LinkMaster™ PRO XL Tester Instructions
Warning!
Do not attach to energized cables. The LinkMaster™Pro XL may be damaged.
Caution!
Inspect plugs for proper termination before inserting into the LinkMaster™Pro XL.
Minimum cable length for testing split pair condition is 3 feet.
LinkMaster™Pro XL Key Functions
FEATURES
• Larger back-lighted LCD screen for better test results readability
• Toggle ON/OFF option of lighted display for battery power savings (Hold SEL for 2 seconds)
• Blinks HUBS to assure connected configurations
• Increased voice testing capability detects RJ-11 (1,2 and 3 pair)
• Voice test also shows Normal and Reserve for pins 1 through 6
• Length measurement is shown during initial test results for convenience and time savings
• Eight twisted pair remotes have both RJ-45 and TJ-11 jacks for longer life and increase testing capabilities
• Tone option for pins land 8 for cables connected to hub or switch
• Two line by 16 character full alphanumeric LCD with icons for clear results
• Tests for shield continuity, shorts, opens, miswires, reversals and split pairs with remote connected
• Cable Test – One ended testing for shorts, opens and split pairs (no remote connected)
• Test results displayed in wire map format with message line for shorts and split pairs
• Displays PASS and sounds beep (optional) for T568A/B
• Will display wiremap for 10Base-T and Token Ring with remote connected
• Length measurement in feet or meters using cable capacitance method
• UTP, ScTP and coax length measurements with and without remote attached
• Coax mapping with up to eight color coded coax remotes
Six modes of operation
• Cable Test
• Hub Blink
• Length
• Tone
• Coax
• Setup mode
Arrow Keys
• To change length constant
(see chart for required parameters)
• To change pair or pin selection for tone
• To scroll through setup selectable options
Press SEL to:
• Turn on back-light
(Hold 2 seconds)
• Execute current
displayed mode
• Start new test cycle
• Select one of four tones
• Change pair being
measured for length
• Change user selectable options
–Beep On/Off
–Unshielded or Shielded Cable
–Units: Feet or Meters
• Main jack for
all testing
Power ON by pressing any button
• Remote jack for patch cords
• Larger back-lighted LCD screen
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Melrose, MA 02176
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• Tone generator mode sends four different tones on all conductors, selected pair or selected pin
• Auto-off in any mode and low power consumption for long battery life
• Low battery symbol indicates when to change battery
• Black battery cap allows for quick and easy battery change
• Two tester jacks allows patch cord testing without use of remote
• Will identify if connected to network device during length test
• 9 volt battery included
Cable has shorts or splits
Cable passed T568A/B
Beeper off
Main unit pin numbers
Alphanumeric characters
Adjusting length constant
Setup mode
Test in progress
Shield Indicator
LinkMaster™ PRO XL LCD Display
Battery low
ID number icon
(remote id displayed below it)
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DESCRIPTION
The LinkMaster™Pro XL can be powered on by pressing any of the four buttons. LinkMaster™Pro XL
powers off automatically after 5 minutes of continuous testing of a single cable. Disconnecting the cable
restores the tester to normal function. Most power-on modes will timeout in 20 minutes. The tone mode
will power off after 2
1
⁄2 hours. The LinkMaster™Pro XL will turn on in the last mode used before turning
off. The back light is toggled on and off by holding down SEL for 2 seconds or more. At power on, the
back light is always off. The back light turns off automatically 3 minutes after being turned on. (with or
without test activity)
Upon completion of the test, the wire map, ID and any faults are displayed.
• The top line of numbers on the display represents the connector pins on the main unit.
• The second line of pin numbers is the connector pin numbers of the remote.
• If there is a miswire, the numbers on the second line will indicate the pin numbers detected.
• If no connection was detected for some of the pins, the second line will be blank in those pin locations.
• If a short is detected, the second line will have a flashing ‘x’ in that position, and the specific short
condition displayed on the third line.
• If a split pair is detected, the pins affected will flash on the second display line. The specific split
condition will be displayed on the third line.
• If there are multiple errors to display on the third line, the messages will be displayed in sequence
until all are displayed.
• Under “ID”, the number of the remote being used will be displayed.
Note: Connecting a coax remote to the LinkMaster
™
Pro XL with the unit off will power up the unit but
the second line of the display will be blank. To use the coax remotes, the LinkMaster
™
Pro XL must be
on and in the coax test mode as described below.
There are five modes of operation as described below plus a setup function. In any mode, pressing the
MODE button causes the mode select screen to be displayed. The OFF message is usually the first one
displayed. Continued pressing of the MODE button will cycle through the other modes. Pressing the
SEL button causes the currently displayed mode to be entered.
Cable Test – If there is no remote, press any of the buttons to turn on the LinkMaster
™
Pro XL. The
tester will then test for shorts, opens, and split pairs. The results are displayed as messages on the
LCD. Whenever a new cable assembly is inserted for testing, press the SEL button to start a new test
cycle. Partial and erroneous results can occur if not done.
Length – The length mode measures the length of a cable by measuring its capacitance and using the
capacitance per unit of length (length constant) to calculate the length. The length is displayed on the LCD
along with the current value of the length constant. The SEL button changes the pair being measured in
a 1-2, 3-6, 4-5, 7-8 and auto-select sequence. The pair number is displayed next to the length except
in auto-select mode. If a selected pair has a fault, the fault replaces the length reading on the LCD. In
auto-select mode, the LinkMaster
™
Pro XL automatically selects a pair without a fault. Use the auto-select
or 1-2 pair settings to measure the length of a coax cable connected to the F-connector. The length
constant is changed with the up and down arrows. The CAL icon is on while adjusting the constant.
Note: If the far end of the cable is connected to a Network Device (Hub, Switch, etc.), the LinkMaster
™
Pro XL will display “T Ring Network??”, “xbase-T Network?” or “Network?” (based on the number of
conductors terminated into the device).
Typical Cable Parameters
Cable pF/ft pF/m
Data CAT3 19.0 62.5
CAT5/5E 15.0 49.0
CAT6 15.0 49.0
Coax RG6/U 16.25 53.0
RG11/U 16.25 53.0
RG58/U 27.5 90.0
RG59/U 16.25 53.0
Typical Cable Parameters
Cable pF/ft pF/m
Security Wire
22 AWG,Jacketed 24.0 78.5
22 AWG,Unjacketed 14.0 46.0
20 AWG,Unjacketed 16.0 52.5
18 AWG,Unjacketed 17.0 55.0
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX 781.665.0780 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
Tone– The tone mode generates four different tones for use with tone tracers on all pairs, a selected
pair or a selected pin. The SEL button selects one of the four tone sounds provided. The up and down
arrows scroll through the pairs and pins that have signal on them. The LinkMaster™Pro XL has constant
tone amplitude over the life of the battery and two tone amplitude of normal and half (HI on pair and
Low on pin).
Note: When using the coax adapter or alligator clip assembly, tone is connected only to pin 1 and pin 2.
Coax – The coax mode is used in conjunction with special numbered and color-coded F-connector
terminators (coax remotes). These eight remotes each have unique signatures that the LinkMaster
™
Pro XL can identify. The LinkMaster™Pro XL displays the remote number and color code if cable
passes. If cable fails, “Open” or “Short” will be displayed and coax mode.
Setup – The setup mode is provided to set user selectable options. The up and down arrow buttons
scroll through the options. The SEL button changes the current setting to the choice for that option.
To exit Setup, press Mode key.
• The beep-on-pass can be turned on or off (default is on).
• The pass criteria can be set for shielded or unshielded cables (default is unshielded).
• The length can be set for meters or feet (default is feet).
–If the length units are changed, the LinkMaster
™
Pro XL converts the currently set
length constant to the new units on exit of setup.
–The length constant can be set to any value (default is 15 pF/foot; most Cat 5, Cat 5e & Cat 6
are very close to 15pF/foot – check with your cable manufacturer for possible variances.)
Voltage Protection
The LinkMaster
™
Pro XL is designed to withstand input voltage conditions that occur during normal
telephony applications for a very short period of time (approximately 10 seconds). The LinkMaster™Pro
XL monitors for voltage presence in CABLE TEST, LENGTH or COAX modes. The “VOLTAGE!!” message
appears on the screen and the tone sounds continuously. Remove tester from line immediately or tester
could be damaged. (see specs for specifics)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
To Test a Patch Cable
1) Plug one end of patch cable into Main jack on the tester.
2) Plug other end of cable into a remote unit or Remote jack on the tester.
3) Press any button to power on. Wiremap results will be displayed, as well as PASS if correctly
wired to T568 A/B standards. Beep tone also indicates a PASS. The test repeats every 5 seconds.
4) For FAIL, refer to Interpreting Cable Test Results at end of instruction guide. Neither PASS or
FAIL icon will show for open or Miswire. Inspect wiremap numbers for these types of errors.
5) Disconnect patch cable after test.
Note: Be sure Set-up mode is properly set for Unshielded versus Shielded cables (Unshielded
is default. If the internal Remote jack is used on the tester, the Remote ID will always show as 1.
To Test Cable from One Terminated End Only – Remote unit is not needed to run Cable Test.
1) Attach one end of supplied jumper cable to main jack on tester
and the other end to the wall plate or patch panel jack to be tested.
2) Turn on unit by pressing any button. If not in Cable Test mode,
press MODE until Cable Test is displayed, than press SEL button.
3) The tester will then test for shorts, opens, and split pairs.
The results are displayed as messages on the LCD.
4) Results should appear within 5 seconds. The test repeats every 5 seconds.
5) Disconnect cable after test.
6) Pressing SEL button starts a new test immediately when a new cable is inserted for testing.
Note: Jumper cables must be no more than 10% of the total run length or 3 feet, whichever is less.
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5
To Test Installed Cable (Horizontal, in-wall cabling)
1) Attach remote(s) to far end of cabling with supplied jumper cable(s).
2) Attach the main unit to patch panel with supplied jumper cable.
3) Press any button to power on. Wiremap results and remote ID number will be displayed,
as well as PASS if correctly wired to T568 A/B standards. Beep tone also indicates a PASS.
The test repeats every 5 seconds.
4) When the RJ-11 adapter is used, the LinkMaster
™
Pro XL automatically senses and adjusts
the pairing and pin numbers to the 3-pair USOC standard in CABLE TEST, LENGTH, and TONE
Generator modes. The split pair testing is disabled.
5) In the RJ-45 mode, cross-over cables are recognized by displaying the PASS icon and adding
the “X-Over” message after length. In RJ-11 mode, reverse-pinned cables are recognized and a
“REV-PIN’D,” message added after length. The PASS icon is displayed if it is a correctly pinned
reverse-pinned position cable.
6) For FAIL, refer to Interpreting Cable Test Results at end of instruction guide. Neither PASS or
FAIL icon will show for open or Miswire. Inspect wiremap numbers for these types of errors.
7) Disconnect cable after test.
Note: Patch cables must be, no more than 10% of the total run length for accurate split pair indication.
To Measure Length
1) Connect cable to main unit. (A remote may or may not be present at other end.)
2) Turn on main unit by pressing any button. Cable length will be displayed whenever there are no
splits or shorts to report.
–To adjust pF “length constant” parameters, use arrow keys.
–To change pair measured, press SEL to cycle through pairs 1-2, 3-6, 4-5, 7-8.
(1-2 is default pair and must be used for coax length)
–To change length between feet and meters, use SETUP mode.
Note: Default is 15 pF/foot; most Cat 5, Cat 5e & Cat 6 are very close to 15pF/foot –
check with your cable manufacturer for possible variances.)
Note: If a selected pair has a fault, the fault replaces the length reading on the LCD. In default mode,
if the 1-2 pair has a fault, the LinkMaster
™
Pro XL automatically sequences to a pair without a fault.
Unknown Length Constant
If “length constant” is unknown for a particular cable, a known length of cable may be used to calibrate
the constant. Measure fifty feet of cable and attach main unit to one end. Turn on unit, press MODE
until LENGTH is displayed. Press up/down arrow keys until 50ft is displayed, then use the pF constant
displayed to measure length of unknown cable. (Fifty feet or more is suggested to minimize the
resolution error; 1 foot in 50 is 2% uncertainty).
To Test Coax
1) Attach cable to be tested to the F-connector on the adapter.
Insert adapter into Main jack on LinkMaster
™
Pro XL.
2) Attach coax remote terminator to wallplate on the other end.
3) Turn on main unit by pressing any button. If not in Coax mode,
press MODE until COAX is displayed, than press SEL button.
4) Remote number and color will be displayed if cable passes.
If cable fails, OPEN or SHORT will be displayed.
5) Coax length may be measured by setting length constant to manufacturer’s
specs and selecting pair 1-2 in LENGTH mode. (no remote required)
To Generate Tone
1) Turn on main unit by pressing any button. If not in tone mode,
press MODE until TONE is displayed, than press SEL button.
2) Press SEL until desired tone is selected. The up/down arrow keys
select the pin or pair(s) to carry the tone.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX 781.665.0780 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
3) Connect cable to be traced to main unit. For best signal, do not connect remote.
Due to the canceling effect of twisted pairs, the strongest signal is obtained by having
one wire of a pair carry tone. Selecting a single pin instead of a pair will do this.
4) To turn tone off, press the MODE button until OFF is displayed, then the SEL button.
The tone will power off automatically after 21⁄2 hours.
Note: When using the coax adapter or alligator clip assembly, tone is connected only to Pin 1 and Pin 2
To Blink Hub
When Mode is selected, the LinkMaster
™
Pro XL sends link pulses on the NIC transmit pair for
3 seconds, then no pulse for 3 seconds for an overall cycle time of 6 seconds. The TEST icon is
on when sending pulses and off when not. It turns off automatically after 1.2 hours.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT– When the “battery low” icon is on, the battery should be replaced as soon
as practical. The cable testing results will become unreliable when the battery reaches about 4.5 volts.
To replace battery:
1) Remove rubber battery cap on bottom of main unit by pulling or prying off with hand.
2) Remove and replace battery.
3) Snap battery cap back into place
Note: When installing a new battery, disconnect any cables connected.
The length and cable test modes will be improperly calibrated if a cable is present.
SPECIFICATIONS
Environmental:
Operating temperature: 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F)
Storage temperature: -10 to 60°C (14 to 140°F)
Humidity: 10% to 90%, non-condensing
Battery Life (9V Alkaline battery, typical) Times are for the full capacity
of the battery used continuously in one of the following modes:
Standby: 3.5 years
Cable Testing: No Back Light (Tone, Length, Test) 108 hours
(Hub Blink) 54 hours
Back Light On (Tone, Length, Test) 27 hours
(Hub Blink) 20 hours
Cable Types: Shielded or unshielded, Cat 6, Cat-5E, Cat-5, Cat-4, Cat-3 and Coax
Minimum cable length for testing for split pairs: 1 meter (3 feet)
Minimum cable length for TEST: 1.25 meter (4 feet)
Length measurement range (CAT5/6): 0 to 640 meters (0 to 2100 feet)
Length measurements coax cable: Average 3,000 ft. – depends on coax cable resistance values
Applied Voltage: 100 volts DC or RMS AC applied continuously. Can stand 240 volt peak.
INTERPRETING CABLE TEST RESULTS – The PASS icon will be on if the cable has all pins
properly connected per T568A/B standard. The FAIL icon will be on if there is a short or split pair.
Neither icon will be on if there are opens or miswires. The wiremap should be inspected for these
types of errors.
Definition of Errors – (See failure example drawings) The three classes of faults below are in order
of severity. The more severe wiremap error will mask less severe wiremap errors. For example, if
there is a short in the cable; miswires and splits pairs may not be detected until the short is corrected.
Short – The pair has a low resistance connection from one wire of any pair to another wire in any pair in
the cable or shield. A short with remote attached is indicated by the FAIL icon being on and flashing X’s in
the appropriate pin position of the second display line. Error messages listing all the pins shorted together
will also be displayed. In the CABLE TEST mode (no remote), all error messages will be displayed.
6
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Miswire – Single or multiple conductors are not connected to the same pins at both ends of the cable.
With a remote attached, the wire map shows the pin numbers from display line 1 (main) to display line 2
(remote). A reverse pair is a special case of a miswire in which the pair is wired to the correct pair of pins,
but the two conductors are reversed. In CABLE TEST (no remote), this type of error is not detectable.
Split Pair – A split pair occurs when a cable is terminated consistently at both ends, but in the
wrong order. Twisted pair cables typically are made up of eight wires twisted together in 4 pairs.
These 4 pairs are designated as pairs by the wiring standards and are intended to carry a signal by
creating a circuit. 1 & 2, 3 & 6, 4 & 5 and 7 & 8 are the pairs designated by T568A/B for a RJ45
jack or plug. A cable can be wired with correct continuity but not with correct pairing. With remote
attached, the pin numbers split pairs flash and an error message is displayed listing the split pair
pin numbers. In the PRETEST mode (no remote), the Error message is displayed.
10BaseT Wiremap
(2 pair 4 wires)
Token Ring Wiremap
(2 pair 4 wires)
123 6
123 6
3456
3456
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX 781.665.0780 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
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