Before using the PairMaster, read all instructions.
Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by
Triplett may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or
injury.
Do not attempt to service this unit. There are no user
serviceable parts inside this unit.
WARNING: This test set has been designed with your
safety in mind. However, no design can completely
protect against incorrect use. Any electrical circuit
can be dangerous and / or lethal when lack of caution
or poor safety practices are used.
SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT!!!
PN 84-740 RevA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1:
OVERVIEW.................................. 3
FEATURES .................................. 5
SECTION 2:
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .................... 8
FAULT CODES .............................. 10
DISPLAY FACES............................. 11
SECTION 3:
SPECIAL CABLE TESTING ..................... 13
SECTION 4:
SPECIFICATIONS ............................ 14
ACCESSORIES .............................. 15
WARRANTY ................................ 16
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PAIRMASTER OVERVIEW
The Triplett PairMaster is an essential test tool for the LAN
cable and network installer, maintainer, and technician. It analyzes the LAN cable for faults, performs network mapping, and
checks Near End Crosstalk (NEXT). Its Auto Power Off feature
extends battery life and its built-in Overload protection prevents
damage from crossed phone lines.
Comprised of a Main Unit and as many as 16 Remotes (2
included, 14 optional), the PairMaster is adept at testing patch
cables or installed wiring, with distances ranging from 0 to
400ft.
Its fault detection capabilities includes a comprehensive test
of the cable’s conductors, identifying any Opens, Shorts, or
Miswiring. The results are displayed by simple PASS/FAIL
indicators. If a fault is detected, a digital display shows an error
code that identifies the specific failure.
A LAN network is easily mapped by using the Remotes, each
with its unique signature. Figure 1 illustrates the mapping process, with the Main Unit at the Switch or Hub, and the Remotes
placed throughout the facility at the cable endpoints. The Main
Unit identifies the connected Remote on its large digital display.
The PairMaster goes beyond simple continuity testing of the
cable, employing a high speed NEXT test to identify cable construction problems that could corrupt the digital data.
A rugged and reliable industry workhorse, the PairMaster is the
choice of LAN and IT professionals.
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To Remote Locations
Cable Identification – User Diagram
Figure 1
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FEATURES
1) OVERVOLTAGE INDICATOR LED
The LED on the Remote Identifier will light up whenever Telco
voltages are detected on the cable under test.
Example: Connecting the remote to a cable that is energized
by a 48 VDC Central Office Battery (a telephone line) will cause
the OVERVOLTAGE INDICATOR LED to light up. The LED will
remain ON until the overvoltage condition is corrected or the
Remote Identifier is removed from the cable.
2) REMOTE IDENTIFIER
The Remote Identifier is a small module that is connected to
the far end of the cable. Each Identifier properly terminates the
cable. It also contains circuitry to allow the PairMaster to verify
proper wiring within the cable. Sixteen unique remote units,
numbered from 1 to 16, can be used to identify a particular
cable in a bundle.
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3) RJ-45 MODULAR JACK
This jack is a standard 8-pin modular jack for connecting UTP
(Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable to the PairMaster. The jack is
keyed so that it can accept either keyed or non-keyed RJ-45
plugs.
4) DIGITAL DISPLAY
Under PASS conditions, the display shows the number of the
Remote Identifier attached to the cable. Under FAIL conditions
the appropriate Fault Code is displayed (see page 11).
5) PASS/FAIL LEDs
Each pair in the cable (Conductors 1/2, 3/6, 4/5, 7/8) have one
green LED (PASS) and one red LED (FAIL). The LEDs light up,
based on the test results of each pair.
6) PUSH-TO-TEST BUTTON (PTT)
Press this button to turn on the PairMaster and start a new test.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Connect each Remote Identifier into the terminal jack of an
office. Observe the OVERVOLTAGE INDICATOR LED on the
remote. If the LED is on, Telco voltage is present. Remove the
Remote Identifier and investigate the problem. The PairMaster
is not intended for use on telephone systems.
*** WARNING *** Never connect any LAN device to an
overvoltage line (telephone line). Damage to the hub or to the
terminal may result.
Connect the RJ-45 patch cable to the wiring hub ‘s patch panel.
Plug the other end of the patch cable into the PairMaster’s
RJ-45 jack.
** NOTE ** Using the patch cable and the in-line couplers is
recommended to reduce wear on the PairMaster’s RJ-45 jack.
Press the PUSH-TO-TEST (PTT) button to begin testing the
cable for proper wiring. Observe the digital display. Upon pressing the PTT button, several different displays may be shown.
Under normal conditions the display will read “--“, indicating
that the PairMaster is testing the cable.
If “Lb “ is displayed, the battery is low and should be replaced
before testing is continued.
If “OL” flashes in the display, an overvoltage is detected on the
connected cable. Remove the cable immediately and correct the
overvoltage problem before continuing. Following an overvoltage indication, wait for at least 15 seconds before pressing the
PTT button again. The PairMaster is in ‘overvoltage timeout
mode’ and will not reactivate until the time-out period has
expired.
Page 11
** NOTE ** In the event that the PairMaster and the Remote
Identifier are both connected to an energized cable, only the
PairMaster will give an overvoltage (OL) indication. The OVERVOLTAGE INDICATOR LED will not light under these conditions.
In most situations, the Remote Identifier will be connected to
the line first, allowing the user to know immediately if the line is
energized. At the wiring hub (in another office) the user can determine an overvoltage condition by using the PairMaster itself.
FolIowing the initial message at power-up, (i.e. “- -“ ) the
PairMaster tests each pair of the cable sequentially. The pairs
consist of the following conductors: 1/2, 3/6, 4/5, 7/8. The
PASS/FAIL results of each pair are displayed immediately following that pair’s tests.
If the pair has passed all tests, the green LED below the pair
number will light. The digital display will show the number of
the Remote Identifier connected to the other end of the cable.
If the pair fails one or more of the tests, the red LED below the
pair number will light. The digital display will show the FAULT
CODE associated with the failure. In the event of a multiple failure on a single pair, the highest priority fault will be displayed.
The fault codes are listed in order of priority on page 10.
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POWER-UP: Displayed immediately after push-to- test (PTT)
button is pressed, if everything is normal.
LOW BATTERY: Displayed immediately after push-to-test button
is pressed if battery voltage is low (less than 6.5 volts).
FAULT CODES
OVERVOLTAGE: Damaging voltage is present on the cable. The
unit will flash “OL “ until the damaging voltage is removed or
the PairMaster turns off.
OPEN PAIR: One or both conductors of a pair do not have
continuity.
SHORTED PAIR: The conductors of a pair are shorted together.
CROSSED PAIR: One or both conductors of a pair are shorted
to conductors of another pair.
SPLIT PAIR: Two conductors in the cable are switched, “splitting” two pairs.
TRANSPOSED PAIR: Two pairs in the cable are switched.
REVERSED PAIR: The conductors of an individual pair are
reversed in polarity at one end of the cable.
DOUBLE SPLIT PAIR: The NEXT test fails. The conductors of
two pairs have correct continuity but excessive crosstalk.
NO ID: (Flashes) The cable can not be identified.
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Figure 2
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A multiple failure on a pair is a condition where more than
one fault is present. One example of this is when a pair has
one conductor open and the other conductor crossed (short
circuited) to another pair (Fig. 3). The first will indicate an open
pair and the second will indicate a crossed pair.
Figure 3
Another example of a multiple failure is when two pairs are
transposed, and one of the transposed pairs is reversed in
polarity (Fig. 4).
Figure 4
In both situations, the PairMaster will still display a FAIL LED
but will only inform the user of the highest priority fault. The
user, upon checking the pair, will discover the lower priority
fault also. In most applications, the cable is wired incorrectly
and will require rewiring regardless of the error displayed.
The PASS/FAIL LED of each pair, will retain its status until all of
the pairs are tested. At the conclusion of testing all four pairs,
the digital display will show the number of the Remote Identifier for about two seconds. If the cable can not be identified
(typically when all pairs are shorted or open), a “no” “id” message will flash. When the final display is over, the PairMaster
will shut itself off. Another cable can be tested by repeating this
procedure.
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Example of a PairMaster in use
Figure 5
The sample display shown above, indicates that the PairMaster
is connected to the cable with Remote Identifier #15 attached
to the far end. Pair 1/2 is O.K., pair 3/6 has a failure, pair 4/5 is
O.K., and pair 7/8 has yet to be tested.
SPECIAL CABLE TESTING
The PairMaster is designed to test 4 pair cables wired in accordance with the EIA/TIA 568 wiring standard. However, many
LAN installations, such as Ethernet or Token-Ring, require an 8
pin RJ-45 connection but only use two of the four pairs (see fig.
6). These two types of configurations are no problem for the
PairMaster.
When testing two pair Ethernet (10 Base- T) cables, the
PairMaster will give actual test results for pairs 1/2 and 3/6.
On pairs 4/5 and 7/8 the unit will display ‘OP” and light up the
associated FAIL LEDs. As long as the green PASS LEDs light
up on pairs 1/2 and 3/6, the two pair cable can be used for
Ethernet installations.
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Testing two pair Token-Ring cables is similar to testing the
Ethernet cables. The difference is that instead of pairs 1/2 and
3/6, the usable readings occur on pairs 3/6 and 4/5. Pairs 1/2
and 7/8 will display (OP), as described on the previous page.
Figure 6
SPECIFICATIONS
CABLE TYPES: EIA/TIA 568 configuration for UTP Ethernet and
Token Ring.
Triplett warrants instruments and test equipment manufactured by it to
be free from defective material or workmanship and agrees to repair or
replace such products which, under normal use and service, disclose
the defect to be the fault of our manufacturing, with no charge within
two years (PairMaster) – one year (Remotes) of the date of original
purchase for parts and labor. If we are unable to repair or replace the
product, we will make a refund of the purchase price. Consult the Instruction Manual for instructions regarding the proper use and servicing
of instruments and test equipment. Our obligation under this warranty
is limited to repairing, replacing, or making refund on any instrument or
test equipment which proves to be defective within two years (PairMaster) - one year (Remotes) from the date of original purchase.
This warranty does not apply to any of our products which have been
repaired or altered by unauthorized persons in any way so as, in our
sole judgment, to injure their stability or reliability, or which have been
subject to misuse, abuse, misapplication, negligence, accident or which
have had the serial numbers altered, defaced, or removed. Accessories,
including batteries and fuses not of our manufacture used with this product are not covered by this warranty.
To register a claim under the provisions of this warranty, contact Triplett’s CustomerService Department for a Return Authorization Number
(RMA) and return instructions. No returned product will be accepted
without an RMA number. Upon our inspection of the product, we will
advise you as to the disposition of your claim.
ALL WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY LAW ARE HEREBY LIMITED TO A
PERIOD OF TWO YEARS (PAIRMASTER) – ONE YEAR (REMOTES)
AND THE PROVISIONS OF THE WARRANTY ARE EXPRESSLY IN
LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.
The purchaser agrees to assume all liability for any damages and bodily
injury which may result from the use or misuse of the product by the
purchaser, his employees, or others, and the remedies provided for in
this warranty are expressly in lieu of any other liability Triplett may have,
including incidental or consequential damages.
Some states (USA ONLY) do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you. No representative of Triplett or any other person
is authorized to extend the liability of Triplett in connection with the sale
of its products beyond the terms hereof.
Triplett reserves the right to discontinue models at any time, or change
specifications, price or design, without notice and without incurring any
obligation. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
have other rights which vary from state to state.