DxShop T200 User manual

DxShop
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CAUTION : Read All Instructions Before Operating Equipment

INTRODUCTION.................................................................................2
THEORY OF OPERATION..................................................................4
T200 Technical Specifications.............................................................5
LAYOUT AND CONTROLS.................................................................5
1. Analyzer Test Port..........................................................5
2. USB Data Port................................................................5
3. LCD Screen....................................................................5
4. Boot Key ........................................................................6
5. Arrows (up/down)...........................................................6
6. Enter Key.......................................................................6
7. Return (Exit)...................................................................6
8. Mode..............................................................................6
9. Battery Door...................................................................6
10. Numerical Keypad..........................................................6
POWERING THE T200.......................................................................6
MENU STRUCTURE...........................................................................7
USING THE SETTINGS MODE...........................................................7
1. Backlight ........................................................................7
2. Auto Power Off...............................................................7
3. Battery Menu..................................................................8
4. Step Size Unit ................................................................8
5. LCD Contrast .................................................................8
6. Cal Data Protect.............................................................8
7. System Information ........................................................8
ENTERING SINGLE-FREQUENCY MODE.........................................9
SETTING THE DDS OPERATING FREQUENCY ..........................9
Direct DDS Entry.......................................................................9
Scroll/Step Entry.......................................................................9
SINGLE-FREQUENCY MENU.......................................................9
Screen 1, SWR, Frequency.......................................................9
Screen 2. SWR Z R X Display............................................10
Screen 3, Series Impedance...................................................10
Screen 4, Parallel Impedance.................................................10
Screen 5, S11 Scattering Parameters.....................................11
ENTERING SWEPT FREQUENCY MODE........................................11
General Screen Layout...........................................................11
SWEPT-FREQUENCY SETUP....................................................12
Start Frequency......................................................................12
Stop Frequency ......................................................................12
Y Scale...................................................................................12
Calibrate.................................................................................12
Load Cal Data.........................................................................12

SAVING TEST DATA....................................................................13
Save File.................................................................................13
Grid.........................................................................................13
SWEPT DATA SCREENS ............................................................13
SWR Screen...........................................................................13
Impedance Magnitude Screen (Z)...........................................13
Resistance Screen (R)............................................................13
Reactance Screen (+X or -X)..................................................14
Return Loss (S11)...................................................................14
Phase Angle (Deg)..................................................................15
Smith Chart Screen.................................................................15
CALIBRATION..................................................................................16
Global Calibration File..................................................................17
Building a Local Calibration File...................................................17
Executing Global Calibration........................................................17
CALIBRATION LOAD SET................................................................19
USING YOUR PC TO COMMAND THE ANALYZER.........................20
Computer Software Control..........................................................20
Manual Control via Computer.......................................................22
FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE................................................23
Important Note: Before turning on your analyzer for the first
time, we strongly recommend reading through the entire
manual. You will find valuable operating information along with
important tips to help you take full advantage its full range of
features.
The T200 is accurately calibrated at the factory and should not
need recalibration for initial use.
Do not run CALIBRATE with out proper calibration loads.
The display window has a plastic film applied at the factory to protect
the display window from scratches in the manufacturing process. This
film can be removed if desired.
Note: To increase battery life it is recommended that you set the
BACKLIGHT to AUTO and AUTO POWER OFF to ENABLE in the
SETTINGS Menu (see page 7).
The latest version of this manual and associated software is on line at
www.dxshop.hk in the T200 Downloads section.
Firmware version V01R05

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1. INTRODUCTION
The T200 is part of the Times Technology Series of analyzers and is a
compact single-port Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) that characterizes
complex RF loads in 50-Ohm systems with a high degree of accuracy.
Packaged for portable use, it's easy to operate under a wide range of
test conditions yet delivers many advanced features usually reserved
for units costing much more. For example:
T200 can compensate for phase rotation and losses in
feedlines and test cables by using industry-standard
Open/Short/Load (OSL) calibration setups.
T200 calculates true reactance sign (plus or minus),
eliminating sign ambiguity.
The DDS stimulus generator provides continuous coverage
from 1 MHz to 230 MHz.
The DDS accepts both step-tuning and direct-frequency entry
via keypad.
The DDS features 1-Hz frequency resolution with rock-solid
stability
There are 32 memory files for capturing and downloading test
data to a PC.
T200 has extremely simple power requirements (two AA
batteries, Alkaline or NiMH).
All test results are displayed on a bright easy-to-read backlit
LCD display.
The deluxe backlit keypad has large positive-action keys for
easy field operation.
The thick-wall molded case is hand-contoured and rugged.

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Whether you are putting up a simple dipole, building a complex
matching network, or characterizing an unknown device, the T200
delivers the type of data you need to get the job done. A user-friendly
menu system provides rapid access to all operating modes and
features:
Single-Frequency Mode: Presents SWR, Complex
Impedance (series and parallel), and S11 scattering
parameters (rectangular and polar). SWR is displayed in
huge inch-high numbers clearly visible from several feet
away.
Sweep-Frequency Mode: Graphically plots SWR,
Impedance Magnitude (Z), Resistance (R), Reactance (X),
Return Loss (RL, S11), Phase Angle, and Smith Chart
displays. A continuously tunable frequency marker pulls up
precise alpha-numeric data.
Calibrate Mode: Walks you through the Open Short
Load cal setups for both specific swept frequency
measurements and for the unit's global calibration procedure.
Settings Mode: Offers useful options, shows battery
condition and firmware revision.
PC-Mode: Links the analyzer’s memory files to your
PC through the serial data port.

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2. THEORY OF OPERATION
The T200 is a full-featured one-port Vector Network Analyzer (VNA).
The term "vector" means it analyzes both the amplitude and phase
angle of reflections returning from loads being tested in order to present
complex impedance data.
Microprocessor
Coupler
Display
Load
(DUT)
Test Connector
LCD
Stimulus
Generator Directional
PC Port
As shown in the diagram above, the analyzer's DDS RF-Stimulus
Generator (or VFO) generates a test signal that routes through the
directional coupler to the load under test. If a mismatch (impedance
discontinuity) exists, a portion of that generated signal is reflected back
to the load.
The Directional Coupler measures amplitude and phase of both the
forward and reflected signals and feeds that information to the
microprocessor.
The Microprocessor compares data from the coupler and
mathematically converts it to useful engineering parameters such as
SWR, complex impedance, and S11 coordinates.
Using the Keypad and Menu System, the operator can call up the
specific type of data needed for display on the LCD Screen.
The T200 is compact and simple to use, but offers several advanced
features that set it apart from may lower-cost analyzers. These features
include OSL (Open/Short/Load) calibration, true reactance signs,
continuous frequency coverage, exceptionally high DDS resolution,
extensive on-board memory, a serial data port, and simple power
requirements.

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3. T200 Technical Specifications
Frequency Range: Continuous, 1 MHz to 230 MHz
Frequency Resolution: 1 Hz
Test Port Termination Type-N Female
Output Power >-10 dBm typical
Harmonics -15 dBc typical
LCD Display 128 x 64 resolution with backlight
Dimensions 6.5" (165 mm) x 3.12" (80 mm) x 1.25" (32
mm)
Weight 10 oz with batteries and UHF adapter
Power Two (2) AA cells, Alkaline or NiMH
Computer Interface USB serial
OSL Calibration Male-N Open, Short, and 50-Ohm Load
4. LAYOUT AND CONTROLS
1. Analyzer Test Port: N-Female, accepts N-male for DUTs and
calibration loads.
2. USB Data Port: Accepts micro-USB connector, interface with a
PC for download. (Not for powering the unit or charging batteries).
3. LCD Screen: Displays menu selections, plots, and test data.

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4. Boot Key: Boot key, press and hold to turn analyzer on or off.
5. Arrows (up/down):Step or scroll for menu selections and
frequency tuning.
6. Enter Key: Enters menu selections and frequency setups.
7. Return (Exit): Escapes from current function, returns to previous
function.
8. Mode: Sets decimal point for numerical entries, serves multiple
menu functions.
9. Battery Door: Located on back, accesses tray holding two AA
cells.
10. Numerical Keypad: 0-9 keys for entering frequencies or
numerical data.
11.
5. POWERING THE T200
The T200 requires two (2) good quality AA batteries. The battery tray
door is located on the back of the analyzer case near its base. Press
and slide the lid down to expose the tray.
You may use alkaline non-rechargeable or NiMH rechargeable cells.
Note that NiMH cells require an external charger (the analyzer does not
have one built-in). For longest life, use fresh premium-quality cells from
the same manufacturer. Carefully observe polarity during installation
and never remove batteries while the unit is powered up. Abruptly
cutting power can disrupt the unit's normal power-down cycle and result
in memory loss.
The T200 features a built-in battery indicator that must be set up for the
type of battery you intend to use. See the Settings Menu for details.
Note the USB port does not power the T200 or charge batteries.

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6. MENU STRUCTURE
The T200 features short circular menus that allow you to identify and
access all functions quickly and easily. The Main Menu and its five
Sub-Menus are shown below:
Main Menu
Single Freq Sweep Freq (Plot) Calibrate (OSL) Settings PC Mode
SWR, Z SWR
Impedance (Z)
Resistance (R)
Reactance (X)
Return Loss (S11)
Phase Angle
Smith Chart
All
Open
Short
Load
Backlight
Auto Power Off
Battery (Type)
Cal Data Protect
Info (System)
Host
Series Imp
Parallel Imp
S11
7. USING THE SETTINGS MODE
To check and change the analyzer's default settings, power up using
the Boot key. After a brief opening screen, the Main Menu will appear.
Using the Down-Arrow key, step to the Settings menu and press Enter.
When the Settings menu opens, use the Up/Down keys to make
selections. To modify a setting, step to the desired option and press
Enter. To go back to the Settings menu, press the Return Arrow. See
menu items below:
1. Backlight: Controls screen and keypad illumination.
Auto:Turns backlight off after a few seconds to
conserve power.
On:Turns backlight on full time.
Off: Turns backlight off full time.
2. Auto Power Off: Activates or deactivates automatic shut-down
(power conservation).
Enabled: Shuts the analyzer down if no keys are
pressed for 5-minutes.
Disabled: Analyzer remains on until turned off manually.

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3. Battery Menu: Sets low-battery warning threshold (upper
right corner of LCD screen).
Alkaline: Low-battery indicator threshold set for
Alkaline cells.
Disable: Low-battery indicator threshold set for NiMH
rechargeable cells.
4. Step Size Unit: Select between 1MHz to 1Hz steps.
5. LCD Contrast: Select contrast settings between 1 and 7. 3
or 4 is usually optimum.
6. Cal Data Protect: Locks global calibration data so that it can't be
erased by accident.
Lock Cal Data: Protects 1-230 MHz default calibration data
Unlock Cal Data: Permits global recalibration (see Calibration
Procedures)
Normally you will only unlock calibration data to perform a global
recalibration of the instrument over its entire frequency range (See
Calibration).
7. System Information: General information (no choices required):
Model: Manufacturer's model number
F/W/Ver: Analyzer processor's firmware version
Battery: Five-bar scale shows battery status (1 bar
empty, 5 bars full).

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8. ENTERING SINGLE-FREQUENCY MODE
To enter the analyzer's Single-Frequency Mode, go to the Main Menu
and select Single Freq using the up/down arrows. Then press Enter.
The SWR screen will come up.
SETTING THE DDS OPERATING FREQUENCY
There are two ways to set DDS frequency -- Direct Entry and
Scroll/Step Entry. The Default (or start) frequency is 1 MHz.
Direct DDS Entry: Use the keypad to enter the frequency numerically.
The Mode key sets the decimal point (ex. 146.750). Press Enter to send
your selection to the DDS.
Scroll/Step Entry: Use Up/Down Arrows to manually "tune" the DDS
while watching the frequency display. Hold the key down to scroll -- or
tap to step in small increments. Scroll/step is especially useful for
finding minimum SWR or targeting a specific SWR reading. Note that
the operating frequency may be modified while viewing the screen any
of the five Single-Freq data screens.
SINGLE-FREQUENCY MENU
The Single-Freq menu opens with the SWR screen, but this mode has
four additional screens. Step through them using the Mode key.
Screen 1, SWR, Frequency: The opening Single-Frequency screen
displays SWR, and Frequency. Note that SWR readings appear in
1-inch high numerals for easy viewing. A bargraph is also displayed for
a visual representation of the SWR. When SWR opens, you will need to
set the DDS generator to your desired test frequency.
The menu is circular and will return to SWR. Press Return Arrow to
escape.

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Screen 2. SWR Z R X Display: Displays similar to the first screen
but has the SWR in smaller characters and also displays the Z R and X
of the load. (Added in firmware V01R02 and is not in earlier firmware.)
Screen 3, Series Impedance: Displays the load's resistive and
reactive component as two discrete elements connected in series. Also
displays a true reactance sign and the inductive or capacitive value at
the test frequency. This screen can also be used to determine the value
of a capacitor in pF or inductor in mH at the operating frequency.
Screen 4, Parallel Impedance: Displays the resistive and reactive
components as two parallel elements. Also displays true reactance plus
a finite inductive or capacitive value.

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Screen 5, S11 Scattering Parameters: Displays Rectangular and
Polar S11 representations of the load.
For all screens, press the Return Arrow to return to the Main Menu.
9. ENTERING SWEPT FREQUENCY MODE
This mode plots seven test parameters over a frequency span of your
choice. Local Calibration may be used in this mode for accuracy
through transmission line.
Standing Wave Ratio (SWR)
Impedance Magnitude (Z)
Resistance (R)
Reactance (-X or +X)
Return Loss (RL)
Phase Angle (Deg)
Smith Chart
To select a display choice in the Sweep-Freq Menu, use the Up/Down
Arrow keys to make a choice and press Enter. Use the Return Arrow to
revert back to the Menu.
General Screen Layout: The LCD layout for all modes except the
Smith Chart is shown below. A tunable marker is available for all
screens and presents precise numerical data to describe any point you
select along the X axis of the plot.
GSWR

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SWEPT-FREQUENCY SETUP
Swept-Freq operations require some initial setup using prompts
controlled by the Mode key. These prompts will appear in the numerical
data window at the bottom of the LCD screen. Entry items include:
Start Frequency: At the prompt, use the keypad or scroll-step
procedure to create a start frequency for your sweep. The Mode key
sets the decimal point and Enter applies your selection.
Stop Frequency: Same as above -- enter the sweep stop frequency.
Y Scale: Sets the amplitude range of your plot using the UP and
DOWN Arrows (Ex. SWR 3:1, 10:1, 30:1, etc.).
In swept mode, there are two calibrate menu functions to perform, the
Calibrate and Load Cal Data. Be sure to read the chapter describing
OSL calibration in detail. The Calibrate prompts will instructs you to
create an OSL cal-data file for the specific frequency span you wish to
scan. The OSL calibration establishes the analyzer's calibration plane.
Installing the OSL loads at the analyzer connector sets the analyzer's
point of reference (zero gain, zero phase shift) at the analyzer's N
connector. Installing the loads at the far end of a test cable or
transmission line sets the calibration plane out at the end point to
ensure accurate measurement through a line. When the cal sequence
is complete, the screen will prompt you to load that data into one of four
available calibrate memory files.
In the Load Cal Data, the OSL file you build is loaded into the
microprocessor.
Calibrate: Use the Up/Down Arrow keys to open one of four storage
files available to store your setup. The screen will then instruct you to
install the Open, Short, and 50-Ohm calibration loads in sequence.
Before attempting a calibration, be sure to read the Calibrate chapter
for additional information about "Local" and "Global" calibration
procedures and the analyzer's flash memory structure.
Load Cal Data: Use the Up/Down Arrow keys and choose a file
number (1-4) for your new data file and press Enter to transfer it into the
processor. Press the Return Arrow to exit if the storage file you selected

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is invalid.
SAVING TEST DATA
In addition to four cal-data files, the T200 has 32 data files available to
save plots for later upload onto a PC as CSV files.
Save File: To save a plot, use the Up/Down Arrow keys to select one of
the 32 file locations and press Enter. If there is older data in the file,
your new data will overwrite it. This data will be retained when the
analyzer is powered down and may be recalled.
Grid: Set to yes to impose grid lines to overlay your plot screens.
SWEPT DATA SCREENS
SWR Screen: Each swept plot is identified in the upper left-hand corner,
and the tunable marker frequency appears to the right. Use the
Up/Down Arrow keys to step or scroll across the display's frequency
range. The numerical test data corresponding to the marker location
appears in the data window below (Ex. SWR is 1.24:1 at the marker).
Impedance Magnitude Screen (Z): This plot displays changes in
Impedance Magnitude (Z) across the plot's frequency span.
Resistance Screen (R): The Resistance plot shows shifts in the load's

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resistive component as a function of frequency. Note that a
corresponding reactance value and sign also appear.
Reactance Screen (+X or -X): The Reactance plot tracks both reactive
value and displays sign to accurately identify if the load is capacitive or
inductive. The resistive component is also shown.
Return Loss (S11): The RL Plot shows the ratio of reflected power to
forward power expressed in dB across the frequency span. The higher
the return loss ratio, the lower the load's SWR.

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Phase Angle (Deg): When a test signal (incident wave) is transmitted
to the load under test, the returning signal (reflected wave) will rarely
return in phase. This screen plots the phase angle and amplitude ratio
between the incident and reflected wave.
Smith Chart Screen: The Smith Chart is a very popular tool for
visualizing complex impedance relationships in transmission lines and
antenna systems as a function of frequency. Note that the Smith Chart
frequency marker is displayed as a cross-hair that follows the load's
impedance parameters in both the X and Y axis. Normalized numerical
data defining the marker position is displayed to the right-hand side of
the plot.

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10. CALIBRATION
NOTE: DO NOT try to run the global CALIBRATE procedure
without a set of good calibration loads. DO NOT UNLOCK the
CAL DATA PROTECT except during the Global CALIBRATE
procedure.
The T200 is accurately calibrated at the factory and should not
need recalibration for initial use.
The T200 uses Open/Short/Load (or OSL) calibration to maintain high
accuracy for its Global Calibration -- and for "Local Calibration". Local
calibration is used in place of Global Calibration to eliminate amplitude
and phase errors in test cables or transmission line for specific
Swept-Frequency tests. The OSL calibrate procedure will be familiar to
many with RF-engineering backgrounds because it is the industry
standard procedure for setting up professional laboratory-grade
analyzers.
The OSL (Open/Short/Load) “load set” consists of three coaxial
terminations (typically built into connectors). One connector is a
calibrated OPEN (O) to represent an infinitely high impedance. The
second is a calibrated SHORT (S) to represent zero impedance. The
third is a precision (non-reactive) 50-ohm load (L) to represent 1:1 SWR.
The analyzer measures all three loads at close frequency intervals to
establish the electronic calibration (or reference) plane of the analyzer.
The Cal Plane represents the point in a transmission system where the
analyzer encounters no intervening losses or phase shift between the
detector and the load being tested. Because phase shift and loss both
change with frequency when traveling through transmission line, the
analyzer’s calibration data set must include measurements taken at as
many frequencies as possible. The Microprocessor and DDS handle
the "resolution" task automatically. Calibration will be only as good as
the load set used. Poorly made loads will add errors to the calibration
causing the unit to loose accuracy especially in the VHF range.
High RF Fields may interfere with antenna measurements. You can
check the accuracy with known loads to verify that the T200 is still
calibrated.

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Global Calibration File
All of the T200 analyzer’s calibration data is stored in flash memory.
Five cal-memory slots are available. One contains the Global
calibration file. The Global file covers the entire 1-MHz to 230-MHz
frequency span. Normally, the Global Cal establishes the reference
plane at the analyzer’s N connector. By default, the Global Cal applies
to all Single-Frequency measurements. It also applies to
Swept-Frequency measurements unless you preempt it by loading in a
Local-Cal file from one of the four remaining memory slots. The letter
“G” may appear in the upper-left corner of the LCD screen when Global
Cal is applied. The letter L appears in the upper left corner of the LCD
screen when Local Cal data is used.
Building a Local Calibration File
Local calibration is normally used for measuring loads through a
transmission line when you do not want to introduce the cable’s loss or
phase shift into your data. To perform the Local Cal, you will connect
the OSL loads out at the far end of the cable. During the Local Cal
procedure, the analyzer compensates out losses and phase shift in the
cable and thereby shifts its reference plane out to the load.
Memory slots numbered 1-4 are reserved for building and saving Local
Cal files. To build a file, use the entry procedure outlined below and
follow the on-screen prompts.
Press the Mode key until the Calibrate prompt appears
onscreen, then press Enter.
Select one of the four storage slots and press Enter. .
Note that calibration data and DDS frequencies are linked together in a
"data set". If you decide to alter the frequency range of your plot after
establishing a Local Cal set, the processor will recognize the shift and
automatically reject the Local Cal, reverting back to Global Cal.
Likewise, if you save a Local Cal data set into memory and reload it at a
future time, the original DDS frequencies will automatically be pulled up
as part of the set.
Executing Global Calibration
The analyzer’s Global calibration data is normally locked to ensure it
cannot be accidentally erased or overwritten by a Local Cal entry.

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However, it is a good idea to check the calibration and recalibrate your
analyzer if needed periodically as a normal preventive maintenance
procedure. In addition, in some circumstances, you may wish to alter
the Global Cal to compensate for a specific test cable or test fixture. In
that event, always re-calibrate before returning the analyzer to general
use! To execute a Global Cal:
Go to the SETTINGS menu and select CAL DATA PROTECT.
A warning message will come up then select the ENTER
key to continue or the RETURN key to return without
unlocking.
Return to the Main Menu.
Go to the CALIBRATE menu and select the ALL option
Select the ALL option and perform the OSL Calibration
(OSL).
The program will provide you with step-by-step prompts for executing
the entire Open/Short/Load cal procedure:
Note that Global Cal requires sampling a very large number of
frequencies between 1 MHz and 230 MHz, so each stage of the
procedure can take several minutes to complete. Also, by selecting the
ALL option, you must complete the entire cal procedure as one
continuous operation. Follow the prompts without interruption or without
returning to the main menu. Alternatively, you could perform each step
independently bringing up each of the three individual prompts, but
keep in mind that the cal must always be completed to the same