AEA Technology E20 Basic Manual

AEA Technology E20 Basic Manual

Step time domain reflectometers

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Step Time Domain Reflectometers
Step Time Domain Reflectometers
E20/20 TDR and Avionics TDR
TDR and Avionics TDR all models

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Summary of Contents for AEA Technology E20

  • Page 1 Step Time Domain Reflectometers Step Time Domain Reflectometers E20/20 TDR and Avionics TDR TDR and Avionics TDR all models...
  • Page 2 © 2012-2016 by AEA Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. This document and all software or firmware designed by AEA Technology, Inc. is copyrighted and may not be copied or altered in any way without the written consent from AEA Technology, Inc.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Section 1. Getting Started Warnings and Operating Precautions………………………………………………… Operating Guidance Documents................Keypad and LCD Display..................2 Connector Configurations..................3 Measurement Screen..................... Keypad ........................ON/OFF Key......................Soft Reset....................... 4 Hard Power Down....................Arrow, Escape & Enter Keys................... 5 Menu Keys......................
  • Page 4 Noise Filter....................... 18 Cables......................18 Pick/Edit List....................18 Manual Entry....................18 Velocity Search....................18 Sample a Cable....................19 Distance Units....................19 Selected Cable....................19 Measurement Screen and Controls (Function Keys)..........20 Range......................20 Z Scale......................20 CRSR 1 & CRSR 2..................21 Tone…………………………………………………………………......
  • Page 5 WARNING Explosive atmosphere testing was accomplished on our TDRs to meet MIL-SPEC 810G, Method 511.5, Procedure 1. The E20/20 TDR and Avionics TDR are free of any internal ignition sources. However, the following ignition sources are a potential spark hazard and appropriate precautions apply:...
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  • Page 7: Section 1 Getting Started

    If you have not already done so, please read the Explosive Atmosphere Warning and other operating precautions on page III right after the Table of Contents. Basic and Advanced Training for the E20/20 TDR’s and Avionics TDR is available in Microsoft ®...
  • Page 8: Keypad And Lcd Display

    Keypad and Display (same for both E20/20 TDRs and Avionics TDR Top Connectors - See Figure 1-2 for all available connector combinations Ruggedized ABS Plastic Case Quarter VGA Backlit LCD Escape Key Exits menus Measurement Screen or one level up in Menu Keys menus.
  • Page 9: Connector Configurations

    Top End Connector Configurations E20/20N TDR Part Number 6021-5000 – Broadcast Cable List and N-to-BNC adapter included. E20/20F Network (F and RJ-45 Connectors) Part Number 6021-5041 – CATV Cable List Part Number 6021-5042 – Telco Cable List E20/20B Network (BNC and RJ-45 Connectors) Part Number 6021-5053 –...
  • Page 10: Measurement Screen

    Measurement Screen Figure 1-3 Keypad ON/OFF key – Press once to turn the TDR on. This will restore all the previous settings from the last time it was turned off. Press once to turn the TDR off. Soft Reset To perform a Soft Reset se the following instructions: With TDR off, press and hold the ENTER Key through step 3 2.
  • Page 11: Hard Power Down

    Hard Power Down If the firmware hangs up during operation the TDR may not power down with a 1 second press of the ON/KEY. In this case press and hold the key for at least 10 seconds. When released, the TDR should power down.
  • Page 12: Menu Keys

    Meter’s menu is shown in Figure 1-5. Figure 1-5 NOTE: The E20/20N TDR model has only one input port so no INPUT CHANNEL selection appears on that model’s Meter menu. Both the BATTERY MENU and DATE/TIME are sub-menus selected by pressing the right arrow key when the cursor is next to that item.
  • Page 13: Trace

    Trace Key opens a menu for viewing and making changes in the display plot settings, leads distance, and activating a turning on MICRO FAULT detection, eliminating the test noise filter. The Trace key’s menu is shown in Figure 1-6. Figure 1-6 Memory key opens a menu for saving and recalling traces.
  • Page 14: Function Keys

    Function Keys General - All the function keys activate and de-active with one press. When active the green LED will light. Some function keys can not be operating simultaneously and will automatically de- activate other function keys when selected. Range Key – When active, this key uses the ◄► arrow keys to control the display ranges.
  • Page 15: Tone

    Cursor 1 only – Single cursor in the display and a single CRSR1 data line below the plot. Cursor 2 only – Single cursor in the display and a single CRSR 2data line below the plot. Cursor 1 & 2 active – Dual cursors in the display and two data lines below the plot. Top data line will indicate the last cursor key pressed (active cursor), display that cursor’s data, and is under control of the ◄►...
  • Page 16: Alpha-Numeric Keys & Backspace Key

    Alpha-Numeric Keypad and Backspace Key General – The alpha-numeric keypad shown in figure 1-10 is for entering values and names. The keys work similar to cell phone pads. Repeated pressing of the same key will cycle from the number to the next alphabetic character. First character above the “1” key is the “space.” The “Bcksp”...
  • Page 17: Section 2. Setup And Measuring Cables General

    Section 2 Setup and Measuring Cables General Information The following pages provide some basic information concerning cable construction and how a step TDR works. This information is designed to help users set up their TDRs and better understand what a step TDR can show about a particular cable type. For more detailed information please refer to the Operating Manual found on the CD included with the TDR or available on our web site at www.aeatechnology.com.
  • Page 18: Impedance Effects

    This phenomenon is referred to as “Dribble Up.” More detailed information about impedance, velocity factor and loop resistance are contained in the TDR Operating Manual and AEA Technology’s TDR application notes found on the CD shipped with the TDR and at www.aeatechnology.com.
  • Page 19: Menu Navigation Guide

    Menu Navigation When working in the menus here are some basic navigation rules: ▼▲ Use the up/down arrow keys to move the menu cursor [ ] to the desired feature/function. ◄► Use the right arrow key to enter a feature or function and make selections. Many features have a hidden horizontal menu of options.
  • Page 20: Manual Setups

    CAUTION – The E20/20’s smart charger is not designed for charging LiON cells. Attempting to do so may result in damaged cells, damage the instrument and potentially...
  • Page 21: Charger Status

    BATTERY MA-HR Use this feature to change the mAhrs setting to the re-chargeable cell rating installed. This will adjust the charging and compute the correct time remaining per the cell’s rating. The remaining items in the BATTERY MENU are status only and not user adjustable. EST.
  • Page 22: Trace

    Use the ▲▼to select the date or time entry to change and the ◄► arrows to cycle through the selections. Press the to save and return to the “Meter” menu. The “Trace” menu permits viewing or setting all of the following Measurement Screen options: Z SCALE (OHMS) –...
  • Page 23: Test Lead Null

    Figure 2-6A The microfault at about 25 feet (5 Ohms) may not be service affecting. The microfault at 55 feet (12 Ohms) is most likely service affecting. Anything over 15 Ohms is certain to affect service Figure 6B There are two small faults marked by the cursors at in this coax cable either could be service affecting depending on the frequency employed on the cable.
  • Page 24: Noise Filter

    NOISE FILTER - Use ◄► to turn ON or OFF the filter. When ON this filter reduces unwanted noise signature on the cable’s trace. This menu provides for two ways to select a cable: 1. From a pre-stored Cable List, and 2.
  • Page 25: Sample A Cable

    actual VF. Press to accept and return to the Measurement Screen and use the modified VF. SAMPLE A CABLE - This feature permits measuring a cable’s velocity factor. It requires knowing the cable’s length in feet and inches or meters to make that entry valid and obtain an accurate velocity factor.
  • Page 26: Measurement Screen And Controls (Function Keys)

    Measurement Screen and Controls Figure 2-7 Figure 2-7 is an example of the measurement screen. The plot displayed has two axis controls. The “Range” key, when active, used with the left/right arrow keys control the display range. The “Z Scale” key used with the up/down arrow keys control the impedance scale. Figure 2-8 Figure 2-8 shows the “Cable”...
  • Page 27: Crsr 1 & Crsr 2

    Figure 2-9 In figure 2-9 both cursors are enabled. The top cursor line will show the distance and impedance for CRSR2 as that was the last cursor key pressed or “Active” cursor. The bottom cursor line will show the difference in distance and impedance from CRSR1’s position to CRSR2’s position. NOTE: When the differential reading from the active cursor is from left-to-right (going away from the TDR) the distance reading will be positive.
  • Page 28: Example Traces And Faults

    Example Traces and Faults Figures 2-7 and 2-9 (shown earlier) are both examples of an open cable. Whether coax, twisted pairs, or single-wires in a harness, the trace will go from the cable’s normal impedance straight upward to maximum impedance reading (>5 x Z ) if one or both conductors are open at the cable’s far end.
  • Page 29 Figure 2-14 displays the trace for a 75 Ohm coax cable with a series resistive fault marked by the Cursor 1. This is typical of a poor connection or corroded barrel connector. Figure 2-14 Figure 2-15 is an example of water in a 75 Ohm cable and figure 2-16 is an example of a wet tap. Remember TDR distances in and after a wet section are invalid as the velocity slows to an unknown velocity in the wet section.
  • Page 30 Figure 2-18 is an example of a bridged tap on a twisted pair cable. The tap starts at the downward excursion and ends at the point the trace starts upward. Taps can be spliced on the pair or be a drop cord plugged into a wall outlet. Bridge Taps are common on older homes and business wired using the telco loop.
  • Page 31: Saving And Recalling Traces

    Section 3 – E20/20 TDR and Avionics TDR Memory and ETDR PC Vision Software Saving and Recalling Traces General Traces saved in the TDR’s memory can be recalled on the TDR’s display or uploaded to a PC using ETDR PC Vision software where they can be archived on the PC or other memory media.
  • Page 32: Recall Traces

    Figure 3-2 Use the alpha-numeric keypad to enter the trace name. Each key cycles from the number to the next letter of the alphabet shown above the key. When the desired character is entered use the ►key to move the cursor to the next digit position and repeat character entry until completed. When the name is complete (11 characters maximum) press the ENTER key to save the trace with the name.
  • Page 33: Restore Prior Settings

    , Windows 8 & 8.1 , Windows 10 NOTE: TDR PC Vision (for 20/20TDR models) and ETDR PC Vision (for E20/20 TDR and Avionics TDR models) can reside on the same PC. However, they must be used with their respective instrument models.
  • Page 34: Installation

    Windows installation guide until completed. When finished the ETDR PC Vision icon will appear on the desktop. Downloading from AEA Technology’s web site – Go to www.aeatechnology.com. In the tool bar at the top of the home page, position the mouse point on “Literature and Software” then click on “Software”...
  • Page 35: Connection Error Correction

    Figure 3-4 Connection Error – If ETDR PC Vision can not locate the TDR or if the TDR can not establish a Com Port connection link, click on the “Com Port Utilities” tab to open the tab shown in Figure 3- 5.
  • Page 36: Get Trace Tab

    Once communications is established between the TDR and the PC, the “Serial Port Status” block will look like figure 3-6. Figure 3-6 Get Trace Tab (Figure 3-4) With communications established between the PC and the TDR a trace upload can be accomplished by one of the following: “Plot Current Trace”...
  • Page 37: Open Trace Plot

    “View Available” – To view traces stored in the TDR’s memory press this button first to upload and display the list of traces stored in the list area of this tab. NOTE: The following actions can apply to one trace, multiple selected traces or all traces shown in the uploaded list of traces.
  • Page 38: Plot Controls

    Plot Controls Cursors – The red and blue cursors can be clicked on and dragged, slide bar moved or fine positioned using the control arrows in the data window. Chart Zoom – To zoom in on any part of the trace position the mouse at the upper left point of interest, click and hold the left mouse button and drag it to the lower right position of interest and release the mouse button.
  • Page 39 Figure 3-9 Figure 3-10...
  • Page 40: Limited Warranty

    Maintenance, Service, Warranty and Accessories Limited Warranty AEA Technology, Inc., warrants to the original purchaser that the E20/20 TDR or Avionics TDR shall be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment. All units returned to the factory, delivery charges prepaid, and deemed defective under this warranty, will be replaced or repaired at this company’s option.
  • Page 41: User Troubleshooting Guide

    User Troubleshooting Guide Symptom Possible Solutions Causes On power up, Display contrast Adjust contrast with blank screen - Press relays may setting is not in “Meter” key, press ▲ 6 times, press ▼ once, press ► repeatedly until text click, but there line with is no visible temperature...
  • Page 43: Contact Us

    Power/Battery Charging Troubleshooting Guide Symptom Possible Cause(s) Correction External power is applied, but 1. Battery Type: NONE or ALKALINE 1. Set Battery Type and Battery Status is always IDLE or stuck in previously selected. Capacity to match cell type. BATT CHK 2.
  • Page 45 E20/20 TDR and Avionics TDR Specifications Characteristic AEA Technology E20/20 TDR and Avionics TDR Specifications Distance Range 0-13,250ft (3,300m) @ VF =.660c 0-20,000ft (5,000m) @ VF =.999c Resolution: TDR in feet = span/240 or 1/2 in @ 10ft span ETDR PC Vision in feet =...
  • Page 46 Characteristic AEA Technology E20/20 TDR and Avionics TDR Specification Display Plots Impedance Scales Zo +10, +25, +50, +100, and 0-200, 500, or 999 Ohms Range Scales: Feet 0-10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000ft Meters...
  • Page 47: Accessories, Wiring Guide, Resolution Tables, And Cold Weather Operations References

    Characteristic AEA Technology E20/20 TDR and Avionics TDR Specification Trace Export USB-Serial. AEA supplied PC software and USB Cable included PC Software "ETDR PC Vision" software included for trace upload, storing, printing & export. Cable List management & download, Memory Catalog...
  • Page 48 Characteristic Avionics TDR Kit’s Hard Case Specifications FOD Protection Custom foam for item securing and lid label for item ID and locating Transportation ATA 300, Category 1 rated Size 18.1 x 13.7 x 6.9 inches (48 x 35 x 18cm) Weight 11.5lbs (5.2Kg) with TDR and all accessories...
  • Page 49 E20/20 TDR and Avionics TDR Accessories With the addition of the Avionics TDR and its large number of specialized accessories this section expanded and is now in the Operating Manual, Appendix C. The Operating Manual can be found on the enclosed CD or by downloading it from www.aeatechnology.com/library...
  • Page 50 User Notes:...
  • Page 52 5933 Sea Lion Place, Suite 112 Carlsbad, CA 92010 Tel: 1-800-258-7805 or +1-760-931-8979 Fax: +1-760-931-8969 www.aeatechnology.com...

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