Trilithic Model One Operation Manual
Advanced Test Equipment Rentals
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Provided by www.AAATesters.com
MODEL ONE
OPERATION
MANUAL
The Best Thing on Cable
! TRILITHIC
TRILITHIC, Inc. is a leading supplier of test
equipment to the broadband industry, specializing in
products and systems that make HFC system
maintenance simpler, faster and more precise.
Innovations include the first practical CATV sweep
system (1976), the first CATV return adjustment
system (1981), the SEARCHER PLUS for leakage
measurement (1989) and the first integrated return
path quality management system (1995).
TRILITHIC is very well known for its leakage products,
and more than 15,000 SEARCHER PLUS Leakage
Receivers are now in daily use. The SUPER PLUS /
CT-2 leak detection system carried leakage
measurement into the current era of overbuilds and
digital services.
TRILITHIC has long been a leading supplier of signal
level meters. The ground breaking TRICORDER, the
first small, multifunction SLM with leakage measurement and data logging, has recently been joined by
the Model One, which sets new standards for
compactness, cost-effectiveness and functionality.
TRILITHIC is a major force in return path quality
assurance, offering the industry’s only complete return
maintenance system. The Guardian line spans the full
range of return testing applications, and the Guardian
RSVP, the first practical reverse path tester for
installers, now equips many thousands of HFC
installers around the world.
In addition to products for the broadband industry,
TRILITHIC produces RF and microwave components
and equipment that are integrated into the aerospace
and wireless communications products of other
manufacturers. TRILITHIC also designs custom test
and measurement subsystems, supplying computercontrolled manufacturing, signal routing and network
maintenance systems that perform a wide range of
communications and aerospace applications.
TRILITHIC products are designed and manufactured
at our facility in Indianapolis, Indiana and in Tienjin,
China, and are distributed by sales agents in over 40
countries. For more information concerning
TRILITHIC products and services, please contact us
at the address or telephone numbers below or visit
our web site, www.trilithic.com.
TRILITHIC, Inc.
9202 East 33rd. Street
Indianapolis, IN 46235
(317) 895-3600
(800) 344-2412
TWO YEAR WARRANTY
Trilithic, Inc. warrants that each part of this product will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship, under normal use, operating conditions and service for a period of two (2) years
from date of delivery. Trilithic, Inc.’s obligation
under this Warranty shall be limited, at Trilithic,
Inc.’s sole option, to replacing the product, or to
replacing or repairing any defective part, F.O.B.
Indianapolis, Indiana; provided that the Buyer
shall give Trilithic, Inc. written notice.
Batteries are not included or covered by this
Warranty.
The remedy set forth herein shall be the only
remedy available to the Buyer under this Warranty and in no event shall Trilithic, Inc. be liable for incidental or consequential damages
for any alleged breach of this Warranty. This
Warranty shall not apply to any part of the product which, without fault of Trilithic, Inc., has been
subject to alteration, failure caused by a part
not supplied by Trilithic, Inc., accident, fire or
other casualty, negligence or misuse, or to any
cause whatsoever other than as a result of a
defect.
Except for the warranty and exclusions set forth
above, and the warranties, if any, available to
the Buyer from those who supply Trilithic, Inc.,
there are no warranties, expressed or implied
(including without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability of fitness), with respect
to the condition of the product or its suitability
for any use intended for it by the Buyer or by
the purchaser from the Buyer.
! TRILITHIC
9202 E. 33rd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46235
INDEX
General Information
Introduction ......................................... 3
Equipment ........................................... 4
Features .............................................. 4
Level Measurements ...................... 5
Single Channel Display .............. 5
Tilt and Favorite Group Display ..... 5
Scan Display .................................. 5
Spectrum Display ........................... 6
Carrier-to-Noise (C/N) .................... 6
Digital Channel Measurement ....... 6
Data Logging .................................. 6
Voltmeter Function ......................... 6
Printer Feature ............................... 7
Model One Walkthrough
Introduction ......................................... 9
Identify Components ........................... 9
Key Pad .......................................... 10
Soft Buttons ................................ 11
Power ON/OFF........................... 11
Arrow Buttons ............................. 11
Function Buttons ........................11
Navigate Through Functions .............. 12
Display Screen Description ................ 13
Battery Charging ................................. 14
I
Model One Setup
Introduction ......................................... 17
Information Display .............................18
General Display .................................. 19
Backlight ......................................... 19
LCD Contrast ................................. 19
Shutdown Time .............................. 20
Date & Time ................................... 21
Volume ........................................... 22
Printer Setup ..................................22
LCD Test ........................................ 23
Measurement Display ......................... 23
Scan Audio ..................................... 24
Scan Enabled ................................. 24
Transmission ..................................25
Limit Setup ..................................... 25
Freq Tuning Step ........................... 27
Signal Level Units .......................... 28
Temperature Units .......................... 28
Load Default ................................... 29
Prior Menu ...................................... 29
! TRILITHIC Model One Operating Manual
– 1
Index
Channel Plan Display ......................... 29
Learn Channel Plan ....................... 30
Edit Channel Plan .......................... 31
Tilt/Favorite..................................... 34
Basic Operation
Introduction ......................................... 37
Single Channel Test ............................ 38
TV Channels .................................. 39
Single Frequency Channels ........... 41
Digital Channels .............................42
Frequency Mode ................................. 43
Channel Spectrum Scanning
Measurement ................................. 44
Limit Display ................................... 47
Frequency Spectrum Scanning
Measurement ................................. 48
Carrier-to-Noise Measurement ........... 51
Tilt and Favorite Channel .................... 51
Battery and Trunk Voltage
Measurement ................................. 53
Advanced Operation
Introduction ......................................... 55
Transmission Characteristic Test ....... 55
Saving Data ........................................ 60
File Notation ................................... 62
Loading Data ....................................... 64
Printing Operation ...............................66
Serial Printer .................................. 67
Parallel Printer................................ 68
Specifications ........................................... 71
Model One Operating Manual ""! TRILITHIC
2 – Index
1
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Introduction
Congratulations! You now own Trilithic’s
Model One Signal Level Meter. This
instrument is designed to provide you with
optimal features for reduced cost.
Amplitude measurements are fast and
efficient. Carrier amplitudes are displayed
singly, as a group (up to eight “favorites”),
or as a full-span display. It also features a
single channel SPECTRUM Mode which
displays the presence of interfering beats
in addition to the carrier amplitudes. The
unit enables you to take the direct power
measurement of QAM signals, carrier-tonoise measurements, data logging and
also supports a voltmeter function.
The Model One makes it easy to obtain a
hard copy of installation data or documentation of a problem via its printer function.
By connecting the unit to a serial printer,
you can download its display or records. If
you are using a parallel printer, you can
print out the records.
The unit is the ideal signal level meter for
HFC installations. It is durable, has many
features and is simple to use in a wide
range of conditions. It’s tough, plastic
shell and protective jacket make the Model
One highly resistant to damage from
shock and impact. When not in use, the
unit and its accessories are contained in a
carrying case.
The Model One is rugged and convenient
to use. It weighs only 1.5 lbs and can be
carried and operated with one hand. All
measurement functions are accessible via
a single keystroke. Other functions are
simplified through the combination of
dedicated function keys and “softkeys”.
! TRILITHIC Model One Operating Manual
– 3General Information
Equipment
The Model One comes with the following:
• Model One Signal Level Meter
• Carrying Case
• Strap (for Carrying Case)
• Instrument Sleeve
• Built-in 7.2V/1.8AH Ni-MH Battery
• Universal Charger
• BNC Connector Adaptor
• Operation Manual
The following options are also available:
• Holster (P/N 2130854000)
• Software Kit (includes data cable)
(P/N 2071362000)
• Data Cable (P/N 2071351000)
• Serial Printer Cable
(P/N 2071352000)
• Parallel Printer Adaptor
(P/N 0440202000)
• Cigarette Charger Adapter
(P/N 2071350000)
• Replacement Battery
(P/N 0090044000)
• Replacement Charger
(P/N 0610160000)
For more information, please contact
Trilithic:
www.trilithic.com; 1-800-344-2412
Features
The Model One supports a variety of
functions including:
• Level Measurements
• Tilt/Favorite Group Display
• Scan Display
• Spectrum Display
• Carrier-to-Noise (C/N)
• Digital Channel Measurement
• Data Logging
• Voltmeter Function
• Printer Outputs
Model One Operating Manual ""! TRILITHIC
General Information
4 –
LEVEL MEASUREMENTS
The Model One can display a single
channel, groups (up to eight) of “favorite”
channels or all channel amplitudes.
The channel plans for the display can be
configured either on the unit’s front panel
or downloaded from a PC.
Single Channel Display
When tuned to a single channel, the
Model One displays bar graphs for the
video and audio carriers. It also shows
numeric readouts of the carrier amplitudes
and V/A difference. In addition, the unit
provides a spectral display of
intermodulation products or other undesired signals that may be present.
TILT AND “FAVORITE” GROUP
DISPLAY
Press the TILT button to display a graph
showing the amplitudes of up to eight
user-selected video carriers. This display
also shows the calculated difference in
amplitude (tilt) between the HIGHEST and
LOWEST channels in the user-selected
group. Press TILT again and the Model
One displays a numeric list which shows
the amplitudes of the carriers in the group.
SCAN DISPLAY
Press the SCAN button to display the full
span of video carriers. This mode is
useful to make a quick check of your
system’s overall flatness and amplitude.
The Model One can be set to display both
audio and video carriers at reduced
frequency spans. This means that you
can impose amplitude limits on the
display. By using the unit’s frequency
marker, you can zoom in on any suspect
channel that appears in the display.
! TRILITHIC Model One Operating Manual
General Information
– 5
SPECTRUM DISPLAY
Press the SPECT button to display the
spectrum measurements with frequency
spans from 2 MHz to 50 MHz or a fullspectrum scan.
CARRIER-TO-NOISE (C/N)
Press the C/N button to measure the C/N
ratio of the CATV transmission system.
DIGITAL CHANNEL MEASUREMENT
The meter includes a special singlechannel mode that you can use to
measure the actual power of a QAM
signal. The display will show the actual
shape of the modulation “haystack”. This
feature provides you with a powerful tool
for detecting in-channel unflatness or
mismatches that might affect digital
transmission quality.
DATA LOGGING
The Model One has the capability to store
the amplitudes of all video and audio
carriers. This means that up to 24 full
data records can be captured in nonvolatile memory and later uploaded to your
PC for record-keeping.
Each record carries the time, date, and the
configuration of the meter at the time of
record capture. It also enables you to
annotate the record with a title name or
comment.
VOLTMETER FUNCTION
This meter is equipped with a built-in
voltmeter which can be used for troubleshooting power supplies or power drops.
The Model One displays the voltage as a
bar graph and numeric readout. It can
accommodate AC or DC voltages up to
120 Volts.
Model One Operating Manual ""! TRILITHIC
6 – General Information
PRINTER FEATURE
In addition to being able to upload data
records to a PC, the Model One can also
download records or it’s current display to
a serial printer.
If you are using a parallel printer, the
Model One can download records. This is
useful to obtain an instant hard copy of
your installation or to document a problem
(see Printer Operation page 66 for more
information).
! TRILITHIC Model One Operating Manual
General Information
– 7
Model One Operating Manual ""! TRILITHIC
8 – General Information
2
MODEL ONE
WALKTHROUGH
Introduction
Now that you have your Model One out of
its box, take a few moments to look it over
so that you become familiar with its
controls.
NOTE: Your meter ’s battery may
need to be charged (see page 14).
Identify Components
The Model One’s function buttons and
backlit LCD display are on the front panel.
The unit’s charge socket and printer
interface socket are on the bottom. The
belt clip is located on the back of the unit.
RF “F”
Connector
LCD Display
with
Backlight
Key Pad
(see Page 8
for details)
PC/Printer
Interface
Charge
Socket
Connectors under
rubber cover on bottom
! TRILITHIC Model One Operating Manual
Model One Walkthrough
– 9
The RF “F” connector is on the top of the
unit (a BNC Connector Adaptor is included
in the bag).
KEY PAD
The key pad consists of the various
buttons to access the Model One’s
functions. There are eleven function
buttons, two arrow buttons (up, down), the
power on/off button and three “soft
buttons” which enable you to perform
functions in the display.
“Soft” Buttons
11 Primary
and
Secondary
Function
Buttons
2 Arrow
Buttons
Power Charge Indicator
ON/OFF Light
Model One Operating Manual ""! TRILITHIC
10 –
Model One Walkthrough
Soft Buttons
F1, F2 and F3 are used to access various
functions within the display menus. On
specific displays, three boxes appear at
the bottom of the display.
ENTER
!
!
These boxes correspond to the three soft
keys and provide additional commands
such as ENTER, EXIT, NOTE (for making
personal notations), movement arrows,
etc. (See the individual function displays
for more information).
Power ON/OFF
Use the POWER ON/OFF button to turn
the meter on and off.
Arrow Buttons
The UP and DOWN ARROW buttons are
used to change values (i.e. Channel
Number, Frequency, etc.) within a function
display.
Function Buttons
The following is a list of the function
buttons:
Function No. Purpose
Level 1 Enter Single Channel/
Frequency
Measurement
Scan 2 Enter Channel Spec-
trum Scanning Mode
Spect 3 Enter Frequency Spec-
trum Scanning Mode
! TRILITHIC Model One Operating Manual
Model One Walkthrough
– 11
Function No. Purpose
Tilt 4 Enter Tilt Measurement
Mode
C/N 5 Enter Carrier-to-Noise
Ratio Measurement
Mode
Volt 6 Check Voltage (battery
and power supply/drop)
Set 7 Set Up Display
Parameters
Save 8 Enables you to save the
Channel Scan display
data and record or scan
and save a new data
record
Load 9 Enables you to open
previously saved display
data or data record
FCN 0 Puts the key pad into a
second function
(i.e. enables you to input
numbers into a display)
Print . Print display data or
data record
Navigate Through Functions
You utilize several methods to navigate
through the Model One’s functions.
For some procedures, use the ARROW
buttons to make changes within a specific
screen such as to increase or decrease
values.
To scroll through a specific display’s menu
topics, use the designated “soft” buttons
(usually F2 and F3).
Model One Operating Manual ""! TRILITHIC
12 –
Model One Walkthrough
NOTE: The Model One does not
support a “wrap around” feature. If
you are at the bottom of a menu list
and wish to go to the top, you will
need to press the UP arrow
indicator rather than continue
pressing the DOWN arrow.
Within several displays, you will want to
enter numeric values. Press the FCN
button to put the key pad in it’s secondary
function mode and then press the number
buttons to enter the desired value. For
example, to enter the number 12:
Press + +
Then press the “soft” button for ENTER
(i.e F1) to record the value into the Model
One.
If you make an error, you can press F2 to
cancel the number and then reenter it.
Press F3 to quit or exit the operation.
Display Screen Description
Each display contains the following
sections or features.
Time
FCN
Indicator
Display Indicator
19:16:30FCN LEVEL
6.8
–12.5
19.3
TV
15
5
–5
–15
– 13Model One Walkthrough
CH 17CH 17
CH 17
CH 17CH 17
V
103.25M dBmV
A
107.75M dBmV
""
"
""
FREQ SCALE REF
F1 F2 F3
Main Display Screen
! TRILITHIC Model One Operating Manual
• Time – Displays unit’s time based
on time set up parameter (see page
xx)
• FCN – Indicates when the FCN
button has been pressed and the
key pad is in its secondary function
(see page 9)
• Display Indicator – Indicates which
meter function is being used
• Main Display Screen – Displays the
parameters and graphs of the
selected function
• F1, F2, F3 – Indicates the available
usage for the soft buttons in the
selected meter function
NOTE: The soft buttons vary from
meter function to meter function
(see Soft Buttons page 11).
Battery Charging
The Model One has a built-in 7.2V/1.8AH
Ni-MH battery. When fully charged, it can
be used for over three hours.
When the voltage of the battery drops
below 6.4V, the battery symbol flashes in
the information line at the top of the
display screen.
Flashing battery symbol
indicates low voltage
19:16:30 SETUP
GENERAL GENERAL
GENERAL
GENERAL GENERAL
# DATE & TIME
ENTER NEW DATE:
Y/M/D 2000/06/21
ENTER NEW TIME:
ENTER
Model One Operating Manual ""! TRILITHIC
14 – Model One Walkthrough
14:47:51
!
!
NOTE: If the voltage drops below
6.2V, the Model One shuts off
automatically to protect the battery.
You will not be able to turn the meter
on again until you recharge the
battery.
To charge the Model One’s battery,
connect the charge cube to the charge
socket on the bottom of the meter (see
page 9) and plug the charger into an
outlet.
WARNING: The Model One’s battery
MUST be charged with the Trilithic
charger provided with the meter.
Using any other charger may damage
the battery.
Allow twelve to sixteen hours to charge the
battery fully.
! TRILITHIC Model One Operating Manual
– 15Model One Walkthrough
Model One Operating Manual ""! TRILITHIC
16 –
Model One Walkthrough
3
MODEL ONE
SETUP
Introduction
When you first press the POWER ON/OFF
button, the Model One displays it’s
INFORMATION screen briefly and then
displays the last screen it was on when it
was powered down.
CAUTION: Your unit’s battery may
need charging prior to use (see page
14).
Before using the Model One, you need to
perform some set up procedures which
include:
• Information (general information
about your meter)
• General (date and time, contrast for
the LCD display, volume, etc.)
• Measurement (signal level units,
temperature units, scan audio,
transmission, etc.)
• Channel Plan (set up the channel
plan to use for testing)
NOTE: Model One software may be
used to set up the meter. It also
enables you to restrict access to the
MEASUREMENTS and CHANNEL
PLAN menus.
To enter the set up display, press the SET
button.
! TRILITHIC Model One Operating Manual
Model One Setup
– 17
This brings up the SETUP menu.
19:16:30 SETUP
INFORMAINFORMA
INFORMA
INFORMAINFORMA
GENERALGENERAL
GENERAL
GENERALGENERAL
MEASURMENTMEASURMENT
MEASURMENT
MEASURMENTMEASURMENT
CHANNEL PLCHANNEL PL
CHANNEL PL
CHANNEL PLCHANNEL PL
ENTER
TIONTION
TION
TIONTION
!
ANAN
AN
ANAN
!
Use F2 and F3 arrows to scroll down the
menu list of command boxes.
REMINDER: The Model One does
not have a “wrap around” feature. If
you are at the bottom of the menu list
and wish to return to the middle or
top, you will need to press the UP
arrow to return to the top.
When the desired command is highlighted, press F1 (ENTER) to select the
display.
Information Display
The INFORMATION display window
contains useful information regarding your
Model One.
19:16:30
MODEL ONE
Field strength meter
NVER: x.xxxxxxxxx
SERIAL NO. xxxxxxxx
CAL DATE: xx/xx/xx
REMOTE ADDRESS 1
TEMPERATURE 73.0 F
EXIT
Model One Operating Manual ""! TRILITHIC
Model One Setup
18 –
The information includes the unit’s
firmware version, serial number, calibration date, remote address and current
internal temperature.
General Display
Use the GENERAL Display screen to set
the performance parameters of your unit.
19:16:30 SETUP
GENERAL GENERAL
GENERAL
GENERAL GENERAL
BACKLIGHT YES
LCD CONTRAST
SHUTDOWN TIME
DATE & TIME
VOLUME
PRINTER SETUP
LCD TEST
PRIOR MENU
ENTER
Access the specific parameters the same
way you entered the display. Use F2 and
F3 to scroll through the command choices
and press F1 to enter the field for the
desired parameter.
!
!
BACKLIGHT
Press F1 (Enter) to toggle between ON
and OFF. If the LCD backlight is ON, the
meter will indicate YES beside that
parameter. If OFF, the meter will indicate
NO.
LCD CONTRAST
Use F2 or F3 to scroll to the LCD CONTRAST parameter. Use the UP arrow
button on the key pad to DARKEN the
contrast and the DOWN arrow to
BRIGHTEN.
darken
contrast
brighten
contrast
! TRILITHIC Model One Operating Manual
Model One Setup
– 19
NOTE: Since the Model One memorizes the video parameter set up, be
careful not to set the display contrast
too low. This may cause the liquid
display to be too dim or not visible at
all which can affect your meter’s
operation.
SHUTDOWN TIME
The Model One’s automatic shutdown
timer can be adjusted to one of several
parameters. You may set it so that it will
stay on until you manually turn it off.
You can also set it so it will shut off after
there has been no key pad activity for a
specified time interval (3 minutes, 5
minutes, 10 minutes or 30 minutes). By
setting it to one of the timer shut offs, you
can save battery power during periods of
inactivity.
Use F2 or F3 to scroll to the SHUTDOWN
TIME parameter. Press F1 to enter the
SHUTDOWN screen.
19:16:30 SETUP
GENERAL GENERAL
GENERAL
GENERAL GENERAL
# SHUTDOWN TIMER
ALWAYS ON
3 MINUTES
5 MINUTES
10 MINUTES
30 MINUTES
ENTER
!
!
To select the desired shutdown parameter,
use F2 or F3 to scroll to the desired time.
Then press F1. The unit will return to the
GENERAL display.
Model One Operating Manual ""! TRILITHIC
20 –
Model One Setup
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