ETS-Lindgren BiConiLog 3142D User manual

Model 3142D
BiConiLog™ Antenna
User Manual

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ETS-Lindgren L.P. reserves the right to make changes to any product described
herein in order to improve function, design, or for any other reason. Nothing
contained herein shall constitute ETS-Lindgren L.P. assuming any liability
whatsoever arising out of the application or use of any product or circuit
described herein. ETS-Lindgren L.P. does not convey any license under its
patent rights or the rights of others.
© Copyright 2000–2009 by ETS-Lindgren L.P. All Rights Reserved. No part
of this document may be copied by any means without written permission
from ETS-Lindgren L.P.
Trademarks used in this document: The ETS-Lindgren logo, BiConiLog, and
MiniMast are trademarks of ETS-Lindgren L.P.

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Revision Record | MANUAL MODEL 3142 | Part #399229, Rev. I
Revision Description Date
A Initial Release November, 2000
B Update to new format, add
Model 3142 information
January, 2001
C Edit/update February, 2003
D Edit/update June, 2003
E Update bowtie/antenna knob
information
November, 2006
F Updated content to Model 3142D;
rebrand
December, 2008
G Updated Specifications; updated
Additional Mounting Options
illustrations
May, 2009
H Added part numbers for optional
end plate kit
October, 2009
I Added Typical Gain With and
Without End Plates to
Typical Data; updated Using the
Stinger to Mount to a Model 2175
MiniMast
December, 2009

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Table of Contents
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings..............................................vii
1.0 Introduction..........................................................................9
Optional End Plates .......................................................................................9
Tripod Options .............................................................................................10
ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin .................................................12
2.0 Maintenance.......................................................................13
Annual Calibration .......................................................................................13
Replacement and Optional Parts.................................................................14
Service Procedures .....................................................................................14
3.0 Specifications.....................................................................15
Electrical Specifications ...............................................................................15
Physical Specifications ................................................................................15
4.0 Assembly Instructions ......................................................17
Attach Bow Tie Elements.............................................................................18
Attach Optional End Plates..........................................................................19
5.0 Mounting Instructions....................................................... 21
Using Included Mounting Adapters..............................................................22
Using the Stinger to Mount to a Model 2175 MiniMast ................................24
Additional Mounting Options........................................................................29
4-TR Mounting Options........................................................................29
7-TR and Mast Mounting Options........................................................30
2x2 Boom Mounting Options ...............................................................33
6.0 Application .........................................................................35
Without Optional End Plates........................................................................35
With Optional End Plates.............................................................................36
7.0 Typical Data........................................................................39
Typical Antenna Factor................................................................................39
Typical Gain.................................................................................................40
Typical Gain With and Without End Plates ..................................................41
Typical VSWR..............................................................................................42
Appendix A: Warranty.............................................................43

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Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Note: Denotes helpful information intended to
provide tips for better use of the product.
Caution: Denotes a hazard. Failure to follow
instructions could result in minor personal injury
and/or property damage. Included text gives proper
procedures.
Warning: Denotes a hazard. Failure to follow
instructions could result in SEVERE personal injury
and/or property damage. Included text gives proper
procedures.
See the ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin for safety,
regulatory, and other product marking information.

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Introduction | 9
1.0 Introduction
The ETS-Lindgren Model 3142D BiConiLog™ Antenna is designed as a
dual-purpose antenna that can be used for both immunity and emission testing.
From 26 MHz to 60 MHz, the Model 3142D antenna with optional end plates
exhibits an average 5.5 dB gain improvement. At some frequencies, a 10 dB gain
improvement is achieved. Applications for the Model 3142D include emissions
testing, immunity measurements, and medical equipment testing.
The Model 3142D includes a stinger mount; it also includes a mounting bracket
and 1/4–20 thread knob to attach to an ETS-Lindgren tripod or tower adapter.
For the variety of mounting options available for the Model 3142D, see
Mounting Instructions on page 21.
Optional End Plates
Optional end plates
are available to
improve gain for
immunity testing.
This option consists
of two end plates that
are easily attached
and detached by
hand using captive
screw knobs. When
the end plates are
attached it creates a
T-shaped bow tie
element.

10 | Introduction
For any dipole-type antenna to transmit or receive energy most efficiently, the
length must be nearly a half-wavelength, which is about 4.6 meters long at
30 MHz, and 2.8 meters long at 50 MHz. Unfortunately, this is too unwieldy for
many anechoic chambers and test sites. The optional end plates make it appear
like an antenna twice as long as the 1.4 meter length. The result is approximately
a 10 dB improvement in low frequency transmit gain and receive antenna factor
compared to a same length regular bow tie.
With the end plates attached to the Model 3142D bow tie elements, the
equivalent dipole electrical length is increased, which decreases resonant
frequency and increases efficiency in the 20 MHz to 60 MHz range. Similarly, the
regular bow tie has a lower resonant frequency than an equal length single wire
dipole. The optional end plate has its first resonance at a frequency where its
length is about 0.22 λ, a regular bow tie at a length of 0.3 λ, and a tuned dipole
at about a length of 0.48 λ. Thus, at 50 MHz the 1.4 meters-long end plate option
behaves as if a 2.8 meter tuned dipole. Cross-polar radiation is minimized
because current flow on one of the T end frames is almost completely cancelled
by the opposite-phased current on the other T end.
Tripod Options
ETS-Lindgren offers the following nonmetallic, non-reflective tripods for use at
both indoor and outdoor EMC test sites.
For easy horizontal and vertical polarization, the ETS-Lindgren
Model 7-TR tripod is recommended.

Introduction | 11
•Model 7-TR—Constructed of PVC
and fiberglass components, providing
increased stability for physically large
antennas. The unique design allows
for quick assembly, disassembly, and
convenient storage. Allows several
different configurations, including
options for manual or pneumatic
polarization. Quick height adjustment
and locking wheels provide ease of
use during testing. Maximum height is
2.17 m (85.8 in), with a minimum
height of 0.8 m (31.8 in). This tripod
can support a 13.5 kg (30 lb) load.
•Model 4-TR—Constructed of linen
phenolic and delrin, designed with an
adjustable center post for precise
height adjustments. Maximum height
is 2.0 m (80.0 in), and minimum height
is 94 cm (37.0 in). This tripod can
support up to an 11.8 kg (26.0 lb)
load.

12 | Introduction
ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin
See the ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin included with your shipment
for the following:
•Warranty information
•Safety, regulatory, and other product marking information
•Steps to receive your shipment
•Steps to return a component for service
•ETS-Lindgren calibration service
•ETS-Lindgren contact information

Maintenance | 13
2.0 Maintenance
Before performing any maintenance, follow
the safety information in the ETS-Lindgren
Product Information Bulletin included with
your shipment.
Maintenance of the Model 3142D is limited
to external components such as cables or
connectors.
If you have any questions concerning
maintenance, contact ETS-Lindgren
Customer Service.
Annual Calibration
See the Product Information Bulletin included with your shipment for information
on ETS-Lindgren calibration services.
WARRANTY

14 | Maintenance
Replacement and Optional Parts
Following are the part numbers for ordering replacement or optional parts for the
Model 3142D BiConiLog™ Antenna.
Part Description Part Number
Polarizing Mounting Adapter 100989
Thread Insert 105861B
Optional End Plate Kit (includes):
•113031 End Plate (1)
•106364 Thumbscrew,
M4x12 (4)
113032 (2 each required)
For additional/optional mounting hardware, see Additional Mounting
Options on page 24.
Service Procedures
For the steps to return a system or system component to ETS-Lindgren for
service, see the Product Information Bulletin included with your shipment.

Specifications | 15
3.0 Specifications
Electrical Specifications
With Standard Bow Tie Elements /
With Optional End Plates
Frequency Range: 26 MHz–6 GHz
Input Impedance (Nominal): 50 Ω
VSWR (Average): 2:1 above 50 MHz
Maximum Continuous Power: 1 kW
Peak Power: 1.3 kW
Pattern Type: Directional
Polarization: Linear
Connector: Type N female
Physical Specifications
Height: 76.2 cm (30.0 in)
Length: 166.1 cm (65.39 in)
Width: 133.0 cm (52.72 in)
Weight (Without End Plates): 7.7 kg (17.0 lb)

16 | Specifications
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Assembly Instructions | 17
4.0 Assembly Instructions
Before connecting any components, follow the
safety information in the ETS-Lindgren
Product Information Bulletin included with your
shipment.
The Model 3142D BiConiLog™ Antenna consists of the following:
•Antenna
•Bow tie elements (2)
•10–32 thumbscrew knobs to attach bow tie elements (2)
•Mounting bracket and mounting knob
•Protective end caps for bow tie elements (2)
•Screws to attach protective end caps to bow tie elements (8)
The optional end plate package consists of:
•End plates (2)
•Thumbscrew knobs to attach end plates to bow tie elements (8)

18 | Assembly Instructions
Attach Bow Tie Elements
The Model 3142D ships with the bow tie elements detached. To attach the bow
tie elements:
1. For stability, mount the Model 3142D onto a tripod or tower. See
Mounting Instructions on page 21 for the steps to mount the antenna.
2. Slide the narrow end of one of the bow tie elements into the
receptacle hole on the antenna boom, and then align the bow tie with
the receptacle on the boom.
Do not cross thread this connection or
permanent damage to the bow tie element could
occur.
3. Insert one of the 10–32 thumbscrew knobs into the opposite side of the
antenna boom from where you inserted the bow tie. Slowly tighten the
knob, taking care not to cross thread the connection.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the second bow tie element.

Assembly Instructions | 19
Attach Optional End Plates
1. For protection, there is a black end cap on each of the bow tie
elements. Use a Phillips screwdriver to carefully remove the
four screws in each of the bow tie end caps. Remove the end caps.
The end caps should be reinstalled when you are done using the
optional end plates, so store the end caps and the screws in a safe
place.
Do not cross thread this connection or
permanent damage to the bow tie element could
occur.
2. Align the four holes on the wide end of the bow tie element with the
four holes on the end plate. Insert each of the four thumbscrew knobs
in the holes and slowly tighten, taking care not to cross thread the
connection.
3. Repeat step 2 for the second end plate.

20 | Assembly Instructions
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