NARDA 8718 User manual

Getting Started
with your 8718
an communications company
narda
Safety Test Solutions
L
3
This Getting Started Guide is a
duplication made as a reference and
convenience to our customers who
have misplaced the original (printed in
1996) that came with their 8718 RF
Radiation Survey Meter.
Narda’s logo and contact information
has been updated to enable you to
contact us as needed.

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Table of Contents
Section Name................Pg
1 Introduction ............ 3
2 Description ............. 5
3 Getting Ready ...........11
4 Making a Measurement ......13
5 Menu System ...........29
Index ................33

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1Introduction
About the Model 8718
Your Model 8718 is a hand-held, battery-powered
meter designed to simplify the measurement of
electromagnetic fields. It can be used with any
Narda 8700 Series probe.
The meter enables you to perform both simple
measurements and more demanding ones that
require averaging and/or data logging. It can be
mounted on a tripod and used with optional fiber
optic links for enhanced accuracy in certain
applications.
This manual will help you as you begin using your Model 8718.
Equipment Supplied
Your Model 8718 is supplied with:
•Meter
•Battery Charger/Power Supply
•Power Cord (220 volt chargers only)
•Storage Case
•Interface Software
•Operation and Maintenance Manual
•Getting Started Book

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2Understanding Your Model 8718
General Description
It is important to be familiar with the Model 8718 before you
use it. This section includes descriptive data keyed to
highlighted illustrations to help you locate the various features
of the meter. The descriptions not only identify the features but
tell you how they are used.
Battery Charger and Power Cord
The battery charger and power cord are used to recharge the
battery within the Model 8718.
To recharge the meter, first connect the cable of
the battery charger to the larger jack on the left
side of the meter. Make sure the plug is fully
inserted into the jack (there are two "stops").
Connect the power cord to the wall outlet.
The battery will be fully charged in about 8 hours.
A full charge will give you about 40 hours of
operation (approximately 8 hours if back lighting
is used).
The charger can also be used to power the
Model 8718 when it is to be operated for periods
beyond the capacity of the battery.

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Probe Connection
To make measurements, use your Model 8718 with
a probe. Connect the cable of the probe to the
probe connector located at the top of the unit.
If you use a fiber optic link, the probe connects to a
fiber optic transmitter. A fiber optic cable connects
the transmitter to the rectangular fiber optic jack on
the left side of the meter.
Audio Alarm
Your Model 8718 is equipped with an audible alarm
that emits sound through a tiny hole on the bottom
of the meter. The alarm sounds whenever the field
strength exceeds the measurement range of the
probe (over ranges).
You can also set the meter to sound its alarm at a
specific level and/or turn on a variable-tone mode.
Probe Test Sources
Your Model 8718 is equipped with two RF sources
for testing your probes. The Test Source key will
turn these sources on. They will stay on for
approximately 20 seconds.
A microwave (waveguide) window on the right side
of the probe is used for testing high frequency
probes.
A contact on the right side of the meter is used for
testing low frequency probes. These probes have
three test points on the head of the probe.

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Strap and Tripod Mount
A strap is provided on the underside of the Model
8718. It has a hook and loop closure to permit easy
adjustment, around your hand.
Behind the strap is a threaded connector used to
secure the meter to a tripod. Loosen the strap to
access this connector.
Operation With a Computer
To update probe calibration information or retrieve
stored measurements, you must connect your
Model 8718 to a personal computer and use the
Interface Software provided by Narda.
Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for
detailed information regarding computer operations.
Operation With a Recorder
To obtain a continuous record of measurement
over an extended period of time, you can connect a
data recorder to the smaller jack located on the left
side of the meter.

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Keyboard
The Model 8718 has four groups of keys distinguished by their
color.
Function keys (green)
Numeric keys (yellow)
Special Function keys (white)
Power keys (blue, green)
Power Keys
Two power keys are used to turn the Model
8718 On and Off.
Function Keys
Use the four function keys (F1-F4) to select
the options displayed on the bottom line of
the display screen directly above the F1,
F2, F3, and F4 markings. In a few cases the
options will be spelled out on the display.

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Numeric Keypad
Use the numeric keypad to enter number data into the Model
8718. You also use the numeric keypad to select an option listed
on the display screen.
Special Function Keys
Six special function keys enable you to perform specific
functions.
Esc Returns you to the previous menu. In a few
cases you must enter a selection rather than
use the Esc key.
Auto Enables you to automatically zero the meter
Zero and probe.
Help Displays a help screen that explains your options.
Test Turns on the built-in low frequency and high
Source frequency probe test sources for approximately
20 seconds.
Range Locks in a specific measurement range for the
bar graph. The digital display is not affected. The
meter automatically displays a digital value over
the probe’s entire measurement range. See Bar
Graph Ranges on page 21.
Enter Stores data you entered with the numeric
keypad. Confirms an option you selected from
a menu screen.

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