A.H. Systems SAS-550-1B User manual

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
1
Active Monopole Antennas
User Manual

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
2
TABLE of CONTENTS
Introduction
3
Safety Instructions
4
Specifications
5
Operating instructions
6
Calibration
8
Accessories
10
Maintenance
11
Troubleshooting
13
Warranty Information
14

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
3
INTRODUCTION
Model
Frequency
Range
Part
Number
Description
SAS-550-1B
9 kHz – 60 MHz
2380
Active Monopole Antenna, Battery Powered
SAS-550-2B
100 Hz – 60 MHz
2381
Active Monopole Antenna, Battery Powered
Included parts:
•Antenna Base with ground plane
•Telescoping Antenna Element
•Battery Charger
•Antenna Calibration Manual
* Calibration data and certificate included.

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
This equipment is intended for general laboratory use in a wide variety of industrial and
scientific applications and designed to be used in the process of generating, controlling
and measuring high levels of electromagnetic Radio Frequency (RF) energy. It is the
responsibility of the user to assure that the device is operated in a location which will
control the radiated energy such that it will not cause injury and will not violate regulatory
levels of electromagnetic interference. To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and/or
injury to persons, basic safety precautions should always be followed when using
electrical devices, including the following:
1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING THE ACTIVE MONOPOLE
ANTENNA.
2. Use the antenna only as specified.
3. Please dispose of batteries responsibly and in accordance with all applicable laws
and regulations.
4. To protect against electric shock, do not immerse the power cord, power plug or
Antenna in water or in any other liquid.
5. Do not operate the product with a damaged charger cord or charger plug or after
the antenna malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
6. This is not intended for permanent outdoor use.
7. Do not allow the cord or the antenna to rest on or near hot surfaces such as a hot
gas or electric burner or a heated oven.
8. Disconnect the charger from the active monopole when not in use and before user
servicing and cleaning.
9. Do not use this product for anything other than its intended use.
RANGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
This equipment is designed to be safe under the following environmental conditions:
Indoor use
Altitude: up to 2 km
Temperature: 5 C to 40 C
Maximum relative humidity: 80% for temperatures up to 31 C.
Decreasing linearly to 50% at 40 C
Pollution degree 2: Normally non-conductive with occasional
condensation.
While the equipment will not cause hazardous condition over this environmental range,
performance may vary.

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
5
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The A.H. Systems active monopole antennas are active, general-purpose,
receive-only antennas which cover the 100 Hz – 60 MHz frequency range. They
are ideal for instantaneous bandwidth scanning (without tuning) of electric fields
in its frequency range and can drive any receiver with an input impedance of 50
. Each unit comes with a telescoping rod, ground plane with a high impedance
matched preamplifier and battery charger. Review this manual and become
familiar with all safety markings and instructions. Verify that the antenna
impedance is compatible with the receiver impedance.
ANTENNA SPECIFICATIONS
SAS-550-1B Active Monopole Antenna specifications:
Frequency Range ............................................................................9 kHz – 60 MHz
Antenna Factor ............................................................................................... 0 dB/m
Flatness ..................................................................+/- 0.5 dB from 20 kHz– 30 MHz
................................................................................................. +/- 5 dB whole range
Sensitivity...................................................................................5 dBV/m @ 10 kHz
.................................................................................................-20 dBV/m @ 1 MHz
Dynamic Range ................................................................................96 dB @ 10 kHz
........................................................................................................ 122 dB @ 1 MHz
Saturation..................................................................................................87 dBuV/m
Output Connector Type....................................................................................BNC(f)
Input Power.........................................................................................12 Vdc Battery
Weight ................................................................................................ 4.7 lbs. / 2.1 kg
Size (W x H x D) .......................................18" x 18" x 41" (46 cm x 46 cm x 104 cm)
SAS-550-2B Active Monopole Antenna specifications:
Frequency Range ..........................................................................100 Hz – 60 MHz
Antenna Factor ............................................................................................... 0 dB/m
Flatness ...................................................................+/- 0.5 dB from 2 kHz – 30 MHz
................................................................................................ +/- 24 dB whole range
Sensitivity...................................................................................5 dBV/m @ 10 kHz
.................................................................................................-20 dBV/m @ 1 MHz
Dynamic Range ................................................................................96 dB @ 10 kHz
........................................................................................................ 122 dB @ 1 MHz
Saturation..................................................................................................87 dBuV/m
Output Connector Type....................................................................................BNC(f)
Input Power.........................................................................................12 Vdc Battery
Weight ................................................................................................. 4.7 lbs / 2.1 kg
Size (W x H x D) .......................................18" x 18" x 41" (46 cm x 46 cm x 104 cm)

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
To prepare the antenna for operation, attach the telescoping rod antenna
element to the top of the high impedance preamplifier. Adjust the rod length to
41” (1.04 meters). Do not operate the Monopole antenna with the Battery
Charger connected.
BATTERY CHARGING INSTRUCTIONS
Position the input voltage selector on the charger to the proper voltage (either
110 – 120 Vac, 60 Hz or 220 – 240 Vac, 50 Hz). Be sure to check the available
voltage and adjust the voltage selector as needed before use. The active
monopole ON-OFF switch must be in the OFF/CHARGE position to charge the
battery. Every hour of charge will result in two hours of operation for up to 10
hours of charging. Charging for up to 24 hours will not damage the battery.
Using the battery charger to operate the amplifier directly is not recommended.
Longest life and best performance can be obtained if the battery is charged
when the air temperature is between 65°F and 75°F (18° - 24°C). DO NOT
charge the battery in an air temperature below 40°F (4.5°C), or above 105°F
(40.5°C).
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
The active monopole and ground plane can be mounted to any tripod with a
1/4-20 attaching stud. Attach the rod antenna to the connector on the top of the
amplifier. Extend the rod antenna to 41" (104 cm) above the ground plane.
Connect the output BNC connector on the side of the amplifier to the input of a
50  receiver or spectrum analyzer. Establish a ground connection to the
ground plane if required by the test specification.
The POWER indicator LED will illuminate and stay lit as long as the battery has
sufficient voltage to power the active monopole. If the LED does not illuminate,
do not use the active monopole until the battery has been recharged.

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
7
GENERAL USE INSTRUCTIONS
The calibration tables shown provide a listing of the frequency of operation and
its antenna factor in dB/m. The field strength is the receiver voltage in dBV
plus the antenna factor (refer to the antenna factor calibration) plus any cable
loss. When making a measurement, mount the antenna on an appropriate mast
or tripod. Ensure that the active monopole antenna is turned on and use the
appropriate correction factors. The active monopole antenna is easy to set up
and provides good reception with a minimal need for space. Its flat 0 dB
antenna factor makes it a convenient choice when calculating the field intensity.
The signal field strength is the receiver voltage in dBV plus the antenna factor
(refer to the antenna factor calibration tables) plus any cable loss.
ANTENNA FORMULAS AND CALCULATIONS
A specific antenna factor is associated with each frequency. This number is to be added
to the receiver reading (in dBV) to convert to field intensity in dBV/m.
EXAMPLE:
Assume the transmitter to be measured is operating at 1 MHz and the receiver reading
indicates 44.0 dBV
AF (dB/m) = 0.1
Receiver reading (dBV) = 44 dBV
Cable loss (dB) = 0.7
Field Intensity = AF + receiver reading + cable loss
Field Intensity = 0.1 + 44.0 + 0.7
Field Intensity = 44.8 dBV/m

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
8
CALIBRATION
Equivalent Capacitance
With changes to our Active monopole antenna (converting the input connection from a BNC to a
more rugged ¼-20 input) our element diameter changed to 6.17mm (Average). It is our
recommendation to use a 12 pF for the ECSM fixture for an element height of 41” (1.04 meter) as
per ANSI C63.5:2017 and CISPR 16-1-6:2017.
The formula for calculating the capacitance is (per ANSI C63.5:2017 and CISPR 16-1-6:2017):
Ca = (55.6 h) / (ln(h / a) – 1) * (tan(2 π h /λ)) / (2 π h /λ)
Eq 1
where: h = actual length of the monopole element (adjusted to 1.04m), m
a = average radius of the antenna element (6.17mm), m
λ = wavelength in meters
Ca = capacitance of the dummy load
NOTE - Other fixtures with different capacitance are available as an option.
Effective Height Calculation
The correction factor for the calibration is dependent on the height of the monopole. The effective
height is calculation is:
he = (λ/ 2π) * tan(2 πh /λ)
Eq. 2
where:
λ= wavelength in meters
h = Telescoping element height in meters
Examples:
•For a 41” (1.04 Meter) length, the effective height would be 0.52 meters (up to approximately
2 MHz) and the correction factor should be 20*Log(0.52) = -5.68 dB.
•For a 1 Meter length, the effective height would be 0.5 meters (up to approximately 2 MHz)
and the correction factor should be 20*Log(0.5) = -6.02 dB.

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
9
Active Monopole Calibration
The antenna factor for the rod antenna shall be determined by measuring the signal transfer
characteristics with the matching device and assuming that the antenna is a short monopole with an
infinite ground plane. Set up the monopole to be calibrated and the test equipment per Figure 3.
Allow all equipment to warm up for 30 minutes.
* Also referred to as a Dummy Antenna.
Figure 1
1) With the equipment connected as shown in Figure 1, measure the drive signal voltage VD in
dBV at the T-connector (A).
* Also referred to as a Dummy Antenna.
Figure 2
2) Leaving the RF output of the signal generator unchanged, transfer the 50  termination to
the T-connector (A) and transfer the receiver input cable to the signal output port (B).
Measure the output signal voltage VL in dBV.
3) The antenna factor (in dB) is calculated by the following equation.
AF(dB) = VD – VL – (20*Log(he))
Eq.3
NOTES – If the VSWR of the receiver or signal generator is low, pads (attenuators) may not be
needed or reduced to 6dB or 3dB. The signal generator does not need to be calibrated, but it shall
be stable per manufacturers recommendations. The 50  termination and attenuators shall have
low VSWR. The spectrum analyzer shall be calibrated and have low VSWR.

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
10
ACCESSORIES
ECF-12K (Equivalent Capacitance Fixture)
The ECF-12K is an equivalent capacitance fixture constructed per ANS
C63.5:2017 and CISPR 16-1-6:2017. This is an indispensable tool used for gain
adjustment and calibration of the active monopole antennas. The ECF-12K is
used as a signal substitution source when calibrating the active monopole
antennas. Refer to the alignment and calibration procedures below.
SAC-212 (3 Meter Antenna BNC/N Cable)
3 Meter BNC(m) to N(m) RF cable assembly providing repeatable, reliable
performance for use in a variety of commercial and industrial applications.
SAC-461F (Cable kit for MIL-STD 461)
An optional cable kit is available to comply with MIL-STD 461F/G which
includes an appropriate length cable, ferrite bead and a right-angle bracket to
mount to the floor of the chamber.
ATU-510 (Antenna Tripod, wooden)
The ATU-510 wooded Tripod comes with a spring loaded 1/4-20 male thread for
mounting all of A.H. Systems and most other compliance measurement
antennas. This wood tripod can hold up to 30 lbs. (13.6 Kg). Each wooden leg is
adjustable independently of each other. They can adjust from 38" in length to
63" and locked up to a 90-degree angle, allowing an infinite number of settings.

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
11
MAINTENANCE
To ensure reliable and repeatable long-term performance, annual re-
calibration of your active monopole preamplifier by A.H. Systems’
experienced technicians is recommended. Our staff can recalibrate almost
any type or brand of antenna. For more information about our calibration
services or to place an order for antenna calibration, visit our website at
www.AHSystems.com or call [phone].
CLEANING
Turn off and unplug the unit before cleaning.
1. The outside of the Active monopole antenna can be cleaned with a soft,
damp cloth.
2. The ground plane can be removed and washed in warm soapy water
(not dishwasher safe). Do not use abrasive cleaners as they may
damage the surface. Dry before replacing in the unit.
3. The BNC connectors can be cleaned of dust with a small soft brush.
REPLACING THE BATTERY ASSEMBLY
Turn off and unplug the unit before changing the battery pack assembly.
1. Remove the four 6-32 flat head screws from the bottom of the ground
plane.
2. Disconnect the battery lead from the PC card.
3. Re-connect the lead from the new battery pack to the PC card.
4. Snug the four 6-32 flat head screws.
5. Ensure that the orientation of the amplifier box is that the input rod
connector is facing toward the center of the ground plane.
Safety: Please dispose of batteries responsibly; never dispose of batteries in a fire,
batteries may explode or leak.
Never dispose of used batteries or rechargeable batteries in
household waste. As consumers, users are legally required to
take used batteries to appropriate collection sites, the retail store
where the batteries were purchased, or wherever batteries are
sold.
Disposal: Do not dispose of this instrument in common waste.
The user is obligated to take end-of-life devices to a designated
collection point for the disposal of electrical and electronic
equipment.

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
12
FAQ’s
Q: Is your output connector bonded to the network case per MIL-STD 461F/G?
A: The signal output connector is bonded to the antenna matching network case.
Q: The product page states that the antenna includes an 18” ground plane but the
standard I’m testing to requires at least a 60cm ground plane?
A: Our standard monopole antennas comes with an 18” ground plane. A 24” ground
plane is also available and typically in stock.
Q: What is the ECSM calibration?
A: ECSM stands for equivalent capacitance substitution method and it’s a calibration
method that measures the insertion loss of the matching unit with an equivalent
antenna fixture (our model ECF-12K).
Q: Can the active monopole antennas be used for transmitting applications?
A: No, the active monopole antennas are a receive only antenna. Any attempt to
transmit power with damage the antenna.
Q: My telescoping rod has a BNC connector; do you still carry this part?
A: Yes, the telescoping rod with a BNC connector (P/N 2337-1) is for our older active
monopole antennas. All new active monopole antennas have been re-designed to
accept a telescoping rod with a 1/4-20 thread instead of a BNC connector. This new
connection makes for a better electrical performance as well as an improved rugged
design.
Q: Can I use a different element length?
A: Yes, however calibration results were based on a 41” (1.04 Meter) element length
and they will not be valid for different lengths. Please contact our calibration
department for a custom calibration of the active monopole with a different element
length.
Q: What type of battery is included with the active monopole antennas?
A: The active monopole antenna has a 12VDC NiMH 2000mAh battery assembly (P/N
2351-3).
Q: How long does it take to charge the batteries?
A: Every hour of charge will result in two hours of operation for up to 10 hours of
charging. Charging for up to 24 hours will not damage the battery.
Q: What is the lifetime of the battery pack?
A: That will depend on the amount of usage (charge/discharge cycles). A typical
battery pack will last 3 to 5 years

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
13
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Unit will not turn on
Battery pack not charged
Check battery pack charging
requirements
Battery pack loose or not
installed properly
Check battery pack installation
Battery pack will not
charge
Bad battery pack
Replace battery pack assembly
Charger has no output
Re-connect charger
Charger not plugged in
Replace battery pack assembly
Low response / No gain
Front end damage, possible ESD
Contact A.H. Systems, inc.
SERVICE INFORMATION
If you have any questions or comments regarding this unit’s operation or you need
technical advice, repair, or genuine factory replacement parts, please contact our
Customer Service Department or visit our website at www.AHSystems.com.

A.H. Systems Model Active Monopole Antennas
© A.H. Systems inc
REV E
14
WARRANTY INFORMATION
A.H. Systems Inc., warrants that our Antennas, Sensors and Probes will be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years. All other products
delivered under contract will be warranted for a period of two (2) years. Damage caused
by excessive signals at the product's input is not covered under the warranty. A.H.
Systems' obligation under this warranty shall be limited to repairing or replacing, F.O.B.
Chatsworth, California, each part of the product which is defective, provided that the
buyer gives A.H. Systems notice of such defect within the warranty period commencing
with the delivery of the product by A.H. Systems.
The remedy set forth herein shall be the only remedy available to the buyer, and in no
event shall A.H. Systems be liable for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential
damages.
This warranty shall not apply to any part of the product which, without fault of A.H.
Systems has been subject to alteration, failure caused by a part not supplied by A.H.
Systems, accident, fire or other casualty, negligence, misuse or normal wear of
materials.
Except for the warranty set forth above, there are no other warranties, expressed or
implied, with respect to the condition of the product or it's suitability for the use intended
for them by the buyer.
For prompt service, please contact our service department for a Return Material
Authorization Number before shipping equipment back to us.