Abstract: A multiple antenna test system and method to simultaneously evaluate field strengths of wireless transmission paths at multiple elevations of potential base station sites. Multiple test antennas are securely attached to an elevating device, such as a crane or cherry picker. Each test antenna is positioned at a substantially similar elevation as a proposed siting for a wireless communications antenna. Then, a transmitter(s) produces test propagation signals that are selectively broadcast from each of the test antennas. Each test antenna transmits on a unique channel in order to differentiate the elevation of each antenna. Using this invention, multiple elevations of a potential site are completed in one survey. Therefore, this invention provides significantly quicker testing than conventional methods, and allows wireless service providers to rapidly, inexpensively, and efficiently locate wireless communications equipment.

Abstract: The air/surface test system is the first mobile, self-contained apparatus that include telecommunications and automatic position-locating test equipment attached to an aircraft secured to the surface and that is used to accurately evaluate wireless field strengths and locate potential wireless base station sites. The test equipment includes a transmitter, an antenna, and an automatic position-locating system, and is used to simulate a potential base station antenna. Once the test equipment is positioned at a selected elevation, the transmitter produces propagation test signals that are selectively broadcast from the antenna. At the same time, the automatic position-locating system receives and broadcasts signals that are used to calculate near-precise positioning data, such as longitude, latitude, altitude, time, geographic position, speed, and direction of travel data, associated with the test equipment.