Path-Loss Measuring Techniques and Equipment

The planning of tropospheric scatter communication systems requires precise and reliable knowledge of the path loss. This paper describes the techniques and equipment used to evaluate proposed installations. The equipment operates in the frequency range of 875 to 940 or 1650 to 1950 mc with output powers of 10 or 100 watts. A logarithic recording system is used which makes possible a dynamic signal recording range of 50 to 100 db. Automatic frequency control is employed to achieve a 300-cps 3-db bandwidth with moderate oscillator stabilities.