VIA Echo 1000, 1000SF & 2500 Combined Operator Training from AEA Technology, Inc. For further assistance, visit our dedicated help desk at http://help.aeatech.com or send an email to techsupport@aeatechnology.com. You can also visit us online at http://aeatechnology.com.

1. VIA Echo 1000,
1000SF & 2500
Combined Operator
Training

2. Table of Contents Slides
1
Introduction & Echo Package 2- 5
Why Vector Impedance Analysis 6-12
VIA Echo Operation
Power and ON/OFF 13-16
Function Keys 17-35
LCD Screens 36-41
Echo PC Vision 42-51
Bonus Uses for VIA Echo 53-54
Cleaning and Maintenance 55-56
Questions and Answers 57

3. VIA Echo is: The smallest, lightest 1.0GHz or
2.5GHz Vector Impedance Analyzer
on the market
Designed for wide Frequency Ranges:
Echo 1000 = 4MHz to 1.0GHz
Echo 1000SF = 4MHz to 1.0GHz
Echo 2500 = 4MHz to 2.5GHz
1000SF & 2500 models have a
Spectrum Analyzer and
Frequency Domain Reflectometer
Full featured and Dual-Port [S11 &
S21] on all models
2

4. What’s in the Package
VIA Echo
Belt Case with shoulder strap
Operator Manual
Quick Start Guide
USB Cable
N-Terminator’s, Short & 50 Ohm
AC Wall Charger
Soft Carrying Case
Options
N-to-SMA Adapter Kit
N-Female Terminator Set
DC Vehicle Charger
3

5. S11 Port
Total Z Reactance
Z Angle Return Loss
Resistance Gamma
SWR Gamma Angle
FDR Input
S21 Port
Gain (loss) dB
Lin or log
Gain Angle
Group Delay
Spectrum Analyzer
Cooling intake
4

6. Quick Start Guide
Short & 50 Ohm
Terminators
Echo CD
Echo PC Vision
Operating Manual
Quick Start Guide
VIA Application Notes
Echo Training PPT
5

7. Why Use a Vector
Impedance Analyzer?
 Scalars provide SWR & Return Loss information, but not
Vector Impedance. A high SWR reading doesn’t tell you
what to fix or what to tune in an antenna system
 The VIA Echo’s information can be used to:
Maximize an antenna system’s efficiency
Document an installation with electronic or paper media
Diagnose an Antenna System to effect timely repairs
 The VIA Echo can be used at the antenna base or at the
feed line using the “Nulling Cable” feature
6

8. VIA Echo vs Scalar
SWR SWR
Return Loss Return Loss
Impedance (Z)
Z Angle
Reactance
Resistance
Gamma Magnitude
Gamma Angle
Linear/Log Gain
Phase Delay
Group Delay
(Spectrum Analyzer & FDR option)
7

9. What Chokes an
Antenna?
Resistance Inductance
Capacitance
Impedance Reactance
Frequency
Resonance
Impedance Angle Reflection Coefficient
All the factors for antenna performance MUST balance or the
result is Power Loss from out-of-phase current and voltage
and increased VSWR from impedance mismatches
8

10. Vector Impedance and
the Right Hand Plane (RHP)
X = Reactance, Z = Total Impedance, R = Resistance,
θ = Z Angle, and i or j = square root of -1
Above, the positive X values plot into one quadrant of a
Cartesian graph’s RHP, negative X values plot in the other
quadrant directly below this one
9

11. Mapping the RHP to a unit circle
– Smith Chart
Note where Zo plots – Dead Center is Antenna System Perfection
Inductive
ResistiveLow Z
High Z
Capacitive
10

12. Smith Chart from Antenna Sweep
As the frequency changes the antenna’s reactance moves from
inductive to capacitive with some impedance change and is
resonant slightly off the center of the swept frequency
11

13. ELI the ICE Man
For best performance an antenna should be purely
resistive and resonant near Zo at the center frequency
(Fc)
Power loss factors include:
If the antenna is inductive, voltage will lead current (ELI)
If the antenna is capacitive, current will lead voltage (ICE)
Either of these conditions exceeding the manufacturer’s
specifications require corrective action by tuning the
antenna or adding a tuning stub
12

14. VIA Echo’s Operation
13

15. AC or DC Power and Recharging
100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz
AC power permits operation
AND Recharging
(OPTIONAL)
14
12.5 VDC @ 500 mA
Vehicle running is preferred
DC power permits operation
OR recharging, but not both

16. Battery Installation
CAUTION
NO mixing cells
Same Type & mAhr
15
BATTERY MENU
Select Alkaline or
NiMH/NiCd and
enter rated mAhrs
Date/Time can
only be retained
for 60 seconds
without batteries

17. Soft Reset
Press ON and then
Quickly pressing
ENTER 4 – 5 times
performs a soft reset
& restores factory
default settings
16
Powering ON
Pressing ON/OFF starts the unit,
performs a self-check, calibration
and restores the last used settings
Hard Power Down
Press and HOLD
the ON/OFF key
for 10-15 seconds
to force a power
down.

18. TUV WXYZPQRS
7 8 9 N
E
T
R
E
SCALE
. ,
WIDTH
ABC DEF CURSOR 1
1 2 3
FREQ
GHI JKL MNO CURSOR 2
4 5 6
0
% & = + / -
O
PWR
CW /
SWEEP
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5
VIA Echo Keypad
Menu/Function keys
ON/OFF &
Alpha-Numeric
entry pad
CW
Sweep
Freeze Plot
Dual-Use key
Dual-Use key
CF
Cursors
Cursors’ ∆
& accepts
menu entries
& exits to
measurement
screenLeft scale
adjust
17

19. F-Keys Menu, Channel Guide & ESC
Backspace Key
When in an numeric entry screen,
F1 erases the last character
entered and jumps back one space
Escape Key
When in Menus F2 – F5
Press to escape back to the
Measurement Screen
18
F2 UNIT SETTINGS: BACKLIGHT, CONTRAST
AUDIO/VIDEO: BACKLIGHT, CONTRAST,
GRIDS, VIDEO INVERT, PERSISTANCE,
VOLUME, BEEPS
F3 MODE: VIA/SA/FDR, H-V SCALES, SPAN,
CENTER FREQ, Z/ GAIN FMT
F4 UTILITIES: FILTERS, SEARCH
3RD
CURSOR VALUE, SERIES/PAR, O/S/LOAD,
BATTERY, SELF TEST
F5 MEMORY SAVE AND RECALL
First press
EDIT/READ MEMO NOTES
UP/DOWN ▲▼MOVES CURSOR, F1=ESCAPE
LEFT/RIGHT ◄► TO CHANGE
ENTER RESUMES NORMAL OPERATION
Second press - NOTES
3 Pages, 8 lines/page

20. Function Key Item & Selection Navigation
BACKLIGHT TIMER :OFF
BRIGHTNESS :8
CONTRAST :8
AUDIO VOLUME :0
………..




102050
Any arrow key will move
the selection left/right or
Increase/decrease numbers
for the menu item marked

19

21. Key – Audio/Video
BACKLIGHT TIMER :OFF {10, 20, 50 sweeps & continuous}
BRIGHTNESS :8 {range 0 to 10}
CONTRAST :8 {range 1 to 15} up for colder temps
VIDEO INV :OFF, ON
PERSISTANCE :OFF, ON
GRIDS :OFF, ON
AUDIO VOLUME :1 {0 – 3}
AUDIO MODE :KEY BEEP {SILENT, CONTINUOUS}
20
F2 Key Menu is the same for VIA/SA/FDR Modes

22. Key – Plot Settings VIA Mode
INSTRUMENT MODE : VIA {SA, FDR}
CENTER FREQ : 5,000MHZ {500KHZ – 1.0 or 2.5GHZ}
SWEEP SPAN : 10,000MHZ {limit varies with CF}
LEFT PLOT TYPE : TOTAL Z {use ◄► to select any}
RT. PLOT TYPE : Z ANGLE {use ◄► to select any}
LEFT SCALE : 200 {limits per left plot type}
RIGHT SCALE : 90 {limits per left plot type}
SYSTEM Z0 : 50 {10 – 100 Ohms}
21
F3 Key Menu changes with VIA/SA/FDR Modes

23. Key – Plot Settings SA Mode
INSTRUMENT MODE : SA {VIA, FDR}
CENTER FREQ : 5,000MHZ {500KHZ – 1.0 or 2.5GHZ}
SWEEP SPAN : 10,000MHZ {limit varies with CF}
REF LEVEL : -10 {+10 to -20dBm}
RESOLUTION BW : 200KHZ {limit varies with CF}
VERTICAL SCALE : 100 {2, 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100}
SYSTEM Z0 : 50 {10 – 100 Ohms}
22

24. Key – Plot Settings FDR Mode
INSTRUMENT MODE : FDR {VIA, SA}
CENTER FREQ : 500,000MHZ {500KHZ – 1.0 or 2.5GHZ}
PLOT LENGTH : 250 {limit varies with CF, see chart}
LENGTH UNITS : FEET {METERS}
VERTICAL MODE : RTN LOSS dB {SWR}
VERTICAL SCALE : 2 {SWR = .5, 1, 2, 5, 10 & 20}
{RTN LOSS = 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 & 80}
CABLE Z0 : 50 {10 – 100 Ohms}
23

25. Key – Special Functions VIA Mode
VIDEO FILTER : 0 -> OFF {1-4 = 1000-100HZ}
AVERAGING FILTER : 0 -> OFF {1-7 = 3-21 dB}
SEARCH MODE : OFF {-PEAK, + PEAK, 0 CROSSING}
3 RD CRSR VALUE: RTN LOSS {use ◄► to select any}
SERIES PARALLEL: SERIES, PARALLEL
CABLE NULL : OFF, ON
BATTERY MENU : > 3.5 HRS (N/A if charging)
DATE/TIME SET : SEP 25 2007 3:41PM
24
F4 Key Menu changes with VIA/SA/FDR Modes

26. Key – Special Functions SA Mode
VIDEO FILTER : 0 -> OFF {1-4 = 1000-100HZ}
AVERAGING FILTER : 0 -> OFF {1-7 = 3-21 dB}
SEARCH MARKER : OFF {-PEAK, + PEAK}
DEMODULATOR : OFF, ON
BATTERY MENU : > 3.5 HRS (N/A if charging)
DATE/TIME SET : SEP 25 2007 3:41PM
25

27. Key – Special Functions FDR Mode
VIDEO FILTER : 0 -> OFF {1-4 = 1000-100HZ}
AVERAGING FILTER : 0 -> OFF {1-7 = 3-21 dB}
SEARCH MARKER : OFF {-PEAK, + PEAK}
BATTERY MENU : > 3.5 HRS {N/A if charging}
DATE/TIME SET : SEP 25 2007 3:41PM
26
►

28. BATTERY MENU :
BATTERY SAVER: ON, OFF
BATTERY TYPE : NICD NIMH, ALKALINE, NONE
BATT CAPACITY : 2500 MAHR {400 – 5300 mAhr}
EST. RUN TIME : > 3.0 HRS {Max to 0.0 hrs}
BATTERY STATUS : 10.7V -665MA
BATTERY TEMP : TEMPERATURE OK {HOT, COLD}
CHARGER STATUS: IDLE {BATT CHK, PRE CHRG,
CHARGING, TRICKLE}
27
Key – Special Functions Any Mode

29. Key – Special Functions FDR Mode
VIDEO FILTER : 0 -> OFF {1-4 = 1000-100HZ}
AVERAGING FILTER : 0 -> OFF {1-7 = 3-21 dB}
SEARCH MODE : OFF {-PEAK, + PEAK}
BATTERY MENU : > 3.5 HRS {N/A if charging}
DATE/TIME SET : SEP 25 2007 3:41PM
28
►

30. DATE/TIME SET :
MONTH : SEP {11 guesses on other options}
DAY : 25 {1 – 31}
YEAR : 2007 {► to increase}
HOUR : 4 PM {◄► to change}
MIN : 9 {◄► to change}
29
Key – Special Functions Any Mode

31. Key – Memory Operations
DATA SAVE {saves the current plot}
DATA RECALL {recalls previously saved plots}
SAVE SETTINGS {saves current settings}
RECALL SETTINGS {recalls setting prior to memory
recalls. Memory recall changes
settings to those used by the
memory plot}
30
►

32. Key – Memory Operations
DATA SAVE ►
◊
NO TITLE
◊
Use the alpha-numeric
key pad to enter a title.
Use ◄► to move the
character cursor ◊.
Erase is done by
simple replacement
31
Space

33. Key – Memory Operations
DATA RECALL ►
VIEW THIS LIST {view of list as currently sorted}
CENTER FREQ {sorts list from lowest to highest}
PLOT TYPE { sorts list by VIA, S21, 2 port, SA or FDR}
DATE/TIME { sorts list by earliest to latest plot saved}
Multiple sorts are done using RESORT
32
►

34. Key – Memory Operations
Multiple sorts are done using RESORT
Full List Includes; Date, Frequency, Title & Plot Type
33
< >

35. Key – Memory Operations
DATA RECALL ►
VIEW THIS LIST {view of list as currently sorted}
CENTER FREQ {sorts list from lowest to highest}
PLOT TYPE { sorts list by VIA, S21, 2 port, SA or FDR}
DATE/TIME { sorts list by earliest to latest plot saved}
Multiple sorts are done using RESORT
►
34

36. Key – Memory Operations
DATA SAVE
DATA RECALL
SAVE SETTINGS
RECALL
SETTINGS
35
►
►
{saves current instrument settings}
{restores instrument settings prior
to memory recalls. Memory recall
changes instrument settings to
those used by the memory plot}

37. Left vertical axis – Scale and measurement selected
Right vertical axis – Scale and measurement selected
VIA Echo
LCD Display
Horizontal axis – Frequency sweep range
Low Center Frequency High
Cursor DataCursor Data: Frequency, Impedance, Z Angle & Gain
Plot Traces: Left = Right = __|__|__|__|__
36

38. An antenna is resonant at the frequency(s) where
the Impedance (Phase) Angle is equal to zero (0).
Center Frequency
Right plot (thick)
= ө Angle of 0.0o
Left plot (thin)
= Z of 58.9Ω at
resonance
Positive ө Angle
= inductive X
Negative ө Angle
would = capacitive X
Smith Chart
37

39. Frequency Sweep vs CW Mode
Frequency Sweep
Normal Mode
One sweep about every second from FL to FH
Tuning requires a 1-2 seconds wait for change to post
Continuous Wave Mode
Update rate is increased to about 5 times per second
CW operates at Center Frequency – no sweep
Tuning changes appear almost instantly
Tuning by the numbers is faster
No additional power drain on the batteries
38

40. Continuous Wave Mode Screen
151
A single frequency is locked in, there is no sweep action
The user can focus and tune to a particular measurement.
CW Mode updates readings at about 5 times/second.
39

41. Vertical axis - Reference Level and Range
Input Range +10 dBm to -60 dB
Input Sensitivity = -65dBm
Horizontal axis – Frequency sweep range
Low Center Frequency High
Resolution Bandwidth 10KHz to 10MHz
CF or Cursor DataCF or Cursor Data:: Frequency & Power readings
40
Use S21 Port

42. Vertical axis – Return Loss in dB or optional SWR presentation
Horizontal axis – Distance 15 – 10Kft (4.6 – 3050 meters)
See Chart in Manual for limits
Cursor Data – Distance and Return Loss or SWR
41

43. 42

44. Echo PC Software
Included & Operates on most Microsoft Window’s platforms
Not licensed to a single PC or user – Also available on our web page
Upload live or saved plots
Operate the VIA Echo in remote control
View 1 – 12 VIA parameters at once, CW Mode or Smith Chart,
Spectrum Analyzer and FDR Tabs
Examine, save, print or export data
43

45. Echo PC Software
Setup.exe is located in the “Echo PC Vision” folder on the CD
Install per standard Windows Installation Wizard
Connect the VIA Echo via USB port and turn on the Echo
Wait for the “Measurement Screen” Not operational in
CAL or Menu Screens
Click on Echo PC Vision icon to start
44

46. 45
VIA Chart Tab

47. See Operator
Manual
46

48. 47
CW Mode Tab

49. 48
Smith Chart Tab

50. 49
Spectrum Analyzer with markers

51. 50
Frequency Domain Reflectometer

52. 51
Memory Uploads
Use slide bar
to select a slot
and press Accept

53. Echo PC Vision Uses
Operate remote the Echo in VIA, Spectrum Analyzer or FDR Mode
View the Echo’s live testing data in full color on a laptop
Create “As Built” records of sites or maintenance records
Create value added service and reports on a customer’s site
Email plots to engineers for advice, saving time and trips to sites
Show prospective customers tuning improvements and QA reports
52

54. VIA Echo Bonus
It’s not just for measuring antennae
Tune ½ and ¼ wave transmission lines
Measuring inductors and capacitors
Tuning antenna traps
Determine resonant frequencies
Tuning cavity filters
Adjusting antenna tuners
Signal tracing
Determine Cable Characteristics
Use as a Signal Source
53

55. VIA Echo Bonus
It’s not just for measuring antennae
Measuring Group Delay
Measuring Gain Compression
Measuring Differential Amplifiers
Measuring Amplifier Gain
Measuring AM to PM distortion
54

56. Cleaning Your VIA Echo
1. Always spray cleaners and rinse water on a soft cloth, do NOT
spray directly on the instrument
Soft Cases
The soft case should be cleaned the same as the instrument. Use
a soft bush to remove tough dirt. Do NOT immerse in water or dry
in a dryer. Wash and Dry separately, both instrument and case should
be dry before enclosing the instrument in the case.
2. Typical Grime – Use a mild non-abrasive detergent like 409®
in
water or glass cleaner (non-ammonia) and rinse water to clean
3. Cable Gel – User liquid “citrus” cleaner to remove
4. Tar, creosote or adhesives – Use WD40® followed with mild
detergent and water
55

57. Maintenance, Service and Warranty
Operating Manual, Section 8, Maintenance, Service and Warranty.
Warranty – One year against material & workmanship defects
Questions, By all means – Contact us:
AEA Technology, Inc.
5933 Sea Lion Place, Ste 101
Carlsbad, CA 92010
Tel: 800-258-7805 or +1-760-931-8979
Fax: +1-760-931-8969
www.aeatechnology.com
Email
Application Notes
Operating Manuals
Echo PC Vision
Data Sheets
See “User Troubleshooting Guides”
56

58. Questions and Answers
Acknowledgements:
MS Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft®
Corp
409 is a registered trademark of Clorox ®
Corp
WD40 is registered trademark of WD40 ® Corp
57