Monitoring techniques for evaluating useful frequencies for HF telecommunication circuits

James C. Blair

Abstract: Significant channel characteristics of HF communication circuits are reviewed, with particular emphasis on their importance in the evaluation and selection of useful operating frequencies. Various theoretical and experimental results from several sources are analyzed and a number of techniques for determining channel characteristics are identified and analyzed. The best circuit monitoring system for many applications would include the oblique sounder supplemented by on-circuit CW measurements of Doppler spread and signal intensity, together with independent noise and interference monitoring by spectrum analyzer methods. For some applications, especially the broadcast service, backscatter sounding can be extremely valuable for determining frequency coverage.

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

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