The Model Three signal level meter is designed for the cable (catv) test environment with installers and field technicians in mind; providing a full complement of measurement functions.
- 5 MHz to 1 GHz Frequency Range
- Full Scan, Single Channel, and Spectrum Modes
- Data Logging
- Digital Signal Measurements: Power, MER, Pre- and Post-FEC BER (Including Deep Interleave)
- Constellation Display
- Rugged, Simple to Use, and Cost Effective
The Model Three™ signal level meter is ideal for CATV installations - featuring a wide range of tests for analog and digital channel measurements. This rugged instrument can be customized, streamlining tests and making your installations and troubleshooting more efficient.
With the press of a single key, the meter performs a complete test of all channels in the selected user channel plan to specified limits. It can also be set to automatically perform Level, Spectrum, Tilt (Favorite), Hum, QAM, and Limit tests at programmed intervals, unattended.
Carrier amplitudes are displayed individually, grouped with up to 12 “favorites”, or in scan mode with five levels of magnification or full channel plan scan. This meter features a single-channel spectrum mode which displays interfering beats in addition to the carrier amplitudes. The meter also tests QAM channels, performs Hum measurements, provides data logging, includes a voltmeter, and much more.
Learned Channel Plans
The Model Three conveniently stores up to four user-defined channel plans customizing the meter for contractors that work in several systems with different channel lineups. Plans can be automatically learned (from eight base plans) at a cable drop, or downloaded from PC files using the optional ToolBox™ software. The operator can select favorite channels in each user plan to be included in a Tilt/Favorite channel plan.
Digital Channel Measurement with Constellation Display
The Model Three can measure the channel power of QPSK and QAM channels when testing or troubleshooting your digital transmission system. This function also measures MER and pre- and post-BER for QAM channels (including deep interleave).
The Constellation display allows the operator to quickly analyze 64 and 256 QAM downstream channels verifying quality or identifying impairments. This feature is field-installable and can be added at the operator’s convenience.
Wide Channel Scans
The Model Three can display up to 126 channels in a single view or a total of 170 channels can be displayed in overlapping views. The settings for the active measurement mode can be accessed at the press of a single key, without going through nested menus. This allows the operator to quickly make changes in the settings and return to measurement mode saving valuable time.
Level Measurement
As an aid to troubleshooting, the operator can choose LIVE, MAX, or Δ P-P (variation) signal level displays.
Spectrum Measurement
In Spectrum mode the full spectrum or frequency spans from 2.5 MHz to 62.5 MHz can be displayed. The Δ MARKER function is included in Spectrum and Single-Channel Spectrum modes. MAX HOLD captures transient events. The Model Three also has an Average display function for Spectrum.
HUM
The Hum measurement function is used to troubleshoot interference that may result from a defective power supply or faulty or overloaded power inserters. This mode includes 60 Hz and 120 Hz (or 50 Hz and 100 Hz) and low pass (1 to 400 Hz) measurements.
Voltmeter
The Model Three is equipped with a built-in voltmeter function that can be used for troubleshooting power supplies or power drops. The measurement is displayed as a bar graph with a numerical readout and can accommodate AC or DC voltages up to 100 Volts.
User-Defined Tests
A significant time and cost savings feature of the Model Three is the capability to group tests into automatic tests that can be executed with a single keystroke. Several Auto-Tests can be stored in the meter and recalled as needed. These may include Level, Tilt, Spectrum, QAM, Hum, and Limit tests. Limit test data allows for test uniformity and flexible field storage, and may be automatically scored against specified limits and assembled into reports.
Automated Proof of Performance
At the press of a key, the Model Three performs FCC Part 76 level-related tests including: Visual Carrier Levels, Δ V/A, Max Δ Visual Carrier Levels, and Δ Adjacent Visual Carrier Levels. Measurements can be executed immediately or programmed to occur at timed intervals, unattended, as an FCC 24-hour variation test. The test results can then be compared against FCC limits, or limits set by the user.
Flexible Data Storage
The operator can select and save the test data of the Level, Tilt, Spectrum, Scan, QAM, Hum, Limit, and Auto-Test measurements and recall them as needed. Scan, Spectrum, and Limit files can be viewed graphically. Any combination of up to 30 Level, Tilt, Spectrum, Hum, QAM, or scans, or up to 22 Limit test measurement files may be saved on the Model Three. These data records may be uploaded to a PC through the optional ToolBox software for reports, analysis, and printing.
Extended Battery Life, Fast Charging
The Model Three’s battery provides five hours or more of continuous use between charges. One hour of fast charging from AC or vehicle power provides nearly two hours of extended operation.
