Trilithic RSVP2 User Manual

RSVP²

Reverse Path Tester

Operation Manual

Trilithic Company Profile

Trilithic is a privately held manufacturer founded in 1986 as an engineering and assembly
company that built and designed customer-directed products for telecommunications, military and
industrial customers. From its modest beginnings as a two-man engineering team, T rilithic grew
over the years and broadened its offerings of RF and microwave components by adding
broadband solutions to its product line. This was accomplished with the acquisition of
components manufacturer Cir-Q-T el and instrument s manufacturer T exscan.

T oday , T rilithic is an industry leader providing telecommunications solutions for major broadband,
RF and microwave markets around the world. As an ISO 9000:2001 certified company with over
40 years of collective expertise in engineering and custom assembly , Trilithic is dedicated to
providing quality products, services, and communications solutions that exceed customer
expectations.

Trilithic is comprised of five major divisions:

• Broadband Instruments and Systems
Offers test, analysis, and quality management solutions for the major cable television
systems worldwide.

• RF Microwave Components
Provides components and custom subsystems for companies specializing in cellular ,
military , and other wireless applications.

• Emergency Alert Systems
Leading supplier of government-mandated emergency alert systems used by broadcast
TV , cable TV, IPTV , DBS, and radio st ations.

• XFTP
Offers a specialty line of field technical products for cable operators and technicians, as
well as a line of products for installing electronics in the home of the future.

• Network Services
Provides network data management and support services to safeguard and protect your
network and data by employing certified, experienced, and dedicated network engineers.

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Table of Contents

1. General Information..............................................................................................................5

Helpful Website .....................................................................................................................5

Where to Get T echnical Support.............................................................................................5

Conventions Used in this Manual ...........................................................................................6

How this Manual is Organized................................................................................................6

Precautions ...........................................................................................................................7

2. Introduction...........................................................................................................................9

What is the RSVP²?...............................................................................................................9

Features: RSVP² Versus RSVP...........................................................................................1 0

3. Walkthrough........................................................................................................................11

Identify Components ............................................................................................................11

Function Buttons and Connectors ...................................................................................12

4. Operation.............................................................................................................................13

Introduction ..........................................................................................................................13

Battery Charging..................................................................................................................13

Setup...................................................................................................................................14

Source Level ..................................................................................................................15

Source Frequency ..........................................................................................................15

Source Mode .................................................................................................................16

T est Carrier Select..........................................................................................................16

Maximum T est Output .....................................................................................................17

Link Frequency...............................................................................................................18

C/N Bandwidth ...............................................................................................................18

C/N Threshold ................................................................................................................18

T est Mode ......................................................................................................................19

Problem Indicators...............................................................................................................21

Data Carrier Levels Out-of-Bounds.................................................................................21

Busy Signal ....................................................................................................................22

Retry Command .............................................................................................................22

Source Mode.......................................................................................................................23

5. Basic Operation ..................................................................................................................25

Overview .............................................................................................................................25

Troubleshooting in Test Mode...............................................................................................25

Troubleshooting in Source Mode..........................................................................................25

6. Specifications .....................................................................................................................27

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Chapter 1

1. General Information

Helpful Website

The following website contains general information which may be of interest to you:

http://www.trilithic.com

Trilithic’s website cont ains product specifications and information, tips, release information,
marketing information, frequently asked questions (F AQs), bulletins, and other technical
information. Y ou can also check this website for product updates.

Where to Get Technical Support

Trilithic technical support is available Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM EST.
Callers in North America can dial 1-317-895-3600 or 1-800-344-2412 (toll free). International
callers should dial 1-317-895-3600 or fax questions to 1-317-895-3613. Y ou can also e-mail
technical support at [e-mail].

For quicker support response when calling or sending e-mail, please provide the following
information:

• Y our name and your company name

• The technical point of contact (name, phone number , e-mail)

• The serial number of the RSVP²

• A detailed description of the problem you are having, including any error or information
messages

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How this Manual is Organized

This manual is divided into the following chapters:

• Chapter 1, “General Information” provides Trilithic cont act information and describes how
this operation manual is structured.

• Chapter 2, “Introduction” discusses the features and typical usage of the RSVP².

• Chapter 3, “Walkthrough” describes the buttons and display on the RSVP².

• Chapter 4, “Operation” describes the steps needed to set up the RSVP² and to perform
tests in the field.

• Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting the Drop” describes how to use the RSVP² to troubleshoot
cable systems at the subscriber’s location.

• Chapter 6, “Specifications” list s the technical specifications of the RSVP².

Conventions Used in this Manual

This manual has several standard conventions for presenting information.

• Connections, menus, menu options, and user-entered text and commands appear in bold.

• Section names, Web, and e-mail addresses appear in italics.

A NOTE is information that will be of assistance to you related
to the current step or procedure.

A CAUTION alerts you to any condition that could cause a
mechanical failure or potential loss of data.

A WARNING alerts you to any condition that could cause
personal injury.

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Precautions

The battery MUST be charged with the AC to DC power adapter
and battery charger provided with the RSVP². Using any other
adapter/charger may damage the battery.

The maximum input voltage to the meter is 100V (AC or DC).
A larger voltage will damage the meter .

The accuracy of the meter may be affected when in a strong
electromagnetic field.

Do not use the RSVP² in any manner not recommended by the
manufacturer.

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Chapter 2

2. Introduction

What is the RSVP²?

Trilithic’ s Guardian RSVP² is designed to provide you with optimal reverse path testing features at
an affordable cost. This return path testing instrument is designed specifically for the needs of the
cable television installer .

Many return path problems begin in the subscriber’s home. Errors in installation, defective
cabling, improper installation, or loose hardware can disrupt the return path communications or
allow ingress to enter the system. The best way to avoid such problems is to test the quality of the
path during every installation.

The RSVP² works with Trilithic’ s 9581 SST (or 9580 SST) Sweep and Ingress Analyzer, mounted
in the headend of the cable system. At the push of a button, the RSVP² will:

• Verify that the output level from the set top converter can be set at the proper level to reach
the headend at the desired nominal level.

• Verify that the carrier to (ingress + noise) ratio of return signals is within limit s that can be
set.

• Makes it easy to select the correct value of pad if the installer is using reverse step
attenuators (RSAs) to balance forward and reverse attenuation levels.

• Has the capability to generate a return path signal that can be used to verify the shielding
integrity of a drop. This feature can be used in conjunction with a ferrite loop antenna and
reverse leakage receiver to insure that a house will be ingress free after the installation.

• Allows troubleshooting of an installation using the RSVP² in SOURCE mode in
combination with a signal level meter.

The RSVP² presents the results as P ASS or F AIL. The actual measurement data can be recalled
in order to troubleshoot the installation.

The RSVP² allows you to determine, at the time of installation, if the subscriber is able to access
any of the cable system’s premium services which rely on the return path.

As many as 100 Guardian RSVP² and five 860 DSPs (or 9580 SSRs) field sweep units can
operate together with a single 9581 SST (or 9580 SST).

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Features: RSVP² Versus RSVP

The RSVP² differs from the earlier RSVP in several ways:

• The RSVP² is equipped with a LOCK OUT mode which prevents an operator from
changing the level or frequency settings in SOURCE mode. This removes the possibility of
accidentally setting the RSVP²’s output to an occupied frequency , or to a level large enough
to compress the upstream laser at the node.

• The range over which the RSVP² can test return levels has been expanded by 10 dB. This
allows the Installer to test the return “launch level” through a wider range of tap and splitter
values without using an external pad. The RSVP² has sufficient range to be connected
directly to taps as low as 7 dB; even in systems operating at reduced return levels or to
services with as much as 35 dB isolation, operating at normal levels.

The RSVP² can be used interchangeably anywhere that the extra operating range is not required.

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Chapter 3

3. Walkthrough

Now that you have the RSVP² out of its box, take a few moments to look it over and become
familiar with its controls.

The RSVP²’s battery may require charging prior to use. Refer to
Chatper 4: Operation, Battery Charging for instructions in
charging the RSVP²’s battery.

Identify Components

The Guardian RSVP²’s function buttons and display window are located on the front panel. An F­connector is located on the bottom and a power and communication jack is on the side of the
RSVP².

Function button

Display window

Power jack

Function buttons

F-connector

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Function Buttons and Connectors

1. ON/OFF - Powers the RSVP² on and off

2. TEST - Begins the headend level test

3. DA TA - Displays numeric results of headend level test

4. SOURCE - Activates source mode

5. Display window - Four-digit LED readout and four-function annunciator LED dots in

the corners

6. Power jack - Serves the dual function of input for charging the unit and programming

connector

7. F-connector - Connects the RSVP² to cable inside the subscriber’s house or to the

ground block outside the residence

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Chapter 4

4. Operation

Introduction

The Guardian RSVP² has been designed with intuitive, straightforward operation in mind. A
simple push of the ON/OFF button turns the RSVP² on. Before taking the RSVP² into the field, the
RSVP² should be set up to perform field testing. In the field, all that is needed is to connect the
RSVP² to the subscriber’s cable via the F-connector on the bottom of the RSVP². Press the
TEST button and the unit will display a reading of either P ASS or FAIL.

Battery Charging

When the RSVP² is first unpacked from its shipping box, the RSVP² should be charged overnight
or for 14 hours prior to use. Plug the connector of the charger into the power jack on the side of
the RSVP² (see Chapter 3: Walkthrough, Identify Components) and plug the charger into an
AC outlet.

The battery MUST be charged with the AC to DC power adapter
and battery charger provided with the RSVP². Using any other
adapter/charger may damage the battery.

While charging, the display on the front panel of the RSVP² will display
“chrG” and the power indicator will be on.

T o check the progress of the charging, disconnect the charger from the
RSVP². Press the ON/OFF button to turn the RSVP² on. Press the DATA
button once and the RSVP² will display the percentage of charge in the
battery . As an example, in the display to the right, the battery is charged
to 70%.

T o exit the Battery Check mode, press the DATA button.

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The RSVP² has a five-minute automatic shutdown feature to
conserve battery life. After five minutes of inactivity (except in
Source mode), the RSVP² will automatically power off. When
the battery reserve is depleted, the ON LED will begin to flash.

Setup

The RSVP² can be set up using the function buttons on the front of the RSVP², or by using
Trilithic’s ConfigR sof tware, designed specifically for the RSVP². T o continue setup of the RSVP²
with the ConfigR program, refer to the program’s operation manual.

T o enter the Setup mode from the RSVP², press the ON/OFF button to turn the RSVP² on. Press
the DATA button, at which point the battery life percentage is displayed, then press the SOURCE
button.

The first display shows the RSVP²’s battery V oltage. The RSVP²’s power is supplied by two
NiCad cells and will range from 2.0 to 2.7 Volt s.

Press the DAT A button again to enter the Setup mode to set the RSVP²’s parameters. Use the
TEST button to incrementally increase values and the SOURCE button to incrementally decrease
values.

The settings in the Setup mode appear in the following order:

• Source Level

• Source Frequency

• Source Mode

• T est Carrier Select

• Maximum T est Output

• Link Frequency

• C/N Bandwidth

• C/N Threshold

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Source Level

When the Setup mode is initialized, the Source and Level indicators
will illuminate. The RSVP² will display the calibrated output level (in
dBmV) that it will generate when it is in Source mode. This mode is
useful for troubleshooting the wiring in the subscriber’s home or, more
importantly , checking the home wiring for leakage. For most leakage
applications, a setting between +35 dBmV and +40 dBmV is
sufficient.

Adjust the level in 1 dB steps by pressing either the TEST button (incrementally increasing the
level) or the SOURCE button (incrementally decreasing the level).

If Source Level changes are locked out, values in Source Level
can not be changed. To change Source Level settings, the
ConfigR software must be used to unlock Source Level so that
changes can be programmed.

Once the Source Level is set, press the DA TA button. The RSVP² will advance to the Source
Frequency selection.

Source Frequency

When the Source Frequency Setup mode is initialized, the Source
indicator will illuminate and the RSVP² will display the frequency (in
MHz) of the signal which will be generated when in Source mode. If
the RSVP² will be used to test for leakage, this frequency must match
the reverse leakage receiver’s frequency.

Adjust the Source Frequency in 100 kHz steps by pressing the TEST
button (incrementally increasing the level) or the SOURCE button
(incrementally decreasing the level).

If Source Frequency changes are locked out, values in Source
Frequency can not be changed. To change Source Frequency
settings, the ConfigR software must be used to unlock Source
Frequency so that changes can be programmed.

Once the Source Frequency is set, press the DATA button. The RSVP² will advance to the
Source Mode selection.

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Source Mode

Use the Source Mode setup mode to determine whether the Source Mode output signal will be
continuous wave (CW), tagged, or pulsed. When set to CW , the output signal is un­modulated. In Pulsed mode, the output signal is ON/OFF-modulated. In T agged mode, the
output signal is amplitude-modulated at 20 Hz for detection by a Trilithic Super Plus leakage
detector (see Chapter 3: Walkthrough, Identify Components for additional information on
Source Mode). Press the SOURCE or TEST buttons to cycle through the three choices.

If Source Mode changes are locked out, values in Source Mode
can not be changed. To change Source Mode settings, the
ConfigR software must be used to unlock Source Mode so that
changes can be programmed.

Once the desired Source Mode is set, press the DATA button. The RSVP² will advance to the
T est Carrier selection.

Test Carrier Select

When communicating with 9580 SST (or 9580 SST) return path analyzer , the RSVP² uses the
ID allocated to the “F” 860 DSP (or 9580 SSR) field tester . The Test Carrier Select mode
allows you to select of which of the eight “F” test frequencies will be used for the reverse level
test.

The 9581 SST (or 9580 SST) supports multiple 860 DSP (or 9580 SSR) return path analyzers
by their assigned ID. Each 9581 SST (or 9580 SST) transmits sweep carriers which are
approximately 90 kHz apart. The “A” frequencies are set at the 860 DSP (or 9580 SSR).
Each field unit determines where it should transmit by offsetting from “A” frequencies. For
example, with frequency 1 set to 5.0 MHz at the 9581 SST (or 9580 SST), the “A” 860 DSP (or
9580 SSR) transmits at 5.00 MHz; the “B” 860 DSP (or 9580 SSR) at 5.09 MHz; and the “F”
860 DSP (or 9580 SSR) at 5.47 MHz. Since the RSVP² emulates an “F” 860 DSP (or 9580

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When an 860 DSP (or 9580 SSR) field tester is designated “F”, it
will continuously tie up the 9581 SST (or 9580 SST) so that the
RSVP² will not be able to communicate with the headend and
will display “buSY”. Ensure that no 860 DSPs (or 9580 SSRs)
with the unit “F” designation are being used at the same time
the RSVP² is in use.

SSR), its frequencies will be offset from those entered at the 9581
SST (or 9580 SST) by 470 kHz.

When setting up the RX frequencies on the 9581 SST (or 9580 SST),
select one or more of the eight test frequencies to be close to the
active return frequencies which will be used by the cable system. In
this case, set the RSVP² to the frequency (1 - 8) which is closest to the
active frequency . Refer to the 9581 SST (or 9580 SST) operation manual for more information
regarding exact placement of these frequencies.

If a large number of RSVP²s are being used on a single 860 DSP
(or SST), set some of the RSVP²s above and some below the
active frequency.

Press the SOURCE or TEST buttons to cycle through test selections 1 through 8.
Once the desired test carrier has been selected, press the DATA button. The RSVP² will

advance to the Maximum Output selection.

Maximum Test Output

The Maximum T est Output setup mode will display the maximum level
(in dBmV) that the RSVP² will output in T est mode.

The maximum limit is +55 dBmV .

The maximum test output level is usually set a few dB below the maximum output available
from the set top converter .

Once the desired test level has been selected, press the DATA button. The RSVP² will
advance to the Link Frequency selection.

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Link Frequency

When the Link Frequency setup mode is initialized, the RSVP² will
display the data carrier frequency in MHz. This frequency must match
the output frequency at the 860 DSP (or SST) with which the RSVP²
will communicate.

Use the SOURCE and TEST buttons to adjust the Link Frequency in
50 kHz steps. Once the desired Link Frequency is set, press the
DAT A button. The RSVP² will advance to the C/N Bandwidth selection.

C/N Bandwidth

When the C/N Bandwidth setup mode is initialized, the RSVP² will
display the carrier-to-noise bandwidth in MHz. The carrier-to-noise
bandwidth should be set to match the bandwidth of the carrier output
from the cable modem or set top converter.

Use the SOURCE or TEST buttons to adjust the C/N Bandwidth from

0.1 MHz to 6.0 MHz in 100 kHz steps.

The measurement bandwidth for the
noise calculation is 375 kHz. Noise
calculations for other bandwidths are
made using the following formula:

Once the desired C/N Bandwidth is set, press the DATA button. The RSVP² will advance to
the C/N Threshold selection.

10

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RSVP

C/N Threshold

When the C/N Threshold setup mode is initialized, the RSVP² will
display the carrier-to-noise threshold in dB. The carrier-to-noise
threshold should be set to the recommended minimum carrier-to­noise ratio given by the modem’s manufacturer (it is suggested to add
a few dB of margin to the manufacturer’s recommended minimum
level).

Once the carrier-to-noise threshold has been set, press the DA TA button. The RSVP² will
return to the Rest state (the mode it was in when the RSVP² was first powered on).

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If the RSVP² is powered off during any of the setup procedures,
any changes made to the current setup parameter will be
aborted.

Test Mode

When the RSVP² is in the T est mode, the Source and Setup functions are disabled. Before
running a test, disconnect the cable from the subscriber’s set top converter and connect it to
the F-connector on the bottom of the RSVP².

T o enter Test mode, press the TEST button when the RSVP² is powered on.

When the ON/OFF button is pressed, the RSVP² powers on, in
the Ready state. The ON LED is lit, indicating that the RSVP² is
powered on and in the Ready state.

When the TEST button is pressed, “tESt” appears briefly on the
display.

The Test mode enables the RSVP² to observe sweep information generated by the 9581 SST
(or 9580 SST) headend unit.

The RSVP² first tunes to the link frequency which was programmed in the Setup mode, then
receives data transmitted by the 9581 SST (or 9580 SST; refer to Chapter 4: Operation,
Setup, Link Frequency for additional information).

If reliable data is being received, the RSVP² observes the data for the test frequency that was
assigned in the Setup menu. If the data indicates that no other test signals are present, the
RSVP² begins testing.

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The RSVP² displays a moving bar which indicates that the test is progressing.

During the test, the RSVP² will transmit its test carrier in synchronization with the 9581 SST (or
9580 SST) in the headend. It will start with a low level (20 dBmV) and then increment upward
in steps of up to 8 dBmV , until one of the following occurs:

• It is received at precisely the proper level by the 9581 SST (or 9580 SST), or

• The RSVP² has reached the maximum test output entered in the Setup menu

If the level is correct, the RSVP² will compute the carrier-to-noise ratio
and compare it to the carrier-to-noise threshold. If the carrier-to-noise
ratio is greater than the threshold, the RSVP² will display “P ASS”.

T o see the actual test data, press the DATA button to advance the display to show the display
level (in dBmV) required to reach nominal at the headend. Press the DA TA button again to
display the carrier-to-noise ratio at the headend using the noise bandwidth which was entered
in the Setup mode. Press the DATA button a third time to return the RSVP² to the ready state.

To return to the ON/Ready state and terminate the reverse path
test at any time, from the Test menu, press the TEST button.

If the output level required to reach the headend at nominal level is
greater than the maximum limit programmed into the RSVP² or less
than +20 dBmV , the RSVP² will display “F AIL” and will illuminate the
Level indicator (refer to refer to Chapter 4: Operation, Setup,
Maximum Test Output for additional information).

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If the output level is acceptable, the RSVP² will check the carrier-to­noise threshold. If the carrier-to-noise threshold is not met, the RSVP²
will display “FAIL” and will illuminate the carrier-to-noise indicator.

T o view the level and the carrier-to-noise ratio, press the DATA button after a failed test; the
RSVP² will display the same information as it does after a passed test. This information can
be used for troubleshooting. For example, you might try a different technique to find a problem
if the reverse path was 2 dB low , as opposed to 20 dB low (for detailed information regarding
troubleshooting techniques, refer to Chapter 5: Troubleshooting the Drop).

The carrier-to-noise ratio is not computed if the test fails due to
level since this data is irrelevant without having a known carrier
level reference.

Once the testing process is complete, press the TEST button to return the RSVP² to the on
state, or press the ON/OFF button to power the RSVP² off.

Problem Indicators

Some external factors may affect the operation of the RSVP² when in Test mode. This section
describes some of the more common occurrences.

Data Carrier Levels Out-of-Bounds

If the RSVP² finds that the data carrier level is too low for reliable data
reception (below -15 dBmV) while it is tuned to the link frequency , it
will display “Lo”.

If the carrier level is too high for reliable data reception (above +20
dBmV), it will display “hI”.

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If the data is corrupted (e.g. by interference), the RSVP² will display “no” and “dAtA” blinking in
sequence.

In this event, troubleshooting problems in the forward carrier will be necessary before the
reverse path test can be continued.

Busy Signal

If an active 860 DSP (or 9580 SSR) with the unit “F” designation is communicating with the
9581 SST (or 9580 SST), it will continuously occupy the frequency
needed by the RSVP².

In this case, the RSVP² will not be able to sense a “clear” channel and
will display “bUSy” until the channel becomes available, or until the
TEST button is pressed to exit T est mode.

Ensure that no 860 DSPs (or 9580 SSRs) with the unit “F” designation are being used while
testing with the RSVP².

Retry Command

RSVP²s are normally kept from interfering with each other by the “listen for clear channel
before transmitting” feature. Since the typical test duration is only three to four seconds, it is
unusual for there to be a conflict between one or more RSVP²s. However , if two tests are
initiated within the same 0.75 second interval, this feature may not be effective. In this case, a
collision detection algorithm determines that multiple RSVP²s
collided.

The RSVP² will display a “rtry” message, indicating that the test should
be repeated.

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Source Mode

The RSVP² enables leak detection in an installation by using Source mode in conjunction with a
signal level meter.

When the RSVP² is in Source mode, it will generate a special reverse frequency test signal which
can be injected into the subscriber’s in-home cabling. By using Trilithic’s IsoMeter with the
RSVP², points in the cabling where the test signal is radiating from the subscriber’s drop can be
located. Refer to the IsoMeter’s operation manual for additional information on locating leaks.

Before using Source mode, the desired source frequency , output level, and mode must be
programmed via Setup mode (refer to Chapter 4: Operation, Setup, Source Mode for
additional information).

T o enter Source mode, power on the RSVP². Press the SOURCE button.

The RSVP² will display “Src?”. Press the SOURCE button a second time
and the RSVP² will initialize Source mode, as indicated by the illumination
of hte Source indicator.

If a different button is pressed, the RSVP² will initialize the
function which corresponds to the pressed button. For
example, you press the SOURCE button, then instead of
pressing the SOURCE button a second time, you press the
TEST button. The RSVP² will initialize T est mode.

The ConfigR software can be used to restrict the ability to
manually change the parameters of Source mode.

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Source mode is stored in the RSVP²’s memory during setup. It has three available configurations:

• CW (continuous wave)

• Pulsed

• Tagged

When Source mode is configured to CW, the output signal is un-modulated. When configured
to Pulsed, the output signal is on/off modulated, alternating between 250 and 500 Hz every

0.75 seconds. This produces a recognizable audio pattern when detected with a signal level

meter. Additionally , the on/off modulation provides a power savings of about 20% as
compared to CW or Tagged configurations.

Source mode can be configured to CW or Pulsed to help locate
faults in a cable.

When Source mode is configured to T agged, the output signal is amplitude modulated at 20
Hz for detection by a Trilithic Super Plus leakage detector.

Once the subscriber’s cabling has been checked for reverse frequency leaks, exit the Source
mode by pressing the SOURCE button again. The RSVP² will return to the on state.

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Chapter 5

5. Basic Operation

Overview

The RSVP² accommodates several techniques for troubleshooting the cable system at the
subscriber’s location, via the T est and Source modes. Both troubleshooting methods allow each
section of cable to be checked in order to pinpoint the problem.

Troubleshooting in Test Mode

In the event that the RSVP² indicates “FAIL” when it is in T est mode, the RSVP² can be kept in the
T est mode the source of the problem can be found by testing at the splitter , the ground block, and
the tap to see if the RSVP² can communicate with the headend.

Connect the RSVP² to the tap and initialize the Test mode. If the level and carrier-to-noise ratio
are acceptable, the RSVP² and the headend are communicating clearly , so the problem is likely
within the subscriber’s cabling. If the level and carrier-to-noise ratio are not acceptable, the
problem is likely somewhere else in the system, and not within the installation.

Connect the RSVP² at the ground block and initialize the TEST mode again. If the level and
carrier-to-noise ratio are not acceptable, the problem is likely within the cable drop. The integrity
of the drop can be verified by replacing it then initializing the Test mode again; if the carrier-to­noise level is acceptable at the ground block, the problem is likely within the cabling in the
subscriber’s house.

Each section of cable in the home must be isolated and checked for integrity . Working from the
splitter, work along each section until the problem has been isolated.

Troubleshooting in Source Mode

If the RSVP² communicates with the headend from the tap – which indicates that the trouble is
somewhere in the subscriber’s cabling – the problem may be located by checking the continuity of
the system.

By using the RSVP² (in Source mode) in conjunction with a signal level meter, the continuity of
system within the house can be checked. As was done with the RSVP² in T est mode, analyzing
each section of the cable within the home will allow isolation of the problem.

T o use the RSVP² with a signal level meter to check the installation, initialize the Source mode
(configure the Source mode as CW or Pulse). Set the RSVP² to a known level (such as +40) and
connect it to the ground block. At each cable outlet, use the signal level meter to measure the
level. If the signal loss is greater than the anticipated cable and splitter loss, the discontinuity has
been located. If the signal loss is not greater than anticipated, continue the process along each
section of cable and connections.

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6. Specifications

RF Output Frequency: 5 MHz to 42 MHz
RF Output Level: +20 to +55 dBmV (in 1 dB increments)
RF Output Level Accuracy: ± 1.5 dB @ -18° to +55° C (0° to 131° F)
Spectral Purity: All unwanted 5 MHz to 42 MHz: -40 dBc

All unwanted 54 MHz to 750 MHz: -45 dBc

Receive Frequencies: 50 MHz to 53.75 MHz

73.75 MHz to 75.75 MHz

80.5 MHz to 92 MHz (with hardware modulator)

Receive Sensitivity: -15 to +20 dBmV
Display: 4-digit LED with 4 dot annunciators

Chapter 6

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9710 Park Davis Drive

Indianapolis, IN 46235

[phone]

www.trilithic.com

P/N 0010189001 01/10 Made in U.S.A.