T3 Innovation Coax Clarifier TCC200 User manual

User Manual
Coax Clarifier
TM
Test. Identify. Qualify.
Coax Run Mapping
Maps runs through splitters to show an
accurate picture of the coax system layout
using up to 4 Coax RF Remotes. Up to 12
ID Only Coax Remotes also available for
wiremapping on home runs.
Cable Length
Determines cable run length and reports
the location of an open or unterminated
cable.
Quality of Network
Measures overall network quality and
clearly depicts network reading as both a
bar graph and a digital return loss number,
measured in dB.
Tone Tracing
Traces coax runs with four unique tones
to quickly distinguish between respective
outlets.
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User Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About this Manual...................................................................1
Symbols and Icons..............................................................2
Terms and Descriptions......................................................3
Safety Information..............................................................4
Accessories.....................................................................4
Design Features.......................................................................6
Coax Clarier™ Description.....................................................7
F-Connector................................................................7
LCD Display Screen............................................................8
Keypad.................................................................14
Operations.....................................................................16
Turning the Unit On/Off...................................................16
Automatic Power Down...................................................16
Cable Testing General Guidelines....................................17
Using Tone Mode.............................................................18
Trace Cable Runs..............................................................18
Measure Network Insertion Loss.....................................19
Prepare Test Unit........................................................19
Calibrate dB Loss Meter.............................................20
Measure Network Insertion Loss................................21
Test Splitters...............................................................21
Using Length Mode..........................................................22
Measure Cable Length...............................................22
Adjust Length Constant Value...................................24
Length Constant Accuracy..........................................26
Using ID Mode...................................................................27
RF Remote Battery Life...............................................29
Using Quality Mode..........................................................29
RF Remotes and Network Quality..............................30
Measure Network Quality..........................................30
Maintenance...............................................................32
Coax Clarier™ Battery Replacement.............................32
RF Remote Battery Replacement....................................32
Cleaning.......................................................................33
Storage....................................................................33
Customer Service...................................................................34
ContactingPlatinumTools..................................................34
Additional Accessories and Kits......................................34
Warranty Information.......................................................37
Product Registration..........................................................37
Disposal......................................................................37
Returns........................................................................37
Specications....................................................................38
Coax Clarifier
TM
Test. Identify. Qualify.

1
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
The Coax Clarier™ is a self contained, hand-held, battery powered
analyzer used by contractors, repair technicians, and other authorized
users. This device is used to quickly map coax cable runs, measure
network performance, determine cable length, and locate faults in “Dark”
(unpowered) residential and business cable networks. The test unit offers
the following features:
Feature Function
Length Testing Determines cable length and reports distance to an
open (unterminated) cable.
Coax Run Mapping Identies cables and determines their location by
mapping up to 4 runs through a splitter using Coax
RF remotes and up to 12 cables using ID Only Coax
remotes.
Quality Testing Measures overall network quality and clearly depicts
network reading as both a bar graph and a digital
return loss number, measured in decibels (dB).
Tone Tracing Traces coax runs, with the use of a tone probe, using
four tones to easily distinguish between cable outlets
and quickly map the network layout.
Insertion Loss Measures the insertion loss of a single coax run.
Fault Detection Identies Open and Short cable faults.

2
Symbol Denition
Warning: Potential for personal injury
Caution: Potential for damage or destruction to equipment.
Voltage! Voltage detection symbol. Immediately disconnect test unit
from source of voltage.
Act Sig
If an active signal is detected, immediately disconnect test unit
from active signal source. If the unit is not disconnected from
the source, the Coax Clarier™ will turn off after 90 seconds.
Conformité Européenne. Conforms with European Economic
Area directives.
Disposal information.
Symbols & Icons
The following symbols are used throughout the manual or in the display
screen of the Coax Clarier™ to help you avoid personal injury and
potential damage to the test equipment (see Table 1).
!
Table 1. Symbols and Icons

3
Terms Description and Uses
Coax Cable Video cable with a single pair (2 pin) wiring system.
▪Common coax cable types are RG6 and RG59.
Run An end-to-end cable connection. Run can refer to a
single cable or multiple cables connected together
with a splitter or barrel connector.
Coax Network Multiple coax cables connected by splitters or home
run congurations to concentration panels.
Length Constant
Value The amount of capacitance in picofarads (pF) per unit distance.
Insertion Loss A measurement of the network’s ability to carry
a signal from a power source to a receiver at the
opposing end of a run. Network insertion loss is
measured in dB and represents the percentage of
signal that is successfully transmitted through a run.
Return Loss A common measurement of coax networks, return
loss is a measure of Voltage Standing Wave Ratio
(VSWR), expressed in dB. It ranges from 0.0 dB for a
cable with a dead short to innity for a perfect cable
with absolutely no signal loss.
▪The Coax Clarier™ reports the return loss value
from 0.0 dB to 40.0 dB, with 40.0 being the best
possible network quality.
Splitter A device used to route a single signal source to two
or more devices.
F-Connector Connector for a coax cable.
Terms and Descriptions
Table 2 denes the terms used throughout the manual and provides
information to assist you with proper operation and understanding of the
unit and its functions.
Table 2. Terms and Descriptions

4
Safety Information
To ensure safe operation of the Coax Clarier™, follow the instructions
carefully and observe the warning and caution messages listed in Table
3. Failure to observe warnings can result in severe injury or death and can
damage the unit.
Table 3. Safety Information
Notication Denition
The Coax Clarier™ is designed for use on unenergized
cabling systems. Connecting the Coax Clarier™ to live AC
power may damage the unit and pose a safety hazard for
the user.
Do not place equipment or its accessories in the trash.
Items must be properly disposed in accordance with local
regulations.
The accessories listed in Table 4 are used with the Coax Clarier™
to identify runs and test coax networks. The provided accessories are
dependent on the kit you purchased. The Additional Accessories and
Kits section contains a detailed list of each kit as well as additional
products that can help make testing easier.
ACCESSORIES

5
Table 4. Coax Clarier™ Accessories
Accessory Product
Number Description
18303 Adapter, F-Jack to BNC Jack
18304 Adapter, F–Jack to Push-On Plug
18301 F-Connector Coupler, F81
18306 F-Terminator Plug
TCA004 Cable Assembly, Screw-On F-Jack to
Push-On F-Plug Cable – 12”
TCR001
TCR002
TCR003
TCR004
Coax RF Remotes
▪No. 1 Coax RF Remote
▪No. 2 Coax RF Remote
▪No. 3 Coax RF Remote
▪No. 4 Coax RF Remote
TRK104
TRK112
ID Only Coax Remotes
▪Nos. 1 – 4 ID Only Coax Remote Set in
Foam Holder
▪Nos. 1-12 ID Only Coax Remote Set in
Foam Holder (Illustrated)
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12
Remote
3
Remote
4
Remote
2
Remote
1
Note: All accessories listed in Table 4 are available for purchase
through Platinum Tools. Refer to the Customer Service
section for contact information.

6
DESIGN FEATURES
▪Easy to operate
▪One pass coax cable run mapping
▪Tests through splitters
▪Identies open (unterminated) cables
▪Extra large seven-segment, backlight LCD screen with icons that
clearly display test results
▪Displays coax cable run quality
▪Tests and grades splitter performance
▪Measures length of coax cable in feet or meters
▪Identies up to 4 RF remotes and 12 ID Only Coax remotes
▪Automatic pre-test voltage checks
▪Measures single cable length up to 1,500 ft
▪Tone generator with selectable tone cadence to easily trace cable runs
▪Conserves power and supports long battery life with Auto-off feature
and battery low icon
▪Four AA alkaline batteries provided with your purchase

7
COAX CLARIFIER™ DESCRIPTION
Figure 1. Coax Clarier™
F-Connector
One F-Connector is located at the top of the Coax Clarier™. The
connector enables you to test and measure single cables and coax
networks.
Note: An F-Connector coupler is provided with your purchase of the
Coax Clarier™.
The Coax Clarier™, illustrated in Figure 1, has three main parts: the
F-Connector, the LCD display screen, and the keypad.

8
Battery Low Icon
Detected Remotes
Tone Mode
Length Mode
Length Constant Value
Cable Types
Measured Length
Quality Mode and
Bar Graph
}
Cable Conditions
Voltage Detected Warning
Calibration Icon
Return Loss Icon
LCD Display Screen
The Coax Clarier™ has a high contrast, backlight LCD display screen,
shown in Figure 2 below. The LCD display screen shows the following:
cable conditions, test modes and related icons, calibration icon, voltage
detected warning, active signal warning, and battery capacity.
Cable Conditions
The device checks for three cable conditions during testing: Open, Short,
and Terminated. The cable conditions, explained in Table 5, appear in a
column below the battery low icon in the LCD display screen.
Table 5. Cable Conditions
Cable Conditions Description
Open An “Open” error indicates a wire connection within
the cable is not continuous throughout the length
of the cable.
Short The “Short” icon appears when the two wires
within a cable are electrically connected. This is
also known as a short circuit.
Terminated The “Terminated” icon will appear when the far end
of the run has an F-Terminator Plug in place or is
wired to a device.
Figure 2. LCD Display Screen