Bird Technologies Group 5PI62 Signal Booster (Bi-directional Amplifier) User Manual

Bird Technologies Group Signal Booster (Bi-directional Amplifier) Users Manual

Users Manual

TX RX Systems Inc. 8625 Industrial Parkway, Angola, NY 14006 Tel: 716-549-4700 Fax: 716-549-4772 sales@txrx.com www.txrx.com

SYSTEMS

INC.

SYSTEMS

INC.

Installation and Operation Manual for

Series 62 Signal Boosters

Manual Part Number

7-9470

Warranty

This warranty applies for one year from shipping date.

TX RX Systems Inc. warrants its products to be free from defect in material and workmanship at the time of shipment.

Our obligation under warranty is limited to replacement or repair, at our option, of any such products that shall have

been defective at the time of manufacture. TX RX Systems Inc. reserves the right to replace with merchandise of

equal performance although not identical in every way to that originally sold. TX RX Systems Inc. is not liable for dam-

age caused by lightning or other natural disasters. No product will be accepted for repair or replacement without our

prior written approval. The purchaser must prepay all shipping charges on returned products. TX RX Systems Inc.

shall in no event be liable for consequential damages, installation costs or expense of any nature resulting from the

purchase or use of products, whether or not they are used in accordance with instructions. This warranty is in lieu of all

other warranties, either expressed or implied, including any implied warranty or merchantability of fitness. No repre-

sentative is authorized to assume for TX RX Systems Inc. any other liability or warranty than set forth above in con-

nection with our products or services.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

PRICES AND TERMS:

Prices are FOB seller’s plant in Angola, NY domestic packaging only, and are subject to change without notice. Fed-

eral, State and local sales or excise taxes are not included in prices. When Net 30 terms are applicable, payment is

due within 30 days of invoice date. All orders are subject to a $100.00 net minimum.

QUOTATIONS:

Only written quotations are valid.

ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS:

Acceptance of orders is valid only when so acknowledged in writing by the seller.

SHIPPING:

Unless otherwise agreed at the time the order is placed, seller reserves the right to make partial shipments for which

payment shall be made in accordance with seller’s stated terms. Shipments are made with transportation charges col-

lect unless otherwise specified by the buyer. Seller’s best judgement will be used in routing, except that buyer’s routing

is used where practicable. The seller is not responsible for selection of most economical or timeliest routing.

CLAIMS:

All claims for damage or loss in transit must be made promptly by the buyer against the carrier. All claims for shortages

must be made within 30 days after date of shipment of material from the seller’s plant.

SPECIFICATION CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS:

All designs and specifications of seller’s products are subject to change without notice provided the changes or modifi-

cations do not affect performance.

RETURN MATERIAL:

Product or material may be returned for credit only after written authorization from the seller, as to which seller shall

have sole discretion. In the event of such authorization, credit given shall not exceed 80 percent of the original pur-

chase. In no case will Seller authorize return of material more than 90 days after shipment from Seller’s plant. Credit

for returned material is issued by the Seller only to the original purchaser.

ORDER CANCELLATION OR ALTERATION:

Cancellation or alteration of acknowledged orders by the buyer will be accepted only on terms that protect the seller

against loss.

NON WARRANTY REPAIRS AND RETURN WORK:

Consult seller’s plant for pricing. Buyer must prepay all transportation charges to seller’s plant. Standard shipping pol-

icy set forth above shall apply with respect to return shipment from TX RX Systems Inc. to buyer.

DISCLAIMER

Product part numbering in photographs and drawings is accurate at time of printing. Part number labels on TX RX

products supersede part numbers given within this manual. Information is subject to change without notice.

Bird Technologies Group TX RX Systems Inc.

Symbols Commonly Used

WARNING

ESD Electrostatic Discharge

Hot Surface

Electrical Shock Hazard

Important Information

CAUTION or ATTENTION

High Voltage

Heavy Lifting

Bird Technologies Group TX RX Systems Inc.

NOTE

Manual Part Number 7-9470

First Printing: February 2009

Version Number Version Date

1 02/14/09

1.1 04/27/09

For Class A Unintentional Radiators

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant

to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide resonable protection against harmful

interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,

uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc-

tion manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a

residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which the user will be required to correct the inter-

ference at his own expense.

WARNING: Changes or modifications which are not expressly approved by TXRX

Systems Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

ATTENTION: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this

device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undes-

ired operation.

Table of Contents Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09

Table of Contents

Overview............................................................................................................... 1

Unpacking ............................................................................................................ 3

Block Diagram Description................................................................................. 4

Front-End Module................................................................................................ 4

Power Amplifier Module....................................................................................... 5

Front Panel Module ............................................................................................. 6

Power Entry/Supply ............................................................................................. 7

Connections......................................................................................................... 8

Alarm Conditions.................................................................................................8

Installation............................................................................................................ 9

Location ............................................................................................................. 9

Mounting .......................................................................................................... 10

Antenna Isolation ............................................................................................. 10

Required Equipment ....................................................................................... 10

Measurement Procedure ................................................................................ 10

Installation Procedure ...................................................................................... 11

Operation............................................................................................................11

Variable Step Attenuator ..................................................................................11

OLC (Automatic Level Control) ......................................................................... 12

RF Exposure ...................................................................................................... 12

Diagnostic Guide ...............................................................................................13

Gain Reduction.................................................................................................. 13

Excessive Intermodulation or Spurious ............................................................. 13

Occasional Drop-out of Some channels ............................................................ 13

Optional Sampler Ports ..................................................................................... 13

Figures and Tables

Figure 1A: Front View of the Unit ........................................................................ 2

Figure 1B: Rear View of the Unit ......................................................................... 2

Figure 2: System Interconnect Diagram ............................................................... 4

Figure 3: Front-End Module Block Diagram ......................................................... 5

Figure 4: Power Amplifier Module Block Diagram ................................................ 6

Figure 5: Front Panel Module Block Diagram....................................................... 7

Figure 6: Power Entry/Supply............................................................................... 7

Figure 7: Remote Alarm Sensing Connector ........................................................ 8

Figure 8: Mechanical Dimensions ....................................................................... 9

Figure 9: Measuring Antenna Isolation...............................................................10

Figure 10: Front Panel ........................................................................................ 12

Table 1: Series 62 Models..................................................................................... 1

Table 2: Specifications .......................................................................................... 3

Table of Contents Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09

Contact Information

Changes to this Manual

Bird Technologies Group TX RX Systems Inc.

Sales Support at 716-549-4700 extension 5043

Customer Service at 716-549-4700 extension 5044

Technical Publications at 716-549-4700 extension 5019

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 Angola, New York facility to the attention of the Technical Publications

Department. This manual may be periodically updated. When inquiring about updates to

this manual refer to the manual part number and revision number on the revision page

following the front cover.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 1

OVERVIEW

Signal Boosters extend radio coverage into areas

where abrupt RF propagation losses prevent reli-

able communication. No frequency translation

(conversion) occurs with this device. The Series 62

signal booster is a broadband, bi-directional signal

booster that has dual RF paths (uplink and down-

link) to extend coverage in RF shielded environ-

ments. The signal boosters have either a 1 Watt or

10 Watt downlink output level @ 1dB compression

for single band models and either a 2 Watt or 10

Watt downlink output level @ 1 db compression for

dual band models. Table 1 lists all of the models

available as well as their uplink / downlink pass-

bands and downlink output power.

The Series 62 signal booster couples a low noise

figure with a wide dynamic range to provide excel-

lent selectivity for operation in a shared frequency

band. The signal booster is based on a duplexed

Model

Number

Uplink

Band

Downlink

Band

Downlink

Output Power

62-89-A15-01-T3 806 - 821 851 - 866 1 W

62-89-A15-03-T3 806 - 821 851 - 866 10 W

62-90A-A03-01-T3 821 - 824 866 - 869 1 W

62-90A-A03-03-T3 821 - 824 866 - 869 10 W

62-89B-A03-01-T3 806 - 809 851 - 854 1 W

62-89B-A03-03-T3 806 - 809 851 - 854 10 W

62-89A-A18-01-T3 806 - 824 851 - 869 1 W

62-89A-A18-03-T3 806 - 824 851 - 869 10 W

62-88A-A06-01-T3 896 - 902 935 - 941 1 W

62-88A-A06-03-T3 896 - 902 935 - 941 10 W

62-91A-A25-01-T3 824 - 849 869 - 894 1 W

62-91A-A25-03-T3 824 - 849 869 - 894 10 W

62-83E-ADB-02-T3 806 - 824 851 - 869 2 W

62-83E-ADB-04-T3 806 - 824 851 - 869 10 W

62 - 89A - A18 - 03 - T3

(Example)

TYPE

FREQUENCY

BAND

DOWNLINK

OUTPUT

POWERBANDWIDTH

ENCLOSURE

STYLE

62 01 =

02 =

03 =

04 =

1 Watt

2 Watt

10 Watt

A03 =

A06 =

A15 =

A18 =

A25 =

3 MHz

6 MHz

15 MHz

18 MHz

25 MHz

T3 = Painted

83E

88A

89A

89B

90A

91A

764 - 869 MHz

896 - 941 MHz

806 - 866 MHz

806 - 869 MHz

806 - 854 MHz

821 - 869 MHz

824 - 894 MHz

Table 1 : Series 62 signal booster models.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 2

Figure 1A: Front view of the Series 62 signal booster.

Downlink In

Uplink Out

Uplink In

Downlink Out

Figure 1B: Rear view of the Series 62 signal booster.

Fuse

ON / OFF

Switch

AC Cord

Connects

Here

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 3

path configuration with sharp out of band attenua-

tion assuring isolation between the receiving and

transmitting paths. A front and rear view of the unit

are shown in Figures 1A and 1B respectively.

Electrical, mechanical, and environmental specifi-

cations are listed in Table 2.

UNPACKING

It is important to report any visible damage to the

carrier immediately. It is the customer’s responsi-

bility to file damage claims with the carrier within a

short period of time after delivery (1 to 5 days).

Care should be taken when removing the unit from

the packing box to avoid damage to the unit. Use

caution because the heat sink fins can have some-

what sharp corners.

BLOCK DIAGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Series 62 single-band signal booster is a

broadband, bidirectional, dual branch (uplink and

downlink) system. Linear RF active amplifiers, fil-

ters, and DC power sources are used to ade-

quately boost and re-radiate the passband signals.

Signal flow through the system is illustrated using

the system interconnect diagram shown in Figure

The signal booster system is composed of two

symmetrical branches, uplink and downlink. The

only difference between the two branches is the

tuning of their duplexer passbands. The duplexers

isolate the uplink and downlink paths from each

others allowing common connectors to be used for

Electrical Specifications

Passband Gain 80 dB Min (at max output power)

50 db Min (at min output power)

Manual Attenuation Range 0 to 30 dB in 2 dB steps

Passband Ripple +/- 1.5 dB (typical)

Noise Figure 5 dB Max (at 25°C and max gain)

3rd Order Output Intercept Point Uplink +40 dBm Min

Downlink +52 dBm Min

Input / Output Impedance 50 ohms Nominal

Input / Output VSWR 1.5 : 1.0 (max)

Input Power 80 to 240 VAC at 50 / 60 Hz

Signal Test Ports Optional -50 dB sample signal / additional BNC ports

Alarm Capability Optional Form-C contacts (DB-9 connector)

Mechanical Specifications

Paint Gray Powder-Coat

Dimensions 15.0” x 14.6” x 8.1”

(381 mm x 371 mm x 206 mm)

RF Connectors N-type Female

Weight 30 lBs. (13.63 kg)

Environmental Conditions

This unit is designed for indoor applications

Operating Temperature -30 to +50 °C

Table 2: Series 62 signal booster specifications.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 4

both input and output signals. The downlink path

receives RF signals from the base station and

amplifies and transmits them to the subscriber. The

uplink path receives RF signals from the subscriber

and amplifies and transmits them to the base sta-

tion.

FRONT-END MODULE

The block diagram for the Front-End Module is

shown in Figure 3. Received RF signals leave the

duplexer and are routed to the Front-End Module

which provides amplification, variable attenuation,

and filtering. U3 is the first stage of amplification on

the Front-End Module and is an LNA with ultra-low

noise figure and high linearity. Following the first

stage LNA is a Digital Attenuator U4. The positive

control inputs for this device are provided by the

user adjustable rotary dip switch located on the

front panel module. The rotary switch allows the

user to adjust system gain for the uplink and down-

link paths individually during the installation of the

booster.

The next functional device on the front-end module

is the voltage variable attenuator U5. The control

voltage for this attenuator is designated

“VVA_CTL” and its source is the RF Detector cir-

cuit on the power amplifier module. The detector

circuit produces an analog voltage proportional to

the RF signal strength. This is an OLC (Output

Level Control) feedback which is incorporated into

the systems design for output power limiting and to

minimize intermodulation products from exces-

sively strong input signal levels. The OLC circuitry

located on the power amplifier module senses the

output power and automatically limits it by adjust-

ing the variable attenuator U5. An LED located on

the front panel module for both the uplink and

downlink channels will illuminate whenever output

power meets or exceeds the OLC factory preset

level for that channel.

The next amplifier stage U1 following the variable

attenuator is a broadband design that incorporates

low noise as well as high IP3. The output from the

amplifier is passed thru the low pass filter FL1

which provides harmonic rejection. Further amplifi-

Front

End

Module

Power

Amplifier

Module

Front

End

Module

Power

Amplifier

Module

Front

Panel

Module

Uplink

Antenna

Downlink

Antenna

Duplexer

Power Entry

Power Supply

Out

Figure 2: System interconnect diagram.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 5

cation and filtering is provided by amplifier U2 and

low pass filter FL2. RF signals then exit the Front-

End module at the RF output connector and are

applied to the Power Amplifier Module.

The front-end module also contains a Temperature

Sensing and Current Sensing circuit, U11 and U8

respectively. These circuits are used to detect an

excessive temperature or current draw condition.

The output from the sensors are fed back to the

Microcontroller on the Front Panel Module and are

used to determine an alarm condition. There are

four voltage regulators on the Front-End Module

(U9, U6, U7, and U10) which are used to create

bias voltages from the 9 VDC source voltage sup-

plied to the module through the ribbon cable.

POWER AMPLIFIER MODULE

The block diagram for the Power Amplifier Module

is shown in Figure 4. The first stage of the Power

Amplifier Module is the driver amplifier U2. This is

a medium power high linearity amplifier which

serves as a preamp for the high power amplifier.

U4 is the final output high power amplifier. This is

an integrated multi-stage power amplifier with on-

chip impedance matching. The output of the power

amplifier is applied to the directional coupler U3

which is used to sample the OLC feedback signal.

RF signals leave the Power Amplifier Module at the

RF output connector and are then applied to a

duplexer which routes the signals to the appropri-

ate antenna.

The power amplifier module also contains a Tem-

perature sensing circuit U1 and two Current sens-

ing circuits U8 and U9 for the driver amplifier and

power amplifier respectively. These circuits are

used to detect an excessive temperature or current

draw condition. The output from the sensors are

fed back to the Microcontroller on the Front Panel

Module and used to determine an alarm condition.

In addition, the temperature sensor and PA current

sensor are used by the on-board Microcontroller

U7 to turn off the power amplifier via the “PA OFF”

control signal. This will protect the power amplifier

under conditions of excessive current draw or tem-

perature. There are two voltage regulators on the

Front-End Module (U10 and U11) which are used

to create bias voltages from the 28 VDC source

voltage supplied to the module through the ribbon

cable. The regulator U10 is the source of the 9

VDC used by the front-end module. A malfunction

Volt Var Atten

Reg

Temp

Sense

Amp A Amp B Amp C

Atten

Curr

Sense

U5 U1

FL1

FL2

U11

U10

V V A Control

Temp

Curr

5VA

5VB

5VC

3.3V

Atten Control

5VB

5VC

5VA 3.3V

OUT

UL Front End Module 3-22620

Figure 3: Front-End Module block diagram. Uplink shown as an example.

Ribbon Cable to

Front Panel Module

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 6

of regulator U11 on the power amplifier module will

shut down the front-end module.

FRONT PANEL MODULE

The block diagram for the Front Panel Module is

shown in Figure 5. The Microcontroller U1 moni-

tors the temperature and current control inputs

from the front-end and power amplifier modules

and will respond with an alarm whenever a control

line is active. During an alarm the micro will illumi-

nate the appropriate alarm LED (uplink or down-

link).

The uplink and downlink “VVA_CTL” control signal

is passed through the front panel module via ribbon

cable J1 and J2. The microcontroller monitors

these control lines and illuminates either the uplink

or downlink OLC LED whenever the respective

signal is active. The OLC LED will remain lit while

output leveling is taking place. The Output Level

Control (OLC) allows for output power limiting. A

variable step attenuator gives 0 to 30 dB of attenu-

ation in 2 dB steps. The use of these controls are

covered in the “OPERATION” section, later in this

document.

Voltage regulator U10 is used to create bias volt-

ages from the 9 VDC source voltage supplied to

the module through the ribbon cable. The power

amplifier module is the source of the 9 VDC used

by the front panel module. So a malfunction of reg-

ulator U11 on the power amplifier module will shut

down the front panel module. There are two user

adjustable rotary switches located on the front

panel module, S1 for uplink and S2 for downlink.

The rotary switch allows the user to adjust system

gain for the uplink and downlink paths individually

during the installation of the booster.

POWER ENTRY/SUPPLY

The booster is designed to operate between 80

and 240 VAC. Figure 6 shows the block diagram

for the Power Entry Module as well as the Power

Supply. The power entry module has a dual pole

switch for the incoming AC which is followed by a

pair of inline fuses. When operating the booster at

110 VAC one fuse can be replaced by a jumper.

Operation at 220 VAC will require both fuses to be

used. RF interference is reduced by the EMI filter-

ing. The power supply is a switching design that

will operate at either 110 or 220 VAC and is pro-

grammed by jumpers. There is a green LED on the

OUT

-50dB

Port

-20dB

Directional

Coupler U3

5V Reg

U10

Driver

28V

V V A Control

OLC

Adj

PA Temp

PA Curr

Det

Driver Curr

Temp

Sense

Reg

U11

Curr

Sense

Curr

Sense PIC

PA Off

UL Power Amplifier Module 3-22621

30dB

Pad

U8 U9 U6

Figure 4: Power Amplifier Module block diagram. Uplink shown as an example.

Ribbon Cable to

Front Panel Module

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 7

supply which is illuminated whenever the supply is

on. The output of the supply is 28 VDC which is

applied to J7 on the front panel module.

CONNECTIONS

AC power is accepted through a standard 3-wire

male plug (IEC-320) with phase, neutral and

ground leads. The AC power is wired to a high effi-

ciency DC switching power supply which is CE and

UL approved. The power supply runs all of the

modules within the cabinet and the Power On LED

on the front panel module. This LED provides an

indication to the user that the system is powered.

The metal enclosure of the signal booster is con-

nected to ground.

RF connections are made via two type “N” female

connectors. The RF connector labeled “Uplink Out

PIC

DIP

Gain Adj

V V A Crl

Gain Adj

UL Temp

UL Curr

DL Curr

V V A Crl

UL PA Temp

DL PA Temp

UL PA Curr

DL PA Curr

UL Driver Curr

DL Driver Curr

DL Temp

Reg

UL OLC

UL ALM

DL ALM

DL OLC

28V

Pwr

PRG

28VDC

Front Panel Module 3-22636

U10

Figure 5: Front Panel Module block diagram.

To UL

Front-End

To DL

Front-End

To DL

Power Amp

To UL

Power Amp

Switching

Power

Supply

Power Entry Module

80-240VAC 28VDC

80-240VAC EMI Filter

Figure 6: Power Entry / Supply.

Front

Panel

Module

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 8

/ Downlink In” must be connected to the antenna

pointing towards the base station. The RF connec-

tion labeled “Uplink In / Downlink Out” must be

connected to the antenna facing the area to be

covered by the signal booster. RF connections

must be made through cables with characteristic

impedance of 50 ohms.

Isolation between the two antennas should be at

least 15 dB higher than the signal booster gain.

Isolation less than this value can cause gain ripple

across the band. Isolation equal to or less than the

signal booster gain will give rise to oscillations

which will saturate the amplifiers and possibly

cause damage to the signal booster.

ALARMS CONDITIONS

The alarm circuit monitors the current and temper-

ature of both the Uplink and Downlink amplifiers.

An alarm condition will occur if either the Uplink or

Downlink amplifiers are over or under their current

tolerance. The respective front panel alarm LED

will blink to indicate the alarm condition. An OLC

over-range error which causes the booster to shut

down for 10 minutes will be indicated by a continu-

ousely illuminated alarm LED.

An option is available for the booster that allows

remote alarm sensing through a DB-9 connector

which is added to the back of the unit in the lower

right. Customers should connect their remote

alarm sensing cables to this plug. Refer to Figure

Normally Open, Common, and Normally Closed

relay contacts are available at pins 1, 2, and 3

respectively of the DB9 connector. Refer to the

pinout diagram in figure 7. In a Non-Alarm condi-

tion there will be continuity between the Normally

Open and Common pins. During an Alarm condi-

tion continuity will switch to the Common and Nor-

mally Closed pins.

INSTALLATION

The following sub-sections of the manual discuss

general considerations for installing the booster. All

work should be performed by qualified personnel in

accordance with local codes.

Location

The layout of the signal distribution system will be

the prime factor in determining the mounting loca-

tion of this unit. However safety and serviceability

are also key considerations. The unit should be

located where it can not be tampered with by the

general public, yet is easily accessible to service

personnel. Also, consider the weight of the unit and

the possibility for injury if it should become

detached from its mounting surface for any reason.

987

24135

N.O.

COM.

N.C.

GND

+12V(250mA)

Figure 7: Remote alarm sensing connector.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 9

The signal booster uses external heat sinks and

needs to be mounted such that there can be unob-

structed air flow over the heat sink fins. The cabi-

net will stay warm during normal operation so in

the interest of equipment longevity, avoid locations

that carry hot exhaust air or are continually hot.

Mounting

Figure 8 shows mounting hole dimensions and

layout for the cabinet. Because TX RX Systems,

Inc. cannot anticipate all the possible mounting

locations and structure types where these devices

will be located, we recommend consulting local

building inspectors, engineering consultants or

architects for advice on how to properly mount

objects of this type, size and weight in your particu-

lar situation. It is the customers responsibility to

make sure these devices are mounted safely and

in compliance with local building codes.

Antenna Isolation

Antenna isolation between uplink and downlink

should be measured before connecting the signal

booster to the antenna system. This step is neces-

GAIN REDUCTION

0 . . . 30 dB

GAIN REDUCTION

0 . . . 30 dB

OLC ALARM OLC

POWER

ALARM

030 2

20 18

1214

030 2

20 18

1214

DOWNLINK IN

UPLINK OUT

UPLINK IN

DOWNLINK OUT

3.062 3.062

14.624

15.437 0.531

0.750

7.250

13.750

15.000

5.201

8.075

Figure 8: Mechanical dimensions.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 10

sary to insure that no conditions exist that could

possibly damage the signal booster and should not

be skipped for even the most thoroughly designed

system.

Just like the feedback squeal that can occur when

the microphone and speaker get too close together

in a public address system, a signal booster can

start to self oscillate. This can occur when the iso-

lation between the Uplink and Downlink antennas

does not exceed the signal boosters gain by at

least 15 dB. Oscillation will reduce the effective-

ness of the system and may possibly damage

amplifier stages. Isolation values are relatively

easy to measure with a spectrum analyzer and sig-

nal generator.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is required in order to per-

form the antenna isolation measurements.

1) Signal generator for the frequencies of interest

capable of a 0 dBm output level. Modulation is

not necessary.

2) Spectrum analyzer that covers the frequencies

of interest and is capable of observing signal

levels down to -100 dBm or better.

3) Double shielded coaxial test cables made from

RG142, RG55 or RG223 coaxial cable.

MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE

To measure the antenna isolation perform the fol-

lowing in a step-by-step fashion.

1) Set the signal generator for a 0 dBm output

level at the center frequency of one of the

boosters passbands.

2) Set the spectrum analyzer for the same center

frequency and a sweep width equal to or just

slightly greater than the passband chosen ear-

lier in step 1.

3) Temporarily connect the test leads of the signal

generator and spectrum analyzer together

using a female barrel connector, see Figure 9.

Observe the signal on the analyzer and adjust

the input attenuator of the spectrum analyzer

for a signal level that just reaches the 0 dBm

level at the top of the graticule.

4) Referring to figure 9, connect the generator test

lead to one side of the antenna system and the

spectrum analyzer to the other then observe the

signal level. The difference between this

observed level and 0 dBm is the isolation

between the sections. If the signal is too weak

to observe, the spectrum analyzer’s bandwidth

may have to be narrowed and its input attenua-

tion reduced. The isolation value measured

Signal Generator

External

Antenna

(YAGI)

Spectrum Analyzer

Isolation (dB)

Zero Loss

Reference

Internal

Signal Distribution

System

(Omni-directional

Antennas)

Figure 9: Typical test equipment interconnection for measuring antenna isolation.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 11

should exceed the signal booster’s gain fig-

ure by at least 15 dB.

5) Repeat step 4 again with the signal generator

set to frequencies at the passbands edges in

order to see if the isolation is remaining rela-

tively constant over the complete width of the

passband.

6) Repeat the isolation measurements at the other

system passbands to determine the overall min-

imum isolation value for the system. Physical

modification of the antenna system maybe

required in order to reach an acceptable mini-

mum value.

Installation Procedure

To install the signal booster perform the following

in a step-by-step fashion.

CAUTION: DO NOT APPLY A.C.

POWER TO THE SIGNAL

BOOSTER UNTIL CABLES ARE

CONNECTED TO BOTH PORTS OF

THE SIGNAL BOOSTER AND THE

ANTENNAS.

1. Mount the signal booster on the wall with the RF

connectors pointing DOWN. Using appropriate

screws and anchors, attach the signal booster

to the wall at the six mounting holes on the side

flanges. Refer to figure 8.

2. Ensure that the isolation between the donor

antenna and the service antenna is at least 15

dB greater than the signal booster gain. (Use

the higher of the Uplink and Downlink gains

reported on the test data sheet).

3. Connect the cable from the donor antenna to the

signal booster connector labeled “Uplink Out /

Downlink In” and the cable from the service

antennas to the signal booster connector

labeled “Downlink Out / Uplink In”.

4. Review the attenuator positions on the front of

the signal booster and verify that both of the

attenuator’s are positioned to their maximum

setting (30 dB).

5. Connect the AC power cord to the signal booster

and then to the power source. Move the ON/

OFF switch to the ON position and verify that

the “Power ON” LED is illuminated.

Installation of the signal booster is now complete.

To adjust the gain controls to suit the specific sig-

nal environment, refer to the next section of the

manual.

For repeat installations of existing

equipment, make sure the attenuation

setting is positioned to its maximum

setting (30 dB). After verification of

the attenuation, follow the above

steps starting with step 1.

OPERATION

Power is applied to the unit by turning ON the AC

power switch located on the upper rear of the cabi-

net. The front panel Power Indicator LED should

illuminate. Refer to Figure 10 which is a view of the

front panel.

Variable Step Attenuator

The signal booster gain can be reduced by up to

30 dB in 2 dB steps using the variable step attenu-

ator. Gain adjustments are made with rotary

switches on the front of the unit. The attenuators

are labeled for Uplink and Downlink. Arrows on the

shafts of these switches point to the value of atten-

uation selected. Gain can be determined by sub-

tracting the attenuation value from the gain

reported on the Test Data Sheet for that side of the

unit. A small screwdriver should be used for mak-

ing attenuator adjustments.

OLC (Output Level Control)

To minimize intermodulation products, each

branch in the signal booster contains an OLC feed-

back loop. The OLC circuit senses the output

power and limits it to a factory preset level on the

Uplink and the Downlink.

Red indicator LEDs located on the front panel for

both the uplink and downlink will illuminate when

output power meets or exceeds the OLC factory

preset level.

To establish proper operating gain on the Uplink

and Downlink sides, start with the Downlink.

Observe the downlink OLC indicator LED. Units

are shipped with maximum attenuation. Decrease

the downlink variable attenuator one step at a time

until the downlink OLC lamp is lit. Then increase

the step attenuation until the lamp goes off. Repeat

the process for the Uplink. The OLC indicator LED

is accurate to within +/- 0.4 dB of the OLC factory

preset level.

NOTE

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 12

CAUTION: Operation of the signal

booster at maximum gain with

greater than -20 dBm average power

incident on either of the RF Input

connectors can cause damage to the

signal booster.

RF EXPOSURE

In order to satisfy the FCC RF exposure require-

ments, the signal booster/antenna installation must

comply with the following:

The outdoor antenna (Yagi type or similar direc-

tional antenna) must be installed so as to provide a

minimum separation distance of 1.0 Meters (100

cm or 40 inches) between the antenna and per-

sons within the area. (This assumes a typical

antenna with gain of 10.1 dBi, VSWR < or = 1.5 : 1,

Zo= 50 ohms, and a cable attenuation of between

1-10 dB).

The indoor antenna (omni directional) must be

installed so as to provide a minimum separation

distance of 0.4 Meters (40 cm or 16 inches)

between the antenna and persons within the area.

(This assumes a typical wide-beam type antenna

with gain of 0-2 dBi, VSWR < or = 2 : 1, Zo= 50

ohms, and a cable attenuation of between 1-10

dB).

DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE

The signal booster provides long term, care-free

operation and requires no periodic maintenance.

There are no user-serviceable components inside

the signal booster. This section covers possible

problems that may be related to the installation or

operating environment.

Gain Reduction

Possible causes: bad RF cables, bad RF connec-

tions to antennas or damaged antennas.

Excessive Intermodulation or Spurious

Possible causes: Amplifier oscillation caused by

insufficient isolation. The isolation between two

antennas is given by the equation:

Isolation = 92.5 + 20 Log (F x D) – Gt – Gr

F = frequency (GHz)

Gt = transmit antenna gain (in the direction of the

receive antenna)

D = separation (Km)

Gr = receive antenna gain (in the direction of the

transmit antenna)

For example, at the SMR frequencies, the antenna

isolation at 100 m separation is about 71 dB for

omni-directional antennas (0 dB gain). To increase

isolation, the antennas should have higher directiv-

ity and must be pointed away from each other.

Occasional Drop-out of Some Channels

Possible causes: One channel with very strong

power dominates the RF output of the amplifier.

Optional Sampler Ports

An option is available for the booster that brings

the -50 db sampler ports on the power amplifier

assembly out to the side panel near the RF con-

nectors. This option provides a convenience for

technicians installing or servicing the signal

booster.

Figure 10: The Front Panel.

Power ON

LED

Uplink

Alarm

Rotary

Attenuator

Downlink

Alarm

Downlink

OLC

Uplink

OLC

Rotary

Attenuator

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 13

Return Loss vs. VSWR

Return Loss VSWR

30 1.06

25 1.11

20 1.20

19 1.25

18 1.28

17 1.33

16 1.37

15 1.43

14 1.50

13 1.57

12 1.67

11 1.78

10 1.92

92.10

Watts to dBm

Watts dBm

300 54.8

250 54.0

200 53.0

150 51.8

100 50.0

75 48.8

50 47.0

25 44.0

20 43.0

15 41.8

10 40.0

537.0

436.0

334.8

233.0

130.0

dBm = 10log P/1mW

Where P = power (Watt)

Insertion Loss

Input Power (Watts)

50 75 100 125 150 200 250 300

325 38 50 63 75 100 125 150

2.5 28 42 56 70 84 112 141 169

232 47 63 79 95 126 158 189

1.5 35 53 71 88 106 142 177 212

140 60 79 99 119 159 199 238

.5 45 67 89 111 134 178 223 267

Output Power (Watts)

Insertion Loss

Free Space Loss

Distance (miles)

.25 .50 .75 1 2 5 10 15

150 68 74 78 80 86 94 100 104

220 71 77 81 83 89 97 103 107

460 78 84 87 90 96 104 110 113

860 83 89 93 95 101 109 115 119

940 84 90 94 96 102 110 116 120

1920 90 96 100 102 108 116 122 126

Free Space Loss (dB)

Free space loss = 36.6 + 20log D + 20log F

Where D = distance in miles and F = frequency in MHz

Frequency (MHz)

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9470-1.1 04/27/09 Page 14

TX RX Systems Inc. 8625 Industrial Parkway, Angola, NY 14006 Tel: 716-549-4700 Fax: 716-549-4772 sales@txrx.com www.txrx.com

SYSTEMS

INC.

SYSTEMS

INC.

Bird Technologies Group 5PI62 Signal Booster (Bi-directional Amplifier) User Manual

Bird Technologies Group Signal Booster (Bi-directional Amplifier) Users Manual

Users Manual

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