Instruction Sheet
Contents
1. 36 Warranty Information Activate your Warranty Register your purchase to activate your warrranty and access support information and receive notifications of product updates Go to the Platinum Tools website at www platinumtools com warranty Platinum Tools guarantees that its products will be free of all defects in material and workmanship This warranty extends for the period stated on the package from the date of manufacture or proof of purchase Products deemed defective under this warranty will be repaired or replaced at Platinum Tools s discretion No further warranties either implied or expressed will apply nor will responsibility for operation of this device be assumed by Platinum Tools Disposal WEE Compliant Prior to disposal please contact Platinum Tools for proper disposal options Returns Prior to returning any product to Platinum Tools you must first request a Return Merchandise Authorization Number by contacting the Customer Service at 805 384 2777 Note Shipments will not be accepted without this number which must be clearly marked on the shipping label 1 Prior to packing include a copy of the sales receipt if available 2 Provide a description of the operational problem with the product s being returned Include a contact name phone number and e mail address 3 Pack items securely to prevent damage during shipping Ship prepaid to Platinum Tools 806 Calle Plano Camarillo CA 930122. Open error indicates a wire connection within the cable is not continuous throughout the length of the cable Short The Short icon appears when the two wires within a cable are electrically connected This is also known as a short circuit Terminated The Terminated icon will appear when the far end of the run has an F Terminator Plug in place or is wired to a device ID Mode When the Coax Clarifier is set to ID Mode the ID and RF icons appear in the top left corner of the LCD display screen Table 6 describes the numbers and icons that appear in the display screen according to three testing scenarios Table 6 ID Mode Numbers and Icons Test Scenario Displayed Numbers and Icons Detected Remotes Indentified remotes 1 12 display in the top two rows of the LCD display screen When an ID Only Coax remote is detected the RF icon disappears from view The IdLE icon appears in the lower right corner of the display screen when mapping is complete and all remotes are detected Unterminated Runs RF and ID Only Coax remotes are not identified on unterminated runs The Open icon appears in the right side of the display screen to indicate the network is unterminated The halt icon HLt displays in the right side of the screen demonstrating the unit is idle and the test was incomplete see Figure 3 Poor Network Quality ID mode does not function on a coax netw
3. Four buttons appearing in the top two rows of the keypad are used to operate test modes ID Length Quality and Tone Two Up Down buttons are used to edit One button is used to power the unit On Off and toggle the backlight On Off The button functions are explained in Table 9 Toggle Units Length Up Down Tone Power Backlight Figure 9 Keypad Table 9 Keypad Button Function Length The Length Mode button is used to measure the length of a single unterminated cable in feet or meters A short press of the Length and Quality buttons simultaneously toggles between length measurement units of feet and meters A long press two seconds of the Length button allows you to edit the length constant Quality The Quality Mode button measures the overall quality of a coax network by measuring the network s return loss calibrated in dB A short press of the button runs a loop test on the network every 30 seconds ID The ID Mode button is used with ID Only Coax remotes and RF remotes to identify cable runs A short press of the ID button runs a single scan of the network ID Mode scans and identifies up to 4 RF remotes or 1 12 possible ID Only Coax remotes in the network 14 Table 9 Keypad Continued Button Function Tone The Tone Mode button offers two types of testing tone tracing TONE and measuring network insertion loss RF TONE TONE A short press of the button transmits a 0 1 k
4. Return the battery door to the unit and tighten the screw to secure the battery door A Do not over tighten the battery door Doing so can damage the test unit RF Remote Battery Replacement 1 Remove screw on the bottom of the remote with a 1 Philips head screw driver Take off the bottom cover and remove battery You may need to push the battery out of the coin cell holder from the back side of the bat tery with the use of a small screw driver Insert the new battery type CR2032 into the slot The side of the battery marked by a positive symbol should be placed towards the metal holder so the negative side of the battery faces the printed circuit board 4 Replace bottom cover and insert screw Do not over tighten 32 Cleaning Use a damp clean cloth to clean the test unit Disconnect all cables from the Coax Clarifier prior to cleaning Failing to do so can damage the unit and result in personal injury Do not use abrasive harsh cleaners or solvents to clean the Coax Clarifier Storage When the Coax Clarifier is not in use store in a dry protective case The batteries should be removed if the unit is stored for a long period of time PAI Do not expose the Coax Clarifier to high temperatures or humidity When stored in temperatures exceeding the limits listed in the Specifications section allow the Coax Clarifier to return to the normal recommended operating conditions prior to us
5. www platinumtools com 37 NOTES 38 NOTES NOTES NOTES Coax Clarifier Test Identify Qualify User Manual LATINUM a TE aes For technical information and customer support please visit www platinumtools com or send an email to support platinumtools com Contact Numbers Phone 805 384 2777 Fax 805 384 2778 Address 806 Calle Plano Camarillo CA 93012 www platinumtools com
6. Screw On F Jack to Push On F Plug Cable 12 18303 1 Adapter F Jack to BNC Jack 18304 5 Adapter F Jack to Push On Plug 18301 5 F Connector Coupler F81 18306 4 F Terminator Plug 4007 1 Hanging Pouch 35 SPECIFICATIONS Physical Dimensions Size 17 3 x 8 0 x 3 3 cm 6 8 x 3 15 x 1 3 inches Weight 340 grams 12 0 oz with battery Power 4 AA alkaline batteries Standby 4 years Active 20 hours average Operating Environment Operating temperature 0 to 50 C 32 to 122 F Storage temperature 20 to 60 C 4 to 140 F Humidity 10 to 90 non condensing Altitude 3 050 meters 10 000ft maximum Quality Return Loss 0 0 to 40 0dB ID Only Coax Remotes 100 ohms maximum DC resistance center conductor plus shield Coax RF Remotes 17 dB maximum attenuation to remote location splitters cable etc Audio Frequency Tone Radio Frequency Tone 1 000 and 600 Hz 4 patterns High only Low only 2 warble tones 3 3Vp p pin or shield 6 6Vp p both pin and shield open circuit 10 20 30 or 40MHz 1Vrms into 75 ohms Battery Low Level Capacitance Length Approximately 4 volts Range 0 to 1 500 ft 457 meters min at 15pF ft length constant Accuracy 5 1ft 0 5 m with correct length constant Length Constant Range 10 0 to 40 0 pF ft 33 to 131pF meter Compliance Complies with Conformit Europ enne directives
7. The test unit offers the following features Feature Function Length Testing Determines cable length and reports distance to an open unterminated cable Coax Run Mapping Identifies cables and determines their location by mapping up to 4 runs through a splitter using Coax RF remotes and up to 12 cables using ID Only Coax remotes Quality Testing Measures overall network quality and clearly depicts network reading as both a bar graph and a digital return loss number measured in decibels dB Tone Tracing Traces coax runs with the use of a tone probe using four tones to easily distinguish between cable outlets and quickly map the network layout Insertion Loss Measures the insertion loss of a single coax run Fault Detection Identifies Open and Short cable faults Symbols amp Icons The following symbols are used throughout the manual or in the display screen of the Coax Clarifier to help you avoid personal injury and potential damage to the test equipment see Table 1 Table 1 Symbols and Icons Symbol Definition T Warning Potential for personal injury Caution Potential for damage or destruction to equipment Voltage detection symbol Immediately disconnect test unit Voltage from source of voltage If an active signal is detected immediately disconnect test unit Act Sig from active signal source If the unit is not disconnected from the source the Coax Clarifier will turn
8. signal source If the Coax Clarifier is not disconnected the unit turns off automatically after 90 seconds 30 1 Connect one end of the coax cable into the F Connector coupler 2 Press the QUALITY button to measure the network s return loss The LCD display screen shows the following icons upon entering Quality Mode see Figure 18 A bouncing ball activity indicator appears in the lower left corner The QUALITY icon appears The network return loss measured in dB appears in the lower right corner of the LCD display screen A bar graph appears above the return loss reading to visually depict the network s quality QUALITY atl RL uy m LIB Figure 18 LCD Display Screen in Quality Mode Note The Quality test runs in a continuous loop The return loss value is updated every 2 second 3 Interpret display results and trouble shoot potential cable conditions Open and Short 4 Press a different test mode button LENGTH ID or TONE to exit Quality Mode 31 MAINTENANCE Coax Clarifier Battery Replacement 1 Remove the single screw on the battery door located in the back of the Coax Clarifier towards the bottom of the unit with a 1 Philips head screwdriver Take off the battery door and remove old batteries Replace with four AA Alkaline batteries Slide batteries into the battery cartridge according to the diagram imprinted on the bottom of the battery compartment
9. 0 0 being the best possible network quality Splitter A device used to route a single signal source to two or more devices F Connector Connector for a coax cable Safety Information To ensure safe operation of the Coax Clarifier follow the instructions carefully and observe the warning and caution messages listed in Table 3 Failure to observe warnings can result in severe injury or death and can damage the unit Table 3 Safety Information Notification Definition The Coax Clarifier is designed for use on unenergized cabling systems Connecting the Coax Clarifier to live AC power may damage the unit and pose a safety hazard for the user Do not place equipment or its accessories in the trash Items must be properly disposed in accordance with local regulations ACCESSORIES The accessories listed in Table 4 are used with the Coax Clarifier to identify runs and test coax networks The provided accessories are dependent on the kit you purchased The Additional Accessories and Kits section contains a detailed list of each kit as well as additional products that can help make testing easier Table 4 Coax Clarifier Accessories Accessory Product Description Number 18303 Adapter F Jack to BNC Jack 18304 Adapter F Jack to Push On Plug 18301 F Connector Coupler F81 18306 F Terminator Plug Cable Assembly Screw On F Jack to TCAQ04 push O
10. Coax Clarifier Test Identify Qualify User Manual Coax Run Mapping Maps runs through splitters to show an accurate picture of the coax system layout using up to 4 Coax RF Remotes Up to 12 ID Only Coax Remotes also available for wiremapping on home runs Cable Length Determines cable run length and reports the location of an open or unterminated cable Quality of Network Measures overall network quality and clearly depicts network reading as both a bar graph and a digital return loss number measured in dB Tone Tracing Traces coax runs with four unique tones to quickly distinguish between respective outlets LATINUM P COOLS IL innovation Coax Clarifier IDs123456 7891011 12 Open RF TONE Voltage Short LENGTH CalTerminated RG6 RG59 QUALITY AAA JEA See video demonstrations at www platinumtools com Coax Clarifier Test Identify Qualify TABLE OF CONTENTS About thissManWal css secret Mecca sacsies dienes 1 Symbols and Icons wed Terms and Descriptions wd Safety Information a4 Accessories 4 Design Features 226 CoaxClarifier Description fel F2COMMO GION vse scascccessiatndectetsdnsusareaastedctartchoiacseadensesaeey 7 LCD Display Screen cccccccescccecesssseseetsseseseeseseseeeeeeeees 8 Keypad 14 Operations ccccccceccccecessesccesccsseecssecessecesseesseeneae 16 Turning the U
11. Hz cadence from the unit through the connected cable Subsequent presses of the Tone button steps through the three tone path options coax pin coax shield or coax pin and shield RF TONE Used to determine the network insertion loss measured in dB with the use of a compatible dB Loss meter A short press of the Tone button transmits a frequency from the unit through the connected cable Up Down In Tone Mode the Up and Down buttons allow you to select a tone test TONE or RF TONE and their respective cadence or Ca frequency In Length mode the Up and Down buttons are used to select CY cable types and adjust increment decrement length constant values Power A short press of the Power button enters Quality Mode Short presses of any test mode button turns the unit On Subsequent presses of the Power button toggle the backlight On and Off A long press two seconds of the Power button turns the unit off 15 OPERATIONS To ensure safe operation of the Coax Clarifier follow the instructions carefully and pay attention to warning and caution symbols Failure to observe warnings can result in severe injury or death and can damage the unit Turning the Unit On Off Turn Unit On Press any test mode button to turn the unit ON The LCD display screen updates according to the test mode selected Turn Unit Off Press and hold down the POWER button for two seconds to turn the unit OFF The disp
12. N buttons until the display screen updates with the desired tone There are four cadences to choose from HL1 HL2 Hi and Lo J Whenever you change the cadence the coax cable is tested for the presence of an active signal or voltage If detected the warnings display until the unit is disconnected from the voltage or active signal source If the Coax Clarifier is not removed from the voltage or signal source the unit turns OFF after 90 seconds 4 Set the tone path coax pin coax shield or coax pin and shield by continuously pressing the TONE button until the tone path of your choosing updates in the LCD display screen 5 Use the tone probe according to the tone path selected to identify cable runs 6 Interpret display results and trouble shoot potential cable conditions Open Short or Terminated 7 Press a different test mode button LENGTH QUALITY or ID to exit Tone Mode Measure Network Insertion Loss The Coax Clarifier can measure point to point insertion loss and gain in a coax network by reporting the signal loss gain value in terms of dB This is accomplished by connecting the Coax Clarifier to one end of the net work and a companion dB Loss meter to the end of a run in the network Note For best measurement accuracy the cable network or individual splitter must be properly terminated Use the F Terminator plug accessory to terminate unused connections Prepare Test Unit 1 Connect a coax ca
13. ble to the F Connector coupler on the unit 19 2 Press the TONE button The LCD display screen shows the following icons upon entering Tone Mode The test last used TONE or RF TONE A bouncing ball activity indicator in the lower left corner The tone path coax pin P coax shield S or both coax pin and shield PS Icons related to the tone test last used frequency or cadence 3 Set the unit to RF TONE by pressing the UP and DOWN buttons until the LCD display screen updates with the RF TONE icon see Figure 11 RF TONE mami oF LLLI Figure 11 RF Tone Test with 10 0 MHz Frequency and Coax Pin Selected 4 Select a frequency by pressing the UP and DOWN buttons until the LCD display screen updates with your desired selection There are four RF Tone frequencies 10 0 MHz 20 0 MHz 30 0 MHz and 40 0 MHz Note The insertion loss signal loss is typically greater at higher frequencies Calibrate dB Loss Meter Calibration is specific to the dB Loss meter being used Follow the manufacturer s specifications to prepare the meter for measuring a coax network s insertion loss 1 Power up the dB Loss meter 2 Connect the Coax Clarifier to the dB Loss meter Include in this connection any adapters and extension cables you would like to use 20 to perform the test These accessories will not be included in the loss measurement reading 3 When the dB Loss meter is calibrated to the network be
14. e 33 CUSTOMER SERVICE Contacting Platinum Tools For technical information and customer support please visit www platinumtools com or send an email to support platinumtools com Contact Numbers Phone 805 384 2777 Fax 805 384 2778 Address 806 Calle Plano Camarillo CA 93012 Additional Accessories and Kits Table 13 lists the pouches provided in the four kits These pouches are used to carry your Coax Clarifier accessories Table 14 details the number of accessories provided in each kit and their respective product numbers All kits contain the Coax Clarifier Contact Platinum Tools for more information Table 13 Additional Accessories Accessory Product Description Number 4007 Hanging Pouch 34 Table 14 Coax Clarifier Kits ProductNumber Quantity Description TCROO1 1 No 1 Coax RF Remote TCR002 1 No 2 Coax RF Remote TRK104 1 Nos 1 41D Only Coax Remote Set in Foam Holder TCA004 1 Cable Assembly Screw On F Jack to Push On F Plug Cable 12 18303 1 Adapter F Jack to BNC Jack 18304 3 Adapter F Jack to Push On Plug 18301 3 F Connector Coupler F81 18306 4 F Terminator Plug 4007 1 Hanging Pouch ProductNumber Quantity Description TCROO1 1 No 1 Coax RF Remote TCROO2 1 No 2 Coax RF Remote TCR003 1 No 3 Coax RF Remote TCR004 1 No 4 Coax RF Remote TRK104 1 Nos 1 41D Only Coax Remote Set in Foam Holder TCA004 1 Cable Assembly
15. esting Loose connections will cause incorrect or intermittent readings 27 J When ID mapping begins the coax cable is tested for the presence of an active signal or voltage A dynamic voltage warning is displayed until the detected voltage or active signal is removed If not removed the unit turns off automatically after 90 seconds 1 Connect a coax cable to the F Connector coupler on the unit 2 Place ID Only Coax remotes or RF remotes on the far end of the cable 3 Press the ID button to begin mapping the network The LCD display screen shows the following icons upon entering ID Mode ID icon appears demonstrating you are in ID mode RF icon displays under the ID icon As mapping proceeds a sequence of numbers is presented as each active remote is queried When a remote is detected it s number remains on and the following updates occur in the LCD display screen see Figures 16 and 17 The ID icon remains on The RF icon turns off when an ID Only Coax remote is detected or remains on when RF remotes are found Identified remotes 1 12 display in the top two rows of the screen The IdLE icon appears in the lower right corner when mapping is complete IDs 12 ldL E AHE Figure 16 Detected ID Only Coax Remote Figure 17 Detected RF Remote 28 4 Press the ID button again to run another scan of the network ID mapping runs once when the ID button is pressed Subseq
16. he length constant value in Length Mode and during calibration testing The Coax Clarifier performs a calibration and self test pass before starting Quality or ID testing lf calibration fails the Cal icon flashes to indicate that the unit failed to initialize properly Hold down the POWER button to turn the unit off or press the test mode button again QUALITY or ID to proceed with testing Battery Low The battery low icon appears when the battery is nearing depletion The symbol flashes when there is 30 minutes of remaining battery life indicating the battery needs to be replaced Results may be unreliable at this point Voltage Detected Warning Voltage If voltage is detected on the cable the Voltage icon flashes A check for voltage is performed before each test and during most tests when looping or changing test parameters If voltage is detected testing stops If the icon appears the Coax Clarifier should be immediately disconnected from the source of the voltage Active Signal Warning Act Sig When an active signal is detected the Act Sig message flashes at the bottom of the display screen If an active signal is found the unit should be immediately disconnected from the signal source The Coax Clarifier will automatically turn off after 90 seconds if the unit is not disconnected from the active signal 13 Keypad The Coax Clarifier is equipped with seven buttons illustrated in Figure 9
17. ing tested disconnect the meter from the Coax Clarifier Measure Network Insertion Loss 1 Connect the Coax Clarifier to one end of the network and the dB Loss meter to the other end of the network The dB Loss meter will show a loss gain value measured in dB for the network at the selected frequency Note The measured insertion loss excludes any adapters or extension cables present during calibration 2 Measure the network insertion loss at the selected frequency 10 0 MHz 20 0 MHz 30 0 MHz or 40 0 MHz Note Look for large insertion loss variations between frequencies at a single port Any variation greater than 4 dB indicates a problem that requires investigation and resolution Test Splitters The Coax Clarifier and dB Loss meter can profile the quality of a network containing splitters Note Using F Terminator Plugs on unterminated splitter outputs or cable ends connected to the splitter will improve network quality and lower dB loss 1 Connect the Coax Clarifier to the head of the network 2 Run separate tests for each cable in the network a Connect the dB Loss meter to the remote ends of the cables to measure the dB loss gain at each remote point of the network 21 b Test individual splitters by connecting the Coax Clarifier to the splitter input cable run through the splitter and connecting the dB Loss meter to the splitter outputs cable s exiting the splitter Note With a mu
18. l properties of the cable which may not be consistent throughout the entire length 26 Using ID Mode You can use ID Mode to identify RF remotes for coax networks with splitters and ID Only Coax remotes for individual coax cables ID Only Coax remotes should not be used on coax networks Each RF remote has an LED light to indicate when the remote is responding to the main unit during testing the LED light emits a single short flash when the RF remote is queried RF remotes can only be used on a terminated network The RF remotes can also be used as network terminators in Quality Mode If ID Mode is used on an unterminated network the following icons can appear in the LCD display screen f the network is completely unterminated ID mapping is not possible The Open icon flashes and the HLt icon displays in the lower right corner of the LCD display screen see Figure 14 f the network quality is low lt 17dB mapping stops the Quality icon flashes and the HLt icon appears in the lower right corner of the LCD display screen see Figure 15 Figure 14 Unterminated Network Error Figure 15 Poor Network Quality Error Note If the Quality value is low this often means that cable ends are not terminated properly Use F Terminator Plugs on unterminated cable ends to improve network quality and operate ID mode successfully Make sure all connections are tight and secure before commencing t
19. lay screen will go blank Automatic Power Down The Coax Clarifier automatically turns off after a period of inactivity to conserve battery power The automatic power down feature is dependent on which test modes are in use and if voltage is detected in the network see Table 10 Table 10 Automatic Power Down Test Mode Time Tone 60 minutes Length 5 minutes Quality 5 minutes ID 5 minutes Voltage Detected 90 seconds 16 Cable Testing General Guidelines The Coax Clarifier tests several coax cable network parameters by measuring the overall network quality determining the network s insertion loss identifying cable runs by sound locating remotes and calibrating cable length Important Points to Note The unit should be OFF when you connect a cable The F Connector coupler must be affixed to the F Connector on the top of the unit in order to properly connect cables Important Safety Points A The Coax Clarifier is designed for use on unenergized cabling systems Connecting the Coax Clarifier to live AC power may damage the unit and pose a safety hazard for the user N If the Voltage icon appears the Coax Clarifier should be disconnected immediately from the source of the voltage N If an active signal is detected the bottom of the LCD display screen flashes Act Sig Immediately disconnect the Coax Clarifier from the signal source The unit turns OFF automatically after 90
20. lity Bar Graph Number of Bars Network Quality dB 0 0 9 9 dB 1 10 0 19 9 dB 2 20 0 26 9 dB 3 27 0 32 9 dB 4 33 0 39 9 dB 5 40 0 dB In order to measure the return loss the network must be terminated If the network being measured is unterminated the Open icon flashes and the return loss cannot be calculated Use F Terminator Plugs or RF remotes on cable ends to improve network quality RF Remotes and Network Quality RF remotes have additional circuitry that is sensitive to very large signals causing a potential degradation in the network quality reading when used as a network terminator in Quality Mode With a 2 way splitter about 3 5 dB attenuation there is approximately a 15 reduction in the quality reading If the Coax Clarifier signal has an attenuation of 6dB or higher in the path to the RF remotes the quality reading will remain the same regardless of using a passive terminator or an RF remote For the most accurate quality readings in very low attenuation systems a 75 ohm terminator should be used for terminations In most cases either a 75 ohm terminator or a RF remote may be used to terminate the system and will produce reliable quality reading results Measure Network Quality J Each time network quality is measured the coax cable is tested for the presence of an active signal or voltage If detected a dynamic warning displays until the unit is disconnected from the voltage or
21. ltiple output splitter you may need to connect the dB Loss meter to each cable exiting the splitter to verify that each output produces a good reading 3 Interpret display results and investigate any variation greater than 4 dB Using Length Mode You can use Length Mode to measure the length of an unterminated cable Do not use this test mode to measure a terminated cable s length Measuring the length of a terminated cable run through splitters and or other devices causes one or more of the following errors The cable length is computed incorrectly showing an inflated length reading The Short icon appears The Terminated icon displays f the unit is connected to a cable terminated with a 75 ohm resistor the display reports the length as and the Short icon appears N When length is measured the coax cable is tested for the presence of an active signal or voltage If detected a dynamic warning displays until the unit is disconnected from the voltage or active signal source The Coax Clarifier automatically turns OFF after 90 seconds if the unit is not removed from the voltage or signal source Measure Cable Length 1 Connect one end of the coax cable to the F Connector coupler on top of the unit 2 Press the LENGTH button The LCD display screen shows the following upon entering Length Mode see Figure 12 LENGTH icon appears 22 Cable type RG6 RG59 or no specified cable
22. n F Plug Cable 12 Coax RF Remotes TCROO1 No 1 Coax RF Remote TCROO2 No 2 Coax RF Remote TCROO3 No 3 Coax RF Remote TCROO4 No 4 Coax RF Remote ID Only Coax Remotes TRK104 Nos 1 4 ID Only Coax Remote Set in Foam Holder TRK112 Nos 1 12 ID Only Coax Remote Set in Foam Holder Illustrated Note All accessories listed in Table 4 are available for purchase through Platinum Tools Refer to the Customer Service section for contact information DESIGN FEATURES Easy to operate One pass coax cable run mapping Tests through splitters Identifies open unterminated cables Extra large seven segment backlight LCD screen with icons that clearly display test results Displays coax cable run quality Tests and grades splitter performance Measures length of coax cable in feet or meters Identifies up to 4 RF remotes and 12 ID Only Coax remotes Automatic pre test voltage checks Measures single cable length up to 1 500 ft Tone generator with selectable tone cadence to easily trace cable runs Conserves power and supports long battery life with Auto off feature and battery low icon Four AA alkaline batteries provided with your purchase COAX CLARIFIER DESCRIPTION The Coax Clarifier illustrated in Figure 1 has three main parts the F Connector the LCD display screen and the keypad LA F Connector 5 inns il Innovation C
23. n loss 11 Tone Mode When the TONE button is pressed the Tone icon appears in the middle of the LCD display screen and a bouncing ball activity indicator is shown in the lower left corner of the screen The RF symbol will display to the left of the Tone icon when you set Tone Mode to measure the network s insertion loss When using Tone Mode the icons and values described in Table 8 appear in the LCD display screen Table 8 Tone Mode Icons and Values Icons and Values Description Tone Path Selection The selected cadence is transmitted on the coax pin P the coax shield S or both the pin and shield PS The icons related to the current tone path selection appear in the lower left corner of LCD display screen Frequency If the unit is set to measure network insertion loss one of the following frequencies measured in MHz displays in the lower right corner of the screen 10 0 20 0 30 0 or 40 0 see Figure 7 Cadence If the unit is set to identify cable runs one of the following tone options appears in the lower right corner of the display screen HL1 HL2 Hi and Lo see Figure 8 RF TONE TONE oF oP Lo Figure 7 RF Tone with 10 0 MHz Frequency Figure 8 Tone Mode with Lo Cadence Note Refer to the Using Tone Mode section to learn how to run the two tone tests 12 Cal The Cal icon flashes in the middle of the LCD display screen when editing t
24. nit On Off 16 Automatic Power Down 16 Cable Testing General Guidelines ceeeeeeeeeen 7 Using Tone Mode 00 18 Trace Cable Runs 000 18 Measure Network Insertion Loss 19 Prepare Test Unit 0 00 0 alQ Calibrate dB Loss Meter 20 easure Network Insertion Loss z2 Test SplttOTS runn 21 Using Length Mode 22 easure Cable Length 22 Adjust Length Constant Value 24 Length Constant Accuracy 26 Using ID Mode eeeee 27 RF Remote Battery Life s29 Using Quality Mode ceeeeee 29 RF Remotes and Network Quality 0 0000cccce 30 easure Network Quality 30 MaINt MaMCe c 22 cetcencicezstsonsncetsaaeetpeas 32 Coax Clarifier Battery Replacement RF Remote Battery Replacement aod Cleaning 33 Storage 33 Customer Service 34 Contacting PlatinumTools 34 Additional Accessories and Kits 34 Warranty Information 3 Product Registration Disposal 0 37 Returns SMECINGALIOMS enee teh ne cr etaciaurees cette 38 ABOUT THIS MANUAL The Coax Clarifier is a self contained hand held battery powered analyzer used by contractors repair technicians and other authorized users This device is used to quickly map coax cable runs measure network performance determine cable length and locate faults in Dark unpowered residential and business cable networks
25. oax Clarifier IDs123456 B 7891011 12 Open RF TONE Voltage Short LENGTH CalTerminated RG6 RG59 QUALITY alll Aga 558 Keypad F Connector OOD OO Figure 1 Coax Clarifier LCD Display Screen One F Connector is located at the top of the Coax Clarifier The connector enables you to test and measure single cables and coax networks Note An F Connector coupler is provided with your purchase of the Coax Clarifier LCD Display Screen The Coax Clarifier has a high contrast backlight LCD display screen shown in Figure 2 below The LCD display screen shows the following cable conditions test modes and related icons calibration icon voltage detected warning active signal warning and battery capacity IDS 1234 56 ROB tow icon Vaisa pissis eal 7891011 12 Open ewa RF TONE Voltage Short pere corners tenan moe LENGTH Cal ENEA RG6 RG59 QUALITY ul a e OONN FG AM seer nae Detected Remotes gt Cable Types _ Return Loss Icon Figure 2 LCD Display Screen Cable Conditions The device checks for three cable conditions during testing Open Short and Terminated The cable conditions explained in Table 5 appear in a column below the battery low icon in the LCD display screen Table 5 Cable Conditions Cable Conditions Description Open An
26. off after 90 seconds CE Conformit Europ enne Conforms with European Economic Area directives p54 Disposal information Terms and Descriptions Table 2 defines the terms used throughout the manual and provides information to assist you with proper operation and understanding of the unit and its functions Table 2 Terms and Descriptions Terms Description and Uses Coax Cable Video cable with a single pair 2 pin wiring system Common coax cable types are RG6 and RG59 Run An end to end cable connection Run can refer to a single cable or multiple cables connected together with a splitter or barrel connector Coax Network Multiple coax cables connected by splitters or home run configurations to concentration panels Length Constant The amount of capacitance in picofarads pF per Value unit distance Insertion Loss A measurement of the network s ability to carry a signal from a power source to a receiver at the opposing end of a run Network insertion loss is measured in dB and represents the percentage of signal that is successfully transmitted through a run Return Loss A common measurement of coax networks return loss is a measure of Voltage Standing Wave Ratio VSWR expressed in dB It ranges from 0 0 dB for a cable with a dead short to infinity for a perfect cable with absolutely no signal loss The Coax Clarifier reports the return loss value from 0 0 dB to 40 0 dB with 4
27. ork with a poor quality reading lt 17 dB When the network quality is low mapping stops the QUALITY icon flashes and the HLt icon appears in the lower right corner of the display screen see Figure 4 ID ID RF Figure 3 ID Mode with Unterminated Run Figure 4 ID Mode with Poor Network Quality Note When the network quality is low be sure that all cable ends are terminated Unterminated cables result in signal loss Use F Terminator Plugs as needed to improve network quality Length Mode The Length icon appears in the left side of the LCD display screen when the LENGTH button is pressed When the unit is set to measure cable ength the length reading and measurement specifications described in Table 7 appear in the LCD display screen see Figure 5 Table 7 Length Mode Measurement Specifications Length Specifications Description Cable Types The cable types RG6 RG5Y or no specified type appear in the lower left of the LCD display screen Each type of cable has its own length constant value which is used to properly measure cable length Length Constant Value A value measured in picofarads pF per foot or meter appears in the lower left corner of the LCD display screen This value corresponds to the selected cable type and can be adjusted at any time Measured Length The length of the measured cable displays in units of feet or meters in the lo
28. r above the measured cable length remains on Note When the measurement is set to meters the length is displayed fractionally in meter increments up to 200 meters Cables longer than 200 meters are displayed without a fractional measurement 5 Interpret display results and trouble shoot potential cable conditions Open Short or Terminated 6 Press a different test mode button QUALITY ID or TONE to exit Length Mode Adjust Length Constant Value Cables have a specified capacitance per foot or meter This is the length constant used to determine a cable s length The Coax Clarifier comes with default length constant values for cable types RG59 and RGE as well as a value for an unspecified coax cable These values shown in Table 11 are standard length constants You can adjust the length constant value according to the specifications of the cable you are testing Three values can be entered and saved in the Coax Clarifier for the three types of cables Note Bypass this section if the default values stored in the unit s memory satisfy the length constant values for the cables you are measuring Table 11 Default Length Constant Values Cable Type Length Constant picofarads per foot RG6 18 6 pf ft RG59 20 5 pf ft None 15 pf ft 24 Note The length constant value last set for each cable type is stored in the unit s memory If you have not adjusted the length constant value for any or all cable type
29. s the default values shown in Table 11 above will be stored in the unit s memory The length constant can be adjusted at any time Verify the unit is set to the desired unit of measurement feet or me ters To change the unit of measurement quickly press the LENGTH and QUALITY buttons at the same time Note The measured cable length and the length constant value changes to the unit of measurement selected Make sure the Coax Clarifier is set to the appropriate cable type The length constant value is edited for only the specified cable type To change the cable type press the UP and DOWN buttons until the screen updates with the desired selection RG59 RG6 or no specified cable type Hold down the LENGTH button for two seconds to enter Edit Mode in order to edit the length constant value The LCD display screen shows the following icons see Figure 13 LENGTH icon displays indicating you are in Length Mode The cable type displays RG6 RG59 or no specified cable The length constant value and the calibration icon Cal blink one after the other demonstrating you are in Edit Mode The Edit icon Edt appears in the lower right corner of the screen The measurement unit m for meters or ft for feet displays to the right of the Edt icon LENGTH Cal RG6 pF EdF ft 1 16 ALI Figure 13 Adjusting Length Constant Value 25 4 Press the UP and DOWN b
30. seconds if it s not disconnected 17 Using Tone Mode Tone Mode offers two types of testing tone tracing TONE and measur ing network insertion loss RF TONE Setting the unit to TONE emits a cadence from the test unit through the connected cable With the use of a tone probe you can easily locate the cable carrying sound Selecting RF TONE sends a frequency from the main test unit through the connected cable The frequency is detected by a dB Loss meter which calculates the network insertion loss Note For the first use of Tone Mode the unit is set to TONE for tone tracing The tone path defaults to Pin P with frequency HL1 For subsequent uses of Tone Mode the tone path and test last selected will be restored in the unit s memory Trace Cable Runs In order to identify cables with the use of a tone probe the Coax Clarifier must be set to TONE 1 Connect one end of the coax cable to the F Connector coupler on the unit 2 Press the TONE button The LCD display screen shows the following icons upon entering Tone Mode see Figure 10 The test last used TONE or RF TONE A bouncing ball activity indicator in the lower left corner The tone path last selected coax pin P coax shield S or both coax pin and shield PS Cadence or frequency last selected TONE oP Lo Figure 10 Tone Test with Lo Cadence and Coax Pin Slected 18 3 Select a cable tracing cadence by pressing the UP and DOW
31. type the cable type field in the display screen will appear blank Length constant value measured in pF picofarads per foot or per meter The unit of measurement feet or meters defaults to the value last selected Measured cable length in units of feet or meters appears in the lower right corner A moving bar activity indicator above the measured cable length LENGTH RG6 l F ft A Biwe EB Figure 12 Measured Cable Length 3 Select the cable type by pressing the UP and DOWN buttons until the display screen updates with your desired cable type RG6 RG59 or no specified cable type Note The cable type selected is restored the next time Length Mode is used Each cable type has its own length constant value for computing length The Coax Clarifier comes with programmed length constant values for each cable type The length constant values can be modified at any time Refer to the Adjust Length Constant Value section for instructions on how to modify the length constant value 4 Quickly press the LENGTH and QUALITY buttons simultaneously to toggle the measurement units between feet and meters The following updates appear on the display screen The length measurement reading adjusts to meters or feet in the lower right corner of the LCD display screen 23 The length constant value adjusts to the unit of measurement selected in the lower left corner of the screen A moving bar activity indicato
32. uent presses of the ID button execute additional scans of the network 5 Interpret display results and trouble shoot potential cable conditions Open Short or Terminated 6 To exit ID mapping press a different test mode button RF Remote Battery Life Each RF remote features a small LED light that indicates when the battery is nearing depletion and if the remote is responding to the test unit When the battery voltage goes below the low battery threshold the LED light blinks once every two seconds for approximately four minutes indicating the battery needs to be replaced The battery check is only performed when the remote is activated for an ID test Results may be unreliable once the battery low threshold is detected Note Refer to the RF Remote Battery Replacement section for instructions on changing an RF remote s battery Using Quality Mode You can use Quality Mode to determine the overall network quality including all the network connections and branches The Coax Clarifier reports the return loss as a number from 0 0 dB to 40 0 dB with 40 0 being the best attainable quality Follow instructions carefully to achieve an accurate network quality reading The measured network quality is depicted as a bar graph appearing in the lower right corner of the LCD display screen Each bar represents a range in dB that corresponds to the measured return loss Table 12 explains the bar graph reading 29 Table 12 Network Qua
33. uttons to increment or decrement the length constant value The capacitance constant range is 10 0 pF ft to 40 0 pF ft 33 pF m to 132 pF m Press and hold the UP or DOWN buttons to quickly increase or decrease the length constant value Note While editing the measured cable length shown in the lower right corner of the display screen updates as you adjust the length constant value to reflect an accurate length reading computed with the latest length constant value 5 Press the LENGTH button to save the length constant for the selected cable type and exit Edit Mode The adjusted length constant value will be stored in the unit s memory for the specified cable type Note Pressing other test mode buttons or the POWER button during Edit Mode will discard the edited value 6 Press a different test mode button QUALITY ID or TONE to exit Length Mode Length Constant Accuracy A signal cable acts as a capacitor with the capacitance proportional to the length of the cable This constant of proportionality is known as the length constant and is measured in picofarads per foot or picofarads per meter Length Measurement accuracy is dependent on how close the instrument can be set to the capacitance constant for the cable being measured The length constant can vary from cable to cable of the same type produced by the same manufacturer It can also vary over the length of one cable because the length constant is dependent on the physica
34. wer right corner of the screen LENGTH AA AA BS Figure 5 Length Measurement for Unspecified Cable 10 Note Refer to the Using Length Mode section to learn how to change the unit of measurement adjust the length constant value for each cable type and measure cable length Quality Mode When the QUALITY button is pressed the Quality icon displays in the lower right corner of the LCD display screen and a bouncing ball activity indicator is shown in the lower left corner of the screen When testing network quality the following icons and values appear in the screen see Figure 6 Bar Graph The bar graph depicts the overall quality of the network being tested The bar graph appearing in the lower right of the screen corresponds to the measured return loss and will adjust increasing or decreasing in the visual bars shown as the return loss value fluctuates Refer to the Using Quality Mode section for a description of what each bar represents in terms of network quality Return Loss RL When the unit produces a return loss value for the network quality the RL icon appears to the left of the measured return loss value Return loss is measured in dB and displays in the lower right corner of the screen QUALITY all RL umm UT LI LIdB Figure 6 Return Loss Measurement in Quality Mode Note Using F Terminator Plugs on unterminated cable ends will improve network quality and lower retur
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