ComSonics CyberTek QUALIFIER User manual

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helpful web sites to get you up and running in no time.
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First.
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1-800-336-9681

CSI Document 101268-001 Rev. C unreleased
H
HO
OM ME E Q
QU
UA AL LI IF FI IC CA AT TI IO ON N
S
SY
YS ST TE EM M
U
Us se er r
G
Gu ui id de e
Signal Level Meter
with
Digital Level Capability
and
Home Qualification Features

Warranty
ComSonics, Inc. warrants this product to be free of material and workmanship defects for a period of one year
from the original date of shipment.
Remedies provided under Warranty are exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties express or implied. The
liability to ComSonics is limited to product repair or replacement at the discretion of ComSonics. ComSonics
shall not be held liable for any incidental or consequential damages.
The following are not covered by this warranty:
1) Parts or components not supplied by ComSonics, or parts or components that have been modified.
2) Any product or part failure that results from accident, abuse, misuse, neglect, or unauthorized repairs or
modifications by individuals other than ComSonics personnel.
3) Failures caused by use of this product in extreme climates or moisture conditions.
4) CyberTek Qualifier Battery Pack
Technical Support
ComSonics maintains a Technical Support Service for customer convenience. Should the need arise, contact a
Technical Support Representative by telephone at 1-800-336-9681 or 1-540-434-5965; Fax at 1-540-432-9794;
or Email at [e-mail].
Return Information
Products returned for repair, calibration, etc. must be safely packed. Please enclose information on the reason
for return. Ship the material prepaid.
All material in this manual is the property of ComSonics, Inc. and is protected under the United States
copyright law. No material shall be reproduced or used in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems) without
the written permission of:
ComSonics, Inc.
1350 Port Republic Road
Post Office Box 1106
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801 USA
Phone: [phone] USA Toll Free: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.comsonics.com
Agency Notice
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
FCC ID: PYN12002A vehicle mounted device
FCCID: PYN22002Bhandhelddevice
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
CyberTek Qualifierand WindowLiteare trademarks of ComSonics, Inc.


2002 ComSonics, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Document No. 101268-001 Rev. C unreleased

Qualifier System
i
Table of Contents -
Signal Level Meter and Home Qualification System
Specifications .................................................................................................................... iii
Description ...................................................................................................................... 1-1
Battery Care .................................................................................................................... 1-2
Power-Up ........................................................................................................................ 1-3
User Preferences ............................................................................................................. 1-4
Country Set Define .................................................................................................. 1-5
Units of Measure Define .......................................................................................... 1-6
Quick-Tune Channels Define .................................................................................. 1-7
Making Measurements .................................................................................................... 1-8
Backlight ....................................................................................................................... 1-11
Home Qualification System - Overview ......................................................................... 2-1
Hardware Installation ...................................................................................................... 2-2
System Operation ............................................................................................................ 2-8
Qualifier Transmitter Details ................................................................................... 2-8
Qualifier Meter Details ............................................................................................ 2-9
Appendix A: Keypress Reference .................................................................................. 3-1
Appendix B: Channel Line-Up Set and Country Set Codes ........................................... 3-2
Appendix C: Feature Installation Utility ........................................................................ 3-3
Appendix D: Pressure Relief .......................................................................................... 3-6
Appendix E: Battery Replacement ................................................................................. 3-7
Appendix F: Theory of Operation .................................................................................. 3-8
Transmitter Block Diagram ..................................................................................... 3-8
Meter Block Diagram .............................................................................................. 3-9
Appendix G: Home Qualification System - Generalized Theory of Operation ........... 3-10
Appendix H: European Community Declaration of Conformity ................................. 3-16

Qualifier System
ii
FCC License Requirement
A FCC license is required to operate the CyberTek Home Qualification
System, specifically the transmitter component. Contact your ComSonics
representative for assistance in this matter.
CAUTION !
The Cybertek Home Qualifier System must be installed in a service
vehicle equipped with a 12-volt negative ground electrical system.
Note:
The battery charger for the Qualifier Signal Level Meter is designed to
be used only with 120VAC power from a wall outlet. Use of other
power sources, such as a vehicle inverter, may reduce the usability of
the meter.

Qualifier System
iii
Specifications - Qualifier System
Qualifier Signal Level Meter - General Specifications
Tuning range 5.00 MHz ~ 860.00 MHz
Amplitude range -30 dBmV (+30 dBmV) ~ +40 dBmV (99.9 dBmV)
Amplitude accuracy ±1.0 dB at room temperature; ±1.5 dB over operating temperature
Analog Television Types NTSC / PAL; peak carrier sync, preprogrammed audio offset
Digital Modulation Types QPSK, QPR, QAM, and VSB; bandwidth up to 20 MHz
Tuning increments Fixed (tuned by pre-loaded tables)
Tuning accuracy Auto-seeking to ≤62.5 kHz
Auto-seeking range ±312 kHz
(Direct access) quick-tuned
channels
6 channels - user-configurable (factory pre-sets per Country Set)
Step-tuned channels Pre-loaded channel set dependent
Pre-loaded channel sets 25 standard, picture carrier plus associated sound carrier
Audio Output Frequency modulation detector produces low impedance output to
earphone jack (earphone optional)
Qualifier Mode
Frequency 27.450, 27.470, or 27.490 MHz
Activation Distance Up to 150 feet between receiver and transmitter
Power
Battery User rechargeable, 6.0 V @ 0.55 Ah
Battery recharge life > 550 measurements*
Size / Weight
Size 7.7” high X 3.5” wide X 2.3” deep (19.6 cm X 8.9 cm X 5.8 cm)
Weight 23 oz. (0.65 kg)
Environment
Storage temperature range -20 °F ~ 150 °F (-29 °C ~ 66 °C)
Operating temperature range 0 °F ~ 120°F (-18 °C ~ 49 °C)
Humidity Weather resistant (withstands total immersion into 1 foot of water for
30 minutes without intrusion)
Shock Uniquely rugged
Qualifier Transmitter - General Specifications
RF Output Power 5 watts
Frequency Factory set to 27.450, 27.470, or 27.490 MHz
Input Supply Voltage Vehicle power - 12 volts DC negative ground
Size 7.7” x 4.4” x 1.7” less connectors and mounting bracket
Weight 2.5 lb
Storage Temperature -20°F ~ 150°F
Operating Temperature 0°F ~ 120°F
Humidity 5% ~ 95% (non condensing)
*Beginning with a new, fully charged battery. Room temperature lab tests produced more than 1,100 measurements by
repeatedly activating F1through F6 at 10 second intervals until automatic shut-down occurred.

Qualifier System
iv
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Qualifier Meter
1-1
Description
The ComSonics CyberTek Qualifier is a signal
level meter dedicated to the CATV installer. It
features the ability to easily choose for
evaluation any one of six pre-selected channels
from the full tuning range available. The
Qualifier meter makes measurements on the
chosen channel with a single keystroke,
showing the results on a backlight-capable
liquid crystal display (LCD).
The Qualifier meter’s controls have been
simplified to make its operation as easy as
possible. The keypad has six function keys (F1
through F6), each capable of tuning a picture
carrier frequency and its sound carrier
frequency or a single digital channel in the 5
MHz to 860 MHz range. It also has arrow keys
for single step tuning the unit within this range.
There are keys to control the backlight feature
as well as for powering the unit on and off. The
LCD features the channel being measured, its
level readout, and the unit of measure. A light
bulb symbol appears when the backlight is in
use; a battery symbol appears when the battery
level is low. Unless the battery charge life is
nearing an end, a bar graph shows the relative
signal strength. When the battery symbol is
present, the bar graph indicates remaining
battery life.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Input
Lanyard Ring
ABS plastic housing
Tuned channel
Backlight indicator
Level indicator
Units of measure (dBmV or dB
µ
V)
Level strength indicator
Function (channel) keys
Arrow selection keys
Backlight key
Power ON / OFF key
Earphone jack
Qualifer Mode key
1
5
3
4
2
8
76
12
11
10
9
13
14

Qualifier Meter
1-2
Battery Care
The Qualifier meter uses a rechargeable battery. For recharging this battery, ComSonics
includes a single-unit battery charger as a standard accessory.
The single-unit charger’s contact end (see illustration) consists of a yellow plastic housing,
with flanges on either side, and two spring-loaded prongs. It fits into the slot on the bottom
edge of the Qualifier meter, which has contacts corresponding to the charger prongs (see
illustration).
Prongs of a single-unit charger Contact end of Qualifier metert and points
To engage the contacts properly, hold the Qualifier meter face up, place the charger
connector so the flanges fit into the corresponding grooves in the Qualifier meter’s contact
end, and push towards the front of the Qualifier meter. When the charger connector is
completely inserted, the prongs will be in contact with the Qualifier meter’s contact points.
Plug in the charger pack to begin recharging your Qualifier meter. Fully recharging a
depleted battery takes approximately 10 to 16 hours.
When the battery charge drops below a set level, the battery low indicator ( ) appears.
The bar graph of the display blinks while this indicator is present, and shows the relative
amount of charge remaining.

Qualifier Meter
1-3
Power-Up
When first powered-on, Qualifier meter is in a low power state to reduce battery
consumption. In this state, the LCD provides the user with the channel name, units of
measure, the last measured value and a bar graph. “Backlight” and/or “Battery Low”
annunciators may also appear.
1The selected channel name in the format [CH XX88 X]. CH for channel, followed
by the channel name comprised of a combination of two alpha-numeric and two
numeric characters. The channel name is followed by Pfor picture carrier, or S
sound carrier, or Afor channels with a second audio channel, or dfor a programmed
digital channel. Digital channels are user programmed via a computer program. See
section Feature Installation Utility.
2Battery symbol is illuminated if a battery low condition is sensed.
3SETUP is illuminated when the User Preference mode is activated.
4Lightbulb symbol is illuminated if the backlight is active.
5dBmV or dBµV Units of Measure conforming to internationally used conventions.
6The bar graph provides a visualization of the measured signal level relative to the
total dynamic range.
-OR-
The bar graph provides a relative indication of the remaining battery life while the
battery low signal is activated.
7At Power-Up, the measured value displays the level of the last channel measured
prior to power-down. The display updates with each function keypress.
123
4
56
7

Qualifier Meter
1-4
User Preferences
Three built-in features are available for the user to customize the Qualifier meter: the
Country Set, the Unit of Measurement and the selection of six Quick-Tune Measurement
Channels.
One custom user channel line-up set or group can be created and installed to the Qualifier
meter using the Feature Installation Utility. The utility is a PC Windows program necessary
for the customization and installation of a user defined channel set. Digital channel
definitions can only be installed by use of the utility. See section Feature Installation Utility
for more details.
User Preferences are made available sequentially to the user through the SETUP mode. In
each sequence, the display blinks, showing current settings. Any displayed setting can be
changed with the arrow keys or left alone; changes are saved automatically.
To enter the SETUP mode, press and hold F6 while powering the unit ON using the
ON/OFF key.
Automatically, the Qualifier meter activates the Country Set Define sequence. The
currently selected Country Set code number blinks. Arrow keys step through the sets
available (see Appendix B for a complete listing). Pressing F1 leaves this sequence and
initiates the Units of Measure Define sequence.
The Units of Measure Define sequence of the SETUP mode is indicated by a blinking
Units of Measure selection. Pressing either the right or left arrow key toggles between
dBmV and dBµV. Pressing F2 ends this sequence and activates the Quick-Tune Channels
Define sequence.
The Quick-Tune Channels Define sequence is the final stage of the setup mode. F1
through F6 can refer to any six picture/sound carrier pairs contained within the selected
Country Set. At the beginning of the sequence, the channel display blinks, showing the
setting for F1. Press any of the six function keys, and the unit displays the current video
carrier channel setting. (If the unit has never been programmed, or if a new Country Set has
been selected in the SETUP mode, the factory preset channel for that function key is
displayed.) Use the arrow keys to change the channel setting if desired. This can be done for
each function key, in any order, and more than once if desired.
End the SETUP mode by pressing ON/OFF; this saves the setup and shuts the unit off.

Qualifier Meter
1-5
Country Set Define
From a preprogrammed list of countries, the user selects the one best suited to their area by:
(a) placing the Qualifier meter into SETUP mode; (b) keying to the desired Country Set.
•Country sets are displayed (1 to 25).
•See the Appendix section for a listing of the available countries and their access codes.
Changing the Country Set automatically changes the channel
settings to a default set of channels for that country set.
During this sequence, the Channel Name, Units of Measure,
and the Bar Graph are suppressed from the display.
STEP KEYPRESS RESULTS
1. Power-on the Qualifier meter in SETUP mode; this activates
Country Set Define sequence. The current Country Set code blinks,
indicating that this code can be changed.
2. Scroll through the available country sets:
scrolls forward (1 to 25, with the standard configuration),
rolling over to the first set when the last set is passed.
scrolls backward, rolling over to the last set when the first set
is passed.
Note: If a user channel set is installed, the country set range is 0 to 25. Set 0 is
the user channel set. See section Feature Installation Utility for more details.
Important: To reinitialize a country set, scroll forward by at least one number
and then scroll back to the desired country set. The Quick-Tune keys and the
channel center frequencies (learned) are reset to default whenever the county set
is changed.
3. The device continues to the next sequence in the SETUP mode,
Units of Measure Define, described on the next page.
Keys remain inactive during Country Set Define.
Going straight to Step 3 below
without touching  leaves
current Country Set Define setting
unchanged and continues to the
next sequence in the SETUP mode,
Units of Measure Define.
F6 ON/OFF
+
F1
~
F2 F6

Qualifier Meter
1-6
Units of Measure Define
The Qualifier meter makes available two Units of Measure to provide worldwide
measurement compatibility. The user selects between dBmV and dBµV by: (a) placing the
Qualifier meter into Units of Measure Define mode; (b) choosing between dBmV and
dBµV; and (c) selecting Quick-Tune Channels Define.
During this sequence, the Channel Name, Measured Value, and
the Bar Graph are suppressed from the display.
(continued from previous page)
STEP KEYPRESS RESULTS
The dBmV / dBµV display blinks, indicating that this setting can
be changed.
4. Toggles between dBmV and dBµV. or may be used.
5. The device continues to the next sequence in the SETUP mode,
Quick-Tune Channels Define, described on the next page.
Keys remain inactive during Units of Measure Define.
Going straight to Step 5 leaves
current Units of Measure Define
setting unchanged and continues to
the next sequence in the SETUP
mode, Quick-Tune Channels Define.
F2
~
F3 F6F1 ,

Qualifier Meter
1-7
Quick-Tune Channels Define
The Qualifier meter’s function keys allow the user to easily tune to one of 6 preselected
channels. Choices are selected for the key locations by: (a) placing the Qualifier meter into
the SETUP mode; (b) stepping to the Quick-Tune Channels Define sequence; (c) selecting
channel choices; and (d) changing the displayed setting (any change is automatically stored).
During this sequence, the Measured Value, Units of
Measure, and the Bar Graph are suppressed from the
display.
If the unit has never been programmed (or if a new Country
Set has been entered in the Country Set Define sequence),
the channels displayed in this function will be channel
defaults determined by the Country Set; otherwise the last
channel values programmed for each key will be displayed.
(continued from previous page)
STEP KEYPRESS RESULTS
The Selected Channel setting blinks, displaying the video carrier
setting stored under F1. NOTE: The display will blink if the
channel has never been tuned before, or is changed here; if the
channel has been previously tuned, it will not blink.
6. Change the channel setting:
Increments setting from a low channel to a high channel;
Increments setting from a high channel to a low channel.
No additional keypresses are required to lock a setting. Pressing
or changes and stores the setting simultaneously. If or 
are not used, the setting is not changed. Changes will be effective at
the next power-up.
7. The display will react as above for the selected function key.
8. Repeat Step 6 for as many function keys as desired.
If you wish to tune a channel at this time, press the function key indicated on the display to
have the Qualifier meter search for a center frequency. If the center frequency is found, the
F Key indicator ceases to blink. If the center frequency is not found, the F Key indicator will
continue to blink. (In measurement mode, the center frequency search process takes place
automatically when a channel is selected for the first time.)
9. Ends the SETUP mode and shuts off the unit.
F2
or
F3
F6
F1
or or
or
or
F5
F4
ON/OFF

Qualifier Meter
1-8
Making Measurements
Each user request for a measurement causes the Qualifier meter to tune to the channel
assigned to the function key pressed: the Qualifier meter displays the picture carrier, and
another press of the same key toggles to the sound carrier, and subsequent keypresses toggle
back and forth between the two. First-time tuning may experience a slightly longer delay
than subsequent measurements as the Qualifier meter learns and stores the exact location of
the carriers within the channel. (This will happen once for each function key selection; it can
take place here or during the SETUP mode. See section Quick-Tune Channels Define.)
Several samples of the tuned channel peak amplitude are measured, averaged, augmented
with temperature and characteristic data particular to each instrument, and displayed. The
value is displayed as the Qualifier meter changes to a low power mode. Automatic power
down occurs if a key is not pressed for 1 minute. Repowering always furnishes the last
measurement made before power-down. The value will be blinking to serve as a reminder
that a previously measured value is being displayed.
is also active during normal measurement
operation; automatic power-down occurs if keys remain idle
for 1 minute.
During measurement mode, if the signal is less than
-30 dBmV, the display substitutes LO for the signal level
readout. If the signal level is greater than 40 dBmV, the
display substitutes HI for the signal level readout.
As an additional aid to verification of tuned signals, the Qualifier meter produces a low
impedance sound signal, provided through the earphone jack in the Qualifier meter’s case.
This sound signal is extracted by the Qualifier meter from sound, picture, digital, or other
carriers. When a channel is tuned by pressing an arrow key or one of the function keys,
sound can be heard through an earphone connected to the earphone jack. The sound is
turned on 15 seconds for video and 20 seconds for audio. (This is to preserve battery power.)
Signal level measurements are made by (a) powering-on the Qualifier meter, and
(b) selecting the channel to tune: first the picture carrier, then the sound carrier.

Qualifier Meter
1-9
Making Measurements
STEP KEYPRESS RESULTS
1. Power-on the Qualifier meter.
2. Requests tuning to pre-defined location, measures value, displays
value of the picture carrier; a second press of the key toggles to the
sound carrier, another press toggles back to the picture carrier.
Pressing F1 for instance, displays the picture carrier of that channel;
pressing F1 again displays the sound carrier; pressing F1 yet again
displays the picture carrier again. (Channels with a second audio
carrier behave differently: see the next page.)
3. Allows tuning from the currently displayed channel to another in
the country set sequence. As each channel has a picture and a sound
carrier channel, the sequence would be picture - sound - picture if
starting from a sound channel, or sound - picture - sound if starting
from a picture channel.
If the Qualifier meter displays the picture carrier for Channel 3, for
instance, pressing displays the sound carrier of Channel 3;
pressing again displays the picture carrier of Channel 4. If the
Qualifier meter displays the sound carrier for Channel 3, pressing
displays the picture carrier of Channel 4; pressing yet again
displays the sound carrier of Channel 4.
Similarly, if the Qualifier meter displays the picture carrier for
Channel 3, pressing displays the sound carrier of Channel 2;
pressing yet again displays the picture carrier of Channel 2. If
the Qualifier meter displays the sound carrier of Channel 3, pressing
displays the picture carrier of Channel 3; pressing yet again
displays the sound carrier of Channel 2.
When pressing at the upper range, or at the lower range, the
tuning loops back. Pressing when the Qualifier meter displays
the sound carrier of the last channel causes the device to display the
picture carrier of the first channel. Pressing when the Qualifier
meter displays the picture carrier of the first channel causes the
device to display the sound carrier of the last channel.
ON/OFF
F2
or
F3
F6
F1
or or
or
or
F5
F4

Sound



Picture Sound

Picture 




Picture Sound  …………….………………
Current
Channel
Next
Channel
Last
Channel
to Last Channel Sound to First Channel Picture
The Qualifier’s tuning hierarchy
Note:
For user modified chan-
nel sets containing digital
channels, a ‘d’ appears
when a digital channel is
selected. A digital chan-
nel has just one tuning
selection. It does not
have separate picture
and sound carrier meas-
urements. When a digital
channel is selected,
pressing moves to the
next lower channel or
pressing moves to the
next higher channel.

Qualifier Meter
1-10
Making Measurements
(Second Audio Carrier Channels)
Some Country Sets include channels with second audio carriers; the keypress sequences for
these channels are different.
STEP KEYPRESS RESULTS
1. Power-on the Qualifier meter.
2. Requests tuning to pre-defined location, measures value, displays
value of the picture carrier; a second press of the key toggles to the
sound carrier, a third press toggles to the second audio carrier, and a
fourth press toggles back to the picture carrier. Pressing F1, for in-
stance, displays the picture carrier of that channel; pressing F1
again displays the sound carrier; pressing F1 yet again displays the
second audio carrier; pressing F1 once more displays the picture
carrier again.
3. Allows tuning from the currently displayed channel to another in
the country set sequence: sound - 2nd audio - picture - sound if
starting from a picture carrier, or 2nd audio - picture - sound - 2nd
audio if starting from a sound carrier, or picture - sound - 2nd audio
- picture if starting from a second audio carrier.
If the Qualifier meter displays the picture carrier for Channel 3, for
instance, pressing displays the sound carrier of Channel 3;
pressing again displays the second audio carrier of Channel 3;
pressing again displays the picture carrier of Channel 4. If the
Qualifier meter displays the sound carrier for Channel 3, pressing
displays the second audio carrier of Channel 3; pressing 
displays the picture carrier of Channel 4; pressing yet again
displays the sound carrier of Channel 4.
Similarly, if the Qualifier meter displays the picture carrier for
Channel 3, pressing displays the second audio carrier of Channel
2; pressing again displays the sound carrier of Channel 2;
pressing yet again displays the picture carrier of Channel 2. If
the Qualifier meter displays the sound carrier of Channel 3, pressing
displays the picture carrier of Channel 3; pressing yet again
displays the second audio carrier of Channel 2; pressing yet
again displays the sound carrier of Channel 2.
ON/OFF
F2
or
F3
F6
F1
or or
or
or
F5
F4
Current
Channel
Next
Channel
Last
Channel
to Last Channel Second Audio to First Channel Picture
The Qualifier’s tuning hierarchy for channels with a second audio carrier


Sound



Picture Sound

Picture
……..
2n
d
Audio

2n
d
Audio




Picture Sound


2n
d
Audio

Note:
For user modified chan-
nel sets containing digital
channels, a ‘d’ appears
when a digital channel is
selected. A digital chan-
nel has just one tuning
selection. It does not
have separate picture
and sound carrier meas-
urements. When a digital
channel is selected,
pressing moves to the
next lower channel or
pressing moves to the
next higher channel.

Qualifier Meter
1-11
Backlight
As a standard feature, the LCD is provided with a backlight to enable the instrument’s use in
low lighting conditions. Backlights require extra power and will significantly reduce
available battery life.
The Qualifier meter features automatic backlight deactivation and reactivation at strategic
points during normal use. Pressing the LIGHT key illuminates the backlight. After 10
seconds, the backlight automatically deactivates. After deactivation and prior to power-
down, the backlight will reactivate with each function keypress as well as with the LIGHT
key, automatically deactivating 10 seconds after each keypress. When the backlight is on,
pressing the LIGHT key turns the backlight off.

Qualifier Meter
1-12
FCC License Requirement
A FCC license is required to operate the CyberTek Home Qualification
System, specifically the transmitter component. Contact your ComSonics
representative for assistance in this matter.
CAUTION !
The Cybertek Home Qualifier System must be installed in a service
vehicle equipped with a 12-volt negative ground electrical system.