Viavi Seeker User Manual
Seeker with MCA III
Leakage Detection System
User’s Guide
Notice
Every effort was made to ensure that the information in this manual was accurate at the time
of printing. However, information is subject to change without notice, and VIAVI reserves the
right to provide an addendum to this manual with information not available at the time that this
manual was created.
Copyright/Trademarks
© Copyright 2018 VIAVI Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be
reproduced or transmitted, electronically or otherwise, without written permission of the
publisher. VIAVI Solutions and the VIAVI logo are trademarks of VIAVI Solutions Inc. (“Viavi”).
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright release
Reproduction and distribution of this guide is authorized for US Government purposes only.
Ordering information
This guide is a product of VIAVI Technical Publications Department, issued as part of the
product. The catalog number for a published guide is Catalog Number - printed. The catalog
number for an electronic guide on USB is Catalog Number - electronic.
Terms and conditions
Specications, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. The provision
of hardware, services, and/or software are subject to VIAVI standard terms and conditions,
available at www.viavisolutions.com/en/terms-and-conditions.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1
General Information ..................................................................................................................7
Ordering Information ..............................................................................................................7
Where to Get Technical Support ............................................................................................7
How this Manual is Organized ...............................................................................................8
Optional Software...................................................................................................................9
Conventions Used in this Manual.........................................................................................10
Precautions ..........................................................................................................................10
Chapter 2
Seeker Introduction ................................................................................................................. 11
What is the Seeker? ............................................................................................................. 11
Seeker Features...................................................................................................................11
Easy Frequency Conguration .......................................................................................11
Multiple Frequency Presets ............................................................................................12
Channel Tag Compatibility ..............................................................................................12
GT Noise Discrimination .................................................................................................12
Squelch Operation ..........................................................................................................13
Source Localization ........................................................................................................13
Vehicle Battery Protection...............................................................................................14
Vehicle Power Switch & Shutdown Timer (VPS-1) .........................................................15
LED Power Status Indicator ......................................................................................18
Low Battery Protection Feature .................................................................................18
Equipment Supplied with Your Seeker .................................................................................19
Accessories & Replacement Parts for Your Seeker ............................................................. 20
Accessories for Your Seeker ................................................................................................ 21
A Guided Tour of Your Seeker .............................................................................................22
Front View .......................................................................................................................22
Back View .......................................................................................................................23
Right Side View ..............................................................................................................24
Bottom View ....................................................................................................................24
Display Screen................................................................................................................25
A Guided Tour of Your Mobile Mount ...................................................................................27
Front View .......................................................................................................................27
Left Side View .................................................................................................................28
Rear View .......................................................................................................................28
Assembly of Seeker Mobile Mount & MCA III (Optional) .....................................................29
Installation of the Seeker System.........................................................................................30
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About Your Seeker’s Battery ................................................................................................33
Overview .........................................................................................................................33
If Your Seeker Does Not Turn On ...................................................................................33
Checking the Battery Level .............................................................................................33
Charging the Battery .......................................................................................................34
AC Charging ..............................................................................................................34
USB Charging ...........................................................................................................34
Mobile Mount Charging .............................................................................................35
Updating Your Seeker’s Firmware .......................................................................................35
Chapter 3
Seeker Operation .....................................................................................................................37
Congure Settings................................................................................................................37
Seeker’s Operation Modes ..................................................................................................37
Measurement Mode ........................................................................................................37
Enter Measurement Mode by: ...................................................................................37
PC Communications Mode .............................................................................................38
Enter PC Communications Mode by: ........................................................................38
Display Modes......................................................................................................................39
Signal Level ....................................................................................................................40
Battery Charge Level ......................................................................................................41
Peak Hold .......................................................................................................................42
Preset Frequencies.........................................................................................................43
Channel Tag ....................................................................................................................44
Snapshot Modes ..................................................................................................................45
Pre-Fix ............................................................................................................................46
Post-Fix ...........................................................................................................................46
No Snapshot ...................................................................................................................46
Chapter 4
Leakage Testing .......................................................................................................................47
Before You Begin Leakage Testing ......................................................................................47
Testing For Leaks ................................................................................................................. 47
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Chapter 5
Seeker MCA III Introduction ....................................................................................................49
What is Seeker GPS? ..........................................................................................................49
Equipment Supplied with Your Seeker MCA III ....................................................................49
Accessories for Your Seeker MCA III ...................................................................................49
Device Overview ..................................................................................................................50
Front View .......................................................................................................................50
Left Side View .................................................................................................................50
Rear View .......................................................................................................................51
Display Screen Overview................................................................................................52
Normal Display Screens ............................................................................................52
Activity / Error Screens ..............................................................................................52
Using the Select Button .............................................................................................52
Chapter 6
Seeker MCA III Operation ........................................................................................................53
Congure Settings................................................................................................................53
Seeker GPS Display Modes.................................................................................................53
Mobile Mount Communication Successful ......................................................................53
GPS Signal .....................................................................................................................54
Data Synchronization......................................................................................................55
Chapter 7
Data Upload Options ...............................................................................................................57
Standard Internet Connection ..............................................................................................57
Wi-Fi .....................................................................................................................................57
Fleet Management System Integration ................................................................................57
Chapter 8
Appendix ..................................................................................................................................59
General Specications .........................................................................................................59
Display Messages & Error Codes ........................................................................................60
Seeker Error Codes ........................................................................................................60
MCA III Error Codes........................................................................................................62
Access Point Error Codes...............................................................................................65
Seeker & MCA III Communication Messages .................................................................66
Seeker & MCA III Memory Full Messages ......................................................................67
Limited Warranty ..................................................................................................................67
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Chapter 1
General Information
Ordering Information
For additional information about our products and services, contact your local VIAVI
representative or visit https://www.viavisolutions.com/en-us/how-buy.
Where to Get Technical Support
Phone US: +1-844-GO-VIAVI or +1-844-468-4284
Outside US: +1-855-275-5378
Email: Trilithic.support@viavisolutions.com
Website: https://support.viavisolutions.com/welcome
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How this Manual is Organized
This manual is divided into the following chapters:
• Chapter 1, “General Information” provides contact information and describes how this
operation manual is structured.
• Chapter 2, “Seeker Introduction” introduces what the Seeker is and what it does. This
chapter discusses the practical application, connections and controls of the Seeker.
Finally, this chapter discusses the Seeker’s battery and how to update your rmware.
• Chapter 3, “Seeker Operation” describes how to congure and operate the Seeker.
• Chapter 4, “Leakage Testing” describes the steps needed to perform leakage testing
using the Seeker.
• Chapter 5, “Appendix” shows the technical specications of the Seeker as well as any
error codes that may appear on the Seeker’s display screen.
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Optional Software
Although the Seeker comes precongured and ready to use from the factory, the following
software is required for advanced conguration of the Seeker and Seeker MCA III:
• Seeker Setup is used to congure the Seeker, enabling the operator to assemble les
containing channel frequencies, squelch levels, and other settings. Users can efciently
download congurations to one or more leakage detectors.
The following software is required for leakage data analysis using the Seeker MCA III:
• Leakage Analysis Workshop (LAW) is software that manages the storage and
retrieval of leakage information collected by vehicle mounted Seeker GPS systems.
Installed on a server, it receives leakage data uploads via the Internet/LAN or through
a customer congured Wi-Fi wireless site. Data stored in LAW server may be displayed
on maps or as text, used to generate leakage work orders, or downloaded to other
Trilithic or third-party applications.
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Conventions Used in this Manual
This manual has several standardized 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.
Precautions
Do not use the Seeker in any manner not recommended by the
manufacturer
A strong electromagnetic eld may affect the measurement
accuracy of the Seeker.
Use only the battery charger supplied with the Seeker.
All spent batteries should be disposed of according to local
laws and guidelines.
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Chapter 2
Seeker Introduction
This chapter:
• Describes the Seeker’s purpose
• Gives an overview of the Seeker’s features
• Lists the Seeker’s supplied equipment and optional accessories
• Gives a guided tour of the Seeker and Mobile Mount and explains the display screen
• Discusses the Seeker’s battery
• Discusses updating the Seeker’s rmware
What is the Seeker?
The Seeker is specically designed for efcient distribution leakage management, displaying
numerical measurements of leaks on up to ten selectable channels and emitting a tone
proportional to leak strength. The Seeker is a frequency-agile leakage detector (109.25 to
110.5 MHz and 118.50 to 147.25 MHz) with 10 user-selectable presets.
Older Seekers do not include the low band frequency from
109.25 to 110.5 MHz. Seekers that are low band frequency
compatible will have a label on the back of the device
indicating “LOW BAND ENABLED.”
The Seeker may be used in its Mobile Mount for driveouts, or removed from the mount for
leakage troubleshooting on foot with a rubber duck or optional dipole antenna.
Seeker Features
Easy Frequency Configuration
The Seeker Setup software simplies the conguration process. Instead of going to the
factory to make hardware modications, the user can use the Seeker Setup software to
adjust frequencies.
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Multiple Frequency Presets
Your Seeker can be setup to operate on up to 10 different frequency presets, which makes
it easier to monitor and maintain multiple cable systems. These presets dene the leakage
monitoring frequency and, if desired, the tag detection frequency as well. You have the
option of setting up only one frequency preset for simple operation, or multiple leakage
frequencies for maintaining multiple cable systems. Frequency settings range from 109.25
to 110.5 MHz and 118.50 MHz to 147.25 MHz in 6.25 kHz increments (these increments
are sufcient for use with HRC).
The Seeker monitors one frequency at a time. It does not scan
several frequencies at once.
Older Seekers do not include the low band frequency from
109.25 to 110.5 MHz. Seekers that are low band frequency
compatible will have a label on the back of the device
indicating “LOW BAND ENABLED.”
Channel Tag Compatibility
Compatibility with both the Trilithic CT-2 and CT-3 channel tag devices is another feature of
your Seeker. Channel tagging refers to the process of adding frequency tags to a broadcast
channel signal. Your Seeker can be set up to detect a tagged leak and to ignore leaks that
are not tagged. With this feature, you are saved from chasing false alarms from signals that
do not originate in your system.
Channel tag values range between 10 Hz and 23 Hz (except 16 Hz) and are congured
using the Seeker Setup software.
GT Noise Discrimination
Your Seeker works with systems employing digital set top terminals that cannot tolerate
“tagged” leakage carriers. Therefore, enhanced “false alarm” resistance can be provided
without the use of a tagged leakage signal. The Seeker analyzes the detected RF energy
and automatically detects noise and signals that are not caused by leaks from your system.
GT noise discrimination is enabled/disabled using the Seeker Setup software.
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Squelch Operation
Squelch level is the RF signal threshold that the Seeker uses to determine the validity of
the signal. The signal “breaks squelch” when the RF leakage is greater than the squelch
level, as long as any enabled tag or GT noise qualiers are met as well. The receiver will
not alarm for signals below the squelch level.
The squelch level has a factory default of 2 µV/m. However, it can be recongured using
the Seeker Setup software.
Source Localization
The Seeker emits an audible tone to help the user pinpoint the leakage source. The
tone frequency increases with signal strength. As the user moves closer to the leak, the
frequency of the tone will increase.
Common leakage areas are around the tap, drop cable, and
any connection of the cable to other devices.
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Vehicle Battery Protection
“Green Engineering” Mobile Mounts are compatible only with
“Green Engineering” Seeker MCA units. Do not attempt to use
an MCA with a Mobile Mount unless both devices feature the
“Green Engineering” logo.
The following devices feature battery protection circuitry and are identied with a “Green
Engineering” logo on the device.
• Seeker Mobile Mount (see note)
• Seeker MCA (see note)
• Seeker BB-2 (see note)
• Seeker D Mobile Mount
• Seeker MCA III
Some early Seeker Mobile Mounts, MCA & BB-2 MCA units did
not include this feature, look for the “Green Engineering” logo
on the device.
The mobile mounts and the optional mobile comminucation adapters (MCA) that are
equipped with the “Green-Engineering” circuitry automatically power down the MCA
when the vehicle’s ignition is turned off, only after all data upload processes have been
completed. This feature allows the vehicle to be parked and left unattended for long periods
of time without concern for depleting the vehicle’s battery.
This feature allows a vehicle equipped with these devices to automatically upload leakage
data to the LAW server via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or Cellular connection while parked and left
unattended. Upon completion of the data upload (or after a user-programmed number of
attempts to upload data), the MCA will automatically power down. The MCA will also stay
on for a selectable time period to avoid any “cold start” delay required by the GPS receiver
after a power down.
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Vehicle Power Switch & Shutdown Timer (VPS-1)
The Vehicle Power Switch is necessary to allow the devices which do not feature “Green
Engineering” battery protection circuitry to power down after a pre-programmed number of
hours. This function allows the devices to upload leakage data to the LAW application via
the Wi-Fi connection, and prevents the device from depleting the vehicle’s battery when left
unattended for long periods of time.
The following steps provide detailed instructions on how to install the Vehicle Power Switch
(VPS-1) with devices which do not feature the “Green Engineering” battery protection
circuitry.
1. At the Mobile Mount or Seeker BB-2, disconnect the power cable from device.
2. Install the Vehicle Power Switch inside the cab of the truck/van, within reach of the
existing power cable.
The Vehicle Power Switch is not weather-proof, and must be
installed inside the vehicle, where it will be protected from
moisture.
3. Re-route the power cable to the Vehicle Power Switch.
Do not connect the Vehicle Power Switch to a power source
greater than 15 Volts. Any voltage greater than 15 V could
cause damage to the Vehicle Power Switch.
4. Route the cable included with the Vehicle Power Switch from the switch to the
Mobile Mount or Seeker BB-2.
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This illustration shows the white wire connected to an ignitionkeyed power source. This is typical for “Green Engineering”
installations of the Mobile Mount or Seeker BB-2, in which
case the device features battery protection circuitry. On most
installations, the white and red wires will have both been
connected to the vehicle’s battery.
5. Congure the power settings for the Vehicle Power Switch, using the DIP (Dual In-
Line Package) switch.
• Position the left-most rocker switch in the UP
position to allow the ignition (white) wire to
bypass the Vehicle Power Switch’s countdown
timer function. In this conguration, the Vehicle
Power Switch (and the Mobile Mount or Seeker
BB-2) will power up when the vehicle’s ignition is
turned on, and will re-enable the timer function
when the vehicle’s ignition is turned off.
• Position the left-most rocker switch in the DOWN
position to ignore the ignition (white) wire. In this
conguration, the Vehicle Power Switch (and
the Mobile Mount or Seeker BB-2) will power up
when the vehicle is running and will power down
only after the vehicle’s ignition is turned off and
the countdown timer has expired.
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6. Congure timer settings for the Vehicle Power Switch, using the DIP (Dual In-Line
Package) switch.
• Using the three right-most rocker switches, set the Vehicle Power Switch’s
countdown timer for the number of hours (1 to 7) to remain powered on, after
the vehicle’s ignition is turned off. Refer to the following illustrations to set the
Vehicle Power Switch’s countdown timer:
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LED Power Status Indicator
• When the vehicle’s ignition and the Vehicle Power Switch are ON, the LED will be
steadily illuminated green.
• When the vehicle’s ignition is turned OFF, triggering the Vehicle Power Switch’s
countdown timer (and the countdown timer has not yet expired), the LED will
ash green for one second, then off for one second.
• With the vehicle’s ignition OFF and when the Vehicle Power Switch’s countdown
timer expires, the LED will be off.
Low Battery Protection Feature
• The Vehicle Power Switch features a voltage sensing circuit which will power
down the switch and the Mobile Mount or Seeker BB-2 if the vehicle battery’s
voltage drops below 10.5 Volts. This feature will protect the vehicle’s battery from
being depleted.
• Should the vehicle battery’s voltage drop below 10.5 V, the green status LED on
the Vehicle Power Switch will briey ash, once per second, for 15 seconds. After
15 seconds, the Vehicle Power Switch and Mobile Mount or Seeker BB-2 will
power down.
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Equipment Supplied with Your Seeker
The Seeker comes with the following:
The Seeker requires a low band vehicle mounted antenna
(not included) for use with the mobile mount.
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Accessories & Replacement Parts for Your Seeker
The following accessories & replacement parts are available for the Seeker:
Part Number Description
2071679000 Rubber “Duck” Antenna
2071743000 Seeker Mobile Mount
2071585007 Power Cable for Seeker Mobile Mount
0610169007 Vehicle Power Adapter
2131249000 Seeker Holster
2071802000 Seeker Pole Mounting Kit
0610169006 Seeker Charger
0610169011 International Power Adapter Kit
2072585004 Mini-USB Data Cable
0090048000 Seeker Battery
To place an order, contact your local VIAVI representative, call 1-844-GO-VIAVI, or visit
https://www.viavisolutions.com/en-us/how-buy.
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Accessories for Your Seeker
The following accessories are available for the Seeker:
Part Number Description
2071802000 Seeker Pole Mounting Kit
2131249000 Seeker Holster
0610169007 Vehicle Power Adapter (12 VDC Cigarette Lighter)
0610169012 Euro Power Adapter
0610169013 UK Power Adapter
0610169014 Australian Power Adapter
2010477000 NFP-1 Near Field Probe
2010650000 APM-3 Vehicle Antenna - Permanent Mount (108 to 160 MHz)
2010379000 AVM-3 Vehicle Antenna - Magnetic Mount (108 to 160 MHz)
2010436000 AFS-2 Handheld Dipole Antenna - Long Pole (108 to 160 MHz)
2011411000 AFS-4 Handheld Dipole Antenna - Short Pole (108 to 160 MHz)
To place an order, contact your local VIAVI representative, call 1-844-GO-VIAVI, or visit
https://www.viavisolutions.com/en-us/how-buy.
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