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Tempo Communications CableScout TV220E Instruction Manual

Time domain reflectometer (tdr) for cable tv & other types of metallic cables
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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
TV220E and TV220EX CableScout™
Time domain reflectometer (TDR) for
cable TV & other types of metallic cables
Read and understand all the instructions for use and safety information
before you use this tool. To see the latest updates about this product and
its software visit www.TempoCom.com.
TV220E-MAN Rev. 6
© Tempo Communications 2024
2024-08-20

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Summary of Contents for Tempo Communications CableScout TV220E

  • Page 1 TV & other types of metallic cables Read and understand all the instructions for use and safety information before you use this tool. To see the latest updates about this product and its software visit www.TempoCom.com. TV220E-MAN Rev. 6 © Tempo Communications 2024 2024-08-20...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Preface ........................... 5 Description ........................5 Safety ......................... 5 Purpose of this Manual ....................5 Warranty ........................5 Important Safety Information .................... 6 Contact Details ......................7 How to Use this Manual ....................8 Versions Described ...................... 8 Chapter 1.
  • Page 3 Choosing a Cable ....................... 41 Adding a Cable ......................41 Chapter 6. Saving and Loading Traces ..............46 Screen Shots ......................48 Saving or Loading a Trace ................... 49 Copying Files from TV220E to USB ................50 Chapter 7. Maintenance ................... 53 Error Messages ......................
  • Page 4 BLANK PAGE 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...

  • Page 5: Preface

    We aim to keep this manual up to date with software changes. Warranty Tempo Communications Inc. warrants to the original purchaser of these goods for use that these products will be free from defects in workmanship and material for one year. This warranty is subject to the same terms and conditions contained in Tempo Communications Inc.’s standard one-year limited warranty.

  • Page 6: Important Safety Information

    KEEP THIS MANUAL Important Safety Information SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL This symbol is used to call your attention to hazards or unsafe practices which could result in an injury or property damage. The signal word, defined below, shows the severity of the hazard. The message after the signal word provides information for preventing or avoiding the hazard.

  • Page 7: Contact Details

    Contact Details  www.tempocom.com USA Headquarters Tempo Communications Inc. 1390 Aspen Way, Vista, 92081, California USA  +1 800 642 2155 e- support@tempocom.com EMEA Sales Office Tempo Europe Limited, Suite 8, Brecon House, William Brown Close, Cwmbran, NP44 3AB UK ...

  • Page 8: How To Use This Manual

    TV220E/EX. Tempo Communications use a policy of continuous improvement, and you may notice changes to some operations because of software updates or instrument options. If this copy of the instructions appears out of date, visit the product page at www.tempocom.com to...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1. Testwizard

    Chapter 1. TestWizard TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...
  • Page 10 BLANK PAGE 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    Chapter 1. TestWizard TestWizard is the quickest and easiest way to evaluate a cable and to find events. Set some parameters and the TV220E then automatically assesses the cable and displays a trace with the significant events marked. The automatic event detection system is designed for use on cables with well controlled impedance, such as coaxial cables.

  • Page 12: Testing & Checking Event Details

    The event detector must be set to “on” or “auto” to use. When “on” this will highlight events only on the visible window worse than the chosen threshold. When set to “auto” this will highlight the “n” worst events on the entire length of cable, up to the working range chosen. Now set the working range to a sensible distance for the cable you are testing, doing this ensures the algorithm does not waste time looking for events beyond the practical end of the cable.

  • Page 13: Chapter 2. Controls & Connections

    Chapter 2. Controls & Connections TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...
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  • Page 15: Controls And Connections

    Chapter 2. Controls and Connections Connections TV220E USB Drive Dust cover. 12V DC In (file transfer) Test Port Strap Ethernet* Attachment Charge Micro Points status LED. USB* TV220EX Dust cover. USB Drive (file transfer) Test Port Micro Ethernet* USB* * Ethernet and micro-USB connections are currently for factory use only. TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...

  • Page 16: Controls

    You charge TV220EX using Charge the 12V dc port on the status LED. right-hand side of the unit. The status LED is alongside. Red for 12V DC In charging, green for full. This simplifies charging with the unit closed. Controls 7”...

  • Page 17: Display

    A long press (>30 seconds) of the power button will force a full power down. Use this ONLY if the unit is “locked up.” Please report this to Tempo customer services so we might be able to update any bugs found. Menu Button The “hamburger”...

  • Page 18: Connectors

    Home (⠼) button Cable type selected (or “custom”) Trace type selected (below it shows “saved trace) Filename of any loaded trace (dimmed if that trace is not currently visible) Beginning of Cable (BOC) marker status Wireless status (whether Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are enabled) USB drive status (connected or not) Measurement range limit or not Battery status...

  • Page 19: Getting Started

    Micro USB Port This is currently unused. Ethernet Port This is currently only used in production. Getting Started After charging the TV220E and then powering it up with a press of the power button, you will see the “home screen” like this: These four icons on the “Home”...
  • Page 20 If you do not see the above screen when you first power on, tap the “home” icon in the top left of the screen or press the “menu” button (three horizontal lines) and choose the “home” icon and press “enter” (center of the cursor keypad). Accessories Straps Both TV220E and TV220EX kits have a shoulder strap.

  • Page 21: Chapter 3. Setting Up The Instrument

    Chapter 3. Setting Up the Instrument TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...
  • Page 22 BLANK PAGE 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...

  • Page 23: General Settings

    Chapter 3. Setting Up After selecting “SETTINGS” from the home screen you can configure the TV220E as you would like. Use the f1 to f4 keys or the icons above them to choose which section you would like to configure, f5 exits the settings screens back to the home screen. General Settings Here you can set: •...

  • Page 24: Measurement Settings

    “power down” (off) state. When in the “off” state the use of the battery is minimal and can remain usable for many months. Tip: To force the TV220E to fully power down, if you are not using it for some time, press and hold the power button, for over twenty seconds, until you see the blue backlight of the power button turn off.
  • Page 25 Vp Setting You can choose for the Vp (Velocity of Propagation) of the cable under test to be in the following forms: • Numeric factor of the speed of light “0.x;” acceptable range 0.3 to 1.0 “c” • Percentage of the speed of light 30% to 100% of “c” •...

  • Page 26: Time And Date

    Time and Date Here you will set: • Day of the month • Month of the year • Two-digit year • AM/PM or 24-hour time format • Hour • Minute • Time zone Please set up the time and date on your TV220E to suit your locality.

  • Page 27: Chapter 4. Testing A Cable

    Chapter 4. Testing a Cable TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...
  • Page 28 BLANK PAGE 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...

  • Page 29: Connection

    Chapter 4. Testing a Cable If you are a beginner or want to refresh your knowledge, or wish to gain more background on the fundamental principles of TDR please refer to chapter 10 Tips and Tricks for Effective TDR Test. In this chapter we will explain the user interface and how this relates to making TDR measurements.

  • Page 30: Cable Type

    To clear the “beginning of cable” marker, just tap “BOC ( x)” (f1). While BOC is set (even if the marker is hidden) BOC will be shown on the status line. Cable Type From the Home screen’s Cable Library or the Cable Library button within the TDR application you can choose the type of cable that you will be testing.
  • Page 31 The Auto Test Screen User distance Battery BoC Set Loaded file. setting status Cable type “Menu” button “Home” Button Trace mode. Detail trace (highlighted section) Orange highlight shows active window. Overview trace to end of cable or “user distance setting.” Save Test mode Events...
  • Page 32 Detail Trace Cursor Keys Up and Down keys allow adjustment of the currently selected parameter (gain or number of averages used for noise filtering in Auto mode, additionally you can adjust pulse width and Vp in Manual mode). You can adjust these parameters using the touchscreen by tapping on the parameter and then using the dialogue that appears.
  • Page 33 Name of “saved” trace being shown. Return Loss or Event Return Loss Traces: Saved in Green, Live in Blue Sum of return losses to cursor Enable Number of events to flag. Threshold Return Loss or User distance Event Return Loss setting Note that when a return loss is shown with the form “>X”...
  • Page 34 Manual TDR Mode If you want to fully control all aspects of the TDR including setting custom velocity of propagation or using different pulse widths, then choose “Manual TDR.” If you are in Auto mode, press f1 (labelled Auto) and you should see f2 becomes “A > M” standing for “switch from Auto to Manual mode”.

  • Page 35: Returning To Auto Mode

    VoP Units The velocity of propagation can be expressed as a simple factor (0.300 to 1.000) of the speed of light in a vacuum. Or in feet per microsecond or metres per microsecond or as a percentage. However, VoP when entered directly must always be entered as a factor between 0.3 and 1.0 the speed of light.

  • Page 36: Test Types

    Test Types From the “quick menu” you can choose the test type within the TDR application: If you do not have any other traces loaded into memory, then you will only see the options for “live trace” and “intermittent” mode as shown to the left.
  • Page 37 Saved Traces If you have selected a previously saved trace from the files menu or “results” mini application, then you will see more options for the test type shown on the “quick menu;” these are: • Saved Trace. Static display of a saved trace.

  • Page 38: Chapter 5. Cable Library

    Chapter 5. Cable Library 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...
  • Page 39 BLANK PAGE TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...

  • Page 40: Cable Data

    Chapter 5. Cable Library Your TV220E comes with a pre-installed cable library of typical cable TV coaxial cables. But these are not the only cable types that you can test. It is important to remember that you can apply time domain reflectometry to most types of cables. Please see chapter 10 for more information on how to test cables other than coaxial.

  • Page 41: Choosing A Cable

    Choosing a Cable With the list of cables visible on the screen, tap on or use the cursor keys to highlight the cable type you wish to work with. Then press the “download” button (f2) to activate the highlighted cable. The parameters of this cable will now be used for testing until another cable is chosen or parameters are adjusted manually in the “manual”...
  • Page 42 Press or tap on the “Save” icon (f1) to use the name entered. Enter the “velocity of propagation” Vp of the cable. This must be done in the form of a factor of the speed of light 0.xxx, you only need enter the digits xxx, the zero is implied. Select and enter or tap on “Save.”...
  • Page 43 Enter the approximate “loss in decibels per 100m at 500MHz” of the cable. You can find this information on the manufacturer’s datasheet. This is needed to accurately calculate the “event return loss” and for the automatic event detector to work well. Once the above details are entered, you can choose to set the cable “type,”...
  • Page 44 Quality of Cable Data If you review cable manufacturer’s data for their cables you will find that there is often no tolerance figure given for any of the technical parameters; VoP, loss, impedance, resistance etc. or if you can find them, the tolerances are somewhat wider than you might expect. In a later chapter we describe how the physical dimensions and materials used to create the cable are critical in setting all these parameters.
  • Page 45 BLANK PAGE TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...

  • Page 46: Chapter 6. Saving And Loading Traces

    Chapter 6. Saving and Loading Traces 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...
  • Page 47 BLANK PAGE TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...

  • Page 48: Screen Shots

    Chapter 6. Saving and Loading Traces One of the powerful features of the CableScout TV220E is that you can make comparative measurements between old and new traces. This may be because you record “as installed” traces when cables are new or were previously tested and comparing this to the current state of the cable could give a good sign of where a fault may have developed.

  • Page 49: Saving Or Loading A Trace

    Saving or Loading a Trace When you save a trace, you are saving the “raw” captured data which includes the date and time of the test, the serial number of the unit, details of the cable type selected, any “event markers”...

  • Page 50: Copying Files From Tv220E To Usb

    Load a Trace To load an existing trace into memory of the TV220E, you highlight the chosen trace in the list and press the “load” button (f2). If you then choose to show the saved trace, or live trace & saved trace in the TDR then this trace will be used. When a trace is loaded into the memory buffer, its filename will be displayed on the status line.
  • Page 51 When the “results” screen is chosen you will see a screen that lists the files currently visible on the “local” and “USB” drives: From here you can highlight a file to work with, either using the cursor keys (up and down) or by tapping directly on the screen.
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  • Page 53: Chapter 7. Maintenance

    Chapter 7. Maintenance TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...
  • Page 54 BLANK PAGE 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...

  • Page 55: Error Messages

    Chapter 7. Maintenance For information about using your TV220E, questions on applications of TDR techniques, or to send your instrument in for service, refer to the telephone numbers listed under “Warranty” in the Preface section of the manual. Error Messages Most error messages are the result of an internal failure, either hardware or software.

  • Page 56: Water Resistance

    Water Resistance TV220E, and TV220EX when it is open, are NOT “waterproof” (they can withstand light rain or splashing). If using outdoors in the rain, protect them from prolonged rain or splashing of water. TV220EX is built into a tough and highly water-resistant enclosure and can be carried to your worksite in the rain.

  • Page 57: Chapter 8. Specifications

    Chapter 8. Specifications TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...
  • Page 58 BLANK PAGE 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...
  • Page 59 Chapter 8. Specifications Maximum range: 5.58 km (when Vp=0.93) Trace buffer: 0 to 20,000 ns Basic Accuracy: ±0.01% ±300ps Horizontal Resolution (ns): 0.05 to 20 ns (varies with range) Gain 3 to 90dB in 3dB steps Pulse Widths: 2, 5, 25, 125, 250, 500 ns ±10%. Pulse Shapes: Raised Cosine (2, 5, 25 ns), Fast rise time square (125, 250, 500 ns), rise time (10% to 90% into 75Ω), 700±100ps...
  • Page 60 Battery Maintenance: The battery is protected by an internal battery management system (BMS) and designed for many years of service. Power Input: 12V dc (11 to 15V) at up to 2.5A. 5.5/2.1 Barrel connector, center positive Environment Storage Temperature: -20 to +60°C (-4 to +140°F) Operating Temperature -10 to +50°C (+14 to 122°F) Battery charging...

  • Page 61: Kit Content

    Kit Content Note that kits for some customers may differ. Check with your supervisor if you believe that something is missing. Here we describe the standard kits available from Tempo Communications under the model names TV220E and TV220EX. Description TV220E TV220EX Spare Shoulder Bag for...
  • Page 62 BLANK PAGE 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...

  • Page 63: Chapter 9. Glossary

    Chapter 9. Glossary TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...
  • Page 64 BLANK PAGE 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...
  • Page 65 Chapter 9. Glossary Alternating Current: a method of delivering electrical energy by periodically changing the direction of the flow of electric current in the circuit or cable. Even electrical signals designed to deliver direct current (DC) usually fluctuate enough to have a proportion of AC. Cable Attenuation See “Line Loss.”...
  • Page 66 Direct Current: a method of delivering electrical energy by maintaining a constant flow of electrical current in one direction. Even circuits designed to generate only alternating current (AC) may have a DC component. Event Return Loss (ERL) Estimates the true severity of an event by subtracting the specified cable loss from the measurement of reflected energy.
  • Page 67 Reflection A reflection occurs wherever there is a change of impedance in the cable. At this point a proportion (see Reflection Co-efficient) of the incident energy is reflected towards the source. Note also that some reflected energy from further along the cable already heading back towards the source may be reflected again causing “false echoes”...
  • Page 68 BLANK PAGE 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...

  • Page 69: Chapter 10. Tips And Tricks For Effective Tdr Testing

    Chapter 10. Tips and Tricks for Effective TDR Testing TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...
  • Page 70 BLANK PAGE 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...

  • Page 71: Time Domain Reflectometry

    Chapter 10. Tips and Tricks for Effective TDR Testing Time Domain Reflectometry A time domain reflectometer (TDR) is a device that uses a principle like RADAR to measure the time taken for a signal to travel along a cable and back. The TDR sends energy into the cable and records the reflected energy coming back to the source from “events”...
  • Page 72 Conductors & Insulators Cables are made up of parts which are metallic called “conductors” which are then separated from each other and “ground” by “insulators.” When we were in school, we were told that electrons in the conductors carry the electricity from one end to the other. Well, at the “macro”...

  • Page 73: Velocity Of Propagation

    cases physically rotate or shift slightly from their equilibrium position. If a dielectric is composed of weakly bonded molecules, those molecules not only become polarized but can also re-orient so that their symmetry axes align to the field (a good example of a molecule that can do this is water –...
  • Page 74 in a cable is enhanced. The 75-ohm termination absorbs all the incident energy resulting in no reflection whilst all incident energy is reflected by an open (cut end) or fully shorted cable. Interpreting the Trace Low impedance event High impedance event Leading edge = start of event The leading edge of any event indicates where the event is located.

  • Page 75: Testing Other Types Of Cable

    Deviations from a straight line on the trace indicate a change of impedance of the cable. Below the line where an event is of “lower impedance” than the surrounding cable. Above the line for events of “higher impedance” than the cable. The amplitude (height) of the wiggle above or below the line is directly proportional to the difference in impedance (see “reflection co-efficient”...

  • Page 76: Fundamentals

    Fundamentals Cables and Velocities of Propagation Cable Construction The metals used, “shape” and general makeup of the cable have negligible effect on “speed.” Twisted pairs or coax made with similar materials have the same speed (velocity of propagation), but different frequency responses. Dielectric Interaction Cables conduct electric fields from A to B.

  • Page 77: Coaxial Cables

    have a uniform impedance along their length. This impedance is derived from their geometry and the dielectric constant of the dielectric (insulation). Cable Impedance You probably already know about “resistance” which can be expressed in ohms; this is the ability or perhaps inability for a conductor to carry current; when some “electrical potential” (field) is applied to a conductor then a current (I) will flow and voltage (V) (assuming a “non- zero”...
  • Page 78 water is a highly “polar” molecule). So, “water” present in a cable can also be seen with a TDR; but the effects can be hugely variable depending upon temperature and contamination of that water. At higher frequencies: = √ �� �� ��...
  • Page 79 Reflection Reflection co-efficient is a measure of the amplitude of the reflected energy relative to the “incident energy.” This can be expressed using the following formula where �� is the source impedance and �� is the “load” impedance. �� �� −...
  • Page 80 Percentage Return Loss Some people like the simplicity of expressing the return loss as a percentage. When simply working with the reflection co-efficient in this way, rather than in decibel form allows for simpler “fault arithmetic” (adding up of reflections). The following table shows the calculated reflection co-efficient based upon the mismatch between source and load impedance.
  • Page 81 Decibel Return Loss Remember that when working in decibels, the “log” function returns an “indeterminate” result for zero. Therefore, where the impedances match, the “ERL” is a “big number.” Faults need repair when return loss is less than about 40 dB or so (you company’s threshold may differ). Adding event losses in decibels is tricky;...
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  • Page 83: Chapter 11. Tempo Report Writer

    Chapter 11. Tempo Report Writer TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...
  • Page 84 BLANK PAGE 2024-08-20 TV220E Instruction...

  • Page 85: Android

    Chapter 11. Tempo Report Writer Enhanced Tempo has created a set of applications called “Tempo Report Writer Enhanced” (TRWE) that are available for download from the application stores for Android, iOS and Windows. The application is available through these channels as deployment can be better controlled by your own company’s IT team and we can make updates available to everyone more easily.

  • Page 86: Instructions

    Alternately search in the stores for “Tempo Report Writer Enhanced” or “TRWE.” Instructions The applications include a guided introduction on how to use them with the TV220E’s data files. Capabilities Files can be browsed on a wirelessly connected TV220E, transferred to the portable device, and added to reports.
  • Page 87 During the connection process the TV220E will display a connection confirmation pop-up dialogue box like this: After you have accepted the pairing request then you can transfer files from TV220E to your device. When you have downloaded files to the TRWE application you can add them to a current report or create a new report.

  • Page 88: Index

    Index amplitude, 73, 76, 77, 81 permittivity, 75, 79, 80 capacitance, 75 reflection, 14, 69, 73, 76, 77, 81, 82 Coaxial, 67, 79 Return Loss, 14, 61, 69, 78, 81, 82, 83 Conductors, 74 speed of light, 27, 44, 69, 74, 75 Dielectric, 67, 78 Susceptibility, 75 electromagnetic fields, 75...
  • Page 89 BLANK PAGE TV220E Instruction 2024-08-20...
  • Page 90 TV220E Instruction Manual USA Headquarters Tempo Communications Inc. 1390 Aspen Way, Vista, 92081 California USA  +1 800 642 2155 e- support@tempocom.com EMEA Sales Office Tempo Europe Limited, Suite 8, Brecon House, William Brown Close, Cwmbran, NP44 3AB  +44 1633 927 050 e-...

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