Applied Instruments XR-3 User manual

XR-3 Modular Test Instrument
TS2 DBS Satellite Meter Module
Operation Manual
Revision 1.00
Date 04/02/2015
PUCHASE THE TURBO-S2 MODULE FOR THE XR-3
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XR-3 TS2 Module Operation Manual XR-3
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1.INTRODUCTION TO XR-3’S TS2 MODULE ................................................................................. 4
CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.RUN SCREEN ...................................................................................................................................... 6
SOFT KEYS .................................................................................................................................................. 7
CHANGING SATELLITES............................................................................................................................... 7
CHANGING TRANSPONDERS ........................................................................................................................ 7
POLARITY.................................................................................................................................................... 7
MULTI-LNB SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................................ 8
SATELLITE IDENTIFICATION ........................................................................................................................ 9
ID VERIFICATION ........................................................................................................................................ 9
SATELLITE SCAN ....................................................................................................................................... 10
FIELD GUIDE UPDATES ............................................................................................................................. 10
3.MAIN MENU...................................................................................................................................... 12
4.SYSTEM SETUP................................................................................................................................ 12
REGIONS.................................................................................................................................................... 14
SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 14
SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................................................... 15
LNB MODEL ............................................................................................................................................. 15
SWITCH TYPE ............................................................................................................................................ 16
5.OPTIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 17
SIGNAL LEVEL .......................................................................................................................................... 17
SIGNAL QUALITY ...................................................................................................................................... 17
FREQUENCY .............................................................................................................................................. 17
SOUNDER OPTION ..................................................................................................................................... 17
SHUTDOWN TIMER .................................................................................................................................... 18
FREQUENCY DEVIATION............................................................................................................................ 18
IRD CALC ................................................................................................................................................. 18
6.VERSIONS.......................................................................................................................................... 19
7.AZIMUTH / ELEVATION LOOKUP ............................................................................................. 20
POLARIZATION OFFSET ............................................................................................................................. 21
SKEW ........................................................................................................................................................ 21
8.MANUAL TUNING ........................................................................................................................... 22
FREQUENCY .............................................................................................................................................. 23
SIGNAL TYPE............................................................................................................................................. 23
CODE RATE ............................................................................................................................................... 23
SYMBOL RATE........................................................................................................................................... 23
OPTIONS .................................................................................................................................................... 24
LO FREQUENCY ........................................................................................................................................ 24
LNB CONTROL.......................................................................................................................................... 24
9.CUSTOM TRANSPONDER ............................................................................................................. 24
10.VOLTAGE / CURRENT ............................................................................................................... 27
SOFT KEYS ................................................................................................................................................ 27
11.OPI AND DISEQC MONITORING............................................................................................. 28
OPI SIMULATION ...................................................................................................................................... 28
HUGHESNET™CROSS-POL CHECK PROCEDURE ...................................................................................... 28
DISEQCMONITORING .............................................................................................................................. 29
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XR-3 TS2 Module Operation Manual XR-3
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12.BIT ERROR RATE / PACKET ERROR RATE......................................................................... 29
PROOF OF PERFORMANCE TESTING .............................................................................................. 33
INSTALL PC SOFTWARE ............................................................................................................................ 33
COLLECT TEST DATA ................................................................................................................................ 33
SAVING DATA ........................................................................................................................................... 34
TRANSFER DATA FILE TO PC .................................................................................................................... 36
ERASING FILES .......................................................................................................................................... 37
PRINT REPORTS ......................................................................................................................................... 37
14.LIMIT SCAN .................................................................................................................................. 40
SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 40
SETUP........................................................................................................................................................ 40
SCANNING ................................................................................................................................................. 41
EDITING LIMITS......................................................................................................................................... 42
PRESET LIMITS .......................................................................................................................................... 44
ERRORS ..................................................................................................................................................... 46
LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 47
INITIALIZATION ......................................................................................................................................... 47
INSTALL PC SOFTWARE &TRANSFERRING DATA FILES TO PC................................................................. 49
15.SPECTRUM SCREEN................................................................................................................... 51
16.CONSTELLATION ....................................................................................................................... 54
17.FILE UTILITY............................................................................................................................... 56
18.UPDATING YOUR METER......................................................................................................... 59
15.POWER........................................................................................................................................... 60
LNB POWER.............................................................................................................................................. 60
BATTERY CHARGE .................................................................................................................................... 60
AC POWER ................................................................................................................................................ 61
DC POWER ................................................................................................................................................ 61
16.TROUBLESHOOTING / FAQS ................................................................................................... 61
17.REPLACEMENT PARTS & ACCESSORIES............................................................................ 64
18.MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS ............................................................................................... 64
19.SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 65
This manual covers basic operations and functions of the XR-3’s TS2 Module. For more detailed
instructions on how to use the instrument for different applications, see the Application Notes
available on our website, http://www.appliedin.com
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XR-3 TS2 Module Operation Manual XR-3
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1. Introduction to XR-3’s TS2 Module
The XR-3’s TS2 module is used with the XR-3 modular test instrument base unit.
FEATURES
Compatible with XR-3 Modular Test Instrument
Friendly user interface
Satellite ID by "align-to-lock" or "automatic scan“
ID multi-lock algorithm eliminates false positives
Powers LNBs and multi-switches
Use for L, C, X, Ku, or Ka band applications
High sensitivity assures alignment optimization
Geo-sensitive "Field Guide" software database stores all compatible satellites and
transponders per global region
Program and store up to 256 custom transponders
Controls multi-LNBs/switches with 22kHz DiSEqC tone
Manually tune to custom transponders using front panel keypad
Audible tone for signal lock or peak
Store measurements for Proof-of-performance reporting
"Limit Scan" Pass/Fail for key transponders
Displays antenna settings (AZ / EL / Skew) based on user's postal code or latitude and
longitude coordinates
Field replaceable type F barrel connectors
Fast system boot-up time in less than 5 seconds
MEASUREMENTS
Demodulates DVB-S, DSS / DIRECTV Legacy, Digicipher 2, Turbo FEC, & DVB-S2
(QPSK & 8PSK, CCM) signals
Signal Level (dBm, dBmV, or dBµV) with present and peak bar graph
Signal Quality (IRD, C/N, Eb/No, or Es/No)
BER (Pre FEC / Viterbi & Post FEC / Reed Solomon) for DVB-S, DSS / DIRECTV
Legacy, and Digicipher 2 signals
Bad blocks, corrected blocks, and frame errors for DVB-S2 and Turbo FEC signals
Voltage output of IRD / IDU (29V max)
Current draw of LNB
LNB frequency deviation (LNB LO drift estimate)
Symbol Rate error
Spectrum Screen (frequency on x-axis, amplitude on y- axis)
Constellation Screen (I and Q demodulator values)
XR-3 base unit
XR-TS2-01
tuner module
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XR-3 TS2 Module Operation Manual XR-3
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STANDARD ACCESSORIES
Quick Start Guide
The XR-3 TS2 module represents a new standard in satellite identification capability. Rather than
loading a limited set of satellites or a large number of channel plans to select from, the XR-3 TS2
module holds all of the compatible satellite transponder information for the entire continent.
You just tell it where you are, and what type of system you are connected to, and the XR-3
accesses all compatible satellite transponders visible to that system. The basic operation
becomes extremely simple:
Left arrow button – goes to next orbit east
Right arrow button – goes to next orbit west
Up arrow button - next higher transponder
Down arrow button – next lower transponder
Connections
1) ODU / LNB - connects to the LNB (or receiver side of a multi-switch)
2) IDU / IRD - connects to the IRD (receiver or modem) – NOT REQUIRED
ODU / LNB Connection
The ODU / LNB connector has two functions:
Supplies voltage to power the LNB
Sends commands to control multi-LNB head or external multi-switch
Receives RF signals coming from LNB output port or multi-switch output port
IDU/ IRD Connection
The IDU /IRD connector has two functions:
Measures voltage supplied by the IDU/ IRD
2
1
BACK VIEW TOP VIEW
2
1
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XR-3 TS2 Module Operation Manual XR-3
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Allows voltage supplied by IDU / IRD to power the LNB extending the battery life of meter
However, the meter itself is always powered by its internal battery or by the external AC to DC
switching power supply while connected to AC power.
Note: In order to prevent damage to the meter’s circuitry, do NOT input more than 30 volts to the
XR-3’s TS2 module.
2. Run Screen
The Run Screen displays valuable information used when pointing a dish or testing an L-Band
network.
1) Selected satellite
a) Change satellite with left and right arrow keys for single LNB systems (or with the LNB
soft key when connected to multi-LNB systems, see Multi-LNB Systems below)
b) Satellite name is on the top line
c) Orbital position is shown at upper left
2) Lock status
a) Search – when searching for a matching signal
b) LOCK – when signal lock is obtained, this indicates you MIGHT be pointed at the
selected satellite, but you must use the ID soft key to confirm the satellite.
3) Transponder information (upper right)
a) Transponder label
b) Frequency (L-band or downlink)
c) Polarity (RGHT, LEFT, HZ or VT)
d) Voltage provided to LNB (13, 18, 21, or 29 volts)
4) Signal Level
a) Left bar graph (with peak hold center line)
b) Numeric value in dBm, dBmV, or dBµV
c) Scale: -75 to -15 dBm (-26 to +34 dBmV)or (+34 to +94 dBµV)
5) Signal Quality
a) Right bar graph (with peak hold center line)
b) Numeric value as IRD equivalent or C/N, Eb/No, or Es/No in dB
c) Scale: 0 to 20 dB C/N
4
1
2
3
5
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XR-3 TS2 Module Operation Manual XR-3
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Soft Keys
1) SYST - transfers to the System Setup Screen
2) ID - starts satellite identification verification function
3) AZ/EL - transfers to the Azimuth and Elevation Lookup Screen
4) Polarity - displays or selects polarity and LNB voltage
5) LNB - Turns LNB power on or off (displays present state) and selects switch ports
6) MENU - transfers to the Main Menu Screen
Changing Satellites
The left and right arrow keys switch to the next east or west satellite visible to the selected LNB.
If the LNB polarity can be switched (dual polarity LNBF), the first priority id transponder will be
used and the polarity may switch if needed. If the polarity cannot be switched (single polarity
LNB with dedicated feed horn for VSAT or commercial TVRO applications), the selected polarity
will be maintained.
If you have selected a multi-LNB system, the selected satellite will also change when you use the
LNB soft-key to switch between LNBs. (See Multi-LNB Systems below.)
Changing Transponders
The up and down arrow keys take you to the next or previous transponder in the same satellite
(actually in the same orbital slot). If the polarity is locked (via single polarity LNB type) then you
get the next transponder of the selected polarity. Only transponders visible to your region are
used.
Polarity
If the LNB supports polarity switching (i.e. dual polarity LNBF) or is stacked, the polarity key is
disabled (as shown above) and the transponder selection determines the polarity.
If you are using a single polarity LNB, the polarity must be selected (to match the orientation of
your feed horn) using the polarity key (top right soft-key) and the transponder selection is limited
to the selected polarity. See figure below.
4
6
5
3
2
1
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Multi-LNB Systems
When the selected LNB system supports multiple LNBs or multi-head LNBFs via the switch
setting, the LNB ON/OFF button also controls the switch setting. Upon pressing the LNB power
soft-key, the meter sends a switch command to toggle to the next feed horn and the satellite is
automatically changed to the one normally used for that port.
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For example, the Dish Network Dish 1000.4 West system is typically used with the 110°, 119°,
and 129° satellites. When you press the LNB power soft-key (middle right side of LCD screen) to
select LNB1, the meter automatically selects the 119° satellite. Press it again to select LNB2 and
the 110° bird is selected. The third press gets you to LNB3 and the 129° bird.
Satellite Identification
Satellites are identified by obtaining locks on one or more transponders. To obtain a lock, the
frequency, signal type and symbol rate of the transponder must be known to the instrument.
These combinations vary enough between the satellites that they can be used to identify the
satellite. Unfortunately, one transponder is not always enough; there may be another satellite
using the same combination.
ID Verification
Unlike other meters, the XR-3 has the ability to check one or more transponders looking for a
match on a combination that is unique to each satellite. This is what we call the “ID Verification”
feature. It is initiated when you press the ID soft-key (middle left side of LCD screen) on the Run
Screen.
When you change satellites with the left/right arrow keys (or with the LNB power soft-key if you’re
connected to a multi-LNBF system), the default transponder shown will be one of the
transponders used in ID Verification. Once you get a lock and peak the dish on this transponder,
press the ID soft-key and the unit will check any other transponders needed to confirm the
identification and display either “VERIFIED” or “ID FAILED”.
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XR-3 TS2 Module Operation Manual XR-3
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Satellite Scan
If you have peaked up the signal level (left bar graph) on a satellite, but either don’t have a signal
quality and lock or get an “ID FAILED” message when performing the ID Verification, the XR-3
can try to determine which satellite you are pointed at by performing the ID Verification on
different satellites sequentially. This is called the “Satellite Scan” feature.
To run a Satellite Scan, press the ID button to verify the selected satellite. If that succeeds, there
is no reason to run the Satellite Scan. If that fails, there will be a “SCAN” button on the “ID
FAILED” Error Screen, press that and the scan begins.
The scan will start from the selected satellite, presumably the one you are looking for, and look to
the east and west one satellite at a time until a positive ID is found or the horizon is reached, or
you abort the scan.
Field Guide Updates
Unfortunately, the satellite identification process is only as good as the transponder definitions
that are used. And these change often enough to make the job challenging. That’s where Field
Guide updates come into play. As we update our software database, we post the revisions on
our web site, which you can download into your instrument. See the section on “Updating Your
Meter”.
Our software database is updated from information gathered from the service providers, other
web sites, customers, and our own testing and research. If you know of any omissions or errors
in our database, please contact us so that we may pass on what you have learned.
The Hardware version and installed versions of Field Guide, Software, and Postal Codes are
displayed on the LCD screen during the 5 second initialization count-down when you first power
on the XR-3.
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