A-1
Appendix A
Technical Tip
TECHNICAL TIP (FOR INFORMATION ONLY)
Coaxial Cable & Antenna System Inspection with a
Frequency Domain Reflectometer
INTRODUCTION: This Technical Tip and user instruction manual
establishes the standards of operation for the personnel unfamiliar with
this unit to understand it, identify its parts, and operate it in accordance
with proper procedures, operating techniques, precautions and
limitations.
GENERAL INTRODUCTION:
(1) This Technical Tip procedure has the steps using a frequency domain
reflectometer to locate opens, shorts, improper crimps, bends,
moisture, loose connectors, and defective antenna elements that lead to
weak or intermittent RF operation. You can also use the FDR to test the
antenna elements from the equipment rack for troubleshooting or
directly at the antenna to make sure that reliable operation prior to
installation.
(2) This procedure can be done on the entire Radio Frequency (RF)
system’s coaxial cables and antenna as a unit or on individual
components.
(3) The FDR performs a Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) or Return
Loss (RL) test by transmitting a continuous RF sweep of the cables and
antenna at their operating frequencies and then monitoring the
absorption of the wave by the antenna. The FDR identifies standing or
reflected waves due to loose connections, corrosion, moisture, or
defective cable, or faulty antenna which changes the system impedance
resulting in a reflected or standing wave. Standing waves not only
decrease output transmission, resulting in weak, intermittent operation,