[SBE] RFA 300A

[Bill Barrow]

With all the change over to ATSC, I have obtained an RFA 300A Tektronix ATSC
transmitter analyzer. Tektronix is no longer manufacturing this unit
probably due to it high cost. But, having used this equipment since 2000, I
have found it to be the absolute best in analyzing transmitter digital
problems. And, it is the only piece of equipment that analyzes and displays
the group delay and pass band of the ATSC channel in a large graphic
display. The group delay and pass band are probably the most likely culprits
in poor ATSC signal to noise/MER performance.

I have seen examples of when the RFA 300A could be really a life saver. I
had one client who was comparing the signal of his station to another. The
field strength was identical at the cable head end, but his signal was
breaking up. The problem was a combiner coupling two channels into a single
antenna was adding additional group delay distortion and pass band amplitude
distortions. And, there was no RF sample port at the output of the combiner.
After placing an RF sample port at the combiner output, I was able to
re-correct the transmitter at this point and now everything is working as it
should.

My point here is to entertain questions, problems and resolutions to digital
transmitter performance. And, to advertise that the RFA 300A is available
along with my services.

Regards,

Bill Barrow
Transmitter Specialist
Pro Service, Inc.
117 Broad St.
Hatboro, PA.
19040-3103
proservice117 at comcast.net
Phone 215 499 9104
Fax   215 672 8225