Penta Scanner Product Family User Guide A Guide to Using the Microtest PentaScanner Product Family to install, mange and troubleshoot Category 5 and ISO Class C/D Cabling Systems The PentaScanner Product Family verifies installed links against Category 5 (TSB-67 and 568A Annex E) and ISO Class C/D requirements. Copyright © 1993, 1996 Microtest, Inc.
Chapter 1: Introduction The Complete Category 5 Solution The PentaScanner Product Family is the hand-held certification and diagnostic tool for Category 5 and ISO Class C and D links. PentaScanner products also provide full software compliance with TIA TSB-67 requirements for measurement reporting and analysis (including TSB-67 NEXT sweep and swept Attenuation). These tools are designed to be the complete solution for professional cable installers, service providers, and network administrators.
Chapter 2: Getting Started Charging the Scanner’s Battery In order to operate the Scanner and the 2-Way Injector from battery power, the battery must first be charged. You can run the units from the AC adapter until the charging cycle is complete. Ready Screen This screen is displayed after you press the ON/OFF key. Ready! should display in the center of the screen. If not, contact your Microtest distributor for assistance. The date and time are displayed at the top of the screen.
To remove the Ni-Cd battery pack, place the Scanner or Injector face down and slide the arrowshaped tab downward. Then lift the battery pack up towards you. To install the battery pack, insert the two tabs on the top of the battery in the Scanner and press down on the battery pack until it clicks into place. 2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector Battery The Injector is powered on by the Scanner. When active, the Injector’s Status Indicator will indicate the current mode of operation.
To put your 2-Way Injector or 2-Way Injector+ into Refresh Mode, first attach the Injector to your Scanner with a RJ-45 or 36-pin cable, whichever is appropriate for your equipment (you may need to use an adapter if your units have different connector types). Attach the Scanner to the PC with a DB 9 serial cable. Attach AC Adapters to both the Injector and the Scanner, and power both units on. At the PC’s DOS prompt, type: PENTA -2REFRESH -C1 (for COM1, or -C2 for COM2) and press Enter.
High Voltage Protection The PentaScanner+/PentaScanner/PentaScanner Cable Admin, 2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector and Super Injector+/Super Injector are designed to withstand input hazard voltage conditions that arise from normal telephony applications such as 48 VDC at less than 80 ma or 24 VAC used to power many keysets.
Status Slow Blink Battery is low Charging Steady Light The Injector is inactive, the AC adapter is present and the battery pack is being charged at the maximum rate. Charging Off The Injector is inactive and the battery or AC adapter is not present; or the Injector is active. Charging Blinking (once every 10 seconds The Injector is inactive and the AC adapter is present; the battery pack is fully charged and the Injector is in trickle charge mode.
Measurement Attenuation Injector Required? Yes Autotest Yes The Injector is required for Attenuation, NEXT measurements, Resistance and Wire Map during Autotest. Capacitance No If connected, the Injector provides an “OPEN” for the duration of the measurement. Length No If connected, the injector provides an “OPEN” for the duration of the measurement. Impedance No If connected, the injector provides an “OPEN” for the duration of the measurement.
be calibrated each calendar day that it is used. Expiration of calibration data is automatically detected by the Scanner. The Scanner and Injector are connected through their respective test connector ports using the patch cable provided with each instrument. The amplitude of each frequency generated by the Injector is measured by the Scanner. The resulting calibration values are stored in the Scanner according to the Injector’s serial number.
Modular 8 Plug to 36-Pin Patch Cable 36-Pin Scanner Mod 8 Injector Modular 8 Patch Cable 36-Pin Scanner Mod 8 Injector Injector Internal Calibration (2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector only) Periodically, the 2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector and the Scanner require calibration of their internal measurement circuitry. The Scanner will determine when internal calibration is required for itself and the Injector. If required, the Scanner directs the Injector to perform the calibration.
Basic Link with Modular 8 Jacks The diagram below shows the connection of a PentaScanner+ to a Modular 8 jack in the wiring closet and a 2-Way Injector+ or Super Injector+ to a Modular 8 jack in the work area. Use the Modular 8 plug to 36-pin patch cable to attach the PentaScanner+ to the Modular 8 jack. At the other end of the link, use the Modular 8 plug to 36-pin patch cable to attach the Injector to the Modular 8 jack.
The diagram shows the connection of a PentaScanner+ to an IDC (110) block in the wiring closet and a 2-Way Injector+ or Super Injector+ to a Modular 8 jack in the work area. Punch Down Block Adapter kits are available (as optional accessories) to interface the Scanners with IDC (110) punch-down blocks. For the PentaScanner+, order kit #8123-01. For the PentaScanner and PentaScanner Cable Admin, order kit #8051-13. Use the 110 Block to 36-pin patch cable to attach the Scanner to the 110 Punch down block.
Use the Modular 8 Adapter to attach the PentaScanner+ to the user cable attached to the cross connect. At the other end of the link, use an additional Modular 8 Adapter to attach the 2-Way Injector+ or Super Injector+ to the user cable attached to the Modular 8 jack.
This chapter explains how to run Autotest, including selecting the cable types and Autotest specifications. It also explains how to customize an Autotest so you can select the pairs that are tested, the PASS/FAIL criteria, and select which tests to run during Autotest. Each test, such as NEXT, Impedance, Capacitance, etc. is explained, including how to customize the limits for each test and how to troubleshoot test results. Steps for Running Autotest 1.
Press the ESCAPE key to exit. Editing the Cable Type To display the EDIT CABLE screen, press Cable (F1) from the Ready screen, then press Edit (F2). This screen displays the characteristics of the cable you will be testing. Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to highlight the (cable) Name or NVP (Nominal Velocity of Propagation) field. The Impedance field is for reference only and does not affect test results. The highlighted field will be enclosed in a box.
After calculating the NVP, press Save (F1) from the EDIT CABLE screen to store the new settings. Then, press Default (F1) from the CABLE SETUP screen to select the cable as the default cable type. Customizing Autotest To display the AUTOTEST SETUP screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup Autotest. This screen lets you set the default Autotest, edit Autotest settings and delete user-defined Autotests. Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to scroll through the list.
When Margin Display is set to TIA Margin Display, marginally passing test results (those for which the passing value falls within the Scanner’s accuracy range) are marked with “*PASS”. When Margin Display is set to ACR Margin Check, a cable will pass if a failing NEXT test result is within the Scanner’s accuracy range AND if the ACR result is within an acceptable range. When Margin Display is set to None, the only possible Autotest results are “PASS” or “FAIL”.
Editing Test Limits To display the EDIT LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits. This screen lets you specify the PASS/FAIL limits used in tests. Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to highlight the test for which you want to edit the limits. Press Select (F1) to display the limits screen for the highlighted test.
Press Print (F3) to print test results. See Printing Autotest Results for more information. Note: The Print (F3) key is unavailable when viewing the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen via the Extended Functions/Memory feature. Press Tests (F4) to view a PASS/FAIL summary of test results and to view results for selected tests. See Viewing Autotest Results Summary for more information.
Length Length can find opens, shorts, and breaks in a cable. The PentaScanner Product Family uses Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to find the location of faults in cables. TDR is similar to ‘cable radar’. The Scanner generates a pulse down the wire, and when the pulse encounters an impedance change (such as an open, short, or poor connection), all or part of the pulse energy is reflected back to the Scanner.
Propagation Delay Customizing Delay Limits To display the DELAY LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits, then select Delay. The Delay Limits screen lets you change the minimum and maximum Delay limits. Press the Ò or Ñ arrow key to select the minimum or maximum Delay limit. The selected limit will be enclosed in a box.
signal and the difference is reported as the NEXT value (in dB). When measuring Injector end NEXT, the roles of the devices are reversed. The Scanner provides the 100 ohm termination for the Injector measurements and the Injector transmits a signal which is varied (or swept) through a frequency range. The signal is monitored by the Injector on the receive pair through a narrow band receiver and the difference in the transmitted and received signal levels is reported as the Injector end NEXT (in dB).
Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to view the previous or next test results screen. Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen. Note: For diagnostic purposes, you can run NEXT continuously by pressing the Measure Cable Performance key and selecting NEXT. NEXT Detail To display this screen, press Detail (F1) from the NEXT screen. This screen displays the frequency sweep range and the worst case NEXT for each pair. Press Graph (F1) to enter graphing mode.
Customizing Attenuation Limits To display the ATTENUATION LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then press Limits (F4), then select Attenuation. This screen displays the Attenuation frequency range and the criteria used to determine the range. Press the Ò or Ñ arrow key to highlight the field to change. If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limit.
Attenuation Test Results To display the ATTENUATION screen, press View (F1) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen, then press the ¬ arrow key until the ATTENUATION screen is displayed. At the upper left of the screen, the pair corresponding to the displayed result is shown. The Attenuation, in decibels (dB), is shown centered and the frequency is shown to the right. The PASS/FAIL bar across the screen compares the measured Attenuation value to the Attenuation limit value.
Customizing ACR Limits To display the ACR LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits, then select ACR. This screen lets you set the Limit Function and edit the Fixed Minimum ACR limit. Use the or ¬ arrow keys to select the field to change. The selected field will be enclosed in a box. If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limit.
feet down the cable. The sampling of the voltage is delayed long enough to allow the incident step to propagate past near end patch cables, cross connects block, etc. that could disrupt the impedance measurement. The length of the cable must be long enough to produce a round trip delay, which is longer than the sample time delay. For short cables, the impedance function measures the termination value. Note: To measure Impedance correctly, the cable length must be 40 feet or greater.
Resistance is said to fail if measured values on pairs used by the selected network type are greater than the resistance for a maximum length loop (100 meters for most networks). Customizing Loop Resistance Limits To display the LOOP RESISTANCE LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits, then select Loop Resistance. This screen lets you change the maximum Loop Resistance limit.
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limits. If your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen. After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new Capacitance limits and exit or press the ESCAPE key to exit without saving. Capacitance Test Results To display the CAPACITANCE screen, press View (F1) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen, then press the Ò key until the CAPACITANCE screen is displayed.
While in Automatic Increment mode, you can manually increment the last character by pressing the Scanner’s ENTER key. In addition, you can use the Ï and Ð keys to move to any character in the Circuit ID, and you can use the Ñ key to manually increment (or the Ò key to decrement) the character at the cursor. Note: When in Inc mode, pressing F3 will allow you use the arrow keys to move the cursor from the Circuit ID field to the Save Sweep Data field.
When using the 2-Way Injector+ (or 2-Way Injector), the screen indicates if NEXT and ACR test results are from the Scanner or Injector end of the link. Press the Ò or Ñ arrow key to scroll through the list of tests and their PASS/FAIL results. Press View (F1) to view the test results for the highlighted test. Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen. Sample Autotest Report 1. Heading provides information on the circuit. The Circuit ID is filled in as you save each test result.
Chapter 4: Editing, Printing & Updating Several screens allow editing. For example, you can edit the owner and company names that appear on the opening logo screen and on printed reports. Different Scanners in the PentaScanner Product Family have different editing procedures. This chapter explains in more detail the two different editing methods. Editing with the Alphanumeric Keypad Use this editing method if your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad.
Press Done (F2) to exit the editing screen. Printing or Downloading Test Results To send test results directly from the Scanner to a printer or PC: 1. Configure the Printer Port settings in the PRINTER PORT SETUP screen. To display this screen on the PentaScanner or PentaScanner Cable Admin, press Extended Functions key, then select Printer Port. To display this screen on the PentaScanner+, press the Extended Functions key, then select User Preferences, then select Printer Port. 1.
PRINT FORMAT screen to select the PRINT FORMAT (text or CSV); then press Print (F3) to begin printing. 3. If you are sending results to a PC, you can use Microtest’s Cable Management System (CMS) For Windows (a Microtest accessory available from your distributor) to download Autotest records in Comma Separated Variable (CSV) format. Make sure that the baud rate, parity, handshaking (protocol) and data and stop bit settings in CMS For Windows are the same as the Scanner’s Printer Port Settings.
4. Begin the transfer from the Scanner (see step 7 in Printing or Downloading Test Results, above). Select “text” as the Print Format. You should see the information scrolling on the Procomm Plus window while the transfer is in progress. 5. When the transfer is complete, press ALT + F1 again to close the log file. The file will be saved under the current directory. 6. Press ALT + X to exit the Procomm Plus package. You can now use the DOS ‘COPY’ command to print the log file to a printer; i.e.
OFF. Set D-Hard flow ctrl (RTS/CTS) to ON. Press ESC to return to the Procomm Plus Setup Utility menu. 7. Press ESC to go to the Procomm Plus main screen. Press PageDown on the PC keyboard. The Download Protocols menu will be displayed. 8. Select R for R) RAW ASCII and press ENTER. RAW ASCII DOWNLOAD will be displayed, with a Please enter filename: prompt. Type the file name desired and press ENTER. A blank screen with the message DOWNLOAD IN PROGRESS - PRESS ESC TO END will display.
Problem: The screen displays Printing . . . but nothing is printing on the printer. Possible Solution: You must use a “straight through” serial cable. Refer to Appendix C: Pinouts for the cable pin-out specifications. Also, make sure that XON/XOFF handshaking is supported. Downloading Software Updates If you are connected to the Internet, our World Wide Web page can be accessed by entering http://www.microtest.com in the URL address field.
1. Connect the DB-9 end of the communications cable to the serial port on the Scanner and the other end (DB-9 or DB-25) to the serial port on the PC. 2. Turn off the Scanner and plug the AC adapter in COM 1 or COM 2 to the Scanner. AC Adapter 3. Hold down the AUTOTEST key and the Find Cable Faults key and press the On/Off key.
1. Connect the DB-9 end of the communications cable to the serial port on the Scanner and the other end (DB-9 or DB-25) to the serial port on the PC. 2. Turn off the Scanner and plug the AC adapter into the Scanner. 3. Hold down the AUTOTEST and Find Cable Faults keys and press the ON/OFF key on the Scanner. The Scanner will turn on and the screen will display: COM 1 or COM 2 Waiting for REFLASH Patch Cable 4.
Microtest Bulletin Board System (BBS) You can contact Microtest Technical Support and download product update files from the Microtest BBS. To access the BBS, set your communications software to 1200 to 14400 baud; 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity; ANSI terminal emulation, and dial: (602) 957-7716 (U.S.) or +44 1 293 894031 (Europe) FaxFacts You can request additional information from FaxFacts, Microtest’s telephone-operated fax request line.
Wire Map for Both Ends of the Link The Injector plays an integral part in determining the wire map for a given link. With the Scanner and the Injector connected at opposite ends of a link or cable, the wire map can be determined. When running Find Cable Faults or Autotest, the Scanner and the Injector communicate to determine how the link is wired. With the wire map on display, press Splits (F1) to display the wire splits screen.
Chapter 6: Measure Cable Performance Measure Cable Performance lets you run individual tests such as NEXT, Attenuation, Length/Delay, Impedance, Loop Resistance, Capacitance, Impulse Noise and Peak to Peak Noise. Press the Measure Cable Performance key to display a list of the tests to run. Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to highlight the test you want to run, then press Select (F1) to run the highlighted test. Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Ready screen.
Note: See Chapter 3: Autotest for more information on NEXT testing. NEXT Sweep To display this screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select NEXT, then press Sweep (F2). This screen allows you to select the sweep range and step method for NEXT tests. If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the new sweep limits. If your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen.
Press Limits (F4) to display and change Attenuation limits at various frequencies. Press Save (F1) to store the new values. Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Attenuation screen. Note: See Customizing Attenuation Limits in Chapter 3 for more information on Attenuation limits. Length/Delay To display the LENGTH/DELAY screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select Length/Delay. The pairs are shown on the left and the length for each pair is shown in the second column.
Testing for noise involves turning off all LAN devices and measuring for background electrical activity in the cable. Often, noise problems can be corrected by moving the cable away from the source or removing the source, if possible. Different noise sources radiate at different frequencies. By knowing the frequency of the noise source, you are better able to pinpoint the cause of the noise. Two Noise measurements are provided: Impulse Noise and Peak-to-Peak Noise.
Peak-to-Peak Noise To display the PEAK-TO-PEAK-NOISE screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select P-P Noise. The pairs are shown on the left and the Peak-to-Peak Noise values are shown on the right. If the Peak-to-Peak noise level exceeds 3,000 mV, OVR (Overrange) is displayed. The measurement’s bandwidth covers a range of 40 KHz to 30 MHz. Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Measure Cable Performance screen.
Setting Up the Traffic Monitor To display this screen, press the Analyze LAN Traffic key, then Setup (F4). This screen lets you change the traffic-sampling interval for the network activity monitor. Press Change (F2) to toggle through the available interval options. Press Save (F1) to store the new setting and exit or press the ESCAPE key to exit without saving. Chapter 8: Extended Functions Extended Functions Menu This screen displays the Extended Functions available for the Scanner.
Press Clear (F4) to erase all or selected test results. Press the ESCAPE key to return to the EXTENDED FUNCTIONS screen. See Chapter 3: Autotest for more information. Autotest Setup To display the AUTOTEST SETUP screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup Autotest. This screen lets you select the default Autotest, edit Autotest settings and delete userdefined Autotests. Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to scroll through the list of Autotests (or to page up and Ð to page down).
Setting Up User Preferences To display the USER PREFERENCE SETUP screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select User Preferences. This screen displays the User Preferences options. Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to scroll through the available options and press Select (F1) to choose the highlighted option. Or, press the number on the keypad that corresponds to the option you want. • Select Owner/Company Name to edit the owner and company name used on the opening screen and on printed reports.
The Language and Date Style fields are preprogrammed. Neither of these fields can be changed. Press Change (F2) to toggle the Units setting between feet and meters. After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new Units setting and exit or press the ESCAPE key to exit without saving. Setting Up the Printer Port To display the PRINTER PORT SETUP screen, press the Extended Functions key, select User Preferences (if you have a PentaScanner+), then select Printer Port.
Displaying Injector Information To display the INJECTOR INFO screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Injector Info. The calibration date is shown at the top of the screen, followed by the battery status. The software and hardware versions are displayed below the battery status. The serial number is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Press the ESCAPE key to return to the EXTENDED FUNCTIONS screen.
• • Battery life: 8+ hours operation AC: 9V DC - 1 amp AC adapter for continuous operation or charging User Interface • • • • • • x 64 Graphic LCD with backlight cm x 3.8 cm (2.25” x 1.
Length • • • TDR method determines length and distance to cable faults Range: 0 to maximum distance where maximum distance = 915 meters (3000 ft)for twisted pair cable = 1220 meters (4000 ft) for coaxial cable • Accuracy: ± K ± Length Resolution ± NVP uncertainty where K = ±4% of length or 0.6 meters (2 ft), whichever is greater • Length Resolution: 0.
• • • • • Frequency range PentaScanner+: 1.0 to 100 MHz PentaScanner/PentaScanner Cable Admin: 1.0 to 100 MHz Sweep mode: Swept 1- 100 MHz using 1 MHz step or fixed points (1.0, 2.0, 4.0,5,0, 8.0, 10, 16.0, 20, 25, 31.25, 62.5, and 100 MHz) Dynamic Range: 0 - 50 dB Measurement Accuracy: PentaScanner+: Calculated per TIA TSB-67 error model (see NEXT and Attenuation Specifications table) PentaScanner/PentaScanner Cable Admin: 1.5 dB Measurement resolution: 0.
High Voltage Input/Protection • The test interface withstands input hazard conditions that arise from normal telephone interfaces (48 VDC at less than 80 mA) or 24 VAC power used to power many telephone keysets.
2-Way Injector+ NEXT Measurement Performance Specifications 20Way Injector+ NEXT Performance Parameters @ 100MHz Testing through 36-Pin Connector Typical Max Testing through Mod 8 Adapter Typical Dynamic Accuracy (dB) 0.3 0.5 0.3 Residual NEXT (dB) 67 62 45 Output Signal Balance (dB) 50 43 40 Common Mode Rejection (dB) 45 38 34 Random Noise (dB) 78 75 78 Transmit Return Loss (dB) 26 23 20 Receive Return Loss (dB) 22 17 17 NEXT Accuracy (dB) @ 100 MHz 0.5 (*1) 0.9 (*1) 1.
• • • • Built in protection from normal telephone circuit power voltages Audio alert to signal test complete and overvoltage line conditions Active signal generator (up to 100 MHz) to measure one-way cable attenuation Supports testing of all 4 pairs Environment • Refer to specifications for PentaScanner+/PentaScanner/PentaScanner Cable Admin Supported Cabling/Network Types • • • • • • • • • • • Arcnet • ISO Class D Apple local talk • Multimedia 802.
4. Use the arrow keys and the Unsel/Sel (F2) key so that the only pairs selected (marked with a x) are 36 and 45. 5. Press Save (F1). 6. Select Limits. 7. Select Impedance. Change the Minimum limit from 80 to 135. Change the Maximum limit from 125 to 165. Press Save (F1) to save the new limits. 8. Press the ESCAPE key twice. 9. Press Default (F1) to select “*Cat 5 Link” as the default Autotest. The “*” indicates that this is a user-defined Autotest. 10.
B-9 Female DB-9 Male 2___________2 3___________3 4___________20 5___________5 6___________6 7___________7 8___________8 20__________4 22__________22 Serial Cable DB-25 Female to DB-25 Male Pin-outs Cable Pin-Out Signals The signals for the cable pin-outs are as follows: DB-9 Male Pin DB-25 Male Pin Signal DB-25 Female Pin DB-9 Female Pin Signal Description 5 7 GND 7 5 Protective Ground 3 2 TXD 2 3 Transmitted Date 2 3 RXD 3 2 Received Data 7 4 RTS 4 7 Request to Send 8 5 CT
By pressing the Measure Cable Performance key, you can test Length/Delay, Impedance, Loop Resistance, Capacitance, Impulse Noise and Peak-to-Peak Noise for coaxial cable. NEXT and Attenuation are not supported for coaxial cable. NOTE: The Injector is not used when testing coaxial cable. Length/Delay Test Results To display the LENGTH/DELAY screen, from the Ready screen, press Jack (F4) and set the Jack to Coax. Then press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select Length/Delay.
If OVR (Overrange) is displayed, the Capacitance is greater than can be measured or the cable is properly connected. Press the ESCAPE key to exit. Impulse Noise Test Results To display the IMPULSE NOISE screen, from the Ready screen, press Jack (F4) and set the Jack to Coax. Then press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select Impulse Noise. During the Noise test, the cable can be open, shorted or terminated. There is no preference. Press Clear (F2) to clear the graph.
