TRIPLETT TDR Cable Fault Finder Instruction Manual
Safety Warnings This Instrument meets the safety requirements of IEC 61010-1:1993. It is for use on de-energised circuits only, however the Instrument is protected against telephone network voltages (EN60950: 1999 Scn2.3). Connection to mains supply voltages will result in damage to the Instrument and/or a hazard to the operator. Hence the user must assume responsibility for ensuring his or her own safety. WARNING ONLY use the unit with non-energized or deenergized and suitably isolated circuits.
Standards UL 1311-1 and CUL 1311-1 Safety: IEC610101-1:1993 EMC BS/EN 61326-1:1997 EMC Standard ESD IEC 1000-4-2 EM IEC 1000-4-3 Burst IEC 1000-4-4 Surge IEC 1000-4-5 Conducted RF 1EC 1000-4-6 Page 2 Category of Pass A A A A A
Table of Contents 1. First Operation 2. The TDR Cable Fault Finder 3. Specifications 4. Principles of operation 5. Attaching a cable to the Fault Finder 6. Setting the cable type 7. Selecting a library cable type 8. Testing cables not included in library 9. How to determine unknown Vp settings 10. Measuring cable length 11. Checking networks (thin wire ethernet) 12. Accuracy 13. Theoretical and actual Vp 14. Battery 15. Trouble Shooting 16. Cable Library 17. Additional Features 18.
1. First Operation The TDR Cable Fault Finder comes complete with • Alligator Clip adaptor • Alkaline 9v PP3 cell • Toolbelt Holster Carry Case IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THIS HANDBOOK BEFORE OPERATING THE INSTRUMENT Remove all packaging, remove battery compartment cover and check that the battery is connected (see section 14).
2. The TDR Cable Fault Finder The Triplett TDR is a hand held battery powered unit designed to measure the length of copper power and communication cables, or indicate the distance to a fault on the cable, given access to one end only. Advanced signal processing techniques enable the TDR to identify opens and short circuits, and directly indicate the fault distance on an alpha-numeric display.
3. Specifications Approximate Range Resolution Accuracy Vp Range Cable Library Tone Generator Display Connector Battery Battery Life Temperature Storage Temp. Dimensions Weight Safety EMC UL, CUL and CE Coaxial Cable: 6400ft max (1999m) Structured Wiring: 2500ft max (750m) Telephone Cable: 2500ft max (750m) 0.1ft < 100ft & 1ft > 100ft +/- 3% or 1.
5. Attaching a cable to the TDR 1. Ensure that no power supply or equipment is attached to the cable to be tested 2. Check that the far end of the cable is either open or shorted (not fitted with a termination) 3. Attach the TDR to one end of the cable to be tested The cable attachment to the TDR is via a BNC Jack located at the top of the unit. For un-terminated cables use the alligator clip adaptor. Coaxial Cable Connect the red clip to the center wire and the black clip to the shield.
6. Setting the cable type Before the TDR can be used to take measurements, it needs to be set for the cable type to be measured. If the cable is listed in the library (see Section 16) then setting up is simply a matter of selecting the appropriate cable type. 7. Selecting a library cable type 1. Switch on the TDR with the ON/Off switch at the side of the unit 2. The display will show the previously selected cable setting with its Vp. For example E/net 9907 Vp=78% 3.
8. Testing cables not included in library If the cable type to be tested is not in the library, then it can still be tested if the Vp is known. If the Vp is unknown refer to Section 9. Using the Key scroll to the bottom of the library and beyond, until you find the the Vp settings from 99% downwards. 9. How to determine unknown Vp settings If the TDR is to be used with a cable type for which the Vp is unknown, this first must be determined. 1. Take a sample of the cable at least 60 feet in length 2.
10. Measuring cable length Set the cable type or the Vp for the cable to be measured and attach to the cable as described in section 5. Press the Key Assuming there are no shorts in the cable then the length of the cable will be displayed, in feet. For lengths less than 100ft this will be given to one decimal place. Length 63.9ft For lengths over 100ft the decimal place is suppressed. Length 345ft If there is a short in the cable then the distance to the short will be displayed. Short 40.
11. Checking networks (thin wire ethernet) While carrying out the following tests, equipment should NOT be connected to the network. Set TDR with network cable type ie. E/net 9907, remove 50Ω terminators from both ends of network. Connect TDR in place of one of the terminators. Press Length of network will be displayed as: Length XX.Xft Repeat measurement from other end of network The length shown should be the same from either end and indicate the total length of the network.
12. Accuracy For coaxial twisted pair and shielded types an accuracy of ±5% can be expected, or ± 1.5ft at less than 30ft. The velocity of propagation is less well defined with unshielded multiconductor cable, including AC mains cable, and is lower when the cable is tightly wound on a drum than when it is installed. This is due to capacitance and inductance effects between the turns, therefore limiting accuracy to ±10% or ± 3ft at less than 30ft.
. Battery The TDR requires a standard 9 volt alkaline battery. When the battery has become discharged, and needs replacing, the display shows: Low Battery To replace battery, switch off the TDR, remove battery cover and replace battery. Replace the cover. 15. Trouble Shooting If display shows: Length Out of Range Check length of cable under test is within specified range of TDR Check connections from TDR to cable under test. Check for open circuit in cable at less than 5 feet.
If display reads: Length Out of Range Then the adaptor lead needs replacing or repairing. If display shows: Short Out of Range Check cable under test for short circuit at less than 7.5ft. Check that terminators have been removed from network. Length to short circuit is outside of range, check by reconnecting to opposite end of cable if possible. If the display shows: Low Battery Replace battery. If the display is blank: Check if good battery is installed in TDR.
. Cable Library Appletalk BT2002 Coax Air 50Ω Coax A/S 75Ω Coax Solid PE 50Ω Ethernet 9880 Ethernet 9907 IBM Type 9 RG6/U RG59 B/U T/Pair PE T/Pair Paper 72nF Twinax 100Ω Belden 8102 CAT5 STP Coax Air 75Ω Coax Foam PE 50Ω Coax Solid PE 75Ω Ethernet 9901 IBM 1/2A/6 Mains BS6500 RG58 (8219) RG62 A/U T/Pair PTFE T/Pair Paper 83nF URM70 Coax Page 15 Belden 9933 CAT 5 UTP Coax A/S 50Ω Coax Foam PE 75Ω CW1308 Ethernet 9903 IBM Type 3 Multicore PVC RG58 C/U Jelly PE T/Pair PVC Twinax 78Ω URM76 Coax
. Additional Features Units of measurement Choice of Units. The Cable Fault Finder will display cable lengths either in meters or feet. To change the units to be used, switch the TDR off, then switch on while holding down the key. The unit in use, either “Meters” or “Feet” will be displayed. Toggle from one to the other using the switch off, then on again. key.
. Maintenance and Warranty No regular maintenance of the Triplett TDR is required. In the event the product is defective or is damaged, please contact Triplett for repair information. Triplett Product Return Instructions In the unlikely event that you must return your Triplett equipment for repair, the following steps must be taken. 1: Call 1-800-TRIPLETT to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from Customer Service. 2: Enclose a copy of the original sales receipt showing date of purchase.
Triplett Three Year Limited Warranty 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 three years 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.
Triplett Three Year Limited Warranty ALL WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY LAW ARE HEREBY LIMITED TO A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE, AND THE PROVISIONS OF THE WARRANTY ARE EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.
