Wireless

3500 Portable Radio Communications Test Set

Designed to dramatically improve radio operational time in vehicle installations and reduce the
number of incorrectly diagnosed radios that result in NTF (No Trouble Found).

• Easy portability - weighs only 8.5 lbs. The Aeroflex 3500 is a new Aeroflex Radio Test Set with the latest in
(3.9 kg) portability, battery life and performance. The Aeroflex 3500 Radio
• 5 hour battery life Test Set builds upon Aeroflex's expertise in developing portable
radio test sets with exclusive features and affordability that are des-
• 2 MHz - 1 GHz operation tined to set a new standard in portable radio test sets. The 3500 is
• Rugged construction capable of measuring high power (20 watts without an external
attenuator, up to 200 watts with an external attenuator option), as
• -20° to +55° C operating temperature well as finding faults in antennas, power amplifiers and intercon-
range nects. Designed to meet the needs of a variety of vehicle radio tests,
• Built-in generator and receiver to 1 GHz the 3500 provides fast, reliable measurements of the radio's trans-
mitter parameters and receiver sensitivity. With the additional capa-
• AM/FM transmitter tests
bility to perform quick testing of antennas and cables, the 3500 pro-
RF power vides the most complete in-vehicle test solution available to quickly
isolate problems and assess performance of the radio, cable and
RF frequency error
antenna systems. The 3500 was designed to significantly reduce the
AM modulation / FM deviation number of radios incorrectly removed from vehicles where it was
later determined to have no trouble found. With extensive
Receive Signal Strength Indicator
(RSSI) operational capability, the 3500 provides portable test features that
are typically found in bench top radio test equipment.
• AM/FM receiver tests
Portable and Rugged
Distortion
The 3500 Radio Test Set was designed from the ground up to be
SINAD / Sensitivity portable and rugged, weighing in at only 8.5 lbs (3.9 kg). including
the battery. It has a solid aluminum weatherproof case, an operating
• VSWR and Distance to Fault tests for
temperature range of -20° to +55° C, and rugged construction
cable and antenna testing
specifications for humidity, altitude, shock, and vibration. The
• Software defined features allow field battery gives the user 5 hours of operation and can be fully re-
upgrades charged and ready to operate in only 4 hours. In addition, the 3500
• Handset and antenna allow over the air and the optional accessories can be stored in a ruggedized transport
"Talk Test" case.

For the very latest specifications visit www.aeroflex.com

Quick Drive By Testing To Isolate Radio Installation Failures
Designed to be used for quick Drive By Testing, the 3500 can effi-
ciently and easily find radio failures. There is no need to connect to
the radio under test, simply connect the supplied antenna, key up the
radio and then measure the radio parameters over-the-air. A handset
is provided to check voice quality of the transmitter and receiver. A
push-to-talk button on the handset controls whether the 3500 is
transmitting or receiving.

Receiver Test Screen

The Transmitter test screen operates as a signal analyzer, measuring
the parameters associated with the transmit portion of the radio being
tested. Included in this screen are measurements of the modulation,
the RF power, and RF frequency error.

Drive By Test Screen

Bench Top Testing
Also included in the operation of the 3500 is the capability to perform
bench top type testing on a radio. All radio parameters including
power, frequency error, modulation accuracy, receiver sensitivity and
audio performance can be easily accessed and tested with the 3500.
In the Bench Top Mode, the user has the ability to tailor the opera-
tion of the 3500 to the type of testing to be performed. The user can
select a Receiver Test, Transmitter Test, or Duplex Test screen from
the Bench Top Menu screen.
Transmitter Test Screen
The Duplex Test Screen operates as both a signal generator and ana-
lyzer, allowing simultaneous testing of the transmitter and receiver of
the radio being tested.

Bench Top Menu Screen

If the Receiver Test is selected, the 3500 operates as a signal genera-
tor, enabling the testing of the receiver portion of the radio. Audio
SINAD and distortion are among the tests that can be performed on
the radio's receiver. With two internal generators that can be used as
Duplex Test Screen
modulation sources, the 3500 can modulate the carrier with both a
test tone and a squelch tone. Any of the test screens can be easily configured with the meters that
are needed according to the type of tests that the user wants to
perform by selecting the meters from the setup screen. Users can
quickly define the "look" of the instrument by configuring the way the
meters are displayed on the screen.
 Up to six markers can be enabled for use in analyzing the graphical
data that is acquired for SWR or DTF. The markers provide the user
with information on the precise return loss at a given distance for
DTF mode or the exact VSWR at a given frequency for SWR mode. A
delta function, associated with the markers, is also available in order
to show the difference in VSWR and frequency, or return loss and feet,
between two of the markers.

Save/Recall Features
The 3500 allows users to define pass/fail parameters and configure
the test parameters and then save these files internally for future use.
This feature allows fast testing on radios that require constant test-
ing, base station verification and for testing a large number of the
same radio.
Setup Screen Future Updates
Isolate Cable and Antenna Problems The 3500 utilizes a software-defined radio architecture. The software
Since many radio faults lie in the cabling and/or antenna and not with defines almost all of the functionality of the test set from the RF phys-
the radio, the 3500 includes the capability to measure the VSWR of an ical layer and up. This software-defined feature allows for future
antenna or the return loss of a cable. A large VSWR can be an indica- updates and improvements to the capability of the instrument and
tion of a high return loss caused by a bad cable, connector or anten- allows the user to easily add options or update functional improve-
na. By isolating the problem to the cable, connector or antenna, you ments in the field, without the need to return the instrument to the
can avoid returning good radios to the depot or manufacturer for factory. Future enhancements will include a spectrum analyzer and
repair, thus avoiding radio system down time. The SWR Test screen oscilloscope.
displays either VSWR versus frequency or return loss versus feet.
VSWR versus frequency is useful for displaying the VSWR SPECIFICATION
characteristics of an antenna. The display of return loss versus feet
is descriptive of the characteristics of a cable, illustrating to the user RF SIGNAL GENERATOR
the precise location of faults (DTF).
FREQUENCY
Range
2 MHz to 1 GHz
Resolution
1 Hz
Accuracy
Same as Timebase
OUTPUT LEVEL
Range
T/R Port: -50 to -120 dBm / 707 µV to .224 µV
ANT Port: -30 to -90 dBm / 7071 µV to 7.07 µV
SWR Port: -5 to -65 dBm / 125743 µV to 126 µV
SWR Test Screen Showing VSWR Versus Frequency Resolution
1 dB
Accuracy
±3 dB
SSB PHASE NOISE
-80 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset
SPURIOUS
Harmonics
-30 dBc
Non-Harmonics
-40 dBc (>±20 kHz offset from carrier) in Band

SWR Test Screen Showing Return Loss Versus Feet

For the very latest specifications visit www.aeroflex.com

RESIDUAL FM Resolution
<60 Hz in 300 Hz to 3 kHz BW 1%
Typically <20 Hz Total Harmonic Distortion
RESIDUAL AM 3% (20% to 90% mod, 1 kHz rate, 300 Hz to 3 kHz BP filter)
<5% in 300 Hz to 3 kHz BW Accuracy
Typically <1% 10% of setting (150 Hz to 5 kHz rate, 10% to 90% Modulation)
PORT INPUT PROTECTION EXTERNAL AM
ANT Port: +20 dBm MIC IN
SWR Port: +20 dBm Frequency Range: 400 Hz to 1.2 kHz
T/R Port: +44 dBm Level Sensitivity: 1 mVrms = 7% Modulation, nominal
PORT VSWR AUDIO IN
ANT Port: <1.5 : 1 Switchable Loads: 150 ohm, 600 ohms, High Z
SWR Port: <1.5 : 1 Input Levels: 0.05 to 3 Vrms
T/R Port: <1.25 : 1 Frequency Range: 300 Hz to 5 kHz
MODULATION FREQUENCY (RATE) - AM AND FM Level Sensitivity: 1% / 20 mVp-p nominal
Range
AFGEN 1 AND AFGEN 2
150 Hz to 5 kHz
FREQUENCY
Resolution
Range
0.1 Hz
30 Hz to 5 kHz
Accuracy
Resolution
Timebase ± Hz
0.1 Hz
FM DEVIATION (GEN 1 AND GEN 2)
Accuracy
Range
Timebase ±2 Hz
Off, 500 Hz to 50 kHz
OUTPUT LEVEL
Total Harmonic Distortion
Load Impedance
3% (1 kHz rate, >2 kHz deviation, 300 Hz - 3 kHz BP filter)
600 ohms
Resolution
Range
10 Hz
0 to 1.5 Vrms
Accuracy
Resolution
±10% (2 kHz to 50 kHz deviation, 150 Hz to 5 kHz rate)
0.01 Vrms
Typically <2% (5.6 kHz deviation, 1 kHz rate)
Accuracy
EXTERNAL FM
±10%
MIC IN
Distortion
Level: 1 to 30 mVrms, voiced tone (whistle)
<3% (1 kHz rate, sine, 300 Hz to 3 kHz)
Frequency Range: 400 Hz to 1.2 kHz
Level Sensitivity: 1 mVrms = 7 kHz deviation nominal RF RECEIVER
AUDIO IN
FREQUENCY
Switchable Loads: 150 ohms, 600 ohms, High Z
Range
Input Levels: 0.05 to 3 Vrms
2 MHz to 1 GHz
Frequency Range: 300 Hz to 5 kHz
Resolution
Level Sensitivity: 10 Hz / mVp-p nominal
1 Hz
Slope: Positive voltage yields positive deviation
Accuracy
AM MODULATION (GEN 1 AND GEN 2)
Same as Timebase
Range
0 to 95%
INPUT AMPLITUDE RF POWER METER (BROADBAND RF POWER INTO T/R PORT)
Minimum Input Level, Audio Sensitivity Display Range
ANT: -80 dBm (22.4 µV), typical 10 dB SINAD Ext Attn set to 0 dBm: 0 to 43 dBm (0 to 20 W)
T/R: -40 dBm (2236 µV), typical, 10 dB SINAD Ext Attn set to 20 dBm: 0 to 53 dBm (0 to 200 W)
Useable Input Level Range Minimum Input Level
ANT: -60 dBm (-80 dBm with RF Amp On) to -10 dBm (RF Error, 0.10 W/+20 dBm
Distortion, and Modulation)
Maximum Input Level
ANT: -90 dBm (-110 dBm with RF Amp On) to -10 dBm (RSSI)
No external attenuator:
T/R: -20 dBm to Maximum Input Level (RF Error, Distortion, and
Modulation) 20 W/43 dBm for 10 minutes at +25° C or until thermal alarm sounds

T/R: -50 dBm to Maximum Input Level (RSSI) With external 50 Watt attenuator:

Maximum Input Level 50 W/47 dBm average at +25° C

ANT: +20 dBm/0.1 W for 10 seconds With external 150 Watt attenuator:

T/R: +43 dBm/20 W (FM) and +37 dBm (AM) 150 W/51.8 dBm average for temperatures up to +25° C, linearly der-
ated to 125 W at 55° C
AM/FM DEMODULATION
200 W/53 dBm peak for 30 seconds on / 5 minutes off at +25° C.
IF Bandwidth
Resolution
FM: 5 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 8.33 kHz, 10 kHz, 12.5 kHz, 25 kHz, 30 kHz,
100 kHz, 300 kHz 0.01 W/0.1 dBm

AM: 5 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 8.33 kHz, 10 kHz, 12.5 kHz, 25 kHz, 30 kHz Accuracy

Audio Filters Bandwidth ±1 dB for internal attenuator

NONE, 15 k LP, 5 k LP, 0.3 k LP, 0.3-5 k BP, 0.3 k HP, C-Wt BP, CCITT BP ±1.5 dB using external attenuator

Audio Output Level Sensitivity FM DEVIATION METER

FM: (3 Vrms/kHz Dev)/IF BW (kHz) ± 15% Range

AM: 7 mVrms / % AM ±15% 500 Hz to ± 100 kHz

Modes
RF TRANSMITTER TEST METERS
Peak+, Peak-, (Peak+ - Peak-)/2
RF FREQUENCY ERROR METER Resolution
Range 1 Hz
±200 kHz Accuracy
Resolution ±10% of reading
1 Hz Typically <3% ( 1 kHz rate, 5 kHz deviation)
Accuracy AM PERCENT METER
Same as Timebase Range
RSSI INDICATOR (RF POWER WITHIN RECEIVER IF BANDWIDTH) 5% to 100%
Display Range Modes
dBm: -110 dBm to +43 dBm (+53 dBm with Ext Attn dB set to 20 dB) Peak+, Peak-, (Peak+ - Peak-)/2
Watts: 10 pW to 20 W (200 W with Ext Attn dB set to 20 dB) Resolution
Useable Meter Reading RF Level Range 1%
T/R Port: -50 dBm to +43 dBm Accuracy
ANT Port (without RF Amp On): -90 dBm to -10 dBm ±5% of reading, 1 kHz rate, 30% to 90% modulation, 3 kHz LPF
ANT Port (with RF Amp On): -110 dBm to -10 dBm
SWR MEASUREMENT
Resolution
0.1 dBm Frequency Range

Accuracy 2.0 MHz to 1000.0 MHz

±3 dB (>-50 dBm into T/R, >-90 dBm into ANT or >-120 dBm into Span Range
ANT with RF Amp On) 0.2 MHz to 998 MHz

For the very latest specifications visit www.aeroflex.com

Start Range Reading Range
2.0 MHz to 999.8 MHz 0% to 100%
Stop Range Resolution
2.2 MHz to 1000.0 MHz 0.1%
Frequency Accuracy Accuracy
Same as timebase ±10% from 1% to 20%
Frequency Resolution
TIMEBASE
0.1 MHz
Temperature Stability
VSWR Range
1 ppm standard
1.00 to 6.00
Aging
VSWR Resolution
1 ppm / year standard
0.01
Warm-up time
VSWR Accuracy
3 minutes
±10% of SWR readings (calibrated) <300 MHz
±20% of SWR readings (calibrated) =300 MHz ENVIROMENTAL / PHYSICAL
Return Loss Range
Overall Dimensions
0.0 to -50.0 dB
231 mm x 285 mm x 70 mm (W x L x D)
DTF range
9.1 in. x 11.2 in. x 2.8 in.
Base on Frequency Span
Weight
Min: 0 to 41 ft.
8.5 lbs. (3.9 kg); 12 lbs. (5.4 kg) with accessories and softbag
Max: limited by cable loss
Temperature

AUDIO METERS Storage: -51°C to +71°C storage

Note: Battery must not be subjected to temperatures below -20° C,
AUDIO INPUT (EXT AUDIN)
nor above +60° C
Source
Operation: -20°C to +55°C
BNC Input on Handset
Note: Battery to be charged at temperatures between 0°C and +45°C
Frequency Range
Humidity
300 Hz to 10 kHz
95% maximum (non-condensing) (MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2)
Level Range
Altitude
0 V to 5 Vp-p
4,600 meters max (15,092 ft) (MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2)
SINAD METER (WITH 1 KHZ AUDIO)
Shock, Functional
Measurement Sources
30G (MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2)
Audio In, Demod
Vibration
Audio Frequency
Random 10 - 500 Hz (MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2)
1 kHz
Compliance
Display Range
Safety Standard: UL 61010-1
0 to 40 dB
EMC: Mil-PRF-28800F Class 2
Resolution CE
EN 61000
0.1 dB EN 61326;1998
Accuracy AC INPUT POWER (AC TO DC CONVERTER / CHARGER UNIT)
±1.5 dB from 8 to 40 dB AC Input Voltage Range
DISTORTION METER 100 to 240 VAC, 1.5 A maximum, 47 Hz - 63 Hz
Measurement Sources AC Input Voltage Fluctuation
Audio In, Demod Less than 10% of the nominal input voltage
Audio Frequency
1 kHz
DC INPUT POWER VERSIONS, OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES
DC Input Voltage Range (DC INPUT CONNECTOR)
When ordering please quote the full ordering number information.
11 VDC to 32 VDC
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
DC Power Input, Maximum (DC INPUT CONNECTOR)
Soft-side carrying case
55 W
AC to DC charger with AC power cord
DC Power Input, Nominal (DC INPUT CONNECTOR) Audio/Microphone handset
25 W Audio/Microphone handset cable
Short/1 GHz VSWR load TNC female
DC Fuse Requirement (DC INPUT CONNECTOR)
Breakout box
5A, 32VDC, Type F TNC-M to TNC-M cable
BATTERY BNC-M to BNC-M cable (2)
Battery Type TNC-M to BNC-F adapter (5)
Fuses 5A 32V (2)
Lithium Ion (Li Ion) Battery pack
Accessory case
Note: Battery must not be subjected to temperatures below -20oC , Internal battery
nor above +60oC DC cigarette lighter adapter
Battery Operation Time Getting Started manual
5 hours continuous use
CD-ROM manual

No Backlight, duty cycle 80% transmitter and 20% Receiver tests, Auto OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
shutoff if key is not pressed for 10 minutes AC27001 - Hard-side carrying case
7 hours typical use AC27002 - 20 dB, 50 W attenuator kit
Battery Charge Time Kit Includes
4 hours 20 dB/50 W attenuator
Note: Battery to be charged at temperatures between +0oC and N-F, BNC-F adapter
+45oC only. TNC-M, N-M adapter
Attenuator Type
Bi-Directional
DC - 18 GHz
Maximum Input Level
50 W/47 dBm average at +25° C

AC27003 - 20 dB/150 W attenuator kit includes

Kit Includes
20 dB/150 W attenuator
N-F, BNC-F adapter
N-M, BNC-F adapter
Attenuator Type
Uni-Directional
Maximum Input Level
150 W average for temperatures up to 25 oC, linearly der-
ated to 125 W at 55 C, horizontal 200 watts peak for 30
seconds ON/ 5 minutes OFF at 25 oC

AC27004 - Extra soft-side carrying case

AC27005 - Extra battery
AC27006 - Flip cover
AC25042 - Antenna, BNC, 50 MHz
AC25045 - Antenna, BNC, 150 MHz
AC25043 - Antenna, BNC, 450 MHz
AC25044 - Antenna, BNC, 800 MHz
AC27013 - Dual Directional Coupler kit
Includes
Dual Directional Coupler
10 dB attenuator
BNC 12 inch cables (2)

For the very latest specifications visit www.aeroflex.com

 Dual directional coupler type
Frequency
20 to 200 MHz
Power
250 W
Coupler
30 dB
I/O
Type N input - radio under test transmitter
Type N output - cable/antenna under test
BNC output - measuring forward power
BNC output - measuring reverse power

EXTENDED STANDARD WARRANTIES FOR 3500

W3500/203 Extended Standard Warranty 36 Months

W3500/205 Extended Standard Warranty 60 Months

EXTENDED STANDARD WARRANTIES WITH CALIBRATION

FOR 3500
W3500/203C Extended Standard Warranty 36 Months with
scheduled calibration

W3500/205C Extended Standard Warranty 60 Months with

scheduled calibration

CHINA Beijing GERMANY SCANDINAVIA UK Stevenage

Tel: [+86] (10) 6539 1166 Tel: [+49] 8131 2926-0 Tel: [+45] 9614 0045 Tel: [+44] (0) 1438 742200
Fax: [+86] (10) 6539 1778 Fax: [+49] 8131 2926-130 Fax: [+45] 9614 0047 Fax: [+44] (0) 1438 727601
CHINA Shanghai HONG KONG SPAIN Freephone: 0800 282388
Tel: [+86] (21) 5109 5128 Tel: [+852] 2832 7988 Tel: [+34] (91) 640 11 34 USA
Fax: [+86] (21) 5150 6112 Fax: [+852] 2834 5364 Fax: [+34] (91) 640 06 40 Tel: [+1] (316) 522 4981
FINLAND INDIA UK Burnham Fax: [+1] (316) 522 1360
Tel: [+358] (9) 2709 5541 Tel: [+91] 80 5115 4501 Tel: [+44] (0) 1628 604455 Toll Free: 800 835 2352
Fax: [+358] (9) 804 2441 Fax: [+91] 80 5115 4502 Fax: [+44] (0) 1628 662017
FRANCE KOREA UK Cambridge
Tel: [+33] 1 60 79 96 00 Tel: [+82] (2) 3424 2719 Tel: [+44] (0) 1763 262277
Fax: [+33] 1 60 77 69 22 Fax: [+82] (2) 3424 8620 Fax: [+44] (0) 1763 285353

As we are always seeking to improve our products,

the information in this document gives only a general
indication of the product capacity, performance and
suitability, none of which shall form part of any con-
w w w.aeroflex.com Our passion for performance is defined by three
tract. We reserve the right to make design changes
attributes represented by these three icons:
without notice. All trademarks are acknowledged.
Parent company Aeroflex, Inc. ©Aeroflex 2006. info-test@aeroflex.com solution-minded, performance-driven and customer-focused.

Part No. 46891/266, Issue 4, 03/07