Promax RANGER Neo Lite, RANGER Neo plus User Manual
RANGER
Neo Lite
RANGER
Neo+
TV & SATELLITE ANALYSER
- 0 MI2128 -
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
August also appear as a Caution or Warning symbol.
WARNING AND CAUTION statements August appear in this manual to avoid injury
hazard or damage to this product or other property.
MULTIMEDIA CONTENT
You can access instantly to any chapter by clicking on the title of the chapter in the
table of contents.
Click on the arrow at the top right of the page to return to the table of contents.
Throughout this manual are boxes with the symbol . It identifies a direct
access to an explanatory video related to the function where it is. User has to click on
this icon to watch the video.
All videos are in the PROMAX channel on YouTube, which is accessible through the
PROMAX website at: www.promaxelectronics.com
USER'S MANUAL VERSION
Version
Date
Software Version
1.1
March 2017
23.2
Please update your equipment to the latest software version available
This user's manual describes operation for models RANGER
Neo
Lite and
RANGER Neo +. Differences between them are specified by an
asterisk(*).
Screen captures of current manual are from the RANGER
Neo
+.
March 2017
SAFETY RULES
* The safety could not be assured if the instructions for use are not closely
followed.
* Use this equipment connected only to systems with their negative of
measurement connected to ground potential.
* The AL-103 external DC charger is a Class I equipment, for safety reasons plug it
to a supply line with the corresponding ground terminal.
* This equipment can be used in Overvoltage Category I installations and
Pollution Degree 2 environments.
External DC charger can be used in Overvoltage Category II, installation and
Pollution Degree 1 environments.
* When using some of the following accessories use only the specified ones to ensure
safety.:
Rechargeable battery
External DC charger
Car lighter charger cable
Power cord
* Observe all specified ratings both of supply and measurement.
* Remember that voltages higher than 70 V DC or 33 V AC rms are dangerous.
* Use this instrument under the specified environmental conditions.
* When using the power adaptor, the negative of measurement is at ground
potential.
* Do not obstruct the ventilation system of the instrument.
* Use for the signal inputs/outputs, specially when working with high levels,
appropriate low radiation cables.
* Follow the cleaning instructions described in the Maintenance paragraph.
March 2017
* 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.
CAUTION: The battery used can present danger of fire or chemical burn if it is
severely mistreat. Do not disassembly, cremate or heat the battery above 100 °C
under no circumstances.
March 2017
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Description ................................................................................... 1-1
2 SETTING UP ............................................................................................ 2-3
2.1 Package Content ............................................................................ 2-3
2.2 Power ........................................................................................... 2-3
2.2.1 First charge ............................................................................... 2-4
2.2.2 Charging the battery .................................................................. 2-4
2.2.3 Charge/discharge times .............................................................. 2-5
2.2.4 Energy saving ............................................................................ 2-5
2.2.5 Smart control battery* ............................................................... 2-6
2.2.6 Usage Tips ................................................................................ 2-6
2.3 Equipment Details .......................................................................... 2-7
2.3.1 RANGER
Neo
Lite .................................................................... 2-7
2.3.2 RANGER
Neo
+ ....................................................................... 2-9
2.4 Switching On/Off the equipment .................................................... 2-11
2.5 Reset ......................................................................................... 2-11
2.6 Screen Icons and Dialog boxes ...................................................... 2-12
2.7 Menu Tree .................................................................................. 2-13
2.8 Controls ...................................................................................... 2-17
2.8.1 Touch Screen .......................................................................... 2-17
2.8.2 Joystick .................................................................................. 2-24
2.8.3 Joystick Operation .................................................................... 2-25
2.8.4 Select and edit parameters ....................................................... 2-26
2.8.5 Keyboard shortcuts .................................................................. 2-27
2.8.6 Softkeys ................................................................................. 2-28
2.8.7 Virtual Keyboard ...................................................................... 2-29
3 SETTINGS AND PREFERENCES ................................................................. 3-30
3.1 Setting Menu ............................................................................... 3-30
3.2 Video & Audio settings .................................................................. 3-32
3.3 Preferences Menu ........................................................................ 3-33
4 RF SIGNAL TUNING (Terrestrial and Satellite Band) .................................... 4-39
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 4-39
4.2 Operation ................................................................................... 4-39
4.3 General Menu Options .................................................................. 4-40
4.3.1 F1: Tuning – Selecting Channel / Frequency ................................ 4-40
4.3.2 F2: Signal Parameters .............................................................. 4-43
4.3.3 F3: Tools ................................................................................ 4-44
4.4 Advanced Options ........................................................................ 4-46
4.5 Screen Description ....................................................................... 4-49
4.5.1 Measurement Mode Screens ...................................................... 4-49
4.5.2 Spectrum Analyser Mode Screens .............................................. 4-52
4.5.3 TV Mode Screens ..................................................................... 4-57
4.6 Extra Information ........................................................................ 4-63
4.6.1 StealthID Function ................................................................... 4-63
4.6.2 Generic Signal ......................................................................... 4-64
March 2017
4.6.3 Locking a signal ....................................................................... 4-64
4.6.4 Satellite Identification ............................................................... 4-65
4.6.5 IRG Descritor .......................................................................... 4-66
4.7 Tools .......................................................................................... 4-67
4.7.1 Constellation ........................................................................... 4-67
4.7.2 LTE Ingress test ....................................................................... 4-70
4.7.3 Echoes .................................................................................... 4-73
4.7.4 MER by carrier* ....................................................................... 4-75
4.7.5 MEROGRAM* ........................................................................... 4-76
4.7.6 Spectrogram* .......................................................................... 4-79
4.7.7 Attenuation Test ...................................................................... 4-81
4.7.8 Signal Monitoring* ................................................................... 4-84
4.7.9 Datalogger .............................................................................. 4-91
4.7.10 Screen and Data capture (Export key) ........................................ 4-98
4.7.11 Explore Channel Plan .............................................................. 4-100
4.7.12 Discover FM stations .............................................................. 4-103
4.7.13 Field Strength ........................................................................ 4-106
4.7.14 Task Planner ......................................................................... 4-111
5 WIFI SIGNAL TUNING ........................................................................... 5-116
5.1 Introduction .............................................................................. 5-116
5.2 Operation ................................................................................. 5-116
5.3 Settings .................................................................................... 5-117
5.4 WiFi Spectrum ........................................................................... 5-117
5.4.1 Introduction .......................................................................... 5-117
5.4.2 Screen Description ................................................................. 5-118
5.4.3 Menu Options ........................................................................ 5-119
5.5 Site survey ............................................................................... 5-120
5.5.1 Introduction .......................................................................... 5-120
5.5.2 Screen Description ................................................................. 5-121
5.5.3 Menu Options ........................................................................ 5-122
6 INSTALLATIONS MANAGEMENT .............................................................. 6-123
6.1 Description ............................................................................... 6-123
6.2 Operation ................................................................................. 6-123
6.3 Installation Management ............................................................ 6-124
6.4 New installation ......................................................................... 6-128
6.5 Tools ........................................................................................ 6-128
6.6 Importing Data from USB ........................................................... 6-129
7 CONNECTING TO EXTERNAL DEVICES ..................................................... 7-131
7.1 USB connector ........................................................................... 7-131
7.1.1 Connecting a USB flash drive ................................................... 7-131
7.1.2 Connecting the RANGER Neo to the WiFi USB adapter ................ 7-133
7.2 Connecting to a computer via Ethernet ......................................... 7-133
7.3 Digital V/A Output via HDMI connector ......................................... 7-133
7.4 Analogue V/A Input via jack connector ......................................... 7-134
7.5 Connecting to antenna via RF Connector ....................................... 7-134
7.5.1 DiSEqC commands ................................................................. 7-134
7.5.2 SCD/EN50494 (SatCR) commands ........................................... 7-135
7.5.3 SCD2/EN50607 (JESS) commands ........................................... 7-136
March 2017
8 SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................... 8-139
8.1 RANGER
Neo
Lite .................................................................... 8-139
8.1.1 General ................................................................................ 8-139
8.1.2 Measurement Mode ................................................................ 8-141
8.1.3 Spectrum Analyser Mode ........................................................ 8-144
8.1.4 WiFi Analyser Mode ................................................................ 8-145
8.1.5 TV Mode ............................................................................... 8-146
8.1.6 Tools .................................................................................... 8-147
8.2 RANGER
Neo
+ ....................................................................... 8-148
8.2.1 General ................................................................................ 8-148
8.2.2 Measurement Mode ................................................................ 8-150
8.2.3 Spectrum Analyser Mode ........................................................ 8-153
8.2.4 TV Mode ............................................................................... 8-155
8.2.5 Tools .................................................................................... 8-156
8.2.6 Options ................................................................................. 8-157
9 MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................158
9.1 Instructions for returning by mail .....................................................158
9.2 Considerations about the Screen ......................................................158
9.3 Cleaning Recommendations ............................................................158
ANNEX 1 OPTICAL OPTION OP-001-PS* ..........................................................160
ANNEX 2 SIGNAL COVERAGE OPTION OP-001-GPS* ........................................169
ANNEX 3 OPTION DAB/DAB+ OP-001-DAB* ....................................................182
ANNEX 4 MULTIMEDIA CONTENT ...................................................................190
March 2017 1-1
TV & SATELLITE ANALYSER
RANGER
Neo
Lite
RANGER
Neo
+
1
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1
Description
The new RANGER
Neo
is the seventh generation of field meters that PROMAX
launches. As each new generation, it represents an evolution from the previous,
since it integrates the latest technological innovations and develops applications
for the new demands and needs that have emerged in recent years.
The new RANGER
Neo
has been created with the aim to make easy the user
experience. From its ergonomic design and stylized lines to the reduction of keys
and the easy use of its interface, everything has been designed so the user has a
simple tool to use but powerful and useful.
Figure 1.
The RANGER
Neo
is a universal analyser that covers several of the most
popular standards of the DVB family, as well as formats such as MPEG-2 H.265
or MPEG-4 and Dolby audio.
1
Trademark of the DVB - Digital Video Broadcasting Project.
1-2 March 2017
Besides the basic functions of TV meter and spectrum analyser for terrestrial and
satellite band, it provides additional tools, such as the detection of 4G signal
interferences (some of its working frequencies are close to the TV bands), the
diagrams constellations or the echoes detection.
The RANGER
Neo
has an application to manage data generated at each
installation. This feature helps the user to manage information generated so he
can access it at any time or download it to a PC for further analysis.
The RANGER
Neo
+ has some tools that differentiate it from the RANGER
Neo
Lite, such as Spectrogram, web remote control, MER by carrier, etc. In
addition, the RANGER
Neo
+ has several expansion modules to adapt to
different environments: the optical module for measurement in fiber optic
installations, the GPS module for mobile measurement or the DAB module for
digital radio measurement.
The RANGER
Neo
has been designed and developed entirely in the European
Union. A multidisciplinary team of highly qualified professionals has dedicated
effort and commitment to the development of a powerful, efficient and reliable
tool. During the manufacturing process, all used materials have been subjected
to a strict quality control.
In an effort to facilitate its work to professionals, our long experience ensures an
after sales quality service, which includes software updates and upgrades for
free.
Figure 2.
March 2017 2-3
2 SETTING UP
2.1
Package Content
Check that your package contains the following elements:
RANGER
Neo
Analyser.
External DC charger.
Mains cord for external DC charger.
Car lighter charger.
Dual WiFi Antenna.
USB WiFi adapter.
Aero SMA-H/BNC-M adapter.
"F" Adapters.
• "F" / H - BNC / H Adapter.
• "F" / H - DIN / H Adapter.
• "F" / H - "F" / H Adapter.
Support belt and carrying bag.
4V/RCA Jack Cable.
Monopode.
Transport suitcase*.
Quick Start Guide.
NOTE: Keep the original packaging, since it is specially designed to protect the
equipment. You August need it in the future to send the analyser to be
calibrated.
2.2
Power
The RANGER
Neo
is powered by a 7.2 V built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery of
high quality and long operation time.
This equipment can operate on battery or connected to the mains using a DC
adapter. An adapter is also supplied to use with the power connector car
(cigarette lighter).
*only available for RANGER
Neo +
2-4 March 2017
2.2.1
First charge
The equipment comes with the battery half charged. Depending on the time
elapsed from first charge and environmental conditions August have lost some of
the charge. You should check the battery level. It is advisable a first full charge.
2.2.2
Charging the battery
Connect the DC power adapter to the equipment through the power connector on
the left side panel (see figure 3).
Figure 3.
Then connect the DC power adapter to the mains via the mains cord. Ensure that
your mains voltage is compatible with the adapter voltage.
For a fast charging of the battery is necessary to switch off the equipment.
If the equipment is ON, the battery charging will be slower, depending on the
type of work you are doing. When connecting the equipment to the mains the
mains connected symbol appears inside the battery icon.
The CHARGER led indicator shows the battery status:
Yellow: Battery charging.
Green: Battery full charge.
Blinking: Battery failure or no battery.
Off: Battery is not charging
When switching on the equipment, the battery voltage is checked. If the tension
is too weak to start, the LED EXT* and DRAIN* flashes and the equipment does
not start up. In this case please charge the battery immediately.
*only available for RANGER
Neo +
March 2017 2-5
2.2.3
Charge/discharge times
Average charging time with the equipment off (fast charge):
3 hours to achieve an 80% charge.
5 hours to achieve a 100% charge.
With the equipment on (slow charge):
5 hours to achieve an 80% charge.
8 hours to achieve a 100% charge.
► RANGER
Neo
Lite
Average discharge time (with external supply disabled):
With the battery full charge the average battery time is 3 hours.
With the battery at 80% charge the average battery time is 2 h.
► RANGER
Neo
+
Average discharge time (with external supply disabled):
With the battery full charge the average battery time is 5:30 hours.
With the battery at 80% charge the average battery time is 4 h.
2.2.4
Energy saving
These options are available in the Preferences menu, pressing the key for
1s.
Power Off: It allows the user to select the time to power off, which is the
time after which the equipment shuts down automatically unless user press
any key.
TFT Screen: User can select a time after which the TFT screen turns off, but
the equipment is still running normally. The equipment can measure (for
example, making a datalogger or channel exploration) and the battery will
last longer, about 10 % more. The screen turns on by pressing any key. Time
options are: off, 1, 5, 10 or 30 minutes.
2-6 March 2017
2.2.5
Smart control battery*
The built-in battery of the equipment is of the "smart" type, which means that
reports its state of charge. This information is displayed inside the battery icon in
the form of the average time available. In this way the user can know at any
time the remaining battery level.
The remaining time charge that appears is calculated according to the work that
has been doing. If you activate the external supply of the equipment, the
average time would be reduced according to the increase in consumption that
occurs.
2.2.6
Usage Tips
The battery is losing storage capacity as you go through its life. Contact your
PROMAX distributor when necessary to replace the battery.
To prolong battery life the user should follow these tips:
In case of providing a long inactivity period of the equipment it is
advisable to make every 3 months a charge / discharge cycle and a
subsequent partial charge (40% aprox.).
It is advisable to keep it in a cool place and away from heat.
You should avoid keeping the battery for a long period of time at full load
or fully discharged.
There is not necessary to wait to fully discharge before a charge because
these batteries have no memory effect.
*only available for RANGER
Neo +
March 2017 2-7
2.3
Equipment Details
2.3.1
RANGER
Neo
Lite
Front View
Figure 4.
2-8 March 2017
Side view
Figure 5.
Top view
Figure 6.
March 2017 2-9
2.3.2
RANGER
Neo
+
Front View
Figure 7.
2-10 March 2017
Side view
Figure 8.
Top view
Figure 9*.
* Optical Option. Refer to annex.
March 2017 2-11
2.4
Switching On/Off the equipment
► Switching On:
Press for a while (approximately one second) the button located on the side
of the equipment.
When all indicators light up at once release the button.
The boot screen (user can select the boot screen from "Preferences"
menu) appears and also a progress bar that indicates the system load. At
the top left corner it shows the equipment model and the installed
software release detected.
After the system load, the last screen before shutdown appears.
► Switching Off:
Press the button located on the side of the equipment.
Short press (<1 s): A menu on screen allows the user to select
between power off or reboot.
Long press (>2 s): The equipment turns off directly.
When the screen goes off, user should release the button, which returns
to its rest position.
The boot screen picture appears and also a bar showing the system
shutdown progress.
The equipment keeps its last status (mode and screen) which is
recovered when power on.
In the PREFERENCES menu (press 1s), APPEARANCE tab, option "Off" the
user can activate the automatic shutdown option, selecting a waiting time (time
without pressing any key) after which the equipment turns off automatically.
2.5
Reset
How to RESET: Hold down the F4 key for 6 seconds and release.
When to RESET:
When it crashes and does not respond to any key. Hold down
the ON / OFF key for 10 seconds and if the meter does not turn off then
RESET.
2-12 March 2017
When it does not switch on. If it does not start after trying turning
on by the normal procedure (by pressing the ON / OFF button with the
meter connected to the mains) then RESET.
When it does not finish the boot process. Hold down the ON /
OFF key for 10 seconds and if the meter does not turn off then RESET.
2.6
Screen Icons and Dialog boxes
On the screen are some icons that provide useful information to the user about
the current status of the instrument.
Battery charging.
USB flash drive inserted.
Battery not charging.
Yellow level indicates
charge left.
WiFi source Signal
Battery not charging,
time left indicator.
Current installation.
Satellite band.
GPS locked.
GPS unlocked.
Current voltage, 22 kHz
signal and LNB power
level.
SATCR (SCD/EN50494)
commands enabled.
Terrestrial band.
JESS (SCD2/EN50607)
commands enabled.
Compressed
installation.
Task scheduled.
OK.
Multi-function Joystick
enabled. Two-letter code
indicates the exact function:
Searching.
FR Frequency tuning.
CH Channel tuning.
SP Span change.
MK Marker moving.
EC Echo/zoom change.
AP WiFi Acces Point
Warning.
March 2017 2-13
2.7
Menu Tree*
Tuning
Channel:
Channel Plan
Tune by:
View all services...
Channel Plan 1
Channel Plan 2
Channel Frequency
Signal Parameters
Signal Type:
View Advanced Parameters
Frequency:
Channel Plan:
Tune By:
Center Freq:
Ref. Level:
Span:
Center tuned frequency
View all services...
Tuning
Channel
Channel plan 1
Channel Plan 2
Frequency
Figure 10.
Only available for digital channels
Option available for terrestrial band
Option available for satellite band
* Some options on the menu tree are only available for RANGER
Neo
+
2-14 March 2017
Figure 11.
Only available for digital channels
Only available for analogue channels
Option available for terrestrial band
Option available for satellite band
March 2017 2-15
INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT MENU
Load
Manage
Create New
Tools
Mark All
Unmark All
Archive
Delete
Rename
Export to USB
Import from USB
Installed Antennas
Filter by Type
All (0)
Screen shots (0)
Channel Plans (0)
Dataloggers (0)
DiSEqC (0)
Data Captures (0)
Signal Monitoring (0)
Service Databases (0)
Antennas (0)
TS (0)
File
Mark All
Unmark All
Delete
Copy to USB
Installation
Add Channel Plan
Add Antenna Antena
Add DiSEqC Program
Figure 12.
PREFERENCES MENU
Figure 13.
Equipment
Appearance
Time and Date
Measures
Tools
Stealth-ID
Security
Network
Preferences
(1s)
Date: Time: Date Format: Time Zone:
PIN Code 1234
MAC: DHCP: IP Address: Mask: Gateway:
Datalogger PSI:
Database services:
Export button:
LTE Filter F.Min:
LTE Filter F.Max:
Center Freq:
Sat. Band:
Ref. Level:
Ter. Downlink
Terrestrial Units:
Satellite Units:
Optical Units:
Min. TER. Power:
Min. SAT. Power:
Min. TER. Level:
Min. FMI. Level:
np. Impedance:
Analog Terrestrial
Digital Terrestrial
Digital Satellite
Language:
Skin:
Power Off:
Background:
TFT Screen:
Color System:
Vibration:
Boot screen:
Values Format:
Provider
Name
SN
Release
Date
Free System Memory
Free Data Memory
Company
User
ANALOG FM
ANALOGDVB-S DVB-S2 DSS
ANALOGDVB-T DVB-C DVB-T2 DVB-C2
2-16 March 2017
SETTINGS MENU
Figure 14.
Option available for terrestrial band
Option available for satellite band
Terrestrial Settings
Signal Source:
Band:
Supply Output:
Supply Voltage:
LNB Drain:
RF
WiFi
Terrestrial
Satellite
Enabled Disabled
External 24 V5 V 12 V
(1s)
Volume
Brightness
Color System:
Video & Audio Settings
PAL 50 Hz PAL 60 Hz PAL-M NTSC SECAM
Wi-Fi Settings
Signal Source:
Band:
RF
WiFi
2.4 GHz
Satellite Settings
Signal Source:
Band:
DiSEqC Mode:
SCD/EN50494:
SCD2/EN50607:
Polarization:
Sat. Band:
LNB Low Osc:
LNB High Osc:
Supply Output:
Supply Voltage:
LNB Drain:
RF
WiFi
Terrestrial Satellite
High Low
Off On
Off On
Off
On
Disabled Enabled
External 5 V 13 V 15 V
18 V
13 V + 22 kHz
18 V + 22 kHz
Off Horizontal/Left Vertical/Right
March 2017 2-17
2.8
Controls
The equipment has been designed to be an easy tool to use. For this reason the
number of keys has been reduced and these are grouped by function.
The menu navigation includes hints that appear when the cursor is placed on an
disabled (grayed) option for a while. This hints help the user to understand why
an option is disabled and what to do to enable it.
The equipment can be fully operated using both the touch panel (even using
wearing gloves) and the conventional keyboard.
For measurement and navigation through the menus, the equipment has the
touch panel, a joystick, 4 programmable keys (softkeys) and 6 direct access keys
(shortcut keys).
2.8.1
Touch Screen
The control software is designed in such a way that the meter can be fully
operated using both the touch panel and the conventional keyboard.
These actions can be done through the touch panel:
Menu Selection.
Frequency or channel selection.
Frequency or channel scroll.
Virtual keyboard writing.
Toolbar access.
Mode screens switch.
Installations Management.
One-touch zoom in.
Each touch on the screen is associated with a physical vibration. This vibration
can be enabled or disabled through the option “Vibration” in the “Preferences”
menu.
2-18 March 2017
► Menu Selection
User can operate on the menus on screen: drop-down menu, select an option,
accept or exit a message, and so on, just touching on the option.
Figure 15.
Figure 16.
Figure 17.
March 2017 2-19
► Frequency or Channel Selection
At the Spectrum Analyser mode, user can select a channel or frequency by
tapping on the frequency or channel.
Figure 18. First screen (channel locked).
Figure 19. Tap on the new frequency.
Figure 20. The cursor moves to the frequency.
2-20 March 2017
► Frequency or Channel Scroll
At the Spectrum Analyser mode, user can scroll through frequency or
channels by dragging and dropping his finger on the screen.
Figure 21.
Figure 22.
March 2017 2-21
► Virtual keyboard/keypad writing.
User can type directly on the on-screen keyboard or keypad.
Figure 23.
Figure 24.
2-22 March 2017
► Toolbar
User can access the more important functions through the toolbar by pressing
on the right top corner of the screen.
Figure 25.
Figure 26.
● Toolbar icons description
Measurement Mode
Settings
Video & Audio Settings
Spectrum Analyser Mode
Terrestrial Band
Preferences
TV Mode
Satellite Band
Screen Capture
Installations Management
March 2017 2-23
► Mode screens
User can switch the view of the current mode by pressing on the top center of
the screen.
Figure 27.
► Installations Management
User can access data of the current installation by pressing on the left top
corner.
Figure 28.
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