Sadelco DisplayMax 600 User manual

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Sadelco DisplayMax Operator’s Manual
This document contains information proprietary to Sadelco, Inc. The information in this document is not to be used or duplicated in
any manner without prior written consent from Sadelco.
DisplayMax Manual Part No. ST1008
Rev. 08-31-2001
Copyright 1999, 2000, 2001 Sadelco, Inc. Patent Pending
DisplayMax 600 47 – 600 MHz Scanning Signal Level Meter
DisplayMax 600 CLI 47 – 600 MHz Scanning Signal Level Meter and Calibrated Leakage Detector
DisplayMax 800 5 – 872 MHz Scanning Signal Level Meter
With Sub Band and Ingress Sweep
DisplayMax 800CLI 5 – 872 MHz Scanning Signal Level Meter and Calibrated Leakage Detector
With Sub Band and Ingress Sweep
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1
Warranty
Sadelco warrants all instruments against defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve months after shipment. Sadelco
will repair or replace any assembly or component (except batteries) found to be defective under normal use during this period.
Sadelco’s obligation under this warranty is limited solely to repairing any instrument which, in Sadelco’s opinion, proves to be
defective within the scope of the warranty when returned to the factory. Transportation to the factory is to be prepaid by the
purchaser. Return transportation via UPS surface will be provided by Sadelco. Should the customer request an alternate shipping
method, the customer will be solely responsible for any charges in excess of UPS surface rates.
This warranty does not apply to any products repaired or altered by any persons not authorized by Sadelco, or not in accordance with
instructions furnished by Sadelco. If the instrument is defective as a result of misuse, improper repair, or abnormal conditions of
operation, the warranty will become void. In doubtful cases, we will contact the purchaser for non-warranty repair authorization.
Please notify us if an estimate is required.
Sadelco assumes no responsibility for its products being used in a hazardous manner either alone or in conjunction with other
equipment. Sadelco assumes no liability for secondary damages and, in any event, Sadelco’s liability for breach of warranty under
any contract or otherwise shall not exceed the purchase price of the specific product shipped and against which a claim is made.
An RMA number is not required to return either warranty or repair units to Sadelco. However, Sadelco assumes no liability for any
product in transit to Sadelco. Please make sure to include a description of the problem or symptom along with your complete
company name, address, telephone, fax, and contact person.
For Warranty or Repair Service return to:
Sadelco, Inc., 75 West Forest Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631 USA
Tel: [phone] (USA Only) Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sadelco.com
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2
Table of Contents
Keypad Control Diagram …………………………………………….. 3
Initial Startup …………………………………………………………. 4
Customizing Your Meter …………………………………………….. 4
Setup Menu ……………………………………………………………. 6
Cloning ………………………………………………………………... 10
Meter Operation………………………………………………………. 11
Battery ………………………………………………………. 11
Lights ………………………………………………………… 12
Display Contrast ……………………………………………. 12
Speaker ……………………………………………………… 12
Automatic Calibration ……………………………………… 12
Signal Level Measurement ………………………………………….. 13
General ………………………………………………………. 13
Single Channel Tuning ………………………………………14
Tuning by Frequency ……………………………………….. 14
Full Scan Tuning ……………………………………………. 14
Zoom …………………………………………………………. 14
Favorite Channel Tuning …………………………………... 14
Tilt …………………………………………………………….15
Sub Band (800 versions only) ………………………………. 15
Checking Levels Against Limits …………………………………….. 15
Digital Channel Measurement ………………………………………. 16
Data Recording, Printing and Downloading..……………………….. 17
Storage Capacity…………………………………………….. 17
Saving Measurements ………………………………………. 17
Recalling and Deleting Files ………………………………… 17
Creating Excel Spreadsheets………………………………… 17
Download to Windows 3.11 Terminal……………………… 18
Download to Windows 95/98 HyperTerminal …………….. 19
Print Direct to Serial Printer ………………………………. 19
24 Hour Testing ………………………………………………………. 20
Hum …………………………………………………………………….21
Carrier to Noise ………………………………………………………. 22
Ingress Sweep (800 versions only) …………………………………... 22
Leakage Detector (CLI versions only) ………………………………. 23
Appendix A: Specifications ………………………………………….. 28
Appendix B: Accessories …………………………………………….. 29
Appendix C: Cable Wiring Diagrams ………………………………. 30
Appendix D: Trouble Shooting Guide ………………………………. 31
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3
UP DOWN ARROW KEYS In tuning
modes, adjust vertical scale on display.
In Setup, scroll up or down the screen.
With FNC, increase or decrease contrast.
MAIN TUNING MODE KEYS
For selecting tuning modes.
INGRESS, LEAKAGE, TILT
KEYS Used with FNC to select
these modes.
RIGHT LEFT ARROW KEYS In tuning
modes, move cursor to select next channel or
frequency. In Setup, move cursor right or
left. With FNC, increase or decrease volume
HUM, C/N, 24 HR KEYS
Used with FNC to select these modes
DOWNLOAD, PRINT, RECALL,
DELETE Downloads, prints, recalls
and deletes saved measurements.
ESCAPE Escape functions
or go back up menus.
FUNCTION Used to
select Function modes
indicated by blue markings.
LIGHT, SETUP, BATTERY
Used with FNC to select these
functions.
SAVE
Stores measurements in memory
ENTER In tuning modes completes
numeric channel entries. In Setup
completes edits.
CLEAR Clears a channel
entry before it is finalized with
ENT.
ON OFF
Manual Power Switch.
ALPHANUMERIC KEYS In tuning modes,
select channel when followed by ENT. In setup,
select alpha or numeric characters to edit settings.
F1, F2, F3, F4 SOFT KEYS Function
varies with selected operation. Icons
and labels in the display screen identify
each function.
DisplayMax Keypad Controls
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Initial Startup
1. Connect the AC/DC charger. Right side of unit
2. Turn your meter on. Press ON/OFF
3. Turn on the backlight if necessary. Press FNC, LIGHT
4. Adjust display contrast if necessary. Press FNC, UP/DOWN ARROW
5. Connect an RF signal source. Input F connector is located on the top of the meter.
6. Press the red FULL SCAN key. Your DisplayMax will now tune, measure, and display all channels in the selected
channel plan.
7. Use ←→to scroll through channels. You can also tune channels by entering the Channel Number, then ENT.
Customizing Your DisplayMax
Factory default settings allow you to begin using your DisplayMax immediately. However, we recommend that you verify that the
following user definable options match your requirements.
1. Make sure you are in the correct channel plan. The Channel Plan name is located in the lower left corner of the display.
The factory default is EIA (NCTA). See Setup Menu Section 1.1
2. Make sure to select digital channels and delete unused channels. See Setup Menu Section 1.2
3. Make sure the correct measurement units have been selected. Measurement units appear on the right side of the display,
just above the Video Level. The factory default is dBmV. See Setup Menu Section 2.7
Generic Keypad Controls for SETUP
The easiest way to learn how to customize your meter is by actually doing it. The following keypad controls work the same way in all
SETUP menus.
FNC, SETUP To access main SETUP menu.
UP/ DOWN ARROWS To scroll to a desired line item.
To scroll through options in some edit boxes.
ENT To select a highlighted line item for editing.
To finalize an edit.
RIGHT/LEFT ARROWS To move the edit cursor when doing alphanumeric edits.
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ALPHANUMERIC KEYS To change the character indicated by the edit cursor: press once to select the number, press again
to scroll through alpha choices, e.g. For the number 2, press the “2” Key once, for A - press it
twice, for B - press it 3 times, for C - press it 4 times. Use the Right/Left arrow to move the
cursor to the next position. When finished, Press ENT.
+/- To change the sign of a number.
F1, F2, F3, F4 As indicated in display.
ESC To escape up one menu level.
To exit the SETUP mode.
Basic Method For Editing in Setup
1. Press FNC, Setup to access the Main Setup Menu.
2. Use UP/Down Arrows to highlight the desired Setup Section.
3. Press ENT to select this section.
4. Use UP/Down Arrows to highlight the desired line item within each Setup Section.
5. Press ENT to select the line item for editing.
6. When a line item has been selected, it appears in the Edit Box at the bottom of the screen.
7. Use UP/Down Arrows or Alphanumeric Keys to edit the line item.
8. Use Right/Left Arrows to move the edit cursor position.
9. Press ENT to complete each line item edit.
10. After a line item is edited, the new value appears on the proper line and the edit box is blank.
11. Use UP/Down to select another line item or ESC to exit.
12. To erase an alphanumeric character, press the Zero Key twice until a blank appears.
Select sub-menus using
↑↓ , then ENT
Items being edited appear in this box
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6
Setup Menu
The following section lists all settings that can be customized by the user. Keypad controls for selection and editing are
similar for all Setup Menu Sections. Detailed keypad instructions have been included for a few of the more complicated
sections.
1. 0 Channel Plans
1.1 Selecting A Different Channel Plan
DisplayMax comes preprogrammed with several standard channel plans. NTSC, HRC, IRC, AIR, and PAL.
Additional standard and custom plans are available from the factory. The factory default plan is EIA (NTSC).
To Select a different plan:
Press FNC, SETUP
CHANNEL PLANS is the first menu item and will already be highlighted.
Press ENT to select.
SELECT A CHANNEL PLAN is the first menu item and will already be highlighted.
Press ENT to select.
Use UP/DOWN Arrow Keys to scroll to and highlight a different channel plan if desired.
Press ENT to select.
Press ESC to exit sub-menu.
Press ESC to exit SETUP
1.2 Edit the Current Channel Plan
DisplayMax allows separate editing of each plan. Multiple copies of the most common plan, EIA, have been included for users who
operate in multiple systems with different sets of channels.
Indicates LO tilt channel
X indicates deleted channel
Indicatesdigitalchannel
Press ENT to enter or edit name
Press F1 to delete unused channels Press F4 to delete all subsequent channels and end the plan
Press F2 to mark favorite channels
(Fav 1 is automatically LO Tilt Channel) Press F3 to mark a digital channel
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To Edit a Channel Plan:
Press FNC, SETUP
CHANNEL PLANS is the first menu item and will already be highlighted.
Press ENT to select.
Arrow down to EDIT CURRENT PLAN
Press ENT to select
The first channel in the plan is highlighted. It can be edited as follows:
F1 To delete the channel
F2 To mark it as one of 9 Favorite channels
Fav 1 is automatically designated as the Lo Tilt Channel
The highest marked Fav is automatically designated as the HI Tilt Channel
F3 To mark it as a digital channel
Repeat as required for each channel,
Scroll down through all desired channels, then:
F4 Marks the highlighted channel as last active channel in the plan and deletes all subsequent channels.
Press ESC to back out of each menu level. (press ESC three times to return to measurement mode)
Adding Channel Names
You may also enter a four-character name for each channel when it is highlighted. Press ENT, then use the alphanumeric keys. The
name will appear in the edit box. To enter the letter A, press the Number 2 Key twice. Then Arrow Right for the next character.
When finished, Press ENT to finalize the edit.
1.3 Restore The Current Channel Plan
This function lets you quickly restore the full, unedited channel plan that has been selected. All user edits to the plan will be deleted.
Press FNC, SETUP
CHANNEL PLANS is the first menu item and will already be highlighted.
Press ENT to select.
Arrow down to RESTORE CURRENT PLAN
Press ENT to select
Press ESC to abort or
Press ENT to restore the channel plan to its original form.
2.0 Meter Operation
2.1 Current Time
Time is always displayed in 24-hour military fashion.
HH:MM:SS
2.2 Current Date:
Date is always displayed as Month, Day, Year
MM/DD/YY
2.3 Power Auto Off
Automatic meter shutoff after last keypad entry extends battery life.
5 Minutes (factory default)
10 Minutes
Never (stays on until manual shutoff)
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2.4 Lite Auto Off
Automatic light shutoff after last keypad entry extends battery life.
1 Minute (factory default)
2 Minutes
Never (light stays on until manually shut off or meter is turned off)
2.5 Brightness
LCD backlight brightness adjustment - use Low for maximum battery life.
High
Low
Medium (factory default)
2.6 Beep
Turn Keypad entry Beep On or Off
ON (factory default)
OFF
2.7 Measurement Units
Switch between dBmV and dBuV.
dBmV dB millivolts (factory default)
dBuV dB microvolts
Note: Switching measurement units will automatically change all display screens and channel checking limits. The only function not
effected is Leakage Detection which has independent, user selectable measurement units.
2.8 Analog Cal Offset
Caution: DisplayMax is a precision instrument with automatic self-calibration using a built-in white noise reference. This offset
allows the user to adjust the gain or loss of all analog channels by the same amount to match another instrument or external reference.
Before making any adjustments, keep in mind that discrepancies of +/- 2.0 dB between the readings of two signal level meters are
possible and within manufacturers’ specifications (each meter being +/-1.0 dB).
2.9 Digital Channel Offset
Caution: DisplayMax is a precision instrument with automatic self-calibration using a built-in white noise reference. This offset
allows the user to adjust the gain or loss of all digital channels (single channel or scanning mode) by the same amount to match
another instrument or external reference. Before making any adjustments, keep in mind that discrepancies of +/- 2.0 dB between the
readings of two signal level meters are common and within manufacturers’ specifications (each meter being +/-1.0 dB).
2.10 Digital Bandwidth Adjustment
Factory default is set for 6 MHz digital channel bandwidth. User can alternately select 8 MHz .
2.11 Digital Scan Offset
This offset is applied only to digital channels when being measured in a scan mode (Sub, Zoom, Full Scan, Fav). This offset may be
required when measuring non-QAM signals in the scan mode. See Digital Channel Measurement.
3.0 Edit Check Limits
Four sets of check limits for analog channels have been factory preset.
These limits can all be edited by the user.
The factory defaults are:
ANALOG CHANNELS DROP GBLK TAP USER
Minimum Video Level 00.0 03.0 03.0 00.0
Maximum Video Level 15.0 18.0 18.0 15.0
Maximum Delta Video Level 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0
Minimum Delta Video-Audio 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0
Maximum Delta Video-Audio 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0
Maximum Adjacent Channel 03.0 03.0 03.0 03.0
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DIGITAL CHANNELS DROP GBLK TAP USER
Minimum Digital Average Power -8.0 -5.0 -5.0 -8.0
Maximum Digital Average Power 07.0 10.0 10.0 07.0
Maximum Adjacent Channel 03.0 03.0 03.0 03.0
Minimum Delta Digital Level 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0
4.0 Ingress
Reference Level Line: Range -35 to + 60 dBmV
Reference Level Line Factory Default is -20 dBmV
Sweep Range 5.125 MHz to 40.0 MHz
Factory default is full sweep range. Range can be narrowed for faster sweep period of small bandwidth.
5.0 Communications
5.1 Baud Rate
Select 19200, 9600, 4800, 2400, 1200
Factory default is 9600
5.2 Clone
Sets DisplayMax in SEND, RECEIVE, or DISABLE
Factory default is DISABLE
Cloning will transfer all user customizable settings to other DisplayMax meters except the following:
Employee Name
ID Number
Clone Setting
Channel Plans must be identical in both meters for Clone to transfer channel plan edits.
6.0 Owner Identification
User can enter the following:
Company Name
Address
Telephone Number
Employee Name
Employee ID Number
7.0 24 HR Test
Change the following 24 HR Test Parameters:
Parameter Factory Defaults Range
24 HR Test OFF
Current Time HH:MM:SS
Current Date MM:DD:YY
First Scan Delay 05 MINS 0 - 59 MINS
00 HRS 0 - 4 HRS
Scan to Scan 00 MINS 0 - 59 MINS
06 HRS 0 - 23 HRS
00 DAYS 0 - 6 DAYS
Number of Scans 04 SCANS 1 - 99 SCANS (Maximum memory capacity is 43 scans)
Note: All of the above can also be edited when FNC, 24HR is selected. Parameters cannot be edited once 24 HR Test has been
started.
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8.0 Meter Information
This section is not user adjustable.
Model Number
Serial Number
Sadelco Address and Telephone Numbers
9.0 Leakage
Settings for optional built-in calibrated leakage detector. Available only on CLI versions.
Parameter Factory Default Range
Default Frequency 133.250 108 - 140 MHz
Default Mode SEARCH SEARCH or MEASURE
Default Distance 10 Ft. 10 Ft or 3 Meters (actual distance changed from Leakage Mode)
Level Units uV/M uV/M, uV, dBmV, dBuV
Antenna Select Dipole Duck, Dipole, Monopole
Antenna Factor 100 20 – 100 (adjusts automatically with change in antenna select)
Threshold 20 uV/M 5 - 99 uV/M
Squelch 0 0 - 20 steps
Peak Clear Manual 5 Seconds, 30 Seconds, Off, Manual
Video Gating OFF ON, OFF
10.0 Reset Factory Defaults
Resets all Factory Default Settings except Channel Plan Customization.
Cloning
Cloning transfers all user customized settings from the Source meter to the Receive meter except the Employee Name, Employee ID
Number, and the Clone setting.
Important – Both Source and Receive meters must contain the same channel plans for a successful clone.
Receiving meter must have a frequency range equal to or greater than the Source Meter.
Both Source and Receive meters must be set to the same measurement units (dBmV or dBuV) before cloning.
To Clone additional meters from one source:
In Setup, Communications, Baud Rate:
Set the Baud Rate of both meters to 9600
Connect Source and Receive meters with Sadelco Clone Cable P. N. CA20.
In Setup, Communications, Clone:
Set Receive meter to Receive
Press ENT
Set Source meter to Send.
Press ENT. When this last step is completed, meters are cloned.
Note: Certain software revisions may not be compatible for cloning. The meter automatically checks for compatibility before
transmitting clone data. If not compatible, a warning message will display on the screen and clone will not occur.
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11
Meter Operation
Battery Operation and Charging
The DisplayMax is powered by 6, high-energy nicad batteries. The batteries may not be fully charged when you receive your meter.
Checking the Battery Voltage
1. Disconnect the charger
2. Press FNC, BATT to display the battery screen.
3. The operating voltage is from 6.5 to 8.0 Volts.
At 6.9 Volts the Lo BATT warning screen will appear momentarily. You will have approximately 20 minutes of battery life left.
Charging the Battery
Use only the proper Sadelco Charger:
For maximum long-term battery life, allow battery to fully discharge before charging and fully charge before discharging.
The DisplayMax must be manually turned off for charging to take place. When either the AC Charger or DC Vehicle charger
is connected, the automatic shut-off is disabled. The DisplayMax can run continuously using either charger but it will not
charge while operating.
AC Charger Sadelco P.N. T70 for 110 V T70E for 220 V
DC Vehicle Charger Sadelco P.N. CH04
Charge Time: 2 hours for 75% of full charge.
4 hours for 100% charge.
Run Time: 4.0 hours of continuous use with the backlight off
3.5 hours with the backlight on low.
3.0 hours with the backlight on medium.
2.0 hours with the backlight on high.
Cold temperature will reduce operating time.
Battery Life: Typically 500 charge/discharge cycles, Replace only with Sadelco P.N. BAT06.
The meter can be left on charge overnight. It will automatically go to a trickle mode after it is fully charged.
Power Saving Functions
To help increase the effective battery life, there are three user adjustable features.
Power Auto Off Factory Default is 5 minutes
Light Auto Off Factory Default is 1 minute
Brightness Factory Default is Medium
See Setup Sections 2.3, 2.4, and 2.5 for detailed instructions on changing these default settings.
Battery Timer
The voltage drop of nicad batteries is non-linear and changes with the age of the battery. This makes it difficult to accurately predict
remaining battery life using voltage. In addition, the power consumption for each user will vary depending on the use of lights,
volume and other meter functions (2 to 4 hours of continuous use). We have included an elapsed time indicator to track the
accumulated On Time between charges. By resetting it after each charge, you will be able to determine how long a charge lasts under
your specific operating conditions. This will help you maximize battery usage with each charge.
To reset the elapsed time indicator:
(After fully charging the meter)
Press FNC, BATT to access the Battery Screen.
Press ENT to reset the timer.
Press ESC to exit.
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Lithium Battery
A lithium coin cell, Sadelco P.N. BAT07, keeps the clock and RAM functioning even when the Nicad pack is fully discharged or
disconnected for replacement. This cell should never require replacement over the life of your meter. Removal of this cell will result
in loss of all user programming and setups. Long term storage of the DisplayMax with no nicad battery or a dead nicad battery will
deplete the coin cell requiring replacement.
Lights
The DisplayMax has been equipped with a backlit LCD display to allow operation in all lighting conditions. Use of the backlight will
significantly reduce the operating time between charges and should only be used when necessary. If no keypad entry is made, an
automatic timer shuts the backlight after 1 minute. This timer can be changed to 2 minutes or completely disabled in Setup, see
Sections 2.4 and 2.5. The backlight will always go off when the meter is turned off.
Additional power saving is achieved by reducing the brightness of the display.
Backlight Setting Estimated Operating Time (with full charge)
Light Off 4 Hours of continuous use
Low 3 Hours
Medium 2.5 Hours
High 2.0 Hours
Display Contrast
The contrast of the display is sensitive to temperature. It is automatically adjusted using the internal temperature sensor. Additional
adjustment may be necessary to optimize viewing. Contrast settings do not effect battery life.
To adjust the display contrast:
Press FNC, Up or Down Arrow (Pop-up instruction window will appear)
Press UP or Down as necessary
Press ESC
Audio Speaker
In the signal level modes, the audio speaker can only be used when tuning is restricted to a single channel or frequency. When audio
is available, a loudspeaker icon appears, press F4 to activate.
In the leakage detection modes, audio is always available, volume can be adjusted to full off.
The waterproof, mylar speaker cone is sealed to the front panel. This allows operation in wet weather without ingress of moisture.
Single Channel Mode
To listen to the sound carrier of a channel, press F4.
Adjust volume using FNC, Left or Right Arrow. (Pop-up instruction window will appear)
When the Audio function is activated in this mode, the video level is frozen.
Single Frequency Mode
To listen to the sound at any frequency, press F4.
Adjust volume using FNC, Left or Right Arrow. (Pop-up instruction window will appear)
This also allows listening for any anomalies between channels.
Leakage Detector Mode
An audio tone varies in pitch with leakage level.
Adjust volume using FNC, Left or Right Arrow.
Automatic Calibration
The DisplayMax uses a combination of factory recorded calibration data and an on-board precision white noise reference to maintain
meter calibration. Automatic calibration, occurs upon initial turn on, and at regular intervals while the meter is operating. While the
auto-calibration should keep your DisplayMax within factory specifications indefinitely, we recommend an annual factory calibration
check.
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13
Signal Level Measurement
General
The main red tuning keys let you select groups of channels according to your needs.
SUB CHN ZOOM FULL FAV
FRQ SCAN
sub band single 15 channels all channels 9 favorite
channels channel channels
After you have selected one of these tuning modes, the DisplayMax begins measuring both the audio and video carriers of all
channels in that mode. It keeps scanning and updating those channels until you select another mode.
Use
↑↓ to adjust Video Levels
Scale
Audio Levels
Channel Cursor
Favorite Channel ID Reference Lines
Channel Number Video Level
ChannelName
Audio Level
Video Frequency
Audio Frequency
Delta V/A
Channel Plan
Soft Keys F1 – F4 Test Location
To change the cursor Channel:
Press Right or Left Arrow, or use Number followed by ENT
To change reference lines:
Press F2 to toggle between, FCC, 10 dB, and None
To change test location for check function:
Press F4 to toggle between Drop, Ground Block, Tap, and User
To check levels against limits:
Press F3 Check.
Inactive channels must be deleted in Setup for correct results. See section 1.2 for details.
To change tuning mode:
Press another red tuning mode key. The cursor will tune to the same channel in the new mode if it exists, if not, the cursor will
tune to the first available channel in the new mode.
Attenuation and calibration are automatic.
FULL
SCAN
All
Channels
SUB
Sub band
Channels
CHN
FRQ
Single
Channel
ZOOM
15
Channels
FAV
9 Favorite
Channels
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Single Channel and Frequency Tuning
This mode is used to examine one channel at a time in detail. All channels, including sub band and digital channels can be examined
in this mode.
Analog Channels
Video, Audio and delta VA (Video – Audio) are displayed at the same time.
Right/Left Arrows tune the next channel.
A Channel Number followed by ENT directly tunes that channel.
Press F4 to turn on the audio loudspeaker.
Press F1 to switch to Single Frequency
Digital Channels
Digital Channels must be specified in Setup, Channel Plan, Edit Current Plan.
In single channel mode, the full bandwidth is swept and displayed along with the channel’s average power.
Press F1 to change from single channel mode to single frequency mode.
Press F2 to toggle 10dB reference lines on or off.
Single Frequency Tuning
From any single analog channel, Press F1
The video carrier of that channel is displayed.
A Frequency Number followed by ENT tunes that new frequency.
Right/Left Arrows increment tuning in 125 KHz steps.
Note: F1 key returns you to the Single Channel Mode only if the tuned frequency is within the boundaries of a channel.
Use the red CHN/FRQ key to return to the Single Channel Mode if the tuned frequency is not within a channel.
Full Scan Tuning
This mode is used to scan, measure, and display all of the channels in your system at once. At the end of the first scan, you can check
the results against the FCC or your own limits.
Note: Sub band is displayed in its own mode and is not included in full scan.
Note: Make sure to delete unused channels in the Setup Mode to prevent incorrect Channel Fail messages when using the Check Key.
Zoom
The Zoom mode displays a close up view of 15 channels at one time. It will show seven channels on each side of the cursor channel.
If the cursor is on one end of the spectrum, fewer channels will be shown. The Zoom Mode can be entered from any of the tuning
modes. If the cursor channel does not exist in the Zoom Mode, such as the sub band channel T07, then Zoom will default and begin
tuning with the first available channel.
Once in the Zoom Mode, Right/Left Arrows do not scroll past the 15 channels.
To change the center channel of the Zoom Mode:
Select a valid channel number, then ENT
Or use the Right/Left Arrows then press Zoom again.
Favorite Channel Mode
Displays up to nine user selected channels. These can be any channels including sub band. Each channel plan has its own set of
favorite channels. The lowest and highest favorite channels are automatically used for the Tilt Function. The DisplayMax always
needs at least one active favorite channel. The lowest channel in the plan is automatically designated F1. Before you can change this,
you must first mark another channel as a favorite.
To select additional favorite channels, see Setup Menu, Section 1.2 Edit the Current Channel Plan.
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Tilt
Displays a low and high channel and automatically calculates system tilt. The lowest and highest Favorite Channels are automatically
used as the Tilt Channels. If no Favorite Channels have been selected, the lowest and highest active channels in the plan are used as
defaults. Press FNC, TILT to select this mode.
To select Tilt Channels, see Setup Menu, Section 1.2 Edit the Current Channel Plan.
Sub Band Mode
Available only on 800 Series Meters.
Displays the T channels of the sub band.
Press the red Sub tuning Key to enter the sub band mode.
Once in the sub band:
A number followed by ENT tunes a sub band channel.
The Right/Left Arrows do not scroll out of the sub band.
Sub band channels can also be accessed one at a time in the Single Channel Mode. Press the Left Arrow in the Single Channel Mode
to scroll below Channel 2 or the Right Arrow to scroll above the highest active channel.
C/N and Hum measurements can be made on sub band channels.
Checking Levels Against Limits
Full Scan, Favorite Channels, Sub Band, and Zoom Modes can all be automatically checked.
The signal levels of both active scans and previously recorded ones can be instantly checked against FCC or user defined limits. Four
separate sets of limits (Drop, Ground Block, Tap, and User) have been factory pre-set. Each of the four sets of limits can be edited by
the user. See Setup Menu Section 3.0, Edit check Limits.
The following automatic tests are performed for each active channel:
ANALOG: Minimum and Maximum Video level.
Minimum and Maximum Delta Video/Audio
Maximum upper and lower Adjacent Channel Level
Maximum Video Variation of all checked channels.
DIGITAL: Minimum Digital Average Power.
Maximum Digital Average Power.
Maximum upper and lower Adjacent Channel Level.
Maximum Digital Power Variation of all checked channels.
Note: To avoid false error messages, it is important to delete unused channels from the channel plan before checking. See Setup
Menu Section 1.2, Edit the Current Channel Plan.
Note: Adjacent channel check function compares each channel with the previous and subsequent active channel. This can result in
incorrect error messages when channels have been deleted and in the Favorite Channel Mode where channels are not usually adjacent
to each other.
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To Check Levels Against Limits:
When the first scan is completed, a check icon appears above the F3 softkey.
Use F4 to select the measurement location, Drop, Ground Block, Tap, or User.
Press F3 to check the signal levels against limits.
The information at the bottom of the display now shows the results of the check.
Cursor automatically locates Failed Channel
first failed channel data shown here
Full system results shown here
Jump to previous or next failed channels using special keys.
After checking:
Press Save if you wish to record the data.
Note: The DisplayMax saves data in its raw form, the check information is not saved. However, the saved data can be checked later in
Recall, or Download.
Press F3 or F1 to move the cursor to the Next Failed Channel
Press F4 to change the check location and re-check.
Use Right/Left Arrow keys to scroll through all channels one at a time.
Press any red tuning key to resume meter operation.
Digital Channel Measurement
To measure digital channels, you must first designate them as Digital. See Setup Menu Section 1.2, Edit the Current Channel Plan.
Only 6MHz digital channels that match the channel plan can be measured. For measurement of smaller bandwidth signals, such as
telephony, contact Sadelco. In the single channel mode, the full bandwidth of the channel is measured and displayed along with the
average power. This mode allows for the frequency response of the channel to be viewed and also allows for accurate measurement
of any type of modulation (QAM, QPSK, QPR, VSB). In any scan mode (Full, Sub, Fav, Zoom), only the center of the channel is
measured and displayed as a single bar. Digital channel measurements should be relatively close between the single channel mode
and scanning modes. Based on the full sweep of the measured channel, the single channel mode will be inherently more accurate. To
fine adjust, or correlate readings between the single channel mode and scanning modes, a digital scan offset can be applied in the
meter operations menu. For standard QAM channels no offset should be required. For measurement of 8MHz digital channels
(European Channel Plans) set digital channel BW to 8MHz in the meter operations menu.
Caution: Some HRC/IRC systems add new digital channels using standard EIA modulators. This may require measuring digital
channels on a different plan than analog channels. Contact Sadelco for a custom channel plan.
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Data Recording, Printing and Downloading
Storage Capacity
Channel Scan Modes: 43 scans – Regardless of number of channels. Modes include Sub, Zoom, Full Scan, Fav, and Tilt.
Non-Channel Scan Modes: 99 measurements – Modes include Single Channel, Leakage, C/N, Hum, and Ingress.
Saving Measurements
After completing a scan or test, Press SAVE to record your measurement results.
Enter an optional file name for further identification or simply press ENT. Use the alphanumeric keys and the right/left arrows to
enter file names. Press Ent when complete. Default file names are structured –NNMMDD.dld. Where NN is the DisplayMax
sequential file number, MM is the Month, and DD is the day. Any characters of the default file name not overwritten will remain as
part of the file name when the file is downloaded.
Each file is automatically time and date stamped and numbered with sequential file numbers.
You can save all of the special tests, i.e. C/N, Hum, Tilt, Ingress, and Leakage Measurement.
You can save scans of all tuning modes. You can also save the signal levels after checking against limits.
Check Results, however, are not saved. Once recalled or downloaded into the DisplayMax Download Software, data can be checked
against the original or new sets of limits.
The 24 HR Tests are automatically saved.
The following data are recorded along with your measurements:
A sequential file number, your optional file name if entered, the time, date, meter serial number, employee id number, channel plan,
measurement units, calibration offset, last factory calibration date, test point location, and the check limits.
Recalling and Deleting Files in the DisplayMax
Files can be recalled and displayed one at a time on the DisplayMax Display Screen. Once recalled, the data can be checked against
limits by pressing the F3 Check Key. You can also change the test location by pressing F4 and then recheck the data again by
pressing F3. You can even edit the check limits in Setup, and then recheck the data.
Recalling Files:
Press the ‘Dload, Print, Recall, Delete’ key on the DisplayMax. A List of all saved files is displayed.
The first saved file is highlighted.
Scroll to a different file if desired.
Press F3 to Recall the file and view it on the DisplayMax
Deleting Files
Individual files cannot be deleted. Once the DisplayMax memory is full, data can be downloaded for permanent archiving .
To delete All Files, Press F4 , then ENT.
Using Download Software to Create Excel Spreadsheets
The Download Software package is not delivered with your DisplayMax. To receive a free copy, do one of the following:
•Download from our web-site, www.sadelco.com
•Download package can be emailed to you.
•Floppy disk with printed instructions can be mailed to you.
Note: Downloaded and emailed packages include full instructions as both ‘.doc’ and ‘.txt’ files.
Measurements made in any of the scanning modes (Full Scan, Zoom, Favorite, Sub, 24 Hour and Ingress) can be converted into Excel
spreadsheets with pass / fail data. Single channel measurements (Single Channel, Single Frequency, HUM, C/N, Leakage, and Tilt)
can only be downloaded using Microsoft Terminal or Hyper-Terminal. Microsoft Excel is required to view and print Excel
spreadsheets. It is not required to download and create spreadsheets.
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Download/Print Using Windows 3.11 Terminal
Connect the DisplayMax to the COM1 or COM2 9 pin port of an IBM type PC. A 9 pin to 25 pin adapter can be used if your
computer only has a 25 pin port.
On the DisplayMax:
Make sure the Baud Rate is set to 9600.
Press FNC, Setup
Down Arrow to Communications.
Set the Baud Rate to 9600
ESC from Setup.
On your computer:
To Open Windows Terminal:
Double Click on Accessories
Double Click on Terminal Icon
Click on Settings
Click on Communications and select the following settings:
Baud Rate 9600
Data Bits 8
Stop Bits 1
Parity None
Flow Control None
Connector COM1 or COM2
OK
Click on Transfers, then Receive Text File.
Select a destination Directory and a destination File Name. Click OK.
On the DisplayMax:
Press the DLOAD, PRINT, RECALL, DELETE Key
Select a file using the UP/DOWN arrows
Press F2 PRT
Repeat for each file you wish to download.
Note: You can also download using the F1 DLD key, however, this key is intended for use with the DisplayMax Spreadsheet
Software and will not download all of the file header information.
When the File Transfer is complete, Click on Transfers, Stop.
Exit Terminal
You can now Print the File using any word processing program.
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