SF System: Transmission Tests, Computations and Equalization DuringInstallation

A continuous test program forms a part of the SF Submarine Cable System1 installation procedures from the time material arrives at the dock for loading aboard ship through the final line-up before service. The tests and computations we describe are necessary to verify satisfactory performance of cable, repeaters, and equalizers; to obtain data for determining the optimum ocean block equalizer settings; and to obtain data for system line-up and for system administration and fault location. The major undersea portions of the SF System are laid using the ship, equipment and techniques developed for the SD Submarine Cable System. 2-5 Transmission testing coincides with these cable-laying activities, although the transmission test equipment installed on the Cable Ship Long Lines (shown in Fig. 1) is predominantly new. A parallel transmission effort is also performed during the burial of SF System cable,0 but with the use of considerably more primitive equipment aboard ship.