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Wavetek MS1300 Operation Manual

Scanning/logging signal level meter
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OPERATION MANUAL
MODEL MS1300
SCANNING/LOGGING
SIGNAL LEVEL METER
This document contains information proprietary to
Wavetek. The information in this document
is not to be used or duplicated in any manner without
the prior approval, in writing, of Wavetek.
Wavetek
Wavetek
Wavetek
Wavetek
Wavetek
CATV Division
5808 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203-6109
(800)851-1198
(317)788-5960
Fax: (317)782-4607
E-Mail: catvsupport@wavetek.com
Internet: http://www.wavetek.com
3/96
Manual Part No.
6510-00-0283
1

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  • Page 1 MODEL MS1300 SCANNING/LOGGING SIGNAL LEVEL METER This document contains information proprietary to Wavetek. The information in this document is not to be used or duplicated in any manner without the prior approval, in writing, of Wavetek. Wavetek Wavetek Wavetek Wavetek Wavetek...
  • Page 2 This warranty is not transferrable and does not apply to used or demonstration products. The obligation of Wavetek arising from a Warranty claim shall be limited to repairing, or at its option, replacing without charge, any assembly or component (except batteries) which in Wavetek’s sole opinion proves to be defective within the scope of the Warranty.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introducing microStealth ..............7 Introduction................7 Measurement Logging .............. 8 Auto Tests .................. 8 Multiple Channel Plans ............10 Getting Acquinted with the Keypad ........10 Getting Acquinted with the Screen ......... 12 The Navigator................15 Configuring microStealth ............16 Global Configuration ..............
  • Page 4 Checking Limits on an Individual Channel ....42 Measurement Hold ............43 Printing the Screen ............43 Storing a Scan File ............. 43 Warning Indicators ............. 44 Tilt ....................44 Moving the Marker ............45 Selecting the Low and High Carriers ....... 45 Adjusting the Reference Level .........
  • Page 5 Appendices Appendix A: Specifications............65 Appendix B: Power Management and Battery ....... 67 Battery Pack Location and Installation ......67 Charging the Battery Pack ..........67 Battery Tips ................ 67 Appendix C: Interface Port ............69 Connector ................69 Cable Specifications ............70...

  • Page 7: Introducing Microstealth

    MODEL MS1300 Introducing microSTEALTH INTRODUCTION The MS1300 Signal Level Meter is a high performance instrument designed for cable television technicians. The durable, water resistant MS1300 makes innovative use of a graphics LCD to simplify operation. The LCD backlight makes measurements easier in crawl spaces and behind TVs.

  • Page 8: Measurement Logging

    You can also print a report that lists all configuration settings including the channel plan. The MS1300 tunes from 45 to 550 MHz with an option to extend the range to 5 to 890 MHz.

  • Page 10: Multiple Channel Plans

    MULTIPLE CHANNEL PLANS The MS1300 stores channel plans that you have built and edited. This is convenient if you use your MicroStealth for more than one plant. You can quickly select the correct channel plan for the plant at which you are working.
  • Page 11 FULL SCAN MODE View a spectrum graph of all carrier levels in your channel plan. NAVIGATOR Instantly "travel" to any mode using the NAVIGATOR. ENTER KEY Press this key to terminate your entry or selection. 5. ALPHANUMERIC KEYS You use the alphanumeric keys to enter data while operating your microStealth.

  • Page 12: Getting Acquinted With The Screen

    SNAP SHOT Hold the measurement. The measurement is retained even if the cable is disconnected from the input. CLEAR Clear-out your entry and start over again. BACKLIGHT ON/OFF Quickly turn the backlight on when it is too dark to see the display.
  • Page 13 Title Bar Indicators You may see indicators appear above the title bar from time to time. This is what they represent: This indicator appears in the top right-hand corner of the screen when you press the SHIFT key. This means that microStealth interprets the next key that you press to be a secondary function.
  • Page 14 Note If the soft key function is not currently available, the icon appears "grayed" or "dimmed". Lists Lists present several items for viewing and/or selecting. Notice that the currently chosen item is highlighted. You can scroll through the list using the up and down arrows. A list can be either "active"...

  • Page 15: The Navigator

    An edit box can be either “active” or “inactive”. You can tell by looking at the border. If the border is solid, the edit box is active and any keys that you press are directed toward it. If the border is dim, the edit box is inactive and is not be affected by key presses.

  • Page 16: Configuring Microstealth

    CONFIGURING microSTEALTH Before using your microStealth, you may want to configure it for your specific needs. The CONFIGURE mode allows you to select global and measurement related preferences and to build and edit a channel plan that matches your cable plant. To configure your microStealth, press the SHIFT + keys or choose the...

  • Page 17: Global Configuration

    Global Configuration OPERATOR NAME You can personalize your microStealth by entering your name here. Your name will then appear on report printouts. CONTRAST LEVEL Adjusts the contrast level of the LCD for optimum viewing. SHUTOFF TIME-OUT Sets the amount of inactive time allowed before your microStealth turns off automatically.
  • Page 18 You can tell when the backlight is on even in bright sunlight by looking for the backlight indicator at the left-hand edge of the Title Bar. The indicator means that the backlight is currently on and will turn off automatically. The indicator means that the back- light is on and will remain on continuously.
  • Page 19 A serial to parallel converter (such as the on manufactured by Black Box Corp.) can be used for printing to a parallel printer. LINES/PAGE For text reports, you can specify the number of lines that will be printed on each page before a form feed command is sent. Enter 0 if you do not want any form feeds to be sent.

  • Page 20: Measurements Configuration

    Test Display Exercises all pixels on the LCD for test purposes. Re- peated pressing of the key sequences the display between all pixels "on", all pixels "off", and the display test screen. Measurements Configuration TEMPERATURE UNITS Selects the units that will be used for the ambient temperature during Auto tests.
  • Page 21 SCAN SCRAMBLED CHANNELS Scrambled channels require more time to measure. You can achieve a faster scan by omitting scrambled channels. Select YES if you want to see scrambled channels in the full scan screen. EDIT TEST POINTS Your microStealth is capable of performing tests at various locations including;...
  • Page 22 You can edit the limits for the highlighted test point by pressing the soft key. The limits appear on the screen. You can selectively enable or disable each individual limit. When a limit is disabled, your microStealth excludes it when checking limits.

  • Page 23: Channel Plan Configuration

    Channel Plan Configuration SELECT CHANNEL PLAN Channel plans are stored automatically when they are created. Use this option to select from a list of available plans. A small arrow appears in the list to the left of the name of the currently active plan.
  • Page 24 CHANNEL SEQUENCE You can specify whether channels are listed in numeric or fre- quency order. This setting also affects the sequence in which channels are tuned in the LEVEL screen when using the left and right arrows. Note The SCAN screen always displays channels in order of frequency regardless of the CHANNEL SEQUENCE setting.
  • Page 25 Step 3 You can tell microStealth what frequency to stop searching for channels. This will save time when building the plan. The frequency you enter should be just above the highest channel on your system. If you are not sure what the frequency of your highest channel is, just use the default value that appears in the edit box.
  • Page 26 Important You must enable a channel in order to perform measurements on it. There are several parameters that you can specify for each channel. To do this, highlight the desired channel using the up or down arrow and press the soft key or the key.
  • Page 27 Channel Number The channel number can range from 1 to 999. Label You can enter a label up to four characters in length for each channel. This label appears next to the channel number on most screens to help you to remember what programming is on that channel.
  • Page 28 Notice that the selected channel number is displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the parameter list. When the list is active, you can use the left or right arrows to select the previous or next chan- nel in the plan. You can also use the numeric keys to directly enter a specific channel number.
  • Page 29 CHANNEL PACKAGES Channel packages allow you to organize channels into groups or tiers. You can specify which channels you have installed for a subscriber when checking an installation. Your microStealth can then determine if the channels are installed properly. Press the key to display a list of channel packages.
  • Page 30 There is no minimum on the number of channels that a package can contain. If you want, you can create a package for only one channel. COPY REMOTE PLAN You can easily copy a channel plan from one microStealth unit to another.

  • Page 31: Using Microstealth

    INTRODUCTION The best way to learn about microStealth is to use it. Section 2 discusses the individual measurements available with the MS1300. Each measurement mode discussion includes detailed descriptions on how to perform the measurement as well as operating controls and indicators.

  • Page 32: Selecting Channel Packages

    SELECTING CHANNEL PACKAGES If you have configured channel packages, a list of available pack- ages will appear. From this list, you can select the packages that the subscriber has ordered. The number to the right of the package name tells you how many channels are included in each package. Use the up or down arrows to highlight a package and then press the soft key to select it.

  • Page 33: Installation Results Summary

    Note Be sure that you have enabled all of the test points that you are interested in using. The soft key is only available if there is more than one enabled test point. (see EDIT TEST POINTS). Important Only the limits that are enabled in the selected test point are checked (see EDIT TEST POINTS).

  • Page 34: The Channel List

    THE CHANNEL LIST Press the soft key or to sequence to the channel list screen. In addition to using the keys, you can also use the left and right arrows to sequence through the results screens. The channel list provides essential information about each channel. In the list you will find the channel number in the first column followed by the label.

  • Page 35: Channel Measurement

    Adjacent Channel Failures lower adjacent channel level upper adjacent channel level both upper and lower adjacent channel levels Video Level Failures video level too high video level too low DVA Failures DVA too high DVA too low CHANNEL MEASUREMENT Press the soft key or to sequence to the channel measure- ment screen.

  • Page 36: Printing An Installation Report

    PRINTING AN INSTALLATION REPORT Press the SHIFT + keys to print a comprehensive report of the installation results. A bar graph appears indicating the status of the printout. The report lists level measurements for all the channels that you installed and indicates out-of-limit conditions with an overall PASS/FAIL conclusion.

  • Page 37: Adjusting The Reference Level

    ADJUSTING THE REFERENCE LEVEL You can adjust the reference level setting of the analog bar meter using the up and down arrows. When you press the SHIFT + keys, your microStealth automatically sets the optimum reference level for you. TUNING BY CHANNEL When you are tuned to a channel, both the video and audio carriers of the channel are measured and displayed simultaneously.

  • Page 38: Measurement Hold

    Use the left and right arrows to tune your microStealth. The frequency increments or decrements by the step size that you have specified in the Measurement configuration (see FREQUENCY TUNING STEP SIZE). You can also use the numeric entry keys to tune directly to the frequency desired.

  • Page 39: Warning Indicators

    WARNING INDICATORS If the current measurement is inaccurate due to an out-of-range condition or hardware failure, microStealth warns you by dimming the numeric measurement value and displaying one of the following warning indicators. Over-range The signal level is above the measurement range of the instrument.

  • Page 40: Moving The Marker

    MOVING THE MARKER A vertical marker appears over the currently selected channel. The channel number, type and label appear in the upper right-hand portion of the screen. The frequency and level of the video and audio carriers for the selected channel can be seen directly beneath the graph.

  • Page 41: Zooming In And Out

    ZOOMING IN AND OUT To zoom in on or out from the channel selected by the marker, press the soft key. A new set of soft keys appear. Use the soft key to zoom in and the soft key zoom out. The magnifica- tion factor is displayed above the graph.

  • Page 42: Checking Limits On An Individual Channel

    Note Be sure that you have enabled all of the test points that you are interested in using. The soft key is only available if there is more than one enabled test point. (see EDIT TEST POINTS). When you have selected the limits submenu, the marker informa- tion below the graph is replaced by the overall limit check summary for channels currently being displayed on the graph.

  • Page 43: Measurement Hold

    Up or down arrows to the left of the video level and DVA numeric measurement tell you when the limits have been exceeded. measurement too high measurement too low When an adjacent channel error occurs, one of the following indicators will appear in the lower left-hand area of the marker information area: lower adjacent channel level upper adjacent channel level...

  • Page 44: Warning Indicators

    WARNING INDICATORS If the current measurement is inaccurate due to an out-of-range condition or a hardware failure, MicroStealth warns you by display- ing one of the following warning indicators to the left of the nu- meric level measurement in the marker information area: Over-range The signal level is above the measurement range of the instrument.

  • Page 45: Moving The Marker

    Important You can choose which carriers appear on this screen when you configure your channel plan (see SELECT TILT CHANNELS). MOVING THE MARKER You can view up to six carriers. A vertical marker appears over the currently selected carrier. The channel number, type and label appear in the upper right-hand portion of the screen.

  • Page 46: Measurement Hold

    See the section on VIEW mode to find out how to access files that you have stored. SCAN The MS1300 includes an additional SCAN mode that can display up to six video carriers. You can access this mode by choosing the icon from the NAVIGATOR.

  • Page 47: Moving The Marker

    Note The channels that appear on this screen are the same ones that you selected when you configured your tilt channels. (see SELECT TILT CHANNELS). MOVING THE MARKER A vertical marker appears over the currently selected carrier. The channel number, type and label appear in the upper right-hand portion of the screen.

  • Page 48: Measurement Hold

    Note Be sure that you have enabled all of the test points that you are interested in using. The soft key is only available if there is more than one enabled test point. (see EDIT TEST POINTS). When you have selected the proper test point, microStealth shows the minimum and maximum carrier level limits for that test point on the graph.

  • Page 49: Storing A Scan File

    STORING A SCAN FILE Press the SHIFT + keys to store the current scan measurement into a file. A screen will appear asking you to enter a name for the file. Once stored, you will be able to recall the file at a later time and view it on the Scan screen.
  • Page 50 If you are not interested in logging the information, select NONE from the list. Your MicroStealth will present you with only the steps required to configure the test. You can rename the location highlighted in the directory by pressing the SHIFT + keys.
  • Page 51 Compensation Compensation is added directly to the signal level measure- ments. You can use this to compensate for losses associated with probe points found on certain amplifiers. The default is the Probe Compensation value specified in Configure. Enter a different value if necessary. Press the soft key to continue.

  • Page 52: Performing An Auto Test

    Important For scheduled tests, the manual temperature entry is used for the first interval only. Subsequent intervals will record the temperature as measured by the internal sensor. For accurate measurements, MicroStealth reads the internal temperature sensor immediately upon power-up. When you are ready to begin the test, press the soft key.

  • Page 53: Canceling An Auto Test

    Important To conserve battery life, your MicroStealth will automatically shut itself off between scheduled intervals. When the auto test is complete, MicroStealth will display a list of Auto Test files that are available for viewing and printing. Note See the section on VIEW mode to find out how to access files from Auto Tests that you have performed.

  • Page 54: The File Directory

    Use the up and down arrows to select the type of file that you want to view from the main menu and then press the key. THE FILE DIRECTORY Upon selecting the file category from the VIEW main menu, you are presented with a directory of existing files.

  • Page 55: Viewing Installation Files

    To delete the highlighted file, press the soft key. You can delete more than one file at a time by selecting multiple files using soft key. Each press of this soft key alternately selects and deselects the file that you have highlighted. An indicator appears in the left-hand column to show that you have selected the file.

  • Page 56: Viewing Scan Files

    VIEWING SCAN FILES There are three types of scans that you can store and view — full scans, six-channel scans and tilt measurements. The type of scan depends on which screen you are in when you store the file. Once the scan is stored, you cannot change its type.

  • Page 57: Viewing Auto Test Files

    Note You can print the entire screen at any time by pressing the SHIFT keys. A bar graph appears indicating the status of the printout. Note When viewing a Scan file, the date and time that the file was stored appears in the status bar and the file name appears at the top of the screen above the title bar.
  • Page 58 Note To print a 24-hour format report, use the up and down arrows to highlight the first interval that you want included in the report and then press SHIFT + . The report will include the highlighted interval plus the following three for a total of (up to) four intervals. To view the measurement data from an interval, use the up and down arrows to highlight the desired interval then press either the soft key or the...
  • Page 59 Indicators appear within the list to flag out-of-limit conditions. The following table relates each indicator with its meaning: * adjacent channel limit violation over limit violation under limit violation > over range measurement error < under range measurement error E unlocked measurement error To view the data for the channel highlighted in the list press the soft key or the key.
  • Page 60 Only the limits that are enabled in the selected test point will be checked. Note When viewing the data from an interval, you can print a compre- hensive report by pressing SHIFT +...

  • Page 61: Reference

    MODEL MS1300 Reference USING THE REFERENCE SECTION This section provides additional information concerning the use of the MS1300. Items to be discussed include; Help, Information, and Technical Support. HELP The HELP mode provides on-line user assistance by means of context-sensitive help screens. During normal operations, soft key icons appear at the bottom of the display.

  • Page 62: Information

    If an icon is currently inactive "feature not available" is displayed. INFORMATION Choose the icon from the NAVIGATOR. Here you can view information concerning your MS1300. The type of information includes; model, frequency range, serial #, firmware version, calibration date, and channel plan.

  • Page 63: Technical Support

    TECHNICAL SUPPORT We've worked hard to make the MS1300 as easy-to-use as possible. However, if you have a problem using your unit you can contact Wavetek's Technical Support for help. You can reach Wavetek's Technical Support, Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm at (317) 788-5960.

  • Page 65: Appendix A: Specifications

    MODEL MS1300 Appendix A: Specifications SPECIFICATIONS Frequency Range: 45 to 550 MHz; 45 to 890 MHz (optional); sub band option (5 to 45 MHz) Accuracy: +10kHz @ 25°C; (+20 kHz over temp.) Tuning Resolution: 25 kHz Level Measurement Range: -20 to +50 dBmV Resolution: 0.1 dB...
  • Page 66 Powering Battery Life: 3 hours continuous (backlight off), replaceable battery cartridge Charge Time: 16 hours with unit off; 30 hours slow charge (with unit operating) Standard Accessories 4010-00-0114: microStealth AC/DC charger/adapter 1219-00-1223: Battery cartridge for microStealth Options MSUHF: Frequency extension to cover range: 45 to 890 MHz MSSUB: Frequency extension to include 5 to 45 MHz 1019-00-0476: microStealth Soft Carrying Case 1019-00-0470: Cloning Cable...

  • Page 67: Appendix B: Power Management And Battery

    Management and Battery Battery Pack Location and Installation The MS1300 battery pack is located on the back of the unit. To remove or replace the battery pack, pull the notched tab downward, and lift up the battery pack. To install the battery pack, insert the bottom of the pack into the groove and press down on the battery pack until it clicks into place.

  • Page 69: Appendix C: Interface Port

    Appendix C: Interface Port CONNECTOR The MS1300 has a serial interface with RS232 drive, using a 3-pin stereo connector. The serial interface has a driver built in for RS232 serial binary data interchange. The connector is located on the bottom of the unit behind a waterproof cover.

  • Page 70: Cable Specifications

    CABLE SPECIFICATIONS MICROSTEALTH TO PC (1019-00-0469) MICROSTEALTH TO PRINTER(STANDARD) (1019-00-0467)
  • Page 71 MICROSTEALTH TO MICROSTEALTH (1019-00-0470) MICROSTEALTH TO PRINTER(CITIZEN) (1019-00-0467)

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