Method for measurement of receive antenna return loss in a CDMA radio system

A diagnostic return loss test, comprising:

• establishing a CDMA call from a test mobile to a receiver associated with a receive antenna via a first communication path, said first communication path between said test mobile to said receiver not including an antenna associated with said receiver;
• first measuring a transmit power level of said test mobile to establish said CDMA call;
• switching from said first communication path between said test mobile and said receiver to a second communication path, said second communication path having lower signal attenuation than said first communication path, and said second communication path including said antenna associated with said receiver such that signals sent from said test mobile are received by said receiver after reflecting from said antenna;
• increasing said transmit power level of said test mobile until said receiver recognizes said CDMA call;
• second measuring said transmit power level of said test mobile when said receiver recognizes said CDMA call or when a maximum transmit power level is reached;
• and
• first determining a return loss of said antenna based on said first and second measured transmit power levels.