ComSonics QAM Sniffer User manual

QAM Sniffer Dual Frequency
User Guide
CSI Doc. 101623-003 eRev. 1.0.5

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Limited Warranty (brief)
Hardware: ComSonics, Inc. (ComSonics) warrants to the original end user (Customer) that the new ComSonics
branded products will be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use, for one (1) year
from the date of original shipment. ComSonics warrants repaired and refurbished ComSonics products for
ninety (90) days from date of shipment.
Software: ComSonics warrants to the Customer that the computer software will perform in substantial
conformance to program specifications for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of original shipment.
ComSonics warrants the media containing the software against failure during the warranty period.
ComSonics makes no warranty or representation that the operation of software products will be
uninterrupted or error-free, or defects in the software products will be corrected.
Software License (brief)
ComSonics grants you, the Customer, a limited nonexclusive license to use the accompanying software
program(s) (the Software) subject to the terms and restrictions set forth in this License Agreement. You are
not permitted to use the Software in any manner not expressly authorized by
this License. You acknowledge and agree that ownership of the Software and all subsequent copies thereof
regardless of the form or media are held by ComSonics or its suppliers.
Complete Limited Warranty and Software License Agreement documentation is printed in the back section of
this document.
Technical Support
ComSonics maintains a Technical Support Service for customer convenience.
Phone [phone] or 1-540-434-5965 Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Fax: [phone], Email: tech-sup[email protected]
Copyright
All material in this manual is the property of ComSonics, Inc. and 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
Sniffer is a registered trademark of ComSonics, Inc.
QAM Sniffer, Nexus, GeoSniffer, Sleuth, and Sleuth II are trademarks of ComSonics, Inc.
© 2012 ComSonics, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Document 101623-003 eRev. 1.0.5
09/12/16

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Table of Contents
Limited Warranty (brief).................................................................................................................................2
Components ...................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................5
General Operation..........................................................................................................................................6
Display Panel ..................................................................................................................................................7
Field Use Setup...............................................................................................................................................9
Built-in Antenna............................................................................................................................................10
Vehicle Docking Cradle .................................................................................................................................12
Vehicle Docking Cradle Installation ......................................................................................................13
QAM Sniffer DF Configuration Utility ...........................................................................................................14
Configuration Utility Overview.....................................................................................................................14
Download and Install............................................................................................................................15
Configuration Utility Operation....................................................................................................................18
QAM Sniffer TM Firmware Updates........................................................................................................19
QAM Sniffer TM Automatic Frequency Correlation (AFC).......................................................................19
Battery Replacement....................................................................................................................................20
Specifications................................................................................................................................................21
Parts/Accessories .........................................................................................................................................22
Limited Warranty..........................................................................................................................................23
Software License Agreement........................................................................................................................24

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Components
Function Buttons
and
Display Panel
Fold Out
Antenna Trigger
Hand Grips
Battery Compartment
Figure 1 Components
AC or Vehicle
Adapter/Charger Mini-B USB Interface
Docking Cradle
Interface
Figure 2 Connections

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Introduction
This User Guide covers operation of the ComSonics QAM Sniffer Dual Frequency (QS-DF). Use of QAM
Sniffer Single Frequency units is covered in ComSonics document 101623-001, available for download
at www.ComSonics.com.
The ComSonics QAM Sniffer is a system which allows detection of CATV leakage in an all-digital system
without reserving any bandwidth for a discrete leakage carrier.
It is a CATV leakage detection system made up of three parts. The first part is a QAM Marker signal
source which is installed at a headend or hub of a CATV system. The second part is the
handheld/mobile QAM Sniffer unit. The third is the Mini-Mobile Marker (M3)
The QAM Sniffer unit is a handheld cable leakage detector with vehicle mounting capability.
It is an attractive and easy to use tool. Five buttons on the display panel and a multifunction trigger
type control, integrated into the handle, blend with the ergonomic contours of the device. The
buttons allow control of the settings needed in normal use, such as; power, operational functions,
backlight, and the loudness of our famous historic Sniffer warble tone. The unit has a built-in folding
dipole antenna for handheld use.
The QAM Marker and M3 signal sources, typically centered at 138/139 MHz or 612/614 MHz, uses a
unique modulation frequency for each CATV system to allow the QAM Sniffer units to detect leaks
only from the CATV system to which they are matched. The QAM Marker source can be configured
differently for up to three CATV systems in an overbuild area to distinguish leaks between the CATV
systems. The QAM Sniffer units must be configured to match the appropriate marker and M3 signal
sources using the PC based Configuration Utility describedbelow.
The QAM Sniffer unit uses sophisticated methods to detect and measure Marker and M3 signal leaks
within the CATV system. It can differentiate a true leak from general noise or signals originated by
another marker in a co-located CATV system.
An optional Docking Cradle is available for use in a vehicle. With the Docking Cradle, the unit is powered
from the vehicle and receives leakage signals from an external antenna. When used in the vehicle
docking cradle the units will simultaneously monitor low (138/139 MHz) and high (612/614 MHz)
frequencies if both QAM Marker signal sources are in use in the headend/hub.
A PC based Configuration Utility Application is available, as a download, to customize the QAM Sniffer to
system specific parameters. A standard USB to mini-B communications cable is required (not supplied).
Unpacking - The QAM Sniffer, its charger, and any ordered accessories are included in a shipping
container designed to provide the maximum protection during shipment. Upon receipt, inspect the
container and contents for signs of physical damage. Notify the freight forwarder of any damage
detected.
Battery Care - An internal Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) rechargeable battery pack powers the QAM Sniffer. Charge
the battery for a minimum of 3 hours, especially before using for the first time. Make sure the QAM
Sniffer is powered off to fully charge the battery. The QAM Sniffer automatically powers off when the
charge condition is low to protect the battery from excessive discharge. Charge status is only available
when the QAM Sniffer is powered on.
Caution! Failure to properly charge the battery may result in reduced battery life. Only use the included
AC Charger, the Docking Cradle, or the Vehicle Charger to charge the QAM Sniffer. Use of other AC
adapters or chargers may cause equipment failure, create a safety hazard, and void the warranty.
See the ComSonics publication titled Rechargeable Batteries & Getting the Most from Them for more
information on battery maintenance.

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General Operation
The QAM Sniffer display panel is equipped with five function buttons. Press the Power button
momentarily to turn the receiver on or off. To change a function setting, press the desired button and
select a setting with the Trigger Control, in the handle, by using a trigger up or trigger down action. The
selected setting is activated 3 seconds after the last button press. The Trigger is the audio volume control
when no other user setup function is active. A single press of the trigger or any function button activates
the backlight for 10 seconds.
Figure 3 Control Panel and Display
Power –Press the power button at the lower center of the control panel to turn the QAM Sniffer on or
off. When powering the QAM Sniffer off remnants of the last display may be visible for a few seconds.
This is normal and not a malfunction.
Audio Volume Control - trigger up to step the audio volume from the current setting up to
step 5. Trigger down to step from the current setting down to step 0. The available steps are:
0 (audio off), 1, 2, 3*, 4, and 5 (maximum). The audio volume control is enabled only when no other
setup function is active. The volume step is displayed temporarily in place of the distance setting.
i Button - Press to toggle between 1) 138/139 MHz Marker; 2) 138/139 MHz M3; 3) 612/614 MHz
Marker; 4) 612/614 MHz M3 by default. The selected frequency is shown at the top left corner of the LCD
display. When either of the M3 modes are selected, the frequency will blink to indicate the unit is in the
M3 mode. Note that dual frequency use requires installation of two QAM Markers signal source units in
the local headend/hub.
Squelch - Trigger up to cycle the squelch level from the current setting through the choices of:
0 µV/m (audio always on), 5 µV/m, 10 µV/m, 20 µV/m, 50 µV/m*, 100 µV/m, and 1999 µV/m (audio
always off). Trigger down reverses the sequence. The Squelch setting is displayed temporarily in place of
the level reading. Note: Equivalent Squelch level steps are used for other ‘Units of Measure’ settings.
Distance - Trigger up to cycle the distance setting from the current setting through the choices of: 1 foot,
10 feet*, 30 feet, 75 feet, and 150 feet. Trigger down reverses the sequence. Distance setting selected is
displayed to the left of the battery indicator. Note: Equivalent Distance settings are used for meters.
Sense - Trigger up to cycle the bar graph sensitivity from the current setting through the choices of: x1*
(1999 µV/m full scale), x10 (200 µV/m full scale), x20 (100 µV/m full scale). Trigger down reverses the
sequence. The Sense setting is displayed temporarily in place of the level reading as: r1*, r10, or r20.
Note: Equivalent scale ranges for other ‘Units of Measure’ settings.
Auto Power Off - The QAM Sniffer automatically powers off 30 minutes after the last button or trigger
press. See the Vehicle Docking Cradle section for operation when docked.
Notes:
The trigger function reverts to audio volume control 3 seconds after the last button press.
*Factory default setting.

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Display Panel
The Display Panel provides information on the marker, frequency, distance setting, battery charge, signal
level, units-of-measure, signal type, and relative signal level.
Figure 4 LCD Display
Marker Identifier - Identifies the Marker setting used for monitoring leakage signals. The marker F1, F2,
or F3 (default F1) can be changed with the Configuration Utility Application. The QAM Sniffer marker
setting (F1, F2, F3) must correspond to the Marker Identifier setting on the headend QAM Marker signal
source (F1 for 1, F2 for 2, F3 for 3). When the frequency is changed to either of the M3 modes, the
Identifier will change to an “F-“
Frequency –Displays 138.0000 /139.0000 MHz or 612.0000/614.0000 MHz. When either of the M3
modes are selected, the frequency will blink to indicate the unit is in the M3 detection mode. When the
unit is in vehicle Docking Cradle it will monitor both Marker frequencies simultaneously and once a leak
is detected, the applicable frequency will be displayed. When removed from Docking Cradle device
defaults to 612/614 MHz. Toggle between frequencies by pressing the “i” button. Slight frequency
adjustments to adapt to HRC, IRC or international modulation schemes are possible using the
Configuration Utility Application. Frequency set must exactly match output frequency of QAM Marker
signal source unit in use.
Distance - The distance compensation setting adjusts the signal level reading to approximate the
equivalency of the measurement being made at a distance of 10 feet (3 meters). Press the Distance
button and use the trigger to set the distance to a value correlating to the actual distance to the leakage
source. The units-of-measure for distance is factory set to Feet. The Distance units can be changed to
Meters with the Configuration Utility Application. The 1’ setting is used to attenuate the level by 10x.
This is primarily used when the leakage level is too high for the QAM Sniffer to read and causes the
display to rail at 1,999 uV/m. The 1’ setting allows the use of the QAM Sniffer to locate very large leaks
at close proximity to the leak.
Battery Level - A fully charged battery is indicated by 4 bars. Each bar represents approximately 20%
capacity along with the battery outline as the ‘very low’ charge indicator. The audio is muted when the
battery outline begins to flash. The unit automatically powers off when the battery is low to prevent
damage to the battery pack.
Note: A battery fault condition is indicated, when charging, by the entire battery symbol flashing.
Replace the battery or return the unit for repair.

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Signal Level - The signal level reading is the intensity of the received signal based on the distance setting.
The units-of-measure for signal level is factory set to µV/m. The level units can be changed to dBµV/m or
dBµV with the Configuration Utility Application.
Signal Validation - The QAM Sniffer contains methods to validate the received signal to be leakage or
noise. Leakage is displayed if the received signal is the QAM Marker signal or a M3 signal. Noise is
displayed when the Marker or M3 signal is not detected.
Bar Graph - The bar graph indicator displays the relative signal strength based on the current sensitivity
setting for full scale of 100, 200, or 1999 µV/m. The indicator operates in a peak hold mode and resets
the peak indication at pre-determined intervals. The peak hold reset interval is factory set at 1 second.
The reset interval can be changed (0 to 60 seconds) with the Configuration Utility Application. Equivalent
scale ranges are used for other units-of-measure.
Warble Tone –The audible Sniffer Warble tone is heard when a valid leak is detected above the selected
squelch level. On dual frequency units the leak frequency will be determine the type of warble heard. A
leak at 138/139 MHz provides a low frequency (slow) warble; a leak at 612/614 MHz provides a high
frequency (fast) warble. This allows the technician to differentiate between frequencies when leaks are
detected while driving.

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Field Use Setup
The QAM Sniffer delivers optimum performance when the following settings and functions are tailored to
the current measurement environment.
Distance Setting Squelch Setting
Sensitivity Setting Audio Volume Setting
Frequency Mode
Distance Setting - The distance setting is designed to simulate typical distances encountered in cable
leakage measurements: 10 feet is the normal distance, 30 feet is for street-to-suspended cable, 75 feet is
for street-to-home, and 150 feet is for street-to-back easement. The distance setting changes the level
reading and the bar graph to compensate for user to leak distances greater than the normal 10 feet but
does not change the receiver’s basic sensitivity. For example, if the level reading is 20 µV/m with the
distance setting at 10 feet and the distance setting is changed to 30 feet, the level reading will then be 60
µV/m. If the distance setting is changed to 75 feet, the level reading will then be 150 µV/m. If the
distance setting is changed to 150 feet, the level reading will then be 300 µV/m. The proper setting for
the distance is the setting that matches closest the actual distance between the user and the leakage
point. The level reading will then be approximate what it would be if the user was 10 feet from the
leakage point.
For locating extremely high leakage levels, the 1 foot setting (uncalibrated) can be used. When using the
1 foot setting, the displayed level is divided by 10 to get an approximate 10’ measurement. This setting
may be useful when the QAM Sniffer as a near field probe (described later in this document.)
Squelch Setting - The squelch setting determines the minimum displayed signal level
required for the receiver to produce an audible warble tone. At squelch settings other than 0 or 1999
µV/m, the Leakage label must be on before the warble tone sounds. Selections for normal operation are:
5, 10, 20, 50, or 100 µV/m. Select 0 µV/m for audio always on or 1999 µV/m for audio always off. Press
the Squelch button to review the current squelch setting.
Note: If the squelch is set for audio always off (1999 µV/m) and the displayed Leakage level shows 1999,
the QAM Sniffer will turn on the warble tone.
Sensitivity Setting - The sensitivity setting changes the scale range of the bar graph display and the
relative audio level. Setting x1 has the largest dynamic range of 2 to 1999 µV/m. Setting x10 has a range
of 2 to 200 µV/m and setting x20 has a range of 2 to 100 µV/m. Select a setting that optimizes the visible
movement of the bar graph and the audio warble loudness. Press the Sense button to review the current
sensitivity setting. The sensitivity setting is displayed temporarily in place of the level reading as: r1, r10,
or r20.
Audio Volume Setting - At signal levels greater than the Squelch Setting, the QAM Sniffer produces an
audible warble tone when Leakage is indicated. The warble tone varies in loudness according to the
volume setting and the bar graph indication. Use the Trigger Control, when no other setup function is
active, to select a setting to optimize the warble loudness with variations in signal level.

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Built-in Antenna
Handheld Operation
Unfold both antenna elements perpendicular to the body of the QAM Sniffer.
Maximum signal reception is from the front, back, top and bottom of the unit.
Minimum signal reception is from the right and left sides of the unit; the ends of the antenna elements.
Antenna elements shown are for 612 MHz operation. When using a dual frequency unit set to monitor
138 MHz accurate measurement values can be achieved only by extending the metal inner elements of
each antenna approximately 21 inches (measured from the centerline of the QAM Sniffer body to the
end of the antenna element). Extending the 5 largest diameter elements on each side will provide an
approximate antenna length of 21 inches per side.
Antenna pattern shown for
illustrative purposes only
Figure 5 Antenna Pattern Sample