Trilithic THREE User Manual
Model Three
Signal Level Meter
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 three 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 stations.
• 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.
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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...........................................................................................................................8
What is the Model Three? ......................................................................................................9
Features ..............................................................................................................................10
Tilt and Favorite Group Display.......................................................................................10
Single Channel Display ..................................................................................................10
Single Channel Spectrum ...............................................................................................10
Scan Display..................................................................................................................10
Spectrum Display ...........................................................................................................10
Hum Display...................................................................................................................10
QAM Measurement ........................................................................................................11
Data Logging .................................................................................................................11
Limit T est........................................................................................................................11
Auto T est Programs........................................................................................................11
Voltmeter........................................................................................................................11
File Saving and Viewing.................................................................................................12
Equipment Supplied with Y our Model Three .........................................................................12
Accessories and Replacement Parts for Y our Model Three..................................................13
3. Walkthrough........................................................................................................................15
Identify Components ............................................................................................................15
Key Pad .........................................................................................................................16
Navigating Functions ......................................................................................................18
Display Screen Description............................................................................................20
Battery Charging..................................................................................................................21
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4. Setup ...................................................................................................................................23
Overview .............................................................................................................................23
Information...........................................................................................................................24
General................................................................................................................................24
Backlight ........................................................................................................................24
LCD Contrast.................................................................................................................25
Shutdown Time...............................................................................................................25
T emperature Unit ............................................................................................................25
Date and Time................................................................................................................26
LCD Test ........................................................................................................................27
Upgrade.........................................................................................................................27
Prior Menu .....................................................................................................................27
Measurement.......................................................................................................................28
Transmission..................................................................................................................28
Level Units .....................................................................................................................28
Single Frequency Setup .................................................................................................29
Limit Setup.....................................................................................................................30
Reset Max Hold..............................................................................................................31
Voltage...........................................................................................................................31
Hum Frequency ..............................................................................................................32
Prior Menu .....................................................................................................................32
Channel Plan .......................................................................................................................33
Select User Plan ............................................................................................................33
Channel Numbers...........................................................................................................33
Learn User Plan .............................................................................................................33
Edit User Plan ................................................................................................................35
Tilt/Level List...................................................................................................................39
Load Defaults.................................................................................................................40
Prior Menu .....................................................................................................................40
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5. Basic Operation ..................................................................................................................41
Fast Setup...........................................................................................................................41
Single Channel Level T esting ...............................................................................................42
TV Channels...................................................................................................................42
Single Channel Spectrum ...............................................................................................44
Single Frequency Channels ............................................................................................45
Digital Channels .............................................................................................................46
Frequency Mode..................................................................................................................47
Channel Scanning................................................................................................................48
Display Limits.................................................................................................................49
Limit T esting ........................................................................................................................50
Frequency Spectrum Scanning ............................................................................................51
Hum Measurement ..............................................................................................................5 4
QAM Measurement..............................................................................................................54
QAM Channel Measurement...........................................................................................54
QAM Frequency Mode ...................................................................................................55
Spectrum Analyzer Display .............................................................................................57
QAM Constellation Display (Optional).............................................................................57
Tilt and Favorite Channel......................................................................................................58
6. Advanced Operation...........................................................................................................59
Transmission Characteristic Test .........................................................................................59
Auto T est .............................................................................................................................62
QAM Parameters ...........................................................................................................64
Level Parameters...........................................................................................................65
Spectrum Parameters ....................................................................................................65
Limit Parameters............................................................................................................66
Tilt Parameters...............................................................................................................66
Hum Parameters ............................................................................................................67
File Saving and Viewing ......................................................................................................70
Saving a Test Record to a File ........................................................................................70
Viewing File Records .....................................................................................................71
Auto T est Records ..........................................................................................................74
7. Specifications .....................................................................................................................77
Warranty Information ............................................................................................................81
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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 techsupport@trilithic.com.
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 Model Three serial number , firmware and hardware version numbers
• 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” introduces the equipment and features of the Model Three.
• Chapter 3, “Walkthrough” describes the components of the Model Three.
• Chapter 4, “Setup” describes the steps needed to perform the setup of the Model Three.
• Chapter 5, “Basic Operation” describes how to use the basic features of Model Three.
• Chapter 6, “Advanced Operation” describes how to use the advanced features of Model
Three.
• Chapter 7, “Specifications” shows the technical specifications of the Model Three.
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 Model Three. Using any
other adapter/charger may damage the battery.
The maximum input voltage to the meter is 100 V (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 Model Three in any manner not recommended
by the manufacturer.
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Chapter 2
2. Introduction
What is the Model Three?
Trilithic’s Model Three Signal Level Meter 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 12 “favorites”), or as a full-span display . This product also features a single-channel
Spectrum mode, which displays the presence of interfering beats in addition to the carrier
amplitudes. The device lets you take the direct power measurement of QAM signals with
Constellation diagram display (optional) and pre- and post-BER and MER readings, Hum
measurements, data logging, and also supports a voltmeter function.
Four user-defined channel plans may be stored, and the Model Three can perform a complete test
of all channels in the selected user channel plan to specified limits at the press of a single key . It
can also be set to automatically perform QAM, Level, Spectrum, Tilt (Favorite), Hum, and Limit
tests at programmed intervals, unattended.
The Model Three can save files for QAM, Level, T ilt, Spectrum, Scan, Limit test, Hum, and Auto
test measurements. These files can be recalled to display the recorded data, or Scan, S pectrum,
and Limit files can be viewed graphically . The Model Three also makes it easy to obtain a hard
copy of installation data or documentation of a problem via the optional Model Three T oolBox
software.
The device 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. Its tough, plastic shell and protective jacket
make the Model Three highly resistant to damage from shock and impact. When not in use, the
instrument and its accessories are contained in a carrying case.
The Model Three is rugged and convenient to use. It weighs only 1.76 pounds and can be carried
and operated with one hand. All measurement functions are accessible via a single keystroke,
and, with the Fast Setup function, settings for each measurement mode can be accessed at the
press of a single key without going through nested menus. Other functions are simplified though
the combination of dedicated function keys and “soft keys.”
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Features
Tilt and Favorite Group Display
Press TILT to display a graph showing the amplitudes of up to twelve 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
Three displays a numeric list that shows the amplitudes of the carriers in the group.
Single Channel Display
When tuned to a single channel, the Model Three displays bar graphs for the video and audio
carriers or power of a digital channel. It also shows numeric readouts of the carrier amplitudes
and V/A dif ference or digital power .
Single Channel Spectrum
The Model Three can also provide a spectral display of the selected channel including
intermodulation products or other undesired signals that may be present.
For a digital channel, this measurement shows the actual shape of the modulation “haystack”
to determine if there are any problems with the digital transmission system. This feature
provides you with a powerful tool for checking in-channel flatness or mismatches that might
affect digital transmission quality .
Scan Display
Press SCAN to display the full span of video and audio carriers in the selected user channel
plan. This mode is useful to make a quick check of your system’s overall flatness and
amplitude. Up to four user plans may be stored.
Amplitude limits can be imposed on the display . By using the Model Three’s frequency
marker , you can zoom in on any suspect channel that appears in the display.
Spectrum Display
Press SPECT to display the spectrum measurements with frequency spans from 2.5 MHz to
62.5 MHz or a full-spectrum scan.
Hum Display
Press HUM to measure the Hum interference of the CA TV transmission system.
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QAM Measurement
The Model Three is capable of measuring the channel power of QAM, QPSK, and COFDM
signals. This function also enables the measurement of pre- and post-BER and MER for QAM
modulated signals. The QAM measurement mode also features a single channel spectrum
display and an optional Constellation diagram is available to enable users to find errors more
quickly .
Data Logging
Y ou can select and save the test data of the QAM, Level, T ilt, Limit, Hum, Scan, and Frequency
spectrum tests. The Model Three has the capability to store the amplitudes of all video and
audio carriers (up to 170 channels). These data records can be captured in nonvolatile
memory and later recalled or uploaded to your PC for record keeping.
Each record carries the time, date, and other Model Three information at the time the record is
saved.
Limit Test
The Model Three can perform a complete test of all analog channels in the selected user
channel plan to specified limits at the touch of a single key . All channels are listed with Pass or
Fail results, and the user may select any channel to review its individual test results. In
addition, results for the entire channel plan, such as Maximum Δ Video and Maximum Δ
Adjacent Channel, are seen on the test-result display .
Auto Test Programs
The Model Three can be set to automatically perform QAM, Level, S pectrum, Tilt (Favorite),
Hum, and Limit tests in user settable time increments. This makes the Model Three ideal for
performing required 24-hour tests. The test result files can be viewed or uploaded to a PC
later.
Voltmeter
The Model Three is equipped with a built-in voltmeter that can be used for troubleshooting
power supplies or power drops. The Model Three displays the voltage with a bar graph and
numeric readout. It can accommodate AC or DC volt ages up to 100 V olts.
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File Saving and Viewing
The Model Three can save records from QAM, Level, T ilt (Favorite channels group), Spectrum,
Hum, Scan, or Limit test measurements either to individual files or all to one file. These files
can be recalled to display the recorded data, and Scan, S pectrum, and Limit graphics can be
viewed. All files may be uploaded to a PC with the Model Three T oolBox sof tware for analysis,
storage, and printing.
Equipment Supplied with Your Model Three
The Model Three comes with the following:
• Model Three signal level meter
• Protective carrying case
• Strap for carrying case
• Orange rubber protective bumper
• 1 1.1 V / 1.4 AH Li-Ion battery
• AC to DC power adapter and battery charger
• Operation manual on CD
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Accessories and Replacement Parts for Your Model Three
The following accessories and replacement parts are available for the Model Three:
Part Number Descr iption
2130854000 Holster
2130856000 Protective sleeve
0930149000 Model Three ToolBox – includes USB data cable
2072084000 USB data cable
2131064000 Replacement protective carrying case
0320050000 Replacement strap for carrying case
2131253000 Replacement orange rubber protective bum per
0090055000 Replacement battery
2072036000 Replacement charger
0200579000 Replacement F-type connector
For more information, please contact T rilithic at
www.trilithic.com or 1-800-344-2412.
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Chapter 3
3. Walkthrough
Now that you have your Model Three out of its box, take a few moments to look it over and
become familiar with its controls.
The thin protective film layer used to protect the display during
shipping should be removed.
Your Model Three’ s battery may need to be charged, see the
Battery Charging Section later in this chapter.
Identify Components
The Model Three’s function buttons and backlit LCD display are on the front panel. The device’s
charge socket and PC interface socket are on the bottom. The RF “F” connector is on the top of
the device. The belt clip is located on the back of the device.
RF “F” connector
LCD display
with backlight
Key pad
PC interface
Charge socket
Connectors located under
rubber cover on bottom of
device
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Key P ad
EL
S
SPECT
6 PQR
5
O
S
TU
0
Q
BC
G
F
2 DE
X
9 YZ
8
X
__
The key pad consists of the various buttons to access the Model Three’s functions. There are
eleven function buttons, two arrow buttons (up and down), the power on/off button, and three
“soft buttons” that enable you to perform functions shown on the display .
MODEL THREE
Soft Buttons
1
F
2
F
3
F
AUTO
1 ABC
LEVEL
4 JKL
4 JKL
TILT
A
SCAN
2 DEF
5 MNO
MN
LIMIT
3 GHI
SPECT
6 PQR
I3
1 1 Primary and
Secondary Function
SET
7 STU
7 S
FILE
8 VWX
VW
HUM
9 YZ*
Buttons
FCN
QAM
0
.
__
Arrow Buttons
ON / OFF
Button
Charge Indicator
Soft Buttons
The , , and keys are used to access various functions within the display
menus. On specific displays, three boxes appear at the bottom of the display . These
boxes correspond to the three soft keys and provide additional commands such as
ENTER, EXIT , SCALE, REF, movement arrows, etc. (see the individual function displays
for more information).
FREQ MAX
T
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Function Buttons
The following is a list of the function buttons:
Key Function # Purpose
AUTO 1 Enter Auto test mode
TILT 2 Enter Tilt measurement mode
LIMIT 3 Enter Limit test mode
LEVEL 4
SCAN 5 Enter Channel Scanning mode
SPECT 6 Enter Frequency Spectrum scanning mode
SET 7 Use for Fast Setup or Main Setup menu
FILE 8 Save or recall measurement files
HUM 9 Enter Hum measurement mode
Enter single channel / frequency measurement
mode
FCN 0
QAM . Enter QAM measurement mode
Put the key p ad into alphanumeric mode for
entering numbers or letters
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Power ON / OFF
Use the POWER ON / OFF key to turn the device on and off.
Arrow Buttons
Use the and keys to change values within a function display .
Navigating Functions
Several methods are used to navigate the Model Three’s functions. For some procedures, use
the and keys to make changes within a specific screen such as to increase or
decrease values.
T o scroll through a specific display’s menu topics, you generally use the designated sof t
buttons (usually the and keys).
Entering Numeric Values
Within several displays, you must enter numeric values. Press the key to put the key
pad in its secondary function mode, then press the number buttons to enter the desired
value. For example, to enter the number 12:
Press + +
Then press the (ENTER) key to enter the value into the Model Three.
Entering Alphanumeric Characters
Similarly , you must enter alphanumeric data on several screens, such as file names,
Channel labels, and Auto test program names. As before, you press the key to put
the key pad into its secondary function mode, then press the buttons to enter the desired
value. When you press a button in function mode, the first entry is the number associated
with the button, after which you press the same button repeatedly to scroll through the
letters associated with the button. T o enter a second letter or number using a dif ferent
button, you can go directly to the second button for entry . If you want to enter a second letter
or number using the same button as the preceding character, you must press the key
to shift the Model Three control to a new number or letter .
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For example, to enter “TEST” in the Name field, do the following:
1. Press to switch to function mode.
2. Press + + to enter “T” in the field.
3. Press
+ + to enter “E” in the field.
4. Press + to enter “S” in the field
5. Press
to shift to a new entry with the same key .
6. Press + + to enter “T” in the field.
If you make an error when entering a number or a name, you
can press the key to go back and then re-enter it. Press the
key to escape from the operation.
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Display Screen Description
Each display contains the following sections or features.
User
plan
Time
F1 F2 F3
Time - Displays the device’s time based on time set up parameter , see Chapter 4: Setup,
General, Date and Time.
Battery
Main display
screen
Display
indicator
Battery charge - Shows the approximate percentage of remaining battery charge. Flashes
when the charge drops below 10%.
User Plan - Indicates the selected user channel plan.
Display Indicator - Indicates which function is being used.
Main Display Screen - Displays the parameters and graphs of the selected function.
F1, F2, F3 - Indicates the function of the soft buttons in the selected Model Three mode.
The soft buttons vary from function to function on the meter;
see the Soft Buttons section earlier in this chapter.
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Battery Charging
The Model Three has a built-in 1 1.1 V / 1.4 AH Li-Ion battery . When fully charged, it can be used
for five hours. When the battery charge drops below 10%, the battery symbol flashes in the
information line at the top of the display screen. If the charge drops below 5%, the Model Three
shuts off automatically to protect the battery . Y ou cannot turn the Model Three on again until you
recharge the battery .
T o charge the Model Three’ s battery , connect the battery charger to the charge socket on the
bottom of the Model Three (see Chapter 3: Walkthrough ,
charger into an AC outlet.
The battery MUST be charged with the Trilithic charge cube
provided with the Model Three. Using any other charge cube
may damage the battery.
While charging, the charge indicator on the front panel of the Model Three will be RED. A full
charge will be achieved in less than three hours, and will be indicated as such by a GREEN
charge indicator.
Identify Components) and plug the
The charging status may be observed by turning the Model Three ON and then OFF while the
charger is connected. The charging display will be seen with a charging curve and an
approximate percentage of charge, with the elapsed charging time.
The Model Three may be operated while the batteries are charging.
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Chapter 4
4. Setup
Overview
When you first press the (POWER) key , the Model Three briefly displays the S tart-Up screen,
then displays the Level screen.
The Model Three battery may need charging prior to first use,
see Chapter 3: Walkthrough, Battery Charging.
Before using the Model Three, you need to perform some setup procedures from the following
areas:
• Information (general information about your Model Three and the status of user settings)
• General (backlight time, contrast, shutdown time, temperature units, and date and time)
• Measurement (signal level units, single frequency setup, limit setup, transmission, voltage)
• Channel plan (select, learn, and edit the user plan, channel number display , tilt/favorite list)
Model Three ToolBox Software may also be used to set up the
Model Three. See the Model Three ToolBox Operation Manual
for more information.
T o enter the setup display , do the following:
1. Press the key twice to display the main Setup menu.
2. Use the and keys to scroll through the main Setup
menu.
3. When the desired command is highlighted, press the
(ENTER) key to select the display .
Pressing the key once activates the Fast Setup mode to
display setup parameters for the current mode. Pressing the
key twice always displays the main Setup menu; see
Chapter 5: Basic Operation, Fast Setup.
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Information
The Information display windows contain useful information regarding
your Model Three.
The first screen of information shows the device’s serial number ,
firmware version, hardware version, and the company’s web
address. Y ou can use the
information screens to see more information about the Model Three,
including user settings. Press the (ESCAPE) key to return to
the main Setup menu.
and keys to scroll through other
General
Use the General menu screen to set the operational parameters of
your device.
Use the and keys to scroll through the command choices to
the desired parameter .
Backlight
This selection determines the backlighting time on the Model Three
display . Press the key (or use the and keys) to
change the backlighting time. The selected time is displayed in the
window near the bottom of the display screen. Y ou can select ON (backlighting is always on),
OFF (backlighting is always off), or 3, 5, 10, or 30 minutes (activates the backlight for the
selected number of minutes, then turns it off to save power).
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