Safety Information The MediaChecker tests for incorrect pairing (split pairs), miswires, and shorted and open wires on all twisted pair cables, as well as shorts on coaxial cables. A stored cable library provides quick access to common cable types. The MediaChecker has most of the functions necessary to verify the proper termination of a wide variety of Rockwell Automation’s industrial commercial cables.
Safety Information 3 ATTENTION: To avoid possible fire, electric shock, personal injury, or damage to the MediaChecker: • Do not connect the MediaChecker to any telephony inputs, systems, or equipment, including ISDN. Doing so is a misapplication of this product, which can result in damage to the instrument and create a potential shock hazard to the user. • Do not connect the MediaChecker to active inputs, systems, or equipment.
Getting Acquainted Table 2. Features Getting Acquainted Item Display, Switches, and Connections A LCD A 2-line by 16-character LCD display. When there is more information than can be displayed on two lines, an up arrow [, down arrow ], or bidirectional arrow ^ appears in the left side of the display. Press the corresponding C or D key to display the additional information.
Getting Acquainted 5 Table 3. Rotary Switch Positions 3 2 Item LENGTH TEST WIRE MAP OFF 4 A Turns the MediaChecker off. See “Battery Save Mode” for more information. B Tests the attached cable and provides a pass or fail summary based on the parameters specified for the selected cable. C Displays the length of the attached cable in feet or meters and tests for anomalies. D Displays wiring connections, shorts, opens, and split pairs. 1 aan02f.eps Figure 2.
Getting Acquainted Table 4. Connections 2 Item 1 3 STP UTP/FTP Description A Standard 9-pin (DB9) connector for connecting DeviceNet and DH+/RIO cables (using the adapter provided). B Standard 8-pin modular jack for connecting unshielded (UTP) and foil-screened (FTP) unshielded twisted pair cable for Ethernet IEEE 802.3 networks. C BNC connector for connecting ControlNet cables. COAX aan03f.eps Figure 3.
Getting Acquainted • A continuous, varying-pitch tone indicates the MediaChecker is connected to an active cable and should be disconnected immediately. “ACTIVE CABLE” is displayed. To disable the audible signal for the “PASS” and “FAIL” conditions, see “Setup Selections” on page 35. The tone that indicates an active cable cannot be disabled. Low Battery Indication When the battery voltage is low but it is OK to continue, the MediaChecker displays “LOW BATTERY” once during power-up.
Preparing the MediaChecker for Use Preparing the MediaChecker for Use ATTENTION: To reduce wear on the MediaChecker connector, leave the adapter connected to the MediaChecker whenever possible. Plugging a 4 or 6 position plug into the MediaChecker’s UTP/FTP jack can permanently damage the jack pins. Important: The noise filter should be set to the frequency of the local power mains (50 Hz or 60 Hz). See “Setup Selections” on page 35 for this and other customizing selections.
Preparing the MediaChecker for Use To set up the MediaChecker for the desired cable, do the following: Important: The number of steps necessary to select a cable definition depends on the type of network selected. 1. Turn the MediaChecker on by turning the rotary switch to TEST, LENGTH, or WIRE MAP. 2. Press A. 3. Press C or D until the desired network is displayed, then press E. 4. Press C or D until the desired cable type is displayed, then press E.
Preparing the MediaChecker for Use Calibrating the MediaChecker to a Cable Cables from different batches or manufacturers can have characteristic variances of up to 20 %, causing deviations in length measurements. To ensure maximum accuracy of length measurements, calibrate the MediaChecker to a known length of the cable to be tested. Important: The MediaChecker is calibrated at the factory to provide length measurements that are accurate enough for most applications.
Preparing the MediaChecker for Use 2. Turn the rotary switch to TEST, LENGTH, or WIRE MAP. 3. Press A; then press E repeatedly until the following display appears: 4. 11 Press C D until “YES” appears, and then press E. The MediaChecker takes a few measurements on the attached cable and displays the measured length. aan07f.eps aan06f.eps Important: If the MediaChecker has already been calibrated to the selected cable type, “CAL” appears on the second line of the second display shown at power-up.
Key to Twisted Pair Displays Table 6. Key to Twisted Pair Displays (cont.) Key to Twisted Pair Displays Table 6 describes the symbols used for DeviceNet, DH+/RIO, and Ethernet displays. DH+/RIO Wire Phoenix Pin Display Clip Color RIO Color DH+ Color Line 1 1 1 Blue Blue Clear No Cable ID detected Shield 2 S Bare Bare Bare IDRA Cable ID detected Line 2 3 2 White Clear Blue ID?? IDRA “??” alternates with “RA”. Cable ID partially detected.
The Test Function (TEST) The Test Function (TEST) The TEST function tests the attached cable and indicates “PASS” or “FAIL” based on the cable’s compliance with the parameters stored in the MediaChecker for the selected cable. The tests that are performed (Table 7) depend on whether or not a Cable ID is connected to the far end of the cable. To test only the wire map or measure only the cable length, use the WIRE MAP or LENGTH functions.
The Test Function (TEST) Table 7. Failures Detected for Each Cable Type Failures Detected DeviceNet Ethernet Yes Yes 1 Yes 2 Yes Yes 1 Yes Yes Yes 3 No Yes No 4 No Yes Distance to open (near end) Yes Length Yes Split pair Yes 4 Yes 4 Yes Yes 1. Measured for the data pair only. For shorted power wires, the MediaChecker displays the resistance of the short. 2. The distance to an open is the same as the measured length. 3. Split pair test not run on KwikLink cables. 4.
The Test Function (TEST) Twisted Pair Cable Test Results Important: If you suspect inaccurate length readings, calibrate the MediaChecker to the cable. See “Calibrating the MediaChecker to a Cable” on page 10. Length measurements show the total length of the trunk plus all drops on the cable. For information on calculating the length of just the trunk, drops, or taps, see “Calculating Trunk, Drop, or Tap Lengths” on page 29. Twisted pair cables include DeviceNet, DH+/RIO, and Ethernet.
The Test Function (TEST) 1 Table 8. DeviceNet Test Results (with Cable ID) Display Failure Short across the data pair Description 2 “SHORT” is blinking. L and H are shorted together at approximately 600' (183 m). Split pair “SPLIT PR” is blinking. In this case, a power wire and a data wire are swapped at the near end and swapped back at the far end. Open, or a wire is swapped with the shield “OPEN” is blinking. This can mean one of the following: • The + wire is open somewhere along the cable.
The Test Function (TEST) 17 1 Table 8. DeviceNet Test Failures (with Cable ID) (cont.) Display Failure Description Short to the shield. “SHORT” is blinking. There is a resistive fault between S and L. It could be a short or a slightly higher resistance. Check the connectors first; then look for a crushed spot on the cable.
The Test Function (TEST) Table 9. DeviceNet Test Failures (without Cable ID) Display Failure Description The MediaChecker detects a “FAULT” and “350Ω“ are blinking. There is probably very high resistance between the one or more I/O device connected to the cable under data lines and the “-” power line. test. To determine the cable length, do one of the following: • Disconnect the I/O devices and retest the cable.
The Test Function (TEST) 19 Table 9. DeviceNet Test Failures (without Cable ID) (cont.) Display Failure The MediaChecker detects a low resistance between the CAN_H and CAN_L (data) wires; however, the resistance is higher than a short circuit. Description 1 “FAULT” and “OPEN” are blinking. There is a resistive fault between L and H. The resistance is higher than the resistance of a cable 1640 ft long (500 m), which is the maximum allowable length.
The Test Function (TEST) Table 9. DeviceNet Test Failures (without Cable ID) (cont.) Display Failure The MediaChecker measures a very short length for the CAN_L wire as compared to the other wires. Description “OPEN” is blinking.* The L wire is open at the near end. To detect an open at the far end, connect the Cable ID to the far end and repeat the test or connect the Cable ID to this end of the cable and repeat the test from the other end.
The Test Function (TEST) Coaxial Cable Test Results Important: If you suspect inaccurate length readings, calibrate the MediaChecker to the cable. See “Calibrating the MediaChecker to a Cable” on page 10. Length measurements show the total length of the trunk plus all taps on the cable. For information on calculating the length of just the trunk, drops, or taps, see “Calculating Trunk, Drop, or Tap Lengths” on page 29 or refer to the Quick Reference Card.
The Test Function (TEST) Table 10. ControlNet Test Failures Display Failure Description 1 The MediaChecker detects a cable length 1 greater than 2130 ft (650 m) , which is the maximum it can measure. If “2130'“ (650 m) is flashing, the cable is longer than the maximum the MediaChecker can measure. Break the cable near its center and measure the two parts separately. The MediaChecker detects a resistance that is greater than the resistance of 2130 ft 1 (650 m) of cable (about 65 Ω).
The Test Function (TEST) 23 80 Feet MediaChecker 0Ω SHORT 1788-MCHKR SETUP ENTER LENGTH WIRE MAP TEST OFF 70 Feet MediaChecker 1788-MCHKR SETUP 0.5Ω SHORT ENTER LENGTH TEST WIRE MAP OFF aan04f.eps Figure 4.
Testing the Wire Map (WIRE MAP) Testing the Wire Map (WIRE MAP) Using the MediaChecker’s WIRE MAP function and the Cable ID, you can determine the wiring of both the near and far ends of twisted pair cables. To test the wire map, do the following: 1. Connect the cable under test to the appropriate connector on the MediaChecker. 2. Connect the Cable ID to the far end of the cable. Use an adapter, if necessary. 3. Turn the rotary switch to WIRE MAP.
Testing the Wire Map (WIRE MAP) When the MediaChecker detects something on the far end of the cable, but cannot determine if it is the Cable ID, “ID” is displayed. The MediaChecker alternately displays “??” and “RA” when the Cable ID is detected but a problem with the cable or with the Cable ID is interfering with the identification process.
Testing the Wire Map (WIRE MAP) Table 11. DeviceNet Wire Map Failures (with Cable ID) Display Failure Description Miswire (wires are swapped) “H” and “+” are blinking. The first line on the display (LH +- S) shows the near end connections. The second line (L+ H- S) shows far end connections. This mapping shows that the H and + wires are swapped. Short The S and L wires are shorted together. Open, or a wire “o” is blinking in the bottom line.
Measuring Cable Length (LENGTH) Measuring Cable Length (LENGTH) Important: If you suspect inaccurate length readings, calibrate the MediaChecker to the cable. See “Calibrating the MediaChecker to a Cable” on page 10. Length measurements show the total length of the trunk plus all drops or taps on the cable. For information on calculating the length of just the trunk, drops, or taps, see “Calculating Trunk, Drop, or Tap Lengths” on page 29.
4. Measuring Cable Length (LENGTH) Press E to check the cable selection. The MediaChecker displays the cable selection for a few seconds and then starts the test. If the cable selection is not correct, refer to “Preparing the MediaChecker for Use” on page 8 to select a new cable setting. “CAL” appears in the second line of the display if a cable calibration has been performed for the selected cable type.
Calculating Trunk, Drop, or Tap Lengths Calculating Trunk, Drop, or Tap Lengths 29 This section shows how to calculate the length of just the trunk or the total length of just the drops or taps. When you test a cable that has drops or taps, the MediaChecker reports the length of the trunk, plus the total length of all the drops or taps on the trunk. DeviceNet and DH+/RIO Length Calculations Formulas: Measure drop lengths with the MediaChecker or a tape measure.
Calculating Trunk, Drop, or Tap Lengths ControlNet Length Calculations Measured tap lengths depend on whether the taps are terminated or not. See Table 12. Formulas: • Trunk length = Measured length – Total measured length of taps • Total tap length = Measured length – Trunk length Example 1: Calculating trunk length A cable measures 750 ft long and has 16 unterminated taps.
Calculating Trunk, Drop, or Tap Lengths Table 12. Measured Tap Lengths for ControlNet Cables Number of Taps Terminated Tap* Unterminated Tap Number of Taps 18 19 Terminated Tap* 140 ft (43 m) 148 ft (45 m) 31 Unterminated Tap 77 ft (23.5 m) 82 ft (25 m) 1 2 8 ft (2.5 m) 16 ft (5 m) 4 ft (1.5 m) 9 ft (2.5 m) 20 156 ft (47.5 m) 86 ft (26 m) 21 164 ft (50 m) 90 ft (27.5 m) 3 23 ft (7 m) 13 ft (4 m) 22 172 ft (52.5 m) 95 ft (29 m) 4 31 ft (9.5 m) 17 ft (5 m) 23 179 ft (54.
Calculating the Distance to a Short Table 12. Measured Tap Lengths for ControlNet Cables (cont.) Number of Taps 36 37 Terminated Tap* 281 ft (85.5 m) 289 ft (88 m) Unterminated Tap 155 ft (47 m) 159 ft (48.5 m) 38 296 ft (90.5 m) 163 ft (50 m) 39 304 ft (92.5 m) 168 ft (51 m) 40 312 ft (95 m) 172 ft (52.5 m) 41 320 ft (97.5 m) 176 ft (53.5 m) 42 328 ft (100 m) 181 ft (55 m) 43 335 ft (102 m) 185 ft (56.5 m) 44 343 ft (104.5 m) 189 ft (57.
Calculating the Distance to a Short Short across the shield and any other wire: The MediaChecker reports the short, but cannot measure its resistance or determine the distance to the short. You can use an ohmmeter to measure the resistance; then use the resistance to calculate the distance to the short. Terminated cable: The MediaChecker indicates a fault and displays a resistance.
Calculating the Distance to a Short Table 13. DeviceNet and DH+/RIO Cable Resistances Cable Type Data Pair (H, L) Power Pair (+,-) Shield DeviceNet Thick 0.0069 Ω/ft 0.0226 Ω/m 0.0032 Ω/ft 0.0105 Ω/m 0.00175 Ω/ft 0.00575 Ω/m DeviceNet Thin 0.028 Ω/ft 0.0918 Ω/m 0.01617 Ω/ft 0.053 Ω/m 0.0032 Ω/ft 0.0105 Ω/m DeviceNet KwikLink 0.00404 Ω/ft 0.01325 Ω/m 0.00404 Ω/ft 0.01325 Ω/m NA DH+/RIO 0.00944 Ω/ft 0.031 Ω/m NA 0.0041Ω/ft 0.
Setup Selections Setup Selections In setup mode you can select cable characteristics and customize the MediaChecker’s operation. Once changed, these settings are stored and remain in the MediaChecker even when it is turned off.
Maintenance Maintenance General Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and detergent; do not use abrasives or solvents. Clean and dry as required. If the MediaChecker will remain unused for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent damage from leakage. Replacing Batteries Two 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries power the MediaChecker and typically provide 50 hours of operation. Using the backlight may significantly reduce battery life. Figure 5 shows how to replace the batteries.
Maintenance 37 Table 15. Troubleshooting the MediaChecker Symptom 1: Display goes blank. Action 1. Turn the rotary switch to OFF, wait 5 seconds and turn the switch to TEST. 2. Replace the batteries (see “Replacing Batteries” on page 36). Result Explanation Display is active The Battery Save feature turned the MediaChecker off.* Display still blank Go to step 2. Display is active Batteries were too low to run the MediaChecker. Display still blank Go to step 3. 3.
Maintenance Performing a Self-Test When the MediaChecker is on, it periodically tests some of its internal circuits. If a problem is detected, the MediaChecker displays the following message: Important: To exit without performing a self-test, either press A, or ensure that the second line is displaying “NO” and press E to move to the next setup selection. Press E to activate the self-test program. 4. You will be prompted to install the Cable ID.
Maintenance • 5. To run a self-test on Ethernet functions, connect an Ethernet patch cord to the RJ45-to-DB9 adapter. Use this series combination to connect from the DB9 connector on the Cable ID to the RJ45 connector on the MediaChecker. After installing the Cable ID, press E to continue the self-test program. The MediaChecker displays “PASS” or “FAIL”. The selftest repeats until you press A or the MediaChecker turns itself off (Battery Save function).
Maintenance Parts and Accessories Table 16. Parts and Accessories Description Part No.
Specifications Specifications ATTENTION: Never connect the MediaChecker to any telephony inputs, systems, or equipment, including ISDN. These specifications assume the MediaChecker was calibrated using 100 ft (30 m) (or more) of cable of the same type and batch as the cable being measured. Accuracy is specified for two years after calibration. Coax Termination Measurements Any loop resistance value between 5 Ω and 350 Ω is interpreted as a terminator resistance.
Specifications Table 18. ControlNet Cable Test Specifications Cable Length Cable 1 Range ControlNet RG-6 ControlNet RG-6F (high flex RG-6) ControlNet DS3/4 5065 Accuracy 1 m to 650 m 10 % + 1 m (6 ft) (2 ft to 2130 ft) Distance to Short 2 2 Resolution Accuracy Resolution 0.5 m (1 ft) 10 % + 10 m (10 % + 30 ft) 1 m (5 ft) 1. For these cable types, the length to an open is displayed, but the “OPEN” error message is not displayed. 2. 0.
Specifications 43 Table 20. DH+/RIO Cable Test Specifications Cable Length Cable 1 DH+/RIO 1770-CD DH+/RIO 9022 DH+/RIO 9463 Distance to Short 2 3 2 Range Accuracy Resolution Accuracy Resolution 1 m to 350 m (2 ft to 999 ft) 7 % + 2 m (6 ft) See Note 2 7%+3m (7 % + 10 ft) 0.5 m (1 ft) 1. For these cable types, the length to an open is displayed, but the “OPEN” error message is not displayed. 2. 0.5 m (1 ft) for cables <100 m long (328 ft); 1 m (5 ft) for cables >100 m long; 1 ft (0.
Specifications Power Electromagnetic Compatibility Two AA size 1.5 V alkaline batteries Battery type: ANSI/NEDA-15A or IEC-LR6 Low battery indicated on the display Typical battery life: 50 hours Timed power-off function (Battery Save feature) Meets FCC part 15-b Meets EN 50081-1: 1993, EN 50082-1; 1995 Meets AS/NZS 2064 N223 Safety Dimensions EN60950 2nd edition, 1,2,3,4 Low Voltage Directive 18.4 cm x 9.8 cm x 4.6 cm (7.25 in x 3.875 in x 1.8 in) Weight C22.2 No.
