Antenna testing from the air

Efficient and accurate commissioning and troubleshooting of broadcast antenna systems can now be realised by making use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.

The UAV — with integrated measuring receiver, antenna and on-board computer — can characterise an antenna system with greater precision and timeliness compared to traditional land-based surveys and is more cost-effective than helicopter-based solutions. The advantages of such a system are quicker survey times, higher-resolution antenna pattern data (potentially to be used with coverage prediction software), fewer ground reflection issues and more confidence in the broadcast antenna system.

Here I’ll present an overview of the methodology and equipment used to realise this solution and conclude with some external factors that need to be considered when using this methodology.

The objective is to verify and diagnose the ‘shape’ of new and existing broadcast antenna systems and verify effective radiated power (ERP) measurements. This is based on:

• GPS location data (accurate to ±2 m)
• calculated free-space path loss
• calibrated receive antenna gain factors
• calibrated feeder losses
• measured received field strength/channel power (accurate to ±1.5 dB)
• correction factors associated with the sampling methodology (ie, AM, FM, DAB+, DVB-T).

This can be achieved by measuring the horizontal radiation pattern (HRP) at the height of the vertical radiation pattern peak (VRP). The VRP is typically measured in front of each antenna panel face and is measured from 10° above the horizon to the height of the first recovery lobe, local environment permitting.

The end result is a fully characterised antenna system with an uncertainty of less than ±3 dB.

The methodology follows that of the ITU Recommendation ITU-R SM.2056-1, ‘Airborne verification of antenna patterns of broadcasting stations’. Further to these recommendations, the UAV, with measuring equipment, will be set up using custom-developed software that enables real-time configuration, measurement logging and reporting. Depending on the broadcast site characteristics, omnidirectional or directional antennas can be used.

Once service and broadcast site information has been finalised, a ‘distance’ in the far field (FF) is chosen to perform a VRP flight to determine the peak height of the HRP. An HRP (full circumference) is performed at the peak VRP. Received data is logged and real-time calculations of HRP, VRP and ERP are performed and can be seen by the operator on the ground.

The flight course can be modified on the go if the need arises to remeasure a certain section of the antenna. A preliminary report is available once the UAV has landed.

Here are the technical specifications of the system we at Innovative Drone Solutions use:

• HRP characterisation to 1° azimuth resolution
• VRP characterisation to 0.1° declination resolution
• ERP uncertainties below ±3 dB
• Measurement of up to 10 services at once (AM, FM, DAB+, VHF and UHF DVB-T)
• Signal Hound SA44B lightweight receiver, 1 Hz–4.4 GHz, ±1.5 dB accuracy (exclusively distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Silvertone)
• Calibrated wideband omnidirectional or directional antennas
• Integration of redundancy in the UAV system for safety (ie, redundant motors, parachute systems, dual flight controllers, EMI shielding)
• Flight time of approximately 25 min.

There are a few external factors to be considered. First among them are the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations. You need to use a UAV-certified operator, and CASA requires approvals for UAV operations in populated areas and sites close to airports on a site-by-site basis — so you need to allow sufficient lead times for CASA to process and approve the area, flight and safety plan.

You also need to consider weather conditions — strong wind, rain and so on — and plan contingency days. Finally, you need to be aware of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and fly in the far field at calculated safe EMI distances.

Image courtesy Simon Jardine under CC