User guide

27
Calibrate Menu
Ensure that the calibration is done properly. For the best results, use a Bird cali-
bration kit. If calibration is not done properly, the readings from the VNA will be
wrong.
Note: Set any parameters that the calibration may depend on
BEFORE starting the calibration of the unit. Power output should be set
depending on isolation or gain measurement.
Note: If the SignalHawk is not calibrated before taking measure-
ments, readings will be wrong. Calibrating should be done after set-
ting everything else, and before making measurements.
Note: Many factors play a key role in proper calibration. Be sure to
mind the internal temperature of the unit as well as length of time
between calibrations. In addition, many setting changes, especially
changing the frequency setting, can turn calibration off.
1. Connect one of the following to the RF connector:
 Open
 Short
 Load (the “calibration standard”)
 Cable from RF Out-In (2-Port Only)
 Loads on RF Out & In (2-Port Only)
Note: For faster calibration sweep times when measuring antenna
isolation in the -80 to -90 dB range, it is recommended to use less data
points.
2. Press the corresponding button in the calibrate menu.
Note: For measuring antenna isolation in the -80 to -90 dB range:
Connect loads to VNA RF Out and In ports, press Loads on RF Out & In
and wait until done. Bird recommends using a calibrated load (e.g.
CAL-MN-C) for the RF Out and a standard load (e.g. 2-T-MN) for the RF
In.
3. Wait for the sweep to finish: the button will un-highlight and “Done” will
appear in the label.
Note: If the key is pressed again, it will re-take that sweep.
4. Remove calibration standard.
5. Put on a different calibration standard.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 4 until all calibration types are done.
7. Wait while the unit processes the information. When ready, the unit will
exit the Calibrate menu and the Cal: area of the status bar will display the
calibration method that was performed.