FOREWORD/IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS Dear customer, many thanks for choosing the Kathrein MSK 125 measuring instrument. Please read the following instructions carefully, so as to familiarise yourself with all the new functions before starting to use your instrument. Please comply with all the instructions in this operating manual. KATHREIN-Werke KG has done all it can to ensure that the data and descriptions in this operating manual are correct and complete.
FOREWORD/IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ... 3 CONTENTS ... 6 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ... 7 FUNCTIONALITY OPERATING AND DISPLAY ELEMENTS ... 13 CONNECTIONS ... 15 GETTING STARTED ... 15 SWITCH ON ... 15 SWITCHING OFF ... 15 SETUP MENU ... 15 SETUP MENU SETTINGS DEFAULT SETUP SETTINGS AT TIME OF SHIPMENT MAINS AND BATTERY OPERATION ...
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ANALOGUE CABLE/DVB C SWITCH HF STANDARD SWITCH - ANALOGUE CABLE (DEMOD MENU) CHANNEL DISPLAY AND ENTRY COMMAND OVERVIEW FOR TV CHANNEL ENTRY FREQUENCY DISPLAY AND ENTRY COMMAND OVERVIEW FOR TV FREQUENCY ENTRY “CABLE ANALOGUE” LEVEL MEASUREMENT LEVEL OVERFLOW AND UNDERFLOW AUDIO CARRIER SPACING AND LEVEL COMMAND OVERVIEW FOR “MEASURE TV AUDIO CARRIER FREQUENCY”...
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TECHNICAL DATA ... 71 TECHNICAL APPENDIX SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO DISEQC COMMANDS FOR KATHREIN MATRICES ... 73 CHANNEL TABLES CALCULATION OF SAT IF FREQUENCY USING THE MSK 125 ... 78 NOTES CONTENTS ... 55 ... 55 ... 55 ... 56 ... 59 ...
1 power cable 1 BNC measuring cable 2 adapters for BNC input – F input (one in the HF input of the MSK 125) 1 adapter for BNC input – F connector 1 adapter for BNC input – IEC input 1 adapter for BNC input –...
FUNCTIONALITY The MSK 125 is a mobile multi-purpose measuring device intended for analogue TV and Satellite, FM radio and for DVB-C, DVB-S(2) and DVB-T for battery and mains operation. The integrated 6.5 Ah lithium-ion battery and a rechargeable 230 V AC power unit are included in the scope of supply.
OPERATING AND DISPLAY ELEMENTS Measured values and settings are shown on the LC display. LC DISPLAY TFT COLOUR DISPLAY LED DISPLAY Based on operating mode and function the LC display displays • the set channel, • the set frequency, • the called function, •...
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OPERATING AND DISPLAY ELEMENTS TFT colour display TV picture/settings Source selection Measurements LC display Measurement results On/off button Settings Indication of LNB display operation mode Input block Cursor block...
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OPERATING AND DISPLAY ELEMENTS OVERVIEW OF KEYPAD COMMANDS Button Brief description of the function Switching the device on/off Sources Selection of SAT operation and switch between analogue and digital SAT Selection of cable TV operation and switch between analogue cable TV and digital cable TV Selection of terrestrial TV operation and switch between analogue terrestrial TV and digital terrestrial TV FM radio selection...
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OPERATING AND DISPLAY ELEMENTS Cursor block Reduce current values (frequency, channel, etc.) Increase current values (frequency, channel, etc.) Selection up Selection down Confi rm input or selection Reduce volume Increase volume SD card memory management Store measurement device settings and measured values Recall measurement settings and measured values Settings Default settings and setting the digital modulation parameters...
CONNECTIONS FRONT VIEW RF input USB port SD memory card Common Interface SCART (audio/video) SIDE VIEW Ear phones RS 232 Loudspeakers Battery fuse DC supply...
The supplied SD memory card is used to store the measuring results. You can use SD cards of up to 1 GB max. SCART OUTPUT Via the scart socket on the front side of the MSK 125 the video and audio signals are available for evaluation on an external monitor. The audio/video input.
• Set the desired volume using the For app. 1 second the LC display indicates the current software version and serial number of the MSK 125. Now feed the RF input with the reception signal from the receiver. LC display: •...
LNB DC LEVEL LOW LEVEL MUTE The MSK 125 can be operated on the mains or by means of its integrated battery. Remove the supplied AC power unit (100 V ... 250 V) from the packaging and connect it to the device and mains. The integrated lithium-ion battery and the green LED next to the indicate the external power supply.
Battery operation is only possible if the battery is charged suffi ciently. Otherwise the MSK 125 cannot be switched on. Once the battery has fully discharged it must be recharged immediately to avoid damage to the battery.
ANALOGUE SATELLITE RECEPTION In SAT mode the MSK 125 can be adjusted to “Analogue” and “DVB S(2)” reception types. SAT ANALOGUE/DVB-S(2) SWITCH FREQUENCY DISPLAY AND ENTRY COMMAND OVERVIEW OF SAT FREQUENCY ENTRY Example Note Press once = SAT analogue Press again...
LNB VOLTAGE AND 22 KHZ CHANGE-OVER The following voltages can be called up via button command: Command overview for LNB voltage Example The LNB supply voltage is available at the RF socket. To turn on or change the LNB voltage, press the The LNB voltage •...
“SAT digital reception”. Every analogue satellite video signal has multiple audio carrier frequencies assigned. On the MSK 125 you can listen to main and sub-audio carriers you choose. The audio carrier frequency can be adjusted from 5.0 MHz to 8.99 MHz in 10 kHz intervals. At 7.00 MHz the sound carrier bandwidth is automatically switched from “wide”...
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• Audio carrier bandwidth: Narrow = 150 kHz • Operating mode: SAT analogue After the SAT analogue mode is called the MSK 125 is always set to 7.02 MHZ audio carrier. Frequency changes to the audio carrier are only kept until you exit the SAT analogue mode.
Example Note DIGITAL SAT RECEPTION In SAT mode the MSK 125 can be adjusted to “Analogue” and “DVB S(2)” reception types. FREQUENCY DISPLAY AND ENTRY COMMAND OVERVIEW OF SAT FREQUENCY ENTRY Example Switching on the 22 kHz signal Press the...
Complete your frequency entry by pressing the The most recent frequency setting remains even after you switch the MSK 125 off if it has been entered with digits and confi rmed by pressing The LNB supply voltage is available at the RF socket. To turn on or...
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Command overview for LNB voltage Example Note Example Note Call the LNB menu Select LNB voltage Change LNB voltage in 0.1 V intervals 22 kHz signal on/off Exit the LNB menu Calling up 14 V LNB voltage: Press the buttons LC display: •...
8 data bits and one additional parity bit for the recognition of transmission errors. Multiple code words form one DiSEqC command. Code words are entered in hex code: Code words Parity bit The MSK 125 can send signals based on DiSEqC receive them. of the LNB 1.0 but cannot...
COMMAND OVERVIEW FOR DISEQC If a DiSEqC matrix is activated via DiSEqC must fi rst be ensured that the analogue LNB control voltage is set to the correct Satellite frequency plane. I.e. if a vertical satellite frequency plane is required, it is essential to set the analogue LNB control voltage to 14 V.
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Send the selected command string Exit DiSEqC Example of a user entry: You wish to check the EXR 22 Kathrein matrix. The command set for the EXR 22 matrix is E0 00 24 (LNB High) and E0 00 20 (LNB Low).
Set S4B Sleep Awake Write N0 The MSK 125 can send commands based on DiSEqC cannot receive them. All commands requiring DiSEqC and receive) are greyed out in the table. Commands in bold letters are preferred for Kathrein switching matrices.
Write N1 Write N2 Write N3 Read A0 Read A1 Write A0 Write A1 Write A7 LO string LO now LO Lo LO Hi Write Freq Ch.No. Halt Go E Go W P Status Read Pos Goto Write Pos COMMAND OVERVIEW FOR DATA BYTE Set port group 1 Expansion option Expansion option...
DVB-S(2) MER, BER AND OFFSET MEASUREMENT MPEG IMAGE REPRESENTATION IN DVB-S(2) The modulation error rate (MER), the bit error rate (BER) and the carrier frequency offset (LNB offset) can be measured to rate the digital reception quality. Note: In this case MER shown on the display has the same meaning as SNR (signal radio ratio).
LOCATING SATELLITES Command overview Example function allows you to search for satellites whose transponder frequencies are unknown. The frequency range from 1000 to 2100 MHz is continuously scanned for reception signals. If a reception signal is detected, the reception level is indicated in the display in the form of an increasing or decreasing bar.
FINDING INDIVIDUAL RECEPTION FREQUENCIES Command overview for fi nding Example function allows you to adjust the antenna to the maximum reception signal. The display indicates the reception in the form of an increasing or decreasing bar. The buttons allow you to set the measurement range to three sensitivity levels.
ANALOGUE TV CABLE RECEPTION In CABLE mode the MSK 125 can be set to the “Analogue” and “DVB-C” reception types. ANALOGUE CABLE/DVB C SWITCH HF STANDARD SWITCH - ANALOGUE CABLE (DEMOD MENU) Command overview: Note TV MEASUREMENT Press once = Analogue cable TV...
CHANNEL DISPLAY AND ENTRY COMMAND OVERVIEW FOR TV CHANNEL ENTRY Example Note FREQUENCY DISPLAY AND ENTRY TV MEASUREMENT To measure the level of a reception signal, you must fi rst enter the desired channel. The following channels can be set: •...
The most recent frequency setting remains even after you switch the MSK 125 off if it has been entered with digits and confi rmed by pressing Please note that the points before and after the channel number refer to the precisely set channel: CH: .10.
LEVEL OVERFLOW AND UNDERFLOW Note AUDIO CARRIER SPACING AND LEVEL COMMAND OVERVIEW FOR “MEASURE TV AUDIO CARRIER FREQUENCY” TV MEASUREMENT At a level < 30 dBµV the LC display indicates an underfl ow. LC display: • Channel: CH 05 • Operating mode: Analogue cable TV •...
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Example Example TV MEASUREMENT To measure audio carrier level spacing and level of TT1: Press now press and keep the button pressed. The LC display indicates the following values for app. 1 second: • Audio carrier level spacing - frequency: 5.5 MHz •...
Note DIGITAL TV CABLE RECEPTION In CABLE mode the MSK 125 can be set to the “Analogue” and “DVB-C” reception types. ANALOGUE CABLE/DVB C SWITCH HF STANDARD SWITCH - ANALOGUE CABLE (DEMOD MENU) Command overview: Note TV MEASUREMENT The audio carrier frequency cannot be adjusted. It is switched based on the set standard.
CHANNEL DISPLAY AND ENTRY COMMAND OVERVIEW FOR TV CHANNEL ENTRY Example Note FREQUENCY DISPLAY AND ENTRY TV MEASUREMENT To measure the level of a reception signal, you must fi rst enter the desired channel. The following channels can be set: •...
The most recent frequency setting remains even after you switch the MSK 125 off if it has been entered with digits and confi rmed by pressing Please note that the points before and after the channel number refer to the precisely set channel: CH: .10.
LEVEL MEASUREMENT OF “DVB-C”/“DVB-T/H” SIGNALS ANALOGUE CABLE/DVB C SWITCH DVB-C/DVB-T/H MER, BER AND OFFSET MEASUREMENT TV MEASUREMENT If you do not wish to change the modulation type, press • 1 = QAM 64 demodulation • 2 = QAM 128 demodulation •...
MPEG IMAGE REPRESENTATION IN DVB-C TV MEASUREMENT If you select DVB measurement by pressing screen displays the list of programmes that can be received on the digital transport stream. Use the and confi rm your selection by pressing To select the programme, you can also enter the displayed programme number directly.
ANALOGUE TERRESTRIAL TV RECEPTION In TERR mode the MSK 125 can be set to the “Analogue” and “DVB-T/H” reception types. ANALOGUE TERRESTRIAL/DVB T/H SWITCH HF STANDARD SWITCH - TERRESTRIAL SET CHANNEL BANDWIDTH Note HF STANDARD SWITCH Note TV MEASUREMENT Press once...
CHANNEL DISPLAY AND ENTRY COMMAND OVERVIEW FOR TV CHANNEL ENTRY Example Note FREQUENCY DISPLAY AND ENTRY TV MEASUREMENT To measure the level of a reception signal, you must fi rst enter the desired channel. The following channels can be set: •...
The most recent frequency setting remains even after you switch the MSK 125 off if it has been entered with digits and confi rmed by pressing Please note that the points before and after the channel number refer to the precisely set channel: CH: .10.
DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TV RECEPTION In TERR mode the MSK 125 can be set to the “Analogue” and “DVB-T/H” reception types. ANALOGUE TERRESTRIAL/DVB T/H SWITCH HF STANDARD SWITCH - TERRESTRIAL SETTING DVB-T/H DEMODULATION PARAMETERS Note HF STANDARD SWITCH - DVB-T Note...
CHANNEL DISPLAY AND ENTRY COMMAND OVERVIEW FOR TV CHANNEL ENTRY Example Note FREQUENCY DISPLAY AND ENTRY TV MEASUREMENT To measure the level of a reception signal, you must fi rst enter the desired channel. The following channels can be set: •...
The most recent frequency setting remains even after you switch the MSK 125 off if it has been entered with digits and confi rmed by pressing Please note that the points before and after the channel number refer to the precisely set channel: CH: .10.
TV MEASUREMENT LC display for DVB-C signals: • MER modulation error rate: 32.0 dB • Modulation = 64 QAM • BER bit error rate: 6.4e-8 • Standard = DVB-C • Carrier frequency offset: -0.10 MHz LC display for DVB-T signals: •...
FINDING INDIVIDUAL RECEPTION FREQUENCIES Command overview for fi nding Example TV MEASUREMENT function allows you to adjust the antenna to the maximum reception signal. The display indicates the reception in the form of an increasing or decreasing bar. The allow you to set the measurement range to three sensitivity levels. The bearing sound enables you to monitor the level.
NICAM AUDIO BIT ERROR RATE MEASUREMENT Example TV MEASUREMENT For better evaluation of the Nicam signal audio quality the bit error rate (BER) can be measured. To call bit error rate measurement: Press the button Press the button If the quality of the DVB signal is so good that no bit error can be detected, BER=0.000 is displayed.
The most recent frequency setting remains even after you switch the MSK 125 off if it has been entered with digits and confi rmed by pressing After you have set a frequency the level is measured automatically and displayed in dBµV on the LC display.
LEVEL OVERFLOW AND UNDERFLOW FINDING INDIVIDUAL RECEPTION FREQUENCIES COMMAND OVERVIEW FOR “FIND” Example FM MEASUREMENT At a level < 30 dBµV the display indicates an underfl ow. LC display: • Frequency: 104.8 MHz • Operating mode: FM • Level: underfl ow At a level >...
Note SAT SPECTRUM TV SPECTRUM SPECTRUM MEASUREMENT For evaluation of a receiver the frequency spectrum in the “Satellite”, “Cable”, “Terrestrial” and “FM” modes can be displayed on the screen. Spectrum measurement is launched from the individual modes (Sat, Cab;e, Terr, or FM). Command for spectrum measurement Exit the measuring job.
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SPECTRUM MEASUREMENT FULL SPAN = entire TV range (48 ... 858 MHz) VHF (48 ... 467 MHz) UHF (467 ... 858 MHz)
The displayed centre frequency is the previously set reception channel. FM SPECTRUM The displayed centre frequency is the previously set receiving frequency. SPECTRUM MEASUREMENT NARROW (197 ... 222 MHz) ANALOGUE NARROW (381 ... 406 MHz) DIGITAL Select and measure the “FM spectrum” as described above. It reaches from 87 ...
STORING DEVICE SETTINGS TFT display LC display STORING DEVICE SETTINGS TFT display LC display DELETING DEVICE SETTINGS TFT display LC display STORING DEVICE SETTINGS First select the measuring job! Indicates the stored settings on the TFT display and opens the entry fi eld to defi ne a storage place on the LC display.
STORING MEASUREMENT RESULTS STORING MEASUREMENT RESULTS IN THE DEVICE MEMORY TFT display LC display Note RECOVERING MEASUREMENT RESULTS FROM THE DEVICE MEMORY TFT display 394.00 MHz CABLE D LC display First select the measuring job and perform the measurement! The Memory Explorer command displays the stored measuring results on the TFT display.
STORING MEASUREMENT RESULTS TFT display DELETING MEASUREMENT RESULTS FROM THE DEVICE MEMORY TFT display LC display STORING MEASUREMENT RESULTS ON THE SD CARD First get the measurement result stored in the device onto the TFT display as described above under “Recovering measurement results”.
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PC via USB connection or read, manage and print out the SD card directly on your PC! The required conversion program is available on our web site. Please go to “http://www.kathrein.de”, then to “Service”, “Software and Downloads”, “Measuring-Instrument”, “MSK 125”. for the second time,...
Note TFT display LC display ENTERING THE START AND STOP LINE FOR AUTOMATIC MEASURING ENTERING THE START LINE FOR AUTOMATIC MEASURING DATA LOGGER The Data Logger setting allows you to execute the stored measurement device settings in a row and store the corresponding measurement results.
ENTERING THE STOP LINE FOR AUTOMATIC MEASURING STARTING AND INTERRUPTING AUTOMATIC MEASURING RECOVERING MEASUREMENT RESULTS FROM THE DEVICE MEMORY TFT display LC display TFT display DATA LOGGER Use the storage number to select the stop line where automatic measuring is to stop. Use the cursor button measuring.
STORING THE DATA LOGGER MEASUREMENT RESULTS ON THE SD CARD See: Storing measurement results on the SD card. Example DATA LOGGER Call up Data Logger Select start line Select stop line Start automeasure After completion of the process: Launch measured value storage Get fi...
DEVICE CALIBRATION The caliber interval depends on the use and load and should be between one and two years. Calibration can be done by Kathrein customer service. For address see next page. OUTSIDE CLEANING For outside cleaning a soft cloth, non-linting duster or paint brush is recommended. For strong contamination spirit or mild soapsuds can be used as well.
TECHNICAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT If, despite studying this operating manual, you still have questions about getting started with the unit or using it correctly, or if unexpected problems occur, please contact the Kathrein Technical Support: Phone: +49 8031 184-700 CUSTOMER SERVICE...
• Level measurement of analogue and digital TV signals (TV, Sat, FM, DVB-S(2), DVB-C, DVB-T, DVB-H (2k, 8k mode)) • Image representation of analogue and digital TV signals • BER/MER measurement and display • 5.7“-TFT colour display, transfl ective (640 x 480 pixels) •...
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Level measuring component Measuring range Measurement accuracy Measurement bandwidth Detector BER/MER/carrier offset measurement Display TV monitor LCD Display Sat Finder (acoustic) Supply voltages Power supply Mains supply Auto-operation Remote feed voltage Remote feed current LNB control Connections RF input/impedance AV input/output Head phones socket USB port Memory card...
C/N of receiver For exact C/N determination it is essential that the RF bandwidth of the reception signal is considered. (C/N) analogue (MSK 125 measurement bandwidth) 6 MHz RF bandwidth reception signal +75.5 dB with satellite signal -55.0 dB without satellite signal +20.5 dB...
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E0 00 38 F0 POS. B (satellite 2) Range Low band Vert. DiSeqC command E0 00 38 F4 COMMAND SET FOR EXR 20 KATHREIN MATRIX EXR 20 Range POS. A DiSeqC command E0 00 22 COMMAND SET FOR EXR 22 KATHREIN MATRIX...
259.25 266.25 273.25 280.25 287.25 294.25 Channel raster 7 MHz in VHF and USB/OSB - 8 MHz in UHF and SB The table shows channel, display of the MSK 125 and frequency TECHNICAL APPENDIX UHF-CCIR 471.25 479.25 487.25 495.25 503.25 511.25...
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191.25 199.25 207.25 215.25 223.25 Channels marked with a * do not allow video and audio evaluation or audio carrier level measurement. The table shows channel, display of the MSK 125 and frequency. TECHNICAL APPENDIX 471.25 479.25 487.25 495.25 503.25 511.25...
CALCULATION OF SAT IF FREQUENCY USING THE MSK 125 This is done as follows: IF = reception frequency - oscillation frequency The oscillation frequency is made up as follows: 9750 MHz oscillator frequency is used for a reception frequency between 10700 MHz and 11700 MHz.