The performance and profitability of a wireless operation ultimately depends on the quality of system deployment and how well the RF technicians manage system failures and maintenance requirements.
Anritsu's Site Master is a world leading cable and antenna system analyser designed to ensure that the feeders and antenna systems meet specifications during the installation and commissioning phase and, in the case of failure, to accurately locate and identify cable and antenna system faults. The Site Master not only finds faulty cables, connectors and antennas after the fact, but combines simple, ease-of-use with powerful measurement and data analysis capability to help find problems well before they disrupt the system service. The result is more efficient use of maintenance resources, better system performance, higher customer satisfaction and improved service provider revenue, according to the manufacturer.
The Site Master has continually been subject to improvements over the years, based on the feedback from the existing and satisfied customer base. The aim of Anritsu has been to keep exceeding customer expectations by introducing innovative ideas while optimising the accuracy and repeatability of the measurements.
In October, Anritsu launched its new C series models that are faster and have new features:
* Instacal calibration module: with the Instacal module the user can cut the time required to calibrate the Site Master by up to 50%. Users are only required to connect the Instacal calibration module once and the calibration sequences automatically, ensuring an accurate calibration of the Site Master. The benefits are more accurate measurement in much less time while reducing the potential for calibration error. The Instacal module is currently free for an introductory period of six months.
* The S113C offers an extended frequency range from 2 to 1600 MHz and the S331C from 25 to 4000 MHz. The frequency extension has meant that the customers will be able to use the Site Masters on a larger range of systems as new technologies and telecommunication systems are introduced.
* The distance-to-fault of the Site Master has been one of the most powerful tools available on handheld, battery-operated equipment. The technique saves costly, time-consuming troubleshooting efforts by testing cables and antenna systems at their proper operating frequency. The fault is located accuracy and any deficient connectors, lightning arrestors, cable jumpers or antennas can be replaced before the quality of transmission is seriously compromised. The C series now has an enhanced cable list with cable characteristics at 1, 2 and 3 GHz from the leading cable manufacturers. The benefit is more accurate DTF measurements.
* The C series offer superior immunity to ambient RF levels and excellent directivity and source match to ensure accurate and repeatable measurements. This is one of the most important features of the Site Master. According to Anritsu, many faults have been found in existing antenna systems by using the Site Master where other instruments have failed due to saturation of the detection process from excessive ambient RF. This important specification has been further enhanced in the C series.
* Previous stored traces can now be uploaded from the PC in the Site Master memory and displayed together with the current trace for comparison purposes. This means that baseline traces done on a site at the commissioning stage can now be compared more easily with current traces and any deterioration in the system can be easily pinpointed. This feature is facilitated further with the introduction of segmented limit lines for typical sites or systems and there are now six markers.
Training
Anritsu says that despite the fact that the Site Master offers a greatly simplified method of RF line testing, it is nevertheless a science. Anritsu has identified a need to enhance the knowledge of the Site Master operator and is offering a line sweep 'certification' training course. The training is not specific to the Site Master, but is designed to provide the technician with a better understanding and appreciation of RF feeders with emphasis on practical experience through hands-on measurements. The training has been designed so that the knowledge gained can easily be applied to other RF measurement techniques. The benefit to the operator is greater confidence in his ability to detect faults, thereby reducing the time spent in testing and/or fixing problems.
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