GBC_006_E0_0 BS Survey

Course Objectives:
 Familiarize with the Base Station (BS) survey procedures

 Grasp the general principle of site selection

 Grasp main antenna parameter selections

Contents

1 Overview........................................................................................................................................................1

1.1 Introduction to Wireless Network Survey...............................................................................................1

1.2 What to Survey.........................................................................................................................................1

1.3 Requirement Analysis..............................................................................................................................2

1.4 Required Tools.........................................................................................................................................3

2 Site Survey.....................................................................................................................................................4

2.1 What to Survey.........................................................................................................................................4

2.2 Site Survey Methods................................................................................................................................5

2.2.1 General Principles.....................................................................................................................5

2.2.2 General Principle of Antenna Selection...................................................................................7

2.2.3 Selection of BS Antenna Parameters........................................................................................9

2.3 Single Site Survey Record.....................................................................................................................17

Appendix A Principle and Applications of SiteMaster...............................................................................20

A.1 Basic Principle and Related Concepts..................................................................................................20

A.1.1 Usage.....................................................................................................................................20

A.1.2 Composition of Antenna and Feeder System........................................................................21

A.1.3 Basic Concepts.......................................................................................................................22

A.2 SiteMaster Performance and Description.............................................................................................24

A.2.1 Technical Specifications........................................................................................................24

A.2.2 Panel Description...................................................................................................................25

A.3 Operation Guide....................................................................................................................................27

A.3.1 Measuring Feeder and Antenna Performance.......................................................................28

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 A.3.2 Spectrum Analysis.................................................................................................................33

Appendix B Principles and Applications of GPS........................................................................................36

B.1 Basic Concepts......................................................................................................................................36

B.1.1 Purposes of GPS....................................................................................................................36

B.1.2 Basic Principles......................................................................................................................37

B.2 GPS Performance..................................................................................................................................37

B.2.1 Specifications.........................................................................................................................37

B.2.2 Keys and Functions................................................................................................................38

B.3 Operation Guide....................................................................................................................................39

B.3.1 Basic Operations....................................................................................................................39

B.3.2 Precautions for Determining Longitude and Latitude...........................................................41

Appendix C Compass Principles and Applications....................................................................................43

C.1 Basic Principles.....................................................................................................................................43

C.1.1 Purposes of a Compass..........................................................................................................43

C.1.2 Basic Principles......................................................................................................................44

C.2 Performance and Structure of the DQY-1 Compass.............................................................................44

C.2.1 Technical Specifications........................................................................................................44

C.2.2 Structure.................................................................................................................................44

C.3 Instructions to Using the Compass........................................................................................................46

C.3.1 Usage .....................................................................................................................................46

C.3.2 Precautions.............................................................................................................................48

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1 Overview

1.1 Introduction to Wireless Network Survey

To meet the latest requirements on network construction and development, BS survey
gives the model, site, BS distribution, and the type, mount height, azimuth, and
downtilt of the antenna based on the initial layout scheme in network planning. It takes
the features of wireless network and equipment and the KPIs required by customers
into consideration. During the process of BS survey, the following operations are
performed:

 Survey the field carefully

 Obtain information about the clutter terrine and characteristics of the user group

 Roughly estimate the user quantity and traffic volume

 Take the field-strength coverage, traffic density distribution, construction

conditions, and economic cost into consideration.

Generally, the site need to be surveyed around the originally planned location within a
certain range, and three candidate sites should be provided.

A network survey engineer must have the following qualifications:

 Knowledge of how to use the planning software and survey tool

 Knowledge of how to configure antenna performance parameters and select

antenna types

 Basic knowledge of network planning, such as radio propagation

 Familiarity with the BS equipment models and operational indicators.

1.2 What to Survey

The BS survey aims to collect the following information:

 Location information about the site and candidate sites, including the longitude,
latitude, and altitude, with the prerequisite that the site construction agrees with

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

the design.

 Detailed information about the environment around the site location, with the help
of the engineering survey, such as the traffic condition, electrical power, and
buildings.

 Description of the geographical environment, which mainly provides information

about the geographical situations around the site and the terrine. For inner-flower
sites, illustrate the surrounded existing sites, such as the location and coverage
condition, with images or photos.

 Advice on site type, for example, omni directional, directional, number of cells,
macro cell, and repeater

 Advice on antenna type, for example, gain, horizontal and vertical beam width,
polarization mode, and downtilt type (electrical or mechanical)

 Advice on antenna mount height, direction, and downtilt

 Description of the cell environment, including the special points, such as terrine
obstacles and coverage target. Use photos or images to visualize the description.

 Initial estimation about the traffic of the BS and the cells. If high traffic districts
exist, for example, department store, office building, park, and school, use photos
or images to visualize the description.

1.3 Requirement Analysis

To analyze the requirement, communicate with the customers, obtain their detailed
requirement on network coverage and performance, and collect sufficient information
related to the BS survey. Requirement analysis is the basis of BS survey as well as the
start step. The following tasks are involved in requirement analysis:

 Know the objective of network construction, especially the coverage and capacity
requirement.

 Collect the customer preferences on site configuration, for example, the use of
macro cell, repeater, and indoor distribution.

 Obtain information about the current communications status and check whether
other network operators exist.
Try to get the site distribution drawings if other operators exist.

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 Obtain information about the social situations in the planned area, such as the
population, population distribution and growth rate, economic distribution and
growth rate, morphology types, and number of existing subscribers and their
growth rate.

 Discuss the task responsibilities with the customer.

 Determine the survey schedule and resource configuration.

1.4 Required Tools

The tools required for a site survey are as follows:

Mandatory

 GPS: to determine the coordinate and altitude of the selected site

 Compass: to determine the direction

 Digital camera: to take photos of the selected site and surroundings for further
analysis

 Tape measure: to perform required measurement

 Vehicle: at least one for each survey team. If necessary, the specific vehicles for
hilly areas should be provided.

Optional

 Map: such as digital map, scanning map, and paper map

 Range finder: to measure the distance or height of the coverage district or obstacle

 Telescope: to extend the scope of sight

 Testing devices: to test the coverage of the existing site on the site to be selected,
and provide information about the coverage of the original site (in case that the
new site is a substitute one). Archive the testing data.

Note that all the devices must be checked or tried experimentally before being
delivered to the site. In this way, ensure that the devices on site are usable.

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2 Site Survey

2.1 What to Survey

The survey for network planning involves two parts: traffic distribution survey and
radio propagation environment survey.

1. Traffic distribution survey

 Survey the traffic distribution of the service area, record the location (including
the longitude, latitude, and altitude) of the high traffic districts and number of
cells and subscribers in villages.

 Get information about the economic development level, per-capita income, and
consumption habit.

 Get information about the operator’s development plan on telecommunication

service and the subscriber quantity of other operators in the service area. This
gives reasonable forecast on the subscriber development trend in the planned
period.

2. Radio propagation environment survey

Obtain information about the terrine, clutter and morphology of the service area.

 Record the location information about the BS, including longitude, latitude, and
altitude.

 Describe the general environment feature of the coverage district, that is, the basic
topographic data.

 Provide the information about the coverage district, such as longitude, latitude,
altitude, distance relative to the BS, visibility, building feature, total structure
layout (for example, street layout path), and building penetration loss estimation.
Record the information about high traffic districts separately.

 Describe the obstacles such as highland and forest, including the location, feature,
height, and scope.

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 Estimate the engineering parameters, such as antenna mount height, directional

angle, and downtilt angle.

2.2 Site Survey Methods

This section describes the methods used for a site survey.

2.2.1 General Principles

1. For a new BS, the general principle for selecting the site is as follows:

The operator and the network planning and survey engineer bear collective
responsibility for site survey and site selection. The network planning and survey
engineer gives advice for the site selection. The operator discusses the land lease with
the owner and gives commission to a design institute to provide a feasibility survey and
design the equipment room and tower. Through the survey and site selection, the
network planning and survey engineer obtains information about the wave propagation
environment, subscriber density distribution, and longitude and latitude of the site.
Generally, consider the following factors when selecting a site: field strength coverage,
traffic density distribution, construction condition, and economic cost.

Specifically, remember the following points during the initial layout and survey of the
BS:

 For convenience of frequency planning and future cell splitting, select the site in
the ideal location as required in the regular cells and the offset need not be greater
than 1/4 of the radius of the base station area.

 The distribution of BSs should correspond to the traffic density distribution. In

initial phase of site construction, ensure that the selected sites meet the coverage
requirement of important customers and districts with large subscriber density.

 When surveying BSs in city areas, for BSs in a small cell area (R=1-3 Km), select
the building with a height more than the average and less than the maximum as
the site. For BSs in a micro cell, select the building with a height less than the
average and good protective shielding as the site. When surveying BSs in suburbs
or villages, check whether a large traffic district which may be easily obstructed
exist around the site. Mount height of the antenna in urban areas should be 10 - 15
meters higher than the average height, while that in suburbs and villages should
be more than 15 meters.

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

 When selecting sites among buildings in urban areas, pay attention that the
antenna coverage is not affected by existing or future high buildings.

 Avoid building the site around a power radio transmitter station, radar station, or
other severe interference source. If this cannot be avoided, conduct an
interference strength test.

 Avoid building the site on a mountain. In urban areas, a high station has large
interference range and thus affects the frequency multiplexing. In suburbs or
towns, a high station always has a poor coverage on the villages in basin lands.

 Avoid building the site in a forest. If evitable, ensure that the antenna height is
higher than the tree top.

 Comply with the following requirements when building a site:

For urban areas:

- The mains and lightning protection grounding system are available in the
building.

-The building floor load meets the process requirement.

-The rooftop provides the place for installing antenna.

For suburbs and villages:

-The mains supply is reliable.

-The environment is safe.

-The traffic is convenient.

-The infrastructure such as tower can be easily built.

 Choose the building with low equipment room reconstruction cost and low lease
fee.

 Provided that the existing BTSs layout is not affected, existing buildings housing
telecom hubs, telecom offices, or microwave stations are preferred as the sites for
BTSs, as these buildings can provide existing equipment room, power supply and
tower.

 After ensuring that the selected site uses radio propagation, give full consideration
on the feasibility, cost, and transmission performance of other transmission

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modes. For the power mode selection, the rural power is not recommended
because the instable power may have impact on the normal BS operation.

 The BSs of two systems in the urban area should be co-sited or adjacent.

Currently, the operator always has a general idea of the site selection before the
survey. By referring to the principles mentioned previously, determine whether
the sites selected by the operator are appropriate. If not, select a better location
and explain the reason to the operator. The final decision should be given by the
operator in written form.

2. For a BS relocation, besides observing the previous principle, find out the reason
why the BS is relocated. The reasons may be:

 Equipment degradation
In this case, reselecting a site is not necessary. However, communicate with the
customer and confirm that the original site is acceptable. In addition, conduct
some network tests and get an overview of the radio environment to help
compare the status of the relocated network.

 The original site is not reasonable.

In this case, find out the reason why the original site is not reasonable. Then,
select a new location by referring to the principle mentioned previously.

Regardless of the reason for reselecting a site, ensure to have basic knowledge of the
original site, such as the site type, type of the combiner (2 in 1 or 4 in 1), and
transmission power of the power amplifier. Additionally, to avoid dispute, explain the
changes in the coverage area accompanying the changes in the equipment.

2.2.2 General Principle of Antenna Selection

1. For a new BS, the general principle for selecting the antennas is as follows:

Urban areas or special terrines always have comparatively more tall buildings or high
reflective objects. In this case, the antennas with 65° horizontal half-power angle are
recommended. This type of antennas can reduce the interference to other BSs to
minimum.

In suburbs or villages, if the terrine is smooth, to guarantee the coverage, select the
directional antenna with large gain, for example, the antenna with the 18.5dBi gain, 65°
horizontal 3dB angle, and 6.5°vertical 3dB angle.

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

Directional antennas with electrical downtilt and null fill if required can also be
selected.

For omni directional antennas, the recommended property is 11 dBi gain and 7° vertical
3dB angle. The antenna with electrical downtilt and null fill based on the actual
situation can also be selected.

For example, in mountain regions, the coverage of a BS is greatly influenced by the

environment and therefore O type stations prevail. Sometimes, the BSs are built on
comparatively high mountains so as to cover more areas, such as, the nearby towns and
roads. However, if the hills are tall and the town is low, the near-end coverage problem
may occur when the buildings are distributed with a certain density and a distance far
away from the site. In such a case, conduct a detailed survey on the site location and
longitude, latitude, and altitude of the towns to be covered. If necessary, survey the hill
top to confirm whether omni antennas with electrical downtilt are required and
determine the type of these antennas if yes. In addition, when constructing sites in
towns, select the site location and antenna type based on the town shape and building
features. Select or discard the places with low traffic and obstacles based on the actual
situation. The following figure shows how to select antennas when the base station is
built on mountain top.

Figure 2.2-1 Type of Omni directional coverage antenna on a hill

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2. For a BS relocation, besides observing the previous principle, get clear about the
reason why the BTS is relocated and use the appropriate methods accordingly. The
reasons are as follows:

 Equipment degradation.
The equipment here refers to the BS devices. If the feeders are degraded,
replace them with new ones. Regardless of the reason, however, use the
original antenna engineering parameters rather than re-configure them.
Communicate with the customer and confirm that the original parameter
configuration is acceptable. Then, conduct network tests and get an overview
of the radio environment to help compare the status of the moved network.

 The original site is not reasonable.

In this case, plan the parameters again according to the principle of configuring
antenna engineering parameters.

2.2.3 Selection of BS Antenna Parameters

Working Frequency Bands of Antennas

For each type of BS, the working frequency band of the selected antennas must contain
the frequency bands required by the customer, for example, to configure antennas for
GSM900 (890 – 960 MHz), the dual frequency antennas with the working frequency of
890-960 MHz, 870 – 960 MHz, 807 – 960 MHz, or 890 – 1880 MHz can be selected.
For the sake of reducing out-of-band interference, the antenna whose bandwidth
exactly meets the requirement is enough. On the other hand, for convenience of
capacity expansion in future, broadband antennas (for example, 890807 9601880 MHz
dual frequency antennas working on GSM900 and GSM1800), also get popularity
among users. Broadband antennas are expensive than common antennas.

Antenna Radiation Pattern

Antenna radiation pattern can be classified into two types: omni directional and
directional. The antennas are called omni directional antennas and directional antennas
respectively. As shown in Figure 2.2-2, the left part shows the two-dimensional
radiation pattern and three-dimensional radiation pattern of an omni directional
antenna, and the right part shows those of a directional antenna. The omni directional
antenna has equal radiation strength on each direction on the horizontal level
theoretically, and it applies to omni directional cells. The red line refers to the medal
reflecting plate in the radome, which enables the antenna to have directivity on the
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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

horizontal level. This is applicable for the coverage of sectors.

Figure 2.2-2 BS antennas and their radiation patterns

Antenna Polarization Mode

BS antennas generally use the linear polarization mode, as shown in Figure 2.2-3.
Single-polarized antennas mainly use vertical polarization and dual-polarized antennas
mainly use ± 45° dual polarization. A dual-polarized antenna is formed by
encapsulating two quadrature antennas into a radome, as shown in Figure 2.2-4. As
dual-polarized antennas can greatly reduce the number of antennas, simplify the
engineering installation, decrease the cost, and reduce the occupied area, they are the
main stream of antennas used when deploying sites in urban areas.

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Figure 2.2-3 Commonly used polarization of a BS antenna

Figure 2.2-4 Dual-polarized BS antenna

Antenna Gain

Antenna gain is generally represented by dBd or dBi. dBi indicates the reference value
of the maximum radiation pattern power strength relative to the omni directional
radiator (Figure 2.2-5 shows the radiation pattern). dBd indicates the antenna gain
relative to half-wave dipole (Figure 2.2-5 shows the radiation pattern). The two units
have a fixed dB difference (as shown in Figure 2.2-5 right), that is, 0 dBd equals 2.15
dBi.

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

2
.
1
5
Figure 2.2-5 dBi and dBd
d
B
Currently, BS antennas at home and overseas use the gain ranging from 0 dBi to
around 20 dBi. For antennas of indoor micro cell, 0 - 8 dBi gain is common. For
outdoor BSs, 9 dBi omni directional antenna gain and 18 dBi directional antenna gain
are common. The actual gain is given in the network planning according to the
coverage requirement. The antennas with the gain around 20 dBi and relative narrow
beam are often used in the coverage of highways in sparsely populated area.

Horizontal Antenna Lobe 3dB Width

The horizontal lobe width of an omni directional antenna is 360°, as shown in figure
2.2-6 right. The common horizontal antenna lobe 3dB width ranges from 20°, 30°, 65°,
90°, 105°, 120°, to 180°, as shown in figure 2.2-6 left.

Figure 2.2-6 Horizontal lobe 3dB width of a BS antenna

The following tables lists different lobe widths and the corresponding coverage areas

Lobe Width Coverage Area

20° or 30° Narrow land or freeway
65° Typical three-sector sites in dense urban
90° Typical three-sector sites in suburbs
105° Typical three-sector sites in sparsely populated areas
120° or 180° Special sectors with wide angles

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Figure 2.2-7 Coverage of three-sector sites

Vertical Lobe 3dB Width

Figure 2.2-8 Vertical lobe 3dB width of a BS antenna

The vertical lobe 3dB width is closely related to the antenna gain and horizontal 3dB
density. Generally, the vertical lobe 3dB width of a BS antenna is around 10°. In normal
situations, for antennas with the same design and gain, a broad horizontal lobe
indicates narrow vertical 3dB width. If the vertical size of an antenna is long, the gain
and the narrow vertical lobe 3dB width are higher. A narrow vertical lobe 3dB width
leads to many dead coverage areas. As shown in figure 2.2-8, for a pair of antennas
with the same mount height and without downtilt, the length of dead coverage area
produced by the red wider vertical lobe is OX’’, which is smaller than OX, the length
of the dead coverage area generated by the blue narrow vertical lobe. When selecting
antenna types, a wider vertical lobe 3dB width is recommended for less dead areas with
the same gain condition.

Antenna Downtilt Type

To reduce the amount of dead areas and the interference to adjacent BSs, use the
downtilt mode and avoid high erection. As shown in figure 2.2-9, the dead areas
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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

produced by the yellow low-erected antennas (OX’’) and green downtilt antennas
(OX’), are both smaller than the dead areas produced by the blue high-erected antenna
(OX)..

Figure 2.2-9 Downtilt of BS antennas

The antenna downtilt is of the following types: mechanical downtilt, fixed electrical
downtilt, adjustable electrical downtilt, and remote-controlled adjustable electrical
downtilt. Mechanical downtilt is realized by slanting the antenna. This type of downtilt
has a comparatively low price and is often used for downtilt angle of less than 10°. To
further slant the antenna, the coverage area has a pit and the pattern shape is distorted.
This worsens the interference to the BSs on the two sides, as shown in figure 2.2-10.
Another disadvantage of mechanical downtilt is that the back lobe may be raised and
thereby interferes with adjacent sectors, which is resulted in the call drops of mobile
phones on nearby tall buildings.

Though expensive, electrical downtilt antenna features a wider range of downtilt angle
(>10°). The antenna pattern has few changes in shape. The back lobe is also tilted and
the usage of mobile phones on the nearby tall buildings is not interfered.

Based on the specific user requirement on the coverage, choose fixed electrical
downtilt, adjustable electrical downtilt, or remote-controlled downtilt antennas.

 The solution of small angle fixed electrical downtilt plus field mechanical
downtilt is cost effective and may occupy the mainstream.

 Remote-controlled electrical downtilt through the remote controller or laptop

computer enables operators to stay in the equipment room and adjust downtilt at
any time. This solution features convenient operation and maintenance, but a high
price.

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Figure 2.2-10 Downtilt types of BS antennas

Antenna Front-to-Back Ratio

The antenna front-to-back ratio is related to the electrical size of antenna reflection
plate. A larger electrical size provides a better front-to-back ratio. For example, the
horizontal size of the horizontal lobe 3dB width 65° antenna is greater than that of
horizontal lobe 3dB 90°, and thus the front-to-back ratio of the 3dB width 65° antenna
is better than the 3dB 90° antenna. For outdoor BSs, the recommended antenna front-
to-back ratio is larger than 25 dB. For micro cells, the specification on the front-to-back
ratio is not so strict because of the smaller size of antennas.

Antenna Side-Lobe Suppression and Null Fill Feature

As the antennas are generally erected on the tower or rooftop to cover the service area,
the side lobes above the vertical plane, especially the primary side lobe should be
suppressed to reduce unnecessary power wastage. However, the null compensation
should be strengthened on the side lobes below the vertical plate. In this way, the depth
zero of this part is shallower to improve the coverage to nearby areas and reduce dead
and blind areas. Figure 2.2-11 compares the effect of antennas with and without zero
fill. The x-coordinate is the distance from the base station. The y-coordinate is the
ground signal strength.

Antenna null fill value = (First downward zero amplitude value / maximum radiation
pattern amplitude value)%

=20log (First downward zero amplitude value / maximum radiation pattern amplitude
value)dB

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

Figure 2.2-11 Effect of base station antenna null fill

To ensure good coverage on the service area, use the antennas with the side-lobe
suppression and null fill featuret. The ANTEL company that introduced the null fill
technology considers that 5% null fill and a greater than -26 dB first downward zero
amplitude is the baseline. It is better if the null fill reaches 25% and the first zero under
the vertical plane is greater than -12 dB. For differences of the two cases, see Figure
2.2-11.

Antenna Power Capacity

The selection of antenna power capacity should be larger than the maximum radio
transmission power that is input to the antenna interface after the frequencies are
combined. Therefore, the power capacity of antennas used for micro cell coverage is
far less than that for macro cell coverage.

Antenna Third-Order Intermodulation

This technical specification of most overseas antennas can reach -150 dBC @ 2 × 43
dBm while the specification of common antennas is only -130 dBC @ 2 × 43 dBm.
This is associated with the antenna design and selected connector. Because the BS
received signal is much weaker than the transmitted signal, the BS fails to work

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properly once the cross modulation result of transmitted signals of multipath

frequencies falls on the receiving band.

Isolation Between Antenna Ports

When antennas with multiple ports are used, the isolation between each port should be
greater than 30 dB. For example, between the two polarized ports of a bipolarization
antenna, the ports of the two bands of an outdoor dual-band antenna, or the four ports
of a bipolarization and dual-band antenna.

Mechanical Performance Parameters

Besides the electrical performance parameters mentioned previously, pay attention to

the following mechanical performance parameters: size, weight, radome material,
color, operating temperature, storage temperature, wind load, wind loading area,
connector model, package size, antenna pole, installation and downtilt accessories, and
lightening protection. The purpose of checking these parameters is to ensure
convenient installation and reliability under harsh environment as well as harmony of
the appearance with the surroundings.

2.3 Single Site Survey Record

After the survey of a site is complete, record in details of the acquired information,
encountered problems, and suggestions of the survey engineers. Pay attention to the
following points:

 Coordinate and GPS precision

After the GPS function is activated, do not record the precision value until the
precision value reaches a certain level. View the precision value on the top right
corner of the screen displaying the satellite signal strength. The precision value
cannot be greater than 6 meters.

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Record the BS coordinate after the GPS locks the satellite, that is, the satellite
locking bar chart changes from hollow to solid. If the rooftop of the site is
comparatively large, locate the site in the middle. When marking a site, select
“average” to get the “GPS Precision” and then click “Save” in degree type.

 BS geographical environment description

Describe the geographical environment and topographical information. For

inner-flower sites, illustrate the existing sites, such as the location and coverage
condition, with images. Fill in the location of the building / tower of the BS
antennas, such as flat, upper slope, mountainside, mountaintop, valley, or lower
slope.

 Cell environment

Illustrate the environment of each cell, including the special points such as
obstacles and coverage target, with images or photos.

 Important districts

Give additional description of the important districts, such as government

building, and business hall of the operator.

 Directional angle

The directional angle is clockwise from due north.

 Transmission mode

Describe the planned transmission mode, such as microwave and optical fiber.

 Basic repeater information

Describe the main features of the repeater and network planning, such as model
and working frequency bands of the repeater and the repeater type (for example,
frequency selection repeater, or frequency shift repeater).

 TAM basic information

Describe the main features of the TMA and network planning, such as model
and working frequency bands of the TMA.

 Co-site situations

Provide the following information:

- Location of the existing antennas, which may be rooftop, lower platform of a

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building, or the top, second-layer, or third-layer platform of a tower;

- Direction of the current sector

- Whether a tower is available: If yes, give the height. Based on the actual
situation, record the heights of different platforms by using / as the separator.
Towers can be classified into two types: floor mounted and rooftop mounted.
The height of a rooftop mounted tower is the height from the ground to rooftop.

- Whether can be heightened / Allowable heightening mode

Based on the advices of the customer and the owner, the priority of allowable
heightening method is building tower, floor tower, heightening bracket, long
pole, and pole. Fill in the item with the highest priority.

- Whether obstructions exist

List the angle, distance, excess height relative to the site, and size of the
obstruction. The obstructions can be of multiple groups. The size may be written
in the format of length*height, expressed in meter.

 Attach the information about the antennas, TMAs, and repeaters that are listed in
the survey table. For example, the models, KPIs, and manufacturers.

 Rural station photograph

When taking photos for rural stations, start from 0 degree and take one photo
every 90 degrees. Turn the back to the base station and take photos outside the
viewfinder. Take one photo for each key service area after turning the back to
the base station. Take a perspective photo of the base station from a faraway
place.

 Urban station photograph

When taking photos for urban stations, start from 0 degree and take one photo
every 45 degrees. Turn the back to the base station and take photos outside the
viewfinder. Take one photo for each key service area after turning the back to
the base station. Take a perspective photo of the base station from a faraway
place. Take a low-angle shot from the station bottom (mountain foot, tower foot,
or building floor).

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Appendix A Principle and Applications of
SiteMaster

A.1 Basic Principle and Related Concepts

A.1.1 Usage

SiteMaster is a handheld cable and antenna analyzer. Currently, most SiteMasters also
provide the function of spectrum analysis. This tool is used to measure the standing
wave ratio (SWR), return loss (RL), circuit loss (CL), power, and locate the RF faults
of the antenna system.

During the process of network optimization, SiteMaster is often used to test the SWR
and base station transmitting power of the antenna feeder system. An excessive SWR
will decrease the actual power of the transmitter and reduce the effective coverage area
of a single BS. If the BS power is found to be low or the coverage distance is not
achieved during the drive test, use SiteMaster to test the frequency, combiner output
power, or feeder SWR to troubleshoot the hardware.

Figure A-1 Front view of SiteMaster

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A.1.2 Composition of Antenna and Feeder System

Figure A-2 Antenna and feeder system

1. Antenna: used to receive and transmit radio signals. The commonly used
antennas are single-polarized antennas, dual-polarized antennas, and omni
directional antennas.

2. Outdoor jumper: used to connect antennas with 7/8″ main feeders. The
commonly used jumpers use 1/2″ feeders, and the length is 3 m.

3. Main feeder: Currently, the feeders used in mobile stations are 7/8″ feeder,
5/4″ feeder, and 15/8″ feeder.

4. Sealing material: used to seal the joints (connecting the antenna with the main
feeder) of the outdoor feeders. The common materials are insulting
waterproof strip (3M2228) and PVC insulting strip (3M33+).

5. Indoor super flexible jumper: used to connect the main feeder (through the
lightening arrester) to the main device. Common jumpers use 1/2 super
flexible feeders with the length of 2 – 3 m.

6. Other fittings: such as grounding device (7/8 〞 feeder grounding device),

7/8 〞 feeder clip, cable rack, feeder window device, lightening arrester, and
various nylon ties.

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

A.1.3 Basic Concepts

A.1.3.1 Matching Principle

Impedance is matched when the load impedance Z of a feeder terminal equals the
characteristic impedance Z0 of the feeder. The matching principle is as follows: by
introducing a matching device in the location of discontinuous impedance, that is,
introducing another type of discontinuity on the basis of the original discontinuity,
make the communication system generate reflected wave. The reflected wave cancels
the original reflected wave and thus the impedance can be matched. When the terminal
load is an antenna and the antenna element is thick, the input impedance has few
changes due to the change of frequencies and thus is easy to match the feeder. In this
case, the antenna element has a broad working frequency; otherwise, a narrow working
frequency.

In actual situations, the antenna input impedance is also affected by the surrounding
objects and spurious capacitance. To enable the feeder strictly match the antenna,
adjust the antenna structure or add a matching device based on the measurement
results.

The matching performance of the feeder system is measured by the reflectance

coefficient or SWR, which are more commonly used. When the terminal load
impedance and characteristic impedance is comparatively closer, the reflectance
coefficient is smaller, the SWR is close to 1, and the matching is better.

1. Impact of mismatch on the transmission power

When the feeder matches the antenna, the high frequency power is completely
absorbed by the load. Only the incident wave rather than the reflective wave exists on
the feeder. The feeder transmits traveling waves, voltage amplitudes are the same on
each spot, and the impedance on each point equals the characteristic impedance. When
the feeder does not match the antenna, the load cannot absorb all the high frequency
power transmitted on the feeder. Some powers of the incident wave are reflected and
become reflecting wave. As a result, the actual power of the transmitter is decreased
and the effective coverage area of a single BS is reduced.

2. Impact of mismatch on the communications quality

The mismatch between feeders and antennas affects the BS coverage, voice quality of
mobile phones, and radio data transmission rate. Generally, such problems as low
transmission level, echo, and slow network access speed may occur to mobile phones.

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 2 Site Survey

3. Impact of mismatch on the BS devices

The mismatch between feeds and antennas has impact on the service life of the BS
amplifier. Excessive feeder echo quickens the degradation of BS amplifier. If the
antenna feeder system is severely mismatched, the amplifier might get damaged.

A.1.3.2 Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is a common parameter used in RF technology. It

is used to measure the matching of device parts and show the ratio of input power to
output power.

The antenna VSWR should be measured on the feeder side. The feeder point, however,
is always suspended in the air. In this case, the VSWR can be measured only at the
bottom of the antenna cable. As a result, the VSWR of the whole antenna system
including the cables are measured. The measured result is ideal when the antenna
impedance is 50 ohm and the characteristic impedance of cables is 50 ohm.

If the antenna impedance is not 50 ohm whereas that of the cables is 50 ohm, the
VSWR value is greatly affected by the antenna length. The impedance of the cable
bottom is the same as the antenna impedance only when the circuit length of the cable
is multiples of the wave length and the cable loss can be ignored. However, even if the
cable length is multiples of the wave length, the cable loss (because, for example, the
cable is thin or the electric length of the cable reaches tens of multiples of the wave
length), the VSWR measured at the cable bottom is still lower than the actual value.
Therefore, do not ignore the cable factors especially the frequency bands above UHF.

1. Antenna standing wave ratio

The antenna standing wave radio is a mandatory electric performance counter to be

checked before delivery. The value has a direct relationship with the entire
performance of the antenna feeder system. The factory SWR must be less than 1.5
formerly. With the technology development and raised requirement by
telecommunications operators, the factory SWR is generally required to be less than
1.3.

2. Feeder standing wave ratio

The quality of feeders has great effect on the standing wave ratio. The loss of a
common 7/8〞feeder must be less than 0.4 dB/10m and the SWR is less than 1.1.

3. Jumper standing wave ratio

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

The jumper standing wave ratio should be less than 1.1. The single bending radius of a
1/2 〞 jumper should be less than or equal to 20 cm. and the multiple bending radius
should be less than or equal to 30cm. Ensure that the joint of the jumper and feeder is
tight and secure. The jumpers should be reliably connected to the antennas or feeders
and the seal is secure. The jumpers should be tightly tied by strips. Avoid damaging
the jumpers by folding hard or bending them.

4. Lightning arrester standing wave ratio

The VSWR of a lightening arrester should be less than the industry standard 1.1.
When installing an indoor lightening arrester, ensure that it matches the jumper, feeder
connector, and impedance. The installation direction must be correct. If an installation
bracket is available in the equipment room, fix the lightning arrester on the bracket.

A.2 SiteMaster Performance and Description

This part takes the SiteMaster S332D as an example to describe SiteMaster

performance and operations.

A.2.1 Technical Specifications

A.2.1.1 Counters Related to Feeder and Antenna Analysis

The key performance counters are as follows:

· Frequency range: 25 MHz ~ 4 GHz
· Frequency precision: ≤ ±75 PPM
· Frequency resolution: 100 kHz
· Output power: < 0 dBm (standard: -10 dBm)
· Measurement rate: ≤ 3.5 ms /data point
· Number of data points: 130, 259, or 517
· Return loss
Range: 0.00 ~ 60.00 dB
Resolution: 0.01 dB
· VSWR
Range: 1.00 ~ 65.00
Resolution: 0.01
· Transmission line loss
Range: 0.00 ~ 30.00 dB
Resolution: 0.01 dB
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 2 Site Survey

· Measurement precision: > 42 dB

A.2.1.2 Counters Related to Feeder and Antenna Analysis

The key performance counters are as follows:

· Test frequency range: 100 KHz ~ 3 GHz
· Display frequency width: 10 Hz ~ 2.99 GHz
· Scanning time: 100 KHz ~ 3 GHz
· Resolution bandwidth (-3 dB): 100 Hz ~ 1 MHz
· Video bandwidth (-3 dB): 3 Hz ~ 1 MHz
· Amplitude range: -135 dBm ~ +20 dBm
· Dynamic range: > 65 dB

A.2.1.3 Counters Related to Power Measurement

The key performance counters are as follows:

· Frequency range: 10 MHz ~ 3 GHz
· Probe range: -80 dBm ~ +80 dBm
· Precision: ± 1 dB
· Max input power: +43 dBm (without attenuator)

To test the BS output power, the attenuator must be connected. If the attenuator is not
connected, do not directly test the BS carrier or CDU output power. The output power
of a V2 BS is around +43 dBm and that of the BS30 can reach +46 dBm. Therefore, the
SiteMaster might get burned if the output power is tested directly.

A.2.2 Panel Description

A.2.2.1 Front Panel

Figure A-3 shows the layout of the keys and their functions on the front panel.

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

Figure A-3 Front panel of SiteMaster S332D

Keypad Hard Keys: consist of number keys and control keys.

Soft Keys: provide flexible functions which correspond to the messages displayed on
Soft Key Menu.

Function Hard Keys: consist of four function keys whose functions are as follows:

1. MODE: refers to measurement mode. Three measurement modes are available:

(1) Freq – SWR: to measure the SWR in frequency domain mode

Return Loss: to measure the return loss in frequency domain mode

Cable Loss – One Port: to measure the cable loss in frequency domain mode

(2) DTF – SWR: to measure the SWR in distance domain mode

Return Loss: to measure the return loss in distance domain mode

(3) Spectrum Analyzer: to analyze the spectrum

2. FREQ/DIST: displays the default frequency or distance function keys in the Soft
key menus area according to the selected measurement mode.

3. AMPLITUDE: displays the function keys for adjusting amplitude or ratio in the
Soft key menus area according to the selected measurement mode.

4. MEAS/DISP: displays the measuring or displaying function keys, for example, the
keys for changing resolution of status screen or scanning mode (one-off or continuous),
in the Soft key menus area according to the selected measurement mode.

The following figure shows the contents of the display area:

Figure A-4 Descriptions of the messages displayed on the SiteMaster screen

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 2 Site Survey

A.2.2.2 Test Connection Panel

The ports of the power and signal connection are arranged on the panel top. Each port
has notes describing the function, as shown in Figure A-5.

Figure A-5 Ports on the top of the SiteMaster

The following table describes the ports or buttons on the panel.

Ports/Buttons Description
BATTERY CHARGING To charges the batteries
EXTERNAL POWER External power
To connect to the computer to use the
SERIAL INTERFACE software tool provided by the manufacturer or
support the printer
Radio frequency output
RF OUT To measure return loss. The maximum output
cannot exceed +23 dBm
Radio frequency input
RF IN To measure and analyze the spectrum. The
maximum input cannot exceed +43 dBm
EXTERNAL FREQ Trigger of external reference signals input or
REF/EXT TRIGGER spectrum analysis

A.3 Operation Guide

This section describes how to operate the SiteMaster. It guides to measure feeder loss,
BWR, and power by giving the detailed procedure steps.

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

A.3.1 Measuring Feeder and Antenna Performance

A.3.1.1 Instrument Calibration

To ensure exact calculation, calibrate the SiteMaster before measurement. When the
preset frequency is changed, the temperature is beyond the range, or the cable is
removed or replaced, calibrate the SiteMaster again. When calibrating SiteMaster,
define the range of signal frequency to be measured. Use either of the following
methods to define the frequency:

1. Automatically setting the frequency:

(1) Press FREQ/DIST and then the Signal Standard soft key.

(2) Use the UP/DOWN key to select the standard used by the signal to be
measured.

(3) Press ENTER to confirm the selection.

2. Manually setting the frequency:

(1) Press FREQ/DIST.

(2) Press F1. Then, use the key panel or the UP/DOWN key to enter the start
frequency. Press ENTER to confirm the value.

(3) Press F2. Then, use the key panel or the UP/DOWN key to enter the end
frequency. Press ENTER to confirm the value.

(4) Check whether the displayed frequency range is correct.

The SiteMaster calibration is of two types: open-short-load (OSL) calibration and

flexible calibration (FlexCal). The FlexCal is applicable to the entire band (25 MHz
~ 4 GHz) and re-calibration is not required if the band is changed. The OSL requires
the SiteMaster to be calibrated again if the band frequency is changed. The default
calibration method is OSL, which is illustrated in the following figure:

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 2 Site Survey

Figure A-6 OSL SiteMaster calibration

3. Setting the OSL calibration

(1) Press SYS and then select Options.

The status bar displays the currently selected calibration method.

(2) Use CAL Mode to select the OSL method.

(3) Set the frequency range by using the automatic or manual method described
previously.

(4) Press START CAL.

The “Connect OPEN or INSTACAL module to RF Out Port” message is
displayed.

(5) Connect the Open calibration head. Then, press ENTER.

The messages “Measuring OPEN” and “Connect SHORT to RF out” are
displayed.

(6) Remove the Open calibration head. Connect the Short calibration head and
then press ENTER.
The message “Measuring LOAD” is displayed. After the calibration is
complete, a prompt tone is heard.

(6) Verify whether the “Cal ON” message is displayed on the left top of the
screen.

If a test port cable is used, connect it before the calibration. The test port cable has
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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

stable amplitude and can improve measurement precision and repeatability. In addition,
the measurement results are not affected by the movement or bending of the cable.

A.3.1.2 Measuring Feeder Loss

To measure feeder loss, perform the following steps:

(1) Press MODE. Then, use the UP/DOWN key to select Freq-Cable Loss.
Press ENTER for confirmation.

(2) Automatically or manually set the start and end frequencies by using the
method described in section 1.3.1.1.

(3) Conduct the calibration by using the method described in section 1.3.1.1 and
save the calibration result.

(4) Connect the feeder device to the SiteMaster through the test port cable.
Scanning track can be viewed as long as the SiteMaster is in the scanning
mode.

(5) View the feeder loss in the status bar.

Figure A-7 Transmitting feeder loss obtained by standard calibration

measurement

A.3.1.3 Measuring Antenna Feeder BWR

This measurement tests the antenna feeder BWR. Together with the antenna BWR and
feeder length, check whether the antenna feeder BWR meets the requirement.

To measure the antenna feeder BWR, perform the following steps:

(1) Press MODE. Then use the UP/DOWN key to select Freq – SWR. Press

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 2 Site Survey

ENTER for confirmation.

(2) Automatically or manually set the start and end frequencies by using the
method described in section 1.3.1.1.

(3) Conduct the calibration by using the method described in section 1.3.1.1 and
save the calibration result.

(4) Connect the feeder device to the SiteMaster through the test port cable.
Conduct the BWR test. Press AMLITUDE, view the function menus, and
adjust the coordinate.

(5) Press MARKER and then press the M1 soft key to view the BWR of a point.
Use the combination key of UP/DOWN and ENTER to move the frequency
point.

A.3.1.4 Measuring DTF

DTF is used to diagnose feeder faults in the distance field. Through the DTF
measurement, obtain information about the mismatching location of the feeder system.
This helps to locate the fault point on site.

To measure the DTF, perform the following steps:

(1) Press MODE. Then use the UP/DOWN key to select DTF – SWR. Press
ENTER for confirmation.

(2) Automatically or manually set the start and end frequencies by using the
method described in section 1.3.1.1.

(3) Conduct the calibration by using the method described in section 1.3.1.1 and
save the calibration result.

(4) Connect the feeder device to the SiteMaster through the test port cable.
Conduct the BWR test.

(5) Press FREQ/DIST. Set the distance values D2 and D2 through the soft
keyboard.

(6) Press the DTF Aid soft key to select the feeder type for setting the correct
propagation speed and diminution factor.

(7) Press MARKER and then press the M1 soft key to view the distance of a
point. Multiple values can be displayed. The following figure shows the
distances of four positions. The wave peak reflects the status of the

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connectors of each feeder. If a wave peak is extremely high, infer that errors
occur to the connector.

Figure A-8 Example of DTF display

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A.3.2 Spectrum Analysis

A.3.2.1 Measuring Channel Power

Channel power measurement is a commonly used function. It can measure the output
power of a transmitter. When the signal frequency range to be measured is known, use
the spectrum analysis function of the SiteMaster to measure signal strength and
frequency and find the frequency strength of the interference signal. The operation
procedures are as follows:

(1) Press MODE. Then use the UP/DOWN key to select Spectrum Analyzer.
Press ENTER for confirmation.

(2) Use the Signal Standard soft key to select the network standard. Press
ENTER for confirmation.

(3) Press Select Channel and enter the channel value. Press ENTER for
confirmation.

(4) Press AMPLITUDE and then set the reference standard through the Rel
Level soft key.

(5) Set the radio to 10 dB/division by using the Scale soft key. By using Preamp
On/Off or Preamp Auto, manually or automatically activate the
preamplifier. The default setting is automatic. Press Back to return to the
previous menu.

(6) Press MEAS/DISP. Then, set BW, RBW, and VBW to Auto. Press Back to
return to the previous menu.

(7) Set the display range by using Trace and Max Hold. Press Back to return to
the previous menu.

(8) Press the Measure soft key and then Channel Power. Select Int BW, and
then press ENTER.

(9) Use Center or Span to set the frequency range.

(10) Press Measure. Then, the SiteMaster displays the measurement result.

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

Figure A-9 Example result of the channel power measurement

When using a spectrum analyzer to measure electrical signals, set the resolution
bandwidth (RBW), video bandwidth (VBW), and scanning speed (or time) according
to the characteristic of the signals to be measured. The settings of the previous
parameters are the basics of using a spectrum analyzer.

The noise before the detection can be reduced through comparatively narrow resolution
bandwidth, thus reducing the noise output level of the detector. The noise after the
detection can be reduced through the narrowband video filter. The noise fluctuation
rather than the average power level can be reduced.

The RBW determines the power of the signals reaching the detector. The VBW is
responsible for the display of the tested level. A large RBW means that more noise can
reach the detector. Selecting a VBW narrower than the RBW makes the display
smooth, but prolongs the scanning time.

Generally, the instrument is expected to display the measurement result in the shortest
time. The scanning speed, however, cannot be set to any quick. The reason is that any
electronic circuit has different working bandwidths. Circuits of different bandwidths
require different response time. Generally, the circuit with a broader bandwidth
requires a shorter time for response. A fast scanning speed does not allow enough time
for the circuit to respond and thus errors occur. When a spectrum analyzer is used to
measure signals, different resolution bandwidths are often set. In this case, define the
scanning speed accordingly so as to reduce displaying errors.

A.3.2.2 Measuring Power

To measure the output power, perform the following steps:

(1) Press MODE. Use the UP/DOWN key to select Power Meter. Then, press
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 Appendix B Principles and Applications of GPS

ENTER for confirmation.

(2) Automatically or manually set the start and end frequencies by using the
method described in section 1.3.1.1.

(3) Press ZERO to return the SiteMaster to zero.

(4) Press OFFSET to select the actual attenuation value of the attenuator.

(5) Press UNITS to select the power unit, that is, nW or dBm.

(6) Press AMPLITUDE and then the Rel soft key. Then, with the input power as
the benchmark, the SiteMaster displays the ratio of the current tested power
to the benchmark power.

Note:

1. The function of the Zero key is to return the load input to zero. After the key is
pressed, the SiteMaster displays -80 dBm or 0.01 nW.

2 ． To change the power unit, press AMPLITUDE and then the UNITS soft key.
Select W or dBm, and then press FREQ/DIST to return to the power measurement
menu.

35
Appendix B Principles and Applications of
GPS

B.1 Basic Concepts

B.1.1 Purposes of GPS

Researched in the 1970s, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is set up completely in
1994. The GPS is a new navigating and locating system featuring real-time and three-
dimensional in the air, land, and sea. This system is composed of space constellation,
terrine monitoring system, and user system. With its precise and quick location
capability, the GPS is widely used in earth measurement, geology monitoring, ship and
airplane navigation, forest fire extinguishing, and so on. Being a locating and
navigating tool, the GPS is crucial in network planning, survey, and drive testing.

This chapter takes the hand-held GPS12C/12XLC manufactured by GARMIN as an

example to describe the basic principles and applications of the GPS. For details on
how to connect the GPS to drive test devices, study the drive testing course.

Figure B-10 Front view of hand-held GPS 12C

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 Appendix B Principles and Applications of GPS

B.1.2 Basic Principles

Being flexible, quick, precise, and easy to use, hand-held GPS navigators achieve great
popularity. The positioning principle is as follows: 24 satellites are distributed equally
in the 6 orbit planes cross the earth’s score. These satellites send all-weather
positioning information to the earth in real time. According to the received positioning
information, the user receiver calculates the three-dimensional position of the receiver,
speed, and time. In this way, the GPS navigator can continuously determine and
navigate the position globally, all-weather.

Through the amplitude tracking, the GPS receiver can capture and lock satellite
signals, collect ephemeris, measure the Pseudo Range, and get the longitude, latitude,
and altitude of the receiver. Capturing three satellites can determine a two-dimensional
position and capturing four or more satellites can determine a three-dimensional
position. The more satellites the GPS navigator can capture, the more precise the
position is.

B.2 GPS Performance

B.2.1 Specifications

Receiving performance:

· Receiver: 12 parallel channel

· Acquisition time: 15 seconds (ware start), 45 seconds (cold start), 2 minutes (auto
location)

· Data update rate: 1 second/times, continuous

· Positioning precision: 15 m (without SA) RMS

· GPS precision: 1 - 3 meters (difference positioning) RMS

· Interface: NMEA0183, RTCM104 standard statement

· Antenna: built-in (12XLC can be externally connected)

· Waterproof: 1PX7(1m under water, no water penetration in 30 minutes)

Navigating performance:

· Waypoint: 500 is allowable.

· Track: 1024, return by track and record in real time

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

· Route: 20 routes can be recorded, with each containing waypoints

· Coordinate: 107, allowing custom input (54 can be modified)

· Area calculation: automatic

Physical:

· Dimensions: 5.3 * 14.7 * 3.1 cm

· Weight: 269 g (with battery)

· Display: LED (5.6 * 3.8cm)

· Moisture: -15°C — +70°C

Power:

· Power: 4 AA battery or 5 – 8 VDC (GPS12C); 8 – 35 VDC(GPS12XLC)

· Consumption: 0.75 W
· Lithium battery: built-in, 10 years
· Battery life: 12 hours

Auxiliary functions:

· Interchange data with computers through the interface, store and compile data.

· Optional antennas and data lines can expand the application.

B.2.2 Keys and Functions

1． Power: powers ON/OFF, and controls the backlighting strength of the third-page
screen.

2． Page: scrolls through the main data pages in sequence and returns from a submenu
page to a primary page.

3． Enter: activates highlighted fields and confirm menu option and data input

4． Quit: displays the previous page or resumes the value of the selected data

5． Mark: marks the current position as a waypoint

6． Navigate: to steer to a waypoint

7 ． ▲ , ▼, left, right: moves the cursor up or down, right or left. ▲▼ can be used to
select numbers or letters.

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 Appendix B Principles and Applications of GPS

B.3 Operation Guide

B.3.1 Basic Operations

B.3.1.1 Powering On, Lighting, and Powering Off

1. Power ON: Hold the navigator and make the internal antenna face to the sky. Press
and hold the Power key for one second. The Power On screen is displayed. Then,
view the satellite capture screen is displayed.

2. Brightness control: The brightness of the background color can be controlled after
pressing the Power key. This is especially useful when the light is dim.

3. Power off: Press and hold the Power key for 3 seconds till the screen display
disappears.

B.3.1.2 Automatic Positioning

When signals from three or more satellites are received, the satellite page changes to
the positioning page.

The first line is the direction rule, which is the angle of the direction-of-trip and north
direction.

The second line shows the number representatives of direction-of-trip and speed. The
direction-of-trip is of the same meaning with that in the first line but use different
representation mode. The direction-of-trip and speed are applicable only when the
receiver is in motion. They indicate the direction and speed of the current motion.

The third line shows the odometer and height. Odometer is similar to odograph. Height
is available only in 3D positioning and it indicates the relative height of two waypoints.

The fourth line shows the north latitude and east longitude.

The last line shows the GPS time.

B.3.1.3 Navigation Operation

1. To set the waypoint and mark the current position, perform the following steps:

(1) After the positioning is complete, press the Mark key to enter the positioning
page.

(2) Position averaging (optional): Use ▲▼ to move the cursor to the averaging points.
The averaging is highlighted. Press Enter. Then, the GPS calculates the average
until the error numbers are fixed or reach the expected value.

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

(3) Use ▲▼ to move the cursor to the waypoint. Press Enter. Enter the ID to be used,
which consists of number and letters.

(4) Press Enter. The cursor moves to Save. Press Enter for confirmation.

(5) The Position page has a line for adding the waypoint to the route. Enter the route
name. Then, the way is added to the route.

2. To navigate the location, perform the following steps:

(1) Press Navigate. The navigation screen is displayed.

(2) Use ▲▼ to select the waypoint number or name.

(3) Press Enter. The navigation screen is displayed. Additionally, the azimuth and
odometer are calculated.

3. To start the navigation, perform the following steps:

(1) Press Page for several times to the compass or freeway page. Press Enter to
display the selection menu. Use ▲▼ to select compass or freeway. Press Enter to
view the corresponding page.

(2) On the compass page, the upper direction shows the name of the waypoint, the
middle is the compass, the arrow indicates the deviation angle. Also view the
azimuth, distance, trip direction, and speed.

(3) Direction-of-trip is shown on the freeway page. The upper part shows the azimuth,
distance, trip direction, and speed.

4. Press Page once or several times. The Track page is displayed.

(1) Adjust scale: Move the cursor to the upper left corner. Press Enter and then press
▲▼ to adjust the scale. Then, press Enter for confirmation.

(2) Move page: Press the up, down, left, and right key to move the page. Press Quit to
exit from the screen.

5. Remove the waypoint.

(1) Press Page to view the main menu.

(2) Press the ▲▼ to locate the waypoint menu.

(3) Press Enter to view the waypoint page

(4) Press ▲▼ to select the waypoint to be removed and then press Enter. The

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 Appendix B Principles and Applications of GPS

selection menu is displayed. Press▲▼ to select Remove. Press Enter to view the
Prompt screen. Select Yes and press Enter. Then, the waypoint is removed.

(5) To remove all the waypoints, select the related command at the bottom of the page.

6. Determine the distance and azimuth of two points. The setting page displays the
recent waypoints. A maximum of one screen of distance and orientation of the
saved waypoints to the current location. Also use the navigating function to
measure the distance and orientation of the current location to the waypoint.

B.3.1.4 Navigating by Route

To edit a route, perform the following steps:

1. Set a new waypoint by using the method described previously. The existing
waypoint can also be used directly.

2. Press Page to view the function menu. The cursor moves to the route. Press Enter
to view the Route page.

3. Stay the cursor on the route number. Press Enter and in the displayed screen,
select the route number ranging from 0 to 19.

4. Press Enter for confirmation. The cursor automatically moves to the next line.
Press Enter and then enter the waypoint by using the up, down, right, and left key.
After that, press Enter for confirmation.

5. Repeat this method to enter all the waypoints. At the bottom of the screen, set the
direction and clear the route. The forward direction indicates starting from the first
waypoint.

6. Modify the route. Clear the route and change, add, or delete the waypoint. On the
route screen, select the route number to be modified, use ▲▼ to select the
waypoint to be modified. Press Enter. In the displayed screen, use ▲▼ to select
the modification mode. Then, press Enter for confirmation.

B.3.2 Precautions for Determining Longitude and Latitude

B.3.2.1 GPS Usage

1. The GPS requires three satellites for location. Therefore, wait for about 10 minutes
before the signals are stable. After a BS is located, keep the GPS navigator running
so that the GPS can locate the next spot in a shorter time.

2. Select WGS84.
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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

3. The readings are expressed in degree, for example, the longitude is 119.44690°and
the latitude is 35.42317°.

4. It is recommended to stand close to the planned site. Otherwise, when measuring

the coordinate, the data might not be precise. Stand on the rooftop for the
measurement when necessary. If the coordinate of the planned site cannot be
measured, directly add the BS on the electrical map based on the actual situation.

B.3.2.2 Reasons for Electronic Map Errors

1. The precision of electrical maps varying from 5 m, 20 m, 50 m, to 100 m.

2. The GPS navigator has instrumental error, which is related to the received satellite
signal. Currently, the GPS error can be 5 m at minimum. For the error readings on
the GPS, the error should be within 10 meters. Record the error reading if the error
exceeds 10 m.

3. The spot to be measured is not the planned one.

4. Inputting wrong information. This often results in an error greater than 100 m.

B.3.2.3 Handling Suggestions for BS Data Error

After importing the BS data, check whether the BS location is consistent with the
actual situation. If not, use the following methods to handle the error:

1. If the field surveyor is on site, ask him or her to check whether the data is correct.
Then, based on the correct data, move the BS to the actual location on the
electronic map

2. Determine the longitude and latitude again.

3. If method 2 cannot be used for the present, determine the longitude and latitude
when installing the BS.

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Appendix C Compass Principles and
Applications

This chapter describes the functions and basic principles of the compass.

C.1 Basic Principles

C.1.1 Purposes of a Compass

A compass is a device used to measure the line magnetic azimuth. It is easy to use, and
generally used to measure low precision equipments. This section takes the DQY-1
compass as an example to describe the basic principles and usages. The DQY-1
compass is manufactured by Harbin Optical Instrument Factory. It provides the
following functions:

1. Measuring the orientation, slope angle, and inclination dip.

2. Measuring the terrine, including the azimuth and slope angle, and determining the
level.

3． Measuring the vertical angle

In network planning and optimization, the compass is mainly used in site survey and
antenna azimuth measurement.

Figure C-11 Appearance of DQY-1 compass

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GBP_003_C0_0 BS Survey

C.1.2 Basic Principles

The compass makes use of the feature that a magnetic object (magnetic needle) can
point to a direction of the magnetic meridian. By referring to the reading number of the
azimuth circle, determine the direction of the target relative to the magnetic meridian.
According to two selected measuring points (or known measuring points), the user can
know the location of another unknown target.

C.2 Performance and Structure of the DQY-1 Compass

This section takes the DQY-1 compass as an example to describe the specifications and
its structure.

C.2.1 Technical Specifications

Main specifications

· Damping time: 30 - 60 seconds

· Reading error

Reading error before and after the movement of magnetic needle ≤ 0.5°

Error due to eccentricity at 0-180° and 90-270°: ≤ 0.5°

Reading error of angle measuring instrument ≤ 0.5°

· Bubble sensitivity

Long bubble: 15′±3′/2 mm

Circular bubble: 30′±5′/2 mm

· Size (L × W × H): 85 mm × 73 mm × 35 mm

· Weight: ≤ 0.27 kg

C.2.2 Structure

The DQY-1 compass is a basin-shape copper, aluminum, or wooden instrument

composed of magnetic needle, dial, inclinometer, sighting vane, and bubble, as shown
in Figure C-12.

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 Appendix B Principles and Applications of GPS

1．Viewfinder 2．Sighting vane 3．Magnetic needle 4．Horizontal dial 5．Vertical dial

6．Vertical reading indicator 7．Vertical bubble 8．Underpin bubble 9．Screw for fixing needle

10．Ejector pin 11．Lever 12．Glass cover 13．Baseplate

Figure C-12 Structure of DQY-1 compass

1. Magnetic needle

Generally, a magnetic needle is a rhombic steel needle. It is installed on an ejector pin

in the middle of the compass and can rotate freely. After using it, tighten the brake
screw and raise the magnetic needle to touch the grass cover. In this way, the needle
cap does not touch the pin tip. This protects the pin tip and prolongs the service time.
When using the compass for measurement, loosen the bolt to make the magnetic needle
swing freely and stop with pointing to the meridian direction. As China is located in the
Northern Hemisphere, the magnetic needle is not balanced due to unmatched magnetic
forces at the two sides. To make the magnetic needle keep balance, wind several circles
of brass wires at the southern pole. This method also helps to distinguish the two poles.

2. Horizontal dial

The readings of the horizontal circle are marked as follows:

From 0 degree anticlockwise, mark a reading every 10 degrees till 360 degrees is
complete. The 0 degree, 180 degree, 90 degree, and 270 degree are respectively
marked as N, S, E, and W. Using the four directions, the user can directly determine the
magnetic azimuth of a line between two points.

3. Vertical dial

The vertical circle is used to read the inclination dip and slope angle. The E or W

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location is regarded as 0 degree and the S or N location is regarded as 90 degree. A

figure is marked every 10 degrees.

4. Suspended cone

The suspended cone is an important part of the inclinometer. It is suspended under the
axis of the magnetic needle. The user can rotate the cone through the sighting vane
hand on the baseplate. The reading that the tip in the middle of the cone points to is the
degree of the inclination or slope angle.

5. Bubble

Two bubbles, round bubble and long bubble, are available. They are individually
placed in the round glass tubes. The round bubble is fixed on the baseplate and the
long bubble is fixed on the inclinometer.

6. Sighting device

The viewfinder has a thin line in the middle and a transparent hole at the bottom.
When taking aim, align the sight line, thin line, and target.

C.3 Instructions to Using the Compass

C.3.1 Usage

C.3.1.1 Calibrating the Magnetic Declination

Before using a compass, the user must calibrate the magnetic declination. As the south
and north end of the earth magnetic does not strictly correspond to the South Pole and
North Pole. In other words, the magnetic meridian and the geographical meridian are
not coincident. The magnetic north of a spot is inconsistent with the geographical
north. The inclosed angle is called the magnetic declination.

If the magnetic north is east of the geographic north, it is positive (+), and if south,
negative (-). The magnetic declination of various regions in the world is calculated in
schedule and published for reference. If the magnetic declination of a spot is known,
then the due north azimuth A equals the result of subtracting or adding the magnetic
declination to or from the magnetic azimuth A. By using this principle the user can
calibrate the magnetic declination. To calibrate the magnetic declination, rotate the
screw of the compass to turn the horizontal circle right (positive) or left (negative) to
make the angle of the vertical scale and horizontal scale ( 0-180 degree line) equal the
magnetic declination. After the calibration, the measurement reading is the true

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 Appendix B Principles and Applications of GPS

azimuth.

C.3.1.2 Determining the Target Orientation

This section describes the location of the target object relative to the personnel, that is,
the azimuth (inclosed angle of the meridian clockwise to the testing line) of the target.

1. Method for orienting the objects above the line of sight

Hold the compass with the rear part of the upper cover facing the body. Close the upper
arm to the body side to avoid shivering. Adjust the sighting vane and viewfinder. Turn
the body to enable the images of both the target and long sighting tip appear in the
viewfinder and go halves by the image line. Keep the round balloon in the middle. The
reading that the north pole of the needle points to is the direction of the object.

2. Method for orienting the objects below the line of sight

Hold the compass with the viewfinder opposite to the body. Close the upper arm to the
body side to avoid shivering. Adjust the sighting vane and viewfinder. Turn the body to
enable the mirrors of both the target and sighting tip appear in the elliptic hole of the
viewfinder and go halves by the image line. Keep the round balloon in the middle. The
reading that the north pole of the needle points to is the direction of the object.

C.3.1.3 Orientating the Antenna Azimuth

The previous section describes how to orientate an object. This section describes how
to orientate the antenna azimuth. The orientation method is similar. The difference is
that in the previous section the sighting vane aims at the object to be orientated. While
in this section the sighting vane aims at the central line of the direction of the antenna
coverage. Only the approximate direction can be determined on site. Therefore, the
result is an approximate value. The user only needs to check whether the antenna
azimuth has great offset.

In network planning, the due north is regarded as 0°. The angle of the antenna pointing
clockwise to the due north is the antenna directional angle. To measure the antenna
directional angle, perform the following steps:

1. Holding the compass, stand under the antenna or antenna tower.

2. Make the rear of the compass upper cover face the body and the sighting vane
point to the antenna direction.

3. Keep the round bubble in the middle. After the needle stops swinging, the reading

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that the north pole points to is the antenna azimuth.

As metal objects have effect on the correctness of the result, try to keep the compass
away from metal objects such as towers.

C.3.1.4 Determining the Downtilt

To determine the downtilt, that is, the angle vertical to the horizontal plane, perform the
following steps:

1. Open the upper cover to the maximum level, make the instrument edge vertical to
the orientation path and close to the plane of the object to be measured. Keep the
bubble in the middle.

2. The reading that the indicator points to is the downtilt.

C.3.2 Precautions

1. Magnetic needle, ejector pin, and agate bearing are important parts of a compass.
Use with caution and keep them clean to protect the sensitivity. When not in use, close
the instrument tightly and make the magnetic needle automatically rise by prodding the
lever. This can make the ejector tip separate from the agate bearing.

2. Do not dismantle the hinge to prevent them from getting loosened to lower the
accuracy.

3. Keep the instrument from high temperature and long time exposure to the sun to
prevent the bubble from leaking.

4. Always apply watch oil to the rotating part of the hinge.

5. Place the instrument in ventilating and dry places when not in use.

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