Argus Copper Box v4 User manual

ARGUS
ARGUS Copper Box 1
ARGUS
Copper Box v4 Manual
Version: 2.72 / EN
.

ARGUS
2 ARGUS Copper Box
© by intec Gesellschaft für Informationstechnik mbH
D-58507 Lüdenscheid, Germany, 2020
All rights, including translation rights, reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced,
duplicated or disseminated in any form (print, photocopy, microfilm or any other method)
without written consent.
All rights are reserved. No one is permitted to reproduce or duplicate, in any form, the
whole or part of this document without intec´s permission.

ARGUS
ARGUS Copper Box 3
1Introduction .........................................................................................4
2Safety information ..............................................................................7
3General technical data .....................................................................13
4Configuring accesses ......................................................................17
5Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4 ...................................................18
5.1 Selecting and activating the Copper Box .......................................18
5.2 Hotkeys / settings .............................................................................20
5.3 Changing socket selection ..............................................................22
5.4 Alarm tones .......................................................................................23
6Auto test ............................................................................................25
7Voltage measurement (U= and U~) .................................................35
8Capacitive symmetry measurement (CSym) ..................................42
9Capacitance measurement (C) ........................................................46
9.1 Calculating line length .....................................................................49
10 Isolation resistance measurement (Iso.) ........................................51
11 Resistance symmetry (RSym) .........................................................55
12 Loop resistance measurement (R) ..................................................62
12.1 Calculating line length .....................................................................65
13 DC current measurement (I=) ..........................................................66
14 Longitudinal conversion loss (LCL) ...............................................68
15 Near-end crosstalk (NEXT) ..............................................................71
15.1 Starting NEXT measurement ...........................................................73
16 Signature detection/termination detection .....................................75
16.1 Possible results ................................................................................77
17 Fast cable check ...............................................................................79
17.1 Possible results ................................................................................80
18 Remote kit control (Rem.) ................................................................81
19 Appendix ...........................................................................................84
A) Abbreviations .....................................................................................84
B) Software licenses ...............................................................................87
C) Index ..................................................................................................88

1 Introduction
4 ARGUS Copper Box
1 Introduction
ARGUS Copper Box v4
With the ARGUS Copper Box, intec offers an expansion for the xDSL multitesters
ARGUS 15x and ARGUS 16x. This USB box enables you to detect dangerous voltages
and currents early on and reliably assess the physical quality of the line – particularly when
DSL synchronisation is not possible or the data rate is low due to asymmetry, interference
sources or other mechanical line problems.
The box is connected to the ARGUS tester
simply via the USB host interface. You can
select the box and perform all
measurements easily and rapidly via the
ARGUS graphical user interface.
The ARGUS Copper Box is equipped with
four standard banana sockets, which are
colour-matched to the respective cables.
These sockets are designed for a four
millimeter (4 mm) thick, contact-protected
banana cable.

1 Introduction
ARGUS Copper Box 5
Further features of the ARGUS Copper Box v4:
- Multiple, preconfigured measurement profiles can be executed as an auto test.
-Voltage measurement enables measurement of the supply voltage (e.g. SHDSL, ISDN-
BRI U, POTS), as well as external voltages caused e.g. by contact between two wires or
isolation faults.
- With the aid of capacitive symmetry measurement, it is possible to detect asymmetry
in the subscriber line that can result in signal distortions or transmission errors.
-Capacitance measurement detects interruptions as well as typical input capacitances
of connected devices and enables estimation of line lengths.
-Isolation resistance measurement reveals damage to cable isolation, moisture
penetration or oxidised contact points.
- With the aid of resistance symmetry measurement, it is possible to detect irregula-
rities in the subscriber line that can result in signal distortions or transmission errors.
-Loop resistance measurement aids detection of short circuits and estimation of line
lengths.
-DC current measurement can be used to detect emergency, external and normal
power feeds as well as breaks in the line.
-Unbalance measurement (LCL): This measurement uses a frequency of 1 MHz to
measure asymmetry in a line pair.
-NEXT measurement: Measurement of near-end crosstalk at a frequency of 1 MHz.
-Signature detection is used to detect the signatures and test terminations (PPAs)
connected to the subscriber line.
-The fast cable check verifies the correctness of a three-pole (Tip/Ring/Ground)
connection.
-The integrated remote kit control lets you remotely set the line end to the desired state
either manually or automatically using a variety of electronic instrument kits.

1 Introduction
6 ARGUS Copper Box
All measurements can be executed as highly accurate automatic TRG (Tip, Ring, Ground)
measurements.
With its light weight of less than 160 grams and sturdy plastic housing, the ARGUS Copper
Box is not only extremely compact but also insensitive to impacts, falls, and other
mechanical hazards. Despite its exceptional performance and high measuring voltage, the
Box can operate for exceptionally long periods, as it is supplied by the powerful Li ion
battery pack of the ARGUS tester.
Its compatibility enables the Box to be used with multiple ARGUS test instruments. Thus,
an installation team can expand multiple ARGUS meters independently of each other. It is
not necessary to return testers for servicing in order to expand their functionality. A special
protective rubber jacket forms the USB box and the ARGUS tester into a single unit.
The Copper Box can be kept up to date quickly and easily via firmware updates that
ARGUS executes automatically. This insures that the Copper Box and ARGUS firmware is
always optimally matched.
The standard scope of supply includes a high-quality connection lead (twisted), a ground
lead and this manual.
For further questions, please contact:
intec Gesellschaft für Informationstechnik mbH
Rahmedestr. 90
D-58507 Lüdenscheid
Tel.: [phone] / 9070-0
Fax: [phone] / 9070-70
www.argus.info/en
[email protected]

2 Safety information
ARGUS Copper Box 7
2 Safety information
General safety information:
The ARGUS Copper Box may only be operated using the accessories supplied with the
device. The use of other accessories can result in faulty measurements or even damage to
the ARGUS Copper Box and the connected equipment. Only use the ARGUS Copper Box
according to the instructions contained in this manual. Any other use can result in injuries to
persons and destruction of the ARGUS and/or the ARGUS Copper Box.
1. Before connecting the ARGUS Copper Box to an access, make sure that no
dangerous voltages or currents are present for which the ARGUS Copper Box or its
accessories are not specified. Also keep in mind that the voltage can change over the
time that the device is connected.
2. The ARGUS Copper Box is intended solely for use in telecommunications networks
with limited power. It is not intended to be used e.g. to measure mains voltages
(230 V/50 Hz).
Specifications:
DC voltage UDC (U=):
AC voltage UAC (U~):
Capacitance measurement C (C, Csym):
Isolation resistance measurement Iso (Iso):
Loop resistance R (R, Rsym):
DC current IDC (I=):
Longitudinal conversion loss, (LCL):
Near-end crosstalk (NEXT):
0.01 V to 200.0 V
0.01 V to 200.0 V (50 Hz sine)
0.01 nF to 8000.00 nF @ 8Hz
0.1 kΩ to 999.9 MΩ, (105 V, max. 2 mA)
0.1 kΩ to 40.0 MΩ, (8 V, max. 9 mA)
0.1 to 40.0 MΩ, (13 V, max. 15 mA)
0.1 mA to 499.9 mA
Attenuation for 1 MHz @120 Ω
Crosstalk attenuation for 1 MHz @120 Ω
3. Use the ARGUS Copper Box only according to its intended purpose at all interfaces
and accesses. It is intended for the measurement and acquisition of physical quantities
in low-power telecommunication networks. The ARGUS Copper Box is not designed
for any other applications (e.g. measuring electronic components, determining the out-
put quantities of voltage sources, etc.).
4. In each measurement, avoid any contact with electrically live components (sockets,
plugs, cables, adapters, etc.) under all circumstances.
5. Voltages over 50 V AC and 120 V DC can cause death.
6. The ARGUS Copper Box may only be used by trained personnel.
7. The ARGUS Copper Box is not water-tight. Therefore, protect the ARGUS Copper Box
against water penetration.
8. The USB connection lead of the ARGUS Copper Box may only be connected to
approved ARGUS testers (ARGUS 15x and ARGUS 16x). Each of these testers must
be enabled using an individual option key provided especially for this purpose. The
USB lead must not be extended.

2 Safety information
8ARGUS Copper Box
9. The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) was tested according to the regulations
specified in our declaration of conformity. The ARGUS Copper Box is a class A device.
This device can cause radio interference in residential areas.
In this case, the user may be required to implement appropriate measures.
10. If the ARGUS Copper Box is operated under extreme conditions, an internal protective
mechanism (protection element) can be activated to protect the device, the Box and the
user. In this case, the Box may no longer be used, and may only be repaired by autho-
rized personnel. The device may not be opened by unauthorized personnel.
11. To ensure dependable, long-term operation of the ARGUS Copper Box, always make
sure that it is optimally protected against high temperatures. The ARGUS Copper Box
may only be operated with the temperature range permitted for the ARGUS device
(-10 °C to +50 °C in battery operation, 0 °C to +40 °C in adapter operation).

2 Safety information
ARGUS Copper Box 9
Important instructions for use:
1. Even a measurement on low-power telecommunications networks can present hazards
- particularly in the event of a fault; consequently, always first check the line to be tested
for a supply (DC voltage) and an external voltage (DC or AC voltage). If even one of
these conditions is present, safely de-energise this voltage and secure it against being
switched on again before conducting any further tests.
2. Once ARGUS detects the ARGUS Copper Box, an auto test can be executed or each
separate measurement can be started and stopped individually. If you change the
measurement without first stopping, the measurement is stopped automatically.
All voltages >200V are outside the permissible limits.
3. Never switch the ARGUS Copper Box from line to line while a measurement is running.
This would bypass the safety voltage measurement conducted before the start of each
measurement. Connecting the Box with a running resistance measurement to a line
with a regular supply voltage, for example, could destroy the Box even if this voltage is
within the specification for voltage measurement. In general, the ARGUS Copper Box
automatically checks before every measurement (except current measurement)
whether the line is carrying a voltage, and stops the measurement with a message as
necessary.
4. The ARGUS Copper Box is equipped with an automatic “TRG-opt.” measurement. This
means that the measurement quantities can be measured between different wires,
such as a (Tip), b (Ring), Ground and optional socket (opt.). The ARGUS tester
displays for selection the pairings that the ARGUS Copper Box supports for the various
measurements. Except for measurement of isolation resistance, the ARGUS Copper
Box performs a continuous measurement when only one wire pair (e.g. Tip/Ring or Tip/
Ground or Ring/Ground) is selected, i.e. changing values appear immediately on the
display.

2 Safety information
10 ARGUS Copper Box
Special instructions for individual measurements
Voltage
Be sure to observe the permissible measuring range specified above when measuring
voltage.
Capacitance/capacitive symmetry:
Before measuring, make sure that the voltage thresholds given in the table below (see
page 11) are not exceeded during the measurement. Certain measurements can require a
longer settling time. An automatic “TRG-opt.” measurement can thus take some time.
Isolation resistance:
Before measuring, make sure that the voltage thresholds given in the table below (see
page 11) are not exceeded during the measurement. During the measurement, the
ARGUS Copper Box can apply a measuring voltage of up to 105 V max. 1 mA) to the line.
Certain measurements can require a longer settling time. An autotest can thus take some
time.
Loop resistance/resistance symmetry
Before measuring, make sure that the voltage thresholds given in the table below are not
exceeded during the measurement. During the measurement, the ARGUS Copper Box can
apply a measuring voltage of up ton 13 V (max. 15 mA) to the line.
DC current:
Be sure to observe the permissible measuring range specified above when measuring DC
current. Make sure you connect the ARGUS Copper Box in the circuit in series.
Longitudinal conversion loss/NEXT:
Before measuring, make sure that the voltage thresholds given in the table below are not
exceeded during the measurement. When measuring LCL or NEXT using the ARGUS
Copper Box, any type of additional measurement lead can falsify the measurement. Both
the length and the position of the measurement leads with respect to each other can
influence the measurement result significantly. The specification values apply only for the
Box itself and not for the system comprising the Box and the measurement leads.
Consequently, connecting the telecommunications line directly to the Box is recommended.
Signature detection/fast cable check/remote kit control
Before measuring, make sure that the voltage thresholds given in the table below are not
exceeded during the measurement.

2 Safety information
ARGUS Copper Box 11
Voltage thresholds
Measurement UDC (V) to UAC (Veff) to
R* 3.5 30
R-sym* 30 30
ISO-R* 5 30
C* 17 17
C-sym* 17 17
LCL 10 7
NEXT 10 7
Signature 3 3
Fast cable check** 5 30
Remote box** 3 3
* Measured on 200 kΩ load
** Loop limit value 10 kΩ

2 Safety information
12 ARGUS Copper Box
Return and environmentally compatible disposal
Current environmental law restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical
and electronic devices, in particular the concentration or use of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd),
mercury (Hg), hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).
We hereby confirm that, according to the assurances, marking and documentation of our
suppliers, ARGUS brand measuring products do not contain any substances in
concentrations, compounds or applications whose marketing is prohibited according to the
valid provisions of the RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and Council
dated 8 June 2011.
Our registration number issued by the EAR is: WEEE REG. no. DE 92829367.
Since October 2005, we have been marking all our measuring devices with this symbol, in
compliance with WEEE 2002/96/EC and the corresponding German statute ElektroG:
( ) (DIN EN 50419).
In other words, ARGUS and its accessories, may not be disposed of as household waste.
Please consult with our Service department with respect to the return of old devices.

3 General technical data
ARGUS Copper Box 13
3 General technical data
ARGUS user safety tested according to EN62368-2
RoHS conformity pursuant to the WEEE directive
The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) was tested
according to the regulations specified in our declaration of
conformity.
CE marking
The ARGUS Copper Box complies with EC directives
2004/108/EC and 2009/C197/03. We will be happy to pro-
vide a detailed declaration of conformity on request.
Device specifications:
The ARGUS Copper Box is intended solely for measurements in
telecommunications networks with limited power.
Make sure that the inserted banana plugs of the measuring leads are completely
enclosed by the sockets of the Copper Box.
Dimensions/weight Inputs/outputs
Height: 125 mm
Width: 74 mm
Depth: 22 mm
Weight: approx. 160 g
- 4 x 4 mm banana sockets (contact-protected)
- USB-A plug
Temperature range
Operating temperature (ARGUS in battery mode): -10 °C to +50 °C
Storage temperature: -20 °C to +60 °C
Humidity: up to 95 % relative, non-condensing
Miscellaneous

3 General technical data
14 ARGUS Copper Box
Measuring accuracies:
Voltage:
DC voltage measurement (U=):
Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy:
0.01 V - 9.99 V 0.01 V ±(0.5 % + 2 digits)
10.0 V - 200.0 V 0.1 V ±(0.5 % + 2 digits)
AC voltage measurement (sine, 50 Hz) (U~):
Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy:
0.01 V - 9.99 V 0.01 V ±(2 % + 2 digits)
10.0 V - 200.0 V 0.1 V ±(1.5 % + 2 digits)
Frequency: 10 Hz to 200 Hz; 0.2 Hz; ±(1.5 % + 2 digits); sine
When measuring voltages, the input resistance depends on the measuring range:
- Measuring range 1: 0 V - 25 V; Input resistance: 1.694 MΩ
- Measuring range 2: 25 V - 200 V; Input resistance: 1.05 MΩ
As soon as the total of all voltages exceeds 25 V, the measurement is switched over.
Capacitive symmetry measurement (CSym):
Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy of capacity diffe-
rence:
10 nF - 4 µF 0.01 nF 0.1% of the capacity to
ground
Capacitive measurement, measuring frequency 8 Hz (C):
Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy:*
0.01 nF - 9.99 nF 0.01 nF ±(4 % + 4 digits)
10.00 nF - 99.99 nF 0.01 nF ±(4 % + 4 digits)
100.0 nF - 999.9 nF 0.1 nF ±(3 % + 1 digit)
1000 nF - 8000 nF 1 nF ±(3 % + 1 digit)
* All specifications relate to a comparison measurement using film capacitors.

3 General technical data
ARGUS Copper Box 15
Isolation resistance measurement with 105 V, max. 2 mA (Iso.):
Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy:
0.1 Ω - 99.9 Ω0.1 kΩ±(2 % + 1 digit)
100.0 kΩ - 999.0 kΩ1 kΩ±(2 % + 1 digit)
1.00 MΩ - 9.99 MΩ10 kΩ±(2 % + 1 digit)
10.0 MΩ - 99.9 MΩ100 kΩ±(5 % + 1 digit)
100.0 MΩ - 999.9 MΩ100 kΩ±(5 % + 1 digit)
Isolation resistance measurement with 8 V, max. 9 mA (Iso.):
Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy:
0.1 Ω - 99.9 kΩ0.1 kΩ±(2 % + 1 digit)
100.0 Ω - 999.0 kΩ1 kΩ±(2 % + 1 digit)
1.00 MΩ - 9.99 MΩ10 kΩ±(2 % + 1 digit)
10.0 MΩ - 40.0 MΩ100 kΩ±(5 % + 1 digit)
Resistance difference (RSym):
Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy:
10 Ω - 5 kΩ0.1 Ω± 0.2 % of RLoop ± 0.2 Ω
Loop resistance measurement with 13 V, max. 15 mA (Iso.):
Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy:
0.1 Ω - 999.9 kΩ0.1 Ω±(1 % + 3 digits)
1.000 Ω - 9.999 kΩ1Ω ±(1 % + 1 digit)
10.00 Ω - 99.99 kΩ10 Ω±(1 % + 1 digit)
100.0 Ω - 999.9 kΩ100 Ω±(1 % + 1 digit)
1.000 MΩ - 9.999 MΩ1 kΩ±(2 % + 1 digit)
10.0 MΩ - 40.0 MΩ10 kΩ±(5 % + 1 digit)
DC current measurement (I=):
Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy:
0.1 mA - 499.9 mA 0.1 mA ±(2.5 % + 3 digits)

3 General technical data
16 ARGUS Copper Box
Unsymmetrie balance at 1 MHz (LCL):
Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy*:
0.1 dB - 55.0 dB 0.1 dB ± 1.5 dB
55.1 dB - 65.0 dB 0.1 dB ± 3 dB
The length of the measuring leads can significantly affect the measurement. Therefore,
always use the original accessories for measuring.
Near-end crosstalk at 1 MHz (NEXT):
Measuring range: Resolution: Accuracy:
0.1 dB - 65.0 dB 0.1 dB ± 1 dB
The length of the measuring leads can significantly affect the measurement. Therefore,
always use the original accessories for measuring.
Reference conditions (calibration):
- Temperature: +23 °C to 5 °C
- Humidity: 50 % ± 20 %, relative, non-condensing
- Frequency of measurement quantity: 50 Hz ± 5 Hz, sine

4 Configuring accesses
17ARGUS Copper Box
4 Configuring accesses
This section describes how to select and configure the access type "Copper Test". First
though, note that ARGUS offers 100 user-configurable accesses, which can be configured
as DSL, ISDN or copper test accesses according to the customer's requirements.
Generally, some of these 100 accesses are pre-configured before delivery. At least one
access with the name "Copper tests" should appear in the list of accesses when you power
up ARGUS. This should be sufficient, as the Copper Box can be started on this access as
an individual test just like TDR or Line scope.
Switch on ARGUS.
The most recently used access is indi-
cated on the display with .
ARGUS additionally displays a preview of
the selected access settings. The preview
window opens after 2 seconds.
<New>
<Edit>
You can also change the access name
"Copper tests", e.g. to in Copper Box,
TDR similar. See the ARGUS manual for
instructions on editing access names.
<Filter>
See section nocties of the ARGUS manual
for instructions on editing notices.
Creates an access, see
ARGUS manual.
Edits an access, see ARGUS
manual.
Toggles softkey assignment,
see ARGUS manual.
Switches to main menu.
Switches to Access, see
ARGUS manual.

5 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4
18 ARGUS Copper Box
5 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4
First connect the ARGUS Copper Box with the USB host interface of an ARGUS tester. You
may need to enter an option key in the ARGUS tester under Settings/Device/Software
options. Then connect the device to the measurement configuration as shown in the
connection examples.
Connection example 1 (DSLAM direction):
Connection example 2 (Modem direction):
5.1 Selecting and activating the Copper Box
The chapter "Configuring accesses", page 17, explains how to set up the connection type
"Copper test".
ARGUS in the status display.
The device always measures the DC
voltage at the line socket (pins 4/5) before
executing a copper test. This value
should warn of the presence of a voltage
at the line socket (e.g. TDR, Line scope)
when a copper test is executed.
Select one of the copper tests. In this
example Copper Box.
This is not the value that the
Copper Box measures between
the Tip and Ring wire.
<Setting> ARGUS automatically switches
to the Copper Box auto test
configuration, page 27.
Copper Box
Continued on
next page

5 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4
19ARGUS Copper Box
ARGUS detects the Copper Box. This
can take a few seconds. If a conflict
occurs, update your firmware or consult
our Service Department.
When detection is complete, ARGUS
activates the Copper Box and starts
voltage measurement immediately.
ARGUS is in the Copper Box status
display.
The voltage between the Tip and Ring
wire is measured continuously here.
<Current> Shows the current measured
value.
<Hold> The continuing measurement
is paused.
You can use the cursor
keys to select individual
tests, in this example
capacitive symmetry mea-
surement.
<Menu> Opens the Copper Box
menu, see page 20.
<Start> Starts the capacitive
symmetry measurement.

5 Using the ARGUS Copper Box v4
20 ARGUS Copper Box
Copper Box menu.
Depending on the currently selected test,
you can choose among the following
configurations (see in the sheet under),
here for example the hotkeys for
capacitive symmetry measurement
(Csym).
5.2 Hotkeys / settings
The hotkeys/settings can vary depending on the selected sockets.
Hotkey
Number key 0 Reset (only for active (min/max display))
Number key 1 Auto test profile, s. page 26
Number key 3 Polarity (Iso. only), s. page 52
Number key 4 Range limit (Iso. only), s. page 52
Number key 5 Measuring voltage (Iso. only), s. page 52
Number key 6 Wire types (R, RSym, C, CSym), s. page 31
Number key 7 QR code (only at the end of an auto test)
Number key 8 Susceptibility, s.page 43
Number key 9 Display mode, s. page 36
Input resistance, s.page 36
Press one after
another
and
Remote kit commands
commands, s. page 83
Remote kit s. page 81
Information bell, s. page 36