PROMAX-
12
QAM ANALYSER
- 0 MI2000 -
SAFETY NOTES
Read the user’s manual before using the equipment, mainly "SAFETY RULES"
paragraph.
The symbol
on the equipment means "SEE USER’S MANUAL". In this manual
may also appear as a Caution or Warning symbol.
WARNING AND CAUTION statements may appear in this manual to avoid injury
hazard or damage to this product or other property.
USER'S MANUAL VERSION
Version Date Firmware Version
1.2 January 2015 1.26
PC Software Version
1.01
What's new in User's Manual v1.2
Added ATTENUATION option in settings.
SAFETY RULES
* The safety could not be assured if the instructions for use are not closely
followed.
* Use this equipment connected only to devices or systems with their common at
ground potential.
* This equipment can be used in Over-Voltage Category I installations and
Pollution Degree 2 environments.
* Use the mains adapter in Over-Voltage Category II installations and Pollution
Degree 1 environments. It is for INDOOR USE.
* When using some of the following accessories use only the specified ones to ensure
safety.
Power adapter.
Mains cable.
* Observe all specified ratings both of supply and measurement.
* Use this instrument under the specified environmental conditions.
* The user is not authorised to manipulate inside the instrument:
Any change on the equipment should be carried out by qualified personnel.
* Follow the cleaning instructions described in the Maintenance paragraph.
* Symbols related with safety:
Descriptive Examples of Over-Voltage Categories
Cat I Low voltage installations isolated from the mains.
Cat II Portable domestic installations.
Cat III Fixed domestic installations.
Cat IV Industrial installations.
January 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 GENERAL................................................................................................. 1-1
1.1 Description .................................................................................... 1-1
2 SETTING UP............................................................................................. 2-3
2.1 Package Content ............................................................................ 2-3
2.2 Power supply ................................................................................. 2-4
2.2.1 Battery charge ........................................................................... 2-4
2.2.2 Recommendations for using ......................................................... 2-5
2.3 Installation and start-up.................................................................. 2-5
2.3.1 Contrast adjustment ................................................................... 2-5
2.4 Equipment Details .......................................................................... 2-6
3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................... 3-8
3.1 Operating instructions and Navigation ............................................... 3-8
3.2 Global configuration menu ..............................................................3-11
3.2.1 Edit Channel Plan.......................................................................3-13
3.3 SCAN operating mode ....................................................................3-14
3.3.1 SCAN mode configuration ...........................................................3-17
3.4 CHANNEL-FREQUENCY operating mode.............................................3-18
3.4.1 Channel tuning..........................................................................3-20
3.4.1.1 Video carrier + V/A + C/N measurement (only for analogue channels) 3-20
3.4.1.2 Audio carrier measurement and demodulation (only for analogue
channels) ..............................................................................3-21
3.4.1.3 CSO-CTB distortion products measurement (only for analogue
channels) ..............................................................................3-21
3.4.1.4 Power and C/N ratio measurement (DVB-C / DVB-T / DAB) (only for
digital channels). ....................................................................3-24
3.4.1.5 Constellation Diagram representation, Bit Error Rate (BER) and
Modulation Error Ratio (MER) measurement (only for digital channels) 3-26
3.4.1.6 Channel tuning configuration....................................................3-27
3.4.2 Frequency Tuning ...................................................................... 3-30
3.4.2.1 Level Mode ............................................................................3-31
3.4.2.2 Analogue Mode.......................................................................3-31
3.4.2.3 Digital Mode...........................................................................3-33
3.4.2.4 Frequency tuning configuration.................................................3-34
3.5 SPECTRUM ANALYSER operating mode .............................................3-38
3.5.1 Spectrum operating mode (SPT) ..................................................3-39
3.5.2 Max operating mode...................................................................3-41
3.5.3 Min operating mode ...................................................................3-42
3.5.4 Spectrum analyser mode configuration .........................................3-43
3.6 TILT operating mode......................................................................3-44
3.6.1 Tilt mode configuration...............................................................3-45
3.7 HUM Operating Mode .....................................................................3-47
3.7.1 Hum Configuration mode ............................................................3-48
3.8 DATALOGGER operating mode.........................................................3-49
3.8.1 Datalogger configuration.............................................................3-51
4 CONNECTION TO A COMPUTER ..................................................................4-53
5 CONTROL SOFTWARE PROMAX-12..............................................................5-54
5.1 Software Installation......................................................................5-54
5.2 Starting the program .....................................................................5-54
5.3 Firmware Updating ........................................................................5-55
5.4 Editing a channel plan or a channel plan group ..................................5-56
5.5 Datalogger ...................................................................................5-58
6 SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................6-59
6.1 Specifications PROMAX-12 ..............................................................6-59
7 MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................7-65
7.1 Instructions for returning by mail.....................................................7-65
7.2 Method of maintenance ..................................................................7-65
7.3 Cleaning the cover.........................................................................7-65
7.4 Components which user can not replace ...........................................7-66
7.4.1 Not replaceable fuses by user......................................................7-66
January 2015
January 2015
1-1
CABLE TV ANALYSER
PROMAX 12
1 GENERAL
1.1
Description
The PROMAX-
12
is a multi-functional equipment, perfect for the
telecommunication installer since it integrates several functions: Level Meter,
Datalogger, Scan, Tilt, Spectrum Analyser, measurement and type of voltage
(AC/DC) detection, HUM and Cable Digital Analyser which makes it an
excellent tool for the installation and maintenance of analogue and digital
television signal reception/distribution systems working in the 5 to 1005 MHz
range, which includes FM radio, community TV systems (MATV), cable TV (CATV)
and wireless cable TV (MMDS) including the sub-band (return path).
The PROMAX-12 incorporates the power level measurement function in the
whole frequency band, very useful to check a possible input saturation of some
broadband demodulators and optical transceivers. In addition, with the HUM
function is possible to detect a modulation at low frequency that affects the
carrier and produces a distinctive hum in both image and audio.
As a Level Meter, the PROMAX-12 enables the following measurements:
► Canales analógicos:
Video carrier level measurement.
Carrier / Noise ratio measurement (C/N).
Video / Audio ratio measurement (V/A).
Audio Carrier Power Measurement.
CSO - CTB Intermodulation distortion measurement.
HUM measurement.
► Digital channels (TV and radio):
Channel power measurement by integration.
Carrier / Noise ratio measurement (C/N).
► Digital channels DVB-C, ITU J-83 (Annex A, B and C):
Bit Error Rate (BER) measurement.
Modulation Error Ratio (MER) measurement.
Graphical representation of Constellation Diagram.
The Datalogger function allows up to 55 loggers or measurements to be taken
and stored, each with carrier levels, C/N and V/A ratios, channel power or MER of
up to 140 channels. The measures obtained can be checked on the equipment or
transferred to a PC via the mini-USB connector.
In Scan operating mode, the PROMAX-
12
indicates the level of all channels
present on the band in a bar-graph display. The span and reference level are
user definable. A moving marker shows the exact level of each specific channel.
In Tilt operating mode, the screen shows, both graphically and numerically, the
difference in levels between any four previously defined pilot frequency channels,
in order to obtain a qualitative measurement on band equalisation.
As a Spectrum Analyser it provides the analysis of the entire band, with a span
defined by the user from 1 to 100 MHz. Furthermore, it is possible to alter the
reference level, and to detect and maintain the maximum and minimum values
for INGRESS measurements.
The HUM mode measures the frequency and the value (%) of the HUM, which is
a low frequency modulation that affects carriers and produces a distinctive hum
in both image and audio, especially in analogue signal. At the input, this function
also identifies automatically the voltage type (DC or AC), the voltage and the
frequency (only for AC).
In designing the PROMAX-
12
, special attention was given to building a multipurpose, accurate, yet easy-to-use instrument. A simple keyboard gives direct
access to the various operating modes and, once in them, any measurement
parameter can be easily changed using the rotary selector/button.
In addition, it has a mini-USB terminal for connecting to a computer for
producing reports on the measurements obtained.
The instrument is powered by means of an internal rechargeable battery.
All these functions have been brought together in one instrument weighing only
half a kilo. The ergonomic, sturdy design makes the PROMAX-
12
a working
tool without parallel.
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2-3
2 SETTING UP
2.1
Package Content
Check that your package contains the following elements:
PROMAX-
12
analyser.
F/female - F/female input adapter.
Mains Adapter 100-240V/50-60 Hz.
Mains cable for EUROPE and other countries.
Carrying bag.
Rubber holster.
Quick reference guide.
NOTE: Keep the original packaging, since it is specially designed to protect the
equipment. You may need it in the future to send the analyser to be
calibrated.
2.2
Power supply
The PROMAX-
12
is a portable instrument powered by a built-in 7.4 V Li Ion
rechargeable battery. Before taking any measurement, the user should make
sure that the battery is fully charged.
The equipment can work powered by the battery or connected to the mains
through the power adapter.
2.2.1
Battery charge
The instrument has a 100-240V / 50-60 Hz mains adapter, to power the
instrument or to recharge the battery.
CAUTION: Before using the power adapter, make sure that the adapter is
suitable for the mains voltage.
Figure 1. PROMAX-12 connected to the power adapter.
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2-5
2.2.2
Recommendations for using
In case of anticipating a long period of inactivity for the equipment it is
recommended to store it with the battery fully charged and at temperatures
below 25 °C.
It advisable in these cases to carry out each three moths a charge / discharge
cycle and later a partial charge (for example, 50%).
2.3
Installation and start-up
The PROMAX-
12
has been designed for use as a portable equipment.
An indicator on screen shows the battery level (
). This indicator has 4 level
according to the charge level. A fully charged battery can power the equipment
for more than six hours.
When the low battery indicator appears on the display (
), the battery must
be recharged.
When a fully discharged battery is installed, it is possible that, due to residual
charges, the PROMAX-
12
may start up. In this case, the instrument will
automatically disconnect before the low battery indicator appears on the display.
2.3.1
Contrast adjustment
If you are holding down the key CONFIG, you will see the message "CONTRAST
ADJUSTMENT - Move the Encoder" on the screen. In this situation, turning the
rotary knob
is possible to adjust the contrast to get the best displaying at any
environmental condition. The new contrast value remains even after you shut
down the instrument.
2.4
Equipment Details
Front View
Figure 2.
2-6 January 2015
January 2015
2-7
Keyboard
Figure 3.
Selects the CHANNEL - FREQUENCY operating mode.
Selects the SCAN operating mode.
Selects the TILT operating mode.
Selects the DATALOGGER operating mode.
On/Off key.
Selects the SPECTRUM ANALYSER operating mode.
Access to CONFIGURATION menus specific to each operating mode
and to the global configuration menu of the unit.
Indicator of measured voltaje at the input.
Battery charge indicator.
Selects the HUM operating mode.
3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.1
Operating instructions and Navigation
► Operating Modes
The PROMAX-
12
has the following independent operating modes:
It changes between frequency tuning and channel tuning. The
operating mode measures the video carrier level, the Carrier/Noise
ratio (C/N), the Video/Audio ratio (V/A) and activates audio carrier
demodulation for analogue channels. For digital channels, it
measures the channel power and the Carrier/Noise ratio (C/N), the
Bit Error rate (BER) and the Modulation Error ratio (MER) and
represent the Constellation Diagram. It also permits to measure the
CSO and CTB intermodulation distortion.
The LOGGER operating mode enables multiple measurements to be
performed and memorised for subsequent checking and transfer to PC.
It can perform and store up to 55 loggers in the memory. Each logger
carries out level, C/N, V/A, channel power or MER measurements on
the channels activated in the channel plan (up to a maximum of
140 channels).
The SCAN operating mode shows the signal level of all channels
present on the chosen frequency band in a bar-graph display. The span
and the reference level may be selected through the rotary selector. In
addition, a moving marker shows the numeric level of any specific
channel. This mode also allows the user to define the pilot channels,
used for the TILT measurement (only in the forward band).
The SPECTRUM ANALYSER mode provides a spectrum analysis over
the entire band in two parts: return path or sub-band (5 to 80 MHz)
and forward band (5 to 1005 MHz). The span is user definable. In
addition, it is possible to change the reference level, and maximum
and minimum levels may be detected and held for INGRESS
measurements.
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January 2015
3-9
The TILT operating mode shows on the display, both graphically and
numerically, the level difference between any four frequencies,
previously defined as pilot channels, in order to obtain information
about band equalisation. This function can be applied to the forward
band and to the return path, independently.
This is a multifunctional key. For one hand, it measures the HUM
frequency and value (%). HUM is a low frequency modulation that
affects carriers and produces a characteristic buzzing in both image
and audio, especially in analogue signals. On another hand, it
automatically identifies the voltage type (DC or AC) at the input and
the frequency in case of alternating voltage.
Access the configuration parameters for the selected function and the
global parameters for the equipment (more details in the next section).
► Navegation
To access any operating mode, simply press the corresponding key.
The parameters relative to a particular operating mode can be modified through
the configuration menu associated to the mode. In order to access the
configuration menu associated to a particular operating mode, simply press the
key
. Some modes have more than one configuration page, to access to the
second page it is necessary to press the
key again. The general parameters
of configuration (selecting/editing the channel plan, measurement units,
language, etc.) can be changed through the Global Configuration Menu, to
which it is access by pressing again the
key. To leave a configuration menu,
just press the key of the operating mode you wish to access.
Para acceder a cualquiera de los diferentes modos de funcionamiento tan sólo
debe pulsarse la tecla correspondiente.
Figure 4. Accessing the configuration menus.
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3-11
3.2
Global configuration menu
In order to access the global configuration menu, from any operating mode
(SCAN, CH-FR, SPECT, etc.), you must press the
key repeatedly until you
see at the top of the screen the headline “Global Config: ½”. The global
configuration menu consists of two pages (attached figure shows the first one),
to switch from one to the other simply press the
key.
Figure 5. Global configuration. 1/2
In order to modify the state of a given parameter, you must turn the rotary
selector
until this one appears shaded and next press it, then the value of the
parameter will appear shaded and turning the selector a new value will be able to
be defined. Finally, to validate the new state, press the rotary selector
again.
The first page of the global configuration menu permits to modify the following
parameters:
► CHANNEL PLAN
It allows you to choose the active channel plan between the 10 channel
plans that unit can store (CCIR, EIA, OIRL, FCC, etc…).
► EDIT CHANNEL PLAN.
Refer to next section "Edit Channel Plan".
► UNITS
The equipment allows the user to select the level units among dBmV, dBµV
and dBm.
► TIME
To enter the time select the TIME field and press the rotary selector. Firstly,
turn the rotary selector to change the minutes field. Next press the selector
again to modify the hours and finally press it once again to confirm the new
time.
► DATE
To enter the date select the DATE field and press the rotary selector. First
change the year field, then the month and finally the day.
The parameters which may be modified on the second page of the global
configuration menu of the unit are as follows:
Figure 7. Global Config. 2/2.
► AUTO POWER OFF
This field permits to activate (ON) or deactivate (OFF) the POWER-OFF
function. When this function is ON, the unit automatically turns off when it
has remained inactive for a period of 10 minutes.
► BEEP
This function permits to activate (ON) or deactivate (OFF) the equipment
beeper. When it is on, it sounds on pressing any key or when turning the
rotary selector in order to alert the user.
► LANGUAGE
This field permits to select the language between: SPANISH, FRENCH,
POLISH, ENGLISH and GERMAN.
► BATTERY
It indicates the battery level.
► BER RESOLUTION
LOW BER measurements every 2s. The minimum measured BER for a
signal at 64QAM and a SR at 6875 Ks/s is 10
-7
HIGH BER measurements every 20 s. The minimum measured BER for a
signal at 64QAM and a SR at 6875 Ks/s is 10
-9
Continuous measurements up to 30 minutes. The minimum measured BER
for a signal at 64QAM and a SR at 6875 Ks/s is 10
-11
.
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3-13
The resolution selected in the configuration, applies also in the measurements
done in LOGGER mode, with the exception of the CONT mode that measures time
of 20 s (in HIGH mode).
► SW
The lower line of the screen shows the version of the unit control
software.
IMPORTANT: To leave the global configuration menu, just press the key
of the operating mode you wish to access.
3.2.1
Edit Channel Plan
When selecting this field and pressing the rotary selector, the unit access to the
active CHANNEL PLAN.
The attached figure shows an example of channel plan. The first line shows the
name of the channel plan (CCIR in the figure), the audio carrier offset
(5.50 MHz), the modulation type (FM) and the units of measurement (dBµV).
Next line shows the head of the columns that constitute the channel plan: the
first column (CHAN) shows the name of each channel and the second one
(FREQ) the associated frequency, in MHz. The third column (BW) defines
channel bandwidth, in MHz. The fourth column (ON) activates or deactivates the
channel and the fifth ones (DIG) defines if the channel is analogue or digital.
In the case of defining the channel as digital, the configuration page of
parameters relative to QAM measurement will be accessed directly.
The maximum number of channels in a channel plan is 140.
Figure 6. Channel Plan Editor.
The activation (ON) / deactivation (OFF) of the channels affects to the following
operation modes: SCAN and LOGGER. When a channel has been deactivated,
this one will not be able to be tuned nor to be measured. This property allows to
make agile the operation of the PROMAX-
12
, because it allows to activate only
those channels in which we are interested.
The Edit Channel Plan function allows to automatically activate all the channels
defined in the channel plan by means of the ALL field on the third line. When to
the right of ALL we select ON, all the channels of the plan will be activated,
otherwise, if we select OFF all channels will be deactivated. In order to activate /
deactivate a particular channel, turn the rotary selector
until this one appears
shaded and then press it, the cursor will jump to the ON column, then turning
the selector it will be possible to activate it (it appears a cross) or to deactivate it
(it does not appear a cross).
By means of the Edit Channel Plan function also it is possible to define channels
as analogue or digital. To do this, turn the rotary selector
until the channel
that you wish to modify appears shaded and then press it twice, the cursor will
jump to the DIG column, then turning the selector it will be possible to define it
as digital (appears a cross, channel C02 in the example of the previous figure) or
as analogue (it does not appear a cross). In the case of selecting it as digital it is
possible to access directly to the digital channel configuration. In order to return
to the Edit Channel Plan function press the
key.
After editing an analogue channel, the feature ΔFCH appears at 0.00 MHz. It is
the displacement of the channel when it is tuned, for those channels that have
the frequency displaced relating to the standard frequency. You can vary within a
range from -2.00 to +2.00 MHz.
To modify the rest of characteristics of the channel plans it is necessary to use
the control software available in the PROMAX download area at the website
(www.promaxelectronics.com)
To exit the Edit Channel Plan function, press any other function key.
3.3
SCAN operating mode
The SCAN operating mode shows, in a single screen, the signal level of all the
active channels in the channel plan by means of a bar-graph. In addition, the
exact level of any particular channel may be measured by simply placing the
marker over it (the measurement is calibrated only for analogue channels; for
digital channels refer to the note at the end of the section).
To access this mode of operation you should press the SCAN
key. At first,
the field channel (C44 in the figure) will appear shaded, indicating that is
selected and modifiable. Next to the channel, it appears the frequency
(655.25 MHz in the figure) and the level (65 dBµV in the figure) of the channel
where the marker is pointing. The marker is moved by using the rotary knob
.
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3-15
Figure 8. SCAN mode, full span.
To change the span (bandwidth represented on the screen), first select it by
pressing the rotary knob until you see the "sp" shade (at the middle bottom of
the screen). Then turn the rotary knob
. If you rotate clockwise the span will
increase and if you rotate anti-clockwise it will decrease. Span can acquire the
following values: 10, 30, 100, 300 MHz and full span.
Figure 9. SCAN mode, span 100 MHz.
When pressing again on the rotary knob
the field level of reference will be
selected. It is the maximum level of the vertical axis of the chart. By turning the
rotary knob clockwise it will increase and if you turn anti-clockwise it will
decrease.
Figure 10. SCAN mode, Ref. 90 dBµV.
To change the tune, press again the rotary knob
. The field Channel will be
activated again. Turning the rotary knob will be possible to change its value.
The attached figure shows a horizontal line at 45 dBµV. This line allows
establishing judgements of channel level acceptance easily. To activate and
define this reference line, you should see the SCAN configuration menu.
Figure 11. SCAN mode with reference line at 45 dBµV.
In the case of having activated the broadband power detection function (POWER
MEAS -> ΣPWR) in the configuration menu of SCAN mode, on the display of
equipment will appear the total power level on the instrument RF (ΣPWR) input.
See the attached figure.
Figure 12. SCAN mode, power detection function.
This parameter indicates the total power that is being transmitted by the
connected coaxial cable to the equipment in the band from 5 to 1005 MHz.
The SCAN operating mode also allows channels to be programmed for use as
pilots in TILT operating mode, in the forward band (see section TILT operating
mode).
3-16 January 2015
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