Wavetek MS1300 User manual

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WavetekWavetek
WavetekWavetek
Wavetek
CATV Division
5808 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203-6109
[phone]
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.wavetek.com
3/96
Manual Part No.
6510-00-0283
This document contains information proprietary to
Wavetek. The information in this document
is not to be used or duplicated in any manner without
the prior approval, in writing, of Wavetek.
OPERATION MANUAL
MODEL MS1300
SCANNING/LOGGING
SIGNAL LEVEL METER

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WARRANTY
Wavetek warrants that all Products manufactured or procured by Wavetek conform to
Wavetek’s published specifications and are free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of one (1) year from the date of delivery to the original Buyer, when used under
normaloperatingconditionsand withintheserviceconditionsforwhichtheyweredesigned.
This warranty is not transferrable and does not apply to used or demonstration products.
The obligation of Wavetek arising from a Warranty claim shall be limited to repairing, or at
its option, replacing without charge, any assembly or component (except batteries) which in
Wavetek’s sole opinion proves to be defective within the scope of the Warranty. In the event
Wavetekisnotabletomodify,repairorreplacenonconformingdefectivepartsorcomponents
toacondition aswarrantedwithina reasonabletimeafterreceipt thereof,Buyersshallreceive
credit in the amount of the original invoiced price of the product.
Wavetek must be notified in writing of the defect or nonconformity within the Warranty
period and the affected Product returned to Wavetek’s factory, designated Service Provider,
or Authorized Service Center within thirty (30) days after discovery of such defect or
nonconformity. Buyer shall prepay shipping charges and insurance for Products returned to
Wavetek or its designated Service Provider for warranty service. Wavetek or its designated
Service Provider shall pay costs for return of Products to Buyer.
Wavetek shall have no responsibility for any defect or damage caused by improper storage,
improperinstallation,unauthorizedmodification,misuse, neglect, inadequate maintenance,
accidentor for any Product which has beenrepaired or altered by anyone other thanWavetek
or its authorized representative or not in accordance with instructions furnished by Wavetek.
The Warranty described above is Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy and no other warranty,
whether written or oral, expressed or implied by statute or course of dealing shall apply.
Wavetek specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. No statement, representation, agreement, or understanding, oral or
written,madebyanagent,distributor,or employee of Wavetek, which is not contained in the
foregoing Warranty will be binding upon Wavetek, unless made in writing and executed by
anauthorized representativeofWavetek.Undernocircumstancesshall Wavetekbeliablefor
any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, expenses, or losses,
including loss of profits, based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory.
Extended Warranty Programs
Extended warranties and service contracts are available for new and currently owned
equipment for an additional cost. Contact the Customer Service Department (800 851-
1198) for details pertaining to extended warranties and service contracts.
Return Authorization Procedure
The customer MUST obtain a RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER from the
Customer Service Department (800 851-1198) prior to returning any equipment for
warranty or non-warranty repair. Wavetek accepts no liability for any instrument or
subassembly returned to the factory without this number. Any correspondence regarding
returned instruments or subassemblies should be referenced to that number.

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Contents
Introducing microStealth ................................................................ 7
Introduction................................................................................ 7
Measurement Logging .............................................................. 8
Auto Tests .................................................................................. 8
Multiple Channel Plans ............................................................ 10
Getting Acquinted with the Keypad ....................................... 10
Getting Acquinted with the Screen ......................................... 12
The Navigator............................................................................ 15
Configuring microStealth.......................................................... 16
Global Configuration ................................................................. 17
Measurements Configuration ................................................... 20
Channel Plan Configuration ..................................................... 23
Using microStealth ........................................................................... 31
Introduction................................................................................ 31
Installation.................................................................................. 31
Selecting Channel Packages ............................................. 32
Selecting the Test Point .................................................... 32
Installation Results Summary ........................................... 33
The Channel List ............................................................... 34
The Pass/Fail Indicator ..................................................... 34
Channel Measurement ...................................................... 35
Printing an Installation Report ......................................... 36
Storing Installation Results ............................................... 36
Level........................................................................................... 36
Adjusting the Reference Level ......................................... 37
Tuning by Channel ............................................................ 37
Tuning by Frequency ........................................................ 37
Measurement Hold ............................................................ 38
Printing the Screen ............................................................ 38
Warning Indicators ............................................................. 39
Full Scan..................................................................................... 39
Moving the Marker ............................................................ 40
Adjusting the Reference Level ......................................... 40
Adjusting the Scale ............................................................ 40
Zooming In and Out .......................................................... 41
Checking Limits ................................................................. 41

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Checking Limits on an Individual Channel .................... 42
Measurement Hold ............................................................ 43
Printing the Screen ............................................................ 43
Storing a Scan File ............................................................. 43
Warning Indicators ............................................................. 44
Tilt .............................................................................................. 44
Moving the Marker ............................................................ 45
Selecting the Low and High Carriers ............................... 45
Adjusting the Reference Level ......................................... 45
Adjusting the Scale ............................................................ 45
Measurement Hold ............................................................ 46
Printing the Screen ............................................................ 46
Storing a Tilt File............................................................... 46
Scan ............................................................................................. 46
Moving the Marker ............................................................ 47
Adjusting the Reference Level ......................................... 47
Adjusting the Scale ............................................................ 47
Checking Limits ................................................................. 47
Measurement Hold ............................................................ 48
Printing the Screen ............................................................ 48
Storing a Scan File ............................................................. 49
Auto Test.................................................................................... 49
Configuring an Auto Test .................................................. 49
Performing an Auto Test ................................................... 52
Canceling an Auto Test ..................................................... 53
View ............................................................................................ 53
The File Directory ............................................................. 54
Viewing Installation Files.................................................. 55
Viewing Scan Files ............................................................. 56
Viewing Auto Test Files.................................................... 57
Reference........................................................................................... 61
Using the Reference Section .................................................... 61
Help ............................................................................................ 61
Information................................................................................. 62
Technical Support ..................................................................... 63

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Appendices
Appendix A: Specifications....................................................... 65
Appendix B: Power Management and Battery ....................... 67
Battery Pack Location and Installation ............................ 67
Charging the Battery Pack ................................................ 67
Battery Tips ........................................................................ 67
Appendix C: Interface Port ...................................................... 69
Connector ............................................................................ 69
Cable Specifications ........................................................... 70

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MODEL MS1300
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Introducing
microSTEALTH
INTRODUCTION
The MS1300 Signal Level Meter is a high performance instrument
designed for cable television technicians. The durable, water
resistant MS1300 makes innovative use of a graphics LCD to
simplify operation. The LCD backlight makes measurements
easier in crawl spaces and behind TVs. The display is easy to see
in bright sunlight.
A scan mode allows you to see the levels of all carriers in a spectral
display. You can also view level measurements at a single fre-
quency or for a specific channel. When tuned to a channel, the
display indicates the levels of the video and audio carriers, and the
difference between the carrier levels.
When performing an installation, you can press the Installation
Check key to quickly verify that all channels are within limits that
you have defined. You can use this feature to determine whether
or not a subscriber connection meets FCC or other government
requirements.
A special channel plan building mode automatically determines
which channels are active on your cable system. Once you have
defined a channel plan, you can copy it to any MicroStealth unit
having a built-in serial port. You can also create channel plans
using StealthWare, the Windows™ based data management
package for Stealth products.

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For documentation purposes, you can print any measurement
screen to a serial printer (Wavetek P-Stealth Printer). Following an
installation check, you can print an installation report that can be
filed with the work order. You can also print a report that lists all
configuration settings including the channel plan.
The MS1300 tunes from 45 to 550 MHz with an option to extend
the range to 5 to 890 MHz.
MEASUREMENT LOGGING
With the MS1300, you can store installation checks that you have
performed throughout the day. You can also store scan and tilt
measurements. Each file is time and date stamped and can be
recalled later for viewing on the LCD screen.
When viewing a file, you can adjust the screen settings the same as
when you are viewing a “live” measurement. Using the built-in
serial port, you can print files and even upload them to StealthWare
for further analysis and archiving.
AUTO TESTS
Automated tests are easy with the MS1300 and provide a conve-
nient way of acquiring proof-of-performance compliance data.
Tests can be executed immediately or scheduled over a period of
time. To conserve battery life, MicroStealth shuts itself off
between scheduled intervals. When configuring an Auto Test, you
can record information about the location at which the test is being
performed. Files can be created for commonly tested locations so
you need only enter the information once.
Auto Tests results are time, date, and temperature stamped and
can be viewed on the LCD screen. Limits are applied to the
measurement data with out-of-tolerance conditions concisely
indicated. You can print a test report for each interval or a compre-
hensive 24 hour report that summarizes data collected from up to
four intervals. Auto Test result files can be uploaded to
StealthWare.

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MULTIPLE CHANNEL PLANS
The MS1300 stores channel plans that you have built and edited.
This is convenient if you use your MicroStealth for more than one
plant. You can quickly select the correct channel plan for the plant
at which you are working.
GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE KEYPAD
The keypad consists of the following:
• three Soft keys
• a Power key
• four Mode Selection keys
• an Enter key
• eleven Alphanumeric keys
• a Shift key
1. SOFT KEYS
There are three horizontally oriented soft keys located below the
display. The function of each soft key changes depending on the
particular operation being performed and is represented by an
icon immediately above the key.
2. POWER KEY - ON/OFF
Turns your microStealth on and off.
3. MODE SELECTION KEYS
INSTALLATION MODE
Easily check the channels that you have installed and
verify that they are within limits.
LEVEL MODE
Measure the signal level at a specific channel or fre-
quency.

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FULL SCAN MODE
View a spectrum graph of all carrier levels in your channel
plan.
NAVIGATOR
Instantly "travel" to any mode using the NAVIGATOR.
4. ENTER KEY
Press this key to terminate your entry or selection.
5. ALPHANUMERIC KEYS
You use the alphanumeric keys to enter data while operating your
microStealth. Notice that these keys have a numeral and up to
three alphabetic characters labeled on them. You can only access
the characters when alphanumeric entry is allowed. In the alpha-
numeric entry mode, you sequence through each character and
the numeral by repeatedly pressing the key. You can also access a
set of special characters that do not appear on the keypad by using
the up and down arrows. Once the desired character is displayed,
move the cursor to the next position using the right arrow. Be sure
to terminate your entry by pressing the key.
6. SHIFT KEY
Some keys perform more than one function. The secondary
function of a key is represented by an icon printed next to it.
Notice that the icons are color coded with the SHIFT key. You
access the secondary function by first pressing the SHIFT key and
then the icon representing the desired function.
7. SECONDARY FUNCTIONS
CONFIGURE MODE
Configure your microStealth for your own specific needs.
AUTO REFERENCE
Let microStealth automatically set the reference level for
you.

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SNAP SHOT
Hold the measurement. The measurement is retained even
if the cable is disconnected from the input.
CLEAR
Clear-out your entry and start over again.
BACKLIGHT ON/OFF
Quickly turn the backlight on when it is too dark to see the
display.
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE
Enter positive and negative values (when allowed).
HELP
View a description of each icon found in the current soft
key menu.
PRINT
Print a measurement screen, installation report, auto test
report, or configuration report to a serial printer.
STORE FILE
Store an Installation, Scan, or Tilt screen for later viewing,
printing or uploading to StealthWare.
GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE SCREEN
There are certain elements of the screen that will become familiar
to you as you use your microStealth.
The Title Bar
Notice the title bar at the very top of the screen. It presents the title
and icon for the current mode you are using.

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Title Bar Indicators
You may see indicators appear above the title bar from time to time.
This is what they represent:
This indicator appears in the top right-hand corner of
the screen when you press the SHIFT key. This means
that microStealth interprets the next key that you press
to be a secondary function.
This indicator is displayed to warn you that the battery is
low. When you see this, recharge the battery or change to a
fresh one as soon as possible.
This indicates that the RF synthesizer has become
unlocked. If this condition persists, the unit may need
repair.
The Status Bar
Look for the status bar in the lower portion of the screen. It
displays the current date and time. A bar meter indicates the charge
remaining in your MicroStealth’s battery. When the battery meter
reads low, you should switch to a freshly charged battery soon.
Note
When viewing an Installation or Scan file, the status bar shows the
date and time that the file was stored instead of the current date and
time.
Soft Key Icons
There are three soft keys located immediately below the display.
The function of a soft key is represented by the icon directly above
it.

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Note
If the soft key function is not currently available, the icon appears
"grayed" or "dimmed".
Lists
Lists present several items for viewing and/or selecting. Notice that
the currently chosen item is highlighted. You can scroll through the
list using the up and down arrows.
A list can be either "active" or "inactive". You can tell by looking at
the border. If the border is solid, the list is active and any keys that
you press are directed toward it. If the border is dim, the list is
inactive and is not affected by key presses. Usually you can make a
list become active by pressing the key.
When there are more items in the list than can be displayed at one
time, a scroll bar appears along the right-hand edge of the list. You
can use this to get an idea of where you are. When you have
reached the first or last item, an arrow appears inside the scroll box
pointing to the direction you can go.
The Edit Box
The edit box appears in the lower portion of the screen when it is
necessary to enter values into your microStealth.

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An edit box can be either “active” or “inactive”. You can tell by
looking at the border. If the border is solid, the edit box is active
and any keys that you press are directed toward it. If the border is
dim, the edit box is inactive and is not be affected by key presses.
Usually, you can make the edit box become active by pressing the
key. Be sure to press the again when you have finished
making you entry.
THE NAVIGATOR
You can easily travel to any mode using the NAVIGATOR. To
access the NAVIGATOR, press the key.
An icon appears on the screen for each available mode. Use the up,
down, left, and right arrows to highlight the icon that represents the
mode you want to use. Notice that the name of the mode appears
on the lower portion of the screen beneath the status bar. To get a
description of the highlighted mode, press the SHIFT + key. To
travel to the mode you have highlighted, press any one of the soft
keys or the key.
Tip
You can also use the numeric keys, 1 through 9 to highlight the
desired icon in the NAVIGATOR screen. Each key corresponds to
an icon in the 3 by 3 matrix.

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CONFIGURING microSTEALTH
Before using your microStealth, you may want to configure it for
your specific needs. The CONFIGURE mode allows you to select
global and measurement related preferences and to build and edit a
channel plan that matches your cable plant.
To configure your microStealth, press the SHIFT + keys or
choose the icon from the NAVIGATOR. The following screen
appears:
Configuration settings are divided into three categories; GLOBAL,
MEASUREMENTS, and CHANNEL PLAN. Use the up and
down arrows to highlight the category you want and then press the
key.
Tip
You can also use the left-hand and right-hand soft keys to scroll
through the CONFIGURE categories and then press the middle
soft key to select the highlighted category.
PRINTING A CONFIGURATION REPORT
In most configuration screens, you can print a comprehensive
configuration report by pressing the SHIFT + keys. A bar graph
appears indicating the status of the printout. The report lists all of
the configurable settings including the active channel plan.

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Global Configuration
OPERATOR NAME
You can personalize your microStealth by entering your name here.
Your name will then appear on report printouts.
CONTRAST LEVEL
Adjusts the contrast level of the LCD for optimum viewing.
SHUTOFF TIME-OUT
Sets the amount of inactive time allowed before your microStealth
turns off automatically. This feature is useful for conserving battery
life by preventing the microStealth from being left on accidentally
when it is not in use. You can set the time-out period to 1, 3, or 5
minutes. There is also an "always on" setting that defeats the
automatic shutoff feature if desired.
Note
You can manually turn off your microStealth at any time by pressing
the button.
BACKLIGHT TIME-OUT
Sets the amount of inactive time allowed before the backlight turns
off automatically. The backlight consumes significant power. This
feature conserves battery life by minimizing the amount of time
that the backlight is on. You can set the time-out period to; 5 or 10
seconds. There is an always off setting for when the backlight is not
needed at all. There is also an always on setting that defeats the
backlight time-out feature.
You can manually turn the backlight on or off at any time by
pressing the SHIFT + keys. When manually activated, the
backlight remains on continuously until the unit shuts off.

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Tip
You can tell when the backlight is on even in bright sunlight by
looking for the backlight indicator at the left-hand edge of the Title
Bar. The indicator means that the backlight is currently on and
will turn off automatically. The indicator means that the back-
light is on and will remain on continuously. If you see no indicator,
the backlight is off.
TIME
Sets the time for the internal real-time clock. The time is set,
displayed and printed in 24 hour format only (HH:MM:SS).
DATE FORMAT
You can specify the format in which the date is displayed and
printed. Select between the following formats:
MM/DD/YY
DD.MM.YY
YY.MM.DD
DATE
Sets the date for the internal real-time clock. You can specify the
format in which the date is set, displayed and printed (see DATE
FORMAT).
PRINTER
Select the manufacturer of the printer that you will be using. A
printer with a serial interface is required. Set your printer configu-
ration as follows:
Baud Rate: same as your microStealth
Date Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: NONE
Flow Control: Xon/Xoff
Important
The baud rate of both your microStealth and your printer must
match (see BAUD RATE).

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Tip
A serial to parallel converter (such as the on manufactured by Black
Box Corp.) can be used for printing to a parallel printer.
LINES/PAGE
For text reports, you can specify the number of lines that will be
printed on each page before a form feed command is sent. Enter 0
if you do not want any form feeds to be sent.
BAUD RATE
This is the baud rate that is used when your microStealth communi-
cates with another device through the serial port. Generally, you
will want to use the highest rate supported. Be sure that the baud
rate setting of your microStealth matches that of the device that it is
connected to.
CLONE
You can easily transfer the entire configuration from one
microStealth unit to another. This saves you time when configuring
multiple units. First, connect a cable between the two microStealth
units. Select CLONE only on the unit that you want to copy the
configuration to. Press the soft key to begin the transfer.
Important
Be sure that the baud rate setting of your microStealth matches that
of the device that it is connected to (see BAUD RATE).
DIAGNOSTICS
Performs hardware diagnostics and defaults stored preferences to
factory presets. Press the key to access the diagnostics options.
Factory Default
Sets all stored preferences to factory presets. Press the
key to initiate the default operation.
Important
All stored settings are lost when you perform this operation.

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Test Display
Exercises all pixels on the LCD for test purposes. Re-
peated pressing of the key sequences the display
between all pixels "on", all pixels "off", and the display test
screen.
Measurements Configuration
TEMPERATURE UNITS
Selects the units that will be used for the ambient temperature
during Auto tests. You can select between; °C and °F.
SIGNAL LEVEL UNITS
Selects the units that will be used for all signal level measurements.
You can select between; dBmV, dBµV and dBm.
PROBE COMPENSATION
This can be used to compensate for losses associated with probe
points found on certain amplifiers. You can enter a value between
-99.9 and +99.9 dB. Probe compensation is added directly to signal
level measurements. The compensation value is indicated in the
upper left-hand corner of the measurement screens. There is no
indication, however, if the compensation value is zero.
Important
The PROBE COMPENSATION value does not affect INSTAL-
LATION or CHANNEL PLAN BUILD mode. Level measurements
made while checking an installation are uncompensated.
FREQUENCY TUNING STEP SIZE
This setting affects the increment/decrement step size when you
are tuning the frequency using the left and right arrows. You can
select a value between 25kHz and 100MHz in steps of 25kHz.
SCAN AUDIO CARRIERS
Select YES if you want to see the audio carriers in the full scan
screen. You can achieve a faster scan by omitting the audio carriers.