IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC SignalTEK II User Guide
SignalTEK II
User Guide
156810 issue 2
IDEAL INDUSTRIES LTD.
Stokenchurch House
Oxford Road
Stokenchurch
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP14 3SX UK
www.idealnwd.com
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
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.
© IDEAL INDUSTRIES LTD. 2013
All rights reserved
Publication ref: 156810 Issue 2
Issue 2 - 03/13
(Applies to software revision 1.0.9 onwards)
CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Care of your SignalTEK II ......................................................................................................................... 5
Final Disposal ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Safety Information .................................................................................................................................... 5
Connector Safety ................................................................................................................................... 5
Power........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Power Module Management .................................................................................................................. 6
Power Module Recharging..................................................................................................................... 6
Battery Pack ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Switching ON and OFF .......................................................................................................................... 7
Power Saving ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Master Reset .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Handset Controls, Indicators and Ports.................................................................................................... 8
Menu Navigation ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Soft Keys .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Data entry ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Getting started ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Modes of Operation ................................................................................................................................ 10
Cable .................................................................................................................................................... 10
Ethernet................................................................................................................................................ 10
Ports ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Replaceable insert – RJ-45 socket ...................................................................................................... 12
Setup ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
Setup menu descriptions ........................................................................................................................ 14
Supported SFP Transceivers ................................................................................................................. 17
Tests modes ........................................................................................................................................... 18
Cable mode .......................................................................................................................................... 18
Ethernet mode ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Tests – run, setup and save ................................................................................................................... 19
Tests menu description – Cable mode ................................................................................................... 20
Wiremap ............................................................................................................................................... 20
Tone ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
Autotest ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Tests menu description – Ethernet mode............................................................................................... 24
Cable performance .............................................................................................................................. 24
PoE ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
Blink ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
Ping4 and Ping6 ................................................................................................................................... 26
TRoute4 and TRoute6 ......................................................................................................................... 26
Netscan ................................................................................................................................................ 27
VoIP ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
Web ...................................................................................................................................................... 29
Video .................................................................................................................................................... 29
CCTV ................................................................................................................................................... 29
Jobs ........................................................................................................................................................ 30
Using the Jobs menu ........................................................................................................................... 31
Change the active Job ......................................................................................................................... 31
Managing Jobs ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Generating Reports ................................................................................................................................ 33
Specifications - SignalTEK II .................................................................................................................. 34
Near-End Unit ...................................................................................................................................... 34
Remote Unit ......................................................................................................................................... 49
Glossary, abbreviations and acronyms .................................................................................................. 54
SignalTEK II 156810 Iss 2
User Guide Page 3
Introduction
SignalTEK II comprises two hand-held units and a set of standard accessories all held in a semi-rigid
case.
Two models are available, SignalTEK II and SignalTEK II FO. Both models are capable of performing the
same range of tests. SignalTEK II has RJ45 connectivity; SignalTEK II FO has both RJ45 and Fiber
connectivity.
Fig 1 SignalTEK II components
The Near-End unit is the terminal from where all tests are run and stored. The Remote Unit is a loopback
terminal that enables performance testing. The Near-End Unit and Remote Unit are paired. When they
are both connected to the same network, the Near-End Unit will find the Remote Unit that it is uniquely
paired with, and not any other SignalTEK II Remote Unit that may be connected to the same network.
The Near-End unit may be used as a stand-alone device for wiremap testing copper network cables.
When both units are directly connected by a cable, wiremap and cable performance tests can be run.
When the Near-End Unit is connected to a network, it can be used to carry out a range of IP tests. When
both the Near-End and Remote Unit are connected to an active network, both IP tests and network
performance tests are possible.
This manual describes the operation and functions of the SignalTEK II FO. If you are using SignalTEK II
please disregard all references to fiber optics.
156810 Iss 2 SignalTEK II
Page 4 User Guide
DO NOT CONNECT ANY TELECOMMUNICATIONS
NETWORK TO ANY OF THE TESTER’S PORTS
Care of your SignalTEK II
Although light and portable, the SignalTEK II units are robust and have been designed to operate in a
protected outdoor working environment.
To ensure reliable operation:
Avoid very high or low temperatures - SignalTEK II is designed to operate between 0°C and +40°C,
although you should only charge the batteries between +10°C and +30°C. You can store the unit
safely between -20°C and +70°C.
To avoid damage, when they are not in use we recommend that you keep both SignalTEK II units
in their carrying case.
Do not use solvents, strong detergents or abrasive materials to clean SignalTEK II. Use only
cleaning agents approved for use on ABS and polycarbonate plastics.
Final Disposal
When your SignalTEK II has reached the end of its life you must dispose of both complete units in
accordance with local environmental regulations.
Safety Information
When using SignalTEK II, always take basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and injury to persons. These include the following:
When connecting to the line, special care must be taken as high voltages may be present on the
line and there may be a danger of electrocution.
Avoid using SignalTEK II during an electrical storm - there is a remote risk of electric shock by
lightning.
Use only the mains electricity adaptor supplied with your SignalTEK II.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT. Light output from the fiber optic port can damage eyesight even though it is
invisible. Never stare into open optical ports or the end of a fiber to see if light is coming out.
Connector Safety
The following connectors conform to EN60950 SELV safety status:
RJ-45 Ethernet port.
USB port.
DC inlet port.
SignalTEK II 156810 Iss 2
User Guide Page 5
The power module must be fully charged before
you use it for the first time
Power LED
Status
Green
Power ON. Battery level sufficient for use
Red
Power ON. Battery charge level low but still operational
Off
Power OFF
Power
SignalTEK II can be powered from:
A rechargeable power module,
Directly from power connected to the DC inlet built in to the power module.
From an alkaline battery pack.
The type of module or pack supplied as standard depends on the model purchased.
Power Module Management
A fully charged power module will support up to five hours of heavy, continuous use. For maximum life of
the power module it is recommended to discharge it fully and then recharge it fully at least once a month.
The power module is not user-serviceable. When it has reached the end of its life, contact your local
IDEAL representative for service.
Power Module Recharging
The power module can be fully recharged in three hours with the SignalTEK II (either unit) switched ON or
OFF. To recharge the power module, connect the supplied power adaptor to the DC inlet. For
convenience the power module may be removed from, or left attached to, the unit for charging. The
Power LED next to the DC inlet glows green to show that the battery is being charged, and flashes green
to show that it is not being charged. The Near-End Unit’s power module charge state is indicated at FULL,
2/3, 1/3 and EMPTY by the graphical power meter shown in the display’s information bar at the top of its
LCD display.
Fig 2 Power indications
The Remote Unit’s power module charge state is indicated by an LED directly below the Autotest key.
LED indications are:
Battery Pack
Battery packs accept four replaceable AA alkaline cells. These cells cannot be recharged.
156810 Iss 2 SignalTEK II
Page 6 User Guide
Switching ON and OFF
To switch ON the units, press the ON/OFF button. A splash screen showing the IDEAL logo and model
identity is shown on the display. The Near-End unit attempts to detect a network and the Remote Unit.
The home screen is then shown on the display. SignalTEK II is ready for use.
To switch OFF either unit, press and hold the Power button for approximately 1/2 second, a shutdown
message is displayed on the screen. The currently stored setup is saved. If the unit does not switch OFF
within five seconds, see Master Reset. Always switch OFF the unit before removing the battery pack or
power module.
CAUTION
Do NOT remove the battery pack or power module when the unit is switched on.
Power Saving
Near-End Unit. Power saving preferences are selected from SETUP>SYSTEM>PREF. Auto Off can be
Disabled (unit remains ON indefinitely), or set to switch the unit OFF after three, 10 or 30 minutes of
inactivity. The backlight can be set to Always On, or to dim to 50% brightness after three minutes of
inactivity. Note that when mains power is connected the display is always on full brightness and the unit
remains ON indefinitely.
Remote Unit. The remote unit remains ON indefinitely whether on battery or mains power.
Master Reset
In the unlikely event of a system lock-up which prevents the unit from being switched OFF, it may be
necessary to perform a master reset. This will not delete any stored data.
Remove the power module or battery pack to access a small aperture in the SignalTEK II (Fig 3).
Insert a paper clip into the reset hole and press the internal reset switch.
Fig 3
Replace the power module or battery pack.
SignalTEK II 156810 Iss 2
User Guide Page 7
1
RJ 45 port
9
Function keys F1 to F3
17
Link LED
2
RJ 45 activity LED
10
Escape key
18
Status LED
3
RJ 45 link LED
11
Cursor and ENTER keys
19
1000 Mb/s line rate LED
41 Optical port (SFP)
12
ON/OFF button
20
100 Mb/s line rate LED
51 Optical activity LED
132 Power module
21
10 Mb/s line rate LED
61
Optical link LED
142 Charger LED
22
Remote Autotest button
7
USB port
152 DC in connector
23
Power LED
8
LCD color display
16
Autotest button
Handset Controls, Indicators and Ports
Fig 4
1
Fig 4 items 4, 5 & 6 – SignalTEK II FO only.
2
Fig 4 item 13 shows optional power module.
Note: The top, bottom and left hand side of both units are identical.
156810 Iss 2 SignalTEK II
Page 8 User Guide
Cursor and ENTER keys. The arrowed cursor keys are
intuitively marked to move the highlighted field between all
menu icons, settings fields and drop-down menus that
appear on the display. ENTER selects the currently
highlighted option.
Escape key. Returns to previous screen or hides the
options of a drop-down menu. Note that when a value in a
settings field is changed, if the Escape key is pressed before
the soft key ‘APPLY’, the value will not be stored.
Autotest key. Immediately runs pre-stored range of tests.
The range is easily changed using the SETUP menu. The
Autotest keys on the Near-End and Remote Unit have
identical function.
Function keys. F1 to F3 are to select the corresponding
soft keys at the lower edge of the display.
Fig 5
Fig 6
When you navigate to and select a field that requires a
value or text to be entered, such as a customer’s name or a
URL, a QWERTY keyboard will be shown on the display
(Fig 6). All data is entered using the QWERTY keyboard.
Move the key that is highlighted on the keyboard using the
tester’s cursor keys. ENTER selects the currently
highlighted key which will now appear in the text window
directly above the keyboard. Key stroke errors are
corrected using the backspace key ( <− ). Press the UP
cursor key to move the cursor into the text window for
editing.
Press the QWERTY keyboard’s SHIFT key to change the
display from lower to upper case. Press SHIFT a second
time to display symbols and punctuation characters.
When the text or value has been entered, press the soft key
OK (F1). The display will return to the previous screen
which is now populated with the required data. You must
press the soft key APPLY to save the changes.
Menu Navigation
Soft Keys
The soft keys appear along the bottom edge of the display. Their function changes and is dependent on
the screen currently shown on the display.
Data entry
SignalTEK II 156810 Iss 2
User Guide Page 9
Cable mode is used for Wiremap testing and
cable route tracing using the tone generator.
When the Near-End Unit is connected to a
copper cable, with or without an Active Remote,
press the soft key DETECT (F1) to display all
options available from the Cable mode screen.
When an Active Remote is connected it will be
shown on screen (Fig 7) and its identification
number displayed. For a full description of
these options, see Tests menu description –
Cable mode.
Fig 7
Fig 8
Ethernet mode is used for a range of IP and
performance tests. There are three ways to
connect in Ethernet mode:-
(1) When the Near-End Unit and Remote Unit are
directly connected, with copper or fiber cable, press
the soft key DETECT (F1) to detect all options
available (Fig 8). In addition to wiremap tests
(copper), cable performance can be tested and
measured. For a full description of these options
see Tests menu description – Ethernet mode, page
24.
Getting started
Press the soft key DETECT (F1) and the Near-End Unit will determine the mode of operation dependent
on the services detected. The display will show a home screen with one of four connection symbols.
There are two modes of operation, Cable and Ethernet. Cable has one way of connecting, Ethernet has
three.
Modes of Operation
Cable
Ethernet
156810 Iss 2 SignalTEK II
Page 10 User Guide
(2) When the Near-End Unit is connected to an
active network, using copper or fiber cable,
press the soft key DETECT (F1) to display all
options available (Fig 9). IP tests can be run.
For a full description of these options see –
Tests menu description – Ethernet mode, page
25.
The detected services are PoE (802.3af/at),
ISDN, PBX and Unknown. The connected Port
number and LLDP Power are displayed (when
available.) The IPv4 and IPv6 addresses
assigned to the tester are displayed (when
available).
Fig 9
Fig 10
(3) When both the Near-End Unit and Remote Unit
are connected to an active network, using copper or
fiber cables, press the soft key DETECT (F1) to
display all options available (Fig 10). IP tests and
performance tests can be run. For a full description
of these options see – Tests menu description –
Ethernet mode, page 28.
The detected services are PoE (802.3af/at), ISDN,
PBX and Unknown. The IPv4 and IPv6 addresses
assigned to the tester are displayed (when
available).
SignalTEK II 156810 Iss 2
User Guide Page 11
From the home screen press the soft key
PORTS (F2), highlight the required port and
press ENTER (Fig 11).
Tick the check box to always see this screen at
startup.
NOTE
Testing over fiber is available with the
SignalTEK II FO only.
Fig 11
Ports
Replaceable insert – RJ-45 socket
To replace a damaged or worn RJ-45 socket insert proceed as follows:
Equipment required: Kit, IDEAL part number 150058 – includes Tool x1 and Replacement Insert x10.
1. Switch the SignalTEK II off.
2. Remove cables.
3. Carefully push the tool STRAIGHT into the socket. BE CAREFUL - DO NOT MOVE THE
TOOL VERTICALLY!
4. Keeping the tool STRAIGHT firmly pull the insert out from the socket.
5. Using fingers replace a new insert STRAIGHT into the socket and secure in place by firmly
pushing
3. 4. 5.
Fig 12
156810 Iss 2 SignalTEK II
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Setup
All user-defined settings and preferences of the SignalTEK II are set from the SETUP menu. A map of the
SETUP menu is shown at Fig 12 and a description of the available settings and preferences is found on
pages 14 to 17.
Fig 12
SignalTEK II 156810 Iss 2
User Guide Page 13
From the home screen, press the soft key SETUP
(F3) to display the Setup menu shown in Fig 13.
The settings for all tests, functions and preferences
can be changed and saved from here.
Selecting any of the seven icons will produce the
options that follow:
Fig 13
Enter your name or your company’s name, address and phone number(s). The details
stored here will appear on all reports exported via a USB key.
This option enables you to manage Jobs as follows: Create new Jobs. View, edit or
delete existing Jobs. Save Jobs to a USB key. The ‘Activate’ icon selects the Job you
require to be active. See Jobs for a full description.
Sets the language for the tester. The on-screen display, and the exported results and
reports will appear in the selected language.
Sets the power saving options, the preferred units of length and the date and time
formats.
Export or import setup information to/from a USB stick. Use this function when you wish
to copy setup information from one tester to another.
Sets the current date and time. Note that the date and time are recorded against test
results and will appear on exported reports. The internal clock is autonomous of the
power module or battery pack for up to one day.
For the Near-End Unit this menu item facilitates software updates downloaded from the
IDEAL website and saved to a USB key. Select the update icon and follow the onscreen instructions. To update the Remote Unit: with unit switched OFF, insert USB key
and then PRESS and HOLD the AUTOTEST key while switching on the unit.
The LED’s will illuminate in sequence indicating that a software update is in progress.
The unit reboots when the update is complete.
Provides model, software, hardware and firmware information.
Provides the option to return all settings to the factory default. The Near-End and
Remote Unit must be paired after resetting to factory default. Refer to PAIR on page 17.
A FACTORY RESET WILL REMOVE ALL STORED DATA
AND PAIRING INFORMATION
FROM THE TESTER
Setup menu descriptions
Highlight the System icon and press ENTER to access the settings and preferences listed below:
156810 Iss 2 SignalTEK II
Page 14 User Guide
Highlight the Tests icon and press ENTER to access the settings and preferences
listed below:
The two wiretests that follow are available :-
Set the cable type and color scheme to suit the cable to be tested, crossover allowed y/n,
and NVP. NVP is preset at 72% but can be custom set anywhere in the range of 59 to
89% to suit the cable to be tested.
Select from three tones. This avoids confusion when a second or third tester is being
used on the same installation. Choose on which pin, or pin pair, to play the tone to
achieve the best results.
The six IP tests that follow are available :-
Set the target URL/Numerical address (select from up to 10 targets stored in the v4
TARGET look up table or edit the currently displayed URL),
Count (Number of times to repeat the Ping - 1 to 999999),
Pause (Interval between successive Pings - 10 to 5000 ms),
Length (Number of bytes in Ping frame payload - 8 to 1000 bytes).
Set the target URL/Numerical address (select from up to 10 targets stored in the v4
TARGET look up table or edit the currently displayed URL),
Maximum number of hops (2 to 100),
Timeout (Abort timeout for any hop: 2 to 30 secs), Use a short timeout to reduce test
time, or a long timeout to reach remote internet locations.
Protocol (ICMP or UDP as required by your network).
Select Name Lookup if supported by your network. If not required, de-select Name
Lookup to reduce test time.
Select whether the Netscan is to be Local (scan within the range of the tester’s own IP
address) or Custom (scan within the range of the IP address configured).
Set the Scan Range depending on whether a wide scan or a short test time is more
important.
Scan Range
Max Number of Hosts
Test time
Class C/24
256
Short
Class C/20
2048
Medium
Class B/16
65,536
Long
IPv6 Netscan Setup – None required (Automatically set).
Select PoE or PoE Plus to suit your network.
Set minimum power to be detected to suit the demand of your appliance.
SignalTEK II 156810 Iss 2
User Guide Page 15
IP Tests continued
Set the target URL/Numerical address (select from up to 10 targets stored in the v6
TARGET look up table or edit the currently displayed URL),
Count (Number of times to repeat the Ping - 1 to 999999),
Pause (Interval between successive Pings - 1 to 5 seconds),
Length (Number of bytes in the Ping frame payload - 8 to 1000 bytes).
Set the target URL/Numerical address (select from up to 10 targets stored in the v6
TARGET look up table or edit the currently displayed URL),
Maximum number of hops (1 to 30),
Timeout (Abort timeout for any hop - 2 to 30 secs),
Select Name Lookup if supported by your network. If not required, de-select Name
Lookup to reduce test time.
The five performance tests that follow are available:
Tick IEEE802.3 check box to set the frame failure threshold to 0 and the test duration to
10 secs. With the tick box unchecked the frame failure threshold and duration can be set
manually to suit your test. The frame size is permanently set to 1518. Frame fill is
always fixed. Select the expected Line Rate depending on the cable type.
No. of Calls (Set expected number of simultaneous calls on the network – 1 to 10,000),
Threshold (Frames) (Enter the number of errored frames acceptable – 0 to 99),
Duration (Set test duration from 1 second up to 24 hrs).
No. of sessions (Set expected number of simultaneous sessions on the network – 1 to
500),
Threshold (Frames) (Enter the number of errored frames acceptable – 0 to 99),
Duration (Set test duration from 1 second up to 24 hrs).
Definition (Set to HD or SD),
No. of Streams (Set expected number of simultaneous calls on the network – 1 to 70),
Threshold (Frames) (Enter the number of errored frames acceptable – 0 to 99),
Duration (Set test duration from 1 second up to 24 hrs).
Resolution (Set to VGA, 720p, 1080p, 3MP or 5MP),
CODEC (Set to H.264 or MJPEG),
No. of Cameras (Set the number of cameras in the system),
Threshold (Frames) (Enter the number of errored frames acceptable – 0 to 99).
Select the tests that will run every time the Near-End or Remote Unit’s Autotest button is
pressed. For details of the tests available, see Fig 33.
Select this option to enter up to 10 IPv4 targets in a look up table. The targets you save
here can be quickly selected when running Ping4 and TRoute4 tests.
Select this option to enter up to 10 IPv6 targets in a look up table. The targets you save
here can be quickly selected when running Ping6 and TRoute6 tests.
156810 Iss 2 SignalTEK II
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Enable/disable IPv4 and set IP address as static or dynamic (DHCP) depending on
which type your network supports. If Static is selected, enter the numerical address,
Netmask, Gateway, DNS1 and DNS2.
Enable/disable IPv6 and select address type as Static, Stateless, Stateful (DCHP)
depending on which type your network supports. If Static is selected, enter numerical
IP address, Prefix (64 or 128), Gateway, DNS1 and DNS2.
The factory set MAC address of the tester is displayed.
The skew between the Ethernet pairs is displayed. Skew is the delay (ns) between the
arrival time of the four components of the Gigabit Ethernet signals. It is measured
relative to the first signal to arrive, so that the displayed skew is always zero for at least
one pair.
NOTE
Both MAC and skew data are displayed for information only.
Provides the information that follows on the SFP connected to the Optical port:
Status – Available or Not Fitted, Vendor, Part number, Rx Power (µW), Tx Power (µW).
See Supported SFP Transceivers below.
When first supplied, the Near-End and Remote units are paired. When a different or
replacement Remote Unit is used, or the Near-End Unit has been RESET to factory
default settings, select PAIR from the set up menu and press the soft key PAIR (F1).
When the message ‘Remote detected’ is shown on the display the units are paired
indefinitely.
Type
Manufacturer
Part No
Speed
Fiber
type
Wavelength
Connector
Type
SX
Avago
AFBR-5705PZ
1Gb/s
Multimode
850nm
LC Duplex
SX
Apac
LM28-C3S-TI-N-DD
1Gb/s
Multimode
850nm
LC Duplex
LX
Avago
AFCT-5705PZ
1Gb/s
Singlemode
1310nm
LC Duplex
LX
Apac
LS38-C3S-TC-N-DD
1Gb/s
Singlemode
1310nm
LC Duplex
ZX
Apac
LS48-C3U-TC-N-DD
1Gb/s
Singlemode
1550nm
LC Duplex
Supported SFP Transceivers
The SFP types that follow are supported. The use of other SFP types is possible but correct operation is
not guaranteed.
SignalTEK II 156810 Iss 2
User Guide Page 17
Tests modes
Testing with SignalTEK II falls into two modes, Cable and Ethernet.
Cable mode
Cable testing comprises of wiremap tests and a tone generator.
When no network or SignalTEK II Remote Unit is detected, the home screen information bar will read
‘Cable’. When the TESTS icon is selected, the cable tests shown in the menu map at Fig 14 are
available.
Fig 14 Tests menu map – Cable testing
Ethernet mode
Ethernet testing is divided into three categories that are dependent on the services detected by the
Near-End Unit. All available tests are illustrated in the three menu maps that follow
(1) When a SignalTEK II Remote Unit is directly connected but no active network is detected, the home
screen information bar will read ‘Ethernet’. When the TESTS icon is selected, the Ethernet tests shown in
the menu map at Fig 15 are available.
Fig 15 Tests menu map – Ethernet testing (1)
(2) When an active network is detected but no SignalTEK II Remote Unit, the home screen information bar
will read ‘Ethernet’ and when the TESTS icon is selected, the Ethernet tests shown at Fig 16 are available.
Fig 16 Tests menu map – Ethernet testing (2)
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