VHF receiver testing check list (v2.0 05 Dec 23)

Basic Operation

ASCII dump 174-216 MHz spectrum (RBW<30 kHz) both channels, w/

            ¥ inputs terminated, and

            ¥ dipole assembly (not shorted) inside cavity of absorber.

Verify gain 184-198 MHz.

Verify operation of power PC board logic.  Measure resistance for VCC lines.

12h burn-in for 2-band and 12h for simulated P-band load.

Match

ASCII dump S11, S21, S12, S22 Smith chart for RX pre and post packaging in Rose box.

Polarization Purity

Tabulate phase shift of channel 1 vs 2 from 184 to 198 MHz.

Tabulate relative amplitude of channel 1 vs 2 from 184-198 MHz.

Diode Operation / Noise temperature

Tabulate diode power in each channel (Ç1K uncertainty).

Noise-meter measurements pre installation of Q-hybrid, 180-200+ MHz.

Ambient load/cold/diode on/off test to measure T_RX after packaging into Rose box. 

     (Obtain measurements at 185, 193, 195, 197 MHz frequency using Tin Lee filters.)

Stability

0-18+ GHz sweep both channels with different input conditions (record sensitivity dBm/Hz & RBW):

            1) 2 dipole channels w/ cavity of absorber

            2) both channels terminated

            3) channel 1 terminated/channel 2 connected to the dipole

            4) channel 1 shorted/channel 2 connected to the dipole

            5) channel 1 open/channel 2 connected to the dipole

            6-8) inverse of 3-5 regarding source for channels 1 & 2.

Radiation/Contamination

Power meter measurement at inputs for diode on/off.  Record limits.

300-345 MHz noise at output for diode on/off with inputs terminated, open, shorted, and             connected to the dipole, if possible. Record limits.

One-time

Compile amplifier linear ranges for each stage, insertion losses for components, and noise figures.  Create table/spreadsheet of signal flow from end to end, comparing power levels for cold sky (200K) to amplifier operating ranges.  Confirm measured end-to-end results.