OPERATION MANUAL MODEL MS1000 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 Communications 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 1/96 Manual Part No.
WARRANTY Wavetek warrants that all Products manufactured or procured by Wavetek conform to Wavetek’s published specifications and are free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of delivery to the original Buyer, when used under normal operating conditions and within the service conditions for which they were designed. This warranty is not transferrable and does not apply to used or demonstration products.
Contents Introducing microStealth ............................................................... 5 Introduction ..................................................................................... 5 Getting Acquinted with the Keypad............................................. 7 Getting Acquinted with the Screen .............................................. 9 The Navigator ................................................................................. 12 Configuring microStealth .......................
Appendices ...................................................................................... 41 Appendix A: Specifications ............................................................ 41 Appendix B: Power Management and Battery ............................ 43 Battery Pack Location and Installation ........................................ 43 Charging the Battery Pack ............................................................. 43 Battery Tips ............................................................
MODEL MS1000 1 Introducing microSTEALTH INTRODUCTION The MS1000 Signal Level Meter is a high performance instrument designed for cable television installers. The durable, waterproof MS1000 makes innovative use of a graphics LCD to simplify operation. The LCD backlight makes measurements easier in crawl spaces and behind TVs. The display is easy to see in bright sunlight. A unique scan mode allows you to see the levels of up to six userdefined carriers on one screen with a pass/fail limit indication.
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GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE KEYPAD The keypad consists of the following: • three Soft keys • a Power key • four Mode Selection keys • an Enter key • eleven Alphanumeric keys • a Shift key 1. SOFT KEYS There are three horizontally oriented soft keys located below the display. The function of each soft key changes depending on the particular operation being performed and is represented by an icon immediately above the key. 2. POWER KEY - ON/OFF Turns your microStealth on and off. 3.
4. 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. Notice that these keys have a numeral and up to three alphabetic characters labeled on them. You can only access the characters when alphanumeric entry is allowed. In the alphanumeric entry mode, you sequence through each character and the numeral by repeatedly pressing the key.
BACKLIGHT ON/OFF Quickly turn the backlight on when it is too dark to see the display. POSITIVE/NEGATIVE Enter positive and negative values (when allowed). HELP View a description of each icon found in the current soft key menu. Note: The following keys are not available on the MS1000: FILE PRINT GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE SCREEN There are certain elements of the screen that will become familiar to you as you use your microStealth. The Title Bar Notice the title bar at the very top of the screen.
This indicator is displayed to warn you that the battery is low. When you see this, recharge the battery or change to a fresh one as soon as possible. This indicates that the RF synthesizer has become unlocked. If this condition persists, the unit may need repair. The Status Bar Look for the status bar in the lower portion of the screen. It displays a bar meter that indicates the charge remaining in your microStealth's battery.
A list can be either "active" or "inactive". You can tell by looking at the border. If the border is solid, the list is active and any keys that you press are directed toward it. If the border is dim, the list is inactive and is not affected by key presses. Usually you can make a list become active by pressing the key. When there are more items in the list than can be displayed at one time, a scroll bar appears along the right-hand edge of the list. You can use this to get an idea of where you are.
THE NAVIGATOR You can easily travel to any mode using the NAVIGATOR. To access the NAVIGATOR, press the key. An icon appears on the screen for each available mode. Use the up, down, left, and right arrows to highlight the icon that represents the mode you want to use. Notice that the name of the mode appears on the lower portion of the screen beneath the status bar. To get a description of the highlighted mode, press the SHIFT + key.
To configure your microStealth, press the SHIFT + keys or choose the icon from the NAVIGATOR. The following screen appears: Configuration settings are divided into three categories; GLOBAL, MEASUREMENTS, and CHANNEL PLAN. Use the up and down arrows to highlight the category you want and then press the key. Tip You can also use the left-hand and right-hand soft keys to scroll through the CONFIGURE categories and then press the middle soft key to select the highlighted category.
Note You can manually turn off your microStealth at any time by pressing the button. BACKLIGHT TIME-OUT Sets the amount of inactive time allowed before the backlight turns off automatically. The backlight consumes significant power. This feature conserves battery life by minimizing the amount of time that the backlight is on. You can set the time-out period to; 5 or 10 seconds. There is an always off setting for when the backlight is not needed at all.
Test Display Exercises all pixels on the LCD for test purposes. Repeated pressing of the key sequences the display between all pixels "on", all pixels "off", and the display test screen. Measurements Configuration SIGNAL LEVEL UNITS Selects the units that will be used for all signal level measurements. You can select between; dBmV, dBµV and dBm. PROBE COMPENSATION This can be used to compensate for losses associated with probe points found on certain amplifiers. You can enter a value between -99.9 and +99.
You can enable or disable each test point in the list. When a test point is disabled, you cannot use it when performing tests. Use the up or down arrow to highlight the desired test point. If the highlighted test point is disabled, you can enable it by pressing the soft key. A check mark appears in the left-hand column to indicate when a test point is enabled. If the test point is already enabled, pressing the soft key disables it. Tip You can change the name of the USER DEFINED (CUSTOM) test point.
You can selectively enable or disable each individual limit. When a limit is disabled, your microStealth excludes it when checking limits. If the highlighted limit is disabled, you can enable it by pressing the soft key. A check mark appears in the left-hand column to indicate when a limit is enabled. If the limit is already enabled, pressing the soft key disables it. Note If you disable all of the limits within a test point, the test point becomes disabled.
Channel Plan Configuration VIDEO SIGNAL TYPE Your microStealth is capable of measuring signal levels on NTSC or PAL video signals. You should make sure that the correct video type is selected. CHANNEL SEQUENCE You can specify whether channels are listed in numeric or frequency order. This setting also affects the sequence in which channels are tuned in the LEVEL screen when using the left and right arrows.
Step 2 There are several base channel plans to use as a foundation for building your plan. Use the up or down arrows to highlight the one that is appropriate for your system. Press the soft key to continue with the next step. 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.
You must enable a channel in order to perform measurements on it. A check mark appears in the left-hand column when the channel is enabled. When you built the plan, microStealth automatically enabled all the channels it found to be active on your system. You may want to verify that all your channels have been correctly soft key to enable/disable the channel enabled. Use the highlighted in the list. There are several parameters that you can specify for each channel.
Type There are three channel types from which to choose: TV -the standard video and audio carriers DUAL -a video carrier with two independent audio carriers SNGL -a single carrier Frequency This is the frequency of the video carrier in MHz. 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.
Audio Offset 2 (DUAL type only) This is the offset between the video and second audio carriers in MHz. When you are finished editing the channel, press the to return to the channel list. soft key Tip 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 channel in the plan. You can also use the numeric keys to directly enter a specific channel number.
Note The SCAN channel numbers are displayed above the list in order of increasing frequency - not in the order in which they were selected. When you are finished, press the soft key. 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.
Important The number in the right-hand column of the package list indicates how many channels are currently using the package. When you disable a package, all channels using that package default to NONE (no package). To edit the name of a package, use the up or down arrow to highlight the desired package and then press the key. You can then use the edit box to change the name. Be sure to press the key when you are finished to terminate the entry.
MODEL MS1000 2 Using microSTEALTH INTRODUCTION The best way to learn about microStealth is to use it. Section 2 discusses the individual measurements available with the MS1000. Each measurement mode discussion includes detailed descriptions on how to perform the measurement as well as operating controls and indicators. INSTALLATION The INSTALLATION mode allows you to easily check the channels that you have just installed and verify that they are within limits.
SELECTING CHANNEL PACKAGES If you have configured channel packages, a list of available packages 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. A check mark appears in the left-hand column of the list indicating that the package is selected.
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). INSTALLATION RESULTS SUMMARY This is the overall limit check summary for all channels in the packages that you have selected.
THE CHANNEL LIST Press the screen. soft key or to sequence to the channel list Tip In addition to using the and 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. The level of the video carrier is in the next column. The package in which the channel is contained is displayed in the fourth column.
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 ment screen. to sequence to the channel measure- This screen displays video and audio carrier level measurements along with the DVA for the selected channel. Use the up or down arrows to select the previous or next channel in the list.
LEVEL Press the key to select LEVEL mode or choose the icon from the NAVIGATOR. Here you can measure the signal level of a specific channel or frequency. The level is indicated both numerically and on an analog meter. 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 FREQUENCY The soft key toggles between frequency and channel tuning. When you choose frequency tuning, microStealth tunes to the video carrier frequency of the previously selected channel. 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.
Over-range The signal level is above the measurement range of the instrument. Under-range The signal level is below the measurement range of the instrument. Error A hardware problem exists. If this condition persists, the unit may need repair. SCAN Press the key to select SCAN mode or choose the icon from the NAVIGATOR. A spectral graph of the SCAN carriers appears.
Important You can choose which carriers appear on this screen when you configure your channel plan (see SELECT SCAN 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 for the selected carrier appear in the upper right-hand portion of the screen. The frequency and level of the selected carrier can be seen directly beneath the graph.
Subscriber Drop Ground Block Tap User Defined 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. The out-of-limit portion appears as diagonal "hash" areas. You can toggle the hash lines on and off by pressing the key.
MEASUREMENT HOLD You can freeze the SCAN measurement at any time by pressing the SHIFT + keys. The measurement is retained even if the cable is disconnected from the input port. Notice that the mode icon in the upper left-hand portion of the screen appears inverted while the measurement is on hold. Pressing the SHIFT + keys a second time releases the hold. The measurement is not retained when another mode is selected or the microStealth is shut off.
MODEL MS1000 3 Reference USING THE REFERENCE SECTION This section provides additional information concerning the use of the MS1000. 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. Each help screen describes the condition of the soft key icons at the time HELP was pressed.
Next to the icon is a brief description of the function that the soft key performs. If an icon is currently inactive "not available" is displayed. INFORMATION Choose the icon from the NAVIGATOR. Here you can view information concerning your MS1000. The type of information includes; model, frequency range, serial #, firmware version, calibration date, and channel plan.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT Although we've worked hard to make the MS1000 as easy-to-use as possible, the wide range of cable television applications can make proper operation a difficult task. 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. Wavetek also maintains technical support on the Internet.
MODEL MS1000 A Appendix A: Specifications SPECIFICATIONS Frequency Range: Accuracy: Tuning Resolution: 45 to 550 MHz; 45 to 890 MHz (optional) +10kHz @ 25°C; (+20 kHz over temp.) 25 kHz Level Measurement Range: Resolution: Accuracy: -20 to +45 dBmV 0.1 dB +0.75 dB Flatness; +0.75 dB Linearity Six Channel Mode Number of Channels: Scan Rate: 6 < 1 second General Dimensions: 4.25" (W) x 10" (H) x 2.5" (D) Weight: 0.8 kg (1.75 lb.) Operating Temp.
Powering Battery Life: Charge Time: 3 hours continuous (backlight off), re placeable battery cartridge 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 1019-00-0480: Multiple battery c
MODEL MS1000 B Appendix B: Power Management and Battery Battery Pack Location and Installation The MS1000 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. Charging the Battery Pack To recharge the battery pack, plug the AC adapter into the unit.
