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Summary of Contents for Trilithic Three
- Page 1 Model Three Signal Level Meter 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 Phone 781-665-1400 Toll Free 1-800-517-8431 Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com...
- Page 3 Trilithic Company Profile Trilithic is a privately held manufacturer founded in 1986 as an engineering and assembly company that built and designed customer-directed products for telecommunications, military and industrial customers. From its modest beginnings as a two-man engineering team, Trilithic grew over the years and broadened its offerings of RF and microwave components by adding broadband solutions to its product line.
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Page 4: Table Of Contents
Auto Test Programs ..............12 Voltmeter ................... 12 File Saving and Viewing ............. 12 Equipment Supplied with Your Model Three ........12 Accessories and Replacement Parts for Your Model Three ....13 3. Walkthrough ..................15 Identify Components ................ 15 Key Pad ..................16 Navigating Functions .............. - Page 5 Channel Plan ................... 36 Select User Plan ............... 36 Channel Numbers ..............36 Learn User Plan ................ 37 Edit User Plan ................40 Tilt/Level List ................43 Load Defaults ................44 Prior Menu ................44 Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 6 Hum Parameters ............... 81 File Saving and Viewing ..............87 Saving a Test Record to a File ........... 87 Viewing File Records ..............89 Auto Test Records ..............93 7. Specifications .................. 97 Warranty Information ..............100 Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 7: General Informaiton
The following website contains general information which may be of interest to you: http://www.fieldtechproducts.com/ Trilithic’s website contains product specifications and information, tips, release information, marketing information, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), bulletins, and other technical information. You can also check this website for product updates. -
Page 8: How This Manual Is Organized
How this Manual is Organized This manual is divided into the following chapters: • Chapter 1, “General Information” provides Trilithic contact information and describes how this Operation Manual is structured. • Chapter 2, “Introduction” introduces the equipment and features of the Model Three. -
Page 9: Conventions Used In This Manual
A CAUTION alerts you to any condition that could cause a mechanical failure or potential loss of data. A WARNING alerts you to any condition that could cause personal injury. Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 10: Precautions
100 V (AC or DC). A larger voltage will damage the meter. The accuracy of the meter may be affected when in a strong electromagnetic field. Do not use the Model Three in any manner not recommended by the manufacturer. Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 11: Introduction
QAM, Level, Spectrum, Tilt (Favorite), Hum, and Limit tests at programmed intervals, unattended. The Model Three can save files for QAM, Level, Tilt, Spectrum, Scan, Limit test, Hum, and Auto test measurements. These files can be recalled to display the recorded data, or Scan, Spectrum, and Limit files can be viewed graphically. -
Page 12: Features
Press the (TILT) 2 DEF key again, and the Model Three displays a numeric list that shows the amplitudes of the carriers in the group. Single Channel Display When tuned to a single channel, the Model Three displays bar graphs for the video and audio carriers or power of a digital channel. -
Page 13: Spectrum Display
Limit Test The Model Three can perform a complete test of all analog channels in the selected user channel plan to specified limits at the touch of a single key. All channels are listed with Pass or Fail results, and the user may select any channel to review its individual test results. -
Page 14: Auto Test Programs
24-hour tests. The test result files can be viewed or uploaded to a PC later. Voltmeter The Model Three is equipped with a built-in voltmeter that can be used for troubleshooting power supplies or power drops. The Model Three displays the voltage with a bar graph and numeric readout. It can accommodate AC or DC voltages up to 100 Volts. -
Page 15: Accessories And Replacement Parts For Your Model Three
Model Three: Part Number Description 2130854000 Holster 2130856000 Protective sleeve 0930149000 Model Three ToolBox - includes USB data cable 2072084000 USB data cable 2131064000 Replacement protective carrying case 0320050000 Replacement strap for carrying case 2131253000 Replacement blue rubber protective bumper... - Page 16 THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 17: Walkthrough
Chapter 3 Walkthrough Now that you have your Model Three out of its box, take a few moments to look it over and become familiar with its controls. The thin protective film layer used to protect the display during shipping should be removed. -
Page 18: Key Pad
The key pad consists of the various buttons to access the Model Three’s functions. There are 11 function buttons, two arrow buttons (up and down), the power on/off button, and three “soft buttons” that enable you to perform functions shown on the display. - Page 19 Enter QAM measurement mode Power ON / OFF Use the POWER ON / OFF key to turn the device on and off. Arrow Buttons Use the keys to change values within a function display. Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 20: Navigating Functions
If you want to enter a second letter or number using the same button as the preceding character, you must press the key to shift the Model Three control to a new number or letter. Model Three - Operation Manual... - Page 21 7 STU 7 STU If you make an error when entering a number or a name, you can press the key to go back and then re-enter it. Press the to escape from the operation. Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 22: Display Screen Description
F1, F2, F3 - Indicates the function of the soft buttons in the selected Model Three mode. The soft buttons vary from function to function on the meter; see the Soft Buttons section earlier in this chapter. Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 23: Battery Charging
Battery Charging The Model Three has a built-in 11.1 V / 1.4 AH Li-Ion battery. When fully charged, it can be used for five hours. When the battery charge drops below 10%, the battery symbol flashes in the information line at the top of the display screen. - Page 24 THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 25: Setup
The Model Three battery may need charging prior to first use, see Chapter 3: Walkthrough, Battery Charging. Before using the Model Three, you need to perform some setup procedures from the following areas: • Information (general information about your Model Three and the status of user settings) •... -
Page 26: Information
You can use keys to scroll through other information screens to see more information about the Model Three, including user settings. Press (ESCAPE) key to return to the main Setup menu. Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 27: General
Use the keys to scroll through the command choices to the desired parameter. Backlight This selection determines the backlighting time on the Model Three display. Press the key (or use the keys) to change the backlighting time. The selected time is displayed in the window near the bottom of the display screen. -
Page 28: Lcd Contrast
The selected time is displayed in the window near the bottom of the display screen. You can select ON (always on until manually turned off), or 3, 5, 10, or 30 minutes (the Model Three shuts itself off when there has been no Model Three activity for the selected time interval). -
Page 29: Temperature Unit
2. When you are satisfied with your entry, press the again to log the date in the Model Three’s memory, then press key to switch to the time field. 3. Press the key to switch the Model Three to the numeric function. -
Page 30: Lcd Test
Some tips for entering dates and times: • The Model Three automatically assigns the first two digits of the year (20), so you only need to enter the last two digits of the year. • You may change the order of the date between Y/M/D, D/M/Y,... -
Page 31: Upgrade
4. Press the key (FUNCTION) for alpha/numeric entry and enter the 12-digit authorization code and press the key. The Model Three will confirm correct entry of the code. Your Model Three now includes the Constellation diagram feature. Prior Menu Press the key to return to the main SETUP menu. -
Page 32: Measurement
CATV system (see Chapter 6: Advanced Operation, Transmission Characteristic Test). Level Units Use this selection to set the signal level units for the Model Three. The selected signal level units are displayed in the window near the bottom of the display screen. -
Page 33: Single Frequency Setup
Press the key to enter the SCAN SETUP menu. Use this menu to set Scan parameters, including test limits. To select an item from the SCAN SETUP menu, use the keys to scroll to the selection. Model Three - Operation Manual... - Page 34 2 to 30 dB Minimum Video / Audio 0 to 15 dB Difference Maximum Video / Audio 5 to 30 dB Difference Δ Maximum Adjacent 0 to 20 dB 24-Hour Video Deviation 0 to 20 dB Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 35: Reset Max Hold
Reset Max Hold Use this selection to reset the maximum hold value when using Max hold in Spectrum mode. Press the (ENTER) key to reset the Spectrum mode data. Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 36: Voltage
Voltage display. Use this function to view battery and trunk voltage measurements. The Model Three is equipped with a built-in voltmeter that can be used to troubleshoot problems with power supplies or power drops. The Model Three accommodates AC or DC voltages up to 100 Volts. -
Page 37: Hum Frequency
The Model Three automatically detects the presence of an AC or DC voltage and displays the measurement graphically and numerically. The voltmeter specifications are: Type Specification Input Range 10 to 100 VDC, 10 to 100 VAC Resolution 0.1 V Accuracy +/- 2.0 V... -
Page 38: Channel Plan
(ENTER) key, or press the keys to change the selected user plan. Channel Numbers Use this selection to choose the channel identifier in the Model Three. Use the (ENTER) key, or press the keys to select between STANDARD or EIA channel numbering. -
Page 39: Learn User Plan
Auto test programs that were saved for the previous plan are deleted. Press the key to learn a channel plan. A prompt appears to instruct you to connect the CATV cable to the Model Three. Model Three - Operation Manual... - Page 40 If a Channel Plan is learned with less than 15 active channels found (or the cable is not connected to the Model Three), all channels in the plan are enabled. Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 41 Analog channels with levels less than -10 dBmV (50 dBμV) and Digital Channels with levels less than -17 dBmV (43 dBμV) are not enabled. After learning a Channel Plan, the Model Three returns to the Level measurement mode. You may then modify the various parameters in the plan.
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Page 42: Edit User Plan
(ENTER) key. The selected Channel Setup screen appears. To select the channel’s parameters, use the keys to scroll up and down the list. There are different methods for modifying each parameter. Model Three - Operation Manual... - Page 43 Numeric Entry mode and enter the desired frequency (Video Frequency for TV type channels or Center Frequency for DIGI and SIGL type channels). Once the desired modification is made, press the key to store the change. Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 44 55.25 MHz. When finished, select SAVE AND EXIT and press the (ENTER) key to return to the Edit User Plan screen. All channels, including a new channel, appear in the Channel Plan according to frequency—not channel number. Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 45: Tilt/Level List
SETUP menu. All edits are temporarily stored until you exit the Edit User Plan screen. Do not turn off the Model Three before exiting the Edit User Plan screen, or the changes will not be saved. Tilt/Level List This feature lets you select up to 12 favorite channels. -
Page 46: Load Defaults
7 STU Load Defaults Press the (ENTER) key to load the factory default settings for the Model Three and then display the Level screen. This will not change the User Channel plan. Prior Menu Press the (ENTER) key to return to the main SETUP menu. -
Page 47: Basic Operation
Chapter 5 Basic Operation Once you have set up the Model Three’s parameters, you are ready to operate the device. There are a number of tests you can perform with the Model Three: • Single channel level tests • Frequency mode •... -
Page 48: Single Channel Level Testing
To access the Level screen, press the key. 4 JKL The Model Three displays the Level screen for the last channel it was on before being turned off. TV Channels When measuring a TV type channel with audio and video carriers (see... - Page 49 For example, to change the display graph from a 10 dB scale to a 5 dB scale, press the key three times to cycle through the steps. You may also change the reference level of the graph. Press the (REF) key and then press the keys to increase or decrease the reference by one digit at a time.
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Page 50: Single Channel Spectrum
LIVE level in all modes, while the wavy line at the top of each bar indicates the maximum level of the Audio and Video signals. Single Channel Spectrum The Model Three can scan the spectrum of the designated channel automatically. This function is particularly useful for CATV LEVEL LEVEL measurements. - Page 51 Peak detector by pressing the (DOWN) key and using the key to select AVG. This is most useful for digital channels to see a quick scan of the average power for frequencies across the channel bandwidth. Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 52: Single Frequency Channels
Single Frequency Channels You can use the Model Three to measure a Single Frequency level over a specified bandwidth. To do this, first set the Model Three’s channel type to SIGL or single frequency channel (see Chapter 4: Setup, Channel Plan, Edit User Plan). -
Page 53: Digital Channels
Digital Channels You can use the Model Three to measure the average power of a digital channel (QAM, QPSK, or COFDM) according to the configured bandwidth. To do this, first set the Model Three’s channel type to DIGI (see Chapter 4: Setup, Channel Plan, Edit User Plan). -
Page 54: Frequency Mode
If the channel is a TV type channel with audio and video carriers, the Model Three is tuned to the audio frequency. If the channel is a DIGI type channel, the Model Three is tuned to the center frequency. The signal level and peak level are displayed. -
Page 55: Channel Scanning
(instead of reference). Channel Scanning The Model Three is designed to display the full span of all channels including video and audio carriers, or digital channels in your system. This function provides a quick check of your system’s overall flatness and amplitude. - Page 56 You can zoom in on the marker position by pressing the key. The 5 MNO Model Three supports five levels of magnification (1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, and 5x), or scan of the full channel plan. The minimum span (5x) shows 25 channels of data.
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Page 57: Display Limits
While in the Channel Scan mode, you can use Fast Setup (press the key once) to go 7 STU directly to the Scan Setup parameters, including Marker type, Display Limits, and the Edit Limits screen. Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 58: Limit Testing
Limit Testing The Model Three can quickly perform a test of all analog channels in the cable system to specified test limits with a single key press. The selected User Channel Plan is tested to all enabled limit parameters as set in the... - Page 59 V/A are tested for all channels in the User Plan. If any channel fails one of these tests, the Test Result summary indicates a failure X for that test. If all channels pass one of these tests, the Test Result summary indicates a pass (check mark) for that test. Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 60 The Limit test setup for the channel test parameters is displayed at the bottom of the screen with a Pass or Fail indication for each parameter. Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 61: Frequency Spectrum Scanning
Frequency Spectrum Scanning The Model Three can be set to display spectrum measurements with spans ranging from 2.5 to 62.5 MHz. It can also be set for a full spectrum scan of the base channel plan with sampling at each video carrier frequency or center frequency of digital channels. - Page 62 To change the spectrum bandwidth, press the (SPAN) key. The span cycles through 2.50M, 6.25M, 12.50M, 25.00M, 62.50M and PLAN_A-D (full span). When a span other than full span (PLAN_A-D) is selected, the display shows the center frequency. Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 63 The Max hold data is retained as long as the Model Three is on. To reset the Max hold data in Spectrum mode, you must select RESET MAX HOLD in the MEASUREMENTS SETUP menu.
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Page 64: Hum Measurement
This mode includes a Low Pass Filter and 60 Hz and 120 Hz (or 50 Hz and 100 Hz) Band Pass Filter measurements. To enter the Hum Measurement screen, press the key. 9 YZ* Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 65: Qam Measurement
The measured channel may be changed using the keys. QAM Measurement The Model Three is able to measure MER, and pre- and post-BER. It takes an average of one second to perform the QAM measurements. QAM Channel Measurement To enter the QAM Measurement screen, press the key. -
Page 66: Qam Frequency Mode
You can setup center frequency, bandwidth, modulation mode, symbol rate, and other digital channel settings. QAM Frequency Mode The Model Three provides a frequency mode to easily view and setup the key measurement parameters for QAM testing. Press the (FREQ) key to display the frequency mode. -
Page 67: Spectrum Analyzer Display
Turn to Menu number 4 Choose Modulation Standard (J-83A / J83-B / J83-C) NONE None Back to Menu number 1 Spectrum Analyzer Display Pressing the key a second time will display the spectrum analyzer screen for the selected channel. Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 68: Qam Constellation Display (Optional)
Press the keys to choose a quadrant to view and press key to refresh the constellation. Each quadrant can be observed individually by pressing the key to zoom in. To zoom out, press the key. Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 69: Tilt And Favorite Channel
Tilt/Favorite list are used to calculate tilt. These levels and the tilt calculation (Δ) are displayed. To adjust the reference level, press the (REF) key, then press the keys. To change the scale, press the (SCALE) key. Model Three - Operation Manual... - Page 70 To bring up the list of favorite channels, press the key again. 2 DEF The Model Three displays the list of favorite channels with their Video Carrier Levels or digital power levels and the tilt calculation. Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 71: Advanced Operation
The Model Three enables you to do this by setting a reference at a known good test point such as the headend’s output test point or a node’s output test point. - Page 72 Zero Reference data, the Model Three prompts you to connect the device to the cable system. After you have connected the CATV source to the Model Three, press the (ENTER) key. The Model Three scans all video carrier frequencies in the selected Base Channel Plan, including those disabled for channel scan (see Chapter 4: Setup, Channel Plan).
- Page 73 The new Zero Reference remains in the Model Three’s nonvolatile memory even when the Model Three is turned off. This enables you to measure the level’s relative change at a later time. To perform a new Transmission test...
- Page 74 Press the key to change the function of the keys to Auto and Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Mkr. To set the reference level and the scale automatically, press the (AUTO) key. Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 75 Peak Detector reading in the spectrum scan. The new Zero Reference scan remains in the Model Three so you can measure the relative change at a later time. To perform another Transmission test at any time, confirm that Transmission is set to ON and...
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Page 76: Auto Test
The Model Three can accept user-defined testing programs to automatically perform Level, Spectrum, Tilt (Favorite), Hum, QAM, and Limit tests in specified time increments. The Model Three can store up to seven user programs for recall when needed. The test results are stored to a file automatically after measurement and they can be viewed or uploaded to a PC later. - Page 77 Enter up to five alphanumeric characters for the program name and press (ENTER) key (see Entering Alphanumeric Characters in Chapter 3: Walkthrough, Identify Components, Navigating Functions). The new program name appears on the screen for STEP 1. Press the (NEXT) key to continue. Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 78 You can change the parameters for each of the selected tests by using the keys to highlight the test, then press the (ENTER) key. The Auto test parameter displays are described in the following section. Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 79: Qam Parameters
Press the (ALL) key to select all of the channels in the user plan for testing. Press the (CLEAR) key to deselect all of the channels in the user plan. Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 80: Level Parameters
(ENTER) key to enable or disable the channel for the Level test. An enabled channel displays a check mark next to it. Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 81: Spectrum Parameters
(ENTER) key. This parameter is not used if the full-span bandwidth is selected. When the desired frequency and bandwidth have been set, press the (BACK) key to return to the Auto test screen for STEP 3. Model Three - Operation Manual... -
Page 82: Limit Parameters
If you wish to change or (disable) any Limit parameter, you can press (ENTER) key to display the Edit Limits screen. All Limit parameters may be changed as described in Model Three Setup for the Edit Limits display (see Chapter 4: Setup, Measurement, Limit Setup). -
Page 83: Tilt Parameters
(BACK) key to return to the Auto test screen for STEP 3. Hum Parameters Use the keys to highlight any of the analog channels listed in the user plan. Press the (ENTER) key to enable or disable any channels for the Hum test. Model Three - Operation Manual... - Page 84 The file name is the Auto test program name followed by an asterisk (*) to indicate that it is a single Auto test file. This is displayed in the Model Three file directory along with the date and time (see File Saving and Viewing in this chapter).
- Page 85 A default time interval of eight hours between test times is displayed. To change the time interval, press the key, enter a new number from one to 23 (hours), and press the key to enter. Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 86 (START) key to begin execution of the testing program. The Model Three immediately performs the first sequence of tests. After each test time sequence is complete, an Auto test program status screen appears for a short time, then the Model Three shuts off. Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 87 If the Model Three is turned on during an Auto test program, the program status screen appears to indicate the Auto test status. The program may be stopped by pressing the (STOP) key. A file containing all test records is created for each test time and automatically saved.
- Page 88 (ENTER) key to view the setup parameters. Also, the status of the 24 HR setup can be seen by pressing the key to view the test times and time intervals. Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 89: File Saving And Viewing
File Saving and Viewing The Model Three can save records from QAM, Level, Tilt (Favorite Channels group), Spectrum, Hum, Scan, or Limit test measurements either to individual files or all to one file. Auto test files are automatically saved. These files can be recalled to display the recorded data and Scan, Spectrum, and Limit graphics can be viewed. - Page 90 A test must be performed by the Model Three before it can be saved from the file list. If a test has not been performed by the Model Three, it is not displayed on the Save Content screen. Use the...
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Page 91: Viewing File Records
To recall (load) a test record file, press the key. 8 VWX The Model Three File directory appears with the file name, date, and time of all existing files. Use the keys to scroll to the file name of the file you wish to view, then press the (LOAD) key. - Page 92 Level test. Use the keys to scroll to any channel. On any listed record, you can use the keys to scroll through the channel list (data points for Spectrum test) by one page (eight channels) at a time. Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 93 You can also press the key to change the soft key functions of the keys to set the Scale and Reference manually or use the Auto scale and Reference or the Δ Marker function. Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 94 FILE While viewing a data record, you can press the key to return to 8 VWX the File Content screen. FILE FILE Pressing the key again will return you to the File Directory. 8 VWX Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 95: Auto Test Records
(beginning with A) for each test time file to indicate they are 24 HR Auto test files. This is shown in the image below for an Auto test program named TEST 1. The suffix A-D for each test time file was added automatically. Model Three - Operation Manual... - Page 96 You can select the desired measurement item by pressing the keys. Press the (LIST) key to study the measurement data or press the (VIEW) key to view the spectrum measurement or limit test. Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 97 Level measurement data Tilt measurement results Spectrum measurement data QAM measurement results Limit measurement results Hum measurement data Spectrum measurement graph Limit measurement graph Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 99: Specifications
1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x; five levels of magnification or full channel plan scan Frequency Spectrum: Bandwidth: 2.5 MHz, 6.25 MHz, 12.5 MHz, 25 MHz, 62.5 MHz, and full span Scale: 1, 2, 5, 10 dB/div Model Three - Operation Manual... - Page 100 Number of programs: 7 (max) Tests: Level, Tilt, Spectrum, QAM, Hum, and Limit (any or all tests may be used in an auto-test program) Time intervals: 1 to 23 hours Test times: 1 to 10 times Model Three - Operation Manual...
- Page 101 (level, tilt, QAM, Hum, spectrum) are saved Weight: 1.76 lbs (800 g) Dimensions: 8.52” x 3.74” x 1.93” (H x W x D) (218mm x 95mm x 49mm) (dimensions do not include belt clip) Model Three - Operation Manual...
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Page 102: Warranty Information
Except for the warranty and exclusions set forth above, and the warranties, if any, available to the Buyer from those who supply Trilithic, Inc., there are no warranties, expressed or implied (including without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability of fitness), with respect to the condition of the product or its suitability for any use intended for it by the Buyer or by the purchaser from the Buyer. - Page 104 9710 Park Davis Drive Indianapolis, IN 46235 (317) 895-3600 Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com P/N 0010295001 05/09 Made in U.S.A.
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