Coax Cable Tracing

[pepper33]

I appreciate all the suggestions. Probably something like the NanoVNA is what i will look at. Yes this will be ran to some base units in an EOC. The goal is to save money but in the end we may have to reach out to a radio shop and have them bring some high end analyzers out if needed.

 

[prcguy]

I also have a NanoVNA. Be prepared to spend some time with it before making any measurements, its got a learning curve.

I appreciate all the suggestions. Probably something like the NanoVNA is what i will look at. Yes this will be ran to some base units in an EOC. The goal is to save money but in the end we may have to reach out to a radio shop and have them bring some high end analyzers out if needed.

 

[jeepsandradios]

The Antennas are currently not being used but will be put in service in an EOC. Antennas are commercial grade most are fiberglass Telewave i think. Any recommendations on an analyzer?

I use an LMR Master from Anritsu.

 

[mastr]

I use an LMR Master from Anritsu.

That is a nice unit. Attention OP- for the price of same, you can probably have your tower audited several times with money left over.

 

[speedway_navigator]

Pretty amazing for the price, reminds me of my TinySA. Does this do DTF?

 

[speedway_navigator]

I've used both of these, they are professional grade instruments. Copper mountain had an R54 that is discontinued, you might find one used at prices close to the Bird. It's 'only 85' MHz to 5.4 GHz. When I started in 2 way GHz was what happened when you hit your thumb with a hammer, not a frequency range.

RF Analyzers & Test Tools | Bird – The RF Experts

Boost RF testing efficiency with Bird’s analysis tools—from handheld analyzers to full kits—built for reliable performance in any environment.

birdrf.com

R60 1-Port 6 GHz Vector Network Analyzer

This patented (US Patent 9,291,657) analyzer can be connected directly to the antenna or other DUT without the need for a test cable, eliminating measurement uncertainties inherent to cables.

coppermountaintech.com

 

[PACNWDude]

In a previous life, I used to end up on large ships with large antenna arrays installed all over the vessel, but most being right over the bridge and bridge wings. A handheld FLIR thermal imager that was used to scout out oil spills came in handy for mapping antennas. I had someone key up a radio and looked for which antenna got warmer. This works wonders for some vessels that had a lot of comms on board. Helps if you do this when it is cold outside. Some thermal imagers work better than others, but I have done this with newer cheaper models used for construction/insulation inspection as well.

 

[speedway_navigator]

Need to try this with my IR laser thermometer.
When I was in San Diego I remember seeing an RF mapping system for ship antennas on Pt Loma.
It had a metal track with a yagi running from ground level to overhead, the ship model was on a roundtable about 10' in diameter.

Jogged past it when I was young and foolish enough to run the American's finest city half marathon.

 

[prcguy]

It may have been a radar cross section measurement setup but at VHF or UHF. I had to haul a shelter full of radar equipment to Navy property on Pt Loma many years ago for RCS measurements when I was in that business.

Need to try this with my IR laser thermometer.
When I was in San Diego I remember seeing an RF mapping system for ship antennas on Pt Loma.
It had a metal track with a yagi running from ground level to overhead, the ship model was on a roundtable about 10' in diameter.

Jogged past it when I was young and foolish enough to run the American's finest city half marathon.

 

[mmckenna]

I had someone key up a radio and looked for which antenna got warmer.

"Ensign R.F. Burns, please lay to the bridge."