Antenna continuous monitoring equipment (ACME)

The U.S. Navy Submarine Broadcast System uses physically large Very Low Frequency (VLF) and Low Frequency (LF) antennas. These antennas are subject to a unique set of both large physical and electromagnetic stresses. By automatically measuring these stresses and analyzing the results, weaknesses can be detected and future efficacy can be predicted. Most measurements can be made while the antenna is radiating. The Antenna Continuous Monitoring Equipment (ACME) is under development with the first unit installation planned for January 1997. Sensors and processing will be developed for antenna gross resistance, antenna bandwidth, antenna power, weather, and guy wire and topload radial tension measurement; further development is planned to determine input and interface requirements for radial and guy insulator corona detection and measurement of the vertical component of structural stresses on tower structures. Significant emphasis has been placed on developing sensors that can operate in hostile electromagnetic environments and severe environmental conditions ranging from desert heat to near Arctic cold. ACME will include a Pentium-class computer, LabView for software development, and commercial off-the-shelf sensors. All individual sites will have secure dial-up remote access to permit information retrieval and real-time site analysis because VLF/LF antenna systems are deployed at many locations worldwide