Holland Electronics ST-5128S User Manual
Model St 5128s
Portable Field Strength Meter / Spectrum Analyzer
User’s Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................. 2
Specifications .............................................................................................. 3
Keypad Controls ............................................................................... 4
Other Physical Features ................................................................... 4
Powering the Meter ......................................................................................6
Getting Started …….. ....................................................................................6
Meter Settings…..................................................................................7
Main Menu ........................................................................................9
Single-Channel Measurement Mode ...........................................................9
Channel Selection .............................................................................9
Frequency Selection………................................................................10
Sub-Menu…………………………………………………………………10
Carrier Level V-A Differential Measurement .................................…11
Single Channel Frequency Spectrum Mode ...............................................12
All Frequency Band Spectrum Mode ..........................................................14
A.C. Voltage Measurement……………………………………………………..15
Carrier / Noise Differential Measurement……………………………………..16
Multi-Channel Spectrum Measurement Mode……………………………….18
Warranty…………………………………………………………………………..20
Appendix .....................................................................................................21
CATV Channel List ...........................................................................21
VHF/UHF Channel List .....................................................................23
INTRODUCTION
The ST5128 hand-held field strength meter uses RF signal processing
techniques and microprocessor technology to produce quick and accurate signal
measurements. The meter provides the user a choice of viewing individual
channel power readings, a single channel spectrum, a multiple channel
spectrum, or an all channel spectrum. Automatic internal calibration corrects for
measurement variations due to frequency response, temperature changes, and
internal attenuator settings. The combination of keypad tuning and menu driven
displays allow for simple operation to get needed signal measurements.
The meter is programmed with both USA CATV and VHF/UHF NTSC
standard formats. Users can also select specific frequencies for signal testing.
The back-lit LCD allows for viewing data measurements even in dark places.
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Impedance 75 Ohms
Input Frequency 46 – 860 MHz
Frequency Stability <30 ppm
Frequency Accuracy 15 KHz
Min. Tuning Increment 10 KHz
I.F. Bandwidth 230 +/- 50 KHz
Input Range -40 to +60 dBmV
Frequency Mode Tuning Increments 10 KHz
Amplitude Measurement Accuracy ±1 dB @ 24°C ±1.5 dB (-10° to +50°C)
CHANNELTYPE NTSC (6 MHz)
SPECTRUM ANALYZER MODE
Single Channel Width 6 MHz / 12 MHz
Resolution 100 / 150 KHz
Display Dynamic Range 40 - 100 dB
Full Spectrum Scan All Visual Carriers
POWER LEVEL TESTING
Range -40 to +60 dBmV
Accuracy +/- 1.5bDmV
Resolution 0.1 dBmV
A.C. VOLTAGE TESTING
Range +20 to 100 vac, alarms above +100v
Accuracy +/- 1.0v
Resolution 0.1v
DISPLAY TYPE
Digital Graphic LCD Indicates Channel or Frequency, signal
level in dBmV or dBuV, plots graphics
LCD Controls ContrastLevel, Back Lighting
FEATURES
Input Connector Replaceable High Return Loss F Type
Spectrum Viewing Single channel or Full Spectrum
Audio Adjustable Volume
AC Input 110 V / 60 Hz
Battery use 8 Hours Minimum / Charge
Auto Power Shut-Off
Size in. (mm) 4.3”(110) x 10”(248) x 2.6” (65)
Weight 2 Lbs (.9 Kg)
Keypad Controls
See Figure 1 to locate the following keypad controls.
1) LCD Display Screen
2) PWR - Power – For powering up and powering down the meter.
3) Numeric keys for value entry
4) CH – Channel - For entering a specific channel
5) MHz – Megahertz - Allows for entry to be input in MHz units.
6) buttons – Up and Down buttons – These buttons allow for scrolling
through settings such as the channel measured, frequency, sound volume,
and measurement reference point.
7) F1, F2, F3, F4 – Soft Keys – The function of each soft key varies with the
selected operation.
8) ESC – Escape – Sends the meter back to the main menu.
9) – BACKLIGHT- Turns the LCD back light on/off.
10) SET – Setting – Places the meter into the Setting Mode.
11) TEST – Sets the meter to Multi-Channel Spectrum Measurement Mode
Other Physical Features
See Figure 1 to locate these features on the meter.
12) F-type input connection
13) Audio Speaker
14) DC power jack for power adapter ST5128-30001
15) Charging indicator LED.
15
3 8 7 6 2 10 9 12 1 11 4 5 14 13
Figure 1. Model ST5128 external features
POWERING THE METER
The digital signal level meter can either be powered by an external AC voltage
source or by the internal rechargeable NiMH batteries.
A) Using an external AC source – Insert the DC output plug of the
(ST5128-30001) DC adapter / charger into the DC jack of the ST5128
meter. Plug the adapter / charger into a 110 V AC source.
B) Powering the meter with internal batteries - In order for the ST5128
meter to operate from the internal batteries, a sufficient charge must
exist on the batteries. The recommended charging time for low
charged batteries is 8 eight hours. Charging the batteries occurs when
the (ST5128-30001) charger is used to power the meter from an
external AC source. The batteries charge whether the meter is
switched on or off.
C) The battery charge level is indicated by a bar graph at the bottom of
the screen in the single channel measurement mode.
The meter produces an audible low battery alarm which repeats every
2 seconds indicating that the internal battery voltage is too low and the
batteries need to be recharged. When this occurs, the meter will shut
off unless the DC adapter/charger is connected immediately.
The ST5128 shuts down automatically to conserve battery power if no
buttons are pushed for 10 minutes.
GETTING STARTED
1. Push the PWR button to turn on meter.
2. The display will show the model and the serial numbers of the unit before
automatically returning to the mode that was last used prior to turning off the
meter.
3. Carefully thread the f- type barrel splice adapter into the input port. Tighten
by hand until snug.
CAUTION: If using a wrench, do not exceed 5 inch/lbs. of torque. Over
tightening will seriously damage the input port creating an open
connection at the input.
Note: The LCD back light is automatically enabled when the meter is turned on.
Disabling the back light by pressing the
the battery before recharging is necessary.
key will extend the operating time of
METER SETTINGS SCREEN
Press the SET key to access the settings screen (fig. 2). Options include the
following: 1) selecting between CATV or VHF/UHF channels 2) selecting
between dBuV or dBmV measurement units, 3) adjusting the volume and display
contrast levels, and 4) creating or editing a user-defined channel list.
VOL 1
CON 37 %
dB dBµ
VOL UP DOW ESC
Fig.2
meter settings screen
1. The ST5128 offers the choice to measure either USA CATV or VHF/UHF
channels. To select between CATV or VHF/UHF channels:
1. Press the SET key to enter the Settings screen.
2. Press the F2 (UP) soft key to move the cursor to CTS
3. Use either of the keys to toggle between CATV or VHF/UHF.
4. Press the F4 (ESC) soft key to return to the single channel
measurement mode screen and the main menu.
2. To select between dbuV and dBmV measurement units:
1. Press the SET key (if not already in the settings screen)
2. Press the F3 (DOW) soft key twice to move the cursor to dB:
3. Use either of the keys to toggle between dBmV or dBuV.
4. Press the F4 (ESC) soft key to return to the single channel
measurement mode screen and the main menu.
3. To adjust the volume level:
1. Press the SET key (if not already in the settings screen).
2. Press the F1 (VOL) soft key to move the cursor to VOL.
3. Use the keys to increase or decrease the volume level.
4. Press the F4 (ESC) soft key to return to the single channel
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