Acterna MS1400 User manual

OPERATION MANUAL
Model MS1400
Digital Scanning
Signal Level Meter

OPERATION MANUAL
MODEL MS1400
DIGITAL SCANNING
SIGNAL LEVEL METER
This document contains information
proprietary to Acterna. The information in
this document is not to be used or
duplicated in any manner without the prior
approval, in writing, of Acterna.
Acterna CATV Division
5808 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203-6109
Tel: 1-866-ACTERNA
Tel: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Internet: http://www.acterna.com
04/04 Rev. D
Manual Part No.
6510-00-0435 Copyright © 2004 Acterna

WARRANTY
The warranties described herein shall apply to all commercially available Acterna products.
Any additional or different warranties shall apply only if agreed to by Acterna in writing.
These warranties are not transferable without the express written consent of Acterna.
Hardware Warranty --- Acterna warrants that Hardware Product sold to customer shall,
under normal use and service, be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
Information regarding the specific warranty period for this product can be obtained by
contacting your local Acterna Customer Service Representative, or at our web site
www.acterna.com. If Installation Services have not been ordered, the warranty period shall
begin upon shipment to Customer. Hereafter these periods of time shall be collectively
referred to as the “Initial Warranty Period.”
Acterna’s obligation and customer’s sole remedy under this Hardware Warranty is limited to
the repair or replacement, at Acterna’s option, of the defective product. Acterna shall have
no obligation to remedy any such defect if it can be shown: (a) that the Product was altered,
repaired, or reworked by any party other than Acterna without Acterna’s written consent; (b)
that such defects were the result of customer’s improper storage, mishandling, abuse, or
misuse of Product; (c) that such defects were the results of customer’s use of Product in
conjunction with equipment electronically or mechanically incompatible or of an inferior
quality; or (d) that the defect was the result of damage by fire, explosion, power failure or
any act of nature.
Acterna warrants that Products returned to Acterna for repair shall be warranted from
defective materials and workmanship for one (1) year for the same repair issue, and ninety
(90) days for a different repair issue from date of shipment from Acterna to customer, or
until the end of the Initial Warranty Period, whichever is longer. Risk of loss or damage to
Product returned to Acterna for repair or replacement shall be borne by customer until
delivery to Acterna. Upon deliver of such product, Acterna shall assume the risk of loss or
damage until that time that the product being repaired or replaced is returned and delivered
to customer. Customer shall pay all transportation costs for equipment or software shipped
to Acterna for repair or replacement. Acterna shall pay all transportation costs associated
with returning repaired or replaced product to customer.
Software Warranty --- Acterna warrants that Software products licensed to Customer
shall, under normal use and service, and for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of
shipment of the Software to licensee (the “Warranty Period”), perform in all material
respects in accordance with the published specifications for such Software as established
by Acterna. However, Acterna does not warrant that the Software will operate uninterrupted
or error free, operate in the combination with other software, meet Customer’s
requirements, or that its use will be uninterrupted.
Acterna’s obligation and Customer’s sole and exclusive remedy under this Software
Warranty is limited to, at Acterna’ option, either (i) correcting the material errors reported to
Acterna in writing by Customer during the Warranty Period and which Acterna is able to
reproduce, (ii) replacing such defective Software, provided that Acterna received written
notice of such defect within the Warranty Period, or (iii) provided that Acterna received
written notice of such defect within the Warranty Period, terminating the License and, upon
return to Acterna of the Software, Documentation and all other materials provided by
Acterna under the applicable License, providing Customer with a refund of all charges paid
with respect thereto. Acterna shall have no warranty obligations hereunder if (a) the

Software is altered or modified or is merged with other software by Customer or any third
party or (b) all or any part of the Software is installed on any computer equipment other
than the Designated Server or used with any operating system for which the software was
not designed.
Services Warranty – Acterna warrants that the Services provided by Acterna, if any, shall
be performed promptly, diligently and in a professional manner in accordance with the
commercial standards of industry. Acterna shall not, however, be responsible for any
delays that are not due to Acterna’s fault or negligence or that could not reasonably been
foreseen or provided against.
WARRANTY DISCLAIMER --- FOR HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND/OR SERVICES
FURNISHED BY ACTERNA, THE FOREGOING WARRANTEES ARE IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EPRESS OR IMPLIED. ACTERNA
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
ON ANY HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, DOCUMENTATION OR SERVICES INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES RELATING TO QUALITY, PERFORMANCE,
NONINFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, AS WELL AS THOSE ARISING FROM ANY COURSE OF DEALING, USAGE
OR TRADE PRACTICE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ACTERNA BE LIABLE
FOR ANY INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RELATED TO BREACH OF
THIS WARRANTY.
Equipment Return Instructions
For each piece of equipment returned for repair, attach a tag that includes the following
information:
·Owner’s name, address, and telephone number.
·The serial number, product type, and model.
·A detailed description of the problem or service requested.
·The name and telephone number of the person to contact regarding questions about
the repair.
·The return authorization (RA) number or reference number.
If possible, return the equipment using the original shipping container and material. If the
original container is not available, the unit should be carefully packed so that it will not
damage in transit; when needed, appropriate packing materials can be obtained by
contacting Acterna Customer Services. Acterna is not liable for any damage that may occur
during shipping. The customer should clearly mark the Acterna-issued RA or reference
number on the outside of the package and ship it prepaid and insured to Acterna.
Returned instruments or subassemblies should be referenced to that number.

I
Contents
SECTION 1: INTRODUCING THE MS1400
INTRODUCTION ............................................................... 1-1
DIGITAL CARRIER MEASUREMENT ............................. 1-1
MEASUREMENT LOGGING............................................ 1-1
AUTO TESTS ................................................................... 1-2
INGRESS SCAN............................................................... 1-2
THE FRONT PANEL AND KEYBOARD.......................... 1-2
Soft Keys............................................................................................1-5
Power Key - On/Off............................................................................1-5
Mode Selection Keys..........................................................................1-5
Installation Mode ............................................................................1-5
Level Mode.....................................................................................1-5
Full Scan Mode...............................................................................1-5
Navigator........................................................................................1-5
Enter Key............................................................................................1-5
Alphanumeric Keys ............................................................................1-6
Shift Key (Green Key) ........................................................................1-6
Secondary Functions..........................................................................1-6
Configure Mode..............................................................................1-6
Auto Reference...............................................................................1-7
Snap Shot.......................................................................................1-7
Clear...............................................................................................1-7
Backlight On/Off.............................................................................1-7
Positive/Negative............................................................................1-7
Help................................................................................................1-7
Print................................................................................................1-7
Store File........................................................................................1-8

II
THE SCREEN................................................................... 1-9
The Title Bar.......................................................................................1-9
Title Bar Indicators .............................................................................1-9
The Status Bar .................................................................................1-10
Soft Key Icons ..................................................................................1-10
Lists..............................................................................................1-12
The Edit Box: How to Enter Values..................................................1-13
THE NAVIGATOR SCREEN ...........................................1-14
CONFIGURE SCREEN ...................................................1-15
Printing A Configuration Report .......................................................1-15
GLOBAL CONFIGURATION SCREEN...........................1-16
Operator Name.................................................................................1-16
Contrast Level..................................................................................1-16
Shutoff Time-Out..............................................................................1-16
Backlight Time-Out...........................................................................1-17
Time .................................................................................................1-17
Date Format .....................................................................................1-18
Date..................................................................................................1-18
Printer...............................................................................................1-18
Lines/Page .......................................................................................1-18
Baud Rate ........................................................................................1-19
Clone................................................................................................1-19
Diagnostics.......................................................................................1-19
Factory Default.................................................................................1-19
Test Display......................................................................................1-19
MEASUREMENT CONFIGURATION SCREEN..............1-20
Temperature Units............................................................................1-20
Signal Level Units.............................................................................1-20
Probe Compensation........................................................................1-20
Frequency Tuning Step Size............................................................1-20
Scan Audio Carriers.........................................................................1-21
Scan Scrambled Channels...............................................................1-21
How To Edit Test Points...................................................................1-21
Setting Digital Limits.........................................................................1-23
Calibration ........................................................................................1-23

III
Noise Floor Correction .....................................................................1-23
CHANNEL PLAN CONFIGURATION..............................1-24
What is a Channel Plan?..................................................................1-24
Why do we need a Channel Plan?...................................................1-24
How to build a Channel Plan?..........................................................1-24
Select a Channel Plan......................................................................1-25
Select Video Signal Type.................................................................1-26
Select Channel Sequence................................................................1-26
Learn the Channel Plan....................................................................1-26
How to Edit the Channel Plan..........................................................1-29
Channel Plan Parameters/Characteristics to edit............................1-30
Enabled ............................................................................................1-31
Type..................................................................................................1-31
Frequency.........................................................................................1-31
Measurement Bandwidth (digital format only)..................................1-31
Channel Number..............................................................................1-31
Label.................................................................................................1-32
Package ...........................................................................................1-32
Scrambled ........................................................................................1-32
Audio Offset (TV and DUAL type only) ............................................1-32
Audio Offset 2 (DUAL type only)......................................................1-32
How to configure a digital carrier......................................................1-32
Select Tilt Channels .........................................................................1-33
Select Channel Packages................................................................1-33
Copy Remote Plan...........................................................................1-34
INGRESS CONFIGURATION..........................................1-35
Start Frequency................................................................................1-35
Stop Frequency................................................................................1-35
Resolution ........................................................................................1-35
Dwell.................................................................................................1-35
Check Limit.......................................................................................1-36
Limit Value........................................................................................1-36
SECTION 2: USING THE MS1400
INTRODUCTION .............................................................. 2-1

IV
INSTALLATION................................................................ 2-2
Selecting Channel Packages.............................................................2-2
Selecting The Test Point....................................................................2-2
Installation Results Summary.............................................................2-3
The Channel List................................................................................2-4
The Pass/Fail Indicator.......................................................................2-4
Channel Measurement.......................................................................2-5
Printing An Installation Report............................................................2-5
Storing Installation Results.................................................................2-6
LEVEL .............................................................................. 2-7
Adjusting The Reference Level..........................................................2-7
Tuning By Channel.............................................................................2-7
Tuning By Frequency.........................................................................2-8
Measuring Digital Carriers..................................................................2-8
Why Two Measurement Techniques?............................................2-9
Measurement Hold...........................................................................2-10
Printing The Screen..........................................................................2-10
Warning Indicators ...........................................................................2-10
Over-range .......................................................................................2-11
Under-range .....................................................................................2-11
Error..................................................................................................2-11
FULL SCAN.....................................................................2-12
Moving The Marker ..........................................................................2-12
Adjusting The Reference Level........................................................2-12
Adjusting The Scale .........................................................................2-12
Zooming In And Out.........................................................................2-13
Checking Limits................................................................................2-13
Checking Limits On An Individual Channel......................................2-15
Measurement Hold...........................................................................2-15
Printing The Screen..........................................................................2-15
Storing A Scan File...........................................................................2-16
Warning Indicators ...........................................................................2-16
TILT .................................................................................2-17
Moving The Marker ..........................................................................2-17
Selecting The Low And High Carriers..............................................2-17
Adjusting The Reference Level........................................................2-18

V
Adjusting The Scale .........................................................................2-18
Measurement Hold...........................................................................2-18
Printing The Screen..........................................................................2-18
Storing A Tilt File..............................................................................2-18
SCAN...............................................................................2-19
Moving The Marker ..........................................................................2-19
Adjusting The Reference Level........................................................2-19
Adjusting The Scale .........................................................................2-20
Checking Limits................................................................................2-20
Measurement Hold...........................................................................2-21
Printing The Screen..........................................................................2-21
Storing A Scan File...........................................................................2-21
AUTO TEST.....................................................................2-22
Configuring An Auto Test.................................................................2-22
Choose Location...........................................................................2-22
New/Edit Location ........................................................................2-23
Choose Probe Point .....................................................................2-23
Measure Voltage ..........................................................................2-23
Compensation ..............................................................................2-23
Results File Name........................................................................2-24
Type of Test .................................................................................2-24
Set Schedule................................................................................2-24
Temperature.................................................................................2-24
Performing An Auto Test..................................................................2-25
Canceling An Auto Test....................................................................2-26
VIEW................................................................................2-27
The File Directory.............................................................................2-27
Viewing Installation Files..................................................................2-28
Viewing Scan Files...........................................................................2-29
Viewing Auto Test Files....................................................................2-30
Viewing Ingress Files .......................................................................2-33
INGRESS.........................................................................2-34
Moving The Marker ..........................................................................2-34
Adjusting The Reference Level........................................................2-34
Adjusting The Scale .........................................................................2-34

VI
Zooming In And Out.........................................................................2-35
Resolution ........................................................................................2-35
Peak Measurement Hold..................................................................2-35
Measurement Hold...........................................................................2-36
The Pass/Fail Indicator.....................................................................2-36
Printing The Screen..........................................................................2-36
Storing An Ingress File.....................................................................2-36
SECTION 3: REFERENCE
USING THE REFERENCE SECTION .............................. 3-1
HELP ................................................................................ 3-2
INFORMATION................................................................. 3-3
TECHNICAL SUPPORT................................................... 3-4
APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS............................................................A-1
Frequency.......................................................................................... A-1
Level Measurement........................................................................... A-1
Scan Mode ........................................................................................ A-1
General.............................................................................................. A-2
Powering............................................................................................ A-2
Optional Accessories and Parts........................................................ A-2
Precision F-Connector....................................................................... A-3
APPENDIX B: POWER AND BATTERY MANAGEMENT
BATTERY PACK LOCATION AND INSTALLATION ......B-1
Charging the Battery Pack ................................................................ B-1
Battery Tips ....................................................................................... B-2
APPENDIX C: INTERFACE PORT
CONNECTOR...................................................................C-1
CABLE SPECIFICATIONS...............................................C-2

1-1
MODEL MS1400
INTRODUCTION
The MS1400 is a high-performance instrument designed for cable
television technicians. The meter permits level measurements on analog
signals and digitally modulated carriers.
The durable, water-resistant MS1400 makes innovative use of a graphics
LCD screen to simplify operation. The LCD backlight makes
measurements easier in crawl spaces and behind television sets. Also,
the display is easy to see in bright sunlight.
DIGITAL CARRIER MEASUREMENT
As digital services such as audio, video, Internet, and telephony become
more common, a way of accurately measuring their carriers is needed.
The MS1400 provides an average power measurement of QPSK, 16-
QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM, QPR, BPSK, CAP-16 and other modulation
schemes. To be measurable, carriers must be in a state of continuous
(non-burst) transmission.
MEASUREMENT LOGGING
With the MS1400, you can store installation checks that you have
performed throughout the day. You can also store scan and tilt
measurements. Each file is time and date stamped and can be recalled
later for viewing on the LCD screen.
Introducing
the MS1400

1-2
When viewing a file, you can adjust the screen settings the same as
when you are viewing a “live” measurement. Using the built-in serial port,
you can print files and even upload them to Acterna's StealthWare for
further analysis and archiving.
AUTO TESTS
Automated tests are easy with the MS1400. These tests provide a
convenient way of acquiring proof-of-performance compliance data.
Tests can be executed immediately or scheduled over a period of time.
To conserve battery life, MS1400 shuts itself off between scheduled
intervals. When configuring an Auto Test, you can record information
about the location at which the test is being performed. Files can be
created for commonly tested locations. Thus you need only enter the
information once.
Auto Test results consist of time, date, and temperature and can be
viewed on the LCD screen. Limits are applied to the measurement data
with out-of-tolerance conditions concisely indicated. You can print a test
report for each interval or a comprehensive 24-hour report that
summarizes data collected for up to four intervals. Auto Test result files
can be uploaded to Acterna's StealthWare.
INGRESS SCAN
Ingress Scan is a feature that allows the user to monitor ingress signals.
All units are equipped with a standard 5 - 890 MHz ingress scan.
THE FRONT PANEL AND KEYBOARD
The keypad (see figure on Page 1-3) consists of the following:
·three Soft keys
·Power key
·four Mode Selection keys
·Enter key
·eleven Alphanumeric keys
·Shift key (Green)
·four arrow keys

1-3
MS1400 Front Panel: Keypad and Display Screen

1-4
MS1400: Rear, Top and Bottom Views

1-5
A description of these follows:
Soft Keys
There are three horizontally oriented soft keys located below the
display screen. The function of each soft key changes and is
determined by the particular operation being performed. An icon
immediately above the key represents it.
Power Key - On/Off
Turns your MS1400 on and off.
Mode Selection Keys
Installation Mode
Easily checks the channels that you have installed and verifies
that they are within limits.
Level Mode
Measures the signal level at a specific channel or frequency.
Full Scan Mode
Permits viewing a spectrum of all carrier levels in your channel
plan.
Navigator
Instantly lets you "travel" to any mode using the NAVIGATOR.
Enter Key

1-6
This key to used to enter or input your entry or selection.
Alphanumeric Keys
The alphanumeric keys are used to enter data while operating your
MS1400. 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 appropriate. In the
alphanumeric entry mode, you sequence through each character
and the numeral by repeatedly pressing the key. You can also
access a set of special characters that do not appear on the keypad
by pressing Up/Down Arrows. Once the desired character is
displayed, move the cursor to the next position using the Right
Arrow soft key. Be sure to terminate your entry by pressing Enter
key.
Shift Key (Green Key)
Some keys perform more than one function. A green icon located
next to the key represents the secondary function. Notice that the
icons are color-coded the same as the Shift key. You access the
secondary function by first pressing the Shift key and then the icon
representing the desired function.
NOTE: If you press Shift key and Soft key 1,
the unit will display the following screen:
Secondary Functions
Configure Mode

1-7
Configures your MS1400 for your own specific needs.
Auto Reference
Lets MS1400 automatically set the reference level for you.
Snap Shot
Holds the measurement. The measurement is retained even if
the cable is disconnected from the input.
Clear
Clears your entry and lets you start over again.
Backlight On/Off
Toggle On/Off. Press Shift key twice to turn the backlight on or
off.
Positive/Negative
Permits entering positive and negative values (when allowed).
Help
Allows viewing a description of each icon found in the current
soft key menu.
Print

1-8
Prints a measurement screen, installation report, auto test report,
or configuration report to a serial printer.
Store File
Stores an Installation, Scan, or Tilt screen for later viewing, or
printing or uploading to StealthWare.