IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC LanXPLORER User Guide

LanXPLORER

User Guide

150835 issue 3

IDEAL INDUSTRIES LTD.

Stokenchurch House Oxford Road Stokenchurch High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP14 3SX UK

www.idealnwd.com

The information contained in this document is the property of IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd. and is supplied without liability for errors and omissions. No part of this document may be reproduced or used except as authorized by contract or other written permission from IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd. The copyright and all restrictions on reproduction and use apply to all media in which this information may be placed.

IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd. pursues a policy of continual product improvement and reserves the right to alter without notice the specification, design, price or conditions of supply of any product or service.

Safety precautions

Caution on handling rechargeable batteries (accumulator batteries)

All nickel/metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries generate sufficient electrical current to cause injury and/or damage regardless of the charge state indicated.

Nickel/metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries should never be exposed to fire or disposed of with normal domestic waste. Nickel/metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries can explode when exposed to open flames. These batteries constitute special hazardous waste and can contaminate the ground water when disposed of at a waste dump.

Observe the following instructions precisely when handling rechargeable batteries to avoid injury.

 When a rechargeable battery is not installed in the hand-held instrument, it should be

stored in a clean, dry and non-conductive package.

 Ensure that the contracts on the rechargeable battery do not come into contact with

conductive materials.

 Avoid touching the contact surfaces on the rechargeable battery.  The rechargeable batteries can be charged while installed in the hand-held instrument.

Charging in any other manner can result in the rechargeable battery exploding.

 Install, remove, store and charge the rechargeable batteries only in non-explosive

atmospheres.

 Observe the operating and storage temperatures (see Chapter 1.2. Dimensions,

Weights, Operating Conditions).

 Do not allow children or persons not familiar with the safety precautions in these

operating instructions to handle or charge rechargeable batteries.

 Never open the rechargeable battery case. There are no user-serviceable parts in the

case and the rechargeable batteries contained in the case are not replaceable.

Disclaimer

ATTENTION!

This symbol indicates potential lethal voltages. This poses a hazard for the life and/or health of the person performing the action or any other humans in the vicinity.

CAUTION!

This symbol indicates that the action in question may pose a hazard for the environment or damage technical equipment.

NOTE:

General notes, additional information or assistance are given here.

Bold face

Indicates a key on the LanXPLORER.

Italics

Indicates a menu option in these operating instructions.

Quotation marks " "

Indicate a "Screen message"

Asterix *

Indicates a module-related option

xxx

Indicates a softkey

IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd assumes no liability for death, injury, or damage to equipment or

property resulting from improper use of the rechargeable batteries.

IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd assumes no liability for subsequent damage resulting from

modifications to the rechargeable batteries or the charger or use of the same.

All rights to technical modification reserved.

Environmental Protection

Please contact a representative of IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd. if you have any questions regarding safe handling and disposal of the rechargeable batteries used in the LanXPLORER. Contact information is given in the Chapter Customer Service.

Working with the LanXPLORER

The factory settings on the LanXPLORER are based on general standards, recommended industrial standards for cable and network links, state-of-the-art technical information from the international committees for LAN cable standards, the LAN industry as well as values gained from tests and experience of IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd.

Before performing any measurements IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd recommends clarifying with the principal or project manager, precisely which measurements are to be performed to ensure that all relevant parameters are maintained.

Notes on use of these operating instructions

The following symbols used in these operating instructions indicate that the user should proceed with particular care to prevent injuries to humans, damage to the LanXPLORER or to the system to be tested.

Typographic conventions

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Your LanXPLORER

Chapter 2

Instrument Description

Chapter 3

Settings

Chapter 4

Test Summary

Chapter 5

Test Setup

Chapter 6

Test Description and Procedure

Chapter 7

Wiring test on fibre-optic conductors and SFP modules

Chapter 8

LanXPLORER firmware update

Chapter 9

Spare parts – Socket inserts

CHAPTER 1

Your LanXPLORER

Function

LanXPLORER

PLUS

LanXPLORER

PRO

Screen size

3.5” TFT colour

3.5” TFT colour,

TOUCH

Wiremap

  

Number of ports

1 copper

1 copper 1 WiFi

2 copper 1 fibre,

WiFI

Tone Generator

  

PoE / PoE+ measurement

  

PoE / PoE+ device load measurement



Basic active tests (DHCP, Ping etc.)

  

Top Ten test (Talkers, Listeners,

protocols etc.)

  

Device map / Netverify

  

Inline testing



VoIP measurement



VLAN Discovery

  

802.1x

  

Loopback



Results transfer to PC

Via USB memory

stick

Via USB memory

stick

Via USB memory

stick

Internal battery charging

  

External power supply

  

The LanXPLORER can be used to test RJ45 cable routes, networks, connected Ethernet devices and fibre-optic cable used for high speed transmission of data in communications networks.

1.1. Technical Data

Maintenance of test standards:

ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A, 568B

Types of cable

Wiring in compliance with UTP/SCTP/FTP CAT 3/5e/6A/7 (100 Ω)

1.2. Dimensions, Weights, Operating Conditions

Dimensions:

(L) 205 mm x (W) 98 mm x (D) 45 mm

Weights:

Handheld display 650 g (incl. Batteries)

Batteries 180 g

Batteries:

Chapter 1

Your LanXPLORER

AA Alkaline

NiMHi* (battery pack)

Operating time with rechargeable batteries:

4 hours under normal operating conditions

Charging time:

In instrument 8 hours

Operating temperature (min./max.):

0o C to +40o C (use only when instrument temperature is close to ambient temperature!)

Storage temperature (min./max.):

-20o C to +70o C

Relative humidity:

5% to 90%, non-condensing

Quantity

Description

Measuring instrument

Active Remote

Carrying case

STP Patch cables, 30 cm

CD with operating instructions

Brief instructions

AA Alkaline batteries

1.3. Equipment included Basic version

Chapter 1

Your LanXPLORER

CHAPTER 2

Instrument description

2.1. LanXPLORER

Item

Controls

Description

ON/OFF

For switching the LanXPLORER on and off. Hold key down: To restart.

Arrow keys / Enter

For navigation in menus on TFT display / Entry key for activation and editing in selected menu.

Autotest

Immediate execution of pre-programmed test procedure.

Function keys F1 to F4

For selection of softkeys displayed on screen.

TFT display

Display of menus, test results, graphs, actions selected and function keys.

Touchscreen* for display and selection of of menus, test results, graphs, action selection and function keys.

Escape

Return to previous menu or discontinue and exit current menu without saving changes.

LEDs

Display of charging status Illuminated green: Batteries are being charged. Off (with charger connected): Batteries are charged. Flashing green: Batteries cannot be charged – AA

cells are fitted, battery is too hot or too cold.

Flashing red: Batteries cannot be charged – temperature is too high.

Figure 1: LanXPLORER - Front

view

The LanXPLORER guarantees control of the settings and test functions while performing individual tests.

2.1.1. Controls and Interfaces/Connections

Chapter 2

Item

Interfaces / Connections

Description

RJ45 1 network interface

Terminal for copper cables.

Fibre-optic network port

Terminal for fibre-optic cables.

RJ45 2 diagnostic port

Inline interface for copper cables (active devices)

USB external memory port

Port for connecting USB storage device.

Power socket

Socket for power pack

Figure 2: LanXPLORER – Top and

side views

Instrument description

Item

Image

Description

Instrument mode

Indicates mode to which instrument is set.

Jobname

Indicates job in which project is being processed.

Physical test medium

Indicates test medium connected to LanXPLORER

Battery charge

Indicates battery operation or external power supply and charge state of rechargeable battery.

Time

LanXPLORER

7 Menu points

8 Softkeys

Figure 3: Image on TFT display

2.1.2. Image on TFT display

The standby screen appears when the LanXPLORER is ready for operation.

Chapter 2

2.1.3. Touchscreen*

Possible options in menus are indicated by symbols on the display. Simply touch the symbol to select the option indicated.

2.1.4. Arrow keys / Enter

Possible options in menus are indicated by symbols on the display. The options can be selected by moving to the corresponding symbols with the arrow keys. Confirm the selection by pressing the Enter key

Chapter 2

Figure 4: Softkeys and function

keys

Instrument description

2.1.5. Softkey

Possible options in menus are indicated by softkeys at the bottom of the screen. The Function keys (F1 – F4) below the softkeys can be used to select options.

The example shows optional selection of the Setup softkey with the softkeys at the bottom of the screen. Selection can be accomplished with Function key F4.

Chapter 2

CAUTION!

Use only the power pack supplied with the instrument. Other power packs can damage the tester.

NOTE:

When testing shielded cables do not connect mains power, because otherwise a shortcircuit to earth could occur leading to output of warnings for protection of the tester input.

NOTE:

The charging time depends on the charge level of the batteries.

Instrument description

2.2. Power options

The LanXPLORER can be operated with replaceable AA alkaline batteries as well as rechargeable AA batteries or with an NiMH rechargeable battery pack.

 The LanXPLORER can operate for approx. 4 hours with the rechargeable batteries. The

actual operating time in battery mode depends on various factors such as use of the background lighting and ambient temperature.

 If the rechargeable battery charge level drops to below the required voltage, a warning

message appears. The instrument switches off automatically before any negative effects occur for the test results.

 To preserve your rechargeable batteries, it is possible to set the LanXPLORER to switch

off automatically after a certain time with no activity (see settings 3.2.2).

 To increase the service life of your rechargeable batteries we recommend removing

the batteries when the instrument is not used for longer periods of time.

2.2.1. Mains Operation

The LanXPLORER can be operated using an external DC power source (AC/DC power pack).

During operation of the instrument with the AC/DC charger/power pack, note that:

 The battery pack in the instrument is trickle charged;  A mains plug is shown in the upper right-hand area on the LanXPLORER;  Rechargeable AA batteries are not charged in the instrument.

2.2.2. Charging rechargeable batteries

Battery pack

The battery pack for the LanXPLORER can be charged in the LanXPLORER using the charger/power pack. A time of approximately 8 hours is required to completely charge the battery pack in the instrument.

Rechargeable AA batteries

It is necessary to charge rechargeable AA batteries externally with a charger. They cannot be charged in the LanXPLORER.

Chapter 2

CAUTION!

The battery pack or battery holder is connected to the LanXPLORER with a cable. When removing the batteries, do not pull on the cable - damage to instrument and connector could occur.

Figure 5: Changing batteries

Figure 6: Removing batteries

Instrument description

2.2.3. Removing / installing rechargeable batteries

When the batteries are removed the LanXPLORER saves the data and settings in the battery-buffered flash ROM.

1. Open the kick stand.

2. Remove the battery cover.

3. Remove the battery pack or battery

holder.

4. Detach the connector for the battery pack

or battery holder from the instrument.

5. If applicable, remove the batteries from

the battery holder.

Install batteries in opposite order.

CHAPTER 3

Settings

3.1. Principles

Figure 7: Standby screen

Figure 8: Settings

Figure 9: System

All instrument settings can be made with the Setup menu on the standby screen. Over the Setup menu it is possible to navigate to any of the submenus to make settings there.

1. Select the menu point Setup.

2. Make the settings by selecting the

applicable menu point.

3.2. System

Instrument management is possible in the "System" menu.

1. Select the menu point "System".

2. Make the settings by selecting the

applicable menu point.

Chapter 3

Image

Description

Auto Off

Defines the time after which the LanXPLORER will shut off automatically, if not in use.

Backlight

Defines the time after which the back light dims automatically.

Keyclick

Activates/deactivates an acoustic signal when selecting menus and options.

Length Units

Definition of units of measure for length measurement in ft or m (feet or meters). The default setting depends on the language set.

Screen Calibration*

Calibration of touchscreen.

Figure 10: User Information

Figure 11: Display

Settings

3.2.1. Owner

This menu allows information to be saved on the technician performing the work, the company and the client.

1. Select the menu point "Owner".

2. Select the desired option.

3. Enter the desired information with the

alphanumeric keys.

4. Save the entry made with OK. You can

exit the menu without saving the changes with Cancel or Escape.

5. Save the entry made with Apply. You can

exit the menu without saving the changes with Escape.

3.2.2. Preferences

This menu allows settings to be made for the display and display format.

Display settings

1. Select the menu point "Pref".

2. Select the desired option.

3. Set the desired option.

4. Save the entry made with Apply. You can

exit the menu without saving the changes with Escape.

Chapter 3

NOTE:

Job management can also be selected directly with the menu point "Jobs" on the standby screen.

Settings

Screen calibration*

1. Select the menu point "Screen Calibration".

2. After the LanXPLORER has automatically restarted touch the cross-hairs,

which appear one after another in each corner and in the middle of the screen, as precisely as possible with the pointer or a thin pin.

Successful calibration of the screen is confirmed by a check mark. The LanXPLORER restarts automatically after screen calibration.

3.2.3. Update

The LanXPLORER software can be updated with this menu (see CHAPTER 8).

3.2.4. Jobs

Projects can be created and managed with this menu.

The name of the current job directory is shown on the standby screen on the TFT display. When storing the Autotest it is possible to keep this job directory, activate a job directory already present or to create a new job directory.

1. Select the menu point "Jobs" to obtain a list of all jobs created on your

LanXPLORER.

Viewing a present job and test details

1. Select a job from the list, to view the test results and their status.

2. Select a test to obtain further details on the test.

3. Select a single test to obtain further details on the test.

Creating a new job

1. Select Options.

2. Select the menu point "New".

3. Select the individual fields and enter the desired information with the

alphanumeric keys.

4. Save the entry made with OK. You can exit the menu without saving the

changes with Cancel or Escape.

5. Save the entry made with Apply. You can exit the menu without saving the

changes with Cancel.

Changing a job already present

Menu point

Description

New

Create new job.

To USB

Save job on a USB storage device.

Edit

Change job information.

View

View jobs

Delete

Delete a job.

Activate

Activate a current job for editing.

NOTE:

Data export and data import is accomplished exclusively to/from a USB storage device connected to the LanXPLORER.

Figure 12: Job management

Figure 13: Exporting and

importing jobs

1. Select the job you want to change.

2. Select Options.

Chapter 3

Settings

3.2.5. Save

This menu allows you to

 export the current LanXPLORER configuration to a USB storage device;  load a configuration stored on a USM storage device on the LanXPLORER.

1. Select the menu point "Save".

2. Select Save to store the LanXPLORER

configuration on a USB storage device.

3. Select Load to load a configuration from a

USB storage device on the LanXPLORER.

The exported file is saved on the USB storage device under the Name nmmcfg.xml. to load a configuration on the LanXPLORER, it is necessary for the file with the same name to be present on the USB storage device.

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