Computer controlled direction finding system test station

A test station was designed and constructed to automatically measure the direction finding accuracy and angular coverage of a antenna/receiver assembly. One operator utilizing the station can collect and analyze over 38,000 data points in 11 hours. The test station is comprised of four modules and a anechoic chamber. The anechoic chamber provides a controlled test environment while the modules perform specific functions at the station. The four modules include the Computer, Control, Source, and Positioner Modules. The Computer Module interfaces with the other three modules and performs the automatic control and data processing for the test station. Automatic positioner control, manual positioner control, and manual antenna pattern measurements are provided by the Control Module. The Source Module radiates a continuous or pulsed electromagnetic wave from the tapered end of the anechoic chamber. Finally, the Positioner Module provides the measurement interface between the test station and the antenna/receiver assembly under test. The execution of automatic control and data processing at the test station is determined by a computer program written to comply wth specific test requirements. The computer program provides for full automatic test control of seven acceptance and diagnostic tests. In addition, automatic control of the electromagnetic wave radiated at the Source Module is provided for during manual antenna pattern measurements. The main program and all subroutines were written in either Fortran or Fortran assembly language.