During the installation process, the cables are exposed and vulnerable. As the backfilling work occurs, it is possible that a tool, rock or other object causes the cables to be crimped, abraded or even cut completely. And, of course, now that the burying has been completed any discovered fault constitutes a major problem.
To test the cables, the same vector network analyser is used. However, instead of testing them individually, they are tested in pairs. A signal is sent from the RF-container patch panel out one cable. At the field end, a small loop back cable is placed to direct the signal out of the first cable back down the second cable. Then at the RF-container, the other end of the vector network analyser is connected to the second cable and the round trip signal degradation is tested.
Harry Smith attaches the loopback to a pair of antenna cables on the HBA. As part of this process, the connectors and cables are visually checked and inspected and afterwards they are re-sealed and secured.

Meanwhile, back in the RF container, Jon Eastment looks at the results of the cable-pair under test.

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