brd-pp-sitehawk-hero-fullsize-transparent-03

Combined Cable and Antenna System Tuning and Optimization

Easy to Operate, Accurate, and Field-Ready

Simplify field testing with the Bird SiteHawk® Cable and Antenna Analyzer — the ultimate portable solution for complete RF system tuning

brd-pp-sitehawk-hero-fullsize-transparent-mobile-02

The Challenge:
Complex Field Verification, Simplified

Modern RF communication systems demand reliable cable and antenna performance to ensure coverage, minimize signal loss, and prevent downtime. Faults — whether from cable damage, poor connectors, or mismatched antennas—cause signal degradation, dropped coverage, and system failures.

Technicians work under time pressure in rugged environments with limited space for measurement instrumentation. The need for multiple instruments slows troubleshooting and compromises safety when working on a tower or in a confined space.

SiteHawk eliminates these challenges by combining all essential RF testing capabilities in a single, lightweight instrument designed specifically for field use by personnel with limited knowledge of RF test technology.

Get a Quote

Simplified, Sensitive Cable Testing

SiteHawk measures insertion loss and detects faults in cables as long as 5,000 ft. The instrument has a distance-to-fault (DTF) function that detects and locates cable faults and connector issues using frequency domain reflectometry (FDR). Wide frequency coverage ensures testing at operating frequencies, improving diagnostic accuracy.

Antenna System Verification with a few taps

SiteHawk measures VSWR and return loss to ensure optimal transmission. It characterizes system impedance to detect mismatches before they cause performance issues. SiteHawk verifies antenna matching across the communication system’s entire operating frequency range.

Integrated High Accuracy Power Measurements

Add a Bird wideband RF power sensor for accurate forward and reflected power measurements. Power measurements enable complete RF system verification in the field, confirming actual transmitted power and system efficiency.

FDR vs. TDR: The Difference That Matters

SiteHawk uses Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) for distance-to-fault measurements, which sweeps across frequencies and analyzes reflections in the frequency domain. Traditional Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) sends a single pulse and analyzes reflections in time.

Why FDR is Superior

Higher sensitivity

Detects subtle impedance mismatches that TDR might miss

Better performance in lossy cables

Maintains accuracy over long distances and in high-loss environments

Frequency-dependent characterization

Reveals issues that only occur at specific operational frequencies

More accurate fault location

Pinpoints problems up to 5,000 ft with superior resolution

Amplitude vs. frequency

Provides more information at all frequencies

Amplitude vs. time

Limited to the primary frequency component of a pulse

FDR technology delivers excellent performance for 5G, satellite, and tactical networks that operate across wide frequency bands, providing superior diagnostic resolution compared to TDR methods.

Discover More

Compact and Lightweight

for easy carrying and holding in one hand

Weight: 1.98 lb (0.9 kg) — up to 4× lighter than competitors

Dimensions: 7.7 in × 3.6 in × 2.4 in (195 mm x 90 mm x 60 mm) — not much larger than a mobile phone

Rugged Construction

for use in harsh field environments

Operates from -10°C to +55°C

Hard and soft carrying cases included

Extended Battery Life

for full-day testing without interruption

10 hours typical operation per charge — twice as long as competitors

Large display

for easy viewing and simplified interpretation of results

5.5 in touchscreen display with 720 pixel resolution

Multi-language support (English, Chinese, Spanish)

Designed for a Technician

Mobile phone operational simplicity allows technicians to set up tests easily without having to understand vector network or FDR measurements. A single tap selects a test. A few additional taps define the frequency range for the test and the number of data points to display.

Technicians can set limit lines or overlay known good data for analyzing cable and antenna data. This information enables easy interpretation of test results and easy identification of faults.

Preconfigured setups and comparative data presentation reduce training time and operator error. Technicians focus on completing work rather than configuring complex measurement parameters.

Field Calibration for Maximum Accuracy

On-site calibration ensures the most accurate measurements. A calibration combo, including an open, short, and a 50 Ω load, comes with every SiteHawk analyzer. A simple setup on the SiteHawk display allows technicians to quickly and easily calibrate the instrument. Technicians can be confident that they are obtaining reliable data regardless of environmental conditions.

See: How to Calibrate a Bird SiteHawk

Data Management

SiteHawk can store thousands of traces and setups. The instrument can easily transfer measurements to a PC for reporting and analysis with either a USB drive or Bluetooth. The connectivity provides permanent documentation for compliance and quality assurance.

Learn: How to Save Test Results From SiteHawk to a USB Drive

SiteHawk has three models covering three different frequency ranges:

SK-4500-TC

1 MHz – 4.5 GHz, covering most cellular, LMR, and wireless applications

SK-6000-TC

1 MHz – 6 GHz, providing extended coverage for advanced wireless systems including Wi-Fi 5 GHz band

SK-9000-TC

1 MHz – 9 GHz, including C-Band (4–8 GHz) coverage for satellite and advanced applications

Cellular networks

Testing 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G network infrastructure

Public safety

Maintaining critical communication systems for first responders

Military operations

Ensuring reliable tactical communications

Utilities

Testing SCADA networks and remote monitoring equipment

Broadcast systems

Verifying long transmission lines

Satellite systems

Maintaining ground stations

Two variations of SiteHawk serve avionics and railway wireless communication systems.

FlightHawk®

FlightHawk has specific features for commercial and civil aviation systems. Frequency coverage is optimized for aviation communication and navigation bands.

Learn More

RailHawk®

RailHawk has specialized features for railroad communication system testing. This model addresses unique railway requirements, including testing safety-critical controls, telemetry controls, and positioning and timing systems.

Learn More

SiteHawk FAQs

Have more questions? Get Expert Help

What are the main functions of the SiteHawk?

Do I need to calibrate my SiteHawk?

How far away can I see a fault with Distance-to-Fault (DTF)?

RF Analyzer Kit FAQs

Have more questions? Get Expert Help

Can I create a custom kit?

How are the FlightHawk and RailHawk specialized?

Why do I need a load?

Buy a SiteHawk Cable and Antenna Analyzer or an RF Analyzer Kit at the Bird online store

Buy Now

Combined Cable and Antenna System Tuning and Optimization

Easy to Operate, Accurate, and Field-Ready

SiteHawk: Your Signal Sidekick

Field technicians need simple operation, ruggedness, and an accurate instrument that does it all. That's exactly what SiteHawk delivers.

The Challenge: Complex Field Verification, Simplified

Complete System Testing in One Device