BIRD 5000 User manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
DIGITAL POWER METER
MODEL 5000
Advanced Test Equipment Rentals
www.atecorp.com 800-404-ATEC (2832)
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INSTRUCTION BOOK
DIGITAL POWER METER
MODEL 5000
AND POWER SENSORS
MODELS 5010, 5011,
AND 5011-EF
©Copyright 2003 by Bird Electronic Corporation
Instruction Book P/N 920-5000S Rev. E.
THRULINE®is a Registered Trademark of
Bird Electronic Corporation
Microsoft®and Windows®are registered trademarks
of the Microsoft Corporation

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i
Safety Precautions
The following are general safety precautions that are
not necessarily related to any specific part or
procedure, and do not necessarily appear elsewhere in
this publication. These precautions must be
thoroughly understood and apply to all phases of
operation and maintenance.
Keep Away From Live Circuits
Operating personnel must at all times observe normal
safety regulations. Do not replace components or make
adjustments inside the equipment with high voltage
turned on. To avoid casualties, always remove power.
Shock Hazard
Do not attempt to remove the RF transmission line
while RF power is present. Radiated RF power is a
potential health hazard.
Do Not Service or Adjust Alone
Under no circumstances should any person reach into
an enclosure for the purpose of service or adjustment
of equipment except in the presence of someone who is
capable of rendering aid.
Chemical Hazard
Dry cleaning solvents for cleaning parts may be
potentially dangerous. Avoid inhalation of fumes or
prolonged contact with skin.

Bird Model 5000 Digital Power Meter
ii
Safety Earth Ground
An uninterruptible earth safety ground must be
supplied from the main power source to test
instruments. Grounding one conductor of a two
conductor power cable is not sufficient protection.
Serious injury or death can occur if this grounding is
not properly supplied.
Resuscitation
Personnel working with or near high voltages should
be familiar with modern methods of resuscitation.
Safety Symbols
The caution symbol appears on the
equipment indicating there is important
information in the instruction manual
regarding that particular area.
NOTE: Calls attention to supplemental
information
WARNING
Warning notes call attention to a procedure which,
if not correctly performed, could result in
personal injury.
CAUTION
Caution notes call attention to a procedure which,
if not correctly performed, could result in damage to
the instrument.

iii
Warning Statements
The following safety warnings appear in the text
where there is danger to operating and maintenance
personnel, and are repeated here for emphasis.
Caution Statements
The following equipment cautions appear in the text
whenever the equipment is in danger of damage, and
are repeated here for emphasis.
WARNING
Never attempt to connect or disconnect RF
equipment from the transmission line while RF
power is being applied.
Leaking RF energy is a potential health hazard.
WARNING
Disconnect from external power before any
disassembly. The potential for electric shock exists.
CAUTION
When connecting the TPS, only turn the connector
nut. Damage may occur if torque is applied to the
sensor body.
CAUTION
Ground all instruments before connecting the TPS.
Electric shock could damage the sensor.
CAUTION
Use a Bird adapter only and do not use the adapter
with the batteries removed.

Bird Model 5000 Digital Power Meter
iv
Safety Statements
USAGE
ANY USE OF THIS INSTRUMENT IN A
MANNER NOT SPECIFIED BY THE
MANUFACTURER MAY IMPAIR THE
INSTRUMENT’S SAFETY PROTECTION.
USO
EL USO DE ESTE INSTRUMENTO DE MANERA
NO ESPECIFICADA POR EL FABRICANTE, PUEDE
ANULAR LA PROTECCIÓN DE SEGURIDAD DEL
INSTRUMENTO.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 2 W average or 125 W peak power for
5 µs when using the TPS or TPS-EF.
Doing so will render the sensor inoperative.
CAUTION
Harsh or abrasive detergents and some solvents
can damage the display unit and
information on the labels.
CAUTION
Always turn off the DPM before connecting or
disconnecting a sensor.
CAUTION
Replace only with Ni-MH rechargeable A batteries.
Nominal Voltage 1.2V; Capacity 2700mAhr.

v
BENUTZUNG
WIRD DAS GERÄT AUF ANDERE WEISE
VERWENDET ALS VOM HERSTELLER
BESCHRIEBEN, KANN DIE GERÄTESICHERHEIT
BEEINTRÄCHTIGT WERDEN.
UTILISATION
TOUTE UTILISATION DE CET INSTRUMENT QUI
N’EST PAS EXPLICITEMENT PRÉVUE PAR LE
FABRICANT PEUT ENDOMMAGER LE
DISPOSITIF DE PROTECTION DE
L’INSTRUMENT.
IMPIEGO
QUALORA QUESTO STRUMENTO VENISSE
UTILIZZATO IN MODO DIVERSO DA COME
SPECIFICATO DAL PRODUTTORE LA PROZIONE
DI SICUREZZA POTREBBE VENIRNE
COMPROMESSA.
SERVICE
SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR
USE BY SERVICE - TRAINED
PERSONNEL ONLY. TO AVOID DANGEROUS
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT PERFORM ANY
SERVICING UNLESS QUALIFIED TO DO SO.
SERVICIO
LAS INSTRUCCIONES DE SERVICIO SON PARA
USO EXCLUSIVO DEL PERSONAL DE SERVICIO
CAPACITADO. PARA EVITAR EL PELIGRO DE
DESCARGAS ELÉCTRICAS, NO REALICE NINGÚN
SERVICIO A MENOS QUE ESTÉ CAPACITADO
PARA HACERIO.

Bird Model 5000 Digital Power Meter
vi
WARTUNG
ANWEISUNGEN FÜR DIE WARTUNG DES
GERÄTES GELTEN NUR FÜR GESCHULTES
FACHPERSONAL.
ZUR VERMEIDUNG GEFÄHRLICHE,
ELEKTRISCHE SCHOCKS, SIND
WARTUNGSARBEITEN AUSSCHLIEßLICH VON
QUALIFIZIERTEM SERVICEPERSONAL
DURCHZUFÜHREN.
ENTRENTIEN
L’EMPLOI DES INSTRUCTIONS D’ENTRETIEN
DOIT ÊTRE RÉSERVÉ AU PERSONNEL FORMÉ
AUX OPÉRATIONS D’ENTRETIEN. POUR
PRÉVENIR UN CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE DANGEREUX,
NE PAS EFFECTUER D’ENTRETIEN SI L’ON N’A
PAS ÉTÉ QUALIFIÉ POUR CE FAIRE.
RF VOLTAGE MAY BE PRESENT IN RF
ELEMENT SOCKET - KEEP ELEMENT IN
SOCKET DURING OPERATION.
DE LA TENSION H.F. PEAT ÊTRE PRÉSENTE
DANS LA PRISE DE L’ÉLÉMENT H.F. -
CONSERVER L’ÉLÉMENT DANS LA PRISE LORS
DE L’EMPLOI.
HF-SPANNUNG KANN IN DER HF-ELEMENT-
BUCHSE ANSTEHEN - ELEMENT WÄHREND DES
BETRIEBS EINGESTÖPSELT LASSEN.
PUEDE HABER VOLTAJE RF EN EL ENCHUFE
DEL ELEMENTO RF - MANTENGA EL ELEMENTO
EN EL ENCHUFE DURANTE LA OPERACION.
IL PORTAELEMENTO RF PUÒ PRESENTARE
VOLTAGGIO RF - TENERE L’ELEMENTO NELLA
PRESA DURANTE IL FUNZIONAMENTO.

vii
About This Manual
This instruction manual guides users through the
operation and maintenance of the Bird 5000 Digital
Power Meter (DPM), as well as the Bird 5010
Directional Power Sensor (DPS) and Bird 5011 and
5011-EF Terminating Power Sensors (TPS).
Typography
There are two types of keys on the DPM. A hard key
has a specific function which is indicated on the key.
The key names for hard keys are set in bold typeface,
e.g. Press the ON key.
Speed keys, which appear under the display, have a
different label depending upon the function selected.
The names appear at the bottom of the display,
directly above the corresponding key. The key names
for speed keys are set in bold italic typeface, e.g. Press
the SCALE Key. In this manual, speed keys will also
be referred to by number, with speed key 1 being the
key on the left. Figure 2 on page 2 shows these speed
key numbers.
Chapter Layout
Introduction — Identifies the parts of the DPM,
describes the functions of the various keys, and
explains the meaning of the indicators which may be
displayed. Also lists the items supplied and optional
equipment available.
Installation — Gives directions for connecting the
DPM, and discusses the various power sources.

Bird Model 5000 Digital Power Meter
viii
Operation — Explains how to make measurements
with the DPM, and the special functions used with
specific sensors.
Maintenance — Lists routine maintenance tasks for
the Digital Power Meter, and troubleshooting tips for
common problems. Specifications and battery
information are also included.
Changes to this Manual
We have made every effort to ensure this manual is
accurate at the time of publication. If you should
discover any errors or if you have suggestions for
improving this manual, please send your comments to
our factory. This manual may be periodically updated,
when inquiring about updates to this manual refer to
the part number and revision level on the title page.

ix
Table of Contents
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Items Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Component Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Display Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Speed Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
DPM Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
RF Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Directional Power Sensor (DPS) . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Terminating Power Sensor (TPS) . . . . . . . . . . 12
Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Normal Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Loading Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Directional Power Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Setting Forward Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Terminating Power Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Zeroing Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
TPS-EF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Charging Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

x
Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Customer Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Attenuators & Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

1
Chapter 1 Introduction
Items Supplied
1. Bird Digital Power Meter (DPM)
2. AC Mains Adapter
3. Instruction Book
Figure 1 Supplied Items

Bird Model 5000 Digital Power Meter
2
Component Description
Figure 2 Component Description
Digital Power Meter
Model
5000
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
12345

Introduction
3
1. Speed Keys Activates the command displayed
above it.
2. On Key Turns the DPM on or off.
3. +/- Key Toggles between positive and
negative numbers.
4. Enter Key Completes data entry.
5. Escape Key Aborts data entry without accepting
changes.
6. Backlight Key Turns the backlight on momentarily.
7. Offset Key Enter offset values in dB.
8. Numeric Keys Input numeric values.
9. Sensor Port Connection for power sensors.
10. RS-232 Port Connection for an optional PC 9-pin
RS-232 (DB9) connector, compatible
with PC serial port. 9600 baud, 8
data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.
11. LCD Display Backlit liquid crystal display.
12. External DC
Connector
Connect either the ac adapter or the
cigarette lighter adapter. External
supplies power the unit and charge
the internal battery.

Bird Model 5000 Digital Power Meter
4
Display Description
Figure 3 Display Description
1. Field Indicator Indicates the type of power
being measured.
2. Major Display Displays forward power or
match efficiency, rho, VSWR, or
return loss.
3. Major Display
Annunciator
Indicates function being
measured.
4. Major Display Unit Unit of measure for the major
display.
5. Minor Display Displays reflected power or
match efficiency, rho, VSWR, or
return loss.
6. Minor Display
Annunciator
Indicates function being
measured.
7. Minor Display Unit Unit of measure for the minor
display.
Scale Fwd
Units
Rfl
Units
True Avg Power
MAX
Fwd
MIN
Overrange
Low Bat
Match Eff% Rho VSWR dBr RL dBm W mW KW µ
Match Eff% Rho VSWR dBr RL dBm W mW KW µ
Dpm
Rfl
Sens
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
0
1
1

Introduction
5
Speed Keys
Scale — For element-based sensors, sets the forward
full scale power. This is listed on the forward element’s
nameplate. Reflected full scale power is automatically
set to 10 dB below the forward full scale. This speed
key is disabled for non-element-based sensors.
Fwd Units — Selects the units for the major display.
Rfl Units — Selects the units for the minor display.
This speed key is disabled for terminating sensors.
Recall Setup (Speed Key 4) — This speed key is only
enabled for the Directional Power Sensor, although
the label is never displayed. Enter a setup number to
load a stored setup. 0 returns to the default setups.
Setups are stored in the DPM using the optional
PCTool software. For more information, refer to the
help files in the PCTool Software.
8. Analog Bar Graph Proportional to the major
display. Minimum at 0 W or –20
dBm. Max at full scale power.
9. Overrange
Indicator
Turns on when the forward
power exceeds 100% of scale or
the reflected power exceeds
120% of scale.
10. Low battery
Indicator
Turns on when the batteries
need charged. Refer to
“Charging Batteries” on
page 17.
11. Menu Speed Key
Labels
Defines the function of the
speed keys.

Bird Model 5000 Digital Power Meter
6
Indicators
Dashes — When no sensor is connected or if
communication with the sensor fails the display will
show a line of dashes and the bar scale will be blank.
Overrange Indicator — If the forward power exceeds
100% of full scale, “Overrange” will be displayed. If
forward or reflected power exceeds 120% of full scale,
the display will show a line of dashes and the bar scale
will be filled.
Low Battery Indicator — “Low Bat” is displayed when
the battery needs recharging. Refer to “Charging
Batteries” on page 17 for more information. The
display will change to “Bat Error” when a Terminating
Power Sensor is connected and the battery is very low.
Offset Indicator — “Fwd” will blink when an offset has
been applied.
Features
Compatibility — The DPM is compatible with Bird
Thruline or Terminating Power Sensors, and with
Bird VSWR Alarm and Broadcast Power Monitor
products with the use of an accessory adapter.
Serial Communication Link — Built-in serial port and
optional software let you download data to a personal
computer for analysis and storage.
Forward and Reflected Power at a Glance — Forward
and reflected power are easily read on the major and
minor display.

Introduction
7
Optional Equipment
Directional Power Sensor (DPS) — Bird 5010,
requires two DPM Elements. As a Thruline Sensor,
the DPS measures both forward and reverse power,
enabling the DPM to display VSWR and other match
measurements. Includes interface cable.
Terminating Power Sensors (TPS)— Highly accurate
terminating sensors; do not require elements.
The Bird 5011 frequency range is 40 MHz – 4 GHz.
The 5011-EF frequency range is 40 MHz – 12 GHz.
Includes interface cable.
Automobile Cigarette Lighter Adapter —
(P/N 5A2238-1) Connects the DPM to a standard 12V
automotive cigarette lighter jack.
Soft Carry Case — (P/N 5000-030) Convenient and
protective. Cutouts allow for operation without
removal from the case.
Hard Carry Case — (P/N 5000-035) Protective case
holds DPM, sensor, and accessories.
Attenuators & Accessories — A variety of
attenuators and connectors for measuring large
powers with the TPS. For a complete list, see page 23.