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Technical Services Options
Related LBA MW Systems
The LBA Technology
SAMWAS-100 is a heavy duty, compact, very short aperture medium wave
transmitter antenna system. The SAMWAS-100 is designed to fit completely on a
site as small as 100 feet (30 meters) in radius. Designed to operate on a
single frequency from 275 kHz to 530 kHz, it uses a unique electrically short
radiator and peripherals to provide reliable and cost effective omnidirectional
coverage for DGPS and radio navigation applications. The SAMWAS-100 replaces all
previous conventional-type DGPS and NAVTEX antenna systems.
Unsurpassed Range Vs. Height Coverage
Performance
The SAMWAS-100 can provide 300 kHz DGPS correction signals for safety and
warning information to mariners over approximately 70% of the groundwave and
skywave coverage achievable from a full ¼ wave vertical antenna, using a
structure under 15% of that height. Even better coverage performance is
realized on the 490 and 518 kHz NAVTEX frequencies.
Advanced Radiator Design
The low-Q design
of the SAMWAS-100 DGPS/NAVTEX antenna system minimizes voltages compared to
high-Q conventional designs. Because of its low-Q trapezoidal feed design,
more transmitter power gets through the antenna radiator, safely, than in
conventional systems. System stability is unmatched by conventional whips and
narrow towers. The low-Q design, coupled with a proprietary top loading and
ground reference system, isolates the antenna system impedance from changing
earth conditions, while providing a low loss ground termination path.
Overall system height is
108 feet (33 meters) above ground. The high efficiency system utilizes an
insulated vertical radiator antenna tower with proprietary enhanced top loading
and a trapezoidal symmetrical unipole Q-reduction system. The radiator is rated
for 1000 watts, MSK modulated, continuous duty, which is conservative for
reliable service at the typical lower power levels in the 300 kHz DGPS band.
Higher power levels can be accommodated on request. Proprietary Delta Unit™
auto tensioning terminations ensure radiator system stability.
Although lighting is not
normally required at this height, a toroidal ring air gap transformer can
provide aviation hazard lighting isolation if required.
Standard subsystem
components are to EIA/TIA-222-F. Typical tower structure components are hot-dip
galvanized. Safety features include safety climb devices.
The antenna tuning system
provides an interface between the DGPS/NAVTEX transmitting Tower Radiator
Subsystem and a 50-ohm coaxial transmission line. The ATU-1 is rated for 1000
watts, MSK or PSK modulated, continuous duty in the 300 kHz band (the ATU-2.5
is available to 2500 watts transmitting power in the 500 kHz band).
Antenna tuning systems for higher or lower transmitting power can be
provided with similar performance to the ATU-1. The inherent stability of
the low-Q antenna makes constant retuning unnecessary. The system is highly reliable, as there are
no active components or control circuits in the ATU-1.
While a ¼ wave buried
copper wire ground plane is recommended, above ground and shorter buried ground
systems may be accommodated. To enhance
stability of the short radiator under varying weather and earth conditions, and
to improve displacement current collection at the base of the tower, a
proprietary cantilevered six element radial capacitance reference is provided
for above ground installation on the Radiator Subsystem base structure.
Minimum Life Cycle Support Costs
The SAMWAS system
components are designed for the high reliability and minimum life cycle support
costs demanded by critical DGPS, NAVTEX and radio navigation missions. Using
standard parts and maximum commonality in subsystems ensures lowest cost life
cycle maintenance.
High Reliability
Reliability is
further enhanced by the use of galvanically compatible structural materials,
computer confirmed mechanical and electrical safety factors, and special
attention to insulator endurance under salt spray and high solar conditions. The system is designed and installed to endure
local ice and wind conditions. The
SAMWAS antenna system radiating structure uses high-flashover, corona protected
guy insulators as needed to protect against lightning and
other voltage-induced outages.
Since installation and
performance can be influenced by geotechnical siting conditions, coupled RF
energy from nearby antennas, and other local effects, an LBA site survey before
design completion is recommended.
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Technical Services Options
Available:
- Turnkey construction and commissioning: Site survey,
design, permitting, site preparation, construction, and commissioning
services on an E, F & I basis using qualified resources. Includes
“as-built” documentation.
- A la Carte engineering services: Qualified personnel
can be provided for such services as site qualification, installation
commissioning, and performance verification.
- Inspection, rehabilitation and upgrade of existing
transmitter systems
- Emergency and maintenance service: Available on an
off-air response or routine basis for all system components, including
scheduled inspections and periodic performance revalidation.
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Related LBA MW Systems Available:
- SAMWAS-200: Efficient short aperture
antenna system based on a 200-foot tower for the DGPS and NAVTEX bands.
- SAMWAS-350: Maximum efficiency short
aperture antenna system based on a 350-foot tower for the DGPS and NAVTEX
bands.
- TUP-3: Family of truck and trailer
(C-130 qualified) transportable systems for 250-2500 kHz tactical
applications.
- TGR-50: Low power, man-carry emergency system for 275
- 5000 kHz tactical applications.
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