REI manual Introduction, MDC-2100/MDC-900, MDC-2100 MICROWAVE DOWNCONVERTER

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INTRODUCTION

Version 4

27 Feb 08

INTRODUCTION

The OSCOR Microwave Downconverter option (MDC-2100) expands the OSCOR ’s frequency range limit to 21GHz. The MDC-900 extends the OSCOR ’s range to 9GHz.

Note: General descriptions of the MDC-2100 in this guide may not always include exceptions for the MDC-900, which does not cover the 9 to 21GHz spans.

Microwave signals tend to be directional; therefore, the MDC-2100 features an array of high gain directional antennas. The MDC is compatible with the OPC interface and the OTL locator options. It can function in the sweep, analyze and correlation modes and includes a tripod, which provides the stability needed to securely point the antennas and a swivel neck for easy positioning.

Figure 1: MDC-2100 MICROWAVE DOWNCONVERTER

The span of frequencies from 3 to 21GHz is so broad the OSCOR cannot display them all in a single window; therefore, a special folding process is implemented. This process folds the entire spectrum from 3 to 21GHz into twelve 1.5GHz windows. Six windows may be viewed simultaneously when using OSCOR 5.0 software. Figure 2 illustrates the down-conversion process.

REI

MDC-2100/MDC-900

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Contents RESEARCH ELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL 455 Security Drive MDC-2100/MDC-900MDC-900 MDC-2100 OWNER’S GUIDEFIGURE 11 ANALYZE MODE USING THE MDC OSCOR TABLE of CONTENTSTABLE of FIGURES STORING A SIGNAL IN THE MDC FREQUENCY RANGEFigure 1 MDC-2100 MICROWAVE DOWNCONVERTER INTRODUCTIONFilter A & B ANTENNA BANDFilter A Filter BInstalling the MDC-2100/MDC-900 Signal identification Process Operational Control of the MDC-2100/MDC-900OSCOR Version Press F4/Identify see Figure 6B Viewing Bands 1, 2 andPress F4/MDC Anlz Press SWEEP/ANALYZEFIGURE 7 USING “IDENTIFY” TO VERIFY A SIGNAL OSCOR OSCOR Sweep and Analyze Modes with the MDCFigure 6A ANALYZING AN MDC SIGNAL OSCOR Figure 6B ANALYZING AN MDC SIGNAL OSCORFigure 8 SELECTING A SIGNAL WITH THE MDC OSCOR Storing a Sweep Span with the MDC Span Storing a Signal in the MDC Frequency RangeExample of a Desired Frequency Recommended ImplementationMicrowave Transmission Considerations for the MDC it is absolutely necessary in order to save time. A good rule of thumb is to assume that the MDC has an antenna pattern that is about 100 degrees wide. In other words, it is necessary to point the MDC in at least 4 different directions around the room to cover the perimeter. Also, the MDC should be pointed up and possibly moved around the room to cover the ceiling, and down to cover the floor. Furthermore, if you expect a very sophisticated threat, it is recommended to point the MDC into ducting, above ceiling tiles, and in any enclosed spaces in which it would be possible to place a transmitter with a high gain antenna. It is highly recommended that the “Show All” mode of operation for the MDC-2100 be utilized MDCA-all and MDCB-all if using OSCOR 5.0. When a signal is detected, the user can then manually select the different antenna bands and filters to further investigate the signal. Or, the user can simply go to the analyze mode and allow the MDC to determine the operational frequency of the transmitter. Also, it is not recommended to use the MDC with the OSCOR automatic mode unless the MDC directional characteristics are taken into consideration. If running the OSCOR and MDC in the automatic mode, take care to enable the appropriate MDC spans. To maximize usage of the MDC, include MDC 3-21GHz Filter A and MDC 3-21GHz Filter B in your span list For OSCOR 4.0 users, set span to All Bands A&B Using the MTU-2100 Microwave Test Unit MDC-900 MDC-2100/MDC-900 SPECIFICATIONSSpecifications MDC-2100Technical Bulletin