Argus Copper Box v4 Manual
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Argus Copper Box v4 Manual

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Copper Box v4 Manual
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ARGUS Copper Box
ARGUS
Version: 2.72 / EN
ARGUS
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  • Page 1 ARGUS ARGUS Copper Box v4 Manual Version: 2.72 / EN ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 2 (print, photocopy, microfilm or any other method) without written consent. All rights are reserved. No one is permitted to reproduce or duplicate, in any form, the whole or part of this document without intec´s permission. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    ARGUS Introduction ..................4 Safety information ................7 General technical data ..............13 Configuring accesses ..............17 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4 ...........18 Selecting and activating the Copper Box ........18 Hotkeys / settings ................20 Changing socket selection ..............22 Alarm tones ..................23 Auto test ....................25 Voltage measurement (U= and U~) ..........35...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    With the ARGUS Copper Box, intec offers an expansion for the xDSL multitesters ARGUS 15x and ARGUS 16x. This USB box enables you to detect dangerous voltages and currents early on and reliably assess the physical quality of the line – particularly when DSL synchronisation is not possible or the data rate is low due to asymmetry, interference sources or other mechanical line problems.
  • Page 5 1 Introduction Further features of the ARGUS Copper Box v4: Multiple, preconfigured measurement profiles can be executed as an auto test. Voltage measurement enables measurement of the supply voltage (e.g. SHDSL, ISDN- BRI U, POTS), as well as external voltages caused e.g. by contact between two wires or isolation faults.
  • Page 6 All measurements can be executed as highly accurate automatic TRG (Tip, Ring, Ground) measurements. With its light weight of less than 160 grams and sturdy plastic housing, the ARGUS Copper Box is not only extremely compact but also insensitive to impacts, falls, and other mechanical hazards.

  • Page 7: Safety Information

    2 Safety information General safety information: The ARGUS Copper Box may only be operated using the accessories supplied with the device. The use of other accessories can result in faulty measurements or even damage to the ARGUS Copper Box and the connected equipment. Only use the ARGUS Copper Box according to the instructions contained in this manual.
  • Page 8 2 Safety information The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) was tested according to the regulations specified in our declaration of conformity. The ARGUS Copper Box is a class A device. This device can cause radio interference in residential areas. In this case, the user may be required to implement appropriate measures.
  • Page 9 Once ARGUS detects the ARGUS Copper Box, an auto test can be executed or each separate measurement can be started and stopped individually. If you change the measurement without first stopping, the measurement is stopped automatically.
  • Page 10 11) are not exceeded during the measurement. During the measurement, the ARGUS Copper Box can apply a measuring voltage of up to 105 V max. 1 mA) to the line. Certain measurements can require a longer settling time. An autotest can thus take some time.
  • Page 11 2 Safety information Voltage thresholds Measurement UDC (V) to UAC (Veff) to R-sym* ISO-R* C-sym* NEXT Signature Fast cable check** Remote box** * Measured on 200 kΩ load ** Loop limit value 10 kΩ ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 12 WEEE 2002/96/EC and the corresponding German statute ElektroG: ) (DIN EN 50419). In other words, ARGUS and its accessories, may not be disposed of as household waste. Please consult with our Service department with respect to the return of old devices.

  • Page 13: General Technical Data

    - USB-A plug Depth: 22 mm Weight: approx. 160 g Temperature range Operating temperature (ARGUS in battery mode): -10 °C to +50 °C Storage temperature: -20 °C to +60 °C Humidity: up to 95 % relative, non-condensing Miscellaneous ARGUS user safety tested according to EN62368-2...
  • Page 14 ±(4 % + 4 digits) 100.0 nF - 999.9 nF 0.1 nF ±(3 % + 1 digit) 1000 nF - 8000 nF 1 nF ±(3 % + 1 digit) * All specifications relate to a comparison measurement using film capacitors. ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 15 ±(2 % + 1 digit) 10.0 MΩ - 40.0 MΩ 10 kΩ ±(5 % + 1 digit) DC current measurement (I=): Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy: 0.1 mA - 499.9 mA 0.1 mA ±(2.5 % + 3 digits) ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 16 Reference conditions (calibration): - Temperature: +23 °C to 5 °C - Humidity: 50 % ± 20 %, relative, non-condensing - Frequency of measurement quantity: 50 Hz ± 5 Hz, sine ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 17: Configuring Accesses

    "Copper tests" should appear in the list of accesses when you power up ARGUS. This should be sufficient, as the Copper Box can be started on this access as an individual test just like TDR or Line scope.

  • Page 18: Using The Argus Copper Box V4

    5 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4 5 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4 First connect the ARGUS Copper Box with the USB host interface of an ARGUS tester. You may need to enter an option key in the ARGUS tester under Settings/Device/Software options.
  • Page 19 5 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4 ARGUS detects the Copper Box. This can take a few seconds. If a conflict occurs, update your firmware or consult our Service Department. When detection is complete, ARGUS activates the Copper Box and starts voltage measurement immediately.

  • Page 20: Hotkeys / Settings

    5 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4 Copper Box menu. Depending on the currently selected test, you can choose among the following configurations (see in the sheet under), here for example the hotkeys for capacitive symmetry measurement (Csym). 5.2 Hotkeys / settings The hotkeys/settings can vary depending on the selected sockets.
  • Page 21 5 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4 Press one after Copper Box info. You can find more detailed information on the Copper Box here, such as Copper Box type, software version, serial number, another etc. Press one after Save (only at the end of an auto test) another You can find more information on the respective configurations in the chapter "Tests".

  • Page 22: Changing Socket Selection

    5 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4 5.3 Changing socket selection By default, tests are conducted on the T/R sockets. Switch to socket selection using the Use socket selection to choose between cursor keys. which wires you want to measure.

  • Page 23: Alarm Tones

    5.4 Alarm tones ARGUS generates various alarm tones in conjunction with the Copper Box, for instance as soon as a fault occurs or a test has been concluded. The alarm tones must be activated in the ARGUS settings, see Main Manual.
  • Page 24 5 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4 ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 25: Auto Test

    6 Auto test 6 Auto test ARGUS executes various tests automatically, depending on the configured auto test pro- file. Ten user-configurable profiles (including measurement assistance control) are avail- able for auto test. A voltage check is performed before every measurement (except current measurement) in which the voltage limits given in the table (see page 11) may not be exceeded.
  • Page 26 6 Auto test Auto test profile selection Select the profile to be editied and open it with <Edit> The auto test it configured under Auto test configuration, see page 27. ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 27 Range: 100 ms to 5000 ms. Default: 100 ms Adds further tests. <Insert> Deletes the <Delete> currently selected test. Selection of e.g. R Different socket combinations are available depending on the selected test, see page 29. Confirm socket selection with. ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 28 Selection of susceptibility to interference, see also page 59. Select the start function: - Automatic start - Pause: manual loop ARGUS waits for user input to confirm that the loop is connected. The selected test, in this example R , has been added to the auto test.
  • Page 29 Possibility 1: a1/T1, b1/R1, GND Possibility 2: a1/T1, b1/R1, opt. Rem. Possibility 1: short-circuit a/T-b/R Possibility 2: exchange connect Possibility 3: short-circuit a/T-b/R-GND Possibility 4: open circuit Possibility 5: activate tone generator You must confirm the selected socket combination with ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 30 Default: high-ohm (standard) For R, R , Iso., C and C measuremnets, you can select the susceptibility which ARGUS sholud use for measuring. Default: Reliable for external voltages Notice Allows you to enter a note, see main manual. Profile name...
  • Page 31 Wire type 15 66.7 default, editable Wire type 16 66.7 default, editable Wire type 17 66.7 default, editable Wire type 18 66.7 default, editable Wire type 19 66.7 default, editable Wire type 20 66.7 default, editable ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 32 1 and wire type 1). The default is the most recently used auto test profile, in this example Copper box auto test 1. ARGUS displays the stored notice in the preview. Starts the auto test using the selected auto test profile.
  • Page 33 After saving, ARGUS automatically swit- ches to the view of the saved measured values. ARGUS saves the result of the <Yes> auto test to the first free storage slot in internal memory. ARGUS returns to the last <No>...
  • Page 34 QR code using the number The results can then be transferred to other systems in csv format using a camera or a suitable QR code reader. exits QR code display and the results are displayed as plain text. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 35: Voltage Measurement (U= And U~)

    All voltages >200V are outside the permissible limits. See the chapter Technical data page 14 for information on measuring ranges, resolutions and accuracies of voltage measurement. Setting Voltage measurement: ARGUS in the status display. The voltage measurement is not yet started. Opens the Copper Box menu, <Menu>...
  • Page 36 Information bell: Sets whether an acoustic signal sounds when a measured value is displayed. Default: off Starting voltage measurement ARGUS in the status display. Voltage measurement starts automati- cally when the Copper Box is activated. In this example, the - Current voltage in volts...
  • Page 37 Selection of voltage measurement By default, voltage measurements are carried out using high-ohm values. A change in the input resistance is stored until ARGUS is restarted. For high-ohm measurement, the input resistance is at least 1 MΩ (depending on the measuring range).
  • Page 38 The example here shows a low-ohm (loaded) measurement. The input resistance can only be switched over during a two-pole measurement. Switches the input resistance. To measure voltage using a different socket combination, see page 22. ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 39 The voltage for an ISDN-BRI U access is normally between 91 V and 99 V. The measured voltage of 60.93 V could indicate an POTS access. The normal voltage range of an POTS access is between 50 V and 72 V. ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 40 Tip (a-wire) and Ring (b-wire). - Display of DC voltage in V - Display of AC voltage in V - Frequency of AC voltage in hertz You can open the measur- ing results of the wire pairs using the cursor keys. ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 41 POTS access. A typical DC voltage is measured. Incoming call This example shows an incoming call. In addition to the DC voltage, we can see a call-switching voltage with the typical frequency of 25 Hz. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 42: Capacitive Symmetry Measurement (Csym)

    "open circuit". A voltage check is performed before the measure- ment in which the voltage limits given in the table (see page 11) may not be exceeded. See the chapter Technical data page 14 for information on capacitive symmetry measurement. ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 43 Description Wire types: See page 30 for an explanation of wire types. Susceptibility: Selects the susceptibility with which ARGUS performs capacitive symmetry measurement. Robust for external The measurement is reliable in the event of external voltages up to voltage: 17 V.
  • Page 44 8 Capacitive symmetry measurement (CSym) Starting symmetry measurement ARGUS in the status display. When you select the susceptibility "Insecure (fast)", a warning appears in the display. Starts capacitive symmetry <Start> measurement. Depending on the line characteristics, the measurement can take a few seconds.
  • Page 45 The relative deviation is below 1 %. The wires are extremely homogeneous. The capacitances CaE and CbE deviate greatly. The relative deviation is signifi- cantly greater than the recommended 1 %. The wires are extremely asymmetrical. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 46: Capacitance Measurement (C)

    The measuring ranges, resolutions and accuracies of the capacitance measurement may be found in the chapter Technical data, see page 14. Capacitance measurement settings ARGUS in the status display. Capacitance measurement is not yet started. When you select the susceptibility "Insecure (fast)", the red warning...
  • Page 47 Tip/Ring and Ground. For a specific capacitance of approx. 50 nF/km, this value indicates that the line is approx. 1 km long and open. No measurement is possible on a closed line. ARGUS indicates this with the message "Loop?". ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 48 Tip and Ground and between Ring and Ground differ by more than 2-3 %, this can indicate an asymmetry. You can investigate this hypothesis by measuring the symmetry (see Chapter 8), which delivers a much more accurate determination of symmetry. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 49: Calculating Line Length

    See page 30 for these and further settings. The wire type can be selected and configured during or after the measurement. Starting capacitance measurement. ARGUS in the status display. In this example, capacitance measure- ment is carried out with a measuring frequency of 8 Hz and the values stored for wire type 1.
  • Page 50 1.77 km long. Opens the Copper Box <Menu> menu, see page 20. Display: Calculated line length of Tip/Ring in km Specific capacitance of wire type Switches to the wire type <Wire settings. types> ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 51: Isolation Resistance Measurement (Iso.)

    See the chapter Technical data page 14 for information on measuring ranges, resolutions and accuracies of isolation resistance measurement. Isolation resistance measurement settings ARGUS in the status display. Isolation resistance measurement is not yet started. Before the measurement, the selected test parameters are displayed.
  • Page 52 (above approx. 10 V) and falsify the measurement. Default: High voltage (105 V) Susceptibility: Selects the susceptibility with which ARGUS performs isolation resistance measurement. Robust for ext. The measurement is reliable in the event of external voltages up to voltage: 17 V.
  • Page 53 10 Isolation resistance measurement (Iso.) Starting Isolation resistance measurement ARGUS in the status display. Isolation resistance measurement is not yet started. Opens the Copper Box menu <Menu> Inverts the polarity, <Pol. see page 52. inverse> Starts the isolation resistance <Start>...
  • Page 54 When continuously measuring with the susceptibility „Reliable for external volt- age“, the measured values cannot be updated directly after short-curcuiting the line. The measurement can repeat up to four times before the display shows a new value. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 55: Resistance Symmetry (Rsym)

    Always make sure that the measuring loops are properl connected to ground. If the Tip-Ring-Ground measuring loops are not earthed, the measurement cannot be con- ducted (e. g. clamping to painted, non-conducting termination frames with crocodile clips). ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 56 The measurement does not work when the earthing is interrupted at one of the connection points. However, it will work for a poor ground connection. Reason for cancellation of mea- surement (RE >10 kΩ). ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 57 4. If can intact conductor is used as an auxil- ilary conductor instead of ground, RE=RH, RH is then entirely on the order of magnitude of Ra and Rb. A complete twisted pair (Tip- Ring) can also be used for this. ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 58 (see page 11) may not be exceeded. A loop must be created between Tip-Ring-Ground. This can be achieved using the instru- ment kit function "Tip-Ring-Ground". See the chapter Technical data page 14 for information on measuring ranges, resolutions and accuracies of resistance symmetry measurement. ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 59 Settings Description Wire types: See page 30 for an explanation of wire types. Susceptibility: Selects the susceptibility with which ARGUS performs resistance symmetry measurement. Robust for external The measurement is reliable in the event of external voltages up to voltage: 30 V.
  • Page 60 11 Resistance symmetry (RSym) Starts resistance symmetry measurement ARGUS in the status display. The resistance symmetry measurement is not yet started. Opens the Copper Box <Menu> menus, see page 20. Starts the resistance symmetry <Start> measurement. Depending on the line characteristics, the measurement can take a few seconds.
  • Page 61 The relative deviation is below 1 %. The wires are extremely homogeneous. The resistances Ra and Rb deviate greatly. The relative deviation is consider- ably above the recommended 1 %. The wires are extremely asymmetrical. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 62: Loop Resistance Measurement (R)

    See the chapter Technical data page 14 for information on measuring ranges, resolutions and accuracies of loop resistance measurement. Loop resistance measurement settings ARGUS in the status display. The loop resistance measurement is not yet started. When you select the susceptibility "Insecure (fast)", the red warning...
  • Page 63 Description Wire types: See page 30 for an explanation of wire types. Susceptibility: Selects the susceptibility with which ARGUS performs loop resistance measurement. Robust for external The measurement is reliable in the event of external voltages up to voltage: 3.5 V DC and 30 V AC.
  • Page 64 12 Loop resistance measurement (R) Starts loop resistance measurement ARGUS in the status display. The loop resistance measurement is not yet started. Opens the Copper Box <Menu> menus, see page 20. Starts loop resistance <Start> measurement. In this example, a loop resistance of 420 Ω...

  • Page 65: Calculating Line Length

    A large value such as 20 MΩ or >40 MΩ indicates that no line loop (intentional shorting) has been set up. Loop resistance cannot be measured then. 12.1 Calculating line length See page 49 for calculation of line length using the R-values. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 66: Dc Current Measurement (I=)

    The measuring range, resolution and accuracy of DC current measurement are described in the chapter Technical data, see page 14. DC current measurement settings ARGUS in the status display. The current measurement is not yet started Opens the Copper Box <Menu>...
  • Page 67 Default: Normal display Information bell: Select whether an acoustic signal sounds when a measured value is displayed. Default: off Starting DC current measurement ARGUS in the status display. The DC current measurement is not yet started. Opens the Copper Box <Menu>...

  • Page 68: Longitudinal Conversion Loss (Lcl)

    The measuring ranges, resolutions and accuracies of the LCL measurement are set out in the chapter Technical data, see page 14. LCL measurement settings ARGUS in the status display. The LCL measurement is not yet started. Opens the Copper Box <Menu>...
  • Page 69 Information bell: Selects whether an acoustic signal sounds when a measured value is displayed. Default: off Starting LCL measurement ARGUS in the status display. The LCL measurement is not yet started. Opens the Copper Box <Menu> menu, see page 20.
  • Page 70 However, a value >40 dB (as in this example 41.5 dB) is considered suffi- ciently symmetric. If a value <40 dB is measured, or even 7.8 dB as in this example, Tip or Ring may be shorted to Ground. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 71: Near-End Crosstalk (Next)

    15 Near-end crosstalk (NEXT) 15 Near-end crosstalk (NEXT) ARGUS generates a 1 MHz tone on line pair 1 and measures the crosstalk on the adjacent line pair 2, which can cause severe performance issues for DSL. A customer's line can pass through multiple segments.
  • Page 72 15 Near-end crosstalk (NEXT) NEXT measurement settings ARGUS in the status display. The NEXT measurement is not yet started. Opens the Copper Box <Menu> menu, see page 20. Starts the DC current <Start> measurement. Hotkeys/settings of NEXT measurement see page 20 and in the sheet under.

  • Page 73: Starting Next Measurement

    15 Near-end crosstalk (NEXT) 15.1 Starting NEXT measurement ARGUS in the status display. The NEXT measurement is not yet started. Opens the Copper Box <Menu> menu, see page 20. Starts NEXT measurement. <Start> The NEXT measurement is started. In this example, a crosstalk attenuation of 23.7 dB is measured.
  • Page 74 If a value <37 dB is measured, or even 5.8 dB as in this example, there may be a short between the two wire pairs. The tone is 100 % cross-coupled and severely interferes with the line. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 75: Signature Detection/Termination Detection

    (see page 11) may not be exceeded. Circuit diagrams: Signature PTT (inverted) Starting signature detection ARGUS in the status display. Signature detection is not yet started. Opens the Copper Box <Menu> menu, see page 20.
  • Page 76 Ring. See the table on page 77 for possible results. Starts a new signature <Restart> detection. In this example, a PPA and a signature circuit between Tip and Ring were detected. Starts a new signature <Restart> detection. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 77: Possible Results

    Cancellation, as no further detection is possible, e.g. NTBA connected, extremely long line. Other No termination detected Loop? R <8 kΩ Cancellation, as no further detection possible. Isolation fault? Rp <1 MΩ Cancellation, as no further detection possible. ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 78 16 Signature detection/termination detection ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 79: Fast Cable Check

    The loop between Tip/Ring/Ground can be realised manually or using an electronic instrument kit. Starting cable check ARGUS in the status display. The cable check is not yet started. Opens the Copper Box <Menu>...

  • Page 80: Possible Results

    20. Starts the cable check. <Start> Starts a new cable check. <Restart> 17.1 Possible results Test Possible results Remark Line Line OK Line pair connected correctly Line open Line pair not connected correctly, e.g. open. ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 81: Remote Kit Control (Rem.)

    18 Remote kit control (Rem.) 18 Remote kit control (Rem.) The Copper Box remote instrument kit control (Rem.) function enables ARGUS to control commonly available electronic instrument kits, such as the TX915/916. Before using the remote control function, make sure that the voltage limits specified in the table on page 11 are not exceeded during the measurement.
  • Page 82 18 Remote kit control (Rem.) Starting remote kit control ARGUS in the status display. Opens the Copper Box <Menu> menu, see page 20. Selects the command for <Start> remote kit control. In this example, the command "Exchange connect" is selected.
  • Page 83 The instrument kit type 900/905 creates a loop on port 4 for 3 sec. Port 2+4 connect The instrument kit type 900/905 connects port 2 with port 4. (90x) Port 3+4 connect The instrument kit type 900/905 connects port 3 with port 4 (90x) ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 84: Appendix

    Deutsches Institut für Normung - German Institute for Standardization Digital Subscriber Line DSLAM Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer Ground (earth) European Community Electromagnetic compatibility European standard Farad (unit of electrical capacitance) Gram Ground (earth) Hertz (unit of frequency) ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 85 Resistance b-wire Rem. Remote (instrument kit control) Resistance (R) and capacitance (C) Ground resistance Internal resistance Ring b-wire RoHS Restriction of Hazardous Substances Loop resistance Resistance symmetry Serial number SHDSL Single-Pair High-speed Digital Subscriber Line Sig. Signatures Symmetry ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 86 19 Appendix Tip (a-wire) Subscriber line Time domain reflectometry Tip, Ring, Ground Voltage AC voltage DC voltage Universal Serial Bus Volt Pulse propagation time Velocity of propagation Volts Peak-to-peak WEEE Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment ARGUS Copper Box...

  • Page 87: B) Software Licenses

    19 Appendix B) Software licenses The ARGUS firmware contains code from open-source packages published under a variety of licenses (GPL, LGPL, MIT, BSD, etc.). Additional information can be found on the CD-ROM included with your device (where ordered, see Software_License.htm) or on the internet at: http://www.argus.info/web/download/Software_License.

  • Page 88: C) Index

    Humidity ........................13 Index ..........................88 Input resistance ......................38 Instructions for use ......................9 Instrument kits ......................81 intec Gesellschaft für Informationstechnik mbH ............6, 87 Introduction ........................4 Isolation resistance measurement ................51 LCL ..........................68 ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 89 Capacitance measurement ..................7 DC current .......................7 DC voltage .......................7 Isolation resistance measurement ................7 Longitudinal conversion loss ...................7 Loop resistance .......................7 Near-end crosstalk (NEXT) ..................7 Start symmetry measurement ..................25 Starting capacitance measurement .................43, 47 Starting DC current measurement .................67 ARGUS Copper Box...
  • Page 90 Starts loop resistance measurement ................63 Storage temperature ......................13 Support ........................6, 87 Susceptibility ........................43 Technical features ......................5 User safety ........................13 Using the ARGUS Copper Box ..................18 Version ..........................1 Voltage measurement examples ...................39 Voltage thresholds ......................11 Website ........................6, 87 WEEE ..........................12 Wire types ........................30...

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