the ENTER key. The cursor will blink on the maximum scale value. c. Enter the desired value using the numeric keypad or change the value using the UP/DOWN arrow keys. d. Press the ENTER key.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Selecting the Sweep Type Sweep types are continuous or single hold. Continuous will sweep and update the trace automatically. Single hold will sweep once and the trace will remain in the display. Each time single hold is pressed, the trace is updated. 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Press the MEAS MATCH key. 3. Press the SWEPT FREQ key. 4. Press the SWEEP TYPE key. 5. Depending on desired mode press either SINGLE HOLD or CONT key.
Measure Match Example - If a trace is displayed in VSWR, it can be compared to a trace displayed in %Match. The frequency band of the new trace can be changed, to effectively zoom in on a particular section of the saved trace. This may be helpful in pinpointing a problem area in a failed limit test. Figure 11 Save a Trace 1.35 858.27 MHz AMPS Mobile TxRx 2.0 VSWR 1.0 824.01 Reg-1 Empty Reg-2 Empty MHz Reg-3 Empty 893.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Note: If a full register is selected, the new trace will overwrite the old trace. Note: If registers 1-4 are full press the MORE SAVE key to access 5-8 and again to access 9-12. If needed, use the ESC key to back up. Note: It is a good idea to keep a record of which traces are in which register as they are identified by register number only. Recalling a Trace Follow the steps below to recall a saved trace. 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Press the MEAS MATCH key. 3.
Measure Match Clearing a Trace When a trace is no longer needed or registers need to be cleared for space, follow the steps below. 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Press the MEAS MATCH key. 3. Press the SWEPT FREQ key. 4. Press the TRACE key. 5. Press the CLEAR TRACE key. 6. Press the REG-n key for the desired trace 7. Press the MORE CLEAR key to access 5-8 and again to access 9-12. Note: If needed, use the ESC key to back up. The word full will be replaced by empty at the selected register. 8.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Turn Audio On/Off Audio tone for fail indication. 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Press the MEAS MATCH key. 3. Press the SWEPT FREQ key. 4. Press the LIMIT key. 5. Pressing the AUDIO key will toggle between on and off. Selecting Limit Values Valid limit values depend on measurement units selected. Valid entries are: z VSWR Note: Between 1.0 and 100.0 z % Match Note: Between 0 and 100% z Return Loss Note: Between -32 and 0 dB z RHO Note: Between 0.000 and 1.
Measure Match 4. Press the LIMIT key. 5. Press the VALUE key. Note: The cursor will blink next to off. 6. Enter the desired value using the numeric keypad or change the value using the UP/DOWN arrow keys. 7. Press the ENTER key. Note: Pass or Fail will be displayed, a tone will be heard for fail if audio is enabled. Using a Trace as the Limit The trace used for the limit must be saved. The current antenna test can be running or start it after the limit test is set up.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester 6. Press the REG-n key where the trace is stored. Note: A dotted outline of the limit trace will be displayed with the new trace displayed over it. Note: Pass or Fail will be displayed. Note: The cursor can still be used, measurement units, frequency band and scale can be changed. The dotted outline of the limit trace will be automatically adjusted to provide a direct comparison with the antenna system under test.
Measure Match Single Frequency This mode is useful for tuning antennas, particularly with the audio on. The frequency can be selected manually or by selecting the channel. The correct cellular system and base or mobile should be selected and shown in the top right corner of the display. Selecting the Frequency - User Defined 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Press the MEAS MATCH key. 3. Press the SINGLE FREQ key. 4. Press the FREQ MHZ key.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Select Measurement Units Antenna match information can be presented in Rho, VSWR, %Match or Return Loss units. 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Press the MEAS MATCH key. 3. Press the SINGLE FREQ key. 4. Press the UNITS key. 5. Press either the RHO, VSWR, %MATCH or RETURN LOSS key. Note: The selected unit will be shown in the center of the display. 6. Press the RETURN key to go back one menu level. Select Auto or Manual Scale 1. Press the MENU key. 2.
Measure Match Manual Scale The cursor will blink on the maximum scale value and Manual Scale will be highlighted. a. Enter the desired value using the numeric keypad or change the value using the UP/DOWN arrow keys. b. Press the ENTER key. The cursor will blink on the minimum scale value. c. Enter the desired value using the numeric keypad or change the value using the UP/ DOWN arrow keys. d. Press the ENTER key.
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Chapter 5 Field Strength Field Strength Measurement With the field strength antenna installed, the Antenna Tester can be used to verify the output of portable cellular phones with fixed antennas. This is a relative measurement. The measurement sensitivity is such that a full scale deflection will occur at about three meters from a source that is radiating 12.6 watts effective radiated power (ERP). The gain factor can be adjusted to increase the measurement sensitivity.
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Chapter 6 Maintenance Cleaning CAUTION Harsh or abrasive detergents and some solvents can damage the display unit and information on labels. Clean the antenna tester and the display with a soft cloth dampened with mild detergent and water only. Calibration For best performance and accuracy, the Antenna Tester should be calibrated once every 12 months. Return the unit to an authorized Bird Service Center. Charging Batteries WARNING Care should be taken when handling batteries.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Fully charged batteries will provide a minimum of 2 hours continuous operation with the backlight on. Charging time is typically 8 hours. The batteries are being charged when the Antenna Tester is connected to AC, with the AC mains adapter, or DC, with the automobile cigarette lighter adapter cable. The unit does not have to be on to charge the batteries. Note: For optimum battery life, charge the batteries only after the low battery indication is displayed.
Maintenance Operational Tests Power-up Several tests run at power up. Results are displayed only if a test fails. The results are displayed to the right of the test as shown in Figure 13. To display test screen regardless of results, press any key while pressing the ON key at initial power up. If any test fails, check the troubleshooting section for possible correction. When displaying the tests as described above, a stuck key will be indicated. “Firmware Rev” checks the rev date of the installed firmware.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Figure 14 Battery Test 7.71 V 6.0 8.0 Battery Voltage Return Note: Ensure the AC mains adapter is not connected. 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Press the TEST key. 3. Press the BATT TEST key. 4. Press the RETURN key to end the test. Display Test The display test checks that each area of the display is functional. When the test is started the display is filled with characters. Each pixel then changes state, either from black to white or white to black.
Maintenance 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Press the TEST key. 3. Press the DISP TEST key. 4. The test is started. 5. Press the ESC key to end the test. Self Test The self test is similar to the operational tests run at power up described on page 43, except for the keypad test. Figure 16 Self Test Firmware Rev: NVRam: Rom: EEprom: Ram: A/D: Tempr: PLL: 10MAR94 Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Keypad: 1. 2. 3. 4. Press the MENU key. Press the TEST key. Press the SELF TEST key.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester If the Self Test fails, then perform the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Press the ESC key. Press the MENU key. Press the Util key. Press Preset. Rerun the Self Test. See “Self Test” on page 45. Note: If the unit still fails, return the unit for service. Battery Replacement The batteries need to be replaced when fully charged batteries provide less than 2 hours operation. Carefully follow the instructions below to replace the batteries.
Maintenance Note: To retain trace data stored in nonvolatile RAM, leave the AC mains adapter connected during battery replacement. 1. Lay the Antenna Tester, display side down, on a clean surface. 2. Using a small standard screwdriver, remove six screws from the back cover. 3. Lift the back cover approximately two inches above the front cover. 4. Flip the back cover in the direction of the arrow shown below. To avoid disconnecting P2, (battery connector), lay the back cover next to the front. 5.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Fuse Replacement CAUTION Replace with only the same type and rating fuse. 315mA 250V Follow the steps outlined in Battery Replacement replacing the fuse where replacing the batteries is indicated.
Maintenance Troubleshooting Operator maintenance or service is limited to battery and fuse replacement. Any other required service must be performed at an authorized Bird Service Center. Refer to the following paragraphs for help in isolating error conditions. The Antenna Tester will not power up Power for the Antenna Tester can be provided in three ways—the internal batteries, an AC mains adapter or an optional automobile cigarette lighter adapter cable. Try to power the tester using each available means.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Stuck Keys Test Fails If any characters other than 0 are displayed next to stuck keys during power up test, perform the keypad test on page 45. Remember, if a key is depressed during power up to display the power up test results it is normal for other characters to be displayed. If the key remains stuck return the unit for service.
Maintenance 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.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Parts List Part Name Part Number AT-800 Complete 7000A801 Parts Supplied with AT-800 Complete, or installed when shipped.
Maintenance Specifications Frequency Range Frequency Resolution 806 to 960 MHz 30 kHz Measurement Range VSWR 1.00 to 100.00 Match Efficiency 0 to 100% Return Loss -32 to 0 dB Rho 0.000 to 1.000 Measurement Speed (Typical) Single Frequency 5 Readings/second Swept Frequency 1 Sweep/second Test Port Impedance 50Ω nominal Connector (Field Interchangeable) Female TNC Field Strength Range 0 to 100% Relative Sensitivity Full scale deflection at 3m @ 12.
Bird AT-800 Antenna Tester Storage Temperature -40° to 71°C (-40° to 160°F) Size (including connector) 8" x 4-5/8" x 1-3/4” (204mm x 118mm x 42mm) Weight 1-3/4 lb (0.8 kg) CE Compliance EN 61326-1-2:2006 Electrical equipment for measurement and control use.
Tx Band Rx VSWR Cont TxRx % Match Return Loss Rho Return Audio (on, off) Return Rho Clear Trace Audio (on, off) Return Center MHz Span MHz Return Return Return Return Recall Trace Return Mobile Base GSM Serial Batt Test Test Base Amps Cell Sys Util Value Trace -> Lim Clear Limit Start MHz / Stop MHz User Return Loss Manual Scale Auto Scale Single Hold Save Trace Return Auto Scale Limit % Match Manual Scale Return Audio (on/off) Sweep Type Trace VSWR Units Meas
Bird AT-500 Antenna Tester 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.
