PCTEL SeeGull HBflex Quick user guide

Hardware Reference Manual
Document Number: 100130-00
Revision F
April 2020
SeeGull®HB
flex
TM

SeeGull® HBflexTM Reference Manual
PCTEL, Inc. Page 2 Rev F
Table of Contents
.......................................................................................................................................................................................1
1. Preface ..........................................................................................................................................4
1.1. Purpose..........................................................................................................................................4
1.2. Applicability ..................................................................................................................................4
1.3. Notices...........................................................................................................................................9
1.4. Compliance....................................................................................................................................9
2. Overview and System Requirements............................................................................................10
2.1. General Description....................................................................................................................10
2.2. Initial Inspection..........................................................................................................................10
2.3. Options........................................................................................................................................10
2.4. System Requirements...................................................................................................................13
3. Installation...................................................................................................................................14
3.1. Setup............................................................................................................................................15
3.2. LEDs............................................................................................................................................17
4. Operation ....................................................................................................................................18
4.1. Calibration ..................................................................................................................................18
4.2. Software Upgrades......................................................................................................................18
4.3. Controlling the Scanner and Acquiring Data..............................................................................18
4.4. Ethernet Instructions ...................................................................................................................19
4.5. CDMA/EV-DO Holdover Operation ...........................................................................................22
5. RF Antenna Information..............................................................................................................23
5.1. Antenna Verification....................................................................................................................23
5.2. Cellular Antennas........................................................................................................................23
5.3. GPS Antenna Information ...........................................................................................................25
5.4. Wi-Fi Wireless Adapter...............................................................................................................26
6. Walk Test Kit Information (to be updated)..................................................................................27
6.1. Walk Test Kits..............................................................................................................................27
6.2. Bluetooth Communications RF Antenna Information..................................................................27
7. Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................28
7.1. No Power: Receiver LEDs not illuminated .................................................................................28
7.2. Changing the Fuse in the Power Plug.........................................................................................28
7.3. Received Signal Strength Appears Low.......................................................................................28
8. Support ........................................................................................................................................29
8.1. Contact Information ....................................................................................................................29
8.2. Warranty Information..................................................................................................................29
8.3. Calibration Notice.......................................................................................................................30
8.4. Return Material Authorization Procedure for the SeeGull HBflex scanning receiver ................30
9. Appendix A: SeeGull HBflex Specification..................................................................................31

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PCTEL, Inc. Page 3 Rev F
10. Appendix B: NB-IoT Measurements............................................................................................36
10.1. NB-IoT: Introduction...................................................................................................................36
10.2. NB-IoT Physical Layer................................................................................................................36
10.3. Top N NB-IoT Signal Measurement ............................................................................................36
List of Figures
Figure 1 - SeeGull HBflex Scanning Receiver......................................................................................................10
Figure 2 –SeeGull HBflex Scanning Receiver Top View...................................................................................14
Figure 3 - SeeGull HBflex Scanning Receiver Side View...................................................................................14
Figure 4 - SeeGull HBflex Scanning Receiver Front Display.............................................................................16
Figure 5 - SeeGull HBflex Scanning Receiver Rear Display..............................................................................17
Figure 6 - Control Panel...........................................................................................................................................19
Figure 7 - Network and Internet..............................................................................................................................19
Figure 8 - Network and Sharing Center.................................................................................................................20
Figure 9 - Change Adapter Settings.......................................................................................................................20
Figure 10 - Local Area Connection Properties .....................................................................................................20
Figure 11 - Internet Protocol Version.....................................................................................................................20
Figure 12 - Obtain IP Address Automatically........................................................................................................20
Figure 13 - IP Address and Subnet Mask .............................................................................................................22
Figure 14 - OP278H .................................................................................................................................................23
Figure 15 - OP379H, OP697, OP451 and OP286H Gain...................................................................................23
Figure 16 - OP379H .................................................................................................................................................23
Figure 17 - OP697 wide spectrum multi-band antenna.......................................................................................24
Figure 18 –OP451 Wide spectrum multi-band antenna.....................................................................................24
Figure 19 - OP307 mmWave Antenna kit..............................................................................................................24
Figure 20 - OP034H .................................................................................................................................................25
Figure 21 –Supported Wi-Fi Adapters..................................................................................................................26
Figure 22 - IND-CBL-ANT-HB kit............................................................................................................................27
Figure 23 - SeeGull HBflex Scanning Receiver Power Plug..............................................................................28
Figure 25 - NB-IoT....................................................................................................................................................36
List of Tables
Table 1: Phone Numbers.........................................................................................................................................29
Table 2: Email Addresses........................................................................................................................................29
Table 3: NB-IoT In Band..........................................................................................................................................37
Table 4: NB-IoT Guard Band ..................................................................................................................................38

SeeGull® HBflexTM Reference Manual
PCTEL, Inc. Page 4 Rev F
1. Preface
1.1. Purpose
This document is a reference manual for the
main features and options available SeeGull
HBflex. This manual provides instructions
related to setup, operation, and
maintenance. Other documentation may
supplement this document for SeeGull
HBflex scanner or related PCTEL products
and applications.
1.2. Applicability
The SeeGull HBflex scanning receiver
conducts in-build walk tests, drive test, and
site-specific measurements of mobile
networks around the world to optimize
wireless network performance, survey tower
sites, monitor base stations, demodulate RF
signals, and analyze wireless market data
and is specially designed to collect data
across the mmWave band for 5G NR in
addition to existing 2G,3G and 4G sub 6-
GHz bands.
The SeeGull HBflex scanning receiver is a
software-defined receiver, capable of
supporting multiple protocols and any
supported cellular band. It supports
frequencies from 10MHz to 6 GHz and
selected bands between 24Ghz to 40Ghz. It
can be configured for 5G NR, FD-LTE, TD-
LTE, LTE-LAA, NB-IoT, WCDMA, GSM,
CDMA, EV-DO, , P25, TETRA, DMR and
Wi-Fi technologies which can all be
measured simultaneously.
The following 3GPP bands are supported
for 5G New Radio (NR)
•N1 (UL: 1920 MHz –1980 MHz, DL:
2110 MHz –2170 MHz)
•N2 (UL: 1850 MHz - 1910 MHz; DL:
1930 MHz - 1990 MHz)
•N3 (UL: 1710 MHz –1785 MHz; DL:
1805 MHz –1880 MHz)
•N5 (UL: 824 MHz –849 MHz; DL:
869 MHz –984 MHz)
•N7 (UL: 2500 MHz –2570 MHz; DL:
2620 MHz –2690 MHz)
•N8 (UL: 880 MHz –915 MHz; DL:
925 MHz –960 MHz)
•N12 (UL: 699 MHz - 716 MHz; DL:
729 MHz - 746 MHz)
•N14 UL: 788 MHz –798MHz, DL:
758MHz –768MHz)
•N18 (UL: 815MHz –830 MHz, DL:
860MHz –875MHz)
•N20 (UL: 832 MHz - 862 MHz; DL:
791 MHz - 821 MHz)
•N25 (UL: 1850 MHz - 1915 MHz;
DL: 1930 MHz - 1995 MHz)
•N28 (UL: 703 MHz –748 MHz; DL:
758MHz –803MHz)
•N29 (DL: 717MHz –728MHz)
•N30 (UL: 2305MHz –2315MHz, DL:
2350MHz –2360MHz)
•N34 (UL/DL: 2010 MHz - 2025 MHz)
•N38 (UL/DL: 2570 MHz - 2620 MHz)
•N39 (UL/DL: 1880 MHz - 1920 MHz)
•N40 (UL/DL: 2300 MHz - 2400 MHz)
•N41/N90 (UL/DL: 2496 MHz –
2690MHz)
•N48 (UL/DL: 3550 MHz –3700MHz)
•N50 (UL/DL: 1432 MHz - 1517 MHz)
•N51 (UL/DL: 1427 MHz - 1432 MHz)
•N65 Band (UL: 1920 MHz - 2010
MHz; DL: 2110 MHz - 2200 MHz)
•N66 Band (UL: 1710 MHz - 1780
MHz; DL: 2110 MHz - 2200 MHz)
•N70 (UL: 1695 MHz –1710 MHz,
DL: 1995 MHz –2020 MHz)
•N71 (UL: 653 MHz –698MHz, DL:
617 MHz –652MHz)
•N74 (UL: 1427 MHz –1470 MHz,
DL: 1475 MHz –1518 MHz)
•N75 (1432 MHz –1517 MHz)
•N76 (1427 MHz –1432 MHz)
•N77 (3300 MHz –4200 MHz)

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PCTEL, Inc. Page 5 Rev F
•N78 (3300 MHz –3800 MHz)
•N79 (4400 MHz –5000MHz)
•N80 (1710 MHz –1785 MHz)
•N81 (880 MHz –915 MHz)
•N82 (832 MHz –862 MHz)
•N83 (703 MHz –748 MHz)
•N84 (1920 MHz –1980 MHz)
•N86 (1710 MHz –1780 MHz)
•N91 (UL: 832 MHz –862 MHz, DL:
1427MHz –1432 MHz)
•N92 (UL: 832 MHz –862 MHz, DL:
1432 MHz –1517 MHz)
•N93 (UL 880 MHz –915 MHz, DL:
1427 MHz –1432 MHz)
•N94 (UL 880 MHz –915 MHz, DL :
1432 MHz –1517 MHz)
•N95 (UL 2010 –2025 MHz)
•N257 (26.5 GHz to 29.5 GHz)
•N258 (24.25 GHz to 27.5 GHz)
•N260 (37 GHz to 40 GHz)
•N261 (27.5 GHz to 28.35 GHz)
The following bands are supported for FD-
LTE with a subset of these bands supported
for WCDMA, CDMA, EV-DO and GSM:
•ER-GSM-900
•E-UTRA 1 (2100 MHz UMTS)
•E-UTRA 2 (1900 MHz)
•E-UTRA 2/25 (1900/Ext 1900 MHz)
•E-UTRA 3 (1800 MHz)
•E-UTRA 4 (2100 MHz AWS)
•E-UTRA 4/66 (AWS/AWS-3)
•E-UTRA 5 (850 MHz)
•E-UTRA 6 (850 MHz Japan)
•E-UTRA 7 (2600 MHz IMT)
•E-UTRA 8 (900 MHz UMTS)
•E-UTRA 9 (1700 MHz Japan)
•E-UTRA 10 (Ext. 2100 MHz AWS)
•E-UTRA 11 (1500 MHz Japan)
•E-UTRA 12 (Lower 700 MHz A/B/C)
•E-UTRA 12/17 Lower 700 MHz
A/B/C and Lower 700 MHz B/C)
•E-UTRA 13 (Upper 700 MHz C)
•E-UTRA 13/14L (Upper 700 MHz C
and lower half Upper 700 MHz D)
•E-UTRA 14 (Upper 700 MHz D)
•E-UTRA 17 (Lower 700 MHz B/C)
•E-UTRA 18 (Lower 800 MHz Japan)
•E-UTRA 19 (Upper 800 MHz Japan)
•E-UTRA 20 (800 MHz EU)
•E-UTRA 21 (1510 MHz Japan)
•E-UTRA 22 (3500 MHz)
•E-UTRA 23 (2000 MHz)
•E-UTRA 24 (1600 MHz)
•E-UTRA 25 (1990 MHz [Ext. 1900])
•E-UTRA 26 (Upper Ext 850 MHz)
•E-UTRA 27 (Lower Ext 850 MHz)
•E-UTRA 28 (700 MHz APAC)
•E-UTRA 29 (US 700 MHz)
•E-UTRA 30 (2300 MHz WCS)
•E-UTRA 31 (450 MHz)
•E-UTRA 32 (1500 MHz L-Band, DL
only)
•E-UTRA 65 (2100+)
•E-UTRA 66 (AWS-3)
•E-UTRA 67 (700 EU, DL only)
•E-UTRA 68 (700 ME)
•E-UTRA 69 IMT-E (2570 - 2620
MHz)(DL only)
•E-UTRA 70 (AWS-4)
•E-UTRA 71 (US 600)
•E-UTRA 72 PPDR, EU PMR/PAMR
450
•E-UTRA 73 APAC 450
•E-UTRA 74 L-Band
•E-UTRA 75 1500 SDL (1432 - 1517
MHz) (DL only)
•E-UTRA 76 1400 (1427 - 1432 MHz)
(DL only)
•E-UTRA 85 (Lower 700 A+)
•E-UTRA 252 (5150 - 5250 MHz U-
NII-1)
•E-UTRA 255 (5725 - 5850 MHz U-
NII-3)

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PCTEL, Inc. Page 6 Rev F
The following bands are supported for TD-
LTE:
•E-UTRA 33 (1900 MHz)
•E-UTRA 34 (2000 MHz)
•E-UTRA 35 (1900 MHz Lower)
•E-UTRA 36 (1900 Upper)
•E-UTRA 37 (1900 MHz Center Gap)
•E-UTRA 38 (2.6 GHz)
•E-UTRA 39 (1.9 GHz)
•E-UTRA 40 (2.3 GHz)
•E-UTRA 41 (2.5 GHz)
•E-UTRA 42 (3.4 GHz)
•E-UTRA 43 (3.6 GHz)
•E-UTRA 44 (700 MHz)
•E-UTRA 45 (TD 1500)
•E-UTRA 46 (5150 - 5925 MHz)
•E-UTRA 47 (5855 - 5925 MHz)
•E-UTRA 48 (3550 - 3700 MHz)
•E-UTRA 49 (3550 - 3700 MHz)
•E-UTRA 50 (1432 - 1517 MHz)
•E-UTRA 51 (1427 - 1432 MHz)
•E-UTRA 52 (3300 –3400 MHz)
•TDD Proprietary (179 - 199 MHz)
•TDD Proprietary (1785 - 1805 MHz)
The following bands are supported for RSSI
channel measurements:
•P25 Public Safety 700 Band (769 -
774 MHz BS and 799 - 805 MHz
MS)
•Wi-Fi Bands (2400 - 2484 MHz,
4900 - 6000 MHz)
•TETRA Public Safety 380, 390 Band
(380 - 390 MHz MS, 390 - 400 MHz
BS)
•TETRA Public Safety 410, 420 Band
(410 - 420 MHz MS, 420 - 430 MHz
BS)
•TETRA Public Safety 450, 460 Band
(450 - 460 MHz MS, 460 - 470 MHz
BS)
•TETRA Public Safety 870, 915 Band
(870 - 876 MHz MS, 915 - 921 MHz
BS)
The following “super” bands are supported
for “LTE By Frequency” and EPS
measurements:
•LTE Unchannelized Superband (10
MHz - 6 GHz)
•LTE Unchannelized Superband (300
MHz - 3.8 GHz)
•LTE Unchannelized Superband (570
MHz - 3.8 GHz)
•LTE Unchannelized Lower
Superband (10 MHz - 1700 MHz)
•LTE Unchannelized Lower
Superband (300 MHz - 1700 MHz)
•LTE Unchannelized Lower
Superband (570 MHz - 1700 MHz)
•LTE Unchannelized Upper
Superband (1700 MHz - 3.8 GHz)
•LTE Unchannelized Upper
Superband (1700 MHz - 6 GHz)
For more information about the SeeGull
HBflex, please contact your sales or
marketing representative (contact
information provided in Section 8).

SeeGull® HBflexTM Reference Manual
PCTEL, Inc. Page 7 Rev F
Features
•Fast scanning speeds
•High dynamic range
•Low false detection rate
•Built-in GPS
•LTE MIMO capability (sub 6GHz
Only)
•Blind Scan for all technologies
including 5G NR
•Layer 3 decoding of FD-LTE, TD-
LTE, WCDMA and GSM
•USB Interface and Bluetooth®
connectivity
•Ethernet connectivity
•On-board storage with SD card
•Plug-and-play capabilities
•Compatibility with industry-leading
drive test, data analysis, and RF
planning tools
•Modular architecture for easy
upgrades
•Small form factor, light weight
•Low power consumption and hot
swap battery system
•Power save mode
Supported Measurements
5G New Radio (NR)
•Maximum # of Channels: 12 (FR1)
and 8 (FR2)
•NRTop N Reference Signal Scan
•PCI/Beam Index
•PSS_RP, PSS_RQ, PSS_CINR
•SSS_RP, SSS_RQ, SSS_CINR,
SSS_delay spread
•RSPBCH_RP, RSPBCH_RQ,
RSPBCH_CINR, SSB_RSSI,
SSB_RP, SSB_RQ, SSB_CINR,
SSB_Idx
•MIB
•Time Offset
LTE (FDD and TDD)
•Maximum # of Channels: 24
•eTop N Reference Signal Scan
•Automatic Bandwidth detection or
manual selection
•P-SCH/S-SCH
•RSRP, RSRQ
•CINR
•Cyclic Prefix
•Time Offset
•Multi-Path Delay Spread
•MIMO ECQI for different
transmission modes
•MIMO ETPUT for different
transmission modes
•MIMO Condition number
TD-LTE Specific
•Uplink/Downlink Configuration #
•DwPTS Symbol
•UpPTS
•GP
LTE-LAA
•LTE-LAA measurement for RS and
RS-RF Path:
•RS_RP
•RS_RQ
•RS_CINR
•TimeOffset
•LTE-LAA measurement for SS:
•PSCH_RP
•PSCH_RQ
•PSCH_CINR
•SSCH_RP
•SSCH_RQ
•SSCH_CINR
NB-IoT
•In-Band, Guard band or Stand Alone
•Top N NRS (Narrowband Reference
Signal), NPSS (Narrowband Primary
Synchronization Signal) and NSSS

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PCTEL, Inc. Page 8 Rev F
(Narrowband Secondary
Synchronization Signal) •NRS - RP, RQ, RSSI, CINR,
Timeoffset.
•NPSS - RP, RQ, RSSI, CINR.
•NSSS - RP, RQ, RSSI, CINR,
Timeoffset
GSM
•BSIC Decoding Scan
•RSSI Channel Scan
•C/I (Co-Channel Interference)
WCDMA
•Maximum # of Channels: 24
•Top N Scan
•P-SCH/S-SCH Scan
•Io
•Ec/Io and Aggregate Ec/Io
•Signal to Interference Ratio (SIR)
•Rake Finger Count
•Time Offset
•Delay Spread
CDMA
•Maximum # of Channels: 24
•Top N Scan
•Ec
•Ec/Io and Aggregate Ec/Io
•Pilot Delay and Delay
EV-DO
•Maximum # of Channels: 24
•Top N Scan
•Ec
•Ec/Io and Aggregate Ec/Io
•Pilot Delay and Delay
W-Fi
•Channelized RSSI measurements
for 2.4GHz, 4.9GHz and 5GHz
•Top N measurement in all channels
in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
•Signal Strength
•Noise Level
•CINR
•Channel Number and Bandwidth
•BSSID/Device Name/SSID
•Security Protocol
•802.11 Media
•Beacon Interval
•Channel Utilization
•UDP Throughput and Lost Packets
•TCP Throughput and OOO Packets
P25
•Phase1 and Phase2 RSSI, SINR,
NID, FBER and Out of Service BER
measurements
TETRA
•Channelized RSSI measurements
for supported TETRA bands
•Tetra Decode –RSSI, SNR, FBER,
Color Code, MCC, MNC
DMR
•RSSI, SINR, FBER and Color Code

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PCTEL, Inc. Page 9 Rev F
MULTI-TECHNOLOGY
•Aggregate Power measurement
(RSSI, EPS, or Spectrum Analysis)
•Delay and Signal Strength of
neighboring cells
•RSSI Channel Scans
•Spectrum Analyzer measurements
•High Performance GPS Receiver
Blind Scan
The Blind Scan feature for 5G NR, FD-LTE,
TD-LTE, WCDMA, GSM, CDMA, EV-DO,
NB-IoT and Wi-Fi technologies scans the
selected band and provides the active
channel numbers. Blind Scan is useful for
conducting a full band network search
where prior knowledge about active
channels is incomplete or unknown. It is
also beneficial for network benchmarking to
obtain a first-glance view of the RF
infrastructure density and configuration.
For LTE, Layer 3 option is supported.
Bluetooth Communication
The Bluetooth Communications enables the
user to communicate wirelessly to an
Android™ device. Bluetooth requires an
antenna to operate and comes with the
scanner.
For more information please visit
www.pctel.com.
1.3. Notices
WARNING: These devices have no
protection against lightning. Please turn off
the scanning receiver during a thunderstorm
and, if applicable, take the antenna inside
the car before a thunderstorm approaches.
The scanning receiver itself is not intended
for “in weather” outdoor use.
NOTICE: There are no user serviceable
parts inside the SeeGull HBflex Scanning
Receiver.
1.4. Compliance
RoHS Compliance
The PCTEL SeeGull HBflex scanning
receiver being delivered to participating
European nations is compliant to EU
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS).
The PCTEL SeeGull HBflex scanning
receiver is compliant to "Administrative
Measure on the Control of Pollution Caused
by Electronic Information Products" ("China
RoHS").
ISO Compliance
PCTEL’s Quality Management System has
been certified to be compliant with ISO
9001:2015.

SeeGull® HBflexTM Reference Manual
PCTEL, Inc. Page 10 Rev F
2. Overview and System
Requirements
This section describes the SeeGull HBflex
scanning receiver, including the applicable
system configuration and software
requirements.
2.1. General Description
The SeeGull HBflex is a tool for signal
strength and modulation measurement,
engineered for the rigors of mobile network
testing during planning, installation, and
maintenance of wireless networks.
2.2. Initial Inspection
Upon receipt of the scanning receiver,
inspect the shipping container and verify
that the contents are complete and match
the packing list. The HBflex scanning
receiver should look similar to the picture in
Figure 1. If the contents are incomplete or
the SeeGull HBflex scanning receiver
appears damaged, please call the Technical
Support line at (240) 460-8833.
Figure 1 - SeeGull HBflex Scanning Receiver
2.3. Options
Optional multi-technology measurements
available for the SeeGull HBflex are
described below. These options can be
installed at the time of purchase or later on
as a field-upgradeable option. Please
contact your PCTEL sales or marketing
representative for pricing and delivery
information.
Technologies
The following Technology options are
standard on the 08910 base configuration:
GSM, WCDMA, CDMA, EVDO, TD-LTE,
FD-LTE, Wi-Fi, NR. Other available
technology options include
OP527-FD-LTE-
NB-IOT
LTE (FDD) Narrow Band IoT
Technology Option
OP527-LTE-LAA
LTE-LAA (License Assisted Access)
Technology Option
Enhanced Power Scan (EPSTM) Option
(OP608)
EPS Mode provides customizable power
measurements, improving flexibility and
precision over RSSI and Spectrum Analyzer
measurements for highly-tuned analysis of
individual parts of the RF signal. EPS
features include:
▪Absolute Time Stamp
▪Auto and Immediate Measurement
Modes
▪Ability to set both Time and Frequency
parameters
▪Measure Frequency Spans from 7.5 kHz
to 20 MHz user selectable in multiples of
2.5 kHz
▪Measures Time Periods from 1 chip (50
µs) to 20,000 chips (1sec)
Spectrum Analyzer Option (OP607)
The built-in Spectrum Analyzer feature
provides an effective means to detect and
troubleshoot frequency-related problems.
Spectrum Analysis is also available as a

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PCTEL, Inc. Page 11 Rev F
package with the scanner that enables
spectrum analysis of the wide band
capability of the scanner. The Spectrum
Analyzer shows a wealth of information
about the signal spectrum that is not
obtainable from the standard channel power
measurement. The Spectrum Analyzer
measures and reports power spectral
density using frequency domain techniques
(a segmented FFT approach that ensures
various resolution bandwidths and fast
update rates), whereas RSSI
measurements use analog and digital filters
to select the right frequency band and
subsequently measure total power.
One advantage of this approach is that the
Spectrum Analyzer can analyze the fast-
changing spectrum of an unstable
transmitter. The RSSI measurement in this
case will most often show a normal smooth
picture, as it averages a limited set of data
over time. The Spectrum Analyzer,
however, if used with an appropriate
resolution bandwidth, will reveal erratic
signal behavior due to its fast update rate
and non-averaged data.
The user may set the resolution bandwidth
to 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 or 160 kHz or 2, 4, or 8
MHz. Output data may be set to an average
of 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 sweeps.
LTE Power Analysis (OP616)
LTE Power Analysis is available for TD-LTE
and provides power of the resource block
and slot of the TD-LTE frame. This enables
users to identify interference that is time
(slots) or frequency (RBs)-selective, to
obtain a snapshot of overall traffic levels,
and to determine whether the base station
is properly using the available resources.
Layer 3
OP615 - All Technologies (GSM, WCDMA,
CDMA, EVDO, TD-LTE, FD-LTE)
Layer 3 decoding is available for FD-LTE,
TD-LTE, FD-LTE-NB-IOT, GSM, WCDMA
and CDMA technologies. This option
provides decoding for:
•GSM BCCH (Broadcast Control
Channel) messages
•WCDMA BCH (Broadcast Control
Channel) Type 3 messages
In the GSM BCCH, types 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, and
type 13 messages are supported. For
WCDMA, and LTE, transport block from the
scanner enable support of the Master
Information Block (MIB) and System
Information Blocks (SIBs).
In the WCDMA BCH, the MIB and SIBs 1, 2,
3, 5, 7, 11 and 19 are available.
In the GSM BCCH, WCDMA, these
messages contain the Cell Identity and
Local Area Identification information
broadcast by the network infrastructure.
This information includes the:
•MCC (Mobile Country Code),
•MNC (Mobile Network Code),
•LAC (Location Area Code)
•RAC (Routing Area Code)
These messages also contain significant
information on the configuration, activity and
performance of the network. This includes
information concerning:
•Neighbor list
•Mobility management (handovers,
etc.)
•Group and broadcast call control
•GPRS mobility management,
transparent transport and session
management

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PCTEL, Inc. Page 12 Rev F
•Radio resource management
•SMS messages
•Location services
•Uplink Interference parameters
(WCDMA).
The LTE BCCH Layer 3 option conveys
system information about the cell. These
transport blocks contain the cell identity,
channel bandwidth, mobility management
(handovers), neighbor lists, barred cells,
intra-frequency selection, public safety
messages, etc. It supports decoding of the
MIB and SIBs 1-16, 24, 25 and 32.
The FD-LTE NB-IOT Layer 3 option
conveys system information about the cell.
It supports the decoding of the MIB and SIB
1.
The CDMA Layer 3 option provides this
information:
•Synch Message.
•System Parameter Message.
•Extended System Parameter
Message.
•Neighbor List Message.
•Extended Neighbor List Message.
•CDMA Channel List Message.
•CDMA Extended Channel List
Message
The SeeGull HBflex supports scanning of
numerous GSM and LTE BCCH, and
WCDMA BCH channels during the same
test.
Mobile Blindscan Option (Mobile
Measurement):
OP505 - All Technologies (GSM, WCDMA,
CDMA, EVDO, TD-LTE, FD-LTE)
Mobile Blindscan (Mobile Measurement)
combines the functionality to detect new
channels in defined Bands, known as
Blindscan, and performs additional
measurement on the identified channels. When
channels are no longer recognized, they are
removed from the monitoring channels.
LTE (FDD and TDD) 2x2 and 4x2 MIMO
Option (OP617)
MIMO testing is available for 2x2 and 4x2
FD-LTE and TD-LTE. This enables users to
determine the maximum throughput
capability of the RF environment and the
degree of correlation between the 2 base
station transmission antennas for the
purpose of optimizing throughput.
Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (OP527- DSS)
This option is available on FD-LTE and TD-
LTE for users to accurately measure the
LTE frames for cases employing Dynamic
Spectrum Sharing with 5G NR.

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PCTEL, Inc. Page 13 Rev F
2.4. System Requirements
This section describes the system
requirements for the SeeGull HBflex
scanning receiver.
Typical System
Depending on a user’s requirements,
various hardware and software components
may be used in the scanning system along
with the SeeGull HBflex scanning receiver.
However, in most cases, a typical
configuration will include a host PC
connected to the scanning receiver via a
USB cable, or Android tablet or UE
connected to the scanning receiver via a
USB cable or Bluetooth, running the user’s
application software.
Antenna Requirements
The HBflex can support two types of
antennas for different requirements.
For 10MHz to 6GHz measurements: Use a
50 Ohm impedance antenna with an SMA
male connector at the end of the cable.
For mmWave antennas: Omni antennas
designed for 24GHz to 40GHz support have
to be connected with an SMA male
connector at the end of the cable.
Power Source Requirements
Maximum power the SeeGull HBflex
scanning receiver draws:
•25 watts (max)
Voltage range for the HBflex scanning
receiver:
•9 to 17 VDC
Use a car battery, a 12-volt battery, or an
AC/DC adapter. It is imperative that the
power source be capable of supplying the
receiver with the voltage and current levels
as described above. It is HIGHLY
recommended that the power supply not
exceed the working DC voltage range of the
scanning receiver. Applying excessive
voltage to the receiver will void the unit’s
warranty.
The scanning receiver should be powered
through the power cord provided by PCTEL.
If another power cord is used, the power
cord must be one that incorporates a fuse
for protection and safety purposes or this
will void any warranties.
Software Requirements
For supported SeeGull HBflex supported
data collection software and technical
interfaces, please contact PCTEL support.
Note: Outdoor antennas, including those
used by other devices, should be placed a
minimum of 6 in. (15 cm) apart, with a
recommended distance of 34 in. (86 cm).

SeeGull® HBflexTM Reference Manual
PCTEL, Inc. Page 14 Rev F
3. Installation
This section describes how to set up the
SeeGull HBflex scanning receiver.
Figure 2 –SeeGull HBflex Scanning Receiver Top View
Figure 3 - SeeGull HBflex Scanning Receiver Side View

SeeGull® HBflexTM Reference Manual
PCTEL, Inc. Page 15 Rev F
3.1. Setup
The following steps explain how to connect the unit to the host PC, tablet, or UE, and power
source to begin collecting data.
1. Depending on the type of measurements to be carried out, please connect appropriate
antennas:
a. 10MHz-6GHz only: If trying to carryout measurements between the frequency
range of 10MHz to 6GHz then connect the antennas to the SMA connectors
labeled RF1 and RF2 on the unit (Figure 4). Note that for 10MHz to 6GHz
measurements RF2 is only used for these applications (otherwise, RF2 is
inactive):
i. LTE MIMO measurements enabled during eTopN scans (sub 6GHz only)
ii. When setting up scans in different frequency bands while using antennas
with different frequency ranges on the different ports (RF1 and RF2) (sub
6GHz only for technologies except 5GNR)
iii. The Signal Analyzer feature in SeeHawk Touch.
b. Both 10MHz-6GHz and 24-40GHz range: For this case, connect the antenna for
sub 6GHz measurements to appropriate RF1/RF2 port and then other mmWave
antenna to other the appropriate mmWave RF1/RF2 antenna port. Ensure that
the RF cable connector (OP306) from the mmWave DC1/DC2 is connected into
the RF1/RF2 port which is being used for mmWave measurements and not sub
6GHz measurements. See Figure 4.
2. 24-40GHz only: When carrying out mmWave measurements only (24GHz to 40GHz)
ensure that the DC1 and DC2 ports have RF cable connectors (OP306) connected to
RF1 and RF2 ports and the mmWave antennas are connected to mmWave RF1 and
mmWave RF2 ports.Connect the GPS antenna (or input) to the SMB connector.
3. If using a USB connection to a Windows laptop or tablet computer, connect the USB
cable to both the SeeGull HBflex scanning receiver (COM port) and to a PC USB port.
4. If using an Ethernet connection, the HBflex must be connected to a network or the user’s
laptop. Connect an Ethernet cable to the LAN connector on the unit.
5. If using a Bluetooth connection to connect to an Android device connect the Bluetooth
antenna to the SMA connector on the unit.
6. For Wi-Fi testing, insert the Wi-Fi Adapter (with extender) into the USB port.
7. Connect the power cable to the SeeGull HBflex scanning receiver (Figure 5) and to the
car Power Socket or to the battery pack for in-building testing. After the power switch at
the back of the unit is turned on, the SYS LED on the receiver blinks orange. After a
short delay, the light turns green (Figure 4). If the light turns dark red (either solid or
blinking), the unit has failed the power-up test. Please contact Customer Support.
8. If saving data to SD card, insert SD card into SD port. SD card use is limited to 32
Gigabytes.

SeeGull® HBflexTM Reference Manual
PCTEL, Inc. Page 16 Rev F
9. If you are using a Windows computer: Install and start the collection software. The
system is now ready for use.
10. If using an Android device: Refer to the Application User Manual. The system is now
ready for use.
Figure 4 - SeeGull HBflex Scanning Receiver Front Display
DC1 and DC2 connecting RF
connector cable to down convert
mmWave to sub 6GHz (DC1-> RF1
and DC2 -> RF2)
RF Connector Cable
(OP306)
SMB Connector for
the GPS Antenna
USB data
connector for PCs
(COM)
SMA Connector for Bluetooth
Communications
USB port for testing
via Wi-Fi adapter,
connecting to
Android device
SD card
port
Ethernet Port (LAN)
GPS LED
SD LED
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
LED
mmWave SMA Connector(s) for
mmWave 24GHz to 40 GHz RF
antenna(s)
SMA Connector(s) for 10MHz to
6GHz RF antenna(s)
SYS LED

SeeGull® HBflexTM Reference Manual
PCTEL, Inc. Page 17 Rev F
Figure 5 - SeeGull HBflex Scanning Receiver Rear Display
The table below illustrates the support for HBflex 5G NR measurements with single
antenna (simultaneous mode) and dual antenna mode
Measurement
type/Feature
Support
64 Beams
40 ms SSB
periodicity
Dynamic
spectrum sharing
Multi-channel
blind scan
Simultaneous
4G/FR1 and FR2
support
N/A
Two port FR2
only
measurements
N/A
3.2. LEDs
Power Switch
Diagnostics PWR Led
(Factory use only)
Power Input Port

SeeGull® HBflexTM Reference Manual
PCTEL, Inc. Page 18 Rev F
The GPS LED colors indicate the following
states:
•Green: GPS module locked to GPS
signal
•Amber: GPS module unlocked Flashing
Amber: Lost GPS lock within past 5
seconds
•Red: System Error
•Purple: GPS not trained (may take up to
30 minutes and will only occur after a
software upgrade from early software
versions)
The System LED turns solid green after the
successful boot up of the system. It turns
solid red or blinking green if the boot up is
faulty. It turns blinking red if the firmware is
terminated abnormally due to an internal
error. It turns blinking amber if an
internal communication error is
detected.
The SD card LED is normally off. When the
unit is writing to the SD card it turns solid
green. If the SD card is full the LED color is
red. If the card is ejected during a write
operation and error is detected the LED
color is orange.
If the HBflex has the Bluetooth option, then
the Bluetooth LED is blue. The unit is in
discovery mode during this period. Once
another device connects to scanner
application via Bluetooth, the LED turns off
and the scanner is no longer discoverable.
After this, the LED turns off and will blink
during data transfer. When the other device
disconnects, the LED turns solid blue again.
The Com port LED blinks green during
data transfer.
4. Operation
This section discusses calibration, software
upgrades, and integrating the SeeGull
HBflex scanning receiver into the user’s test
system.
4.1. Calibration
SeeGull HBflex scanning receivers are
calibrated at the factory. The calibration
data is stored in the internal non-volatile
memory for each 1 dB step for the whole
input signal dynamic range. Recalibration is
recommended every 2 years in order to
maintain the specified accuracy levels.
Please refer to the Calibration Notice in the
Support section for more information. Re-
calibration is available as an optional
service from PCTEL Inc..
4.2. Software Upgrades
SeeGull HBflex scanning receiver stores the
application program in internal non-volatile
memory, and accordingly, is capable of
being upgraded via software. Upgrades
may be needed to incorporate new features
or bug fixes. Most software upgrades can
be done remotely using PCTEL’s SeeGull
Assistant. Please note that some upgrades
can only be performed at PCTEL’s factory.
4.3. Controlling the Scanner and
Acquiring Data
A unit is controlled, and the measurement
data is received via the USB data cable for
PC, or Bluetooth for Android tablet or UE.
Control of the SeeGull HBflex scanning
receiver is dependent upon the software in
order to collect data coming from
Note: It is highly recommended
to have the SeeGull HBflex
scanning receiver recalibrated
every 2 years.

SeeGull® HBflexTM Reference Manual
PCTEL, Inc. Page 19 Rev F
measurements taken from the SeeGull
HBflex scanning receiver.
4.4. Ethernet Instructions
The Ethernet feature enables TCP/IP
communication between HBflex and a
control PC (or laptop). PC DHCP
connection is recommended for remote
access to the scanner. The user also has
the option of manually entering a Static IP
Address.
Note: If the TCP socket connection is
lost without a proper shutdown, the
scanner must be power cycled before
accepting a new connection.
Ethernet Using DHCP
Using this method, an IP address, Subnet
mask, and Gateway are acquired on the PC
automatically from a DHCP server. The
scanner is then assigned a corresponding
IP address with identical Subnet mask using
SeeGull Assistant. Make sure the selected
IP address for Scanner is not in use or
duplicated.
Set Up PC:
1. Click Start menu, then click on
Control Panel.
Figure 6 - Control Panel
2. Click Network and Internet.
Figure 7 - Network and Internet
3. Click Network and Sharing Center.

SeeGull® HBflexTM Reference Manual
PCTEL, Inc. Page 20 Rev F
Figure 8 - Network and Sharing Center
4. Click Change adapter settings.
Figure 9 - Change Adapter Settings
5. Right-click Local Area Connection
icon, then click Properties.
Figure 10 - Local Area Connection Properties
6. Double-click Internet Protocol
Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Figure 11 - Internet Protocol Version
7. Select Obtain an IP address
automatically and click OK.
Figure 12 - Obtain IP Address Automatically
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