Peninsula Engineering Solutions RF-4000 User manual

no buildings no roads no power lines
just great reliability.
World Headquarters
39 Grand Canyon Lane
San Ramon,
CA 94583 USA
President
Frank Martens
Phone
925.901.0103
Fax
925.901.0403
Peninsula Engineering
Solutions, inc. may
change specifications as
necessary to meet
industry requirements. Website www.peninsulaengineering.com Email [email protected]
Applications
• Low-cost, highly reliable 4-GHz microwave through repeater for extending range of or clearing obstructed microwave
radio paths.
• Excellent performance with analog, digital, or video microwave radios; channel capacity to 1800 FDM, 1920 PCM(14OMb/s)
or multiple video.
• Compatible with any manufacturer’s 4-GHz radio terminal.
• Solar power compatible -- economical in thin routes and remote locations.
Features
• RF output power up to +25 dBm analog and FSK, lower power for digital.
• Power consumption only 2.5 amperes at 12 Vdc for duplex operation.
• Solar powered, ac powered, or powered by primary cells.
• Compact and lightweight -- ideally suited for remote sites that do not have access roads or commercial power.
• Environmentally protected aluminum, weathertight, lockable cabinet. No extra environmental shelter required in most installation.
Suitable for use at unimproved sites anywhere in the world -- Alaska to Saudi Arabia.
• Duplex frequency diversity, multi- RE channel and three-way or “Y junction” configurations available.
• Only one active element per channel, the internally redundant linear amplifier.
• AGC/ALC provided to correct input fades and reduce overload.
• Amplifiers can be replaced without disrupting service.
• RMAS-l20 Alarm system (optional) to remotely monitor repeater.
• Provided with directional couplers for in-service RE output power measurements.
• No frequency conversion -- received signal is filtered, amplified, and re-radiated.
• Very reliable, greater than 85,000 hours MTBF for duplex.
• Approved for use with 4-GHz radio systems.
• Available as a self-contained RF repeater for use with customer-furnished antenna and power equipment or as a complete package
including repeater, antenna, solar electric panels, battery charger and batteries.
• Steel, weatherproof, lockable cabinet. No environmental shelter required in most instaflations.
01
RF-4000 Repeater
RF-4000 Repeater
Microwave Repeater Systems

RF-4000 Repeater
RF-4000 Repeater
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Table of Contents
APPLICATIONS
FEATURES
TECHNICAL SUMMARY
1. GENERAL
2. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Basic Repeater
Amplifiers
Directional Couplers
AGC/ALC and
Max.Gain Adjustment
Power Supply
3. ALARMS
4. LICENSING
5. ORDERING
6. INSTALLATION
General
Power Wiring
DC Power
7. TESTS
General
Test Equipment
Application of Power
Antenna Isolation Measurement
Antenna Orientation, AGC/ALC set
and Output Measurement
8. MAINTENANCE
Routine Maintenance
Administration Requirements
Trouble Location
Amplifier Replacement, Out of Service
Amplifier Replacement, In Service
APPENDIX A
Antenna System
01
01
02
05
05
05
05
07
07
07
07
07
11
11
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
15
16
16
16
16
16
16
17
19
19

1. GENERAL
• This Section provides information for the Peninsula Engineering
RF-4000 RF Repeater Assembly; hereinafter referred to as
the RF-4000. The RF-4000 may be used with any manufac-
turer’s 4-GHz radio operating in the 3.4-4.2 GHz frequency
range to provide an intermediate repeaterlinks. Terminal
capacity is limited only by the repeater RF bandwidth.
• The RF-4000E assembly is an RF through repeater
designed for remote locations. Only alignment of antennas
and AGC/ALC is required. The use of highly reliable
components and minimum active circuitry eliminates most
subsequent maintenance. The repeater assembly
consists of an equipment mounting panel and waveguide
manifolds contained in a steel, weatherproof cabinet.
In most applications the complete assembly is wall-,
pole- or tower-mounted. An example of repeater mounting
is shown in figure 1; front view of the repeater is shown
in figure 2.
• In addition to the RF-4000 repeater assembly, Peninsula
Engineering Group offers accessory equipment consisting of
antennas and mounting hardware, waveguide, batteries, and
an ac power supply with an integral standby battery. The
recommended antennas are solid or high performance types
chosen per application.
2. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Basic Repeater
• The RF-4000 duplex repeater uses internally redundant
amplifiers for transmission in each of two directions. Each
amplifier is powered by two separate battery supplies for
added reliability. Bandpass filters and circulators, which
form a duplexer network, direct the received signals to the
amplifiers and combine the amplifier outputs with the
received signals to a common antenna port for transmission
in each direction (see Figure 3.1, 3.2).
• The received signal from “A” antenna, identified as frequency
“f1,” enters the repeater panel via the cabinet mounted CPR-
229 W/G connector and is then fed to a branching circulator.
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From the circulator, the f1 signal is passed through the f1, f3
receive pad (optional) to the f1 receive bandpass filter. The band-
pass filter passes the f1 signal to a terminated coaxial circulator
and a coaxial circulator which is terminated with a receiving
equalizer. Then f1 signal passes to amplifier 1. The amplified
signal passes through a transmit equalizer, a terminated coaxial
circulator. Then fi signal passes through a coaxial circulator,
which is terminated with a transmitting equalizer, and the f1
transmit bandpass filter to the branching circulator through the
(optional) f1, f3 transmit pad and then to the cabinet mounted
CPR-229 W/G connector for connection to the "B" antenna.
• In the other direction, the receive signal from “B” antenna,
identified as frequency “f2,” enters the repeater panel via the
cabinet mounted CPR-229 W/G connector and is then fed to
a branching circulator. From the circulator, the f2 signal is
passed through the f2, f4 receive pad (optional) to a receive
branching circulator and then to the f2 receive bandpass
filter. The bandpass filter passes the f2 signal to a terminated
coaxial circulator and coaxial circulator which is terminated
with a receive equalizer and then to amplifier 2. The amplified
signal passes through a transmit equalizer, terminated coaxial
circulator and the f2 transmit bandpass filter to the transmit
branching circulator through the (optional ) f2, f4 transnmit pad
and then to the TR branching circulator and the cabinet mount-
ed CPR-229 W/G connector for connection to “A” antenna.
• Receive pads RX f1, f3 and RX f2, f4 reduce the repeater
receive signals to approximate the recommended input
level (shown in Table 4.1). The transmit pads designated TX
f1, f3 and TX f2, f4 reduce the output signal levels of the
repeater to prevent overloading of the terminal receiver in
a short path. Pads are mounted on the side mounted W/G
to coax adapters.
Amplifiers
• In digital radio applications the amplifiers operate at a
reduced average power level according to the list below, in
order to maintain linearity over the entire signalling enve-
lope. +25 dBm nominal output is available with analog FM
or digital FSK radio systems. Each amplifier is mounted on
the front of the panel to allow easy replacement in the field.
Necessary information for ordering spare or replacement
amplifiers is provided in Part 4.
05

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MODULATION POWER MAXIMUM
BACK OFF POWER OUTPUT
FM/FSK/MSK 0 dB +25 dBm
4PSK -2 +23
I6QAM -6 +19
64QAM -10 +15
QPR3/9QPRS -5 +20
QPR7/49QPRS -6 +19
Directional Couplers
• Directional couplers, built into the amplifiers, provide
signal monitor points. These allow in-service measurement
of transmit output power. The monitor points are calibrated
to indicate actual RF output power at the antenna connector.
When measuring transmit power, the power meter reading
obtained, plus the loss (in dB) marked at the amplifier
monitor point, minus the branching loss (in dB) marked on
the panel, equals actual transmit output power.
For example:
(1) Power meter indication = +6.8dBm
(2) Loss marked at monitor = 21.1dB
(3) W/G Branching Loss = -2.9dB
--------------------
Output Power = +25.0dBm
Power Supply
• The only active elements in the RF-4000 assembly are the
amplifiers which operate from a +13.5 Vdc source. Current
requirements are 1.25 Amperes per amplifier. The repeater
assembly may be powered from solar panels/batteries,
primary cells only, or from an ac/dc supply with standby
battery (shown in Figures 3.4 and 3.4).
• Storage batteries and solar cell panels are selected on the
basis of the average insolation and temperature range at
the site. The batteries are engineered to provide the required
reserve capacity across the temperature range and during
periods when the output from the solar panels is low or not
available. Regulators are included with the solar panels to
prevent overcharging the batteries or boiling the electrolyte.
Peninsula Engineering Group will provide assistance in
determining the appropriate battery capacity. The latitude,
RF-4000 Repeater
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longitude, and altitude of the site should be specified when
requesting assistance.
• In areas where commercial power is available, an ac
power supply can be provided. The ac power supply will
provide ample current to power all amplifiers; therefore,
only one supply is generally used. The power supply also
contains a standby battery to provide power during ac
power failures. The battery is float charged while the power
supply is on and will supply 40-60 hours of standby
power during a power failure.
• In locations where commercial power is not available and
solar panel charging is impractical, primary cell batteries
capable of powering an RF-4000 repeater in excess of a
year are available. In such applications, the battery instal-
lation should be given an environmental shelter according
to the manufactures recommendations.
3. ALARMS
• The RF-4000 repeater can be provided with an optional
alarm system to remotely monitor the repeater site.
• Conditions that are typically monitored are listed below:
Alarm Conditions Monitored (Optional)
Standard Telemetry:
a) A and B Battery Voltage
b) Battery Temperature
Standard Trip Points:
c) A and B Battery Major Alarm (2)
d) East and West RF Output Low (2)
e) Amplifier Alarm
f) Cabinet Door Open
g) Waveguide pressure low
h) 6 Each Uncormmitted Points, Strappable GND
or Open=Alarm
• The alarms are relayed back to the terminal through
the use of a low rate telemetry signal directly modulated
on the RF in a non-interfering fashion. Alarms are
visually displayed on the terminal receiver unit. Alarm
contact closure are available for input to standard
microwave supervisory systems.
07

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RF-4000 Repeater
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RF-4000 Repeater
RF-4000 Repeater
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4. LICENSING
*RESERVED*
5. ORDERING
• The RF-4000 RF Repeater Assembly is ordered by specifying
the system model number RF-4000E-11 through RF-4000-12.
Attenuators are provided by specifying their part numbers.
Transmission engineering must be completed before ordering
because the necessary attenuator values are determined from
the path calculations. Part numbers are listed in Table Figure 4.
• When doing the initial system layout of a radio hop
which includes a RF-4000 RF Repeater Assembly, several
factors must be considered prior to ordering, to ensure
correct antenna connections.
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(a) Terminal transmit-Repeater receive frequencies (F1 and F2.
(b) Physical mounting of RF-4000 repeater on tower (or
crossarms) in relation to mounting of antennas.
• The RF-4000 repeater may be factory-tuned so that f1 asso-
ciates with the lower of the two frequencies and f2 with the
higher; or vice versa. By comparing the factors listed above,
correct antenna/waveguide feeding connections will result.
The equipment order must specify the f1 and f2 frequencies.
For example:
f1 RCV = 3610.0MHz or f1 RCV = 3830.0MHz
f2 RCV = 3830.0MHz f2 RCV = 3610.0MHz
• Orders should include a shipping destination and a billing
address. Upon receipt of your order, Peninsula Engineering
returns an acknowledgement with the scheduled shipping
date. An equipment list, showing the equipment ordered and
shipped, is included with the shipment.
11
Figure 4
Standard Assemblies
RF 4000E Repeater Ordering Information
Standard Assembly Description Frequencies (MHz)
RF-4000-11 Duplex, Operates F1 F2
(900-0151-11) in the 3.4 - 4.2 GHz Band
Maximum loading 1800 FDM
channels, 1920 PCM channels
or multiple video channel
RF-4000-12 Duplex, Frequency Diversity F1 F2
(900-0151-12) (4 amplifiers) F3 F4

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Coaxial Attenuator
Stock Number Attenuation Part Number Attenuation
149-0128-01 1.0dB 149-0128-11 11.0dB
149-0128-02 2.0dB 149-0128-12 12.0dB
149-0128-03 3.0dB 149-0128-13 13.0dB
149-0128-04 4.0dB 149-0128-14 14.0dB
149-0128-05 5.0dB 149-0128-15 15.0dB
149-0128-06 6.0dB 149-0128-16 16.0dB
149-0128-07 7.0dB 149-0128-17 17.0dB
149-0128-08 8.0dB 149-0128-18 18.0dB
149-0128-09 9.0dB 149-0128-19 19.0dB
149-0128-10 10.0dB 149-0128-20 20.0dB
149-0128-XX Coaxial Attenuator. Equipped with SMA male and female connectors.
May be inserted in receive line or transmit line for RF level coordination.
Figure 4.2
Spare/Replacement Amplifier Ordering
Description Stock Number
Amplifier 149-0150-01
Sparing Kit 091-0005-01
Figure 4.3
Alarms Ordering, RMAS-100-02 Alarm System
Standard Assembly Transmit Freq. Diversity Receiver
Stock Number Module Sensor Card Module
900-0040-05 1 0 1
900-0040-06 1 0 2
900-0040-07 1 1 1
900-0040-08 1 1 2
One alarm transmit module can send information to terminals at one or both ends of the Repeater
Link. Order receive modules for one or two locations as needed. Frequency diversity or two channel
duplex (1+1) systems require an additional frequency diversity sensor card for the transmit module.

6. INSTALLATION
General
• When the RF-4000 equipment is received, inspect it careful-
ly for damage. Claims for damage should be reported direct-
ly to the transportation company involved immediately, in
accordance with their instructions.
• The RF-4000 assembly can be mounted on crossarms on
a wood-pole structure, a steel tower, or on a wall. At extremely
hot environment, eg. desert, shading from direct sunshine
may be required. The length of all power leads should be
limited and the wire size adequate to minimize the voltage
drop. The repeater assembly, battery boxes, solar panels,
and antennas should all be mounted before any wiring
is done. Mounting hole dimensions for the repeater housing
are shown in Figure 5.
• Prior to cutting to length and connecting the coaxial feed-
lines, verify which repeater receive frequency associates with
each antenna port. The repeater receive frequencies are
marked on the repeater waveguide manifold.
• The waveguide feedlines are terminated in CPR-229 W/G
connectors. The RE-4000 waveguide manifolds are not designed
for pressurization. Use external pressure windows as they
will prevent pressure from entering the manifold. The small
volume of equipment waveguide does not require pressurization.
Power Wiring
• Remove fuses Fl, F2, F3, and F4 (F5, F6, F7, F8 for 2 chan)
from the fuse blocks in the RE 4000 assembly. If storage bat-
teries are used, remove the fuses from the holders in the battery
boxes. The power leads can be brought into the repeater
housing through the 13-mm (1/2) inch-non-metallic conduit
(NMT) fittings. Use paired 10-gauge (2.50-mm) wire from the
batteries to the repeater terminal block and from the solar pan-
els to the charge controller terminal block. Connect the leads
to terminal block TB I as shown in figure 2, 3.3 and 3.4. If a
single ac supply is used, jumpers must be installed between
terminals 2 and 3 on the lower side of the terminal block as
shown in figure 2, 3.3 and 3.4. The power leads are then con-
nected to terminals 1 and 2 as shown. Note that the equipment
uses a negative ground. Do not replace the fuses at this time.
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DC Power
• The repeater is normally powered from a dual battery sys-
tem designated “A” and “B.” The “A” battery is wired to
power the “A” side of the equipment. Similarly, the “B” battery
is wired to power the “B” side of the equipment. Standby
power switchover is accomplished within each amplifier. Each
amplifier has a primary and secondary battery input. If the
primary battery should fail, operation will immediately continue
on the secondary battery.
7. TESTS
General
• Few adjustments are required on the RF 4000 repeater.
After application of power, AGC/ALC adjustment, and prop-
er antenna orientation, the equipment is ready to be placed
in service. Use of portable or mobile radio to establish a talk
path between the RF-4000 repeater site and the terminals,
will aid in completing the tests and in verification of normal
(calculated) system operation.
Test Equipment
• The description of test equipment in figure 6 includes the
manufacturer’s type/model numbers that are available as of
the publication date. Since certain models of test equipment
may become discontinued or superseded by the manufacturer
an any time, it is recommended that a manufacturer’s current
catalog be used when ordering the equipment. The test equip-
ment manufacturers listed are for reference only and are
not intended to show a preference for any one manufacturer.
Equivalent test equipment may be used unless otherwise
noted. Regardless of the test equipment used, it must be
properly maintained, calibrated, and operated according to
instructions given by the manufacturer.
Application of Power
• If solar panels and storage batteries are used, measure the
voltage across the Charge Controller input terminals (÷) and
(-). Confirm the proper polarity. The voltage reading should
be between 12 and 15 Vdc. If the polarity is incorrect or there
is no voltage, check and correct the wiring to the solar cell
13

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panels. If the voltage is low, check to be sure the surfaces of
the solar panels are not obscured from sunlight. Next, remove
battery input fuses F1O1 and F103. Battery output fuses
should now be in place. Measure the voltage across terminals
1 (-) and 2 (+) and across terminals 3(+) and 4 (-) of
repeater terminal block TB 1. Confirm the proper polarity.
The voltage reading should be 12.0 to 13.5 Vdc for storage
batteries or 13.0 to 14.5 Vdc for an AC power supply. If the
polarity is incorrect or there is no voltage, check and correct
the wiring of the batteries or AC power supply. Replace bat-
tery fuses F101 and F103. Set the digital volt meter (dvm) to
read in a range of 2 A or greater and bridge the test leads
across the fuse holder for F1; read the current. The current
should be 0.8 to 1.4 A. Repeat the current reading across
the F2, F3, and F4 fuse holders. Log all voltage and current
readings for reference during routine maintenance or trouble
location procedures. Replace fuses F1, F2, F3, and F4. If any
additional amplifiers are equipped, measure the current at
fuses F5, F6, F7, and F8 for amplifiers 3 and 4.
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Antenna Orientation, AGC/ALC set and Output Measurement
• Before antenna orientation begins, the amplifiers must be
operating in their full gain mode. The setting of the AGC/ALC
along with a high input level (greater than desired output
power-60 dB) may cause the normal action of the AGC/ALC
circuit to mask changes in power due to azimuth and elevation
sweeping of the antennas. The output power of an amplifier
will increase in level as the input level is increased to the point
where the AGC/ALC has been set (eg. +18 dBm). Further
increases in input level will be absorbed in the AGC/ALC cir-
cuit. To use the amplifier power monitor point as a signal
strength indicator, the input level to the amplifier must be less
than the level that initiates AGC/ALC action. The input level
can be reduced temporarily by inserting a fixed or variable
attenuator pad ahead of the amplifier. The attenuation required
will range from 0 to 20 dB depending on desired power and
input signal level. Remove the input semi-rigid coax cable
and place the attenuator in series with the coax or use flexible
15
Figure 6
Recommended Test Equipment
Item Manufacturer and Use Quantity
Type Number
DVM Fluke 8022B with Measure 12 to 15 Vdc 1
80J-10 current and current from
shunt (10 A) 150mA to 10 A...
or equivalent
RF Power Hewlett-Packard Antenna orientation 1
Meter 435B equipped with and output power
8481A or equivalent measurements (-10 to
+25 dBm)
Spectrum Analyzer Hewlett-Packard Antenna orientation 1
853A or equivalent
with 8559A Plugin
or equivalent
Attenuator Microlab/FXR Antenna orientation 1
AJ-500F, 30 dB or and power alarm set
equivalent (RMAS-100)

coax as required for fit. Reduce the input level until the output
power drops below the desired power level. If during antenna
orientation, the power rises to the desired power level, reduce
the input level again and then continue with antenna orientation.
• Connect the power meter or spectrum analyzer to the f1
XMT directional coupler. With a signal transmitted from the
A terminal, position the A antenna for a maximum power
reading on the meter or analyzer. Remove any temporarily
installed input attenuators. Set the power level with the
AGC/ALC adjustment if needed. The AGC/ALC adjustment
is located near the output end of each amplifier, see Fig 2.
Adjust the potentiometer CW to reduce the power setting or
CCW to increase the AGC/ALC set point. Log the power
reading to fulfill FCC or local administration requirements.
Remove the meter from the fi XMT directional coupler and
move it to the f2 XMT coupler. With a signal transmitted from
the B terminal, position the B antenna for a maximum power
reading on the meter or analyzer. Remove any temporarily
installed input attenuators. Set the power level with the
AGC/ALC adjustment if needed. Log the power reading to
fulfill administration requirements. Measure and log the
power at any additional amplifier directional couplers so
equipped (f3, f4...). Remove the meter.
• After the antenna orientation has been completed at both
terminals and the repeater, AGC readings should be taken at
the end terminals and logged for reference. A maintenance
test record is shown in figure 7.
8. MAINTENANCE
Routine Maintenance
• Unless unique conditions require more frequent maintenance,
routine maintenance should be performed annually. Clean
the surfaces of the solar cell panels with isopropyl alcohol or
a mild detergent solution. Do not use alcohol compounds
containing acetone. Check and clean the wiring connections
to the solar regulators and the battery connectors as neces-
sary. Using the dvm set to read current, bridge the test leads
across fuse F1 holder. Remove the fuse and read the current.
While still bridging the meter across the holder, replace the
fuse. Repeat the test across fuse F2, F3 and F4 (F5, F6, F7,
and F8) holders. Log the current readings.
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Administration Requirements
• Administrations may require measurement of the output
power of a repeater at installation and when any changes are
made which may cause the output power to change. Using
the power meter, measure and log the output power.
Trouble Location
• Soft failure of one amplifier may be indicated by a drop of
approximately 6 dB in the received signal level at the terminal
in the direction of transmission. This power drop will be
indicated on the agc meter on the terminal equipment.
Amplifier AGC/ALC may correct for this drop. The failure
of one amplifier will most likely be caused by a failure of DC
power to the amplifier. Using the dvm, check for presence
of dc voltage at the amplifier power connections. If there is
no voltage, check and replace fuses as necessary and check
all power lead connections. If voltage is present at both
amplifiers, bridge fuse Fl with the dvm set to read current.
Remove the fuse and read the current. The reading should
be within the same limits. If the current reading is Out of
tolerance, amplifier 1 has failed. If the current reading is
within the required limits, replace the fuse while keeping the
meter connected across the fuse holder Repeat the test for
amplifiers 2, 3, and 4.
• If the received signal at the terminals is low but does not
indicate a complete failure on one amplifier, the most likely
cause is low voltage from the batteries. Low voltage is an
indication of a possible battery failure, or a failure of the
charging system. In the case of the primary cell batteries,
the batteries are probably reaching the limit of their life.
Check the batteries and all power lead connections. If solar
panels are used, be sure they are not obstructed from sunlight
and that the surfaces are clean. If an ac power supply is
used, low voltage is probably the result of a power failure,
the duration of which exceeded the reserve power limits
of the standby battery. Check the standby battery in accor-
dance with the instructions given by the manufacturer of
the power supply.
Amplifier Replacement, Out of Service
• When an amplifier must be replaced in an Out of Service
condition, do the following:
16

a) Unplug amplifier’s power connector.
b) Disconnect input and output SMA cables.
c) Disconnect BNC cable from DC monitor point.
d) Remove mounting hardware (6 screws).
e) Remove amplifier.
• To install the replacement amplifier:
a) Mount the amplifier on the panel securing with
mounting hardware.
b) Connect the BNC cable to DC monitor point.
c) Connect input and output SMA cables.
d) Check all coax connections for tightness (8in/lbs)
e) Plug-in the amplifier’s power connector.
f) Verify operation by measuring power at SMA
power monitor.
g) Set output power by adjusting AGC/ALC.
Amplifier Replacement, In Service
• When an amplifier must be replaced while the repeater is
in service (eg. soft failure), do the following:
a) Mount a temporary spare amplifier in and oriented
in the same input/output direction as the amplifier to
be replaced.
b) Remove the SMA terminations from the coaxial
circulators in series with the amplifier to be replaced.
c) Connect the flexible coaxial cables or semi-rigid
coaxial cables (part of the sparing kit) from the
input coax circulator open port to the temporary
spare amplifier’s input SMA. Likewise connect the
output coax circulator open port to the temporary
spare amplifier’s output SMA connector.
d) Connect the DC leads from the temporary spare
amplifier using the power adapter in the sparing kit
to the “A” battery if replacing amplifier A1, or “B” if
replacing amplifier A2.
e) Disconnect the input coax (both ends) from the
amplifier to be replaced. Do not terminate the input
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circulator. The signal is now carried in the
temporary spare amplifier, but may be 20 dB down.
Set the power in the temporary spare amplifier by
adjusting the AGC/ALC
f) Unplug the power connector of the amplifier to
be replaced.
g) Disconnect the output coax (both ends) from
the amplifier to be replaced. The signal level
should now be close to normal. Do not terminate the
outout circulator!
h) Disconnet BNC cable from power monitor point.
i) Unscrew mounting hardware (6ea) and remove amplifier.
• To install a replacement amplifier in service:
a) Mount the amplifier on the panel securing with
mounting screws.
b) Connect BNC cable to power monitor point.
c) Connect the output coaxial cable to the replacement
amplifier and its output coaxial circulator. Signal
level will drop 20 dB.
d) Plug in the amplifier’s power connector.
e) Connect the input coaxial cable to the replacement
amplifier’s input. Signal level should be close to
normal. Set power by adjusting AGC/ALC.
f) Remove the power connections from the temporary
spare amplifier.
g) Disconnect the flexible or semi-rigid coax cables
from the coax circulators and from the temporary
spare amplifier.
h) Replace the SMA terminations on the coax circulators.
i) Remove the temporary spare amplifier.
CAUTION
Due to unpredictable reflections within the RF-4000, opera-
tion with a temporary spare amplifier, it may be degraded
somewhat from normal, particularly in high capacity digital
and analog systems. Be sure the AGC/ALC is set for the
correct power level in your system.

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RF-4000 Repeater
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FIGURE 7
PENINSULA ENGINEERING
RF-4000 MAINTENANCE RECORD
Date
Solar Panel, System A
Voltage :
Solar Panel, System B
Voltage :
Battery, System A
Voltage :
Temperature :
Battery, System B
Voltage :
Temperature :
Current Drawn From
Battery A Only
Current Drawn From
Battery B Only
Current Drawn From
Battery A
While Battery B is Connected
Amplifier, A1
F1 Power Monitor :
Amplifier, A2
F2 Power Monitor :
Amplifier, A3
F3 Power Monitor :
Amplifier, A4
F4 Power Monitor :

APPENDIX A
Antenna System
The antenna system is vital to the success of any RF
repeater. It was only when high performance microwave
antennas became available that high capacity RF repeater
become practical. The antennas must have high gain (25-50
dB), clean pattern, low sidelobes and good Front-to-Back
ratio. It is the sidelobes and Front-to-Back ratio that control
much of the echo that results from antenna to antenna cou-
pling. Foreground obstructions also produce an echo compo-
nent which is site specific.
The objective for permissible echo varies with the type
of transmission and its bandwidth. High capacity analog
radios require 50-55 dB C/I while low capacity analog and
digital radios require 24-30 dB C/I. The actual amount of
echo permitted must be calculated based on the radio manu-
facturer’s specifications and end system design requirements.
Table A-1 shows the required RF repeater C/I with different
types of radios.
For example, a 16 QAM digital system requires 33 dB
RF-4000 Repeater
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C/I at the repeater. The 2.5 GHz RF repeater gain is 50 dB.
antenna-to-antenna decoupling required is 33+50=83 dB.
This can be obtained from two 41 dB gain standard antennas
with 48 dB Front-to-Back ratio (F/B). Cross polarization of
the antenna is recommended. An antenna Cross Polarization
(XPD) of 20 dB is easily obtained. Antenna separation loss of
49 dB is assumed by taking 75% of free space loss between
the feeds of the two antennas. The decoupling is now:
+48 dB F/B of Antenna #1 (standard)
-41 dB Gain of Antenna #1 (8 foot)
+48 dB F/B of Antenna #2 (standard)
-41 dB Gain of Antenna #2 (8 foot)
+20 dB Antenna XPD
+49 dB Antenna separation loss (25 feet)
83 dB Total decoupling loss
-50 dB Repeater Gain
33 dB C/I
In this situation, two standard antennas are adequate. If
the repeater antennas could not be cross polarized, one or
even two of the high performance antennas should be used.
19
Table A-1
C/I Requirements For Digital Radios
For -1 dB system gain at 10 BER or BER<10 at normal RSL, use following table:
MODULATION TYPE MINIMUM C/I
4 PSK 24
8 PSK 28
16 QAM 33
64 QAM 40
MSK/FSK 30
9 QPRS/QPR 3 31
25 QPRS/QPR 5 32
49 QPRS/QPR 7 33
81 QPRS/QPR 9 35
-6 -12

RF-4000 Repeater
RF-4000 Repeater
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Table A-2
C/I REQUIREMENTS FOR ANALOG RADIOS
The following table assumes full power available, with emphasis, 175 nsec of delay:
CAPACITY DEVIATION C/I for C/I fo C/I for
(CHAN) 10 dBmco IM 20 dBmco IM 30 dBmco IM
24-48 50 28 18* 8*
72 50 30 20 10*
96 47/50 32 22 12*
120 200 44 34 24
132 30 40 30 20
252 65 42 32 22
300 200 45 35 25
420/480 200 53 43 33
600 200/141 54 44 34
NOTE*: Operation with C/I less than these required values can cause other problems such as
increasing the potential for oscillation and is therefore not recommended.