User Manual

Exalt Communications, Inc.
Exalt i-Series Installation and Management Guide
5000001 105
2007-06-25
Figure 41 Basic back-to-back bench test configuration
After connecting and powering on, observe the front panel LEDs to verify that the LINK
and STATUS LEDs are green. If so, the radios are communicating and all radio-related
alarm conditions are normal.
It can be beneficial to have a computer to verify configuration in case of red LEDs or to
pre-configure the radio as desired for operation. Follow the instructions in Configuration
and Management.
Specification Performance Verification
The specification performance verification is a more detailed test that allows you to
verify that the radio’s output power and threshold specifications are being met. This is
typically a test that would only be performed in a troubleshooting scenario, but can be
performed before installation to provide a detailed record or ensure radio performance
before installation.
This test is identical to the basic test, but in place of the fixed attenuation, it requires the
use of calibrated variable attenuation, or a set of calibrated fixed attenuators, or a
combination of both, adding to a total attenuation value of 120dB, as measured at the
operating frequency of the radio. In addition, a volt meter or computer is also required.
Connect the system as shown in Figure 41, using the combination of fixed and variable
attenuation between the radio’s RF ports. Connect the volt meter to either radio’s RSL
test point and associated reference ground connection.
In this test, it is desirable to use pre-tested RF cables, known to be good, and the insertion
loss is known at the operating frequency. If the cables are short (6'/2m or less), you can
estimate the loss, including connectors, to be less than 1dB each. The estimate of cable
loss is critical to the overall confidence of the measurements made in this test.
There are two critical specifications that can be tested in this configuration:
1. RF output power
2. Radio receiver threshold
To measure transmitter output power, simply insert any value of attenuation between the
radios between 60 and 90dB. Ensure that both RF output power settings are at maximum.
RADIO B RADIO A
ATTENUATION
(60-90DB)
RF PORTS
POWER
(CONNECT LAST)
POWER
(CONNECT LAST)
COMPUTER
CONSOLE PORT
SERIAL PORT