3-in-1 dmm/tdr cable fault finder for energized and unenergized cables (28 pages)
Summary of Contents for LiveWire Innovation FaultChaser
Page 1
Fault Finding/Cable Length Measurement TDR User Manual Accurately finds cable length, impediments in the cable, and conditions at the end of every wire in your data, power, or communications/video system up to 3,000 ft. Memory: Holds up to two different NVP values for multiple cable tests.
Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry (SSTDR). Symbols and Icons The following symbols are used throughout the manual or in the display screen of the FaultChaser to help you avoid personal injury and potential damage to the test equipment (Table 1). Table 1. Symbols...
Terms and Descriptions Table 2 defines the terms used throughout the document and provides information to assist you with proper operation and understanding of the unit and its functions. Table 2. Terms and Descriptions Terms Description and Uses Nominal Velocity of Also known as the Velocity of Propagation (VOP), NVP is Propagation (NVP) the speed of an electrical signal traveling through a cable,...
AC or DC may pose a safety hazard for the user. Do not place equipment and its accessories in the trash. Items must be properly disposed of in accordance with local regulations. It is not recommended to use the FaultChaser when the Voltage! Icon is present.
Equipment and Accessories The following list of equipment and accessories are used with the FaultChaser in order to properly test cables. The items illustrated and described in Table 4 are provided with your purchase of the FaultChaser. Refer to the Additional Accessories section for a listing of additional products that can help make testing easier.
FaultChaser Description The FaultChaser, illustrated in Figure 1, has 3 main parts: the F-Connector, LCD display screen, and the keypad. Figure 1. FaultChaser F-Connector One F-Connector is located at the top of the FaultChaser. The connector enables you to test and measure single cables.
LCD Display Screen The FaultChaser has a high contrast LCD display screen, shown in Figure 2 below. The LCD display screen shows the following: modes and related icons, cable length, memory storage and related icons, NVP value, cable faults, error message, voltage detection warning, and battery life indicator.
• Adjustment Indicator – Two arrows appear to the left of the selected cadence to indicate that cadence can be adjusted. Note: A tone probe is used for the tone tracing functionality of the FaultChaser. This item is sold separately. Refer to the Additional Accessories section for a listing of...
Calibration Mode When the CAL button is pressed, the “Cal” icon appears in the lower left corner of the display screen. The icons and values described in Table 6 appear in the LCD display screen when unit is set to Calibration Mode. Table 6.
4 volts when the battery needs to be replaced. Results may be unreliable at this point. Note: The FaultChaser will turn off if the power supply goes out of regulation from a low battery condition. Voltage Detected Warning (Voltage!) The “Voltage!”...
Page 14
“Error” message when using either of these modes. Keypad The FaultChaser is equipped with seven buttons, illustrated in Figure 3. Four buttons, appearing in the top two rows of the keypad, are used with Test and Tone Modes. Two Up/Down buttons are used to edit.
Page 15
(M1 or M2). • A short press of the Power button turns the Power FaultChaser On. • Subsequent presses of the button toggle the backlight On and Off. • A long press (two seconds) of the Power button...
Operations To ensure safe operation of the FaultChaser, follow the instructions carefully and pay attention to the warning and caution symbols. Failure to observe warnings can result in severe injury or death and can damage the unit. Turning the Unit On/Off Turn Unit On •...
Important Safety Points The Voltage! Icon appears when the voltage surpasses SELV rating of 60 volts peak AC or DC. It is not recommended to operate the FaultChaser on cable systems exceeding a voltage value of 60 volts. If the Voltage! icon appears the FaultChaser should be disconnected immediately from the source of the voltage.
Recalling Stored NVP Values Connect one end of the cable to the FaultChaser. Use connection accessories according to the type of cable you are testing. Press the POWER button to turn the unit ON. Press the MEM button to recall the stored NVP Value. The LCD display screen, illustrated in Figure 4 below, shows the following: •...
Note: If the NVP value is unknown, you can determine the NVP value for the cable you are testing in the following ways: • View the listing of common NVPs by cable type on the backside of the FaultChaser. • Refer to Appendix A for an extended listing of NVP values.
When Calibration Mode is in use, the connected cable is tested for the presence of voltage. If detected, a dynamic voltage warning displays until the unit is disconnected from the voltage source. 1. Connect a cable to the FaultChaser. Use connection accessories according to the type of cable you are testing.
Page 21
Verify the FaultChaser is set to your desired unit of measurement (feet or meters). To change the unit of measurement, press and hold down the MEM and CAL buttons simultaneously for two seconds. The unit of measurement will adjust in the LCD display screen.
Page 22
• The “Error” message blinks at the bottom of the LCD display screen (see Figure 7). • The unit recalls the last calculated NVP value. • The FaultChaser exits Calibration Mode and enters Test mode. • The last cable result displays at the top of the screen.
Note: Refer to the Using Memory Storage section for instructions on adjusting NVP values. A listing of common NVPs by cable type is on the backside of the FaultChaser. You may also refer to Appendix A for an extended list of NVP values.
Page 24
• The storage location (M1 or M2) with its associated NVP value used to calculate the connected cable’s length. • The adjustment indicator icon appears in the lower left corner. • The cable faults (Open or Short). Figure 8. LCD Display Screen in Test Mode Note: If the test is unable to determine a valid result, four dashes “- - - -”...
Using Loop Testing The FaultChaser can run a continuous test on a connected cable allowing you accurately measure long cables susceptible to signal loss. Loop testing offers ease of use by enabling you to test multiple cables without repeatedly pressing the TEST button.
If detected, a dynamic voltage warning displays until the unit is disconnected from the voltage source. Connect a cable to the FaultChaser. Use connection accessories according to the type of cable you are testing. Press the POWER button to turn the unit ON.
Cleaning Use a damp, clean cloth to clean the test unit. Disconnect all cables from the FaultChaser prior to cleaning. Failing to do so can damage the unit and result in personal injury. Do not use abrasive, harsh cleaners, or solvents to clean the FaultChaser.
10288 South Jordan Gateway, Ste A South Jordan, UT 84095 Additional Accessories The list of accessories below (see Table 11) will assist you with operating of the FaultChaser. These items are available for purchase through LiveWire Innovation. Table 11. Additional Accessories Accessory Product...
Warranty Information LiveWire FaultChaser is covered by the Limited Product Warranty set forth in and subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and disclaimers set forth in LiveWire's General Terms, http://livewireinnovation.com/terms/. No further warranties either implied or express will apply, nor will responsibility for operation of this device be assumed by LiveWire Innovation.
Specifications Specifications Description Size: 17.3 x 8.0 x 3.3 cm (6.8 x 3.15 x 1.3 inches) Physical Dimensions Weight: 340 grams (12.0 oz.) With battery Input Protection To 400 volts peak 50/60 Hz AC or DC At maximum of Safety Extra Low Voltage limits (60V peak AC or Voltage Warning •...
Page 31
4 selectable tone cadences centered on 1KHz Tone Generation • Constant output amplitude of 3 Vp-p 4 AA alkaline batteries Power • Standby: 4 years • Active: 15 hours average Battery Low Level Approximately 4 volts • Operating temperature: 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F) Operating •...
Page 32
Appendix A Table 12 below lists common NVP values and NVP ranges by cable type to assist you with testing. Table 12. NVP Values by Cable Type Cable Type Range Coaxial Cables RG58 65.4 64.5 - 66.4 RG59 83.9 83.0 - 85.0 RG6U 84.6 83.5 - 85.5...
Page 36
Fault Finding/Cable Length Measurement TDR User Manual For technical information and customer support please visit livewireinnovation.com or send an email to support@livewireinnovation.com Contact Numbers: Toll Free: 1-855-346-3358 Local: 801-293-8300 Address: LiveWire Innovation 10288 South Jordan Gateway, Ste A South Jordan, UT 84095 livewireinnovation.com...