Trilithic Three User manual

Model Three
SignalLevelMeter
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

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Model Three - Operation Manual
Trilithic Company Profile
Trilithicisaprivatelyheldmanufacturerfoundedin1986asanengineering
andassemblycompany that built and designed customer-directed
products for telecommunications, military and industrial customers. From
itsmodestbeginningsasa two-man engineering team, Trilithic grew over
theyearsandbroadeneditsofferingsofRFand microwave components by
adding broadband solutions to its product line. This was accomplished
withtheacquisitionofcomponentsmanufacturerCir-Q-Telandinstruments
manufacturerTexscan.
Today,Trilithic is an industryleaderprovidingtelecommunications
solutionsformajorbroadband,RF,andmicrowavemarketsaroundthe
world. Asan ISO 9000:2001 certified company with over 40yearsof
collective expertise in engineering and custom assembly, Trilithic is
dedicatedtoprovidingqualityproducts,services, and communications
solutions that exceed customer expectations.
Trilithiciscomprisedoffivemajor divisions:
•Broadband Instruments and Systems
Offers test, analysis, and quality management solutions for the
majorcabletelevisionsystemsworldwide.
•RF Microwave Components
Providescomponentsand custom subsystems for companies
specializing in cellular, military, and other wireless applications.
•Emergency Alert Systems
Leadingsupplierofgovernment-mandatedemergencyalert
systems used by broadcast TV, cableTV, IPTV, DBS, and radio
stations.
•XFTP
Offers a specialty line of field technical products for cable
operators and technicians, as well as a line of products for
installing electronics in the home of the future.
•Network Services
Providesnetworkdatamanagementandsupportservices to
safeguardandprotectyour network and data by employing
certified,experienced,anddedicatednetworkengineers.

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Model Three - Operation Manual
Table of Contents
1. General Informaiton.......................................................................... 5
HelpfulWebsite ................................................................................. 5
Whereto GetTechnicalSupport ........................................................ 5
HowthisManual is Organized ........................................................... 6
ConventionsUsedinthisManual ....................................................... 7
Precautions ....................................................................................... 8
2. Introduction........................................................................................ 9
Whatis the Model Three? .................................................................. 9
Features .......................................................................................... 10
Tilt andFavorite GroupDisplay .................................................. 10
SingleChannelDisplay ............................................................. 10
SingleChannelSpectrum .......................................................... 10
Scan Display............................................................................. 10
Spectrum Display ...................................................................... 11
HumDisplay ............................................................................. 11
QAMMeasurement ................................................................... 11
DataLogging ............................................................................. 11
Limit Test .................................................................................. 11
AutoTest Programs .................................................................. 12
Voltmeter................................................................................... 12
FileSavingand Viewing............................................................. 12
EquipmentSuppliedwithYourModelThree ..................................... 12
AccessoriesandReplacement PartsforYourModelThree .............. 13
3. Walkthrough .................................................................................... 15
IdentifyComponents ........................................................................ 15
Key Pad.................................................................................... 16
NavigatingFunctions ................................................................. 18
DisplayScreenDescription ....................................................... 20
BatteryCharging.............................................................................. 21

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Model Three - Operation Manual
4. Setup ................................................................................................ 23
Overview .......................................................................................... 23
Information ....................................................................................... 24
General............................................................................................ 25
Backlight................................................................................... 25
LCDContrast ............................................................................ 26
ShutdownTime ......................................................................... 26
TemperatureUnit ....................................................................... 27
DateandTime........................................................................... 27
LCDTest ................................................................................... 28
Upgrade .................................................................................... 29
PriorMenu ................................................................................ 29
Measurement................................................................................... 30
Transmission............................................................................. 30
LevelUnits ................................................................................ 30
SingleFrequencySetup ............................................................ 31
Limit Setup................................................................................ 31
Reset Max Hold ........................................................................ 33
Voltage...................................................................................... 34
HumFrequency......................................................................... 35
PriorMenu ................................................................................ 35
ChannelPlan ................................................................................... 36
Select User Plan ....................................................................... 36
ChannelNumbers...................................................................... 36
LearnUserPlan ........................................................................ 37
Edit User Plan........................................................................... 40
Tilt/LevelList ............................................................................. 43
LoadDefaults ............................................................................ 44
PriorMenu ................................................................................ 44

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Model Three - Operation Manual
5. Basic Operation ............................................................................... 45
Fast Setup....................................................................................... 45
SingleChannel LevelTesting............................................................ 46
TVChannels ............................................................................. 46
SingleChannelSpectrum .......................................................... 48
SingleFrequencyChannels....................................................... 50
DigitalChannels ........................................................................ 51
FrequencyMode.............................................................................. 52
ChannelScanning............................................................................ 53
Display Limits ........................................................................... 55
LimitTesting .................................................................................... 56
FrequencySpectrum Scanning ........................................................ 59
HumMeasurement .......................................................................... 62
QAMMeasurement ......................................................................... 63
QAMChannelMeasurement ..................................................... 63
QAMFrequencyMode .............................................................. 64
SpectrumAnalyzerDisplay ....................................................... 65
QAMConstellationDisplay(Optional) ....................................... 66
Tiltand FavoriteChannel.................................................................. 67
6. Advanced Operation ....................................................................... 69
TransmissionCharacteristicTest ..................................................... 69
Auto Test ......................................................................................... 74
QAMParameters ...................................................................... 77
LevelParameters ...................................................................... 78
Spectrum Parameters................................................................ 79
LimitParameters....................................................................... 80
TiltParameters.......................................................................... 81
HumParameters ....................................................................... 81
FileSavingand Viewing ................................................................... 87
Saving a Test Record to a File ................................................... 87
ViewingFileRecords................................................................. 89
Auto Test Records..................................................................... 93
7. Specifications .................................................................................. 97
WarrantyInformation...................................................................... 100

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Model Three - Operation Manual
Helpful Website
Thefollowingwebsitecontainsgeneralinformationwhichmaybeof
interest to you:
http://www.fieldtechproducts.com/
Trilithic’swebsite contains product specificationsand information,tips,
releaseinformation,marketinginformation,FrequentlyAsked Questions
(FAQs), bulletins, and other technical information. You can also check
thiswebsite for product updates.
1. General Informaiton
Chapter 1

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Model Three - Operation Manual
How this Manual is Organized
Thismanualisdividedinto the following chapters:
• Chapter1,“General Information” provides Trilithiccontact
informationanddescribeshow this Operation Manual is
structured.
• Chapter2,“Introduction”introducestheequipmentandfeatures of
theModelThree.
• Chapter3,“Walkthrough”describes the components of the Model
Three.
• Chapter4,“Setup” describes the steps needed toperform the
setupoftheModelThree.
• Chapter 5, “Basic Operation” describes how to use the basic
featuresof Model Three.
• Chapter6,“AdvancedOperation”describeshowtousethe
advancedfeatures ofModelThree.
• Chapter7,“Specifications”showsthetechnical specifications of
theModelThree.

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Model Three - Operation Manual
Conventions Used in this Manual
Thismanualhas several standard conventions forpresentinginformation.
•Connections,menus,menuoptions, and user-entered text and
commandsappearin bold.
• Section names, Web, and e-mail addresses appear in italics.
A NOTE is information that will be of
assistance to you related to the current step or
procedure.
A CAUTION alerts you to any condition that
could cause a mechanical failure or potential
lossof data.
A WARNING alerts you to any condition that
could cause personal injury.

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Model Three - Operation Manual
Precautions
The maximum input voltage to the meter is
100 V (AC or DC). A larger voltage will
damage the meter.
The battery MUST be charged with the AC to
DCpower adapter and battery charger
provided with the Model Three. Using any
otheradapter/charger may damage thebattery.
The accuracy of the meter may be affected
when in a strong electromagnetic field.
Do not use the Model Three in any manner not
recommended by the manufacturer.

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Model Three - Operation Manual
What is the Model Three?
Trilithic’s Model Three Signal Level Meter is designed to provide you
withoptimalfeatures for reduced cost.
Amplitudemeasurementsarefastand efficient. Carrier amplitudes are
displayed singly, as a group (up to 12 “favorites”), or as a full-span display.
Thisproductalsofeaturesa single-channel Spectrummode,which
displaysthe presence of interferingbeats inaddition tothe carrier
amplitudes. Thedevice lets you takethe directpower measurementof
QAMsignalswithConstellation diagram display (optional) and pre- and
post-BERandMER readings, Hum measurements, data logging,and also
supportsavoltmeterfunction.
Fouruser-definedchannelplansmay be stored, and the Model Three can
perform a complete test of all channels in the selected user channel plan
to specified limits at the press of a single key. It can also be set to
automaticallyperformQAM,Level,Spectrum,Tilt(Favorite),Hum,and
Limittestsatprogrammed intervals, unattended.
TheModelThree cansave filesfor QAM,Level, Tilt,Spectrum,Scan,Limit
test, Hum, andAuto test measurements. These files can be recalled to
display the recorded data, or Scan, Spectrum, and Limit files can be
viewed graphically. The Model Three also makes it easy to obtain a hard
copyofinstallation data or documentation of aproblem via theoptional
ModelThreeToolBoxsoftware.
The device is the ideal signal level meter for HFC installations. It is
durable, has many features, and is simple to use in a wide range of
conditions. Its tough, plastic shell and protective jacket make the Model
Three highly resistant to damage from shock and impact. When not in
use, the instrument and its accessories are contained in a carrying case.
TheModelThree is rugged and convenientto use. It weighsonly 1.76
poundsandcan be carried and operated withone hand. All measurement
functions are accessible via a single keystroke, and, with the Fast Setup
function, settings for each measurement mode can be accessed at the
press of a single key without going through nested menus. Other
functionsaresimplified though the combination of dedicated functionkeys
and “soft keys.”
2. Introduction
Chapter 2

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Model Three - Operation Manual
Features
Tilt and Favorite Group Display
Press the
TILT
TILT
2 DEF
(TILT) key to display a graph showing the amplitudes
ofup to twelve user-selected video carriers. Thisdisplay alsoshows
thecalculateddifference in amplitude (tilt) between the highest and
lowest channels in the user-selected group. Press the
TILT
TILT
2 DEF
(TILT)
key again, and the Model Three displays a numeric list that shows the
amplitudesof the carriers in thegroup.
Single Channel Display
When tuned to a single channel, the Model Three displays bar graphs
forthe video and audio carriersor powerof adigital channel. Italso
showsnumericreadoutsofthe carrier amplitudes and V/A difference or
digitalpower.
Single Channel Spectrum
TheModelThree can also provide a spectraldisplay of the selected
channelincludingintermodulationproductsorotherundesiredsignals
that may be present.
For a digital channel, this measurement shows the actual shape of the
modulation“haystack” to determine if thereareanyproblems with the
digitaltransmission system. This feature provides you witha powerful
tool for checking in-channel flatness or mismatches that might affect
digital transmission quality.
Scan Display
Press SCAN to display the full span of video and audio carriers in the
selected user channel plan. This mode is useful to make a quick
check of your system’s overall flatness and amplitude. Up to four user
plans may be stored.
Amplitude limits can be imposed on the display. By using the Model
Three’s frequency marker, you can zoom in on any suspect channel
that appears in the display.

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Model Three - Operation Manual
Spectrum Display
Press the
SPECT
SPECT
6 PQR
(SPECTRUM) key to display the spectrum
measurements with frequency spans from 2.5 MHz to 62.5 MHz or a
full-spectrumscan.
Hum Display
PressHUM to measure the Hum interference of theCATV
transmission system.
QAM Measurement
TheModelThreeiscapableofmeasuring the channel power of QAM,
QPSK, and COFDM signals. This function also enables the
measurementofpre-andpost-BERand MER for QAM modulated
signals. TheQAM measurement mode alsofeaturesa single channel
spectrumdisplayand an optional Constellation diagram is availableto
enable users to find errors more quickly.
Data Logging
You can select and save the test data of the QAM, Level, Tilt, Limit,
Hum, Scan, and Frequency spectrum tests. The Model Three has the
capability to store the amplitudes of all video and audio carriers (up to
170channels). Thesedatarecords can be captured in nonvolatile
memoryandlater recalled or uploaded to your PCfor record keeping.
Eachrecordcarries the time, date, and other Model Threeinformation
at the time the record is saved.
Limit Test
TheModelThree can perform a complete testof all analogchannels in
the selected user channel plan to specified limits at the touch of a
single key. All channels are listed with Pass or Fail results, and the
user may select any channel to review its individual test results. In
addition, results for the entire channel plan, such as Maximum Δ
Video and Maximum Δ Adjacent Channel, are seen on the test-result
display.

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Model Three - Operation Manual
Auto Test Programs
TheModelThree can be set to automatically performQAM, Level,
Spectrum, Tilt (Favorite), Hum, and Limit tests in user settable time
increments. ThismakestheModelThreeidealforperformingrequired
24-hour tests. The test result files can be viewed or uploaded to a PC
later.
Voltmeter
TheModelThree is equipped with a built-in voltmeterthat can be used
fortroubleshootingpowersuppliesor power drops. The Model Three
displays the voltage with a bar graph and numeric readout. It can
accommodateAC or DC voltages up to 100 Volts.
File Saving and Viewing
TheModelThree can save records from QAM,Level,Tilt(Favorite
channels group), Spectrum, Hum, Scan, or Limit test measurements
either to individual files or all to one file. These files can be recalled to
display the recorded data, and Scan, Spectrum, and Limit graphics
can be viewed. All files may be uploaded to a PC with the Model
ThreeToolBox software for analysis, storage, and printing.
Equipment Supplied with Your Model Three
TheModelThreecomeswiththefollowing:
•ModelThreesignal level meter
•Protectivecarryingcase
•Strap for carrying case
•Bluerubber protective bumper
•11.1 V / 1.4AH Li-Ion battery
• ACtoDCpoweradapterandbattery charger
• Operationmanualon CD

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Model Three - Operation Manual
Accessories and Replacement Parts for
Your Model Three
Thefollowingaccessoriesandreplacementpartsare available for the
ModelThree:
Part Number Description
2130854000 Holster
2130856000 Protective sleeve
0930149000 Model Three ToolBox - includes USB data cable
2072084000 USB data cable
2131064000 Replacement protective carrying case
0320050000 Replacement strap for carrying case
2131253000 Replacement blue rubber protective bumper
0090055000 Replacement battery
2072036000 Replacement charger
0200579000 Replacement F-type connector

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Model Three - Operation Manual
THISPAGELEFT INTENTIONALLYBLANK

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Model Three - Operation Manual
3. Walkthrough
Chapter 3
Now that you have your Model Three out of its box, take a few moments to
look it over and become familiar with its controls.
Identify Components
TheModelThree’s function buttons and backlitLCD display areon the
front panel. The device’s charge socket and PC interface socket are on
the bottom. The RF “F” connector is on the top of the device. The belt clip
is located on the back of the device.
Key pad PCinterface
Chargesocket
Connectorslocated
underrubbercoveron
bottomofdevice
LCDdisplay
withbacklight
RF“F”connector
The thin protective film layer used to protect
the display during shipping should be
removed.
Your Model Three’s battery may need to be
charged, see the Battery Charging Section
later in this chapter.

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Model Three - Operation Manual
LEVEL
4 JKL
LIMIT
3 GHI
TILT
2 DEF
AUTO
1 ABC
SCAN
5 MNO
SPECT
6 PQR
L
SET
7 STU
LEV
EL
4 JKL
S
S
S
S
FILE
8 VWX
R
O
SPECT
6
P
QR
SCAN
5
MN
O
HUM
9 YZ*
S
S
S
S
S
FCN
0
SET
7 S
TU
F
F
F
F
QAM
.
F
F
F
F
F
F
FCN
0
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
A
A
A
A
F
1
A
A
A
T
T
AUTO
A
UT
A
U
O
AUTO
1
A
BC
F
1
F
2
H
I
H
LIMIT
3
G
H
F
E
T
T
LT
T
ILT
T
2
D
E
F
2
F
3
Z*
X
HUM
Z
9
Y
Z
L
ILE
E
8
VW
X
__
.
QAM
_
__
MODEL THREEMODEL THREE
F
1
F
2
F
3
LEVEL
LEVEL
4 JKL
LIMIT
LIMIT
3 GHI
TILT
TILT
2 DEF
AUTO
AUTO
1 ABC
SCAN
SCAN
5 MNO
SPECT
SPECT
6 PQR
SET
SET
7 STU
FILE
FILE
8 VWX
HUM
HUM
9 YZ*
FCN
FCN
0
QAM
QAM
.
__
Softbuttons
11primary and
secondaryfunction
buttons
ON / OFF button
Chargeindicator
Arrow
buttons
Soft Buttons
The
F
1
F
1
,
F
2
,and
F
3
keys are used to access various functions within the display
menus. On specific displays, three boxes appear at the bottom of
the display. These boxes correspond to the three soft keys and
provideadditionalcommandssuchasENTER, EXIT, SCALE,
REF, movementarrows,etc.(see the individual function displays
formore information).
Key Pad
The key pad consists of the various buttons to access the Model
Three’sfunctions. There are 11 function buttons,two arrow buttons
(upanddown),the power on/off button, and three “softbuttons” that
enableyou to perform functions shown onthe display.
F
1
F
1
F
2
F
3
FREQ MAX T

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Model Three - Operation Manual
Function Buttons
The following is a list of the function buttons:
Power ON / OFF
Use the POWER ON / OFF key to turn the device on and off.
Arrow Buttons
Use the
__
and keys to change values within a function
display.
AUTO
AUTO
1 ABC
TILT
TILT
2 DEF
LIMIT
LIMIT
3 GHI
LEVEL
LEVEL
4 JKL
SCAN
SCAN
5 MNO
SPECT
SPECT
6 PQR
SET
SET
7 STU
FILE
FILE
8 VWX
HUM
HUM
9 YZ*
FCN
FCN
0
QAM
QAM
.
Key Function #Purpose
AUTO 1 Enter Auto test mode
TILT 2 Enter Tilt measurement mode
LIMIT 3 Enter Limit test mode
LEVEL 4 Enter single channel / frequency
measurement mode
SCAN 5 Enter Channel Scanning mode
SPECT 6 Enter Frequency Spectrum scanning
mode
SET 7 Use for Fast Setup or Main Setup
menu
FILE 8 Save or recall measurement files
HUM 9 Enter Hum measurement mode
FCN 0 Put the key pad into alphanumeric
mode for entering numbers or letters
QAM . Enter QAM measurement mode

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Model Three - Operation Manual
Navigating Functions
SeveralmethodsareusedtonavigatetheModelThree’sfunctions.For
some procedures, use the
__
and keys to make changes within
a specific screen such as to increase or decrease values.
To scroll through a specific display’s menu topics, you generally use
the designated soft buttons (usually the
F
2
and
F
3
keys).
Entering Numeric Values
Within several displays, you must enter numeric values. Press
the
FCN
FCN
0
key to put the key pad in its secondary function mode,
then press the number buttons to enter the desired value. For
example,to enter the number12:
Press
FCN
FCN
0
+
AUTO
AUTO
1 ABC
+
TILT
TILT
2 DEF
Then press the
F
1
F
1
(ENTER) key to enter the value into the
ModelThree.
Entering Alphanumeric Characters
Similarly,youmust enter alphanumeric data on several screens,
such as file names, Channel labels, andAuto test program
names. As before, you press the
FCN
FCN
0
key to put the key pad into
its secondary function mode, then press the buttons to enter the
desired value. When you press a button in function mode, the first
entry is the number associated with the button, after which you
press the same button repeatedly to scroll through the letters
associated with the button. To enter a second letter or number
using a different button, you can go directly to the second button
for entry. If you want to enter a second letter or number using the
same button as the preceding character, you must press the
key to shift the ModelThree control to a new number or letter.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com