ACTIVE ANTENNAS AE~3001 and AE.3002 INSTALLATION MANUAL CEKOL VE Please note that page numbers 10 were nat used in the o Racal Antennas Limited, First Avenue, Millbrook Trading Estate, Southampton S01 OLJ Tel. (0703) 785241 Telex. 47476 Grams. Antennas, Southampton. Prepared by Group Technical Handbooks Racal Group Services Limited. Printed in England Ref. WOHS136 Iesue 4-4.84-500ACTIVE ANTENNAS AE.3001 and AE. 3002 INSTALLATION MANUAL CONTENTS: ‘TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION GENERAL VERSIONS USAGE HORIZONTAL DIPOLE HEIGHT MONOPOLE AND GROUND PLANE ‘MOUNTING INSTALLATION Siting Height Use of Nomograph Examples Power Supply Internal Link Interconnections AMPLIFTER PERFORMANCE CHECK ‘Test Equipment Method A Method B REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST ILLUSTRATIONS Mast mounting of monopole Alternative mounting methods Interconnections Dipole RF cable run ‘est Equipment Configuration (Method A) ‘Test Equipment Configuration (Method B) Circuit: amplifier PCB AE3001 Amplifier PCB AE3001/3002 Active Antenna AE3002 Circuit: PUul167 AB. 3001/3002 Pare 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ContentsAE.3001 Frequency Renge Version at 200 kHz. Effective length 0.3m (= output EMF field strength) Intermodul. With two signals: 55 mV/m Second Order: -75 dB Third Order: -100 dB Power Consumption 45 mA Weight Output Impedance Output Connector ‘Maximum Signal before Gain Reduction ‘Maximum Safe Signal Noise Figure Power Supply AE.3001/3002 Version A: 15 kHz to 100 MHz. (00 kHz to 100 MHz. Version C: IMHz to 100 MHz with 15 dB attenuation 1.1 kg (2.4 Ib) approximately, ‘excluding mountings Version A: Not used. Version B: 170 kHz to 100 MHz. Version C: 1 MHz to 100 MHz with 15 dB attenuation at 200 kHz. 0.4m 60 mV/m -80 dB -100 dB 90 mA 1.5 kg (3.3 Ib) opproximately, excluding mountings. 50 to 75 ohms. BNC (weather protected). 10 V/m 50 V/m 8 dB nominal above 3 MHz +31 volts dc. from external power supply PU.1167. ‘A! versions require separate power supply cable and type TNC socket provided on antenna for d.c.input. 'B' and *C* versions use the RF feeder as d.c. supply line. Tech.Spec.(i)Environmental Conditions Extras Weight (PU. 1167) ‘AE.3001/3002 The units are designed to meet certain requirements of the British Defence Specification DEF .133 table L3. Temperature range (Operating): ~40 degrees C to 470 degrees C. Maximum wind speed: 160 km/h (100 mph), noise. Suitable for vehicle mounti: AC power supply unit PU.1167. Operates from 108-132V or 215-264V 48-65 Hz and delivers 31V dc. at 500 mA. Overload protection is provided. 3.3 kg (7.3 Ib) approximately Tech. SpecACTIVE ANTENNAS AE 3001 and AE.3002 INSTALLATION MANUAL GENERAL is The AE.3001 and AE.3002 active antennas are designed to fulfil the need for compact broadband, omnidirectional receiving antennas, suitable for quick instal lation. 2) Broadband matching between a conventional possive antenna and the feeder cable necessitates the use of a physically lorge antenna structure; is often results in a received signal level for in excess of the level required for satisfactory reception and attenuation hos to be introduced at the associated receiver. The physically smaller AE.3001 and AE. 3002 active antennas produce o flat signal response over the spectrum whilst the internal active amplifier provides the broadband impedance match between the antenna element ond the feeder cable. As the levels of received signals produced by the short element are more constant over the frequency range than for conventional antennas, the degree of intermodulation within the associated receiver is reduced 3. The levels of signal produced by the AE.3001 and AE.3002 active antennas ore considerably lower than those produced by con ventional passive antennas. However, by utilisation of the available sensitivity of the associated receiver, the design of the antenna is such that a satisfactory, in many cases improved, signal to noise ratio can be obtained VERSIONS 4 The versions are listed in Table Ijonly two versions are supplied for the AE.3001, namely/A and/C. The/B version is obtained by removal of a link in the /C version (para.15). Only one version of the AE.3002 ( /C) is supplied. The /8 version is obtained in a similar manner to the AE.3001. USAGE 5. The monopole is intended for the reception of vertically polarized signals where the antenna can be fitted either close to the ground (using a ground- plone) or to a metal roof which acts as a ground plane. The dipole is used for the reception of either horizontally or vertically polarized signals, and does not require ground plane. The dipole should be mounted vertically or horizontally to s polarization. Both the AE.3001 and the AE.3002 are suitable for use as elements for phased arrays, even for very low frequencies. AE.3001/3002 Page 1Table 1: Antenna Versions Version Description ‘AE.3001/A Monopole covering the range 15kHz to 100MHz. A separate power supply cable is required. ‘AE.3001/B Monopole covering the range 100kHz to 100MHz. The d.c. supply is via the RF feeder cable. ‘AE.3001/C Monopole covering the range MHz to 100MHz. The d.c. supply is via the RF feeder cable. NE ‘AE.3002/8 ipole covering the range 170kHz to 1OMHz. The d.c. supply is via the RF feeder coble. ‘AE.3002/C Dipole covering the range IMHz to 100MHz. The d.c. supply is vio the RF feeder coble. HORIZONTAL DIPOLE HEIGHT 6. In common with all dipoles, the AE.3002 should be mounted above a certain optimum height when used horizontally. The height, which is measured from the ground or other reflecting surface (such as the metal roof of 9 factory) is calculated os follows: If Fis the lowest operating frequency in MHz, and hmin is the optimum height above the reflecting surFice in metres. 60 h min = metres MONOPOLE AND GROUND PLANE Z A method of installation is shown in fig.1. In order to retain the character istics of the ontenna, the base must be RF earthed. If mounted close fo the ground, the support column should be embedded in the ground to at least Im depth if the ground conductivity is good. In poor ground conductivity conditions a ground plane of 4 to 6 radial wires should be provided. If the ontenna is to be mounted higher than 1.5m above ground a counterpoise should be provided. This may be metal sheet of 3m2 area (conveniently a Im radius disc) or radial wires 2m long or @ wire mesh or a metal roof, provided that electrical connection can be made to it. These are minimum dimensions. The purpose of the counterpoise is to supress RF potentials ot the bose of the antenna. ‘AE.3001/3002 Page 2MOUNTING 8. Fig.2 shows various other methods of mounting. The antenna stem is zinc~ plated aluminium and is therefore electrolytically compatible with o wide range of materials. The cable should be secured with clips so that strain is removed from the connector. Fit whip antenna element securely (15 mm A/F). The base lock nut ensures correct orientation in the case of the dipole. The dipole should be mounted on a support tube not less than 2m long in order to space it sufficiently from mast or building, and to achieve cable spacing requirements (fig.4). Where two or more dipoles form a directive array, correct phasing will be achieved by ensuring that the red spots (one on each dipole) are in the some orientation (fig.4). INSTALLATION Siting 9. The antenna should be sited at a location as free as possible from interfering RF signals ond man-made noise. Low-loss RF feeder cable should be used for long runs. A short cable (toil) may be required to link the low - loss cable to the BNC socket on the antenna. 10. An optional 0.75 m whip extension is available which, when fitted, doubles the effective length of the ontenna. Details of the extension are given on page 10. The extension should only be used where discrete signals greater than 28mV/m (894B yV/m) are not present. This is usually in ‘radio quiet! locations, greater than 100 km from a broadcast transmitter. NOTE: No advantage is gained by using more than one extension for a monopole (or 1 pair for dipole). Height 11. As with all antennas the height required for maximum efficiency is affected by frequency of operation, distance between transmitter and receiver, and the interaction of the sky and ground waves. For fixed frequency working the nomograph given on the centre page may be a useful guide to determine the optimum mounting height. This nomograph is based on a F2-layer height of 300 km cond assumes single-hop propogation. Use of Nomograph 12. To use the nomograph, first determine the frequency of operation in MHz and the distance, in km, between the fronsmitter and the active antenna. Next ploce a rule or straight edge on the nomograph to line up the frequency (scale 'o' or 'b! as appropriate) with the distance on scale 'c'. The optimum mounting height may now be read from scale ‘d' or 'e' where scale ‘a' was used, or scale 'f' or 'g' where scale 'b’ was used. Some worked examples are given on the next page. AE.3001/3002 Poge 3Examples 13. (1) A horizontally-mounted dipole is used for the reception of 27MHz horizontally-polarized signals over a range of 600 km. Place the rule to line-up 27 on scale 'b' with 600 on scale 'c' to obtain o height of 4m from scale 'f'. If a height of 4m is impracticable, due to building height or other considerations, it may be multiplied by 3,5,7,9, etc. without affecting the performance of the antenna. (2) A vertically-mounted dipole or monopole is required to work at 7MHz at a distance of 1400 km from the transmitter antenna. Line up 7 on scale 'a' with 1400 on scale 'c' to obtain (by interpolation) from scale 'd' a height of 66m. Where an impracticable height is obtained for a vertically mounted dipole or monopole (using scale ‘d’ or 'g!) it may be multiplied by 2,3,4,5, etc. without affecting the performance of the antenna. Power Supply 14. A381 volt d.c. supply is required (dipole 90m, monopole 45mA) ond this is normally provided by a PU.1167 power supply unit. The PU. 1167 operates from 108-132V or 215-264V, 48 to 65Hz; prior to operation, remove the cover and check that the internal soldered links are correctly set to suit the local source of supply. The PU. 1167 is capable of supplying up to ten monopoles or five dipoles connected in parallel. A suitable distribution arrangement for /B or /C versions can be supplied. NOTE: Where space is ited, the PU.1167 may be installed with the front ponel removed. Internal_Link 15. The antenna versions AE.3001/B ond C and AE.3002/8 and C differ only in the connection or otherwise of an internal link. When a /C version is to be converted to /8 proceed as follows:~ (1) Remove antenna element (two in the case of the dipole). (2) Remove coin slot screw(s) holding cover(s). (3) Remove cover(s) and disconnect link(s) LK1 on printed circuit board(s). AE.3001/3002 Page 4(4) Replace disturbed items. Do not over-tighten coin slot screw. Tighten only sufficiently to slightly compress the sealing ring. (5) Amend serial number plate to /B. jerconnect ions 16. The antenna, power supply unit and receiver are interconnected as shown in fig.3. Suitoble cable types for the tail (between the antenna and the low-loss coaxial feeder) are UR(M)43_UR(M)76 or RGSBU, ond a suitable connector is supplied. If required, a connector can be supplied to allow the use of UR(M)67, UR(M)57 or RG213(U) cables. 17. For /A versions of the ontennow separate coaxial d.c. supply cable is required, terminating in a TNC connector. This cable can be joined to 0 two-core supply cable (examples in Table 2), using @ suitable junction box, for connection to the power supply. The maximum d.c. loop resistance of this cable must not exceed 10 ohms. Table 2: Examples of 2-Core PVC Insulated Cable Cross-Sectional ] Loop Resistance N.A.T.O. Area of Core Per 100 metre number (nominal) | 1.0 mm? 3.6 ohms 6145-99-015-1863 1.5 mm 2.4 ohms 6145-99-015-1864 2.5 mm? 1.4 ohms 6145-99-015-1865 | AMPLIFIER PERFORMANCE CHECK 18, Two methods for checking the performance of the internal amplifier (Iwo in the case of the dipole) are given. Remove the whip antenna element (two in the case of the dipole) before connecting the test equipment; the interconnecting leads may now be firmly attached to the antenna element socket(s) using M6 serew(s). Ensure that all interconnecting leads are kept as short as possible. Test Equipment 19, The items of test equipment listed on page 6 are required for the performance checks. AE.3001/3002 Page 5a) (2) (3) (4) Oy 6) @) Method A 20. a (2) (3) (4) ‘AE.3001/3002 Signal Generator Frequency: HF range Output level: Between 1 and 50 millivolts Valve voltmeter, high impedance (Method A only). NOTE: The valve voltmeter must be capable of accepting o 31V d.c. component when used with /B and /C versions. General purpose HF communications receiver (Method B only) with built in or externally connected signal strength meter. 50 or 75 ohm (to suit system and signal generator impedance) fixed resistor, 5% tolerance. Method A: Quontity 2 Method B: Quontity 1 Balun transformer, ratio 1:2 (AE.3002 only). Tee connector, 50 or75Ohm.(Method A only). Step attenuator, 0 to 20dB in 1dB steps, 50 or 75ohms (Method B only). ‘Connect the test equipment to the antenna in accordance with fig.50 or 5b. Set the signal generator to a frequency between 5 and 20MHz. Connect the valve voltmeter between point E1 and earth (fig. 5) ond set the signal generator output level for a convenient meter reading between 10 and 50 millivolts (reference level). Transfer the valve voltmeter connections to point E2 and earth (fig.5). Check that the valve voltmeter indication (with respect to El) is in accordance with Table 3. Page 6Method B 2. Q) (2) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) AE.3001/3002 Table 3: E2 measurement Antenna System £2 Impedance | + 1dB ‘AE.3001 50 ohms ~6eB ‘AE.3001 75 ohms ~5dB ‘AE.3002 50 ohms ~4dB AE.3002 75 ohms -2,5dB Connect the test equipment in accordance with fig.6a. Set the step ottenvator to 20dB. Set the signal generator to 0 frequency between 5 and 30MHz, ond on output level to suit the receiver. Set the receiver AGC to OFF (or gain control to manual) and the mode switch to CW. Tune the receiver to the signal generator for maximum output, Adjust the receiver gain control (or signal generator output level) to obtain a convenient reference level on the receiver meter. NOTE: Do not adjust the signal generator or receiver controls for the remainder of this check. Reconnect the test equipment in accordance with fig.6a. Reduce the step attenuator setting, in 1dB steps, until the receiver meter again indicates the reference level . Check that the difference between the two settings of the step attenuator is in accordance with Table 3. Page 7REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST Item Racal Part Number NATO Part Number Whip antenna element FG847 5985-99-772-0032 Whip antenna socket 6096 5985-99-752-9390 Plastic cover FG848 5985-99-752-9391 Whip antenna socket sealing ring, square section A6108 5330-99-543-8114 Whip antenna socket sealing ring, round section A6106 5330-99-543-8116 Antenna base sealing ring 46107 5330-99-543-8115 RP amplifier PCB P5603 F881 5985-99-742-5051 Balun transformer PCB (dipole only) PS619 FG1S68 5985-99-753-1121 Mounting tube and U-bolt assembly 6153 5985-99-752-9392 BNC bulkhead socket 26103 5935-99-754-6590 Mating BNC plug 6130 5935-99-768-7912 ‘NC bulkhead socket (/A versions only) 6625 Mating TNC plug 6193 Pillar Cheek A6092 5985-99-752-7172 Pillar block 6094 5985-99-752-7173 Special hexagon nut 6098 5310-99-752-7174 Special washer 6100 5310-99-763-8016 Active antenna base (AE3001C) 6091 5985-99-752-9389 Washer saddle (AE3002C) AT656 5310-99-752-7176 Active antenna base (AE3002C) A7658 5985-99-752-9393 PCB support sub-assembly (AE3002C) 7659 5989-99-752-9271 Support block (AE3002C) AT671 5985-99-752-7180 Clamping strip (AE3002C) 7673 5985-99-752-7181 Body assembly active antenna (AE3001A) 8258 Body assembly active antenna (AE3001C) 8259 Body assembly active antenna (AE3002C) 8260 Optional Item Antenna Whip extension 0.75m (one required for monopole, two required for dipole) Oe AE3001/3002 Page 8POWER SUPPLY ASSEMBLY Item Racal Part Number NATO Part Number Unit Power Supply A7301 Fuseholder 7302 Fuselink 1A 47303, Connector bulkhead male Suhner 12 BNC 7325 Connector bulkhead Suhner 22 BNC 7326 5939-99-634-4715, ‘Terminal Red 7304 5940-99-620-1591 Terminal Black 7305, Connector plug Suhner 11 BNC 7327 5935-99-945-9134 Connector jack Suhner 21 BNC 7328 Capacitor 0.22uF +208 7310 5910-99-654-5351 Choke ATUL 5950-99-753-0636 RF AMPLIFIER PCB PS603 cet. _ Tl. Racal NATO feet A anes eee eames ae Part No. Part No. Resistors Ww RL 8.2k Fixed we 2 6114 R2 820k Fixed 2 2 6116 RB 68k Fixed wa 2 6115 Ra 10k Fixed wa 2 6112 RS, 330 Fixed Ww 2 46113 R6 330 Fixed v2 2 A118 R7 47 Fixed wa 2 6110 RB 47 Fixed wa 2 6110 R9 56 Fixed wv 2 A611 R10 10M Fixed wo. 6117 Capacitors v a 470p Polystyrene 1602 A619 2 0.1 Ceramic Disc 30 6121 5910-99-656-4045 3 0.1 Ceramic Disc 30 450-25 AG121._-——«§910-99-656-4045 ca 0.1 Ceramic Disc 30 450-25 AGI21_——45910-99-656-4045 cs 0.1 Polyester 100 20 6120 co 0.22 Polyester 100 20 26122 5910-99-654-5351 AE. 3001/3002 Page 11foe, Value Description Beier art Wo. Transistors TRL 2N6660 (Siliconix only) A6263 ‘TR2 BFWI7A 6124 Diodes Dl BZY88C9V1 A6125 D2 ‘BZyY88C9V1_ 6125 Inductors Ll 220uH Choke 5 6126 Miscellaneous FBL Ferrite Bead 6129 Transistor Pad 6127 Heat Sink AG128 Balun Transformer PCB PS619 Resistors RL 56 Pixed 2 A6111 R2 56 Fixed 2 A6111 Capacitors cl 0.22 400 20 A6122 5910-99-654-5351 Transformer Tl A7633 5985-99-753-1862 AE. 3001/3002 Page 12| LOCK NUT 165mm. 4, FOUR TO SIX GROUND PLANE WIRES OR ALTERNATIVE (SEE TEXT) im to 3m_ INS WOH 5136] [_I- a WHIP 1m 100mm. 32mm DIAMETER ST FIFTIES Mast Mounting of Monopole 12mm to 48mm | I 4 DIAMETER APPROX Im to 1.5m .|[_-MeTAL_suProrT | [TUBE Ub HOSE CLIP a Fig.1AL (a) METAL SHEET Lli.e VEHICLE ROOF) 7mm SLOT ae IN ‘SUPPORT TUBE (WOH 5136) a> 33mm DIAMETER HOLE IN SHEET. REMOVE PAINT LOCALLY FROM UNDERSIDE OF SHEET. MAY BE SHORTENED IF REQUIRED (c) MOULDING REVERSED ‘OR BORE MODIFIED THIN WALLED TUBES —=} 33mm DIAMETER BORE an Alternative Mounting Method (b) THICK meted nim lawereR (d) HOSE CLIP Fig.2AE 3001/B&C OR AE 3002/B&C | AL Bam SOCKET ET i BNC SOCK RF IN Power suppty O OC OUT >< PU 1167 RF OUTO TO RECEIVER AE 3001/A OR AE 3002/A |] TNC SOC! CENTRE CONDUCTOR: a KET +31V@RED POWER SUPPLY ° PU 1167 ov@BLAcK = co] TO_RECEIVER Interconnections Fig.3RED SPOT [\ ie 2m MINIMUM [WOH 5136 Dipole RF Cable Run Fig.4TEE CONNECTOR AE3001 /BRIC SIGNAL GENERATOR E RF IN! pyiig7 (RF OUT +E1 Fig. 5a NOTE: ALTERNATIVE POWER SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT GIVEN IN FIG. 3 TEE CONNECTOR PUII67 Tse ores! 1 'RF OUT el, AE3002 SIGNAL 18 RIC GENERATOR BALUN —r 50 OR 75n Fig. 5b Test Equipment Configuration (Method A)STEP SIGNAL GENERATOR AE3001 1B RIC SIGNAL COMMUNICATIONS ATTENUATOR GENERATOR aa0ae) ‘AE| —- RECEIVER Fig. 6a NOTE 1: ALTERNATIVE POWER SUPPLY ARRANGEMENTS GIVEN IN FIG. 3 NOTE 2: BALUN REQUIRED FOR AE 3002 Pun67 (As FIG 5b) COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVER 50 OR 750 [AE STEP ATTENUATOR 0-20dB 50 OR 75.0. Fig. 6b Test Equipment Configuration (Method B)Fig.7 aason | aasor 2 a3so1o NadO 8 N3dO. Nado v Z NT | 1 AIT | NOISUBA 5 Ss a w < a 98@ SNOISUBA-NI 90 } gu 1 i neta ty 29 pie-8 o 4139005 ONE uy, ‘4Q4 1a . e mozel 2 1A60 @8AZ8 20 ‘10 A dou 1B 3 ge it E WLIMSS ZUL ie) XINOOITIS O999NZ IL 3 SHOSENVEL © @--- 3 NI-90"13N00S_ONL = INO NOISU3A ,V, oO ALE+ Tws CG Se Ze NOTE : FIT FERROX BEAD 10 BASE LEAD OF TR2 Layout: Amplifier PCB AE3001/3002 Fig.8NadO | aap | 2 N3dO N3dO a ‘SUSIENANV HIOB NO 2 NIT OANIT | Notsaaa ‘Tax00s ONE f "STIVL30_1N3NOdWOD ONY LINOUID NOS ZB S914 OL Y3IIY"100c3V WNNGINY SALLV 3Hi NI G3SN 1VHL OL TWOUNAQI SIZ ONV | SUSINGNY YO Bsn MEW3SSY GuvOs ‘Jd SHI 2 yalangwv | yalanany Fig.9 Circuit : Active Antenna AE3002ee i avn NT snivw C4 Husva NLS ino au nO Ate no Fig.10 Circuit : PU1167 RACAL fwon 5196ge ATE seers, oistance um aerween 8 fe 1 aerivE ANTENA so 1 Es 2800 22 2200 (i see uso REA Frou saLe vo as AeeROPIAe oe Scatk'# Ong) MULTIR a 234.8 ETc tow In tSeave ov h maint Br 383°9 E16 rea 2 IME NomosRani 18 aseD ON aN FR-LAYER WEIONT OF 0 wm aND Nomograph: Antenna Mounting Height HF Band