Unit 3 — Setup Procedures

TM-CAL-015 — Open Handout TM Chapter: Chapter 4 ELOs: Execute setup steps in correct sequence; verify readiness before calibration Estimated time: 15 minutes

Step 1: Read the TM

Open TM-CAL-015. Read Chapter 4 — Assembly Procedures completely.

Then come back here.

Chapter 4 Content

  1. Measure all resistors with calibrated ohmmeter. Select parts closest to calculated values.
  2. Solder shunt resistors (R1, R3) directly from center conductor pads to ground plane. Keep vertical.
  3. Solder series resistor (R2) between input and output center pads. Keep horizontal, minimize lead length.
  4. Install in SMA or BNC barrel enclosure. Verify no short circuits before applying signal.
  5. Label case: impedance, attenuation in dB, date.

Setup is Part of Calibration

Chapter 4 specifies 5 setup steps.

A calibration is only valid if the setup is correct. Common setup errors that invalidate results: - Skipping warm-up time - Wrong input range or measurement mode selected - Reference connected to wrong terminal - Ground loops or interference from adjacent equipment

If Chapter 4 specifies a verification at the end of setup (e.g., "confirm instrument reads X before proceeding"), do it. That check exists because someone discovered a failure mode that made it necessary.

Self-Check Questions

SC3-1. How many steps does Chapter 4 specify for setup?

SC3-2. What is the first step? State it exactly from the TM.

SC3-3. Does Chapter 4 require any verification before proceeding to calibration? If so, state it.

SC3-4. What is the last step of Chapter 4 (immediately before you begin the Chapter 5 calibration)?

SC3-5. What would you do if a setup step produced an unexpected result?

Answer Key

SC3-1. Count the numbered steps in Chapter 4. The answer is in the TM.

SC3-2. See Chapter 4, step 1. Copy it exactly.

SC3-3. Scan Chapter 4 for steps containing "verify," "check," "confirm," or "measure." If present, they are hold points.

SC3-4. See the last numbered step in Chapter 4.

SC3-5. Stop. Do not proceed to calibration. Diagnose the unexpected result — it may indicate a setup error, a faulty reference, or a failed instrument under test.

Checkpoint

Before proceeding: - [ ] You have read Chapter 4 completely - [ ] You can state the number of setup steps - [ ] You understand setup errors invalidate calibration results

→ Proceed to Unit 4