User's Manual

September 2013 63-70-076-DOC-1 33
MARS-24ATRUser Manual
5.5 AntennA mAintenAnce (tuning)
Antennas may require periodic re-tuning and testing. Detuning of an antenna may occur if the physical environment
around the antenna is changed. This can occur, for example, when large metal objects are located near the antenna or
electronic devices or cables are placed in close proximity with the antenna. The severity of detuning is dependent upon
the size of the metal object and can only be determined by measurement.
Before tuning make sure that metal objects, electronic devices and cables are not closer that the recommended
distances in any direction from the antenna.
The purpose of the tuning procedure is to maintain an antenna at its correct operating point. Tuning the antenna
means to trim it to its highest possible eld strength which corresponds to the highest voltage as measured by a
voltmeter with an Antenna Tuning Probe.
If in doubt, contact Magellan for further instructions for your specic application.
5.5.1 equipment And softWAre required for AntennA tuning And testing
1 x Antenna Tuning Probe with cable (Magellan Antenna Tuning Kit)
1 x RF Trimming Tool (Magellan Antenna Tuning Kit)
1 x Universal Digital Voltmeter (to measure DC voltages between 1 and 15 volts)
Magellan ReaderManager software– V2.05 or better
1 x Tag (fully powered tag)
Antenna Tuning Kit: Antenna Tuning Probe with a cable and RF Trimming Tool
5.5.2 tuning instructions
1. Connect the Antenna Tuning Probe terminals to the voltage and input terminals of the digital voltmeter.
2. Set the voltmeter to measure a DC voltage range greater than 10 volts.
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