Promax 6 User manual

CABLE TV ANALYZER
PROMAX-6
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Description
The PROMAX-6 is an advanced model signal level meter designed for the
installation and maintenance of reception and distributions systems for analogue
and digital television signals. Its frequency range makes it into an excellent
instrument for FM radio, collective TV (MATV) and cable TV applications (CATV),
including the sub-band (return channel).
The PROMAX-6 can carry out all the measurements necessary for ensuring
good operation of any installation within the 5 to 862 MHz range as it incorporates
the basic functions for signal analysis in an accurate, sturdy, economical and easy
to use device. It can carry perform the following types of measurements:
Analogue channels: - Carrier level meter
- Carrier to Noise (C/N) ratio meter
- Video to Audio (V/A) ratio meter
Digital channels: - Channel power meter
- Carrier to Noise (C/N) ratio meter
All the measurements for both analogue and digital channels are direct, i.e.
PROMAX-6 automatically carries out all the necessary corrections in accordance
with the type of signal to be measured.
The PROMAX-6 is the result of intensive work in research and the experience
of more than thirty years in the development of instrumentation for television. It
enables the measurement of the signal level with a high degree of accuracy; it
incorporates a series of functions for evaluating the picture quality.
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Fax [phone]
TestEquipmentDepot.com

Its design, based on a control system with an intelligent microprocessor,
provides the user with easy-to-use advanced features. The digital control system
allows the user to make most of the necessary operations automatic in order to
optimize the measurement process; for example, continuous frequency synthesis,
correction of linearity and flatness errors, the proper selection of attenuators and
automatic cut-off if the instrument remains inactive for a certain period of time. To
enhance its features, it allows a plan of up to 239 channels.
Its accuracy and reliability satisfy the requirements of the most demanding
users.
The signal level measured is shown numerically on an LCD display in absolute
values. It is also equipped with a computer connection which allows one to
personalize the configuration of the instrument.
The instrument is powered by an external rechargeable battery and it is safe to
use outdoors.
The implementation of all these functions in an instrument weighing only half
a kilo, makes the PROMAX-6 an incomparable work tool.
Every detail has been carefully studied to achieve the best possible balance
between its features and its operability. The result is an easy-to-handle piece of
equipment with advanced functions, which may be used even by non-specialized
personnel.

1.2 Specifications
Tuning
Tuning range From 5 to 862 MHz
Tuning mode By channels or frequency
Channel plan CCIR (1) (2)
Frequency 62.5 kHz resolution
Indication LCD alphanumeric display with back lighting
Level measurement
Measurement
Analogue channels Level measurement associated with video carrier
Digital channels Power measurement on the equivalent bandwidth for
QAM signals (7 or 8 MHz).
Measurement range
Analogue channels From 25 to 120 dBµV (-35 dBmV to 60 dBmV) (3)
Digital channels From 34 to 129 dBµV (-26 dBmV to 69 dBmV)
Readout Digital in dBµV (or dBmV(1) (2)). 1 dB resolution
IF bandwidth 230 kHz ± 50 kHz
Input impedance 75 Ω
Audible indicator Tone which varies with the signal level
Accuracy
Analogue channels ± 2 dB (from 0 to 40 ºC) (4) for negative video
modulation(4).
Digital channels ± 3 dB (from 0 to 40 ºC) for 8 MHz bandwidth
channels.
Video/Audio (Analogue channels)
Measurement Ratio of video to audio carrier levels
Range From 0 to 40 dB
Audio subcarrier frequency
Standard 5.5 MHz (1) (2)
Variable 4 - 9 MHz
Accuracy ± 2 dB (from 0 to 40 ºC) for FM audio carrier (5)
Carrier-to-Noise
Measurement
Analogue channels Ratio between carrier level and the channel's noise
level.
Digital channels Ratio between the power level of the channel and the
noise level outside it or between adjacent channels.
Measurement range
Analogue channels 40 - 50 dB (input level > 60 dBµV)(6)
Digital channels 15 - 40 dB (input level 80 dBµV)
Accuracy ± 3 dB (45 - 862 MHz), ± 4 dB (5 - 45 MHz)

Sound
Demodulation AM / FM
Output Internal speaker / external headphones
Power supply
NiCd battery 7.2 V - 0.8 Ah
Low battery indicator Indication on the display
Battery life 1 hour and 45 minutes (30% on/off)
Automatic cut-off Cut-off after approximately 12 minutes of non-use
Mains to charger adapter 230 V / 50-60 Hz / 12 W minimum (EUROPE and
other countries).
Battery charger By fast external charger. 12-16 VDC / 12 W
Equipment consumption 4.7 W
Environmental conditions
This equipment could be used on the following environmental conditions, in this
conditions the specifications could also be applied.
- Altitude: up to 2000 metres
- Temperature range: from 5ºC to 40ºC
- Maximum relative humidity 80% (up to 31ºC), decreasing lineally up to
50% at 40ºC.
- Degree of protection provided by the enclosure: IP-23 (tested for safety
according to IEC529 and IEC1010-1).
Mechanical features
Dimensions 70 W (90 on the display) x 218 H x 50 D mm
Weight 580 g. (including battery)
(1) Under request carried out at the factory. (See option OPT-006-61)
(2) May be configured by PC by means of the RM-006 program. (See optional
accessories).
(3) There may be certain frequencies where the symbol "<" appears at levels
higher than 25 dBµV (maximum 28 dB). This is due to the automatic correction
of the frequency response.
The value measured remains correct, although the accuracy becomes ±3 dB
(4) For the positive video modulation (Stand. L) it can vary from 0 to -2 dB among
white and black image.
(5) For the AM audio carrier (Stand L), it can vary from 0 to -3 dB below the V/A
value.
(6) See appendix E

Accessories included
AL-012 EUROPE and other countries 230 V / 50-60 Hz mains adaptor (basic
version only).
AL-022 USA and CANADA 120 V / 50-60 Hz mains adaptor (only with the
OPT-006-1).
AL-032 UK 230 V / 50-60 Hz mains adaptor (only with the OPT-006-2)
AL-042 Australia 240 V / 50-60Hz mains adaptor (only with the OPT-006-3)
AL-052 Japan 100 V / 50-60 Hz mains adaptor (only with the OPT-006-4)
AA-012 Car supply adapter cable
DC-234 Carrier case
DC-286 Carrier belt
AD-057 F/h - F/h input adaptor
AD-058 F/m - F/h rapid adaptor
CC-030 F/m - F/m (1m) coaxial cable
CB-410 Battery charger module
CB-038 7.2 V, 0.8 Ah NiCd rechargeable battery
Options
OPT-006-1 Substitute mains adapter for AL-022
OPT-006-2 Substitute mains adapter for AL-032
OPT-006-3 Substitute mains adapter for AL-042
OPT-006-4 Substitute mains adapter for AL-052
OPT-006-61 Change channel tables, units of measurement, etc. (Carried out
under request in the factory).
Optional accessories
AD-055 F/h - BNC/h adaptor
AD-056 F/h - IEC/h adaptor
DC-284 Rubber holster
CB-038 7.2 V, 0.8 Ah NiCd rechargeable battery
RM-006 Programming pack. Enables the change, by means of a PC, of the
channel tables, measurement units (dBµV, dBmV) etc.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com

2 SAFETY RULES
* Use this equipment connected only to devices or systems with their common at
ground potential.
* Use this equipment in Category I installations and Pollution Degree 2
environments
* When using some of the following accessories use only the specified ones to
ensure safety.
Power adaptor
Rechargeable battery
Cigarette lighter adaptor
Battery charger
* Observe all specified ratings both of supply and measurement
* Use this instrument under the specified environmental conditions
*The user is only authorized to carry out the following maintenance operations:
Battery replacement
On the Maintenance paragraph the proper instructions are given
Any other change on the equipment should be carried out by qualified
personnel.
* Follow the cleaning instructions described in the Maintenance paragraph

3 INSTALLATION
3.1 Power supply
The PROMAX-6 is an portable instrument powered by a built-in 7.2 V NiCd
rechargeable battery. Before taking any measurement, the user should make sure
that the battery is fully charged (use the charge/discharge charger supplied with the
instrument).
3.1.1 Recharging the battery
The battery charger has an automatic safety circuit to prevent any possible
damage to the unit as a result of defective batteries.
The instrument is equipped with a 230 V / 50-60 Hz mains adaptor for Europe
and other countries to power the battery charger. (See accessories to place an
order for other types of adapters.)
1) Connect the cable from the mains adapter to the charger. Connect the
adapter to the mains. Insert the battery in the charger once the adapter-
charger is connected to the mains.
2) Discharge the battery prior to carrying out the charging process in order to
eliminate any possible residual charge. In order to do so, press button A
situated on the right (see figure 1). At this point, a small yellow light comes
on and the process of discharging is under way. When discharging is
completed, the charger automatically sets the process of charging
underway.
3) The charging process lasts for two and a half hours. When the process is
completed, the three red indicators will light up. At the same time, an
indicator will flash and an acoustic alarm will sound for 90 seconds,
indicating that the charging process has been successfully completed.
4) After this period, if the battery is not removed from the charger it will remain
in permanent minimum charge mode. A green LED will flash until thebattery
is removed.

CAUTION
1) Before using the charger, make sure that the adapter is suitable for the
mains voltage. An indicator will light up when the adapter is connected to
the mains and the charger is connected.
2) This charger is designed for charging Ni-Cd batteries.
3) In order to prolong the lifetime of the batteries, it is advisable not to remove
it from the charger while the charging process is still under way.
4) The mains adapter and the battery charger are designed for indoor use.
5) When using the battery first time, it is advisable to carry out two charging
and discharging processes into the charger itself, in order to eliminate any
possible memory effect, accumulated during the period it has been in
storage.
Figure 1.- CB-410 battery charger and mains adapter.

3.2 Installing the battery
Attaching the battery
Use CB-038 batteries only.
To attach the battery, position it on the base of the arrows found on the back
of the instrument. Slide the battery until you hear a click and it remains fixed,
as shown in the figure 2.
Figure 2.- Installation of the CB-038 battery.
Removing the battery
The battery is accessible from the back of the instrument. To disconnect the
battery, press the tab found at one end of it (1) and move the battery to
separate it from the body of the instrument (2). The battery will be released
from its holder. Then slide the battery out, as shown in figure 3.
Figure 3.- Removing the battery.

3.3 Installation and start-up
The PROMAX-6 has been designed for use as portable equipment. When the
battery is installed and the instrument is connected, the version of the instrument
and the channel plan which it has stored will appear on the display for a few
moments.
When this indication appears, the instrument is in channel tuning mode. By
means of the program RM-006, one can select the starting up of the instrument in
one of the three tuning modes: FREQ or CHAN.
When the ON/OFF key [12] is pressed, the instrument is then in "automatic cut-
off" mode; in other words, the device is automatically disconnected when twelve
minutes in operation have gone by without a key being pressed.
The automatic cut-off mode can be deactivated by holding down the ON/OFF
key for one or two seconds when the device is connected. The indicator "manual
power off" will appear on the display.
If the battery is low (at a voltage of less than 6.5 V), a blinking LOW BATTERY
message will appear on the display [3]. When the voltage is lower than 6.0 V, the
instrument disconnects.
A fully charged battery can power the equipment non-stop for more than an
hour and a half. At 30% stop/start of intermittent operation, the battery can power
it for up to five hours. When the LOW BATTERY indicator appears, the battery must
be recharged.
When a fully discharged battery is installed, it is possible that, due to residual
charges, the PROMAX-6 may start up. In this case, the instrument will
automatically disconnect before the message LOW BATTERY appears on the display.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com

4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 Description of the controls and elements
Front Panel
Figure 4.- Front view.

[1] F-F (or F-BNC or F-IEC) adaptor
Maximum input voltage level 60 VAC rms /50-60 Hz
[2] "F" male base connector
[3] Alphanumeric display with back lighting. Indicates the level, the
measurement mode (analogue or digital channels), tuning (frequency /
channel), the sound system and the measurements of the video/audio
and carrier/noise ratios.
[4] Rotary switch. Used for continuous tuning control or for selecting the
various options associated with each key.
[5] Keyboard. Seven keys for selecting the functions
[6] Connection to computer (for option RM-006)
0CA2170 specific connection cable supplied with option RM-006
Do not connect any cable other than that supplied by the
manufacturer with option RM-006, otherwise the instrument may
suffer serious damage.
[7] Loudspeaker
[8] Volume control
[9] External headphones connector

Figure 5.- PROMAX-6 keyboard
[10] Measurement selector for analogue channels. When this measurement
mode is selected, an "a" appears on the display to the right of the units.
[11] Measurement selector for QAM modulated digital channels. When this
measurement mode is selected, an "d" appears on the display to the right
of the units.
[12] ON/OFF. Connects / disconnects the instrument and allows the user to
select automatic or manual cut-off.
[13] Special functions
F1: Sound AM / FM / LEVEL / OFF
F2: Sound subcarrier tuning from 4 - 9 MHz
F3: Frequency shift with respect to the main frequency for measuring
the C/N ratio on digital channels.

[14] Measurement of the carrier/noise ratio on analogical ("a") and digital ("d")
channels. Press this key to measure the carrier-to-noise ratio of the signal,
once the video carrier level is stabilized.
[15] Measurement of the video-to-audio ratio (only on analogue channels). Press
this key to measure the video-to-audio ratio of the signal, once the video
carrier level is stabilized.
[16] Tuning mode: frequency or channel. Press this key to select among tuning
by frequency or channel.

4.2 Operating instructions
4.2.1 Tuning mode selection
The PROMAX-6 has two different tuning modes:
By frequencies: From 5 to 862 MHz in steps of 62.5 kHz, using the rotary switch.
The values displayed are given in MHz, with a two-decimal
resolution.
By channels: The channel plan in the CCIR standard or may be established
under request (OPT-006-61), or be configured by the user
(RM-006), with a maximum of 239 channels.
To pass from one mode to the other push the CHAN key [16].
Example 1: Changing from channel mode to frequency mode.
This procedure can be useful in discovering the real frequency in MHz of the
selected channel. The example illustrates finding the frequency which corresponds
to channel 44.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com

Example 2: To change the frequency value from 62.25 MHz up to 850 MHz.
Due to the high resolution of the instrument (62.5 kHz) it is not very efficient to
move through all the bands in frequency mode. A satisfactory solution is to use the
channel mode to make substantial changes in frequency, as is shown in the
example below.
C69
The selection of the channel situated in a frequency close to the desired
frequency.
850.25
Note: When changing from frequency to channel, if the frequency tuned does not
correspond to any channel, the PROMAX-6 will search for the channel nearest to
this frequency and will remain tuned to this channel. This operation may take
several seconds.

4.2.2 Measurement mode: Analogue or digital channels
The ANALOG [10] and DIGITAL [11] keys can be used to define the type of
channel to be measured: analogical or digital, respectively.
When the analogical channel measurement mode is selected, an 'a' appears on
the display to the right of the units. Likewise, when the digital channel
measurement mode is selected, a 'd' appears on the display to the right of the
units.
The measurements possible for each type of channel are as follows:
Analogue channels: - Carrier level meter
- Carrier to Noise (C/N) ratio meter
- Video/Audio (V/A) ratio meter
Digital channels: - Channel power meter
- Carrier to Noise /C/N) ratio meter
Note: Channel denomination and frequency can be modified via the PC using
the RM-006 software.

4.2.3 Measurements on analogue channels
4.2.3.1 Carrier level measurement (analogue channels)
- Select the analogue channels measuring mode as it is explained in point 4.2.2.
- Select the desired tuning mode and tune the signal to be measured in the
manner explained in point 4.2.1.
- Wait until the measured value is stabilized. Read the value shown on the
display. The units will be given in dBµV (dBmV using the option OPT-006-61,
or by means of the customization program RM-006).
- The direct read range of the instrument is from 25 to 120 dBµV, and within this
rangethemeasurementiscompletelyautomatic.The microprocessorcalculates
the attenuation value corresponding to the proper measurement range. When
the signal level being measured is lower/equal than the sensitivity or
higher/equal than the saturation level of the instrument, the symbols "<" or ">"
will appear, respectively.
- When the tuning is carried out by channels, it is possible that the broadcasting
station deviates a few kHz with respect to the channel frequency. If this
variation is higher than 40 kHz, tune again using this time the frequency mode,
to obtain a more correct level reading.
Example 3. Measuring the video carrier level in channel 21 (CCIR standard).
C21

Example 4. Measuring the commercial FM carrier (105.00 MHz)
S01
Channel S01 is nearest to the desired frequency
105.00
Example 5. Measuring a signal outside the measurement range. The sound
subcarrier in channel 44 (655.25 MHz + 5.5 MHz = 660.75 MHz).
* The noise level of the instrument is situated between 5 and 7 dBµV. This means
that the instrument can measure signals between 10 and 20 dBµV. The sign "<"
appears to indicate that in this area it is possible that specified accuracy may not
be complied with, but in most cases a measurement valid for all purposes is given.

4.2.3.2 Measure of the V / A ratio (analogue channels)
This function allows the user to measure the ratio of the signal levels of the
video carrier of an analogue channel and the corresponding audio carrier of the
same channel. In addition, there is an automatic demodulation of the sound in FM
or AM, in accordance with the option selected, as explained in Point 4.2.5.1.
Follow the steps below to take this measurement:
1) Select the analogue channels measuring mode
2) Tune the desired video carrier and wait a few seconds until the read level
is stabilized.
3) Press the V/A [15] key
4) Wait until the measurement is stabilized (3 seconds maximum)
Example 6. Measuring the V/A ratio for the following signal
Video frequency = C55 (743.25 MHz)
Video carrier level = 74 dBµV (14 dBmV)
Audio subcarrier frequency = 5.5 MHz
Audio carrier level = 64 dBµV (4 dBmV)
Leave the V/A mode simply by pressing any key or turning the rotary switch.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com