Microtest OMNIScanner User manual

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OMNIScanner User Guide
OMNIScanner TM
2950-4500-03E Rev. 01 12/98
Fluke Microtest OMNIScanner Remote Specs
Provided by www.AAATesters.com

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OMNIScanner User Guide
OMNIScanner TM
USER GUIDE
ENGLISH
A Guide to using the Microtest OMNIScanner to install,
manage, and troubleshoot high performance cabling systems.
OMNIScanner verifies installed links against all common
cabling and network standards including Category 6/Class E
and Gigabit Ethernet.

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Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction ............................................... 9
The Digital Solution...................................................................................... 9
The Graphical User Interface and Accompanying Software ....................... 9
OMNIRemote .............................................................................................. 9
OMNIScanners Display ............................................................................. 9
OMNIScanners Keypad ............................................................................ 11
OMNIRemotes LED Indicators.................................................................. 13
When To Use OMNIRemote ...................................................................... 13
Connecting OMNIScanner and OMNIRemote ........................................... 14
Editing With OMNIScanner........................................................................ 15
Predefined Lists ................................................................................... 15
Editing Numeric Fields with the Spin Control ....................................... 15
Editing Alphanumeric Fields ................................................................ 16
Technical Support ..................................................................................... 16
Product Versions ....................................................................................... 17
Chapter 2 - Getting Started ........................................ 19
Charging OMNIScanners Battery ............................................................ 19
OMNIScanners Project Screen ................................................................ 19
Certification of Network Installations ........................................................ 20
Setting the Reference ............................................................................... 21
Project Selection ....................................................................................... 22
Running an Autotest ................................................................................. 23
Saving an Autotest .................................................................................... 24
Viewing Autotest Results .......................................................................... 25
Typical Test Configurations ........................................................................ 28
Basic Link ............................................................................................ 28
Basic Link with 110 Block and Modular 8 Jack ................................... 28
Full Channel with Modular 8 Jacks ........................................................... 29
Chapter 4 - Measurements......................................... 31
Performing Individual Measurements with OMNIScanner ........................ 31
General Information .................................................................................. 32
Wiremap ................................................................................................... 33
Length/Delay.............................................................................................. 33
NEXT ........................................................................................................ 34

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OMNIScanner User Guide
Attenuation................................................................................................. 35
Return Loss ............................................................................................... 36
ELFEXT ..................................................................................................... 37
ACR/Bandwidth ........................................................................................ 37
Resistance ................................................................................................. 38
Power Sum NEXT ...................................................................................... 39
Power Sum ELFEXT .................................................................................. 39
Power Sum ACR ........................................................................................ 40
Office Locator ............................................................................................ 41
Chapter 5 - Results .................................................... 43
Autotest Results......................................................................................... 43
Viewing Autotest Results ........................................................................... 44
Chapter 6 - Uploading and Printing ............................ 47
Microtest Utilities........................................................................................ 47
Chapter 7 - Updating Scanner Software ................... 48
Downloading Software from the Microtest WWW .................................... 48
Updating OMNIScanner Software from the PC ......................................... 48
Updating OMNIRemote Software from the PC .......................................... 49
Appendix A - Technical Specifications........................ 51
Physical Characteristics ............................................................................ 51
User Interface ............................................................................................ 51
Power ........................................................................................................ 51
Environmental ........................................................................................... 52
Measurement Port (Test Interface) ........................................................... 52
High Voltage Input Protection ................................................................... 52
Serial Port ................................................................................................. 52
Memory ..................................................................................................... 52
Autotest Functions .................................................................................... 52
Test Functions........................................................................................... 53
Transmission Performance Measurement Method ................................... 53
Transmission Performance Measurement Parameters ............................. 53
Wire Map .................................................................................................. 54
NEXT ........................................................................................................ 54
Return Loss .............................................................................................. 54
Attenuation................................................................................................ 54
ELFEXT (Equal Level FEXT) .................................................................... 55
ACR (Attenuation to Crosstalk Ratio) ....................................................... 55
Bandwidth ................................................................................................. 55

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Length ....................................................................................................... 55
Resistance ................................................................................................ 55
Power Sum NEXT, ACR and ELFEXT ...................................................... 55
High Voltage Input Protection ................................................................... 56
Appendix B - NiCd Batteries ...................................... 57
Batteries..................................................................................................... 57
Battery Charging ........................................................................................ 58
NiCd Battery Tips ...................................................................................... 59
Appendix C - Cable Pin-Outs ..................................... 61
Serial Cable DB-9 Female to DB-9 Male Pin-outs.................................... 61
Serial Cable DB-9 Female to DB-25 Male Pin-outs.................................. 61
Serial Cable DB-25 Female to DB-25 Male Pin-outs................................ 62
Cable Pin-Out Signals .............................................................................. 62

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OMNIScanner User Guide

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OMNIScanner User Guide
Chapter 1 - Introduction
The Digital Solution
OMNIScanner is the most advanced hand-held certification and diagnostic
tool for Category 7, 6, 5E (Enhanced), 5 and ISO Class F, E, D, and C
links. With an extended frequency range of 300 MHz, OMNIScanner
provides full software compliance with TIA and ISO/IEC requirements for
measurement reporting and analysis (including Length, Delay, ACR, NEXT,
ELFEXT, Return Loss. Resistance, PSNEXT, PSACR, PSELFEXT and
Attenuation).
The Graphical User Interface and Accompanying
Software
OMNIScanners graphical user interface consists of a backlit LCD display,
quick access menus, arrow keys, and descriptive menu options that guide
you through certifying or troubleshooting cabling systems. PC-based
software expands the user interface and aids with the management of
projects.
OMNIRemote
For test and certification of twisted pair cabling, the OMNIScanner requires
the OMNIRemote unit at the opposite end of the cabling link under test.
OMNIScanner communicates with OMNIRemote to obtain status and
perform measurements from both ends of the link. OMNIRemote is
equipped with a speaker to generate tones, and several colored LEDs to
indicate overall test results and status.
OMNIScanners Display
Scanner Display Function
1-2 or 12/36: The paired numbers in the display indicate wire
pairs. For example, 1-2 indicates the wire pair of
pins 1 and 2. 12/36 indicates two wire pairs tested,
the first pair of pins 1 and 2, and the second pair of
pins 3 and 6.

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Pop-up lists: Pop-up lists are available by pressing ENTER when
the cursor is located on user definable fields. A
selection list will appear, and the rest of the display
will be inactive.
Spin Control: The spin control is available on editable fields that
allow for increasing or decreasing numeric values by
depressing the éor êkeys.
Scrollbars: Use the éand êkeys on the keypad to move up
and down in a scrollable screen.
Graph: Use the çor èto move the graph cursor on the
frequency axis. Use the éor êto zoom in and out
of graphs.
FUNCTION KEYS
ON/OFF BACKLIGHT
AUTOTEST ESCAPE
ALPHANUMERIC ARROW KEYS
KEYS
UPPER/LOWER CASE ENTER
SWITCH KEY
HELP KEY

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OMNIScanner User Guide
OMNIScanners Keypad
ON/OFF
When turned on OMNIScanner will display the project screen.
Backlight
Press the Backlight key to turn the backlight on or off. Press and hold the
Backlight key to display the Contrast screen. In addition to contrast
adjustments, the screen displays hardware version, software version, serial
number information, and the date and time when the unit was last Factory
Calibrated.
AUTOTEST
Autotest
Press the Autotest key to run a custom or predefined Autotest.
ESC
ESC
Press the Escape key to cancel the current operation.
Arrow keys
Press the çèéê arrow keys to navigate within a list, menu, graph, or
editable field.
ENTER
ENTER
When in a selection field press the ENTER key to open the listbox and then
select the highlighted item as the new default. When in an editable field
press the ENTER key to start the edit process, and press ENTER again
when finished with the editing process.
Alphanumeric Keys
1
Use the 0 through 9 keys to enter numeric and alphabetic charac-
ters in editable fields. Alphabetic and special characters are shown
above each numbered key on the keypad. The 1 key allows entry of
the following characters: - (hyphen), . (period), and , (comma)

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The 0 key allows entry of an empty space.
The alphanumeric keys also allow direct selection of items in
numbered lists.
A/a
Use this key to toggle between upper and lower case letters.
?
Use this key to quickly display a window listing the functionality of
the function keys in the current display.
Function Keys
The functions of the 4 keys located below the display vary depending on
the current display. The assigned functions are:
Setup Measurements Results
New Edit Save Delete
Erase a letter Clear a field Set Default List
Detail Retest Graph Pair
Save Graphs Select Setup Graph Options
Next Page Previous Page
Switch to OMNIScanner Info Switch to OMNIRemote Info

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OMNIScanner User Guide
OMNIRemotes LED Indicators
LED Color Description
PASS Green Overall Autotest Result
is PASS
Status Green (flashing) OMNIRemote is ready
for testing
Green (consistent) OMNIRemote is active
FAIL Red Overall Autotest Result
is FAIL
Circuit Orange Hazard condition is
Guard detected. LED will be lit
in 5 second intervals
until the hazard
condition disappears
Charge Green OMNIRemote is inactive,
the AC adapter is present,
and the battery pack is
being charged
Green (flashing) OMNIRemote battery is
fully charged
Red (flashing) OMNIRemote battery is low
When To Use OMNIRemote
Most measurements require the use OMNIRemote at the far end of the
cable. For other measurements, OMNIRemote can be connected, but its
use is optional. OMNIScanner detects the presence of the remote unit and
automatically configures it for the measurement to be performed.
Measurements requiring the use of OMNIRemote:
 Autotest  Return Loss
 Wiremap  ELFEXT and Power Sum ELFEXT
 NEXT and Power Sum NEXT  ACR and Power Sum ACR
 Attenuation

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Connecting OMNIScanner and OMNIRemote
OMNIScanner and OMNIRemote are used together to perform measure-
ments, which allow the scanner to verify installed links or assist in the
diagnosis of physical layer network problems. To accomplish these mea-
surements, OMNIScanner and OMNIRemote are connected at both ends
of a network-cabling link. The end at which the scanner is connected, is
referred to as the Scanner end, and the end at which the remote unit is
connected, is referred to as the Remote end.
OMNIScanner displays test results for both ends of the link. Press
or to toggle the display between Scanner and Remote test results.
Note: Refer to the graphics in Chapter 2 - Getting Started: Typical Test
Configurations for instructions on connecting OMNIScanner and OM-
NIRemote for basic link and full channel tests.
Indicates
OMNI
Scanner
test
results.
Indicates
OMNI
Remote
test
results.
Toggles the display
from Scanner to Remote
end test results.
Measurements not requiring the use of OMNIRemote:
 Length / Delay / Skew
 Resistance

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OMNIScanner User Guide
Editing With OMNIScanner
OMNIScanner includes sophisticated easy-to-use editing methods to
accommodate a variety of user-definable items. Different fields have
different editing procedures. Please follow the described procedures to
make editing with the OMNIScanner effortless.
Note: All editable fields can be easily recognized by their dotted borders.
Predefined Lists
To quickly and easily select Projects, Autotests, Cables, etc. OMNIScanner
uses predefined lists.
1. Use the éor êarrow keys to move the cursor to
the field to be edited and press ENTER.
A pop-up list will be displayed while the main screen
becomes inactive.
2. Use the éor êarrow keys to move the cursor to
the appropriate item or value and press ENTER to select it as the new
default.
Editing Numeric Fields with the Spin Control
1. Use the éor êarrow keys to move the cursor to the field to be edited.
The entire field will be highlighted in black.
2. Press ENTER. Notice that the field is now high-
lighted in white and the main screen in the back-
ground turns gray to indicate that the edit mode has
been launched.
3. Press the éor êarrow keys on your keypad to
scroll through the string of numbers.
4. Press ENTER or ESC to accept the value and terminate edit mode.

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Editing Alphanumeric Fields
To start the editing procedure for fields that contain alphabetic and numeric
characters use the alphanumeric keypad.
1. Use the éor êarrow keys to move the cursor to
the field to be edited. The entire field will be high-
lighted in black.
2. Press ENTER. Notice that the field is now high-
lighted in white and the main screen in the back-
ground turns gray to indicate that the edit mode has
been launched. The first letter in the field is high-
lighted in black.
3. Press the 8key on your keypad to display a small drop-down list contain-
ing the letters t, u, v and the number 8.
Note: Alphabetic and special characters are printed above each numbered
key on the keypad. For example, ABC is printed above the 2 key.
4. Use the éor êarrow key to move to the appropriate character, or
simply press 8 on your keypad repeatedly until the appropriate letter or
number appears in the highlighted field. Press the
A/a
key to toggle
between uppercase and lowercase letters.
5. Press the èto close the drop-down list and highlight the next letter to be
edited. Notice that OMNIScanner does not overwrite existing characters.
To delete single characters use the function key. To clear an entire
field use the function key.
6. Press ENTER to accept the field and exit the edit mode.
Technical Support
If you have technical questions, you may contact Microtest Technical
Support by phone, fax, e-mail, or newsgroup.
Note: Before calling Technical Support, please have your Serial number,
and the Hardware and Software Version numbers available.

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OMNIScanner User Guide
Americas and Asia Pacific:
1-800-NET-FIXR (1-800-638-3497) (U.S. and Canada only)
1-800-419-8991 (FAX) (U.S. and Canada only)
1-602-952-6494 (FAX)
[email protected] (E-mail)
support.microtest.com (Newsgroup)
If the 1-800 service is not available, please contact your local authorized
Microtest reseller.
Greater Europe, Middle East, and Africa:
[phone] (Voice), [phone] (FAX)
[email protected] (E-mail)
For new product information:
World Wide Web page at http://www.microtest.com
[email protected] (E-mail for U.S.)
[email protected] (E-mail for Europe)
Product Versions
To display the software version #, the hardware version #, the serial #, and
the factory calibration data for OMNIScanner, press
and hold the Backlight key. The CONTRAST screen
will be displayed, which contains information that you
may need to provide when calling Technical Support.
To display software, hardware and serial number
information for OMNI-Remote, connect the units with
the supplied test cable and press the function
key.
Select Remote Info to open the REMOTE INFO
screen, which contains the date the reference was
last set, the hardware and software information, the
serial number, the battery indicator, and the factory
calibration data.
The serial number can also be found on the back of
each unit.

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OMNIScanner User Guide
Chapter 2 - Getting Started
Charging OMNIScanners Battery
In order to operate the OMNIScanner and OMNIRemote with battery
power, the battery must first be charged. Until the charging cycle is com-
plete, the units can run with the AC adapter plugged in. (See Appendix B -
NiCd Battery for more information about the batteries.)
OMNIScanners Project Screen
OMNIScanners project screen is designed to allow you to perform all
typical work flow operations. The Project, the test specifications, and the
cable types are all selectable from the OMNIScanner Project screen.
Press the ON/OFF key to power the unit on and
display the project screen with its three user
definable items: Project, Autotest, and Cable.
The first item Project name should be high-
lighted. Use the êto move the highlight to the
Autotest currently selected. Use the êto
highlight the currently selected Cable type.
OMNIScanner will auto-sense the Adapter.
Battery and Memory status are graphically indicated by gauges with a
display ranging from empty (left hand side) to full (right hand side).
Press (Setup) to view OMNIRemote information, select Autotests,
configure Cables and Projects, edit User Options, and calibrate OMNIRe-
mote.
Press (Measurements) to measure a cables performance, utilizing
a variety of tests.
Press (Results) to view and manage stored test results.

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Certification of Network Installations
OMNIScanner is designed to efficiently certify cabling installations through
its Autotest feature. Test results, test specifications, and cable types are
organized into Projects. The Project, its test specifications and cable types
are selectable from the OMNIScanner Project screen.
OMNIScanner contains a number a predefined projects, grouped by test
standards, to allow easy and fast operation.
The typical order of operations performed when certifying a cable installa-
tion is as follows:
Preparation
Prior to initial certification, perform the following:
1. Run a self-test by setting the reference for OMNIScanner and OMNI-
Remote periodically, e.g. weekly.
2. Select the appropriate Project, Autotest specification, and Cable type.
Certification
Perform the following for each installed cable to be tested:
3. Attach OMNIScanner to one end of the link, which is typically at the
patch panel in a wiring closet.
4. Attach OMNIRemote to the corresponding outlet at the other end of the
cable link.
5. Run Autotest.
6. Save test results.
Completion
At the end of the day or shift, the test results are uploaded using Microtest
Utilities or MT Crimp for Windows software.
Microtest Utilities support the following:
 Upload of test results.
 Storage of test results to files (MT Crimp compatible format)
 Print test reports
 Export results in CSV format
 Setup Projects
 View Graphs
MT Crimp for Windows supports the following:
 Upload of test results.
 Storage of test results to files.