IDEAL INDUSTRIES LANTEK User Manual

IDEAL INDUSTRIES

LANTEK

CABLE TESTERS

USER’S GUIDE

01 FEBUARY 2002

MANUAL PART # 6510-00-5000 REV. A

LANTEK Cable Tester User’s Guide

This document contains information proprietary to IDEAL INDUSTRIES. The
information in this document is not to be used or duplicated in any manner without
prior written approval from IDEAL INDUSTRIES.

IDEAL INDUSTRIES and the IDEAL INDUSTRIES logo are registered
trademarks of IDEAL INDUSTRIES.

All other product names mentioned in this book are trademarked or copyrighted by
their respective manufacturers.

IDEAL INDUSTRIES
LAN and Test Tools Division
9145 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123
[phone]
[phone]

Manual Part No. 6510-00-5000 Rev.A

© IDEAL INDUSTRIES 2002 Printed in USA 2002-02

IDEAL INDUSTRIES Standard Warranty Policy

IDEAL INDUSTRIES warrants that all Products manufactured or procured by IDEAL
INDUSTRIES conform to IDEAL INDUSTRIES’ published specifications and are free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of delivery to the
original Buyer, when used under normal operating conditions and within the service conditions for
which they are designed. This warranty is not transferable and does not apply to used or
demonstration products.

The obligation of IDEAL INDUSTRIES arising from a Warranty claim shall be limited to
repairing, or at its option, replacing without charge, any assembly or component (except batteries
and cable adapters) which in IDEAL INDUSTRIES’ sole opinion proves to be defective within the
scope of the Warranty. In the event IDEAL INDUSTRIES is not able to modify, repair or replace
nonconforming defective parts or components to a condition as warranted within a reasonable time
after receipt thereof, Buyers shall receive credit in the amount of the original invoiced price of the
product.

IDEAL INDUSTRIES must be notified in writing of the defect or nonconformity within the
Warranty period and the affected Product returned to IDEAL INDUSTRIES’ factory, designated
Service Provider, or Authorized Service Center within thirty (30) days after discovery of such
defect or nonconformity. Buyer shall prepay shipping charges and insurance for Products returned
to IDEAL INDUSTRIES or its designated Service Provider for warranty service. IDEAL
INDUSTRIES or its designated Service Provider shall pay costs for return of Products to Buyer.

IDEAL INDUSTRIES shall have no responsibility for any defect or damage caused by improper
storage, improper installation, unauthorized modification, misuse, neglect, inadequate maintenance,
accident or for any Product which has been repaired or altered by anyone other than IDEAL
INDUSTRIES or its authorized representative or not in accordance with instructions furnished by
IDEAL INDUSTRIES.

The Warranty described above is Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy and no other warranty,
whether written or oral, expressed or implied by statute or course of dealing shall apply. IDEAL
INDUSTRIES specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. No statement, representation, agreement, or understanding, oral or written,
made by an agent, distributor, or employee of IDEAL INDUSTRIES, which is not contained in the
foregoing Warranty will be binding upon IDEAL INDUSTRIES, unless made in writing and
executed by an authorized representative of IDEAL INDUSTRIES. Under no circumstances shall
IDEAL INDUSTRIES be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential
damages, expenses, or losses, including loss of profits, based on contract, tort, or any other legal
theory.

i

Index of Safety Precautions

IDEAL INDUSTRIES recommends that the user review all of the information in
Appendix A before using the LANTEK tester.

Important Notice

Charge Battery Packs Prior to Use

The battery packs in the Display and Remote Handsets are subject to discharge
even when the units are turned off. With time on the shelf, the battery packs’
charge levels may not support the instrument’s operation. Refer to Chapter 2,
Your Cable Tester for charging instructions and observe all Safety Precautions in
Appendix A.

ii

Table of Contents

Index of Safety Precautions...........................................................................................i

Important Notice .......................................................................................................... i

Table of Contents ..........................................................................................................ii

List of Figures................................................................................................................ v

List of Tables ................................................................................................................ vi

Operation Notes, Cautions, and Warnings.................................................................vii

About This User’s Guide ............................................................................................viii

Chapter 1 Quick Start................................................................................................1-1

Contents...................................................................................................................1-1

What’s in the Box? ...................................................................................................1-1

Quick Start Procedures.............................................................................................1-3

Next Steps................................................................................................................1-7

Chapter 2 Your Cable Tester.....................................................................................2-1

Contents...................................................................................................................2-1

The LANTEK Cable Tester......................................................................................2-1

The Display Handset.................................................................................................2-6

The Remote Handset ..............................................................................................2-15

Operational Sequence.............................................................................................2-18

Battery and Power Management .............................................................................2-18

Chapter 3 Calibration, Configuration, and Special Operations ...............................3-1

Contents...................................................................................................................3-1

Adapters and Reference Patchcords..........................................................................3-2

Warning Screens.......................................................................................................3-7

Tester Field Calibration.............................................................................................3-8

Tester Configuration...............................................................................................3-11

Simple Cable ID/AutoName Option........................................................................ 3-27

Changing a Cable Type........................................................................................... 3-31

Custom Cable Settings............................................................................................3-34

Tone Generator ......................................................................................................3-39

Digital Talkset........................................................................................................3-41

TDR TEST .............................................................................................................3-42

iii

Chapter 4 Autotesting................................................................................................4-1

Contents...................................................................................................................4-1

Autotest Overview...................................................................................................4-1

Autotest Preferences ................................................................................................4-7

Running Autotest.....................................................................................................4-8

Interpreting Autotest Results..................................................................................4-10

Autotest Graphs.....................................................................................................4-20

Chapter 5 Analyze Testing ........................................................................................5-1

Contents...................................................................................................................5-1

Analyze Single Test Mode Overview........................................................................5-1

Running a Single Test...............................................................................................5-4

Chapter 6 Using LANTEK REPORTER..................................................................6-1

Contents...................................................................................................................6-1

System Requirements...............................................................................................6-2

LANTEK Reporter Installation and Startup ..............................................................6-2

Tester to PC Connectivity ........................................................................................6-4

LANTEK Reporter User Interface............................................................................6-8

LANTEK Reporter Help System Overview............................................................6-18

Uploading DH Tests to the PC...............................................................................6-22

Utilizing Graph Data ..............................................................................................6-24

Working with Databases.........................................................................................6-25

Working at the Job Level........................................................................................6-27

Working at the Test Level......................................................................................6-33

Backing Up and Restoring Databases .....................................................................6-41

Producing and Printing a Report ............................................................................. 6-42

Chapter 7 Cable Testing Fundamentals....................................................................7-1

Contents...................................................................................................................7-1

Testing Twisted Pair Cables .....................................................................................7-2

Wire Map Test.........................................................................................................7-6

Wire Length Test .....................................................................................................7-8

DC Resistance Test................................................................................................7-10

NEXT, ELFEXT, and Power Sum Tests................................................................7-12

Attenuation Test.....................................................................................................7-18

Return Loss Test....................................................................................................7-20

Impedance Test......................................................................................................7-22

iv

Delay and Skew Test..............................................................................................7-24

Capacitance Test.....................................................................................................7-26

ACR and Power Sum ACR Test.............................................................................7-28

Headroom Test.......................................................................................................7-30

Testing and Troubleshooting 10BASE-T Cabling.................................................... 7-31

Testing and Troubleshooting with Block Adapters.................................................. 7-32

Appendix A Safety Precautions ................................................................................ A-1

Contents..................................................................................................................A-1

Handle Battery Packs With Care..............................................................................A-1

Statement of Liability ...............................................................................................A-2

Environmental Statement.........................................................................................A-2

Important User Information.....................................................................................A-3

Appendix B Customer Support.................................................................................B-1

Contents..................................................................................................................B-1

Customer Service.....................................................................................................B-1

World Wide Web Services....................................................................................... B-4

Appendix C Measurement Methods and Limits......................................................C-1

Contents..................................................................................................................C-1

Electrical Performance Specifications .......................................................................C-1

Tester Performance Levels .....................................................................................C-11

Permanent and Channel Link Test Limits ...............................................................C-14

Appendix D Specifications ........................................................................................D-1

Contents..................................................................................................................D-1

LANTEK Cables, Adapters, and Accessories........................................................... D-1

Environmental and Physical Specifications ...............................................................D-3

v

List of Figures

Figure 1-1: Contents of Package...................................................................................1-2

Figure 1-2: Self Test In Progress..................................................................................1-3

Figure 2-1: Display Handset (DH)................................................................................2-6

Figure 2-2: LCD Ready Screen.....................................................................................2-8

Figure 2-3: Display Handset Interface Ports................................................................2-13

Figure 2-4: PCMCIA Slots.........................................................................................2-14

Figure 2-5: PCMCIA Adapter, Compact Flash Card and Reader.................................2-14

Figure 2-6: Remote Handset (RH) .............................................................................. 2-15

Figure 2-7: Remote Handset Interface Ports...............................................................2-17

Figure 2-8: Tester AC/DC Wall Cube Adapter ...........................................................2-19

Figure 3-1: Loss Components of a Total Link...............................................................3-5

Figure 3-2: Sample Warning Screen .............................................................................3-7

Figure 3-3: Tester Field Calibration Setup....................................................................3-8

Figure 3-4: Custom Cable Parameter Screen...............................................................3-38

Figure 3-5: Typical Tone Generator Setup..................................................................3-39

Figure 3-6: TDR Graphical Plot Layout and Controls.................................................3-47

Figure 4-1: Tabular Data and Graphical Plot Layout ................................................... 4-22

Figure 6-1: Typical Installation Window.......................................................................6-3

Figure 6-2: PC Uploading Cable Pinout........................................................................6-5

Figure 6-3: PC to Tester Connections...........................................................................6-6

Figure 7-1: Twisted Pair Cables....................................................................................7-2

Figure 7-2: Shield Continuity Test Connections Twisted Pair........................................7-3

Figure 7-3: Permanent Link Test Connections..............................................................7-4

Figure 7-4: Channel Link Test Connections..................................................................7-5

Figure 7-5: 10BASE-T Connector .............................................................................. 7-31

vi

List of Tables

Table 2-1: Display Handset (DH) Keys, LCD, and Connectors......................................2-7

Table 2-2: Ready Screen Indicators...............................................................................2-9

Table 2-3: Soft Key Descriptions................................................................................2-11

Table 2-4: DH Connectors..........................................................................................2-13

Table 2-5: Remote Handset (RH) Keys, LED, and Connectors ................................... 2-16

Table 2-6: RH Connectors.......................................................................................... 2-17

Table 3-1: LANTEK 6 Test Adapter and Reference Patchcord Usage...........................3-2

Table 3-2: LANTEK 7 Test Adapter and Reference Patchcord Usage...........................3-3

Table 3-3: Unsuccessful Field Calibration Checklist ....................................................3-10

Table 3-4: Autotest Preference Options ......................................................................3-13

Table 3-5: Custom Cable Parameter Options............................................................... 3-38

Table 3-6: TDR Graphical Plot Layout and Controls................................................... 3-47

Table 4-1: Preset Autotest Suites Available for Specific Cable Types............................4-2

Table 4-2: Overall Test Result Symbols ......................................................................4-10

Table 4-3: Individual Autotest Reports .......................................................................4-10

Table 4-4: Job Options................................................................................................4-18

Table 4-5: Test Options..............................................................................................4-19

Table 4-6: Autotest Graph View Layout and Controls ................................................ 4-23

Table 7-1: Twisted Pair Cable Types and Associated Networks ....................................7-3

vii

Operation Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

The following symbols are used in this manual to indicate that the user should use
particular caution in order to prevent personal injury or damage to the tester or the
system under test.

Exercise caution when you see this symbol. It indicates actions that could
be harmful to the user or to the equipment.

Exercise extreme caution when you see this symbol. It indicates potentially
lethal voltages.

viii

About This User’s Guide

Chapter 1 Quick Start

This chapter summarizes information and procedures regarding tester function,
unpacking, setup, and operation.

Chapter 2 Your Cable Tester

This chapter describes the LANTEK cable tester, performance specifications,
tester controls, and indicators. It also contains useful information regarding unit
power management.

Chapter 3 Calibration, Configuration, and Special Operations

This chapter describes the test adapters and reference patchcords as well as the use
of the Tone Generator and Digital Talkset. It explains the procedures for
calibration, configuration, cable identification, selecting cable types, and custom
cable settings. The last section depicts the useful effects of performing Time
Domain Reflectometer tests.

Chapter 4 Autotesting

This chapter describes the Autotest function, and provides instructions for setting
up test preferences. This chapter also describes individual tests that run during an
Autotest and provides instructions for viewing and interpreting Autotest results.

ix

Chapter 5 Analyze Testing

This chapter describes the Analyze test function and provides instructions for
setting up test preferences and running an Analyze test. This chapter also describes
each Analyze test and provides instructions for viewing and interpreting test
results.

Chapter 6 Using LANTEK REPORTER

This chapter contains procedures for LANTEK REPORTER installation,
configuration, operation, uploading test data into a PC database, and for viewing
and printing test reports.

Chapter 7 Cable Testing Fundamentals

This chapter describes test setup, physical and electrical characteristics of cables,
test descriptions, test storage, and data management procedures. This chapter also
describes how to set up different cabling tests, what to do when tests fail, and
typical causes of test failure.

Appendix A Safety Precautions

This appendix reviews safety information regarding setup and use of the tester.

Appendix B Customer Support

This appendix contains information regarding Customer Service (Technical
Assistance, Service in the USA, Service Outside the USA) and World Wide Web
Services.

x

Appendix C Measurement Methods and Limits

This appendix contains information regarding cable test accuracy levels, worst
allowable pair-to-pair measured performance levels, and basic and channel link test
limits.

Appendix D Specifications

This appendix contains information regarding standard and optional cables,
adapters, accessories, and unit specifications.

1-1

Chapter 1

Quick Start

Contents

• What’s in the Box?

• Quick Start Procedures

• Next Steps

What’s in the Box?

The LANTEK you received (Category 6 or Category 7 tester) comes in either the
Basic package or Premier package based on your request. See Figure 1-1.

The Basic package consists of:

• Display Handset • Serial Interface Cable

• Remote Handset • USB Cable

• NiMH Batteries (2) • Cat 6 Channel Adapters (2)

• AC Wall Adapters (2) • Cat 7 Channel Adapters (2), LANTEK 7 only

• LANTEK Reporter • Cat 6 RJ45 Patchcords (2)

• Quick Reference Guide • Cat 7 RJ45 to Tera Patchcords (2), LANTEK 7 only

• Soft Carrying Case • Cat 7 Tera Patchcords (2), LANTEK 7 only

• Hanging Strap (2)

The Premier package consists of:
All items supplied in the Basic package with a substitution of a hard case for the

soft case. In addition you get the (1) PCMCIA adapter, (1) Compact Flash Card
(32 MB), (1) Flash card reader, and (1) 2-port battery charger.

Chapter 1
Quick Start

1-2

Display Handset

NiMH Batteries (2)

Remote Handset

AC Wall Adapters (2)

Plug configuration

changes with country

Reference Patchcords

Serial Interface Cable

Soft Carrying Case

Quick Reference Guide

Hanging Strap (2)

LANTEK REPORTER
Software

AUTO
TEST

NET MONITOR

WIRE MAP

TDR

LENGTH

SHIFT

750 MHz Certifier

F1F2F3F4

F5

F6F7F8

ENTER

Escape

TALK

ANALYZE

SETUP

HELP

1

23

456

789

0

ABC

DEFGHI

JKL

MNO

PQR

STUVWX

YZ

SPACE

AUTO
TEST

ESCAPE

TONE MODE

TONE

PAGE

TALK

SHIFT

Remote

HAZARDPASS FAIL ON

350 MHz Certifier

Cat 7 Channel Adapters (2)

LANTEK 7 only

USB Interface Cable

Cat 6 RJ45 to RJ45

Cat 7 RJ45 to Tera

LANTEK 7 only

Cat 7 Tera to Tera

LANTEK 7 only

Basic Package

Premier Package

PCMCIA Adapter

32MB Compact
Flash Card

USB Flash Card

Reader to PC

Hard Carrying Case

2-Port Battery

Charger

Cat 6 Channel Adapters (2)

Figure 1-1: Contents of Package

Chapter 1

Quick Start

1-3

Quick Start Procedures

The objective of this section is to supply a highly experienced cable installer with
enough information to perform an Autotest on a twisted pair cable. For more
detailed information refer to Next Steps, page 1-7.

Power-up

Power-up the Display Handset by pressing the On/Off key.

Note: The Remote Handset will be powered up automatically by the Display Handset

when the test begins.

Self-Test

When the LANTEK Tester is turned on, it displays a Self-Test In Progress
message and performs a quick self-test. An alert message is displayed if the
self-test determines that calibration or repair is necessary.

Figure 1-2: Self Test In Progress

Chapter 1
Quick Start

1-4

Tester Calibration

A calibration screen will always appear 7 days after the last field calibration.
The purpose of calibration is to (1) synchronize the units, (2) qualify (test) the
patchcords and (3) gather loss data regarding the patchcords and mated
connections.

Note: Calibration should also be done whenever there is a change of the reference

patchcords.

To calibrate the tester:

1. Connect the channel adapters to the Display Handset and Remote Handset.

2. Power the units on.

3. Connect one of the two appropriate patchcords to the adapters of the DH and

RH units.

4. From the DH Ready screen, select Field Calibration .

5. From the Field Calibration screen, select Start on the DH.

6. At completion of the first patchcord process, disconnect the first patchcord

from the adapters of the DH and RH and insert the second patchcord into both
of the units’ adapters.

7. Select Start on the DH.

8. At completion of the second patchcord process, disconnect the second

patchcord from one of the units and re-insert the first patchcord to the unit’s

adapter not connected to a patchcord.
The field calibration is complete and you are ready to perform tests.
If the calibration was unsuccessful, proceed to Chapter 3, Tester Field

Calibration. If you are unable to fix the problem, contact your local distributor or
an IDEAL INDUSTRIES service facility for assistance.

Chapter 1

Quick Start

1-5

Twisted Pair Cable Connections

Most Autotests are performed with the DH and RH connected at opposite ends of
the cable under test. The minimum level of connectivity required depends on the
test and cable type selected.

• Some tests can be performed without the RH. Stored test results or test

printouts will indicate the presence or absence of the RH during the test.

• If the test requires the RH, the DH will first attempt to communicate with the

RH. If unable to communicate, the DH will display a message that it is
looking for the RH.

Observe the following cautions while connecting the tester:

Shielded Cabling Systems

Do not create testing ground loops with shielded cable systems.
Shielded cable systems (i.e., 4 pair STP, or Coaxial) present a unique
testing problem due to the cable shield’s ground connection. The
LANTEK unit can test these systems to specifications only if the
handsets are operated on battery power and not connected to a PC or
printer using a copper serial cable.

If connection to a printer or PC is essential to perform testing, IDEAL
INDUSTRIES recommends using battery-operated devices and
removing any wall power charging inputs. If this is not possible, an
optically isolated serial cable should be used during testing to isolate
the tester from all other ground connections.

TELCO Lines

Do not connect the tester to a live or active TELCO lines. If you
accidentally plug the unit into outlets with active TELCO lines present
(indicated by a “Voltage Exceeds Limits” warning message) disconnect
the tester immediately.

Chapter 1
Quick Start

1-6

Permanent Link Test Setup

1. Attach the channel adapters to both the Display and Remote Handsets.

2. Attach the appropriate patchcords to the adapters.

3. On the horizontal cable to be tested, disconnect the corresponding user

patchcords from the network patch panel and the RJ-45 or Tera wall outlet.

4. Connect the DH with the adapter and the appropriate patchcord end to the

network patch panel, and then connect the RH with the adapter and the

appropriate patchcord end to the wall outlet.

Note: Prior to testing, check that the Cable Type is set for Permanent Link.

Channel Link Test Setup

1. Attach the channel adapters to both the Display and Remote Handsets.

2. On the link to be tested, disconnect the corresponding user patch cords from

the network equipment.

3. Connect the DH adapter to the patch panel using the user patchcord and the

RH adapter to the wall outlet using the user patchcord.

Note: Prior to testing, check that the Cable Type is set for Channel Link.

Set Autotest Preferences

Autotest is the most frequently used test mode. A number of preferences can be
selected for the Autotest function:

• Simple Cable ID • Pass Fail Icon • Stop on Fail

• Autosave • Save Graphs • Auto Increment

• Marginal pass/fail • ACR • Resistance

• Capacitance • Impedance • Enable 24 ELFEXT

Chapter 1

Quick Start

1-7

To set Preferences:

1. From the DH Tools screen, select Preferences .

2. Select Autotest Preferences.

3. From the open Autotest Preferences screen, set the preferences as required

(refer to Chapter 3, Set Autotest Preferences).

Perform Autotest on a Twisted Pair Cable

The selection of cable type determines the default tests and limits included in an
Autotest suite.

1. Press Shift and Setup simultaneously or select on the DH

Ready screen to choose the Cable Type (refer to Chapter 3, Selecting Cable
Type).

2. Press Autotest to begin testing. The cable tester will perform a

predefined test suite.

3. The test result is displayed below the Title Bar at the top right corner.

A checkmark indicates an overall pass. A indicates an overall fail.

4. To interpret, save, or print an Autotest result, refer to Chapter 4, Autotesting.

Next Steps

Refer to the following chapters for more information regarding the setup and
operation of your LANTEK tester:

Chapter 2 Your Cable Tester

This chapter describes the LANTEK tester controls, indicators, and screens. It
also contains information regarding tester power management.

Chapter 1
Quick Start

1-8

Chapter 3 Calibration, Configuration, and Special Operations

This chapter describes the test adapters and reference patchcords as well as the
use of the Tone Generator and Digital Talkset. It explains the procedures for
calibration, configuration, cable identification, selecting cable types and custom
cable settings. The last section depicts the useful effects of performing Time
Domain Reflectometer tests.

Chapter 4 Autotesting

This chapter describes the Autotest function and provides instructions for setting
up test preferences. This chapter also describes individual tests that run during an
Autotest and provides instructions for viewing and interpreting Autotest results.

Chapter 5 Analyze Testing

This chapter describes the Analyze test function and provides instructions for
setting up test preferences and running an Analyze test. This chapter also provides
instructions for viewing and interpreting test results.

Chapter 6 Using LANTEK REPORTER

This chapter describes how to upload test data from the LANTEK tester to a PC
or laptop and how to organize and print the test data.

Chapter 7 Cable Testing Fundamentals

This chapter describes physical and electrical characteristics of cables, test
descriptions, test storage and data management procedures. This chapter also
describes how to set up different cabling tests, what to do when tests fail and
typical causes of test failure.

2-1

Chapter 2

Your Cable Tester

Contents

• The LANTEK Cable Tester

• The Display Handset

• The Remote Handset

• Operational Sequence

• Battery and Power Management

The LANTEK Cable Tester

The LANTEK is a high-performance portable LAN cable tester designed to test
and measure twisted pair and coaxial cable used for high-speed data
communications networks.

The LANTEK 7 tester is capable of certifying Category 5, 5e, 6, and 7 cables to
Level III accuracy with a frequency of 750 MHz (350 MHz for the LANTEK 6),
and will perform a frequency sweep based platform with vector (amplitude and
phase) capabilities. This instrument is designed to meet the current test
requirements of the TIA/EIA 568 and ISO 11801 standards including “Permanent
Link” characterization.

Chapter 2
Your Cable Tester

2-2

Features of the Tester

¼ VGA (320 x 240) color LCD DH display with backlight.
Advanced TDR capabilities, including Fiber Optic capability (with TRACETEK

adapter module).
PCMCIA double height slot for user removable and replaceable CF (Compact

Flash) memory modules.
Digital talkset including FIBERTEK compatible capability (with FO adapter

module).
USB and serial ports for downloading and communication with standard PC.
Both DH and RH have a “Kick stand” for optimum display visibility on the

bench.
The RH has a two line alphanumeric B/W LCD display and a reduced keypad set.
Initiate Autotest from either the DH or RH.
IDEAL’s revolutionary Adapter modules with locking mechanisms (Patent

Pending).

Chapter 2

Your Cable Tester

2-3

Performance Specifications (Copper)

Delay

Range
Resolution
Accuracy

0-8000nsec
1nsec
+(3% + 1ns)

Length

Range
Resolution
Accuracy
Propagation

2000 ft.
1ft.
3% + 3ft.

0.5 – 0.99c

Cable Capacitance

Range
Resolution
Accuracy

0 – 100nF
3dig
+(2% +20pF)

DC Loop Resistance

Range
Resolution
Accuracy

0 – 200ς

0.1ς
+(1% +2ς)

Attenuation

Frequency Range

Measurement Range
Dynamic Range
Frequency Step Size (kHz)
Resolution
Accuracy

1 - 350 MHz (LANTEK 6)
1 - 750 MHz (LANTEK 7)

0 – <90dB
55dB to 700 MHz
150,250,500,1000

0.1dB
Exceeds Level III Accuracy

Chapter 2
Your Cable Tester

2-4

NEXT

Frequency Range

Measurement Range

Dynamic Range

Frequency Step Size (kHz)

Residual NEXT

Resolution

Accuracy

1 - 350 MHz (LANTEK 6)
1 - 750 MHz (LANTEK 7)

20 – 100dB
70dB to 700 MHz
150,250,500,1000
72dB

0.1dB
Exceeds Level III

Return Loss

Frequency Range

Measurement Range

Frequency Step Size (kHz)

Resolution

Accuracy

1 - 350 MHz (LANTEK 6)
1 - 750 MHz (LANTEK 7)

0 – 30dB
150,250,500,1000

0.1dB
Exceeds Level III

Auto Test Time

Cat 5-E

Cat 6

Certification to 750 MHz

(LANTEK 7 only)

<25 seconds
<30 seconds

<35 seconds

Average Noise

Range

Bandwidth

Resolution

Accuracy

0 – 2Vrms
40 – 500 Hz
10mVrms
+(3% +20mVrms)

Chapter 2

Your Cable Tester

2-5

Impulse Noise

Count Range
Threshold Range
Threshold Resolution
Threshold Accuracy
Min pulse width

0 – 9999 counts/sec
0 – 2V
10mV
+(5% +20mV)
10ns above threshold

ELFEXT

Frequency Range

Measurement Range
Dynamic Range (FEXT)
Frequency Step Size (kHz)
Residual FEXT
Resolution
Accuracy

1 - 350 MHz (LANTEK 6)
1 - 750 MHz (LANTEK 7)

20 – 100dB
70dB to 700 MHz
150,250,500,1000
72dB

0.1dB
Exceeds Level III Accuracy

Chapter 2
Your Cable Tester

2-6

The Display Handset

The LANTEK Display Handset performs as the command unit. This allows you
to control procedural preference and test functions used during the performance of
various cable test activities.

Display, Controls, Indicators, and Interface

Figure 2-1 shows the controls and indicators of the Display Handset (DH). Table
2-1 provides a brief description of each DH feature.

Figure 2-1: Display Handset (DH)

Chapter 2

Your Cable Tester

2-7

Table 2-1: Display Handset (DH) Keys, LCD, and Connectors

Item DH Front Panel Description

1 Graphical Display Presents menus, test results, graphs, action choices,

and option keys.

2 Option Keys Select menu options displayed on screen.
3 Arrow/Enter Keys Allow up, down, left, and right movement on the

display.
Enter key selects a highlighted option or saves
changes.

4 AUTOTEST Key Perform a fast suite of tests. Test results are

presented as pass/fail. Suites for established
standards are preprogrammed in the tester.

5 Wiremap Key Find shorts, opens, and miswires such as split and

reversed pairs.

6 Length/TDR Key Initiate a Length or TDR test.
7 Talk/Analyze Key

Activate/deactivate the Talkset function or Select
option to perform individual cable tests (real time).

8 Help/Setup Key Display Help info or open cable type setup screen
9 Escape Key

Abort and exit the current screen without making
changes.

10 Alphanumeric Keys Enter numbers, letters or special characters. Select

numbered menu options.

11 Shift Key Toggle key activities having dual functions.
12 Backlight Key Toggle the screen backlight on/off.
13 On/Off Switch Power the Display Handset on/off.
14

Low-Crosstalk
Connector Port

Connect an adapter.

15 Talkset Jack Connect a Talkset headset and microphone.
16 DC Input Jack Connect an external power supply.
17 PCMCIA Slots Insert memory cards for data storage.
18 USB Port PC upload port.

Also used to load software upgrades.

19 DB-9 Serial Port

Printer and PC upload port.
Also used to load software upgrades.

Chapter 2
Your Cable Tester

2-8

VGA Front Panel

The Ready screen appears when the unit is powered up.

Note: A warning screen will appear reminding you to perform a field calibration if one has

not been performed within the last 7 days. You can still perform testing but the
test results may not be qualified or reliable.

Figure 2-2: LCD Ready Screen

Chapter 2

Your Cable Tester

2-9

Table 2-2: Ready Screen Indicators

Item Function Description

1 Battery Meter

or
AC Cable

Display remaining battery power level (from
Empty to Full) or
Indicate when the unit is running off AC power.

2 Talk Set Indicator Indicate when the Talk Set function is available.
3

Storage Device Indicator
and Memory Usage

Display whether Compact Flash Memory or
alternate device is used to store data. Also
indicates the total number of records stored.

4 Screen Title Display the screen title.
5 Time and Date Display time and date information.
6 Setting Display the cable type selected for testing.
7 Job Title Display the current job name.
8 Function Title Display the title of the highlighted function.

9 Cable ID Icon Select the cable naming function.
10 Stored Test Icon Select the stored test file manager function.
11 Field Calibration Icon Select the field calibration function.
12 Preferences Icon Select the instrument preferences function.
13

Instrument Information
Icon

Select the instrument information function.

14 Analyze Icon

Select the option to perform individual cable
tests (real time).

15 Fiber Optics Icon Select the fiber optics function.
16 Cable Type Icon Select or edit a cable type.