Tempo Communications TV220E User manual

TV220E-MAN Rev. 0 © Tempo Communications 2022 2023-01-30
TV220E and TV220EX CableScout™
Metallic Time-Domain Reflectometer for Cable TV
Read and understand all the instructions for use and safety information
before you use this tool. To receive updates about this product and its
software register at www.TempoCom.com.
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

2 30 January 2023 TV220E Instruction
BLANK PAGE

TV220E Instruction 30 January 2023 3
Table of Contents
Preface ...........................................................................................................................7
Description ..................................................................................................................7
Safety..........................................................................................................................7
Purpose of this Manual.................................................................................................7
Warranty......................................................................................................................7
Important Safety Information ............................................................................................8
Contact Details ............................................................................................................9
How to Use this Manual..................................................................................................10
Chapter 1. TestWizard....................................................................................................13
Getting Started...........................................................................................................13
Testing & Checking Event Details ................................................................................14
Chapter 2. Controls and Connections ..............................................................................17
Connections...............................................................................................................17
Controls ....................................................................................................................18
Display ......................................................................................................................19
Connectors ................................................................................................................20
Getting Started...........................................................................................................21
Accessories ...........................................................................................................22
Chapter 3. Setting Up .....................................................................................................25
General Settings.........................................................................................................25
Backlight Level....................................................................................................... 25
Backlight Timeout ..................................................................................................25
Sleep Timeout ........................................................................................................25
Power Down Timeout..............................................................................................25
Language...............................................................................................................26
Measurement Settings................................................................................................ 26
Units of Measurement.............................................................................................26
Vp Setting ..............................................................................................................26
TDR Test Type........................................................................................................26
End of Cable Detector .............................................................................................27

4 30 January 2023 TV220E Instruction
Normal Working Range ........................................................................................... 27
Time and Date ........................................................................................................... 27
Product Information................................................................................................... 28
Chapter 4. Testing a Cable ............................................................................................. 31
Connection................................................................................................................ 31
Cable Type ................................................................................................................ 32
Testing...................................................................................................................... 32
Auto TDR Mode...................................................................................................... 32
Automatic Event Detection...................................................................................... 33
Manual TDR Mode.................................................................................................. 35
Returning to Auto Mode.......................................................................................... 36
Chapter 5. Cable Library................................................................................................. 41
Cable Data................................................................................................................. 41
Library Structure .................................................................................................... 41
Choosing a Cable....................................................................................................... 41
Adding a Cable .......................................................................................................... 43
Chapter 6. Saving and Loading Traces ............................................................................ 49
Screen Shots ............................................................................................................. 49
Saving or Loading a Trace .......................................................................................... 49
Copying Files from TV220E to USB.............................................................................. 51
Chapter 7. Maintenance ................................................................................................. 55
Error Messages.......................................................................................................... 55
Inspection and Cleaning ............................................................................................. 55
Inspection ................................................................................................................. 55
Cleaning.................................................................................................................... 55
Water Resistance....................................................................................................... 55
Chapter 8. Specifications ............................................................................................... 59
Kit Content ................................................................................................................ 61
TV220E Kit............................................................................................................. 61
TV220EX Kit........................................................................................................... 62
Chapter 9. Glossary ....................................................................................................... 66

TV220E Instruction 30 January 2023 5
Chapter 10. Tips and Tricks for Effective TDR Testing ......................................................72
Time Domain Reflectometry........................................................................................72
Basic Trace Analysis ..................................................................................................72
Cable Fundamentals...................................................................................................72
Conductors & Insulators.......................................................................................... 73
Velocity of Propagation...........................................................................................74
Cable Impedance.................................................................................................... 74
Interpreting the Trace .............................................................................................75
Testing Other Cable Types ..........................................................................................76
Fundamentals ............................................................................................................77
Cables and Velocities of Propagation ......................................................................77
Return Loss............................................................................................................77
Cable Impedance.................................................................................................... 78
Coaxial Cables .......................................................................................................78
Reflection ..............................................................................................................79
Event Return Loss...................................................................................................80
Index .........................................................................................................................84

6 30 January 2023 TV220E Instruction
BLANK PAGE

TV220E Instruction 30 January 2023 7
Preface
Description
Tempo Communications Inc. has designed the TV220E and TV22EX CableScout™Time-
Domain Reflectometers (TDR) to aid telecommunications technicians and troubleshooting
experts in the outside-plant cable TV and other applications using similar coaxial cables. The
uses for this tool include fault identification, fault location, cable installation and cable
maintenance. Many customers utilise these TDRs for testing other cable types too, including
leak detection wires in insulated pipelines, twisted pair cable and various antenna cables.
The TV220E is very easy to use, precise and can characterise cables up to 5.58 km (18.3 kft,
at Vp=0.93) in length.
Safety
Safety is essential in the use and maintenance of Tempo tools and equipment. This manual
and any markings and indications on the tool including warnings in the software user
interface, supply information for avoiding hazards and unsafe practices related to the use of
this tool. Observe all the safety information provided.
Purpose of this Manual
The purpose of this manual is to familiarize you with the safe operation and maintenance
procedures for the TV220 CableScout Time-Domain Reflectometer.
Keep this manual available to all personnel. The latest manuals are always available for
download from our website. We aim to keep this manual up to date with software changes.
Warranty
Tempo Communications Inc. warrants to the original purchaser of these goods for use that
these products will be free from defects in workmanship and material for one year. This
warranty is subject to the same terms and conditions contained in Tempo Communications
Inc.’s standard one-year limited warranty.
For all Test Instrument repairs, contact Customer Service at [phone] and request a
Return Authorization. Or complete the form at: www.tempocom.com/returns
For items not covered under warranty (such as items abused, dropped, soaked, etc.), a repair
cost quote is available upon request.
Note: Prior to returning any test instrument, please check batteries are charged and follow
any instructions given by Tempo’s customer support.
All specifications are nominal and may change as design improvements and software updates occur. Tempo
Communications Inc. shall not be liable for damages resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products.
CableScout and TestWizard are trademarks of Tempo Communications Inc.
Do not discard this product or throw away!
For recycling information, go to www.TempoCom.com.
KEEP THIS MANUAL

8 30 January 2023 TV220E Instruction
Important Safety Information
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
This symbol is used to call your attention to hazards or unsafe practices which
could result in an injury or property damage. The signal word, defined below,
indicates the severity of the hazard. The message after the signal word provides
information for preventing or avoiding the hazard.
DANGER
Immediate hazards which, if not avoided, WILL result in severe injury or death.
WARNING
Hazards which, if not avoided, COULD result in severe injury or death.
CAUTION
Hazards or unsafe practices which, if not avoided, MAY result in injury or property
damage.
WARNING
Read and understand this manual before you use or service this
equipment. Failure to understand how to safely use this tool
could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
Electric shock hazard:
Contact with live circuits could result in severe injury or death.

TV220E Instruction 30 January 2023 9
EX
WARNING
Fire / Explosion hazard: Do not use this tool in an explosive
atmosphere. Failure to heed this warning could result in severe
injury or death.
CAUTION
Electric shock hazard:
•Use only the supplied power/charger adaptors for TV220E
•The power/charger is not weather sealed. Do not expose
to moisture.
•Do not use the charger if there is any visible damage to the
enclosure or cable.
•Do not use TV220E (or open TV220EX) in a wet
environment. Damage may occur. TV220EX is dust and
weather resistant when tightly closed for transport.
Servicing:
•There are no user serviceable parts within TV220E, do not
disassemble.
•Contact Tempo’s Support Team (details below)
Wireless:
•Wireless options are available for TV220E in select
markets.
•Where available these are compliant with local regulations;
operation of the wireless features in any other location
may cause interference to others and may be illegal.
Note: Throughout this manual the term TV220E will normally refer equally to the TV220EX.
Where we mention specific TV220EX features, then we will use TV220EX.
Contact Details
www.tempocom.com
USA Headquarters
Tempo Communications Inc. 1390 Aspen Way, Vista, 92081, California USA
[phone] e-[email protected]
EMEA Sales Office
Tempo Europe Limited, Suite 8, Brecon House, William Brown Close, Cwmbran, NP44 3AB UK
[phone] e-[email protected]

10 30 January 2023 TV220E Instruction
How to Use this Manual
Note: The procedures mentioned in this manual apply to instruments running software
available at the time of publication (30/01/2023). Tempo Communications operate a policy
of continuous improvement, and you may notice small or large changes to some operations
as a result of software updates or instrument options. If this copy of the instructions appears
out of date, visit the product page at www.tempocom.com to download the latest edition.
Chapter Summaries:
1. Test Wizard & Automatic Event Detection
Instructions and description of the automatic event detection system. The
quickest and easiest way to test a cable.
2. Controls and User Interface
Location and description of buttons, softkeys, touchscreen functions, and
connections
3. Setting Up
Detailed descriptions of how to set up the instrument to test a cable and
information on each of the different tests that TV220E can perform.
4. Testing a Cable
Detailed instructions on the three ways that TV220E can be used to check a cable,
including TestWizard (quick and easy), Auto TDR (most parameters are controlled
automatically) and Manual TDR (for experts who want full control over instrument
settings).
5. Cable Library
Instructions on adapting the cable library of the TV220E to best suit your work.
6. Saving and Loading Traces
How to save traces to internal memory and how to transfer these to a PC for
further analysis.
7. Maintenance
Instructions for the care and feeding of your TV220E
8. Specifications
Details of the performance of TV220E
9. Glossary
Explanations of technical terms used in this manual.
10. Tips and Tricks for Effective TDR Test
Lots of background information on how to make effective TDR measurements and
detail on the theory and physics applied to this function.

TV220E Instruction 30 January 2023 11
TestWizard

12 30 January 2023 TV220E Instruction
BLANK PAGE

TV220E Instruction 30 January 2023 13
Chapter 1. TestWizard
TestWizard is the quickest and easiest way to test a cable and to find events. Set a few
parameters and the TV220 then automatically tests the cable and displays a trace with the
events marked.
The automatic event detection system is optimised for use on cables with well controlled
impedance, such as coaxial cables. But it may work for you on other types; try it.
We place this section of the manual ahead of everything else because as an inquisitive
technician we know you will power the unit up and want to try it. But please do continue to
read the full manual (RTFM) after trying this as there are many other functions and helpful
features, some unique to Tempo’s TDRs, that we promise are not hidden from you but that
you may not be aware of.
Getting Started
There are a few simple things best done before really using the unit: Please refer to chapter 2
to find the various controls and ports on the TV220. But after topping up the battery and
powering on the unit, we recommend that you first enter the settings (chapter 3) and set the
time and date before clicking on the TDR “app”.
The unit will normally start up in “auto” mode from the factory, but if your unit has been used
by someone else then you may need to switch to “auto” mode: If the status of the unit is
“Manual”; press that icon or the button below it (f1), then press the icon “M > A” or (f2).
Choose the correct cable type using the “cables” icon or (f2), see chapter 5.
You access TestWizard from the TDR screen by pressing on the middle function button with
the “wand” icon or (f3). You will now see a screen like this:
On –show events in
the current window
Auto –highlight events
throughout the cable
Event threshold
Number of events
to highlight
Express the severity of
faults as event return
loss or simple return loss
Set the maximum
working range

14 30 January 2023 TV220E Instruction
The event detector must be set to “on” or “auto” to operate. When “on” this will highlight
events only on the visible window chosen by yourself. When set to “auto” this will highlight
events on the entire length of cable (up to the limit chosen below).
Now set the working range to a sensible distance for the cable you are testing; this ensures
the algorithm does not waste time looking for events beyond the practical end of the cable.
It is then most common to choose to show event severity as “Event Return Loss” (ERL) that
takes into consideration the loss of the cable between the TDR and the event.
You can then choose whether to show the single worst event, up to three or all events that
exceed the event threshold.
The event threshold is in decibels of return loss or event return loss as chosen earlier. These
are negative decibels (we have always left the minus sign out for simplicity) therefore larger
numbers are smaller events, see chapter 10 for more details about return loss, reflection
coefficients and decibels. An ERL of 0dB, for example, represents all (100%) of the energy
reaching a point in the cable being reflected (e.g. a complete open or short will have an ERL
of approximately 0 dB).
Press the “exit” icon or (f5) to leave the event detector setup window.
Testing & Checking Event Details
Now that the event detector is active and you have exited the TestWizard setup menu, you
will see the events being highlighted on the detail trace and in the overview window. To see
more detail about the highlighted events and to make measurements tap on the “markers”
icon (f4). You will see a screen like this:
Activate distance
measurement for the
highlighted marker
Add notes to a
marker (other
than the cursor)
Distance measurement
between adjacent
markers

TV220E Instruction 30 January 2023 15
Controls & Connections

16 30 January 2023 TV220E Instruction
BLANK PAGE

TV220E Instruction 30 January 2023 17
Chapter 2. Controls and Connections
Connections
TV220E
TV220EX
Dust cover
Test Port
12V DC In
Ethernet*
USB Drive
(file transfer)
Micro
USB*
Charge
status LED
Strap
Attachment
Points
Test Port
Dust cover
Ethernet*
Micro
USB*
USB Drive
(file transfer)

18 30 January 2023 TV220E Instruction
Controls
We describe the TV220E controls and their typical use in this section of the manual. There
may be more detail about the specific functions of any control in a specific mode in the
section of the manual that describes that function. All controls are pushbuttons.
Power Button
You use the power button to wake the unit from standby and to return it to standby state. A
short press of about a second is needed; the button will illuminate blue as the unit powers
back up. The TV220E wakes up with the same state as when it was placed into standby.
Charge
status LED
12V DC In
You charge TV220EX using
the 12V dc port on the right-
hand side of the unit. The
status LED is alongside. Red
for charging, green for full.
This simplifies charging in a
van with the unit closed.
Cursor and
enter buttons
Menu
(hamburger)
button
Help
Power
(on/standby)
7” Touchscreen
Five “function”
buttons f1-f5

TV220E Instruction 30 January 2023 19
Another press of about one second will return the unit to “standby” state. The power button
illuminates blue during start up and shut down.
Menu Button
The “hamburger” menu button is
active when in TDR mode and
provides quick access to the
following:
•Return to the “home” screen
•Screenshot saving
•Backlight brightness
•Test type
•Units
•Vp type
Help Button
You press (?) help to request
context relevant information
about the current display and
functions. You can scroll through
the presented information using
the cursor keys or by dragging on
the screen. Press (?) help a
second time to clear the pop-up
information window and return to the screen below.
Cursor Keys & Enter Button
When on the opening screen the cursor keys can be used to select the desired “app” and the
enter button pressed to activate that app. In other screens and sections, the functions vary
between highlighting markers or cables and selecting them to selecting and adjusting
parameters. Refer to the “help” for each screen for specific details.
Softkeys (function buttons f1 to f5)
The five softkeys across the bottom of the display allow someone who does not want to
touch the screen (perhaps you’re wearing heavy gloves, or your fingers are dirty) to select the
functions which vary from mode to mode and function to function. Explanations of the
softkeys are contained in the help information for each screen.
Display
The TV220E utilises a full colour LCD with capacitive touchscreen overlay. The resolution of
this is 1024x600 pixels. The top line of the display conveys the status of the instrument and
has “home” and “menu” touch-buttons in the left and right corners. These buttons are
accessible via the keypad, with the “home” function being the default function if the menu
(hamburger/three-lines) button is tapped.
The status line conveys the following information:

20 30 January 2023 TV220E Instruction
1. Current cable type selected (or “custom”)
2. USB drive status (connected or not)
3. Measurement range limit or not
4. Battery status
In TDR mode, the upper trace area shows detail, whilst the lower trace shows an overview of
the entire cable alongside four “parameter” buttons. The area highlighted in the “overview”
trace represents the area shown in the “detail” window above.
Five softkey/function buttons span the lower edge of the display.
Connectors
12V DC Power
This port is used with a 12V dc source to charge the unit (see specifications for exact
requirements and limits). The unit can be operated whilst charging but be aware that there is
no isolation between the test port and the 12V source therefore noise may be induced on
measurements, and this is not recommended.
75 Ω Test Port
This connector is a 75-ohm, F-type male bulkhead, normally supplied with a “sacrificial” F-F
(female to female) “barrel” adaptor fitted. This is the port you will connect to the cable under
test to. The “barrel” adaptor is used to protect the test instruments own connection from
excessive wear and tear. It is normal to connect to this using a short patch cord.
USB Type A
This port allows you to connect a USB drive to move files on and off the TV220E.
Micro USB Port
This is currently unused.
Ethernet Port
This will be available in the future to allow movement of files to and from the TV220E.
Alternately files may be moved via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These functions are being trialled and
defined at the time of writing.