Chapter 6 79
Characterizing and Verifying Antenna Systems
Potential Problems
Potential Problems
Antenna feedline systems are typically the most common sources of failure in a
communication system. The problems associated with these systems can be hard to
identify and, once found, are usually located high on a tower. With the right test
equipment, identifying and isolating problems becomes very easy, and can be done
at ground level.
Transmission Lines/Antennas
The following problems may occur with transmission lines or antennas:
• weather damage
• –lightning
• –moisture
•–corrosion
• vandalism
• cable discontinuities
• pinched cables
The transmission lines are exposed to all sorts of weather conditions which cause
damage by mechanical stress, lightning, moisture, and corrosive atmospheres.
Towers make good targets for vandals, as a very common cause of failure is created
by bullet holes in the cables or antennas. Other common problems in the feedlines or
antennas include discontinuities such as damaged junctions or support bends, and
pinched cables caused by over-tightened hangers, or accidental denting by tower
climbers.
Connectors
The following conditions may cause problems with connectors:
• low quality connectors
• poor connector contact
• moisture
•corrosion
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