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Re: Sweep Issues


In my experience, this does not look like water ingress. If it were in your feed, then all three amps would show the ringing assuming these amps are in cascade.  QR 540 cable works fine and sweeps fine out to 1GHz with conseravtive P/V's, but the proper connectors must be used otherwise you will see ringing and suckouts. .( see plastic mandrel insert on pin fitting ) Higher frequencies require the splicing to be tight.

  • Amp1 shows a good P/V of 1.8 Its not the smoothest but double check that you are using the correct reference from the node. Also be sure to use a pencil pad on your input lead to prevent overdriving your SDA500.

  • Amp2 shows two possible problems  
1. Standing wave (this is reflected power)
2. Suck outs near 725MHz and 770Mhz (they will be more apparent when you resolve the standing wave issue).

  • Amp3 shows the same possible issues with amp2 with the addition of some waveform roll at the low end and high end (looks like you are using GI gear) This is a cascaded effect that is normal when you are going through a large number of devices (taps, splitters amps) in a relatively short distance, like in an apartment complex. You may have to manipulate the signature correction board in amp2 and amp3 and then rebalance amp3 to solve this. However, deal with your standingwave issue first as it will affect the balancing carriers at the high end.

Standing wave on a sweep response shows reflected power that is caused by an impedance mismatch. First start by terminating legs until the ringing goes away. Being you are in an MDU (short cable spans) look for the obvious first. Check the housing terminators on all the eol taps off of amp2. Be certain seizure screws are tight and terminators are good ( carry a known good one with you ). Next check for kinked cable, loose connectors and bad/loose splicing in general. You'll prolly find your problems there (this is where you suckouts will come from, if any). If not then start checking for bad devices and make certain that all the taps between amp2 and its eol's are spliced in correctly and not backwards.

While performing these checks and since you are working with QR540, do a visual on the type of pin fittings that are on each device. If you see a connector that looks out of the ordinary, replace it. Sometimes splicers will run out of the proper connectors and use an older style or used connector instead(older QR540 connectors will not work at higher frequencies). And since you are in an MDU,be sure to locate EVERY vault, handhole, lockbox and ped that is on the map to verify that the device has been repsliced and in good condition.

These are just some of the things I would look for. Don't let it beat you up, just take your time and get it fixed right. MDU's and Trailer parks suck for everyone. I've done my fair share. Be certain not to do what some sweepers do and just call in for a cable replacement. That should always be your last resort. Hope this helps.

Kris
This is CABL.com posting #246811. Tiny Link: cabl.co/mbcmZ
Posted in reply to: Sweep Issues by CableGuyNed
There is 1 reply to this message
Re: Sweep Issues Lightmaster 3/13/2009 2:47:12 PM