Page 1
DSX-600
CableAnalyzer
™
Technical Reference Handbook
Software Version 5.2
May 2017, Rev. 1 8/2017
©2017 Fluke Corporation
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Page 2
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke Networks product is warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal use and service unless stated otherwise herein. The
warranty period for the mainframe is one year and begins on the date of purchase.
Parts, accessories, product repairs and services are warranted for 90 days, unless
otherwise stated. Ni-Cad, Ni-MH and Li-Ion batteries, cables or other peripherals are all
considered parts or accessories. The warranty extends only to the original buyer or end
user customer of a Fluke Networks authorized reseller, and does not apply to any
product which, in Fluke Networks’ opinion, has been misused, abused, altered,
neglected, contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of
operation or handling. Fluke Networks warrants that software will operate
substantially in accordance with its functional specifications for 90 days and that it has
been properly recorded on non-defective media. Fluke Networks does not warrant
that software will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke Networks authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused
products to end-user customers only but have no authority to extend a greater or
different warranty on behalf of Fluke Networks. Warranty support is available only if
product is purchased through a Fluke Networks authorized sales outlet or Buyer has
paid the applicable international price. To the extent permitted by law, Fluke
Networks reserves the right to invoice Buyer for repair/replacement when a product
purchased in one country is submitted for repair in another country.
For a list of authorized resellers, visit www.flukenetworks.com/wheretobuy.
Fluke Networks warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke Networks option, to refund of
the purchase price, free of charge repair, or replacement of a defective product which
is returned to a Fluke Networks authorized service center within the warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke Networks authorized service
center to obtain return authorization information, then send the product to that
service center, with a description of the difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid (FOB
destination). Fluke Networks assumes no risk for damage in transit. Following
warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid (FOB
destination). If Fluke Networks determines that failure was caused by neglect, misuse,
contamination, alteration, accident or abnormal condition of operation or handling,
or normal wear and tear of mechanical components, Fluke Networks will provide an
estimate of repair costs and obtain authorization before commencing the work.
Following repair, the product will be returned to the Buyer transportation prepaid and
the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return transportation charges (FOB Shipping
point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
FLUKE NETWORKS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM
ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied
warranty, or exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the
limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any
provision of this Warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or other decisionmaker of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision.
4/
15
F
luke Networks
PO Box 777
Everett, WA 98206-0777
USA
Page 3
Chapter 1 Get Acquainted
Overview of Features ......................................................1
Contact Fluke Networks .................................................2
Register Your Product ....................................................2
Additional Resources ......................................................2
Supplements and Updated Manuals .............................2
Symbols ............................................................................3
WSafety Information ....................................................4
Connectors, Keys, and LEDs ............................................8
About Link Interface Adapters ......................................12
How to Prevent Damage to the Adapter
Cables ........................................................................12
About the Optional DSX-PLA001 Adapter
Modules ....................................................................14
AC Adapter and Battery .................................................16
Charge the Battery ...................................................16
Check the Battery Status ..........................................17
Verify Operation .............................................................19
How to Use the Touchscreen .........................................19
How to Enter Text ...........................................................22
Set User Preferences .......................................................24
Language ..................................................................24
Date and Time Settings and Formats ......................24
Number Format ........................................................25
Units for Length Measurements ..............................25
Power-Down and Backlight Timeout Periods .........25
Contents
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
Audible Tone ............................................................ 26
Power Line Frequency ............................................. 26
Display Brightness .................................................... 26
Import User Preferences from a File ....................... 27
Overview of Memory Functions .................................... 27
How to Install a Strap .................................................... 28
About LinkWare Applications ....................................... 29
LinkWare PC Cable Test Management Software ... 29
The LinkWare Live Web Application ...................... 29
LinkWare Stats ......................................................... 29
Chapter 2 Get Started
Tutorial: Certify Twisted Pair Cabling ........................... 31
Step 1: See How Much Memory is Available ..........32
Step 2: Set Up a Twisted Pair Test ........................... 32
Step 3: Turn Off the Auto Save Function ............... 34
Step 4: Do an Autotest ............................................ 34
Step 5: Look at the Results ...................................... 34
Step 6: Save the Results ........................................... 36
Buttons to Do Tests and Save Results ........................... 36
Options for Cable IDs ..................................................... 38
Automatic Increment Function for Cable IDs ......... 39
Auto Save Function .................................................. 39
Tutorial: Make a Set of Sequential Cable IDs ......... 40
About Projects ................................................................ 41
Chapter 3 Certify Twisted Pair Cabling
The DSX-600 CableAnalyzer Home Screen ................... 43
Make Sure Your Tester is Ready to Certify
Twisted Pair Cabling ...................................................... 47
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Contents
Set the Reference ............................................................48
Settings for Twisted Pair Tests .......................................49
How to Do an Autotest ..................................................54
“Bad Patch Cord” Message ............................................57
Twisted Pair Autotest Results .........................................58
PASS*/FAIL* Results ..................................................58
WIRE MAP Tab ..........................................................59
PERFORMANCE Tab ..................................................64
Scalar Results ............................................................65
Length, Propagation Delay, and Delay Skew....65
Loop Resistance ..................................................67
Continuous Tests ......................................................70
Frequency-Domain Results .............................................70
How to Save Frequency-Domain Results
as a Plot or a Table ...................................................70
Insertion Loss ............................................................74
Return Loss ...............................................................76
Impedance ................................................................78
NEXT (Near-End Crosstalk) .......................................79
PS NEXT (Power Sum Near End Crosstalk) ..............81
ACR-N (Attenuation to Crosstalk Ratio at the
Near End) ..................................................................82
PS ACR-N (Power Sum Attenuation to
Crosstalk Ratio, Near End) .......................................84
ACR-F (Attenuation to Crosstalk Ratio, Far End).....86
PS ACR-F ....................................................................88
DIAGNOSTIC Tab .............................................................89
About dB Rules ...............................................................90
3 dB Rule ............................................................92
4 dB Rule ............................................................92
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
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12 dB Rule .......................................................... 92
67 dB Rule for ACR-F and PS ACR-F .................. 92
70 dB Rule for ACR-F and PS ACR-F .................. 92
How to Use the Tone Generator ................................... 94
How to Use the Talk Function ....................................... 95
Chapter 4 Test Twisted Pair Through a PoE Device
How to Turn On the AC Wire Map Test ........................ 97
When to Keep the AC Wire Map Test Off .................... 97
How to Do an Autotest Through a PoE Device ............ 98
AC Wire Map Results ...................................................... 100
Chapter 5 Certify Coaxial Cabling
Set the Reference for Coaxial Tests ............................... 103
Settings for Coaxial Tests ............................................... 105
How to Do an Autotest .................................................. 107
Coaxial Autotest Results ................................................ 110
Length and Propagation Delay ............................... 112
Resistance ................................................................. 113
Impedance ................................................................ 114
Insertion Loss ............................................................ 116
About Splitters ............................................................... 117
Tests Without a Remote ................................................ 117
Continuous Tests ............................................................ 120
Chapter 6 Diagnose Copper Test Failures
Causes of Twisted Pair Test Failures .............................. 121
Causes of Coaxial Test Failures ...................................... 125
The HDTDR Analyzer ...................................................... 127
The HDTDX Analyzer ..................................................... 133
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How to Use the Measurement Cursor on the
HDTDR and HDTDX Plot .................................................137
Chapter 7 Manage Test Results
View Saved Results .........................................................141
How to Replace a Saved Result that Failed ...................144
Delete, Rename, and Move Results ...............................144
Manage Results on a Flash Drive ...................................146
Upload Results to a PC ....................................................147
About LinkWare Live ......................................................148
View the Memory Status ................................................149
Chapter 8 Use Projects
Why Use Projects? ...........................................................151
Tutorial: Make a New Project ........................................152
Step 1: Give the Project a Name ..............................154
Step 2: Specify an Operator .....................................154
Step 3: Set up Tests for the Project .........................155
To set up a twisted pair test for the
project ................................................................155
Step 4: Make ID Sets .................................................156
To see the CABLE ID SETUP screen ....................156
To make a cable ID set .......................................156
Step 5: Turn on the Auto Save Function .................159
Tutorial: How to Use a Project for Tests ........................160
Step 1: Select a Project .............................................160
Step 2: Select a Test for Twisted Pair Cable ............160
Step 3: Do an Autotest .............................................162
Step 4: Monitor the Status of Your Project ............162
How to Change Settings as You Use a Project ..............162
Contents
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
To Change the ID ..................................................... 162
To use a different, unused ID from
an ID set that has a first and last ID ................. 162
To use an ID you used before ........................... 163
To use an ID that is not in an ID set
that has a first and last ID ................................. 163
To change the ID when the set has only
a next ID ............................................................. 164
To Change the Tests in a Project ............................. 164
To Select a Different Test in the Project .......... 165
To Add a Test to a Project ................................ 165
To Save Results in a Different or New Project .......
................................................................................... 165
How to Make ID Sets ...................................................... 165
If an ID Sequence is Invalid ..................................... 167
About Next ID Sets ................................................... 168
Import an ID Set into a Project ............................... 169
Delete an Imported ID Set ....................................... 169
How to Manage Projects ............................................... 170
View Results in a Project ......................................... 170
Rename a Project ..................................................... 170
Copy a Project to Make a New Project ................... 170
Delete a Project ........................................................ 171
Manage Projects on a Flash Drive ........................... 171
Copy Project Settings to Other Testers ................... 172
About LinkWare Live ..................................................... 172
Chapter 9 Sync Projects with LinkWare™ Live
Sign Up for a LinkWare Live Account ........................... 173
How to See the Tester’s MAC Address .......................... 174
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Page 9
Use LinkWare Live Through a Wired Ethernet
Network ...........................................................................174
Use LinkWare Live Through a Wi-Fi Ethernet
Network ...........................................................................175
Change the Network Settings ........................................178
Settings for the Wired Port .....................................178
Settings for the Wi-Fi Port .......................................179
Delete Wi-Fi Settings and Passwords ......................179
About the Asset Management Service ..........................179
Sign Your Tester Out of LinkWare Live .........................179
Sign In to LinkWare Live from a Desktop or
Mobile Device ...........................................................181
Import Projects from LinkWare Live into
LinkWare PC .............................................................181
For More Information on LinkWare Live .......................181
Chapter 10 Custom Media and Test Limits
Make a Custom Copper Cable Type ...............................183
Change the NVP ..............................................................184
Set the NVP to a Specified Value ............................184
Find a Cable's Actual NVP ........................................185
Reset the NVP to the Default Value ........................186
Make a Custom Outlet Configuration ...........................186
Contents
Chapter 11 Maintenance
Verify Operation .............................................................189
Clean the Tester ..............................................................190
See Information About the Tester .................................190
Update the Software ......................................................192
Use a PC to Update the Software ............................193
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
Use an Updated Main Tester to Update Other
Testers ....................................................................... 194
Use LinkWare Live to Update the Software ........... 196
Extend the Life of the Battery ....................................... 197
Store the Tester .............................................................. 197
Remove the Battery ....................................................... 197
Replace the Tip on a DSX-PLA004 Connector ............... 198
Traceable Calibration Period ......................................... 199
Options and Accessories ................................................ 200
If the Tester Does Not Operate as Usual ....................... 200
Chapter 12 Specifications
Environmental and Regulatory Specifications ............. 203
Performance Specifications ........................................... 204
Times for a Full, 2-Way Autotest ............................ 204
Tests and Frequencies Supported ........................... 205
Twisted Pair Cabling ......................................... 205
Coaxial Cabling (optional DSX-CHA003
coaxial adapters required) ................................ 205
Standard Link Interface Adapters ........................... 205
DSX-CHA004 Class E
DSX-PLA004 Class E
Adapters ............................................................ 205
Measurement Accuracy ........................................... 206
Length of Twisted Pair Cabling ............................... 208
Propagation Delay ................................................... 209
Delay Skew ............................................................... 209
DC Loop Resistance .................................................. 209
HDTDX Analyzer Specifications for
Cables <100 m (328 ft) ............................................. 209
Channel Adapters .........205
A
Permanent Link
A
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Contents
HDTDR Analyzer Specifications for
Cables <100 m (328 ft) .............................................210
Characteristic Impedance .........................................210
Tone Generator ........................................................210
Input Protection .......................................................211
Power ...............................................................................211
Traceable Calibration Period ..........................................211
DSX-CHA003 Coaxial Adapter ........................................212
Internal Memory for Test Results ...................................213
USB Flash Drive ...............................................................213
Serial Interfaces ...............................................................213
RJ45 Connector on the Main Unit .................................213
Headset Jack ....................................................................213
Display .............................................................................214
Weights ...........................................................................214
Dimensions ......................................................................214
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
x
Page 13
List of Figures
Figure Page
1. Main Tester Connectors, Keys, and LEDs ..............................8
2. Remote Tester Connectors, Keys, and LEDs..........................10
3. How to Attach and Remove Link Interface Adapters ..........12
4. How to Prevent Damage to the
Permanent Link Adapter Cables............................................13
5. How to Change the Personality Module on an
Optional DSX-PLA001 Adapter..............................................15
6. LEDs Show the Remote’s Battery Status ...............................17
7. Connections to See the Status of the Remote’s Battery......18
8. How to Zoom the Screen .......................................................21
9. The Keyboards for Text Entry................................................23
10. How to Install a Strap and Use the Optional Hand
Strap........................................................................................28
11. Equipment for the Twisted Pair Certification Tutorial ........31
12. Examples of Twisted Pair Autotest Results Screens .............35
13. FIX LATER, TEST AGAIN, and TEST Buttons
and the TEST Key....................................................................36
14. The Home Screen for DSX-600 CableAnalyzer .....................44
15. Reference Connections for Twisted Pair Cable ....................49
16. Outlet Configurations............................................................53
17. Equipment for Autotests on Twisted Pair Cable ..................54
18. Permanent Link Connections.................................................56
19. Channel Connections .............................................................57
20. PASS* and FAIL* Results ........................................................59
21. WIRE MAP Tab........................................................................60
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
22. Wire Map Examples: Open Wire and Open Shield.............. 61
23. Wire Map Examples: Short and Split Pair............................. 62
24. Wire Map Examples: Reversed Pair and Crossed Pairs......... 63
25. PERFORMANCE Tab ............................................................... 64
26. Twisted Pair Length Results .................................................. 67
27. Twisted Pair Resistance Results ............................................. 69
28. Plot Screen for a Frequency-Domain Test ............................ 71
29. Tabular Results Screen for a Frequency-Domain Test ......... 73
30. Insertion Loss is a Decrease in Signal Strength .................... 75
31. Twisted Pair Insertion Loss Plot ............................................ 75
32. Sources of Return Loss........................................................... 77
33. Return Loss Plot ..................................................................... 77
34. Twisted Pair Impedance Results............................................ 78
35. Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) .................................................... 79
36. NEXT Plot ............................................................................... 80
37. PS NEXT Plot........................................................................... 81
38. Attenuation to Crosstalk Ratio, Near End (ACR-N).............. 82
39. ACR-N Plot.............................................................................. 83
40. PS ACR-N Plot ......................................................................... 85
41. Far-End Crosstalk (FEXT)........................................................ 86
42. ACR-F Plot .............................................................................. 87
43. PS ACR-F Plot.......................................................................... 88
44. Examples of Diagnostic Screens ............................................ 89
45. How the 3 dB Rule Shows on Plots ....................................... 91
46. How to Use the Tone Generator .......................................... 95
47. Permanent Link Connections Through a PoE Device........... 99
48. Channel Connections Through a PoE Device ....................... 100
49. AC Wire Map Examples: Open and Short............................. 101
50. AC Wire Map Examples: ........................................................ 102
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List of Figures
51. Reference Connections for Tests on Coaxial Cabling...........104
52. Equipment for Tests on Coaxial Cabling...............................108
53. Examples of Connections for Tests on Coaxial Cabling .......109
54. Autotest Results for Coaxial Cabling ....................................110
55. Coaxial Length and Propagation Delay Results ...................112
56. Coaxial Resistance Results......................................................113
57. Coaxial Impedance Results ....................................................115
58. Coaxial Insertion Loss Results ................................................116
59. Connections for Coaxial Tests Without a Remote................119
60. HDTDR Plot for Twisted Pair Cable .......................................128
61. Common Faults Shown on HDTDR Plots ...............................130
62. HDTDR Plot for Coaxial Cable ...............................................131
63. HDTDX Plot.............................................................................134
64. Typical Faults Shown on HDTDX Plots ..................................136
65. How to Use the Measurement Cursor on the
HDTDR or HDTDX Plot ...........................................................138
66. RESULTS Screen ......................................................................142
67. How to Connect the Tester to a PC .......................................148
68. PROJECT Screen ......................................................................152
69. CHANGE CABLE IDs Screen ....................................................157
70. CABLE ID SETUP Screen
(after you enter the first and last IDs) ..................................158
71. Equipment for the Twisted Pair Project Tutorial .................160
72. CHANGE TEST Screen .............................................................161
73. SYNC PROJECTS Screen ..........................................................177
74. VERSION INFORMATION Screen for the Main Tester...........191
75. How to Connect the Tester to a PC .......................................194
76. How to Connect Testers Together to
Update the Software .............................................................195
77. How to Remove the Battery ..................................................198
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
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78. How to Replace the DSX-PLA004 Adapter’s Tip and
Latch ....................................................................................... 199
79. Plug for the Headset Jack ..................................................... 214
xiv
Page 17
List of Tables
Table Page
1. Symbols ...................................................................................3
2. Settings for Twisted Pair Tests...............................................50
3. dB Rules for TIA Test Limits ...................................................93
4. dB Rules for ISO Test Limits ...................................................93
5. Settings for Coaxial Tests.......................................................106
6. Remote Requirements for Coaxial Tests ...............................118
7. Causes of Twisted Pair Test Failures......................................121
8. Causes of Coaxial Test Failures ..............................................125
9. Settings for the Wi-Fi Connection .........................................180
10. Possible Solutions for Unusual Behavior .............................200
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
xvi
Page 19
Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
Overview of Features
The DSX-600 CableAnalyzer main and remote units are rugged,
hand-held instruments that you configure to certify,
troubleshoot, and document copper cabling. The DSX-600
includes these features:
The testers certify twisted pair cabling to Cat 6A/Class E
A
limits (500 MHz) in less than 10 seconds.
Gives a PASS or FAIL result based on a test limit that you
specify.
You can save approximately 12,700 Cat 6A Autotest results,
with plot data, in the tester’s internal memory. You can save
more results on a removable flash drive.
Taptive
™
user interface lets you quickly navigate through
different views of the results and see more information about
cables.
ProjX
™
management system lets you set up projects to specify
the types of tests and the cable IDs necessary for a job and
monitor the progress and status of the job.
You can connect the tester to a wired or Wi-Fi network and
use the LinkWare
™
Live web application to manage your
projects from a desktop or mobile device.
LinkWare PC software lets you upload test results to a PC and
make professional-quality test reports.
LinkWare Stats software makes browsable, graphical reports
of cable test statistics.
1
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
Contact Fluke Networks
www.flukenetworks.com/support
info@flukenetworks.com
1-800-283-5853, +1-425-446-5500
Fluke Networks
6920 Seaway Boulevard, MS 143F
Everett WA 98203 USA
Fluke Networks operates in more than 50 countries worldwide.
For more contact information, go to our website.
Register Your Product
Registering your product with Fluke Networks gives you access to
valuable information on product updates, troubleshooting tips,
and other support services. If you purchased a Gold Support plan,
registration also activates your plan.
To register your product, use LinkWare PC software.
Additional Resources
The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base answers common questions
about Fluke Networks products and provides articles on cable
testing techniques and technology.
To access the Knowledge Base, log on to www.flukenetworks.com,
then click SUPPORT > Knowledge Base.
Supplements and Updated Manuals
If necessary, Fluke Networks will put a supplement for this
manual, or an updated manual, on the Fluke Networks website.
To see if a supplement or updated manual is available, log on to
www.flukenetworks.com, click SUPPORT > Manuals, then select a
product.
2
Page 21
Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
Symbols
Table 1 shows the symbols used on the tester or in this manual.
Table 1. Symbols
Symbols
X
W
j
~
Warning: Risk of fire, electric shock, or personal injury.
Warning or Caution: Risk of damage or destruction to equipment
or software. See explanations in the manuals.
Consult the user documentation.
Do not connect this equipment to public communications
networks, such as telephone systems.
This product complies with the WEEE Directive marking
requirements. The affixed label indicates that you must not discard
this electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product Category: With reference to the equipment types in the
WEEE Directive Annex I, this product is classed as category 9
"Monitoring and Control Instrumentation" product. Do not dispose
of this product as unsorted municipal waste.
To return unwanted products, contact the manufacturer’s web site
shown on the product or your local sales office or distributor.
This Product contains a lithium-ion battery. Do not mix with the
solid waste stream. Spent batteries should be disposed of by a
qualified recycler or hazardous materials handler per local
regulations. Contact your authorized Fluke Service Center for
recycling information.
Complies with California Energy Commission (CEC) requirements
for battery charger systems.
P
)
Conformite Europeene. Conforms to requirements of European
Union directives. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control, and laboratory use.
Conforms to relevant North American standards.
Conforms to relevant Australian standards.
3
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
Table 1. Symbols (continued)
40 year Environment Friendly Use Period (EFUP) under China
Regulation - Administrative Measure on the Control of Pollution
Caused by Electronic Information Products. This is the period of
time before any of the identified hazardous substances are likely to
leak out, causing possible harm to health and the environment.
«
Conforms to relevant Russian standards.
KCC-REM-FKN-012001001: EMC approval for Korea
Class A Equipment (Industrial Broadcasting & Communication
Equipment)
This product meets requirements for industrial (Class A)
electromagnetic wave equipment and the seller or user should take
notice of it. This equipment is intended for use in business
environments and is not to be used in homes.
This key turns the tester on and off.
WSafety Information
WWarningX
To prevent possible fire, electric shock, or personal
injury:
Read all safety information before you use the
Product.
Carefully read all instructions.
Do not open the case. You cannot repair or replace
parts in the case.
Do not modify the Product.
Use only replacement parts that are approved by
Fluke Networks.
Do not touch voltages > 30 V AC rms, 42 V AC peak,
or 60 V DC.
4
Page 23
Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
WSafety Information
Do not use the Product around explosive gas, vapor,
or in damp or wet environments.
Use this Product indoors only.
Use the Product only as specified, or the protection
supplied by the Product can be compromised.
Do not use and disable the Product if it is damaged.
Do not use the Product if it operates incorrectly.
Do not connect the tester to telephony inputs,
systems, or equipment, including ISDN inputs.
Doing so is a misapplication of this product, which
can cause damage to the tester and make a possible
shock hazard for the user.
Always turn on the tester before you connect it to a
link. Doing so activates the tester’s input protection
circuitry.
Do not operate the Product with covers removed or
the case open. Hazardous voltage exposure is
possible.
Remove the input signals before you clean the
Product.
Do not put metal objects into connectors.
Batteries contain hazardous chemicals that can
cause burns or explode. If exposure to chemicals
occurs, clean with water and get medical aid.
Remove the batteries if the Product is not used for
an extended period of time, or if stored in
temperatures above 50 °C. If the batteries are not
removed, battery leakage can damage the Product.
Replace the rechargeable battery after 5 years of
moderate use or 2 years of heavy use. Moderate use
is defined as recharged twice a week. Heavy use is
defined as discharged to cutoff and recharged daily.
Disconnect the battery charger and move the
Product or battery to a cool, non-flammable location
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
if the rechargeable battery becomes hot (>50 °C,
>122 °F) during the charge period.The battery door
must be closed and locked before you operate the
Product.
The battery door must be closed and locked before
you operate the Product.
Repair the Product before use if the battery leaks.
Recharge the batteries when the low battery
indicator shows to prevent incorrect measurements.
Turn off the Product and disconnect all test leads,
patch cords, and cables before you replace the
battery.
Do not disassemble or crush battery cells and
battery packs.
Do not put battery cells and battery packs near heat
or fire. Do not put in direct sunlight.
Have an approved technician repair the Product.
Use only AC adapters approved by Fluke Networks
for use with the Product to supply power to the
Product and charge the battery.
WCaution
To prevent damage to the tester or cables under
test, to prevent data loss, and to make sure your
test results are as accurate as possible:
Do not connect the tester to an active network.
Doing so causes unreliable test results, can disrupt
network operations, and can cause damage to the
tester.
Connect only RJ45 plugs to the adapters. Other
types of plugs, such as RJ11 (telephone) plugs, can
cause permanent damage to the jacks.
6
Page 25
Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
WSafety Information
To make sure your test results are as accurate as
possible, do the reference procedure every 30 days.
See “Set the Reference” on page 48.
Do not operate portable transmitting devices, such
as walkie-talkies and cell phones, during a cable
test. Doing so can cause errors in test results.
For permanent link adapters, do not twist, pull on,
pinch, crush, or make kinks in the cables. See Figure
4 on page 13.
Do not remove the USB flash drive while the LED on
the drive flashes. Doing so can corrupt the data on
the drive.
You can lose a USB flash drive, cause damage to it,
or accidentally erase the contents of the drive. Thus,
Fluke Networks recommends that you save no more
than one day of test results on a flash drive, or that
you upload results to LinkWare Live. See Chapter 9.
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
Connectors, Keys, and LEDs
Figure 1. Main Tester Connectors, Keys, and LEDs
Connector for a link interface adapter
LCD display with touchscreen
: Starts a test. To start a test, you can also tap TEST on the
display. The tone generator turns on if a remote tester is not
connected to the main tester. See “How to Use the Tone
Generator” on page 94.
8
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Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
Connectors, Keys, and LEDs
: Power key
: Press to go to the home screen.
Connector for the AC adapter. The LED is red when the battery
charges, and green when the battery is fully charged. The LED is
yellow if the battery will not charge. See “Charge the Battery”
on page 16.
RJ45 connector: Lets you connect to a network for access to Fluke
Networks cloud services.
Micro-AB USB port: This USB port lets you connect the tester to a
PC so you can upload test results to the PC and install software
updates in the tester.
Type A USB port: This USB host port lets you save test results
on a USB flash drive, connect the FI-1000 video probe to the
tester, and connect a Wi-Fi adapter for access to Fluke Networks
cloud services.
Headset jack. See “How to Use the Talk Function” on page 95.
Note
If you have two main testers, you can use one as a
remote. To select the remote function, tap TOOLS
> Main as Remote.
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
A
F
B
G
C
D
E
H
Technical Reference Handbook
Figure 2. Remote Tester Connectors, Keys, and LEDs
Connector for a link interface adapter
10
BA42.EPS
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PASS LED comes on when a test passes.
TEST LED flashes during a test.
FAIL LED comes on when a test fails.
Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
Connectors, Keys, and LEDs
TALK LED comes on when the talk function is on (
flashes until the main tester accepts the request to talk. See
“How to Use the Talk Function” on page 95.
TONE LED flashes and the tone generator comes on if you press
when a main tester is not connected to the remote. See
“How to Use the Tone Generator” on page 94.
LOW BATTERY LED comes on when the battery is low. The LEDs
also have these functions:
Battery gauge (see Figure 6 on page 17)
Volume indicator for the TALK function
Progress indicator for software updates
). The LED
: Starts a test. Turns on the tone generator if a main tester is
not connected to the remote. See “How to Use the Tone
Generator” on page 94.
: Power key
: Press to use the headset to speak to the person at
the other end of the link. See “How to Use the Talk Function” on
page 95.
Connector for the AC adapter. The LED is red when the battery
charges, and green when the battery is fully charged. The LED is
yellow if the battery will not charge. See “Charge the Battery”
on page 16.
Micro-AB USB port: This USB port lets you connect the tester to a
PC so you can upload test results to the PC.
Headset jack. See “How to Use the Talk Function” on page 95.
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
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About Link Interface Adapters
Link interface adapters let you connect the DSX CableAnalyzer to
different types of twisted pair links. Figure 3 shows how to attach
and remove adapters.
Figure 3. How to Attach and Remove Link Interface Adapters
How to Prevent Damage to the Adapter Cables
WCaution
To prevent damage to the cables on the permanent
link adapters and to make sure your test results are
as accurate as possible, do not twist, pull on, pinch,
crush, or make kinks in the cables. See Figure 4 on
page 13.
12
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Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
5 in (13 cm)
minimum
About Link Interface Adapters
Figure 4. How to Prevent Damage to the
Permanent Link Adapter Cables
GPU108.EPS
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
About the Optional DSX-PLA001 Adapter Modules
The optional DSX-PLA001 Universal Permanent Link Adapter has
an interchangeable personality module. The module lets you
connect the adapter to different styles of insulation displacement
connectors (IDCs).
Figure 5 shows how to remove and install a personality module.
WCautionh
To prevent latent or immediate damage caused by
electrostatic discharge and to prevent damage to
the DSP-PMxx personality module and the socket on
the cable:
Before you touch a personality module or
DSX-PLA001 permanent link adapter with no
module attached, touch a grounded, conductive
surface.
Always remove the adapter from the tester before
you change the personality module.
Always keep a personality module attached to the
adapter cable.
Tighten the screw only with your fingers. Do not
tighten too much. Do not use tools to tighten the
screw.
Do not touch the gold contacts on the socket or the
module.
Always keep unused personality modules in their
original, static-protection bags.
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A
B
C
D
E
UNIVERSAL
PERMANENT LINK ADAPTER
Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
About Link Interface Adapters
BA164.EPS
Figure 5. How to Change the Personality Module on an Optional
DSX-PLA001 Adapter
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AC Adapter and Battery
You can use the ac adapter (model PWR-SPLY-30W) or the lithium
ion battery (model VERSIV-BATTERY) to supply power to the
tester.
To remove the battery, see “Remove the Battery” on page 197.
Charge the Battery
Before you use the battery for the first time, charge the battery
for about 2 hours with the tester turned off.
To charge the battery
Connect the ac adapter to the 15V jack on the left side of the
tester. The LED near the ac adapter connector is red when the
battery charges, and green when the battery is fully charged.
A fully-charged battery operates for approximately 8 hours of
typical use. The battery takes approximately 4 hours to fully
charge when the tester is turned off.
Notes
You do not need to fully discharge the battery
before you recharge it.
The battery will not charge if its temperature is
outside the range of 32 °F to 104 °F (0 °C to 40 °C).
The LED near the connection for the ac adapter is
yellow if the battery will not charge.
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Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
AC Adapter and Battery
Check the Battery Status
On a main tester
The battery status icon is in the upper-left corner of the screen:
Battery is full.
Battery is approximately half full.
If the ac adapter is not connected, the red bar shows that
the battery is very low. Connect the ac adapter to charge
the battery and make sure the tester continues to operate.
The red bar also shows if the ac adapter is connected, but the
battery is not installed.
On a remote
The LEDs show the battery status at the end of the power-up
sequence, as shown in Figure 6.
84 % - 100 %
67 % - 83 %
51 % - 66 %
34 % - 50 %
18 % - 33 %
0 % - 17 %
Figure 6. LEDs Show the Remote’s Battery Status
BA102.EPS
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
DSX-600 with two channel
adapters and a patch cord
DSX-600 with permanent
link and channel adapters
Technical Reference Handbook
To see more information about a remote’s battery status
1 Make the connections shown in Figure 7 and turn on both
testers.
2 Make sure the connection icon shows at the top of the screen
().
3 Tap TOOLS, then tap Battery Status.
When the ac adapter is not connected, the screen shows the Time
Remaining, which is the approximate battery life at the present
rate of use.
Figure 7. Connections to See the Status of the Remote’s Battery
18
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Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
Verify Operation
Verify Operation
The tester does a self test when you turn it on. If the tester shows
an error or does not turn on, refer to “If the Tester Does Not
Operate as Usual” on page 200.
How to Use the Touchscreen
The DSX-600 main unit’s Taptive user interface lets you use a
touchscreen to control the tester. You can operate the
touchscreen with your fingertip or with a stylus that is made for
projected capacitance touchscreens.
WCaution
For correct operation and to prevent damage to the
touchscreen:
Touch the screen only with your fingers or with a
stylus that is made for projected capacitance
touchscreens. Do not use too much force.
Do not touch the screen with sharp objects.
Note
The touchscreen will not respond if you tap it with
your fingernail or an incorrect type of stylus or if
you wear non-conductive gloves.
To use the touchscreen
To select an item on the screen, tap the item lightly with your
fingertip.
To scroll a screen, lightly touch the screen then move your
fingertip in the direction you want the screen to move.
On screens that show a plot, use the pinch and reverse-pinch
gestures to change the magnification on the screen. See
Figure 8.
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
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When you zoom a plot, horizontal and vertical zoom controls
show on the screen. These controls let you change the
magnification on the distance and decibels scales independently.
You can zoom in to a maximum magnification factor of 128:1.
On screens that show a plot, you can drag the measurement
cursor.
To clean the touchscreen
Turn off the tester, then use a soft, lint-free cloth that is moist
with a mild detergent.
WCaution
When you clean the touchscreen, do not let liquid
get under the plastic around the touchscreen.
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Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
To quickly go back to 1:1
magnification, double-tap the
screen.
To zoom in, use the reversepinch gesture
To zoom out, use the pinch
gesture
To move the image, drag it in
any direction.
How to Use the Touchscreen
Figure 8. How to Zoom the Screen
BA45.eps
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
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How to Enter Text
When you tap a panel to enter text, a keyboard shows on the
bottom half of the display (Figure 9).
To enter characters, tap the characters on the keyboard.
To change the case of the letters, tap .
To delete characters, tap .
To move the cursor into a group of characters, tap on the
group.
To select a group of characters, double-tap on the group.
To enter accented letters, tap , then tap the letters on
the keyboard. To enter non-accented letters, tap
again.
The keyboard you use to sign in to your LinkWare Live
account includes symbols frequently used in web IDs and
passwords.
To save the text, tap DONE.
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Standard characters
Accented letters
Keyboard to sign in to
your LinkWare Live
account (
TOOLS > Sign
In
)
Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
How to Enter Text
Figure 9. The Keyboards for Text Entry
GPU28.EPS
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Set User Preferences
User preferences are settings you usually change when you use
the tester for the first time.
Note
You can use LinkWare PC software to make a file
that contains settings for user preferences, then
you can install the settings in one or more testers.
You can also export the settings from the tester to
LinkWare PC. See “Import User Preferences from a
File” on page 27. Also see the online help in
LinkWare PC.
Language
On the home screen, tap the TOOLS icon, tap Language, then tap
a language.
Date and Time Settings and Formats
Note
If you remove the battery and do not connect the
ac adapter, the clock keeps the current date and
time for a minimum of 24 hours.
1 On the home screen, tap the TOOLS icon, tap Date/Time, then
tap the setting you want to change:
To set the date, tap Date. Tap or to select a month
and year for the calendar, then tap the correct date on
the calendar. Tap DONE to save your setting.
To set the time, tap Time. Tap or to increase or
decrease the setting for hours, minutes, and seconds. Tap
DONE to save your settings.
To set the date format, tap Date Format, then tap a
format for the day (DD), month (MM), and year (YYYY).
To set the time format to 12-hour clock or a 24-hour clock,
tap the Time Format control to make 12 hr or 24 hr show.
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Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
Set User Preferences
2 To go back to the home screen from the Date/Time screen,
tap two times or press .
Number Format
The tester can show decimal fractions with a decimal point (0.00)
or a comma (0,00).
1 On the home screen, tap the TOOLS icon.
2 In the Number panel, tap the control to show 0.0 or 0,0.
3 To go back to the home screen, tap or press .
Units for Length Measurements
1 On the home screen, tap the TOOLS icon.
2 In the Length panel, tap the control to show ft or m.
3 To go back to the home screen, tap or press .
Power-Down and Backlight Timeout Periods
To increase the battery life, the tester can turn off the backlight
and automatically turn off the tester when you do not press any
keys for a specified period.
When the backlight timeout period ends, the brightness of the
backlight decreases. After one more timeout period, the display
turns off. Touch the display to turn it on.
1 On the home screen, tap the TOOLS icon.
2 Tap Timeout Period, then tap Backlight or Power Down.
3 Tap a time. To always keep the backlight or tester on, tap
Disabled.
4 To go back to the home screen, tap two times or press
.
The DSX-600 remote tester turns off after 60 minutes of inactivity.
You cannot change this setting.
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
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Audible Tone
You can enable or disable the tones the tester makes during tests
and when you press keys. If you connect a remote tester to the
main tester, the remote uses the main tester’s setting.
1 On the home screen, tap the TOOLS icon.
2 In the Audible Tone panel, tap the control to show On or Off.
3 To go back to the home screen, tap or press .
Power Line Frequency
Set the power line frequency to the power frequency in the area
where you will use the tester. This setting decreases the effects of
ac noise on the circuits in the tester.
1 On the home screen, tap the TOOLS icon.
2 In the Power Line Frequency panel, tap the control to show
50 Hz or 60 Hz.
3 To go back to the home screen, tap or press .
Display Brightness
1 On the home screen, tap the TOOLS icon, then tap Display.
2 On the brightness scale, tap or slide the yellow bar to adjust
the brightness, then tap DONE.
Note
When you increase the display brightness, the
battery life decreases.
3 To go back to the home screen, tap or press .
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Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
Overview of Memory Functions
Import User Preferences from a File
You can use LinkWare PC software to make a file that contains
settings for user preferences, then you can import the file into the
tester. You can also export settings from a tester to the PC. See
the online help in LinkWare PC for instructions.
Overview of Memory Functions
You can save approximately 12,700 Cat 6A Autotest results, with
plot data included, in the DSX-600 main tester.
The capacity available for test results depends on the space used
by the software and custom test limits in the tester.
To see the memory status
On the home screen, tap the TOOLS icon, then tap Memory
Status.
To make more memory available, you can export results to a USB
flash drive, then delete the results in the tester. See “Manage
Results on a Flash Drive”on page 146.
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Optional
hand strap
Technical Reference Handbook
How to Install a Strap
The DSX-600 includes a carrying strap that lets you carry and hang
the tester. A hand strap that helps you hold the tester is also
available. You can purchase a hand strap from an authorized
Fluke Networks distributor. Figure 10 shows how to install a strap
and how to use the optional hand strap.
Figure 10. How to Install a Strap and Use the Optional Hand Strap
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Chapter 1: Get Acquainted
About LinkWare Applications
About LinkWare Applications
LinkWare PC Cable Test Management Software
The LinkWare PC Cable Test Management software lets you
upload test records to a PC, organize and examine test results,
print professional-quality test reports, and do software updates
and other maintenance procedures on your tester.
You can download LinkWare PC from the Fluke Networks
website.
The LinkWare Live Web Application
The LinkWare Live web application lets you manage your projects
from a desktop or mobile device:
To get started with LinkWare Live, see Chapter 9.
LinkWare Stats
The LinkWare Stats Statistical Report software that is included
with LinkWare software provides statistical analysis of cable test
reports and generates browsable, graphical reports.
For instructions about LinkWare PC and LinkWare Stats software,
see the guides for getting started and the online help available
under Help on the LinkWare PC and LinkWare Stats menus.
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
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Chapter 2: Get Started
WWarningX*
Before you use the tester, read the safety
information that starts on page 4.
Tutorial: Certify Twisted Pair Cabling
The tutorial in this section gives instructions on how to set up a
test to certify twisted pair cabling, do the test, and save the
results.
Figure 11 shows the minimum equipment necessary for this
tutorial.
B
A
C
Main and remote DSX-600 units
Two channel adapters
Figure 11. Equipment for the Twisted Pair Certification Tutorial
Twisted pair cable
AC adapters with line cords
(optional)
D
AQ101.EPS
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
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Step 1: See How Much Memory is Available
On the home screen, tap the TOOLS icon, then tap Memory
Status.
The MEMORY STATUS screen shows these values:
The percentage of memory available
The number of test records that are saved
The number of ID sets that have been downloaded to the
tester from LinkWare PC or LinkWare Live.
The memory space taken by other files, such as the databases
for projects and limits.
Step 2: Set Up a Twisted Pair Test
2-1 On the home screen, tap the test setup panel.
2-2 On the CHANGE TEST screen, tap NEW TEST.
2-3 On the TEST SETUP screen, tap each setting to make these
selections:
32
Cable Type: This is the type of cable you will test. The
CABLE TYPE screen shows the last 10 types of cable that
were selected. Tap the correct cable type.
If you do not see the correct cable type, tap MORE, tap the
name of a cable group, then tap a cable in the group.
NVP: Nominal velocity of propagation, which the tester
uses to calculate length. For this tutorial, use the default
value. The default value is defined by the selected cable
type and is the typical NVP for that cable type.
Shield Test: This setting shows only when you select a
shielded cable type. If you selected a shielded cable type,
select On for this setting.
Page 51
Chapter 2: Get Started
Tutorial: Certify Twisted Pair Cabling
Test Limit: The test limit specifies the limits for
measurements so that the tester can give a PASS or FAIL
result to the test. The TEST LIMIT screen shows the last 10
limits that were selected.
If you do not see the correct test limit, tap MORE, tap the
name of a group, then tap a test limit.
Store Plot Data: If Store Plot Data is Off, the tester does
not save plot data for frequency-domain tests or for the
HDTDR/HDTDX analyzers. You can see the plots before
you save the test and exit the results screen. If Store Plot
Data is On, the tester saves plot data for frequency-domain
tests.
Make sure that Store Plot Data is On. If it is not, tap the On/
Off control.
HDTDR/HDTDX: This setting lets you see results from the
HDTDR
™
and HDTDX™ analyzers only when a test gets a
FAIL or PASS* result, or after every Autotest. The analyzer
results help you locate the causes of FAIL and PASS*
results. These tests are not required by any test limit. To
always see these results, select All Autotests.
Outlet Configuration: This is the wire map for the cable.
The Test Limit you select determines which Outlet
Configurations you can select on the OUTLET CONFIG
screen.
If the correct outlet configuration does not show, tap Outlet
Configuration. On the OUTLET CONFIG screen, tap the
correct configuration, then tap USE SELECTED.
AC Wire Map: This setting lets you do tests on links
connected through midspan PoE (Power over Ethernet)
devices. For this tutorial, make sure this setting is Off.
2-4 On the TEST SETUP screen, tap SAVE.
2-5 On the CHANGE TEST screen, tap the twisted pair test you
made, then tap USE SELECTED.
For more information on settings, see “Settings for Twisted Pair
Tests” on page 49.
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Step 3: Turn Off the Auto Save Function
For this tutorial, you will manually save the test results.
3-1 On the home screen, tap the Next ID panel.
3-2 On the CHANGE ID screen, tap the Auto Save control to make
it show Off.
3-3 Tap DONE.
Step 4: Do an Autotest
4-1 Attach the channel adapters to the main and remote testers.
4-2 Turn on both testers, then connect a twisted pair cable
between the adapters.
4-3 Tap TEST on the main tester or press on the main or
remote tester.
Step 5: Look at the Results
The tester shows the Autotest results in three formats (Figure 12):
WIRE MAP: Shows the connections between the ends of the
cable.
PERFORMANCE: Shows the overall result for each test. Use
this screen to quickly see which test failed.
Plot and tabular results screens: Tap a test on the
PERFORMANCE screen to see a table or plot of the results.
If you set HDTDR/HDTDX to All Autotests, you can see the
analyzers’ results on the DIAGNOSTIC tab.
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Chapter 2: Get Started
Tutorial: Certify Twisted Pair Cabling
Figure 12. Examples of Twisted Pair Autotest Results Screens
BA103.EPS
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Technical Reference Handbook
Step 6: Save the Results
6-1 Tap SAVE (if the result was PASS) or FIX LATER (if the result
was FAIL).
6-2 On the SAVE RESULT screen, tap the Cable ID box, use the
keyboard to enter an ID for the results, then tap DONE.
6-3 Tap SAVE.
Buttons to Do Tests and Save Results
When more than one button shows at the bottom of the screen, the
tester highlights one in yellow to recommend which one to tap.
Note
To change the Auto Save setting, tap the Next ID
panel on the home screen.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Figure 13. FIX LATER, TEST AGAIN, and TEST Buttons and the TEST Key
36
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Chapter 2: Get Started
Buttons to Do Tests and Save Results
SAVE (yellow), TEST (gray): These buttons show if the test
passed and Auto Save is off. When you tap SAVE, you can save
the results with an ID that you make or select. When you tap
TEST, you can select to save the results or do the test again and
not save the results.
UNSAVED RESULT: This button shows if Auto Save is off and
you go to the home screen when a test is completed. Tap this
button to see the result.
FIX LATER: This button shows if the test failed or had a PASS*
result and the result has not been saved.
TEST AGAIN: This button shows if the test failed or had a PASS*
result. Tap this button to do the test again. If the test fails again,
you can tap FIX LATER to save the result if necessary.
When you look at a saved result that failed, tap TEST AGAIN to
do the test again for the same ID and with the same test settings
as the saved result.
Note
The color of the FIX LATER and TEST AGAIN
buttons (yellow or gray) depends on which button
you tapped the last time you did a test that failed.
TEST (yellow): This button shows if the test passed and Auto
Save is on. When Auto Save is on, the tester saves results with
the next available ID when the test is completed. When you tap
TEST, the tester does a test for the next available ID.
: The key does the same function as the TEST button.
When TEST AGAIN shows, you can press to do a test on
the next ID.
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
Technical Reference Handbook
Options for Cable IDs
When you save the test results for a cable, you usually give the
results the name that is the ID for the cable. There are several
methods you can use to make IDs for test results:
You can use the CABLE ID SETUP screen to make a set of
sequential IDs. See “Tutorial: Make a Set of Sequential Cable
IDs” on page 40. When Auto Save is also on, the tester
automatically saves each result with the next available ID in
the set.
A cable ID set also lets you use IDs again so you can add
different results to tests you saved before.
You can enter an ID each time you do a test. To do this, turn
off the Auto Save function (see page 39). Each time a test is
completed, tap SAVE (if the test passed) or FIX LATER (if the
test failed), then enter an ID manually.
You can use LinkWare PC software to make a set of IDs,
download the set to the tester, then import it into a project.
See “Import an ID Set into a Project” on page 169.
After you do a test, you can enter the ID for a test you saved
before. This lets you replace results or add different results to
a test you saved before.
If the test failed before, and you saved the results, you can
select it on the RESULTS screen, then press TEST AGAIN to
replace the results for that ID.
Notes
Cable IDs are case-sensitive. For example, the
tester saves result with the names “A0” and “a0”
in two different records.
Cable IDs can have a maximum of 60 characters.
If you delete all the ID sets in a project, the tester
makes a default set that starts with 001.
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Chapter 2: Get Started
Options for Cable IDs
Automatic Increment Function for Cable IDs
Each time you save a result, the tester automatically saves the
result with the next ID in the set. It is not necessary for the IDs in a
set to be sequential. For example, an ID set that you make with
LinkWare PC or LinkWare Live software can have these nonsequential IDs:
B-1A
B-1B
RFS-A
RFS-B
CAM1-A
CAM1-B
After you save results for all IDs in a set, the auto increment
function does not operate. You must manually enter an ID each
time you save a result, unless you select a different ID set.
If you enter an ID when you save a test, and the ID is not in the
sequence of the set, the tester uses that ID, then goes back to the
next ID in the set.
Auto Save Function
The Auto Save function automatically saves results after each
test. This function decreases the time necessary to do a job.
To turn the Auto Save function on or off
1 On the home screen, tap the Next ID panel.
2 On the CHANGE ID screen, tap the On/Off control next to
Auto Save.
If Auto Save is on and the test passed, the tester saves the results
with the next available ID in the set.
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DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
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If Auto Save is on and the test failed:
To saved the failed result before you do a test for the next ID,
tap FIX LATER.
To do the test again for the same ID, tap TEST AGAIN.
You can also change the Auto Save setting on the SAVE RESULTS
screen. You can see this screen after you run a test.
Tutorial: Make a Set of Sequential Cable IDs
You can make a set of sequential cable IDs to use when you save
test results. When you save results, you can use the next ID in the
set as the name for the results, or you can select another ID in the
set.
When you make an ID set, you enter the first and last IDs in the
set. The tester increments the characters that are different in the
first and last IDs. For example, the first and last IDs “TELECOMA1” and “TELECOM-B2” make a set with four IDs:
TELECOM-A1
TELECOM-A2
TELECOM-B1
TELECOM-B2
You can make up to 50 cable ID sets with up to 5000 IDs total for
all sets. An ID can have a maximum of 60 characters. Accented
characters and symbols, such as the asterisk, do not increment.
Notes
When you make an ID set, the tester saves it in the
project shown on the home
screen. For
information on projects, see Chapter 8.
To make a set of sequential IDs
Example: You will do tests on four cables (A through D) in 10
rooms (01 through 10) on the first and second floors, for a total of
80 cables.
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Chapter 2: Get Started
About Projects
1 On the home screen, tap the PROJECT panel.
2 To save the ID set in a different project, tap CHANGE PROJECT,
then tap a project.
3 On the PROJECT screen, tap NEW ID SET.
4 On the CABLE ID SETUP screen, tap the First ID panel, then
use the keyboard to enter the first ID in your sequential set.
For this example, enter 1-01-A.
5 Tap the Last ID panel, use the keyboard to enter the last ID in
your sequential set, then tap DONE. For this example, enter
2-10-D.
6 To see the ID set, tap REVIEW.
7 On the CABLE ID REVIEW screen or the CABLE ID SETUP
screen, tap Save.
About Projects
The ProjX™ management system lets you set up a project to
specify the settings necessary for a job, to monitor the status of
a job, and organize your test results. See Chapter 8.
The tester saves your settings and test results in the DEFAULT
project, unless you select a different project.
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Cabling
The DSX-600 CableAnalyzer Home Screen
The home screen (Figure 14) shows important test settings. Before
you do a test, make sure these settings are correct.
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LMN
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Figure 14. The Home Screen for DSX-600 CableAnalyzer
PROJECT: The project contains the settings for a job and helps
you monitor the status of a job. When you save test results, the
tester puts them in the project. Tap the PROJECT panel to edit
the project settings, select a different project, or make a new
project.
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The DSX-600 CableAnalyzer Home Screen
Shows a summary of the test results in the project:
The number of tests that passed.
The number of tests that failed.
The number of results from tests on twisted pair cable that
have PASS* results. PASS* results have measurements within
the range of accuracy uncertainty for the tester. See “PASS*/
FAIL* Results” on page 58.
The test setup panel shows the settings the tester will use when
you tap TEST or press . To change these settings, tap the
panel.
Icons show the status of the Store Plot Data and AC Wire Map
settings. See Table 2 on page 51.
Next ID: The Next ID panel shows the ID that the tester gives to
the next test results you save.
Tap Next ID to do these tasks:
Enter an ID, select a different ID in the ID set, select a
different set of IDs, or make a new set. The tester adds the
IDs and ID sets you make to the project that shows on the
home screen.
Turn Auto Save on or off.
Operator: The name of the person who does the job. You can
enter a maximum of 20 operator names. For each operator you
can also enter the email address that the operator will use as an
ID to sign in to LinkWare Live.
TOOLS: The TOOLS menu lets you set the reference, see the
status of the tester, and set user preferences such as the
language and the display brightness.
RESULTS: Tap RESULTS to see and manage the results that are
saved in the tester.
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SYNC: To upload results to LinkWare Live, tap SYNC. See Chapter
9.
TEST: Tap TEST to do the test shown in the test setup panel.
The percentage of the project that is completed. The
percentage is the number of IDs used for saved results divided
by the total number of used and available IDs in the project.
% Tested does not show if your project contains only a Next ID
list. See “About Next ID Sets” on page 168 for more information
about the Next ID list.
This icon shows when the tester’s link interface adapter is
connected to the adapter on a DSX-600 remote and the remote
is turned on.
The asset management icon shows when the owner of a
LinkWare Live account has enabled the asset management
service for the tester. See “About the Asset Management
Service” on page 179.
This icon shows when the talk function is on. See “How to
Use the Talk Function” on page 95.
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Make Sure Your Tester is Ready to Certify Twisted Pair Cabling
Make Sure Your Tester is Ready to Certify
Twisted Pair Cabling
To make sure your tester meets its accuracy specifications, follow
these guidelines:
Keep the tester’s software current. The latest software is
available on the Fluke Networks website. See “Update the
Software” on page 192.
At a minimum, set the reference for the twisted pair adapters
every 30 days. Because this procedure includes a self test and
helps ensure maximum accuracy of test results, the best
practice is to set the reference each day. See “Set the
Reference” on page 48.
Make sure you select the correct cable type for the job, and
that the NVP for the cable is correct. See Table 2 on page 50.
Make sure you select the correct test limit for the job. See
Table 2 on page 50.
Make sure the cords and connectors for all test equipment
and patch cords are in good condition.
Make sure the battery is fully charged.
Send the testers to a Fluke Networks service center every 12
months for factory calibration.
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Set the Reference
The reference procedure for twisted pair cable sets the baseline
for insertion loss, ACR-F, and DC resistance measurements.
Set the reference at these times:
Every 30 days, at minimum.
To ensure maximum accuracy of test results, set the reference
daily.
It is not necessary to set the reference when you change the link
interface adapters.
To set the reference
1 Turn on the tester and the remote a minimum of 5 minutes
before you set the reference.
Note
Set the reference only after the testers are at an
ambient temperature between 50 °F and 104 °F
(10 °C and 40 °C).
2 Use the reference patch cord and two channel adapters or
permanent link and channel adapters to connect the main
and remote testers together as shown in Figure 15.
Note
If you use a DSX
3 On the home screen, tap TOOLS, then tap Set Reference.
4 On the SET REFERENCE screen tap TEST.
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Permanent link
adapter
Channel
adapter
Channel adapters
6 inch (15 cm) reference patch cord
Settings for Twisted Pair Tests
Figure 15. Reference Connections for Twisted Pair Cable
BA89.EPS
Settings for Twisted Pair Tests
Table 2 gives descriptions of the settings for twisted pair tests. To
set up a project, which includes the settings in Table 2, cable IDs,
and operator names, see Chapter 8.
To set up a twisted pair test
1 On the home screen, tap the test setup panel.
2 On the CHANGE TEST screen, select a twisted pair test to
change, then tap EDIT.
Or to set up a new twisted pair test, tap NEW TEST.
3 On the TEST SETUP screen, tap the panels to change settings
for the test. See Table 2.
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4 On the TEST SETUP screen, tap SAVE when your test setup is
completed.
5 On the CHANGE TEST screen, make sure the button next to
the test is selected, then tap USE SELECTED.
Table 2. Settings for Twisted Pair Tests
Setting Description
Cable Type Select a cable type that is correct for the type you will
test. To see a different group of cable types, tap MORE,
then tap a group. To make a custom cable type, select
Custom in the Cable Groups list. See Chapter 10 for
details.
NVP Nominal velocity of propagation. The tester uses the NVP
and the propagation delay to calculate the length of the
cable.
The default value is defined by the selected cable type
and is the typical NVP for that cable type. To enter a
different value, tap the NVP panel, then tap
on the NVP screen to increase or decrease the value.
To find the actual value for a cable, connect a known
length of the cable to the tester, tap MEASURE on the
NVP screen, then change the NVP until the measured
length matches the known length. Use a cable at least
30 m (100 ft) long.
When you increase the NVP value, the calculated length
increases.
Shield Test This setting shows only when you select a shielded cable
type.
On: The wire map test includes a DC test for shield
continuity and AC tests for shield quality. The wire map
test fails if the shield is open or the AC test results are
unsatisfactory.
Off: The wire map shows the shield if the shield has
continuity. The tester does not do AC tests for shield
quality. The wire map test does not fail or show the
shield if the shield is open.
or
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Settings for Twisted Pair Tests
Table 2. Settings for Twisted Pair Tests (continued)
Setting Description
Test Limit Select the correct test limit for the job. To see a different
group of limits, tap MORE, then tap the name of a
group.
Store Plot Data Off : The tester does not save plot data for
frequency-domain tests or for the HDTDR/HDTDX
analyzers. You can see the plots before you save the test
and exit the results screen. The saved results show
frequency-domain measurements in a table and do not
include the HDTDR/HDTDX plots.
On : The tester saves plot data for all frequencydomain tests required by the selected test limit and for
the HDTDR/HDTDX analyzers.
HDTDR/HDTDX Fail/Pass* only: The tester shows HDTDR and HDTDX
analyzer results only for Autotests with PASS*, FAIL*, or
FAIL results.
All Autotests: The tester shows HDTDR and HDTDX
analyzer results for all Autotests.
To get HDTDR/HDTDX analyzer results you can also tap
Tools > Diagnostics.
For more information about the HDTDR and HDTDX
analyzers, see Chapter 6.
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Table 2. Settings for Twisted Pair Tests (continued)
Setting Description
Outlet
Configuration
AC Wire Map
The Outlet Configuration specifies which wire pairs are
tested and which wire numbers the wire map shows for the
pairs. See Figure 16.
To see the wire map for a configuration, tap Outlet
Configuration, tap the configuration name on the OUTLET
CONFIG screen, then tap SAMPLE.
To select a configuration, tap a name on the OUTLET
CONFIG screen, then tap USE SELECTED.
Note
The OUTLET CONFIG screen shows only the
configurations that are applicable to the
selected Test Limit.
To make a custom outlet configuration, tap CUSTOM on
the OUTLET CONFIG screen, then tap MANAGE, then tap
Create. See Chapter 10 for details.
The AC Wire Map test lets you do tests on links connected
through midspan PoE (Power over Ethernet) devices. See
Chapter 4.
When the AC Wire Map test is on, this icon shows on the
home screen:
Notes
Always turn off the AC wire map test when you
will not do tests through a PoE device. The AC
wire map test increases the time for an
Autotest. It also disables the resistance and
shield continuity tests.
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T568A
Rollover
CSU/DSU
ATM/TP-PMD
Straight
ATM/TP-PMD
Crossed
Ethernet
Two-Pair Crossed
Ethernet Two-Pair
Token Ring
T568B
USOC Single-Pair
USOC Two-Pair
Crossover
1000BASE-T Crossover
2 x Two-Pair Crossed
One Pair (1,2)
M12 Two-Pair CrossedM12 Two-Pair
Settings for Twisted Pair Tests
Figure 16. Outlet Configurations
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How to Do an Autotest
When you tap TEST on the main tester or press on the main
or remote tester, the testers do an Autotest. The Autotest
includes all the tests necessary to certify that the cabling meets or
exceeds the performance requirements specified in the selected
test limit.
Figure 17 shows the equipment for Autotests on twisted pair
cable.
C
A
Main and remote testers
For tests on permanent links:
two permanent link adapters
(PRO model or optional)
Figure 17. Equipment for Autotests on Twisted Pair Cable
If you have two main testers, you can use one as a
remote. To select the remote function, tap TOOLS
> Main as Remote.
54
B
For tests on channels: two
channel adapters
AC adapters (optional)
Note
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How to Do an Autotest
To do an Autotest on twisted pair cable
1 Attach permanent link or channel adapters to the main and
remote testers.
2 Make sure that the home screen shows the correct settings for
the job.
To make sure that other settings are correct, tap the test setup
panel, make sure the correct test is selected on the CHANGE
TEST SCREEN, then tap EDIT to see more settings. Table 2 on
page 50 describes the settings.
3 Connect the testers to the link as shown in Figure 18 or 19.
4 Tap TEST on the main tester or press on the main or
remote tester.
If the tester at the other end of the cable is in sleep mode or is
off, your tester’s tone generator turns on the other tester.
If the two testers are not connected:
Your tester’s tone generator stays on so you can use a
tone probe to find the cable to connect to the other
tester.
Or, tap MEASURE to do the tests that do not require a
remote tester. Because the tester cannot complete all tests
and some tests always fail with no remote connected, the
result for an Autotest without a remote is always FAIL.
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End
permanent
link
Remote with
permanent link
adapter
Optional
consolidation
point
Wall
outlet
Tester with
permanent link
adapter
Start
permanent
link
Patch panel
Horizontal cabling
Technical Reference Handbook
Figure 18. Permanent Link Connections
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End
channel
Remote with
channel adapter
Optional
consolidation
point
Wall
outlet
Tester with
channel adapter
Start
channel
Hub or switch
Horizontal cabling
Patch cord
from hub
or switch
Patch cord
from PC
Patch
panels
“Bad Patch Cord” Message
Figure 19. Channel Connections
BA96.EPS
“Bad Patch Cord” Message
To comply with standards for tests on channels, the tester
removes the effects of the channel adapters and their
connections from the test results. Before it removes these effects,
the tester makes sure that the plugs on the patch cord do not
have too much near-end crosstalk (NEXT). Too much NEXT is
frequently caused by too much untwisted wire in the plug. If a
plug is bad, the tester shows the message Bad patch cord at main
or Bad patch cord at remote, and does not remove the effects of
the channel adapters and their connections. The tester saves the
message with the results.
If you see one of these messages, replace the patch cord or install
a new plug at the bad end.
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Twisted Pair Autotest Results
The tests listed below apply to twisted pair cabling.
Note
Some tests are not included in some test limits.
Wire map
Resistance
Length
Propagation delay
Delay skew
Insertion loss (attenuation)
Impedance
NEXT (near-end crosstalk)
PS NEXT (power-sum near-end crosstalk)
ACR-N (attenuation to crosstalk ratio at the near end)
PS ACR-N (power-sum attenuation to crosstalk ratio, near
end)
ACR-F (attenuation to crosstalk ratio at the far end)
PS ACR-F (power-sum attenuation to crosstalk ratio, far end)
Return loss
HDTDR and HDTDX analyzers (optional tests, not required by
any test limit. See Chapter 6.)
PASS*/FAIL* Results
A result shows an asterisk when measurements are in the tester’s
accuracy uncertainty range (Figure 20) and the asterisk is required
by the selected test limit. These results are marginal.
A PASS* shows that the cable’s performance is
satisfactory. If a cable must get a PASS result to agree with
your requirements for quality, identify and correct the
problems with the cable and do the Autotest again.
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Tester’s accuracy
uncertainty
range
PASS
PASS*
FAIL
Limit
FAIL*
PASS*
Twisted Pair Autotest Results
Usually, a FAIL* is not a satisfactory result. The tester
shows a FAIL for the overall result. Identify and correct the
problems with the cable and do the Autotest again.
Figure 20. PASS* and FAIL* Results
WIRE MAP Tab
The WIRE MAP tab shows the connections between the ends of
the cable under test. The tester compares the connections to the
selected Outlet Configuration to get a PASS or FAIL result.
If the wire map test fails, you can continue or stop the Autotest.
Or, you can tap SCAN ON to do the wire map test continuously
while you look for the fault. To continue the Autotest after you
correct the fault, tap SCAN OFF, then tap CONTINUE.
If you leave then return to the WIRE MAP FAIL screen, the SCAN
ON button goes away. To see the button again, tap TEST AGAIN.
You can also select the continuous wire map test as a single test
from the TOOLS menu. See “Continuous Tests” on page 70.
Figures 22, 23, and 24 show examples of wire map screens. For
information on AC wire map screens, see Chapter 4.
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Figure 21. WIRE MAP Tab
The name of the outlet configuration used for the test. The
outlet configuration is a setting on the TEST SETUP screen.
The wire map of the cabling. The main tester is at the left side of
the wire map.
Tap to see information about wire map faults. If
shows, tap it to see a message about the results, such as Bad
patch cord at remote.
The overall result for the Autotest. If the result shows an asterisk,
See “PASS*/FAIL* Results” on page 58.
The result for the wire map test:
The wire map does not agree with the outlet configuration
selected for the test.
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Twisted Pair Autotest Results
The wire map agrees with the outlet configuration selected
for the test.
When more than one button shows at the bottom of the screen,
the tester highlights one in yellow to recommend which one to
tap. See “Buttons to Do Tests and Save Results” on page 36.
GPU60.PNG
Open
Wire 4 is open 36 m from the tester
and 14 m from the remote.
The shield is open 3.6 m from the
tester. The wire map always shows
Open Shield
the shield if you select a shielded
cable type (such as S/FTP) on the
TEST SETUP screen and you turn on
the Shield Test. If you select an
unshielded cable type or turn off
the Shield Test, the wire map shows
the shield only if the shield has
continuity.
Figure 22. Wire Map Examples: Open Wire and Open Shield
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GPU62.PNG
Short
Wires 1 and 2 are shorted 5.2 m from
the remote.
Note
Shorts not in a wire pair, for
example between wires 2
and 3, always show at the
near end (left side) of the
wire map screen and do not
show the length to the short.
Figure 23. Wire Map Examples: Short and Split Pair
62
GPU63.PNG
Split pair
A wire in the 3,6 pair is crossed with
a wire in the 4,5 pair. To see the
location of the split pair, continue
the test, then look at the HDTDX
analyzer plot. The highest peak on
the plot is typically where the split
pair starts.
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Twisted Pair Autotest Results
GPU64.PNG
Reversed pair
Wires 1 and 2 are crossed.
Pairs 1,2 and 3,6 are crossed.
Crossed pairs
Figure 24. Wire Map Examples: Reversed Pair and Crossed Pairs
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PERFORMANCE Tab
The PERFORMANCE tab (Figure 25) shows the overall result for
each test that is required by the selected test limit.
A
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Figure 25. PERFORMANCE Tab
The test limit and cable type used for the test.
To see detailed results for a test, tap the panel.
The overall result for the Autotest. If the result shows an asterisk,
See “PASS*/FAIL* Results” on page 58.
The overall result for the test:
64
The results exceed the limit.
The results are within the limit.
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Twisted Pair Autotest Results
The selected test limit does not have a limit for the test, or
a dB rule applies. See “About dB Rules” on page 90.
The results are within the range of accuracy uncertainty
for the tester. See “PASS*/FAIL* Results” on page 58.
The measurement shown for frequency-domain results is the
worst margin. (The insertion loss plot is different. See “Insertion
Loss” on page 74.)
When more than one button shows at the bottom of the screen,
the tester highlights one in yellow to recommend which one to
tap. See “Buttons to Do Tests and Save Results” on page 36.
Scalar Results
Scalar results are measurements that do not change with
frequency. These are the Length, Propagation Delay, Delay Skew
and Resistance results. These results do not have plot data.
Length, Propagation Delay, and Delay Skew
The length results show the length, propagation delay, and delay
skew of each cable pair. See Figure 26.
The length shown on the PERFORMANCE screen is the length of
the shortest pair. The tester uses the length of only the shortest
pair to get a PASS or FAIL result for the length test.
Note
If the length of the shortest pair does not exceed the
limit by 10 %, then the length test passes even if
other pairs exceed the limit. This is the 10 % rule for
length, as given in the ANSI/TIA-1152 standard. See
the Fluke Networks Knowledge base for details.
A 2 % to 5 % difference in measured lengths of wire pairs in a
cable is normal for these reasons:
Signals travel at slightly different speeds in each wire pair, but
the tester uses the same NVP to calculate the length of each
pair.
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The twist rate varies slightly among wire pairs. If you untwist
and straighten all the pairs, they will have slightly different
lengths.
Differences between measured and actual lengths can be caused
by variations in the cable’s NVP value. NVP values can vary among
cable types, lots, and manufacturers. In most cases, these
differences are minor and may be ignored.
Propagation delay is the time taken for a test pulse to get to the
end of a wire pair. The delay is measured in nanoseconds. One
nanosecond is one-billionth of a second, or 0.000000001 second.
Propagation delays vary slightly among pairs because of small
differences in electrical characteristics and length. The tester uses
the propagation delay for each pair and the NVP for the cable
type to calculate the length of each pair. The tester subtracts the
propagation delays for the link interface adapters, so the length
results do not include the length of the cables on the permanent
link adapters.
Delay skews are the differences in propagation delays between
the shortest delay and the delays of the other wire pairs. The
shortest delay shows as “0” in the delay skew results.
Refer to Figure 26:
PROPAGATION DELAY: The time taken for a test pulse to get
to the end of a wire pair.
DELAY SKEW: The differences in propagation delays between
the shortest delay and the delays of the other wire pairs. The
shortest delay shows as “0” in the delay skew results.
The tester shows a limit for propagation delay and delay skew
if the measurements are required by the selected test limit.
For measurements not required, the limit shows as N/A.
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A
C
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Figure 26. Twisted Pair Length Results
Note
You can also measure length continuously. See
“Continuous Tests” on page 70.
The tester uses the propagation delay for each pair and the
NVP for the cable type to calculate the length of each pair.
The tester compares the length of the shortest pair to the limit,
and gives the test a PASS result if the pair is not too long. The
lengths of the other pairs are gray on the screen.
The tester gives a PA SS result if the shortest length and the
longest delay skew do not exceed their limits.
Loop Resistance
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Loop Resistance results show the DC loop resistance for each wire
pair. The remote puts a short at the end of each pair to make the
loops. A pair’s resistance depends on the quality of the contacts in
the connector, the length of the pair, and its wire gauge. Figure
27 shows the loop resistance results screen.
Resistance problems always affect other tests. For example:
A link that is too long has too much resistance and will fail the
length test.
High-resistance connections reflect signals, which causes the
return loss test to fail. Use the tester’s HDTDR analyzer to see
the distance to the bad connection.
Refer to Figure 27:
VALUE is the DC loop resistance for each pair.
LIMIT shows only if the selected test limit includes a limit for the
loop resistance test.
The overall result for the loop resistance test. This result is for a
test with the ISO11801 Channel Class Ea limit, which has a limit
for the loop resistance test. Some test limits do not have a limit
for this test. When no limit is available, the tester shows an .
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A
B
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Figure 27. Twisted Pair Resistance Results
Note
You can also measure resistance continuously. See
“Continuous Tests” on page 70.
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Continuous Tests
To do the wire map, length, or resistance test continuously, go to
the home screen, tap TOOLS > Single Tests, then tap a test.
The wire map test compares the cable connections to the outlet
configuration specified by the selected test limit and shows if
the connections agree or if they do not.
The length and resistance tests do not compare the results to a
test limit.
To save the result, tap SCAN OFF > SAVE. The saved test has an
for the overall result.
Frequency-Domain Results
Frequency-domain results are the measurements that change
with frequency, such as insertion loss and crosstalk. Figure 28
shows an example of results from a frequency-domain test.
How to Save Frequency-Domain Results as a Plot or a Table
If Store Plot Data is on when you do a test, the saved results show
as plots. If Store Plot Data is Off, the tester does not save plot data
for frequency-domain tests or for the HDTDR/HDTDX analyzers.
You can see the plots before you save the test and exit the results
screen. Figures 28 and 29 show examples of the two types of
screens. Also see “Store Plot Data” on page 51.
Refer to Figure 28:
The location of the measurements. To switch between results
for the main and remote, tap REMOTE or MAIN (
).
Measured values for the wire pairs.
The limit line (in red) for the measurement.
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G
K
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Frequency-Domain Results
Figure 28. Plot Screen for a Frequency-Domain Test
Note
If the limit line is black, the tester does not
evaluate the measurement at those frequencies
because a dB rule applies. See “About dB Rules”
on page 90.
The vertical scale is the measured value in decibels.
The horizontal scale is the frequency range in megahertz.
To see help for the screen, tap .
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To switch between results for the main unit and the remote,
tap REMOTE or MAIN.
The margin at the cursor’s location. The margin is the difference
between the measured value and the limit. The margin is
negative if the pair failed.
The measured value at the cursor’s location.
When you first look at the plot, the cursor is at the frequency of
the worst margin. To move the cursor to the worst value, tap
WORST VALUE. (The insertion loss plot is different. See
“Insertion Loss” on page 74.)
To see the plots for pairs, tap or . To select pairs to show
on the plot, touch or for one second to see the SELECT
PAIRS window. Select the pairs you want to see, then tap OK.
When you first look at the plot, the cursor is at the frequency of
the worst margin. To move the cursor to the worst value, tap
WORST VALUE (). The box at the bottom of the cursor shows
the frequency at the cursor’s position.
To move the cursor to other points, touch and drag the yellow
circle at the top of the cursor
To move the cursor in small increments, tap the yellow circle,
then tap the arrow buttons that show on the plot ( or ).
The overall result for the test. If you look at pairs, the result is for
those pairs. If the result shows an asterisk, see “PASS*/FAIL*
Results” on page 58.
To zoom in and out, use the pinch, reverse-pinch, and doubletap gestures on the touchscreen. You can also use the zoom
controls to change the magnification on the frequency and
decibels scales independently. See Figure 5 on page 20.
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Frequency-Domain Results
A
I
C
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D
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Figure 29. Tabular Results Screen for a Frequency-Domain Test
The location where the tester made the measurements. To
switch between results for the main and remote, tap REMOTE
or MAIN (
The results are for the wire pair or pairs shown. To see the results
for a different pair or pairs, tap a tab on the right side of the
screen (
).
).
WORST MARGIN is the measurement that is nearest to the limit
line or exceeds the limit by the largest amount. WORST VALUE is
the worst measurement.
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The measured value.
The limit specified by the selected test limit.
MARGIN is the difference between the measured value and the
limit. The value is negative and is in a red box if the
measurement exceeds the limit.
To switch between results for the main unit and the remote,
tap REMOTE or MAIN.
To see the results for a different pair or pairs, tap a tab.
The result for the pair. If the result shows an asterisk, see “PASS*/
FAIL* Results” on page 58.
Insertion Loss
Insertion loss is the loss of signal strength over the cabling, as
shown in Figure 30. Insertion loss is caused by the DC resistance of
the copper wire and connecting hardware, the impedance of the
twisted pairs, and by leakage of electrical energy through the
cable’s insulation. Lower values of insertion loss mean better
cabling performance.
At higher frequencies, signals tend to travel only near the surface
of a conductor. This “skin effect”, along with the cabling’s
inductance and capacitance, cause insertion loss to increase with
frequency.
Figure 31 shows the insertion loss plot. If the insertion loss test
passed, the tester puts the cursor at the worst value. If the test
failed, the cursor is at the worst margin.
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Signal
output
Signal
input
Insertion loss
Frequency-Domain Results
Figure 30. Insertion Loss is a Decrease in Signal Strength
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Figure 31. Twisted Pair Insertion Loss Plot
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Return Loss
Return loss is the difference (in dB) between the power of a
transmitted signal and the power of the signals reflected back.
The signal reflections are caused by variations in the cable’s
impedance. Figure 32 shows some common sources of reflections
that create return loss.
High return loss means the cabling reflects very little of the
transmitted signal back to the source. High return loss is especially
important for high-speed systems, such as Gigabit Ethernet. The
bi-directional (full-duplex) transceivers used in these systems use
directional couplers to distinguish between incoming and
outgoing signals. The couplers may interpret strong reflected
signals as incoming data, resulting in data errors.
A return loss plot indicates how well a cable’s impedance matches
its rated impedance over a range of frequencies. Figure 33 shows
the return loss plot. The tester puts the cursor at the worst
margin.
For return loss failures, you can use the HDTDR analyzer plot to
locate the cause of the failure. See “The HDTDR Analyzer” on
page 127.
76
Note
Because the 3 dB rule applies to return loss results,
the result is usually an . See “About dB Rules” on
page 90.
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Chapter 3: Certify Twisted Pair Cabling
Signal
input
Variations in
materials and
construction
Reflected
signals
Kinks and
other
distortions
Connections
Frequency-Domain Results
Figure 32. Sources of Return Loss
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Figure 33. Return Loss Plot
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Impedance
Notes
Most test limits do not require the impedance
measurement. For these limits, the tester does not
make the measurement or it shows an for the result
For cables shorter than approximately 13 ft (4 m),
the tester shows Cable too short for the
impedance measurement.
Impedance results show the approximate characteristic impedance
of each wire pair. Figure 34 shows the impedance results.
Characteristic impedance is the impedance a cable would have if
the cable were infinitely long. Correct operation of the network
depends on constant characteristic impedance throughout the
system’s cables and connectors. Sudden changes in characteristic
impedance, called anomalies, cause signal reflections that can
cause network faults.
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Figure 34. Twisted Pair Impedance Results
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Signal
input
Crosstalk near
the source
Crosstalk
farther from
the source
NEXT
Frequency-Domain Results
NEXT (Near-End Crosstalk)
NEXT results show the crosstalk attenuation between wire pairs.
NEXT is the difference in amplitude (in dB) between a transmitted
signal and the crosstalk received on other wire pairs at the same
end of the cabling. Higher NEXT values correspond to larger
differences between the amplitudes of the transmitted signals
and the crosstalk, which corresponds to better cabling
performance. Figure 35 shows the NEXT plot. The tester puts the
cursor at the worst margin.
Note
If the NEXT result is an an , the 4 dB rule applies.
See “About dB Rules” on page 90.
Because of insertion loss, crosstalk signals occurring farther from
the signal source are weaker and cause less trouble than crosstalk
nearer the source (Figure 35). For this reason, the tester measures
NEXT from both ends of the cabling.
For NEXT failures, you can use the HDTDX analyzer plot to locate
cause of the failure. See “The HDTDR Analyzer” on page 127.
Figure 35. Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT)
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Figure 36. NEXT Plot
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Frequency-Domain Results
PS NEXT (Power Sum Near End Crosstalk)
PS NEXT results show how much each wire pair is affected by the
combined crosstalk from the other pairs. PS NEXT is the difference
(in dB) between the test signal and the crosstalk from the other
pairs received at the same end of the cabling. The tester uses the
NEXT values to calculate PS NEXT. Higher PS NEXT values
correspond to better cabling performance.
PS NEXT results are typically a few dB lower (worse) than worstcase NEXT results. Figure 37 shows the PS NEXT plot. The tester
puts the cursor at the worst margin.
Note
If the PS NEXT result is an an , the 4 dB rule
applies. See “About dB Rules” on page 90.
Figure 37. PS NEXT Plot
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Near-end
signal input
Far-end
signal input
Crosstalk and
signal received
from the far end
Crosstalk
Technical Reference Handbook
ACR-N (Attenuation to Crosstalk Ratio at the Near End)
ACR-N is like a signal-to-noise ratio. ACR-N values indicate how
the amplitude of signals received from a far-end transmitter
compares to the amplitude of crosstalk produced by near-end
transmissions, as shown in Figure 38. The tester calculates ACR-N
as the difference (in dB) between NEXT and insertion loss. Higher
ACR-N values mean that received signals are much larger than
crosstalk signals. Higher ACR-N values correspond to better
cabling performance.
Figure 39 shows the ACR-N plot. The tester puts the cursor at the
worst margin.
Note
If the ACR-N result is an , the 4 dB rule applies.
See “About dB Rules” on page 90.
Figure 38. Attenuation to Crosstalk Ratio, Near End (ACR-N)
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