SeeHawk® Monitor, also called SHM, is a system used to manage Remote Test Units, monitor RF spectrum, perform uplink testing, support interference analysis, monitor downlink cellular networks, and manage radio metrics.

SeeHawk Monitor is designed to help radio operators monitor critical communication networks, identify interference, automate uplink testing, and collect measurement data from remote radio sites.

System Components

SeeHawk Monitor includes two main components:

SHM Platform Manager

SHM Platform Manager is a Windows PC software application used to:

• Manage Remote Test Units
• Configure tests
• Collect measurement results
• Display test data
• Manage events and system status
• Update RTU software and configuration

The PC is not supplied by PCTEL.

SHM Remote Test Units

Remote Test Units, also called RTUs, perform the actual measurements.

RTUs can:

• Monitor spectrum
• Run uplink tests
• Support radio metrics
• Monitor LTE and 5G NR downlink performance
• Return measurement data to Platform Manager

Up to 50 RTUs are supported by one Platform Manager system.

Main SeeHawk Monitor Capabilities

SeeHawk Monitor supports the following major test functions, depending on license and configuration:

• Spectrum Monitoring
• Interference Location Estimation
• Uplink Testing
• Real Time Spectrum Analyzer
• Radio Metrics
• Downlink Monitoring
• RTU status monitoring
• Email notifications
• Software and RTU updates
• Database backup and restore

System Configuration Requirements

Before installing or deploying SeeHawk Monitor, confirm the following requirements.

Communication Requirements

Communication between Platform Manager and the RTUs is IP-based and uses an MQTT broker.

Confirm the following:

• Platform Manager PC has a fixed IP address, static DNS entry, or consistent assigned IP address
• RTUs can communicate with the Platform Manager PC
• Required TCP port is open
• Default port is 1883 unless changed
• PC can receive data from each RTU
• RTUs and Platform Manager PC can reach an NTP server
• Communication is available 24/7 except during maintenance or outages

If the Platform Manager PC is behind a firewall, port forwarding or firewall access may be required.

Computer Requirements

Supported operating system:

• Windows 11 Professional Edition, U.S. version only

Minimum PC requirements:

• Intel® Core™ i7 or higher processor with 4 cores
• Windows 11 64-bit Professional Edition, U.S. version only
• 16 GB memory
• 32 GB memory recommended
• 512 GB or larger storage

Physical PCs or virtual machines may be used. If using a virtual machine, the Manager application license must be released before VM configuration changes.

RTU Deployment Requirements

Each RTU requires:

• Rack mount or tabletop location
• 1U rack space
• AC power
• PCTEL-supplied AC/DC adapter and power cord
• Ethernet communication connection
• Access to radio signal source
• RF cable with SMA male connector for RTU connection
• Optional GPS source
• Optional modem or LAN/WAN connection

Typical RF connection is from RTU RF Port 1 to the radio site receive path monitor port or multi-coupler.

Attenuation may be required depending on RF signal levels.

RTU Hardware Interfaces

Common RTU Interfaces

The RTU includes:

• Front panel power switch
• RF Ports 1 and 2
• USB 2 programming port
• Status LEDs
• GPS port and GPS LED
• Boot status LED
• Watchdog enable switch
• USB 3 and USB 4
• HDMI port
• Ethernet port
• DC power input
• User-replaceable fuse
• Intake and exhaust fans
• Ground lug

Important Safety Notes

• Clean only with a damp cloth and with power disconnected.
• Do not operate the RTU in wet or damp locations.
• Use only the approved PCTEL power supply and power cord.
• Do not block intake or exhaust fans.
• Do not attempt to bypass or repair blown fuses.
• Disconnect power before replacing a fuse.

RTU LED Status Overview

The RTU LEDs indicate startup, power, scan status, fan status, watchdog state, software update state, and scanner state.

Common conditions include:

• Green: normal or ready status
• Red: error or failure condition
• Yellow: warning or status condition
• Blue: active spectrum capture or software update activity
• Turquoise: scanner attached with no scan running
• Flashing states: startup, watchdog, fan, or update activity

If LEDs indicate an error state or the RTU does not reach normal operation, contact PCTEL Technical Support.

Installing Platform Manager

To install SeeHawk Monitor Platform Manager:

1. Download the Platform Manager installation zip file from the PCTEL-provided link.
2. Unzip the file.
3. Move the folder to the root of the C: drive or one directory below it.
4. Run Setup.exe.
5. Accept the default installation prompts.
6. Allow the installer to install Platform Manager, SQL Express, and the MQTT broker.
7. Launch SeeHawk Monitor Platform Manager from the desktop icon.

Do not install from folders such as Downloads or My Documents because this may cause errors.

Administrator privileges may be required depending on PC configuration.

Activating the License

To activate the Platform Manager license:

1. Ensure the PC is connected to the internet.
2. Launch SeeHawk Monitor Platform Manager.
3. Select the Help menu.
4. Select License Control.
5. Select Activate License.
6. Enter the Activation ID.
7. Select Activate.
8. Close the dialog box after activation.

The application should remain running and should be configured to start automatically when Windows starts.

Configuring RTU Network Settings

The RTU is initially configured to use DHCP.

If using a static IP address, create a USB memory device from Platform Manager to configure the RTU.

Static IP Setup

1. Insert a USB memory device into the Platform Manager PC.
2. Select Update RTUs.
3. Select Network Configuration.
4. Enter the required network information.
5. Select Offline Update.
6. Save the file to the root directory of the USB device.
7. Label the USB device with the assigned static IP address.

Each RTU should have its own static IP configuration USB device to avoid network conflicts.

Platform Manager IP Setup

1. Insert a second USB memory device.
2. In Platform Manager, select Update RTUs.
3. Select Platform Manager.
4. Confirm or update the PC IP address.
5. Select Offline Update.
6. Save the file to the root directory of the USB device.
7. Label the USB device “Platform Manager.”

Installing RTUs at the Radio Site

To install an RTU:

1. Attach rack brackets or shelf if required.
2. Install the RTU in the rack or tabletop location.
3. Ensure intake and exhaust fans are not blocked.
4. Connect the ground lug according to local and national electrical codes.
5. Connect the approved AC/DC power supply.
6. Connect GPS if used.
7. Turn the RTU power switch on.
8. Allow the LED startup sequence to complete.
9. Connect Ethernet or modem communication.
10. Configure the RTU using the prepared USB device.
11. Connect the RF signal source.
12. Verify the RTU appears in Platform Manager.

Only Ethernet cables 3 meters or shorter are supported.

Verifying RTU Connection in Platform Manager

After the RTU is configured and connected, it should automatically populate in SHM Manager.

RTU connection status icons may indicate:

• RTU disconnected
• RTU connected
• Scanner not connected
• Scanner license expired
• RTU or scanner issue
• Calibration date issue
• Fan status issue
• Temperature issue
• Platform Manager version not up to date
• Firmware, scanner, or options update required

If warnings appear, review the Properties tab or contact PCTEL Technical Support.

RTU Properties Tab

Use the RTU Properties tab to:

• Enter a name for the RTU
• Review RTU status
• Confirm last connection time
• Verify RTU time zone
• Review fan and temperature status
• Review scanner firmware and calibration status
• Set time server information
• Review GPS status if used
• Retrieve logs
• Update RTU software
• Restart the RTU

The Platform Manager PC and RTUs should use the same time zone and NTP timing.

Spectrum Monitoring

Spectrum Monitoring monitors selected frequency ranges for unacceptable signals.

It can be used to detect:

• Noise
• Interference
• Unexpected power above the expected noise floor
• Active channel issues
• RSSI threshold events

Two monitoring approaches are supported:

Narrow Noise Signal Detection

Used to detect narrow unwanted signals.

Required setup information includes:

• Scan name
• Start frequency
• Stop frequency
• Channel bandwidth / Resolution BW
• Active channels to ignore
• RF port
• Noise trigger level threshold
• Pre-trigger time
• Post-trigger time
• Maximum channel spread
• Trigger frequency difference
• Event count settings

Wide Noise Signal Detection

Used to detect wider unwanted signals.

Additional setup items include:

• Minimum noise spread
• Width difference allowed

Setting Up a Spectrum Scan

To set up a Spectrum Scan:

1. Select an RTU.
2. Open the Spectrum Scans tab.
3. Select Add Scan.
4. Configure the scan settings.
5. Confirm the Start Frequency aligns with the Resolution BW.
6. Select active channels.
7. Check Enable.
8. Select Save.
9. Configure email notification if desired.

A maximum of 19 scans can be enabled for monitoring.

Viewing Spectrum Events

To view Spectrum Monitoring events:

1. Select the Spectrum Events tab.
2. Review the event list.
3. Filter or sort events as needed.
4. Right-click an event to view it in Event Viewer.
5. Use Event Viewer to replay spectrum data.
6. Export events to CSV if needed.

Event Viewer supports:

• Replay controls
• Trigger time jump
• Min and Max hold
• Zoom and pan
• Picture capture
• Markers M1 through M4
• Peak find

Interference Location Estimation

Interference Location Estimation analyzes Spectrum Monitoring events to estimate the location of certain interference sources.

Requirements and behavior:

• Requires matching events from three or more RTUs
• Uses the strongest three RTUs for estimation
• Uses a hyperbolic intersection algorithm
• Minimum RSSI threshold for estimation is -105 dBm with 12.5 kHz bandwidth
• Google Earth files can be exported to review estimated locations
• GPS and feature support should be verified in RTU properties

Best practice is to use Wide Spectrum Monitor events and disable Radio Metrics during interference estimation.

Uplink Testing

Uplink Testing performs measurements on a single selected uplink channel.

Supported technologies may include:

• P25 Traffic Channel
• P25 Control Channel
• Analog FM
• Mixed Analog/P25
• Custom Channel Power

Uplink Testing may provide:

• RSSI
• SINR
• FBER
• Frequency Offset
• NAC
• PL or DPL Code
• Voice channel information for P25 Phase 2

Uplink Test Setup Information

When setting up an uplink test, collect:

• Scan name
• Scan type
• Center frequency
• Channel bandwidth
• RF port
• Radio ID, if required
• Squelch type for Analog FM
• PL or DPL value, if used
• P25 Phase 2 WACN ID, System ID, and Color Code if required
• Active RSSI threshold
• Scheduled start time
• Scheduled end time

Uplink tests can be scheduled up to one month in advance. Total scheduled time should be no more than 120 hours.

Setting Up an Uplink Test Scan

To set up an Uplink Test Scan:

1. Select an RTU.
2. Open the Uplink Scans tab.
3. Select Add Scan.
4. Configure the required scan details.
5. Check Enable.
6. Select Save.
7. Configure email notification if desired.
8. Review the scan status.

Enabled uplink tests run according to schedule when the RTU is enabled.

Exporting Uplink Events

To export uplink events:

1. Select an Uplink Event.
2. Right-click and select Export.

Or:

1. Open the Uplink Scans tab.
2. Select the scan of interest.
3. Select Export Data.

Filtering controls which events are exported.

Real Time Spectrum Analyzer

The Real Time Spectrum Analyzer allows the user to view live spectrum data from a selected RTU.

It supports:

• Start and stop frequency settings
• Resolution bandwidth
• RF port selection
• Min and Max hold
• Zoom and pan
• Marker controls
• Peak find
• Screenshot capture

The Real Time Spectrum Analyzer may preempt other active tests on the selected RTU.

Radio Metrics

Radio Metrics provides information about subscriber radios detected near RTU radio sites.

Supported scan types may include:

• P25 Control channels
• P25 Traffic channels
• Mixed Analog/P25 channels
• Analog FM MDC-1200 scans

Radio Metrics can track:

• Radio ID
• Alias
• Group ID
• RSSI
• SINR
• FBER
• NAC
• Frequency Offset
• Symbol Deviation
• Modulation Fidelity
• Last detected time
• RTU name

Radio Metrics can also display:

• Unexpected Radio IDs
• Lost or stolen Radio IDs

Frequency Offset Guidance

Frequency Offset measures how far the actual measured radio signal is from the expected frequency.

General guidance:

• Values greater than 100 may reduce performance in poor coverage areas.
• Values greater than 300 may reduce performance in all locations.
• Battery level, antenna condition, localized blocking, and other effects may affect performance.

Symbol Deviation Guidance

Symbol Deviation measures how far the carrier frequency shifts from the center frequency for target symbols.

General guidance:

• A maximum 10% Symbol Deviation error is recommended for a good radio.
• Properly tuned P25 radios may have tighter specifications.

Modulation Fidelity Guidance

Modulation Fidelity measures how closely the measured waveform matches an ideal waveform.

General guidance:

• Values are reported from 0 to 100 percent.
• A maximum 5% deviation is recommended.
• Larger deviation may indicate the receiver cannot properly detect the signal.

Downlink Monitoring

Downlink Monitoring monitors LTE and 5G NR downlink performance.

It can detect:

• LTE channels
• 5G NR channels
• 5G NR beams
• PCI changes
• Beam changes
• Channel drop events
• Channel add events
• Signal quality failures

Measured LTE metrics may include:

• RSRP
• RSRQ
• CINR

Measured 5G NR metrics may include:

• SSSRP
• SSSRQ
• SSSCINR

Downlink Monitoring Setup Information

When setting up a downlink monitoring scan, collect:

• Scan name
• NR and LTE bands
• RF port antenna frequency range
• Antenna loss adjustment settings
• Alarm threshold settings
• Email notification requirements

Default threshold examples may include:

5G NR:

• SSSRP: -100 dBm
• SSSRQ: -10 dB
• SSSCINR: 10 dB

LTE:

• RSRP: -100 dBm
• RQ: -10 dB
• CINR: 10 dB

Setting Up a Downlink Monitor Scan

To set up a Downlink Monitor Scan:

1. Select an RTU.
2. Open the DL Monitor tab.
3. Select Add Scan.
4. Configure the scan settings.
5. Select desired bands.
6. Check Enable.
7. Select Save.
8. Configure email notifications if desired.
9. Review the scan information.

A maximum of 19 downlink scans can be configured, and one can be enabled for monitoring.

Test Execution Priority

SeeHawk Monitor tests do not all run simultaneously on a single RTU.

Priority rules include:

1. RTU must be connected for commands to be sent.
2. RTU must be enabled for scans to run, except Real Time Spectrum Analyzer.
3. Uplink Tests take priority during scheduled test time.
4. Real Time Spectrum Analyzer stops other tests on that RTU.
5. Setup scanning cannot run during Uplink Test or Real Time Spectrum Analyzer.
6. Spectrum Monitoring and Downlink Monitoring run when no higher-priority scan is active.
7. Radio Metrics may run with certain other scans depending on configuration.

When Uplink Scan is running, it measures uplink approximately four times per second.

Email Configuration

Email server information is required for notifications.

To configure email:

1. Open Tools and Settings.
2. Select Email Account.
3. Enter SMTP Server information.
4. Enter Port Number.
5. Enter Outbound Email Address.
6. Select Sign in.
7. Enter the password.
8. Select Validate.
9. Select Close.

Contact the organization’s IT department for email server details.

RTU Status Management

RTU status can be reviewed in Platform Manager.

Status information includes:

• Connection state
• RTU issues
• Up time
• Last connect time
• Time zone
• Fan status
• Temperature
• Scanner firmware
• Scanner ESN
• Calibration expiration date
• Internal scanner connection status

If fan, temperature, calibration, or scanner connection issues are shown, contact PCTEL Technical Support.

Transferring the License to a New PC

The SHM Manager license is for one PC at a time.

To transfer the license:

1. Back up the database.
2. Update the RTUs with the IP address of the new Platform Manager PC.
3. Open the Help menu.
4. Select License Control.
5. Select Release.
6. Uninstall Platform Manager from the old PC.
7. Install Platform Manager on the new PC.
8. Open License Control on the new PC.
9. Activate the license using the Activation ID.
10. Restore the database.

The new PC must use the same time zone as the RTUs.

Updating System Software

The system includes four software components:

• Platform Manager application
• RTU software
• Scanner software
• Options

For Release 3.1 and later, once Platform Manager is upgraded, the other RTU components can be upgraded as needed in a scheduled process.

The system may notify users about updates:

• When Platform Manager launches
• Through the Check for Updates menu
• By email from the license server

If a release date is outside the customer’s maintenance period, the release should not be installed.

Updating RTU Software and Configuration

RTU updates are available through the Update RTU menu.

Update options may include:

• RTU firmware
• Scanner firmware
• Scanner options
• Platform Manager connection
• Network configuration

The RTU must not be enabled when updating.

The product is designed so that all RTUs normally operate on the same release version.

Database Backup and Restore

Database backup and restore are used for system maintenance and license transfer.

Backup includes:

• RTU information
• Scan configurations
• Scan results
• Most system data

Channel list files are not stored in the database and must be copied separately.

To back up:

1. Select Tools and Settings.
2. Select Backup.
3. Approve the message about disconnecting RTUs.
4. Select the directory to save the database copy.

To restore:

1. Select Tools and Settings.
2. Select Restore.
3. Approve the overwrite message.
4. Select the backup directory.
5. Approve the restore.

Calibration Notice

The PCTEL Remote Test Unit is calibrated at the factory.

Calibration data is stored in internal non-volatile memory in 1 dB steps across the input signal dynamic range.

Recalibration is recommended every two years to maintain specified accuracy.

Field calibration is not recommended. RTUs should be returned to PCTEL for recalibration.

Every unit that passes calibration and test receives a Certificate of Calibration.

Warranty Information

Software Warranty and Maintenance

The Manager application and RTU software are provided under an annual Software Maintenance plan.

The first year of maintenance is included with the initial purchase. Additional maintenance years are available for purchase.

Hardware Warranty

The RTU hardware warranty period is two years from date of shipment under normal use and operation.

Warranty does not cover repairs required due to misuse, abuse, accident, negligence, catastrophe, or improper use.

Return Material Authorization Procedure

All repairs must be performed by PCTEL.

To begin the RMA process, complete the RMA form on the PCTEL website.

Before requesting RMA support, provide:

• Product model
• Serial number
• Failure description
• Troubleshooting performed
• Photos if physical damage exists
• Software version, if applicable
• Screenshots if software errors are involved

Do not ship equipment until PCTEL Technical Support confirms the correct repair or RMA process.

Support Contacts

For support-related issues, use the appropriate PCTEL contact.

Notes

This article is a simplified overview of the SeeHawk Monitor User Guide.

Specifications, supported features, software options, and system behavior may vary by configuration, license, and release version.

For detailed system configuration, installation, or troubleshooting support, contact PCTEL Technical Support.