Megger TDR2050, TDR2010 Instruction Manual

Time Domain Reflectometers

TDR2000/3 - TDR 2000/3P - CFL535G
TDR2010 - TDR2050

User Guide

For all units released after 2014. If your instrument differs significantly from this guide then please use the guide supplied
with your instrument or call technical services for advice.

Safety warnings must be observed during use

NOTE - THE INSTRUMENT MUST ONLY BE USED BY SUITABLY TRAINED AND COMPETENT PERSONS

Users of this equipment and/or their employers are reminded that National Health and Safety Legislation requires them to
carry out valid risk assessments of all works so as to identify potential sources of danger and risk.

Please refer to the full list of safety warnings for further information. This was supplied in the box your instrument arrived in
or can also be found on the support CD and is downloadable from the Megger website.

CAT II

Measurement category II: Equipment
connected between the electrical outlets
and the user’s equipment.

Measurement equipment may be safely connected to circuits at the marked rating or lower.

CAT III

Measurement category III: Equipment
connected between the distribution
panel and the electrical outlets.

CAT IV

Measurement category IV: Equipment
connected between the origin of the
low-voltage mains supply and the
distribution panel.

Battery information

This instrument runs on a Lithium Ion battery which should be maintained to maximise health, reliability and longevity. There
are a few simple things that you can do to help maintain your battery health and power potential.

1. Allow your battery to charge fully before using the instrument. Fully charging the battery before use will ensure it
can perform at peak performance and make maintaining performance easier.

2. Keep your battery charged up whenever possible while in use. A Li-Ion battery prefers frequent top-ups and
should never be left in a flat state for extended periods as this can cause permanent damage.

3. Maintain a charge during storage. If your battery is to be stored for extended periods maintain a charge of 40%,

Safety Warnings and Battery Information

allowing for some discharge and maintaining the protection circuit.

4. Store your battery in a cool, dry place. Li-ion batteries can get stressed when exposed to heat which can reduce its
life. Do not store above 30°C (86°F) for extended periods.

WEEE Directive

The crossed out wheeled bin symbol placed on Megger products is a reminder not to dispose of the product at the end of its
life with general waste.

Megger is registered in the UK as a Producer of Electrical and Electronic Equipment. The Registration No is WEE/HE0146QT.
For further information about disposal of the product consult your local Megger company or distributor or visit your local

Megger website.

Battery disposal

The crossed out wheeled bin symbol placed on the batteries is a reminder not to dispose of them with general waste at the
end of their life.

This product contains the following batteries Li-ion rechargeable battery.
They are located under the battery cover at the rear of the instrument.
They can be safely removed by following the instructions in the battery replacement section of this guide.
Spent Li-ion batteries packs are classified as Industrial Batteries. For disposal in the UK contact Megger Ltd.
For disposal of batteries in other parts of the EU contact your local Megger branch or distributor.

Megger is registered in the UK as a producer of batteries.

The Registration number is BPRN00142.

For Further information see www.megger.com

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2

Safety 2

Battery 2

Features 4

Connectivity 5

Accessories 6

Mounting possibilities 7

Mode 8

General 10

Setup 11

Trace tagging 13

Trace functions (TDR2050 only) 14

Zoom 18

Advanced 19

Contents

Battery 20

Results 21

Tools 22

Colour schemes 23

Glossary 24

Troubleshooting 25

Common fault traces 27

Specifications 28

Repair and warranty, Calibration, service and spare parts 29

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3

Features

Hold

Selection

Mode

Accept

Navigation

Standby

Back

Standard
tripod mount

Battery

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Battery
Access

4

Connectivity

Used for PC connectivity. Lift cover for access – avoid stressing. Power lead dependant on region.

The main connectivity is made via standard 4 mm test leads plugged into the dual channel ports.

Connectivity

Using the supplied adapter, connectivity can also be made to the dual F-type ports. Other standard push-on adapters also fit.
Not available on TDR2050.

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5

Accessories

6231-652

Single miniature clip lead set 4mm Dual miniature clip lead set 4mm Single Fused test leads

Accessories

1002-136 6231-655 6231-653

Dual Fused test leads Bed of Nails Test Leads (1 Pair) Bed of Nails Test Leads (2 Pairs)

6231-654 1002-015

1003-352 1002-552 1003-218

Mains Charger Replacement Battery Terminal adaptor kit

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6

There are various mounting and carrying options for the TDR2000 series to ensure the user can position their instrument
securely and efficiently.

Mounting Possibilities

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7

Mode

The TDR2000 series can be set up to work for several different applications. This will allow the user to specify how the
instrument receives, processes and displays test readings. The testing options for each mode are shown on the line adjacent
to the icon for the specific mode.

Selecting Mode

Mode

Change mode Press to select Use cursor keys

Choosing a mode

Single Channel mode Choose T1 or T2 Press key indicated to change

Dual Channel mode Choose T1-T2, T2-T1, T1&T2 Press key indicated to change

Crosstalk Choose T1 or T2 Press key indicated to change

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8

Load saved trace Choose T1-M, T2-M, M Press key indicated to change

Intermittent mode Choose T1 or T2 Press key indicated to change

Mode

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9

General

General functions are available from the main screen and be accessed using the left and right navigation keys and
appropriate selection buttons.

The instrument is also able to save and preview traces, enabling the user to maintain a database of information for
downloading to a PC to create reports or to use in other custom applications.

General

Navigation Use cursor keys Use soft keys to select

Range 10 m min to 20 km max in 11 steps

(30 - 60,000 ft)

The currently selected range is shown at top right of the screen

Operational state

The current operational state is shown at the top left of the screen and identifies the current operational setting for the
chosen screen. Icons displayed are specific to the function.

Current operational state.
Currently in Manual
operation

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Current operational state.
Currently in Setup operation

Change current state using
the appropriate button

10

Setup

The user has the ability to change various settings for the live trace ranging from the velocity factor to the gain applied to
the trace. These settings can be accessed via the setup icon.

Accessing Setup

Press to select Automatic mode Manual mode

Adjusting the Setup Options

Setup

Velocity Factor Use the up and down cursors to set the Velocity Factor to

Impedance Use the up and down cursors to adjust the impedance for

match the cable under test.

the cable under test.

*Only available in manual operation (see page 13).

Gain Use the up and down cursors to alter the gain to adjust

visible disturbances on trace.

*Only available in manual operation (see page 13).

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Pulse width Use the up and down cursors to change the instrument

pulse width.

*Only available in manual operation (see page 13).

Setup

Cable Range Use the up and down cursors to change the length of the

cable under test.

Saving Current Trace

Save Preview Selected trace displayed

Manage Memory Use cursor keys Selecting the tick saves

the results to the selected
memory location and the bin
deletes the result from the
selected memory location

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12

Trace tagging

Trace Tagging is only available on the TDR2010 and TDR2050 models. Trace Tagging allows the user to add a name to all
saved traces. This could be the circuit ID, building name or any other identifying text the user wishes to save with the trace.

A text string of up to 32 alphanumeric characters can be stored against each trace and this can consist of upper case letters
including accents.

Trace Tagging

This function is activated
when choosing a memory
location to save a trace to

You can also press the
OK button to accept the
selection

Use the navigation buttons
to select a letter and the soft
keys to action

Press the shift icon to change
the keyboard to the extended
characters

Press the hand icon to
add the currently selected
character

Press the backspace icon to
delete the last character

Once all characters have
been chosen, press the save
icon to complete the save
process

You can edit a current trace tag either when you save a trace, or when you are choosing a trace for a memory mode
function.

Once you enter edit mode, simply use the technique for new trace tags in the previous section.
When you have finished editing, press the save icon to complete the edit and save your changes.

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13

Trace functions (TDR2050 only)

TDR2050 has a suite of trace tools which provide additional test capabilities. These can be found in the Trace Tools menu
item.

Press to access Trace Tools Choose required function

Standard trace function

The standard trace function allows the instrument to be set up to work as a standard pulse TDR. This function should be
chosen to turn off other trace functions.

Trace Functions (TDR2050 only)

Standard trace function Change settings as required Press to choose another trace

function

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AutoFind

AutoFind allows the automatic detection of disturbances along the result trace, making it easier to target disturbances
amongst a noisy trace.

On TDR2000/3 and TDR2010 this function is avaliable from the main screen.

Press to choose AutoFind Cursor snaps to disturbance Press for next disturbance

Trace Functions (TDR2050 only)

To cancel the next
disturbance feature, press the
back button to return to the
main screen

The Trace Tools icon will then
show

Press choose another trace
function

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15

FindEnd

The FindEnd function allows the automatic detection of the end of the cable. On busy or noisy cables this may need to be
repeated.

Press to choose FindEnd Automatically positions a

cursor at the detected end of
the current cable

Trace Functions (TDR2050 only)

To cancel the repeat detect
end feature, press the back
button to return to the main
screen

The Trace Tools icon will then
show

Press to repeat detect end.

Press choose another trace
function

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16

Distance dependent gain - DDG

DDG counteracts the effects of signal loss on a cable by gradually increasing the gain along the trace result. DDG is suitable
for longer length cables and is available on ranges of 1000m and above.

Trace Functions (TDR2050 only)

Distance dependent gain Adjust DDG.

Single press increments by

0.1 dB
Press and hold increments by

0.5 DB

Press choose another trace
function

Step TDR feature

The injected signal is started and then maintained at the same level giving a constant signal. The receiver is also constantly
set to receive any reflections. This function is ideal for near-end testing as it is more sensitive than a Pulse TDR due to
the constant signal. The Step TDR function is only suitable for shorter length cables and is available on ranges up to and
including 500m.

Step TDR function activation Change settings as for pulse

TDR

Press choose another trace
function

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17

Zoom

The zoom capabilities are limited by the range chosen and only zoom modes suitable for the chosen ranges are displayed.

Zoom

Zoom function Press to select Zooms at cursor position

Minimum range Range/Capability

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18

Advanced

The TDR2000 series have two methods of operation. Both options allow the user to set operational parameters.
In Manual operation the user has full control over the settings in use for the cable under test. In Automatic operation the

TDR sets the appropriate impedance to the cable and suggests gain and pulse width settings. Expert Function allows auto
detection of faults on the live traces.

Manual and Automatic operation

Manual/Automatic Press to swap modes Changes with each press

Advanced

Manual Adjustable in this mode

Automatic Adjustable in this mode

NOTE: Auto in DDG only performs AutoZ; not ‘auto settings’

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Battery

The TDR2000 series have built in intelligent charge management technology so that the maximum charge rate is
maintained, meaning a longer battery life is possible.

Battery information

Battery

Battery state Capacity Typical life remaining

Warnings Charging Charging paused

Charged

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Results

The cursor lines on the TDR2000 series allow the user to identify disturbances at strategic points to determine distances and
positions of potential faults on the trace.

Cursors and measurements

Cursor choice Press to select Swap between cursors

Results

Cursor movement
C1-C2 Trace 1

(Single Trace Mode)
C3-C4 Trace 2

(Dual Trace Mode)

Distance measurement Distance to cursor Delta measurement

Use cursor keys Cursor position on trace

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21

Tools

When in the Setup screen, access can be made to a selection of user tools. Within the tools function the user can change
basic settings and locate current instrument setup information.

Adjustable setting include Volume, Standby, Units of measure, NVP formats, Colour scheme, Brightness and Language.

Tools

Preferences Use cursor keys Up/Down to select

Left/Right to change

Help Use cursor keys Function information

Custom Press to select Left/Right to select

Up/Down to change

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22

Colour schemes

Press the preferences
icon to access the system
preferences screen

You can use the current
scheme as a basis for a
custom scheme by pressing
the custom scheme pallet
icon

There are a number of
colour schemes available
as standard, plus additional
custom schemes where you
can set your own

From here you can change
any of seven elements that
make up all screens

Use the left and right
navigation buttons to change
the current scheme

Use the left and right
navigation buttons to choose
an element

Colour Schemes

Use the up and down
navigation buttons to change
the colour for the chosen
element

Once finished setting your
colours, press either the
custom 1 or custom 2 icons
to save that scheme. The
scheme currently stored
in that custom slot will be
overwritten.

After saving your custom
scheme, press the back
button to return to the main
screen

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23

Glossary

Appendix A

Function

Glossary

Mode Preferences

Single channel mode Settings Gain

Dual channel mode Auto/Manual choice Pulse Width

Intermittent mode Press for next fault Range

Crosstalk Delete Edit Trace Tag

Save Accept Select current character

Load saved trace Preview Shift character set

Cursor controls

Zoom function

Help

Trace 1 Backspace delete

T1

Trace 2 Complete and save

T2

Memory

M

Z

Impedance

Trace Functions

Trace Functions Standard Trace AutoFind function

FindEnd DDG Step Trace

Preferences

Speaker Velocity format Brightness

On/Off Ratio 1 - 10

m/µs

Power down timer ft/µs Language

1, 5, 10 min, Never English

Dutch

Unit of measurement Colour scheme Swedish

Meters Default/Outdoor Spanish

Feet Scheme 1 - 6 Italian

Nanoseconds Custom 1 - 2 German

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French

24

TroubleShooting

Appendix B

Fault Problem

Solution

Instrument won’t turn on Battery not charged up

Plug in charger and charge for 6 hours.

Instrument won’t charge Battery not functioning (Flashing charge icon)

Contact your local Megger dealer for a replacement battery.

Instrument won’t charge Charger not functioning (LED)

Contact your local Megger dealer for a replacement charger.

Instrument keeps turning itself off Battery not sufficiently charged

Plug in charger and charge for 6 hours

TroubleShooting

Instrument keeps turning itself off Standby set too low

Access user settings and change standby time.

Display not visible Colour settings incorrect

Access user settings and change colours.

Display not visible Instrument in power save mode

Press standby button to return to display.

Distance to fault is inaccurate Incorrectly set Velocity Factor

Check VF value for the cable under test and change settings.

Can’t set Velocity Factor Cable Velocity Factor unknown

Test a known length of cable to determine Velocity Factor.

VF, Impedance, Gain, Pulse inaccessible Instrument set to Automatic

Press the escape button and then change to manual.

Instrument keeps ticking Dual input function chosen

Ticking is normal due to relays switching input.

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TroubleShooting

Appendix B

Fault Problem

Solution

Instrument keeps ticking on single input Incorrect connection to cable under test

End of cable not determined so unable to reach max range.

Buttons not responding Keypad error

Contact Megger for repair.

TroubleShooting

Can’t see end of cable on trace Wrong range chosen

From main screen press up navigation button to extend range.

Can’t see fault I know is there Gain set too low

In manual mode select and change gain with navigation buttons.

The trace is very noisy Gain set too high

In manual mode select and change gain with navigation buttons.

No trace even though leads connected Leads plugged in to wrong channel

Connect test leads to correct channel.

Instrument not uploading/downloading USB cable damaged or wrong type

Use only genuine Megger cable and check before connecting.

Instrument won’t download data No saved results on TDR

Take readings and save results before download.

TraceXpert won’t load up Incorrect or unstable installation

Obtain correct user rites if required and re-install TraceXpert.

TraceXpert won’t install on PC Incompatible operating system

TraceXpert is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8.

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Common fault traces

Appendix C

Open conductor Shorted conductor

Cable splice/joint T-joint

Common fault traces

Bridge tap Spilt/resplit

Wet splice Water ingress

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27

Specifications

Except where otherwise stated, this specification applies at an ambient temperature of 20ºC

General

Range Up to 20000m with a minimum resolution of 0.1m

Accuracy ±1% of range ± 1 pixel at 0.67VF

Note- The measurement accuracy is for the indicated cursor position only and is conditional on the velocity factor being
correct

Resolution 1% of range

Input Protection This instrument complies with IEC61010-1 to protect the user in the event of connection to

live systems. TDR2050 is rated at 600 V CAT IV whilst all other models are rated at
150 V CAT IV. TDR2050 is specifically designed to allow use on energised systems up to the
rated voltage.

All other models are designed for use on de-energised systems and Megger fused leads
must be used on power cables.

Specifications

Output pulse Up to 20 volts peak to peak into open circuit. Pulse widths determined by

range, cable and model used.

Gain Set for each range with user selectable steps (in Manual operating mode)

Velocity Factor Variable from 0.2 to 0.99 in steps of 0.01

TX Null Automatic mode

Trace Tagging 32 alphanumeric characters chosen from upper case letters including accents

Colour schemes Selectable

TDR2000/3 x2
TDR2010, TDR2050 x8

Custom
TDR2000/3 x1
TDR2010, TDR2050 x2

Step TDR Eliminates the Dead Zone effect.

DDG Available in ranges 1000 m and above

Adjust DDG.
Single press increments by 0.1 dB
Press and hold increments by 0.5 DB

Cable Impedance 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 140 ohm + AUTO (model dependent)

Power Down User programmable auto power off timer 1, 5, 10 minutes or off

Batteries Li-Ion rechargeable battery with 12 hours typical life

Safety IEC61010-1 compliant for live systems. TDR2050 600 V CATIV

All other models 150 V CAT IV or 300 V CAT III.
EN60950-1, EN61010-1, UN38.3 and EN62133

EMC Complies with Electromagnetic Compatibility Specifications BS EN 61326-1,
B min. for all immunity tests

Mechanical The instrument is designed for use indoors or outdoors and is rated to IP54

Case Dimensions 290 mm (11.4 inches) x 190 mm (7.5 inches) x 55 mm (2.2 inches)

Instrument weight 1.7 kg (3.8lbs)

Case material ABS

Display 800 x 480 pixel WVGA colour graphics LCD, viewable in external environments,

user selectable colour schemes

Connectors Four 4mm-safety terminals and two F connectors.
Other standard push on adapters will fit. F connectors not available on TDR2050

Test leads

TDR2000/3, TDR2010 2 m 2 x 4 mm shrouded connector to miniature crocodile clips

TDR2000/3P, TDR2050 2 x 1.5 m fused leads

CFL535G 2 x Bed-of-Nails lead set

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28

Environmental

Operational Temperature -15ºC to +50ºC (5ºF to 122ºF)

Storage Temperature -20ºC to 70ºC (-4ºF to 158ºF)

Charging Temperature 0ºC to 40ºC

Repair and warranty

If the protection of an instrument has been impaired it should not be used, but sent for repair by suitably trained and
qualified personnel. The protection is likely to be impaired if, for example, the instrument shows visible damage, fails to
perform the intended measurements, has been subjected to prolonged storage under unfavourable conditions, or has been
exposed to severe transport stresses.

New instruments are covered by a two year warranty from the date of purchase by the user, the second year being
conditional on the free registration of the product on www.megger.com. You will need to log in, or first register and then
login to register your product. The second year warranty covers faults, but not recalibration of the instrument which is only
warranted for one year. Any unauthorised prior repair or adjustment will automatically invalidate the warranty.

These products contain no user repairable parts and if defective should be returned to your supplier in original packaging or
packed so that it is protected from damage during transit. Damage in transit is not covered by this warranty and replacement/
repair is chargeable.

Megger warrants this instrument to be free from defects in materials and workmanship, where the equipment is used for
its proper purpose. The warranty is limited to making good this instrument (which shall be returned intact, carriage paid,
and on examination shall disclose to their satisfaction to have been defective as claimed). Any unauthorised prior repair or
adjustment will invalidate the warranty. Misuse of the instrument, from connection to excessive voltages, fitting incorrect
fuses, or by other misuse is excluded from the warranty. The instrument calibration is warranted for one year.

This Warranty does not affect your statutory rights under any applicable law in force, or your contractual rights arising from a
sale and purchase contract for the product. You may assert your rights at your sole discretion

Repair and Warranty, Calibration, Service and Spare Parts

Calibration, service and spare parts

For service requirements for Megger Instruments contact Megger or your local distributor or authorised repair centre.

Megger operates fully traceable calibration and repair facilities, ensuring your instrument continues to provide the high
standard of performance and workmanship you expect. These facilities are complemented by a worldwide network of
approved repair and calibration companies to offer excellent in-service care for your Megger products.

See the back of this user guide for Megger contact details.

Details of your Authorised Service Centre is available by contacting [e-mail] and giving details of your
location.

www.megger.com

29

Megger Limited
Archcliffe Road
Dover Kent, CT17 9EN
England
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Megger
4271 Bronze Way
Dallas, TX 75237-1017 U.S.A.
Tel: [phone] (U.S.A. only)
Tel: [phone] (International)
Fax: [phone]

Megger
Valley Forge Corporate Center
2621 Van Buren Avenue
Norristown, PA 19403, USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Megger SARL
Z.A. Du Buisson de la Couldre
23 rue Eugène Henaff
78190 TRAPPES
France
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]

Seba Hungária Kft.
1027 Budapest, Vitéz u. 14/a.
Magyarország
Tel./FAX: [phone]
Mobil: [phone]

Megger GmbH
Obere Zeil 2
61440 Oberursel
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Megger Pty Limited
Unit 26 9 Hudson Avenue
Castle Hill
Sydney NSW 2125 Australia
T [phone]
F [phone]

Megger Sweden AB
Rinkebyvägen 19
182 36 Danderyd
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Megger Limited
Unit 106-550 Alden Road
Markham, Ontario L3R6A8
Canada
T [phone] (Canada only)
T [phone]
F [phone]

This instrument is manufactured in the United Kingdom.
The company reserves the right to change the specification or design without prior notice.

Megger is a registered trademark

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TDR20003--TDR20003P--TDR2010--TDR2050--CFL525G_UG_EN_V01