•
Connect the spectrum analyzer (Power Meter may be
used in emergency situations.) to the f1 amplifier, A1, RF
PWR MON port. With a signal transmitted from the A
terminal, position the A antenna for a maxi-mum power
reading on the meter or analyzer. Turn Gain Adjustment
fully clockwise and remove any temporarily installed input
attenuators. Re-set the power level with the AGC/ALC
adjustment if needed. The AGC/ALC adjustment is located
near the out-put end of each amplifier, see Fig.2.7. Use
screw driver to adjust the AGC/ALC potenti-ometer CW to
reduce the power setting or CCW to increase the AGC/ALC
set point. Log the power reading to fulfill FCC requirements.
Remove the spectrum analyzer from the f1 Amplifier PWR
MON to the f2 Amplifier PWR MON. With a signal transmit-
ted from the B terminal, position the B antenna for a
maximum power reading on the meter or analyzer. Turn
Gain Adjustment fully clockwise and remove any temporarily
installed input attenuators. Set the power level with the
AGC/ALC adjustment if needed. Log the power reading to
fulfill FCC requirements. Measure and log the power at
any additional amplifier directional couplers so equipped
(f3, f4...). Remove the analyzer.
•
After the antenna orientation has been completed at both
terminals and the repeater, AGC readings should be taken at
the end terminals and logged for reference. A maintenance
test record is shown in Table 8.1.
RX/TX Pad Installation
•
If required in the field, the RX/TX pads should be installed
at the RF input or out-put of amplifiers. To install it, turn
off the DC power supply first. Disconnect the input/output
semi-rigid cable from the amplifier. Connect the SMA male
end of the pad to the amplifier SMA female input/output;
and then connect input/output cable to the other end of the
pad. Check all coaxial connections for tightness (8 in-lbs).
Set output power level by adjusting AGC/ALC.
8. MAINTENANCE
Routine Maintenance
•
Unless unique conditions require more frequent mainte-
nance, routine maintenance should be performed annually.
RF-2000E/EW Repeater
RF-2000E/EW Repeater
Website
www.peninsulaengineering.com
Clean the surfaces of the solar cell panels with isopropyl
alcohol or a mild detergent solution. Do not use alcohol com-
pounds containing acetone. Check and clean the wiring
connections to the solar charge controllers and the battery
connectors as necessary. Follow the proce-dures as stated
in Sections 7.03 through 7.06, measure the current of
the repeater system. The current reading should be within
the same limits. Also measure the power level at PWR MON
of each amplifier with a power meter. Log current and
power reading in Table 8.1.
Administration Requirements
•
The Local Telecommunications Administrations may
require measurement of the output power of the repeater
at installation or when any changes are made which cause
the output power to change. Using the power meter, meas-
ure and log the output power in Table 8.1 as indicated
in paragraph 8.01.
Trouble Locating
•
Soft failure of one amplifier will be indicated by a drop
of approximately 6 dB in the received signal level at the
terminal in the direction of transmission, which will be indi-
cated on the AGC meter on the terminal equipment.
Amplifiers equipped with AGC/ALC may correct for this
drop. The failure of one amplifier will most likely be caused
by a failure of DC power to the amplifier. Using the DVM,
check for presence of dc voltage at the amplifier power feed
through connections.
•
If the received signal at the terminals is low but does not
indicate a complete failure on one amplifier, the most likely
cause is low voltage from the batteries. Low voltage is an
indication of a possible battery failure, or a failure of the
charging system. In the case of the primary cell batteries,
the batteries are probably reaching the limit of their life.
Check the batteries and all power lead connections. If solar
panels are used, be sure they are not obstructed from sun-
light and that the surfaces are clean. If an ac power supply
is used, low voltage is probably the result of a power failure,
the duration of which exceeded the reserve power limits
of the standby battery. Check the standby battery in accor-
dance with the instructions given by the manufacturer of
the power supply.
27