Product Code --- ILA-1500 Kit
Cell Phone/LBand Signal Locator Antenna
Frequency Range 500 MHz - 2.5 GHz
downloadable pdf manual

Many interference sources and GPS-Cell jammers are a serious problem, whether they are fixed or mobile they can be a safety hazard to airports and marine ports and need to be located quickly and efficiently. Identifying the physical location of a signal source is a difficult but frequently performed task in the field of radio monitoring and radio location.  The technical solutions employ a range from simple portable device to large permanently installed systems.  The ILA-1500 portable antenna system is a compact and efficient solution for pinpointing interfering signals.

The model LNA-1500 is a broadband solid-state low noise 50-ohm input, 50-ohm output amplifier covering the frequency range of 500 to 2500 MHz.  It is a class A solid-state linear amplifier for good reliability and has a maximum RF output of +18 dBm with low harmonic and intermodulation distortion. This model will amplify inputs of AM FM SSB and other complex modulations with minimum distortion and provides 30 dB of gain.

The unit is unconditionally stable and will not oscillate for any possible combination of source and load and is protected against failure due to output load mismatch.  It will also tolerate up to 0 dBm input for all load conditions.

With this system a typical homing technique or line of bearing may be used.  By rotating the antenna to determine the direction of the highest signal strength, the user can follow the path until a source is found.  You may also plot lines of bearing from various locations on a map.  By triangulation, the lines of bearings on the map will direct the user to a general location of the interring signal.  Ideally a clear fix is determined to show where the signal source can be expected, but in practice due to bearing errors, building reflections, and multipath, you will generally have to perform the final location on foot.

 If there are one or more high level signals near the passband of the signal of interest, significant intermod may be created in the receiving instrument.  This may be the case when you are near a television or broadcast station.  A narrowband filter is extremely helpful in resolving the issue.  Note in the graphs below before and after adding a narrowband filter.  The two interfering signals are at about 776 MHz and 1010 MHz at -15 DBM.  The target signal is at 1.55 GHz and -70 DBM.  Notice the intermod products from the nearby STRONG signals saturate the analyzer and reduce potential gain, thereby completely obscuring the target signal. However, adding the external filter ahead of the LNA-1500 prevents the overload and the smaller target signal can be identified.

 

 

The SPLA-600 portable antenna system is a compact and efficient solution for pinpointing the signal location.

When the inexpensive high gain log periodic and low noise amplifier are used with a portable spectrum analyzer or receiver it is easy to go directly to the source of the interference after a general location of a signal is determined by driving down the road.  The user may proceed by boat or on foot to home in on the signal source or determine a lines of bearing (LOBs) for plotting on a map.

Gain and Noise Figure Plots for the LNA-1500 Amplifier

 

Gain and Radar Pattern for the LPD-1500 Antenna

  

.
An LED next to the RF input connector indicates when the unit is powered on
The enclosure includes a belt clip on the back for easy attachment
		The power input is USB, Type B

The 6000 mAh battery pack provides enough power for 3+ work days of operation between charges. It also includes battery status lights and a built in flashlight function.

See the downloadable manual for more details and suggested target location techniques

LPD-1500 Antenna Specifications

Frequency Coverage:		600 MHz – 6 GHz
Gain:		0 to 6 dBi
Front to Back Ratio		8 to 30 dB
Impedance:		50 ohms nominal
Directivity:		30 dB
Connector:		SMA

Electrical Specifications LNA-1500 Amplifier

Frequency Coverage:		500 MHz – 2.5 GHz
DC Voltage:		5 Volts
Current:		100 mA
Gain:		30.8 dBm Typical
IP3		27 dBm
1 dB Compression		17 dBm
Noise Figure		<=3.5 dB
Impedance:		50 ohms nominal
VSWR In:		1.3
VSWR Out:		1.6
Connectors:		SMA, USB Type B

Electrical Specifications BP-6000 Battery Pack

Run Time LNA-1500:		At least 24 Hours
DC Voltage:		5 Volts
Current Available:		1+ Amp
Power:		6000mAh
Connector Power Out:		USB Type A (2)
Connector Power In: for charging		MICRO USB

Mechanical Specifications
Antenna Dimensions		Width: 8.5",  Length: 12", Height: 1"
LNA-1500 Dimensions With Belt Clip Mounting		Width: 2.5" - Length : 4.2" - Height: 1”
Dimensions BP-6000: Weight:		3" x 1.3" x 4" 0.6 Lbs
Environments:		Operating: -30°C to +70°C Storage: -40°C to +85°C Humidity:95%

downloadable pdf Manual

Ordering Information:  ILA-1500 Kit

Kit includes   LPD-1500 Antenna   Amplifier LNA-1500   Battery Pack BP-6000   Band Pass Filter - 1500-1650 MHz   Charging Cable Type A to Micro USB   Power Cable for LNA-1500 Type A/B   Coax - Antenna to LNA-1500   Auto USB Charger   Waterproof Shipping Case

One year warranty on parts and labor Specifications subject to change without notice Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 6/1/2021

Ferrel Bentley:    President: Antenna Authority Inc   Phone 770 577-7969    email: Ferrel@dfAntennas.com