Armada Technologies Pro400 User manual

Pro400
TDR Cable Fault Locator
Operating Instructions

2
Section 1 - Receiving the Pro400
Upon delivery of the Pro400, ensure the contents are consistent
with the packing list, notify your supplier of any missing items.
If the equipment appears damaged, notify your carrier and supplier
immediately, giving a detailed description of any damage, save the
damaged packaging to substantiate your claim.
The Pro400 includes 18-inch test leads, soft case, batteries and user
manual.
International Electrical Symbols
This symbol signifies that the instrument is protected by double or
reinforced insulation. Use only specified replacement parts
when servicing the instrument.
This symbol on the instrument indicates a WARNING, and that the
operator must refer to the user manual for instructions before
operating the instrument. In this manual, the symbol preceding
instructions indicates that if the instructions are not followed,
bodily injury, installation/sample and product damage may
result.
Warning
This
instrument meets
the
safety requirements
of
IEC61010
-
1:
1995
ThePro400 is designed for use on de
-
energized circuits only.
Connection
to
line
voltages
will
damage
the
instrument
and
could
be
hazardous
to
the
operator
This
instrument
is
protected against connection
to
telecom network voltages
according
to
EN61326
-
1.

3
Risk of electric shock. The voltage of the parts marked with this
symbol may be dangerous.
1.2 Standards
The Pro400 has been manufactured in accordance with and meets
the requirements of the following international standards:
SAFETY IEC 61010-1
EN 60950
EMC BS/EN 61326-1
Water/Dust Proof to IP54
Section 2 - Introducing the Pro400
The Pro400, 3,000-foot range Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR)
weighing 13 oz. fits neatly into the hand. With its 128x64 pixel
backlight display, provides accurate and easy to read fault locations
on metallic cables. With a 3-nanosecond pulse rise time “close in”
cable faults can be clearly identified. Housed in a rugged IP54 rated
ABS enclosure, the Pro400 is suitable for outside use.
Using pulse widths and gain settings which are pre-determined for
the length range selected and with only 7 operating buttons, all
major operating and setting parameters can be easily accessed. In
addition to the pre-determined gain settings there is a user variable
gain control to further enhance the displayed trace. A 19,000-foot
cable run can be scanned in seconds. By using the Pro400 scan lock
facility, cable can be continually scanned, or the trace held for
closer analysis. To enable the Pro400 to test all metallic cables, four
user selectable output impedances are provided 25, 50, 75 & 100
ohms.
Faulty cables may be traced using the Pro400 warble tone feature,
an oscillating tone that allows a cable to be identified with a tone
tracing probe like the Armada Pro210F.

4
2.1 Pro400 Features
2. LCD display
3. Left ◄( ) button / Decrease
4. Right ►(+) button / Increase
5. Menu and Range ⎋Adjust button
6. Test Start ▼button
7. Power On/Off button
8. Backlight On/Off button
9. Select and Gain Adjust button
1.
BNC test connector

5
2.2 Specifications
Preset Ranges (ft)
20, 45, 90, 180, 360, 750, 1500, 3000
(Meters)
7, 15, 30, 60, 120, 250, 500, 1km
Range Select
Range ⎋+ ◄►
Accuracy
1% of selected range*
Resolution
Approx 1% of range
Sensitivity
Min 3-pixel return at 10,000 ft on 22
AWG, PE, TP
Velocity Factor
Adjustable from 1% to 99%
Output Pulse
5 volts peak to peak into open circuit
Output Impedance
Selectable 25, 50, 75 & 100 ohms
Output Pulse Width
3 ns to 3 ms, automatic with range
Scan Rate
2 scans / second or scan held
User Gain Adjustment
From default up to +7 dB
Tone Generator
810 –1100 Hz
Battery Life
7 hours continuous scanning
Power Supply
6 volts (4 x 1.5 AA alkaline cells)
Power Down
Selectable 1, 2, 3, 5 minutes or
disabled
Back Lit Display
128 x 64 pixels
Voltage Protection
250 volts AC
Operating Temp
14° F / 120° F (-10° / 50°C)
Storage Temp
0° F / 150° F (-20° / 70°C)
Dimensions
6.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 in (165 x 90 x 37 mm)
Weight
12 ounces (350 g)
Safety
IEC 61010-1 EN
60950
EMC
EN 61326-1
Water/Dust Proof
IP54

6
* Measurement accuracy of <+/- 1% assumes the instrument
setting for velocity of propagation (Vp) of the cable under test to
be accurately set, homogeneity of the Vp along the cable length,
and accurate cursor positioning.
2.3 Accuracy
The Pro400 can measure distances to faults and cable lengths to an
accuracy of +/- 1%.
This measurement accuracy is based on the correct value of Vp
being used for the cable under test, and homogeneity of the Vp
along the cable length.
If the Vp is set incorrectly by the operator, or the Vp varies along
the length of the cable, then additional errors will be incurred, and
the measurement accuracy will be affected.
Note: The Vp is less well defined with unshielded multi-wire cable,
including power cable, and is lower when a cable is tightly wound
on a reel than when installed.
Section 3 - First Operation
3.1 Preparing the Pro400 for Use
Press button to power the tester, the following screen will be
displayed:
1. Model
2. Software version programmed into tester.
3. Battery condition indicator (all black batteries, fully charged, as
charge decreases symbol changes to white).

7
Prior to use the following parameters will need to be set
1. Auto shutdown
2. Set contrast
3. Select unit of measure
4. Select velocity of propagation
Level 2. Menu
To change the following settings from the menu, select using the
keys. Press Select key to open.
3.3 Set Auto Shutdown
To preserve battery life, the Pro400
has an auto shutdown feature.
Shutdown time is selectable between
disabled, 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 3
minutes. To Change settings press ▼to
move
to shut down, use to select the
TDR
Vp %Vc
VP=67%
Main 25Ω
Feet
Contrast
Shutdown: 3 minutes
3.2
Menu and Screen Displays
Level 1. Start up screen
To access level 2 Menu
press
►
and release.

8
setting. To exit press , selected
values will be automatically stored.
3.4 Set Unit of Measure (Level 2)
Press ▼to move to unit of
measure (feet or meters). Press ◄
or ►to scroll between feet and
meters. Press button to exit,
selected value will be
automatically stored.
Note: Vp is the correction factor for your cable needed to keep the
distance cursor accurate. 67% = 0.67. Experiment to get the best
value.
3.5 Set Cable Impedance (Z)
Press ▼to move cursor to Z.
To scroll between values press ◄
or ►. To exit press . Selected
values will be automatically
stored.
3.6 Set Velocity of Propagation (Vp)
Velocity of propagation may be set as % or speed in microseconds
(ms). The unit of measure, the speed is displayed in (feet or
meters), will be determined by the setting selected in section 3.4.
TDR
Vp %Vc
VP=67%
Main 25Ω
Feet
Contrast
Shutdown: 3 minutes
TDR
Vp %Vc
VP=67%
Main 25Ω
Feet
Contrast
Shutdown: 3 minutes

9
Press ▼to move to Vp type, press
►to set to Vp % Vc. Press ◄or
►to increase or decrease
displayed value. Press to return
to screen. Selected values will be
automatically stored.
3.7 Backlight
The LCD display is fitted with an LED backlight to enable easy
viewing under a variety of different lighting conditions. The
backlight is switched on and off with key.
3.8 How to Determine Vp Settings
If the Pro400 TDR is to be used with a cable type for which the Vp
is unknown, this must first be determined by following the steps
below.
1. Take a sample of the cable at least 300 ft long.
2. Measure the actual length of cable using a rule or tape
measure, or some other reliable method.
3. Connect the Pro400 TDR and adjust the Vp setting such that
the tester gives a correct reading of the sample length.
Section 4 –Using the Pro400
Upon completion of the set-up procedures in section 3, press
button ▼and the test screen above will be displayed.
1. Vp setting
TDR
Vp %Vc
VP=67%
Main 25Ω Feet
Contrast
Shutdown: 3 minutes

10
2. Impedance setting (Z)
3. Range scale
4. Selected gain value
5. Distance of cursor
6. Cursor
7. Output pulse
Attach the test lead set to the Pro400 via the BNC connector
located at the top of the unit,
1. Ensure that no power supply or equipment is attached to
the cable to be tested.
2. Ensure that the far end of the cable under test is open or
shorted (not fitted with a resistive termination).
3. Attach the Pro400 to one end of the cable to be tested.
Coaxial Cable
Multi-conductor Cable
Coaxial Cable: Connect the red clip to the center wire and the black
clip to the shield/screen.
Shielded Cable: Connect the red clip to a wire adjacent to the shield
and the black clip to the shield.
Twisted Pair: Separate out one pair and connect the red and black
clips to the two wires of the pair.
Shielded Cable
Twisted Pair

11
Multi-wire Cable: Connect the clips to any two wires.
4.1 Testing a Cable
Having followed the set-up procedures in the preceding sections, a
typical display showing impedance anomalies is shown below.
Further examples are shown in section 4.6.
The vertical cursor line is moved left or right along the line of the
trace by pressing ◄and ►buttons to determine the distance to
the event. Position the cursor at the beginning of the event and
read off the distance at the bottom left corner.
On the fault display shown above, an Open cable has a splice at 30
feet. To increase the gain of the return see section 4.4. The open
end of the cable is shown as a large positive spike. This is used to
determine the end of the cable run and the overall length of the
cable.
4.2 Selecting Range Scales
The Pro400 has 11 range scales covering the range of 23 to 19,000
feet.
To select a range scale, or scan the cable run, press and hold down
the Range button and press ◄to decrease range or ►to increase
range.

12
4.3 Single Shot and Continuous Scanning Modes
When the Pro400 is first switched on, it is set to “Single Shot”
mode. In this mode the Pro400 only fires a pulse into the cable
under test when either the buttons or ▼button is pressed.
Single Shot Mode: Saves on battery life and enables the
Pro400 to be disconnected from the cable while still leaving
the fault display on the screen.
To enter “Continuous Scanning” mode press down and hold the
▼button.
The icon will appear at the bottom right of the display when
continuous scanning mode is activated.
Continuous Scanning Mode: Fires the pulses into the cable
under test. In this mode the Pro400 can more easily identify
intermittent cable faults.
4.4 Gain Adjustment
To increase the gain of the return pulse, align cursor at the
beginning of the event. Press and hold button, press keys to
increase or decrease gain.
4.5 Tone Generator
The Pro400 may also be used as a tone generator to trace and
identify cables and wires. The user will need a conventional
inductive tone probe within the range of 810 Hz to 1110 Hz.
To select tone generator (Level 2)
Select

13
Press to select . To open
press
To escape press .
When tone has been selected,
connect test lead to cable pair to be traced. Then use a tone probe,
which will emit a tone. The volume of the tone will increase the
nearer it is to the cable being traced. Note: The auto off function is
disabled in tone generator mode so that the tone can be injected
into a cable for extended periods while tracing takes place.
4.6 Set Contrast (Level 2)
Press to select .
Then press Select
Press to increase or decrease
contrast. Press to return.
4.7 Typical Fault Displays
The following diagrams show typical fault traces to assist you in the
identification of faults using the Pro400.

14
4.8 Typical Cable V.P. and Impedance (Z) Values
Cable Type
Vp
Z
Cable Type
Vp
Z
Cat5 STP
72
100
T/Pair Jelly PE
64
100
Cat5 UTP
70
100
T/Pair PE
67
100
ID1 Decoder Buried
57
25
T/Pair PTFE
71
100
MAXI Decoder Buried
53
25
T/Pair PVC
58
100
ID1 Decoder Spool
70
25
Coax Foam PE
82
75
MAXI Decoder Spool
57
25
Coax Solid PE
67
75

15
Section 5 –Maintenance
5.1 Battery Replacement
Disconnect the instrument from any cable or network link
•Turn the instrument off
•Loosen the two black screws and remove the battery
compartment cover.
•Replace the batteries with (4) 1.5-volt Alkaline batteries,
observing the polarities.
•Refit the battery compartment cover and tighten the two
screws.
5.2 Cleaning
Disconnect the instrument from any source of electricity.
•Turn the instrument off
•Using a soft cloth lightly dampened with soapy water, wipe
over the instrument. Rinse the cloth in clean water
squeezing out any excess water. Wipe over the instrument
removing any soap residue. Then dry the instrument with a
dry cloth. Do not splash water directly on the instrument.
•Do not use alcohol, solvents, or hydrocarbons to clean
instruments.
5.3 Storage
If the instrument is not to be used for a period of more
than 60 days, it is recommended that the batteries are
removed and stored separately (see 5.1).

16
Section 6 –Repair and Warranty
This instrument contains static sensitive devices and is not user
serviceable. If an instrument fails, or its protection has been
impaired, it should not be used but sent back for repair by suitably
trained and qualified personnel.
New instruments are guaranteed against breakdown due to
manufacturing or component defects for 36 months after the
purchase date by the user.
Note: Any unauthorized prior repair or adjustment to the
instrument will automatically invalidate the warranty.
6.1 Contacting Us
Armada Technologies
8535 Byron Commerce Dr. SW Ste. A
Byron Center, MI 49315
Tel No.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.armadatech.com
[email protected]

17
Notes

18
Pro400
TDR Localizador de Fallas de Cables
Instrucciones

19
Section 1 - Receiving the Pro400
Al momento de compra/entrega del Pro400, asegúrese que el
contenido coincide con la lista de contenido. Notifique a su
proveedor si le falta algún artículo.
Si el equipo parece estar dañado, notifique a su proveedor
inmediatamente. Dé una descripción detallada de los daños,
guarde el equipo dañado para respaldar su queja.
El Pro400 incluye cables de prueba de 18 pulgadas, un estuche
blando, baterías, y un manual de usuario.
International Electrical Symbols
Éste símbolo significa que el instrumento está protegido por
insulación o aislamiento doble o reforzado. Utilice únicamente
las piezas de repuesto especificadas cuando le dé
mantenimiento al instrumento.
Este símbolo en el instrumento indica una ADVERTENCIA, y que el
operador debe consultar el manual del usuario para obtener
instrucciones antes de utilizar el instrumento. En este manual, si
el símbolo precede a las instrucciones significa que si no se
Advertencia
El equipo cumple con los requerimientos de seguiridad IEC61010-1:
1995
El Pro 400 está diseñado solamente para uso de circuitos sin
corriente.
Conexión a líneas de voltaje puede dañará el equipo y puede ser
peligroso para el usuario.
Éste instrumento está protegido contra conexiones a redes de voltaje

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siguen las instrucciones, pueden producirse lesiones corporales,
daños en la instalación/muestra y en el producto.
Riesgo de descarga eléctrica. El voltaje de las piezas marcadas con
este símbolo puede ser peligroso.
1.2 Estándares
El Pro400 ha sido fabricado en conformidad con las siguientes
normas internacionales y cumple los requisitos de las mismas:
SEGURIDAD IEC 61010-1
EN 60950
EMC BS/EN 61326-1
A prueba de agua/polvo según IP54
Secciónn 2 - Conociendo el Pro400
El reflectómetro de dominio temporal (TDR) Pro400, con un
alcance de 3.000 pies y un peso de 13 onzas, cabe perfectamente
en la mano. Con su pantalla retroiluminada (luz de fondo) de
128x64 píxeles, proporciona ubicaciones de fallas precisas y fáciles
de leer en cables metálicos. Con un tiempo de subida del pulso de
3 nanosegundos, las fallas en los cables pueden identificarse
claramente. Alojado en una caja de ABS con clasificación IP54, el
Pro400 es apto para su uso en exteriores.
Utilizando anchuras de impulso y ajustes de ganancia
predeterminados para el rango de longitud seleccionado y con sólo
7 botones para funcionamiento, se puede acceder fácilmente a
todos los parámetros principales de funcionamiento y ajuste.
Además de los ajustes de ganancia predeterminados, existe un