Tower Series Quick Start Guide

1 Introduction

1.1 Making PIM & Return Loss Measurements  (Instantaneous)

Perform the following steps to take a PIM and Return Loss measurement:

1.1.1 Turn-On Tower Series PIM Analyzer

1) Plug in the CCI Tower Series PIM Analyzer to an
    AC source (120 or 220 VAC), or operate from
    Battery.

2) Turn on the power switch on the top of the unit.

3) When the Tower Series PIM Analyzer has
     completed its software load, the Main Menu screen
     will appear as shown in figure 1.

Figure 1 - Main Menu Screen

1.1.2   Select Quick Start Guide Icon

If you are unfamiliar with the Tower Series PIM Analyzer and have not been through Tower Series PIM Analyzer training, this guide can be viewed directly from the touch-screen by depressing the Quick Start Guide icon on the Main Menu.

1.1.3 Setting the Date & Time (First Time Only)

The date and time need to be set the first time the Tower Series PIM Analyzer is used, or whenever the unit is moved to a different time zone.  Follow the steps below to set the time and date:

1.1.3.1  Select Configure System Icon

 Press the Configure System icon found in the Main Menu screen shown in figure 1 above.  This will open the System Configuration screen as shown in figure 2 below.

Figure 2 - System Configuration Screen

1.1.3.2     Select Date & Time Icon

 Press the Date & Time icon to open the Date and Time Settings Menu in figure 3.   Enter the correct date and time by selecting the appropriate field and using the up and down arrow keys to arrive at correct number.  When done, press the OK icon to return to the System Configuration screen.  The next step is to return to the Main Menu.  Finally turn the power to the Tower Series PIM Analyzer off, and after a short duration turn the power to the Tower Series PIM Analyzer on.  The Date & Time should now be properly set.

Figure 3 - Date and Time Settings Menu

1.1.4    Select PIM and Return Loss Icon

 Press the PIM and Return Loss icon found in the Main Menu screen shown in figure 1.  This will open the PIM and Return Loss screen as shown in figure 4 below.

Figure 4 - PIM and Return Loss Screen with TX OFF

1.1.5 Connect the Tower Series to a High Power Termination

The Tower Series Accessory Kit (CCI PN# Tower Series-AK) provides a Low-PIM High-Power Termination and a calibrated Torque Wrench for PIM measurement and calibration purposes.  Connect the Low-PIM High-Power Termination to the RF Output of the CCI Tower Series PIM Analyzer.  Ensure that the connectors are all “clean” prior to making the connections.  Hand-tighten all connectors while ensuring that the connectors are not misaligned.  Once the connectors are hand-tightened, use the Torque Wrench to tighten the connectors.

1.1.6 Turn On RF Output

Press the Green RF icon as shown in figure 5 to turn on the RF Output Power.  The RF Indicator text will change to “TX ON” and will begin flashing in Green as shown in figure 5 below.  The RF icon will turn RED to enable you to turn off the RF when desired.  Additionally, an alternating RED and WHITE border will appear around the “measurement” portion of the screen.  Record the measurement of the High Power Low PIM Load (if required).

Figure 5 - PIM and Return Loss Screen with TX ON

1.1.7 Connect Tower Series PIM Analyzer to the Feeder Line to be tested

Connect the RF Cable (System, Feeder or other) to be tested to the RF Output of the CCI Tower Series PIM Analyzer.  Ensure that the connectors are all “clean” prior to making the connections.  Hand-tighten all connectors while ensuring that the connectors are not misaligned.  Once the connectors are hand-tightened, use the CCI-supplied Torque Wrench to tighten the connectors.

1.1.8    Record Measurement

 The Tower Series PIM Analyzer will display the current PIM and Return Loss readings of the feeder or device it is connected to.  When you are ready to record the reading being displayed (Note: the PIM readings should be stable before recording the measurement – consult the Tower Series PIM Analyzer User Manual for more detailed information) press the Record Reading icon on the PIM and Return Loss screen.  Data can (should) only be recorded when the Transmit RF Power is “ON.”  Note: Pressing the Record Reading does not save the report.

1.1.8.1 Enter Site Information

When the Record Reading icon is depressed, the Site Information Screen opens as depicted in figure 6.   Enter information on the Operator (i.e. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, etc.) and the Site Number.  Also, enter your initials into the Technician field.   Pressing the bar on the right side of each field will bring up the Keyboard Entry Screen depicted in figure 7 which will allow you to enter the desired information.  When you have finished entering the required site information, press the OK Icon.

Figure 6 - Site Information Screen

Figure 7 - Keyboard Entry Screen

1.1.8.2 Enter Sector/Feeder Information

After completing the Site Information above, the Sector/Feeder Information Screen is displayed as depicted in figure 8 below.  Depress the bar to the right hand side of each field to enter the Sector and the Feeder information.  Once the information has been entered, press the OK icon at the bottom of the screen.  Note that the Site Information and Sector/Feeder Information are required only on the first PIM measurement.  Subsequent PIM measurements do not require re-entry of this information.

Figure 8 - Sector/Feeder Information Screen

1.1.8.3 Select Label and Enter Comment

Once the Site Information and Sector/Feeder Information have been completed, the Select Label Pop-up Window is displayed as shown in figure 9.   The Tower Series PIM Analyzer provides an extensive list of default labels that describe typical measurement points at most cell sites.  Note: This list and how to add new labels are discussed in detail in the Tower Series PIM Analyzer User Manual.  Select the label that best matches your measurement point.  You can also enter a comment specific to this measurement in the report by taping on the field to the right of the comment label.

When the select label process is complete, depress the OK icon to return to the PIM and Return Loss screen.  A Cancel Reading button is shown giving the user the option to cancel out of a reading in case the user accidentally hit the Record Measurement button.

Figure 9 - Select Label Pop-up Window

1.1.9  Select the Report Menu Icon

 The PIM measurements taken thus far can be viewed at any time and a report can be created by pressing the Report Menu icon.   This action brings up the Test Report Screen shown in figures 10-11 below.

1.1.9.1 Viewing the Test Report

The Test Report that appears on the touch screen can be “scrolled” up or down by dragging your finger up or down on the screen.  You will notice the Site Information and the Sector/Feeder Information that were entered in paragraphs 1.1.8.1 and 1.1.8.2 displayed at the top of the test report (See figure 10).

Figure 10 - Test Report Screen (Site and Sector Info)

Scrolling down, the test report will contain the pass/fail limit points (in both dBm and dBc units) and the test results.  Note: The Tower Series PIM Analyzer Users Guide provides detailed information on how to change the pass/fail points.

Figure 11 - Test Report Screen (Pass/Fail Limits and Test Results)

1.1.9.2    Saving the Test Report

 If the test report as displayed is satisfactory, it can be saved by pressing the Save Report icon.   This action opens the Save Report pop-up window as shown in figure 12 below.  The report can be saved to either the “Local Drive” or the “USB Drive,” by selecting the appropriate icon.  Please note that the user should be sure to depress the icons and not the radio buttons in order to properly select which “Drive” the Test Report will be stored in.  The file name for the report is automatically generated by the Tower Series PIM Analyzer but can be changed by tapping on the File Name bar.  This action will bring up the Keyboard Entry Screen which will allow you to override or modify the default file name.  This automatically generated file name is created by the Tower Series PIM Analyzer as a concatenation of the Operator, Site # and Sector information that was previously entered.  Press the OK icon to save the report.  The “suggested” filename no longer contains the sector information.  Please note that special characters are not allowed.

Note that Reports are only saved when performing this action, or if Tower Series PIM Analyzer has been accidentally turned off the report can be saved when the “Auto Save” pop-up appears at Tower Series PIM Analyzer turn-on.  Pressing the Record Reading icon does not save the report.

Figure 12 - Save Report Pop-up Window

Also note that the user may not be able to save Test Reports if the Memory in the Tower Series PIM Analyzer is full.  This may occur if files have not been deleted after transferring to a USB Memory.  Also it is possible that Tower Series PIM Analyzer units that have been rented may have been previously used and the files have not been deleted by the previous user(s).  Please see paragraphs 1.6 and 1.6.3 below to Clear Reports.

1.2 Making PIM (& R_L) versus Time Measurements

CCI’s Tower Series also allows the user to perform PIM and Return Loss measurements over a period of time.  The default mode is a continuous measurement over a period of 10 seconds.  Note: The Tower Series PIM Analyzer User Manual describes how to change the default test time period.  Also, a more complex “Non-continuous” test mode is available where the test time and test intervals can be customized.

1.2.1    Select PIM vs. Time Icon

 Press the PIM vs. Time icon found in the Main Menu screen shown in figure 1.  This will open the PIM vs. Time screen as shown in figure 13 below.

Figure 13 - PIM vs. Time Screen (Prior to Measurement)

1.2.2 Connect Tower Series PIM Analyzer to the Feeder Line to be tested

Connect cable to be tested.

 1.2.3 Take Measurement

 Press the Start Plot    icon on the PIM vs. Time window to begin the measurement plot.  Note that if the Tower Series PIM Analyzer has not been calibrated, the system will automatically start a calibration cycle as described in paragraph 1.1.6.  While the measurement is being performed the “RF ON”  Icon will appear.   The measurement plot can be interrupted at any time by pressing the Stop Plot    icon.

1.2.4  Select Record Plot Icon

Once the measurement plot has been completed, you can record the measurement (i.e. save the measurement to the test report) by pressing the Record Plot icon.  If the Site Information and Sector/Feeder Information has not yet been entered, the system will bring up the Site Information and Sector/Feeder Information screens as described in paragraphs 1.1.8.1 and 1.1.8.2.  Otherwise, the system will automatically open the Select Label pop-up window (1.1.8.3) which will allow you to select the label that best matches your measurement point.

1.2.5       Select Report Menu Icon

 The PIM measurements taken thus far can be viewed at any time and a report can be created by pressing the Report Menu icon.   This action brings up the Test Report screens shown in figures 10-11 above with the exception that the PIM versus Time plot now appears below the PIM & Return Loss measurements, and above the Tower Series PIM Analyzer information box.  Please follow the instructions in paragraph 1.1.8 to view and save the test report.

1.3    Select RX Interference Icon
 The RX Interference icon will open up the “RX Interference” function window.  This is a new test function that looks for external interference in the Rx band.  The test works by keeping the transmitter amplifiers off and sweeping the receiver across the entire Rx band.  The “Start” and “End” RX frequencies and frequency "Step Size” can be adjusted from the “Configure Frequency Parameters” pop-up window (see figure 14), which can be accessed by touching the X-axis on the graph as seen previously.  The IM Order can also be selected.  Additionally, as seen previously touching the Y-axis allows the user to specify the pass/fail criteria.  Please see figure 15 for a view of the completed sweep.  Please note that as before if Record Plot is selected the RX Interference Plot will be appended below the last measurement taken prior to this measurement.

Figure 14 - Configure Frequency Parameters Pop-up Window

Figure 15 - Completed RX Interference Sweep Display

1.4   Select Frequency Sweep Icon

 Depressing the Frequency Sweep icon will open up the “Frequency Sweep” function window.  This is a new test function that takes continuous PIM measurements at varying frequencies.  The test works by keeping the first transmit tone fixed while moving the other.  The “Start” and “End” RX frequencies and frequency step size can be adjusted from the “Configure Frequency Parameters” pop-up window (see figure 16), which can be accessed by touching the X-axis on the graph.  The IM Order can also be selected.  Additionally, touching the Y-axis allows the user to specify the pass/fail criteria.  Additionally the Power can be adjusted, and the IM Order can be selected.  Please see figure 17 for a view of the completed sweep.  Please note that as before if Record Plot is selected the Frequency Sweep Plot will be appended below the last measurement taken prior to this measurement.

Figure 16 - Configure Frequency Parameters Pop-up Window

Figure 17 - Completed Frequency Sweep Display

1.5   PIMPoint

Depressing the PIMPoint icon in the Main Menu will open up the “PIMPoint” function window (see figure 18).  PIMPoint walks the user through a calibration sequence to establish a measurement reference plane.  The reference plane can be set at the PIM Analyzer's output connector, or offset to the end of a jumper cable. This reference plane will thus become the "zero" distance reference from which all PIMPoint measurements will be taken.  A PIM Standard of -80 dBm is used as a PIM level reference.

Using the accessory kit's -80 dBm PIM Standard at the chosen reference plane and terminating the PIM Standard with the CCI Low PIM Load allows for the analyzer to store calibration parameters which become the reference PIM magnitude and phase from which all further measurements are calculated.  During this calibration process, it is imperative to have clean connectors as well as applying proper torque to all connections before pressing the "CAL" icon.  A poor calibration will yield poor results.
 

Figure 18 - Initial PIMPoint Window

1.5.1 PIMPoint Calibration Setup

Place the -80 dBm PIM Standard at the RF Output of the Tower Series PIM Analyzer.  Next the user must place the Low PIM Load at the output of the -80 dBm PIM Standard.  Once the PIM Standard and Low PIM Load are hand-tightened, the User must use a Torque wrench to fully tighten both.

1.5.1.1 Initiate PIMPoint

Depress the PIMPoint icon in the Main Menu widow.  This will open the widow shown in figure 18 above.

1.5.1.2 Set Output Power

If an output power of other than +43 dBm (20W) is required the user can set the output power by depressing the “Power” data bar below the graph.  This will open an Output Power pop-up window as previously described for other testing.

1.5.1.3 Select IM Order

If an IM order other than the 3^rd Order is desired, the user can set the "IM" order by depressing the IM data bar below the graph.  This will open a pop-up window allowing selection of 3^rd, 5^th, 7^th, or 9^th order IM as previously described for other testing.

1.5.1.4 Set Antenna Distance

The user can Set the actual Antenna Distance by depressing the “Antenna” data bar below the graph.  This will open the “Set Antenna Distance” pop-up window (shown in figure 19) for entry of the Actual Antenna Distance.  Note that the limits for the Antenna Distance are 0.0 to 1000.0 feet.

Figure 19 - Set Antenna Distance Data Entry Pop-up Window

1.5.2 Initiation of Calibration Sequence

Depress the “Calibrate”  icon in order to begin the PIMPoint Calibration process.  This will open a “Unit Not Calibrated” warning pop-up window as sown in figure 20 below.  Depressing the “OK” Icon in the “Unit Not Calibrated” pop-up warning window will bring the User to the PIMPoint Details Window seen in figure 21, which requires selection or data input as appropriate.

Figure 20 - Unit Not Calibrated Warning Pop-up Window

 1.5.3 Select RX Frequency Step Size in the PIMPoint Details Window

Using the “minus” or “plus” buttons to the left or right of the Frequency Step Size data at the top of the PIMPoint Details Window (figure 21) will lower or raise the "RX Frequency Step" Size accordingly.  Select the RX Frequency Step size (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 or 2.0 MHz) appropriate for the Maximum Distance to the Antenna required.  The Start Rx Frequency, Stop Rx Frequency, Max. Distance and Number of Points will automatically be filled in.

Figure 21 - PIMPoint Details Window

1.5.4 Select Cable

Depressing the "Cable" data bar as shown in figure 21 will open the "Select Cable" window. Select the appropriate Cable from the cables available in the list shown in figure 22 below.  If the cable being utilized is not fond on the listing the User can add “Cable Details” to the list.

Figure 22 - Select Cable Window

1.5.5 Delete a Cable

If it is desired to delete an existing cable, highlight the cable to be deleted by locating it on the touch screen and depressing said label.  Then press the Delete Cable icon in order to remove the cable from the Select Cable menu.

1.5.6 Add a Cable

Press the Add Cable icon if a brand new cable is required.  The Cable Details window will appear on the touch screen as shown in figure 23 below.  This window requires input of three items as follows:

1) Cable Identification – Identification of the Cable

2) Velocity Ratio of Cable – Velocity of Propagation

3) Loss per 100 ft of Cable in dB

Figure 23 - Cable Details Window

1.5.6.1 Cable Identification Entry

Depress the "Cable" Identification Bar at the top of the Cable Details window to open up the Keyboard pop-up window.  The User can type in any appropriate information from the keyboard to identify the cable type being added.

1.5.6.2 Velocity of Propagation Ratio

Depress the "Velocity Ratio (%)" Bar to open up the Relative Propagation Velocity Entry pop-up window as shown in figure 24 below.  Enter the Relative Propagation Velocity as a percent of the speed of light (identified by “c”).  This information should be listed in the datasheet for the cable type being added to the listing.  The limits allowed are 1% to 100% of the Speed of Light (c).

Figure 24 - Relative Propagation Velocity Entry Pop-up Window

1.5.6.3 Loss per 100 Foot of Cable

Depress the "Loss per 100 ft (dB)" Bar to open up the Cable Loss Entry pop-up window as sown in figure 25 below.  Enter the Cable Loss per 100 feet.  This information should be listed in the datasheet for the cable type being added to the listing.  The limits allowed are 0.0 to 100.0 dB per 100 ft.

Figure 25 - Cable Loss Entry Pop-up Window

1.5.7 Edit Cable Information

If it is desired to change existing cable by adding information to or removing information from the existing cable identification, or to change errors in the Relative Propagation Velocity or Loss per 100 feet of cable, press the Edit Cable icon after selecting the cable to be edited.  Next use the keyboard keys to modify the cable identification as desired as described in paragraph 1.5.6.1, or change the Relative Propagation Velocity per paragraph 1.5.6.2, or to change the Loss per 100 feet of cable per paragraph 1.5.6.3.

1.5.8 Cancel

Depress the Cancel Icon if you have accidentally gotten to the Cable Details screen and do not wish to be editing the cable information.

1.5.9 Exit

When the user’s actions in the Cable Details portion of the PIMPoint testing are complete, depress the Exit button to return to the prior screen.

1.5.10 Velocity of Propagation Ratio for the Cable Type Being Measured

Typically Velocity of Propagation (VP) ratios of between 80% and 88% as appropriate for the Cable type being measured.  Note that this value automatically populates once he cable type has been selected.

1.5.11 Calibrate (Zero Reference)

Depress the Calibrate Button   to start the Calibration process for the Zero Reference.  This will open a Calibration Warning Pop-up window (see figure 26) requesting that the user “Connect the PIM Std. and PIM Load to the output for Cal.”  Once the user has connected the PIM Std. and PIM Load, the user can depress he “OK” button to start the calibration process.  While the Calibration is being performed a pop-up window (figure 27) indicating “Taking Data: Point X of Y” is occurring.  Once the Calibration process is complete the plot shown in figure 28 below will be visible.  Note that when calibration is complete the proper zero reference (with the -80 dBm measurement) will appear to be at the test port.  That is, the peak value of approximately -80 dBm (-79.9 dBm) will be shown at 0.0 feet.

Figure 26 - Calibration Warning Pop-up Window

Figure 27 - Pop-up Window during Calibration Process

Figure 28 - PIMPoint Zero Reference Window after Calibration

1.5.12 Disconnect Low PIM Load and PIM Standard

Disconnect the Low PIM Load and the PIM Standard from the RF Output of the Tower Series PIM Analyzer.

1.5.13 Connect Feed-Line to be Measured

Connect the Feed-Line (which is connected to an Antenna) to be measured to the RF Output of the Tower Series PIM Analyzer.  Hand-tighten the Feed-Line and then use a torque wrench to properly torque the connector.

1.5.14 Perform PIMPoint Measurement of Feed-Line

Perform the PIMPoint measurement of the Feed-Line by depressing the Start Plot  icon in the PIMPoint window.  During the test the pop-up window “Taking Data: Point XX of YY” will be visible until the test run is complete.  When the test run is complete the trace will indicate where the highest PIM reading has been measured.  See figure 29 for an example where the maximum PIM measurement of -85.8 dBm has been found at a distance of 9.8 feet.  Note that for this example a test jumper of 10.0 feet was terminated with the PIM Standard which was in turn terminated by the PIM Load.

Figure 29 - PIMPoint Measurement of Feed-Line to Antenna

1.5.15 Comment About Distance Readings

Please note that if the Maximum PIM Reading is shown to be greater than the distance to the antenna, the user should then look for other possible sources of PIM other than the feed-line or the components connected to the Feed-Line.

1.6    Manage Resources

Depressing the Manage Resources Icon in the Main Menu will open up the Manage System Resources Window (see figure 30).  This window allows the user to view System Information including Available Memory, Used By Reports (Memory Used by Reports), Used by Old S/W (Memory Used by Old S/W Version), and Total Free Memory.  This window also allows the user to perform functions including Backup Reports, Clear Old S/W, Clear Reports, and Exit.

Figure 30 - Manage System Resources Window

1.6.1    Backup Reports

Depressing the Backup Reports Icon allows the user to perform a “bulk” backup of all reports on the Tower Series PIM Analyzer’s “Local Drive” to the “USB Drive.”

1.6.2    Clear Old S/W

Depressing the Clear Old S/W Icon allows the user to delete all old versions of S/W from the Tower Series PIM Analyzer’s “Local Drive.”

1.6.3    Clear Reports

Depressing the Clear Reports Icon allows the user to clear all reports from the Tower Series PIM Analyzer “Local Drive.”  Please note that once this function has been selected a Warning pop-up window will appear.  Once the user accepts the action all reports on the “Local Drive” will be deleted, and can no longer be retrieved (copied).

1.6.4    Exit

Depressing the Exit Icon returns the user to the Main Menu window.

1.7 Autosave

Tower Series PIM Analyzer now automatically saves unsaved data recordings from a prior measurement session in case power is lost or in case the user forgets to save measurements.  This feature works very well in the event of a power outage.  See figure 31 for an example of the Autosave pop-up window after powering the Tower Series PIM Analyzer.  Please note that the Autosave screen will be seen at Tower Series PIM Analyzer turn-on, especially after a power failure or a session where the user did not save data.

Figure 31 - Autosave Pop-up Window at Tower Series PIM Analyzer Power-up

1.8 Save Report

1.8.1 Length of Report Filenames

The number of characters allowed for filenames has been extended.  Report filenames can now include spaces.  This improvement applies to the entire report subsystem which includes Save, Copy, Rename and Open report.  Please note that special characters are not allowed.

1.8.2 Default Report Filenames

Tower Series PIM Analyzer generates a default filename for saved reports that the user can override and change.  The “suggested” filename no longer contains the sector information.  Please note that special characters are not allowed.