This course provides an overall understanding of the underlying principals, techniques and equipment used in today’s NDB and DGPS transmitter installations.
It is designed for electronics technicians or technologists who do not have previous experience working with this type of Navaid equipment.
The 3 day course is divided into eight separate modules, any of which may be deleted to suit particular student requirements.

Training modules included in Nautel’s Beacon Basics Training Course include:

System Operating Principals (¼ day / 2 hours)

This module describes the purpose, use and limitations of beacon transmissions for both non-directional beacon and differential GPS systems. Topics covered include:

• NDB Transmissions
• Direction Finding Receivers
• Areas of Use and System Limitations
• DGPS Transmissions
• DGPS Receivers
• Areas of Use and System Limitations

Basic RF Concepts (¼ day / 2 hours)

This module introduces the fundamentals of RF theory and provides a foundation for understanding their application to practical circuits. Topics covered include:

• Refreshers in reactance, impedance, phase angle, decibels, semiconductors, filters and transmission lines.

Amplifiers and Networks (½ day / 4 hours)

The Amplifiers and Networks training module builds on the concepts presented in the Basic RF Concepts module and introduces amplifiers and RF networks. Topics covered include:

• Oscillators and frequency synthesis
• Amplifier configurations and classes of operation, including practical Class D amplifiers
• Distortion, noise and harmonics

Modulation Schemes (¼ day / 2 hours)

This training module introduces the modulation techniques used in radiobeacon systems. Topics covered include:

• Amplitude Modulation
• Pulse Duration Modulation
• Frequency and phase modulation
• NDB and DGPS transmitter block diagrams

Transmitter System Measurements and Troubleshooting (½ day / 4 hours)

This module introduces practical system measurement and troubleshooting techniques and discusses the various pieces of test equipment recommended for use at the site. Topics covered include:

• Common tests
• Measurement of critical signals in a class D transmitter
• Use of Test Equipment including:
• Multimeter
• Oscilloscope
• Frequency Counter
• Wattmeter
• Function Generator
• Spectrum Analyzer
• RF Current probe

Antenna Systems (½ day / 4 hours)

This module introduces the fundamental requirements of antenna systems used for LF/MF transmission. A Nautel spreadsheet which can be used to calculate antenna parameters and estimate the useful operating range is included. Topics covered include:

• Typical antenna configurations
• Ground plane
• Signal Propagation
• Calculating Antenna Parameters using a Nautel spreadsheet

Antenna Tuning Units (¼ day / 2 hours)

This module identifies the basic function of the antenna tuning unit and compares several techniques focused on maintaining stable radiated power during extremes of environmental conditions at the transmitter site. Topics covered include:

• Auto Tuned Loading Coils
• Matching Transformer
• Am Automatic Matching System
• Stabilizing the Radiated Power

Site Configuration for Optimum Performance (½ day / 4 hours)

This module explains a technique of configuring the transmission site to minimize the risk of equipment damage or personnel injury caused by lightning energy. The same technique also minimizes the potential for site instability caused by undesirable return paths for the antenna current. Causes and procedures for avoiding RF radiation hazards are also discussed. Topics covered include:

• Site Layout for optimum lightning protection and overall system stability
• Use of surge Protectors and Ferrite Chokes
• Correcting a Poor Site Layout
• Avoiding RF Radiation Hazards
• Tracing the return path for the Antenna Current
• Cabling and counterpoise considerations

To see when this Nautel training course is next available, please see our Training Schedule.

To register for this Nautel training course, please use our Training Registration Form.