Microtest Scanner TSB 67 568A Annex E User Manual

P e n t a S ca n n e r  
P r o d u ct F a m i l y  
U s e r G u i d e  
A Guide to Using the Microtest PentaScanner Product Family  
to install, mange and troubleshoot Category 5 and ISO Class  
C/D Cabling Systems  
The PentaScanner Product Family verifies installed links against Category 5  
(TSB-67 and 568A Annex E) and ISO Class C/ D requirements.  
Copyright © 1993, 1996 Microtest, Inc. All rights reserved  
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Chapter 2: Getting Started  
Charging the Scanner’s Battery  
In order to operate the Scanner and the 2-Way Injector from battery power, the battery must first  
be charged. You can run the units from the AC adapter until the charging cycle is complete.  
Ready Screen  
This screen is displayed after you press the ON/OFF key. Ready! should display in the center of the  
screen. If not, contact your Microtest distributor for assistance.  
The date and time are displayed at the top of the screen. The currently selected Autotest is  
displayed below the time. The currently selected cable type is displayed on the bottom left of the  
screen.  
Press Cable (F1) to view a list of available cable types, to create a new cable type, or to edit an  
existing cable type. You can test cables using both modular and BNC connector types.  
Press Jack (F4) to toggle the jack selection between twisted-pair (TWP) and Coax.  
Scanner Information  
To display software, hardware and serial number information, press and hold  
.
The Software and H ardware Version Numbers are displayed in the right center of the screen.  
Check the Microtest Web page at http://www.microtest.com/, or the Microtest Bulletin Board  
System (BBS) at (602) 957-7716 (U.S.) or +44 1293 894031 (Europe) to be sure you are working  
with the most recent software version.  
The Scanner’s Serial Number is displayed in the lower center area of the screen. You may need to  
provide the Serial Number when having repairs or refurbishments done, or when you call for  
Technical Support. The Serial Number can also be found on the label on the back of the unit.  
The left area of the screen is a contrast indicator for the display. Press the Ñor Òarrow key to  
increase or decrease the contrast.  
Ni-Cd Battery (Scanner and 2-Way Injectors)  
The Scanners and the 2-Way Injector+/2-Way  
Rechargeable Battery Pack  
Injector are powered by a rechargeable, recyclable  
Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery pack. Under  
AC Connector  
various state and local laws, it may be illegal to  
dispose of this battery pack into the municipal waste  
stream. Check with your local solid waste officials for  
details in your area for recycling options or proper  
disposal.  
Keypad  
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To remove the Ni-Cd battery pack, place the Scanner or Injector face down and slide the arrow-  
shaped tab downward. Then lift the battery pack up towards you. To install the battery pack, insert  
the two tabs on the top of the battery in the Scanner and press down on the battery pack until it  
clicks into place.  
2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector Battery  
The Injector is powered on by the Scanner. When active, the Injector’s Status Indicator will  
indicate the current mode of operation. After 15 seconds of inactivity, the Injector will  
automatically shut itself off to preserve battery life.  
When operating with the AC adapter plugged in, the Injector is always on. If it is inactive (i.e. not  
performing measurements), the Injector recharges its battery pack. The Charging LED will indicate  
the state of the battery. (See the section titled CHARGING Indicator for details). Battery charging  
is disabled while the Injector is performing a measurement function. After 15 seconds of inactivity,  
the Injector automatically returns to charging mode.  
Ni-Cd Battery Tips  
Power off the unit before changing the Ni-Cd battery pack.  
The PentaScanner and PentaScanner Cable Admin Ni-Cd battery pack must be replaced  
within five minutes to avoid memory loss.  
If the display goes blank while the AC adapter is plugged in to the Scanner, it indicates that the  
Ni-Cd battery pack is on maintenance (“trickle”) charge.  
The Ni-Cd battery pack is NOT being recharged while the Scanner is powered ON.  
The Ni-Cd battery pack is recharged by powering OFF the Scanner and plugging the AC  
adapter in to the Scanner or by using the optional external Quick Charger.  
The average time to recharge the Ni-Cd battery pack is about 15 hours with the AC adapter,  
and 2 to 3 hours with the Quick Battery Charger.  
To further maximize Ni-Cd battery pack life, Microtest recommends that approximately every 7  
- 10 charging cycles, you refresh your battery using Battery Refresh Mode (see below).  
To maximize Ni-Cd battery pack life, avoid extreme temperatures.  
Backlighting the display causes increased battery drain.  
Average daily life of the Ni-Cd battery is about 8 hours.  
Contact your Microtest distributor for details on the external Quick Charger, Microtest Part  
Number 8003-01.  
Battery Refresh Mode  
You can refresh your PentaScanner+, 2-Way Injector+, and 2-Way Injector battery using the  
Scanner’s Battery Refresh Mode. When you set the Refresh Mode, the unit’s battery will fully  
discharge and then recharge, which should increase your battery’s life. The Refresh Mode is  
executed via the PENTA reflash program.  
To put your Scanner into Refresh Mode, attach it to your PC with a DB-9 serial cable. Attach the  
AC Adapter to the Scanner, and power the unit on. At the PC’s DOS prompt, type:  
PENTA -REFRESH -C1 (for COM1, or -C2 for COM2) and press Enter.  
The Scanner’s display will read:  
The PentaScanner+ is in battery refresh mode.  
When finished discharging, the Scanner will turn itself off and proceed to recharge via the AC  
adapter.  
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To put your 2-Way Injector or 2-Way Injector+ into Refresh Mode, first attach the Injector to  
your Scanner with a RJ-45 or 36-pin cable, whichever is appropriate for your equipment (you may  
need to use an adapter if your units have different connector types). Attach the Scanner to the PC  
with a DB 9 serial cable. Attach AC Adapters to both the Injector and the Scanner, and power  
both units on. At the PC’s DOS prompt, type:  
PENTA -2REFRESH -C1 (for COM1, or -C2 for COM2) and press Enter. The Injector is now in  
discharge mode, indicated by the alternate flashing of the Pass and Fail LED indicators. When the  
battery has discharged, the Injector will switch to recharge mode (indicated by the Charging light).  
To refresh the Scanner and the Injector batteries at the same time, follow the instructions above for  
connecting the Injector to the Scanner, and the Scanner to the PC. Attach AC Adapters to both  
the Injector and the Scanner, and power both units on. Put the Injector into refresh mode first, by  
typing:  
PENTA -2REFRESH -C1 (for COM1, or -C2 for COM2) and press Enter.  
Now, put the Scanner into refresh mode by typing:  
PENTA -REFRESH -C1 (for COM1, or -C2 for COM2) and press Enter.  
Both units will discharge and recharge as described above.  
Once the units are in Refresh Mode, you can disconnect the DB-9 serial cable. Keep the units  
plugged in to the AC adapters. The units will discharge and recharge in approximately 15-20  
hours. For best results, do not remove the AC adapter until the battery is fully charged. On the  
PentaScanner+, the battery is fully charged when the “Charging Battery” message is no longer  
displayed on the screen. On the 2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector, the battery is fully charged  
when the Charging Indicator LED is flashing.  
Super Injector+/Super Injector Battery  
The Super Injector+ and Super Injector are powered by three AA alkaline batteries. (Be sure to  
use only AA alkaline batteries in the Injector. Other battery types are not supported.) To remove  
the batteries, move the battery door latch forward and remove the battery door.  
The Injector battery life varies depending on usage and battery quality. On average, the batteries  
will withstand testing of more than 500 cables. Low battery detection is reported in several ways:  
The Injector Status Indicator blinks slowly (approximately once per second) instead of normal  
rapid blinking.  
Press the Extended Functions key and select Injector Info to display the battery status.  
The Scanner checks the Injector batteries before running selected tests and before calibrating  
the Injector, and displays a warning message if the Injector batteries are low.  
Test Connectors  
The PentaScanner+, 2-Way Injector+ and Super Injector+ have 36-pin connectors. The  
PentaScanner, PentaScanner Cable Admin, 2-Way Injector and Super Injector have Modular  
8 (RJ-45) connectors:  
36-pin connector  
on the 2-Way Injector+  
and the Super Injector+  
Modular 8 (RJ-45) connector  
on the 2-Way Injector+ and  
the Super Injector  
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High Voltage Protection  
The PentaScanner+/ PentaScanner/ PentaScanner Cable Admin, 2-Way Injector+/2-Way  
Injector and Super Injector+/Super Injector are designed to withstand input hazard voltage  
conditions that arise from normal telephony applications such as 48 VDC at less than 80 ma or 24  
VAC used to power many keysets. The unit detects when a voltage of greater than ±15 volts is  
applied on the inputs and sounds a warning to alert the user to remove the hazard condition  
immediately to prevent possible damage to the input circuits. Tests cannot be performed when  
hazard conditions are detected on the inputs.  
2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector LED Indicators  
Test Connector  
(36-pin on 2-Way  
Injector+ or Mod 8  
on 2-Way Injector)  
Pass  
Indicator  
Status  
Indicator  
Fail  
Indicator  
Circuit  
Guard  
Indicator  
Charging  
Indicator  
Indicator  
Pass  
State  
Description  
Steady Light  
Steady Light  
Steady Light  
Overall Autotest result is PASS  
Overall Autotest result is FAIL  
Fail  
Status  
The Injector is powered ON and waiting for  
communication with the Scanner.  
Status  
Status  
Off  
The Injector is powered OFF (or charging battery  
if AC adapter is attached).  
Rapid Blink  
Executing command or measurement in progress  
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Status  
Slow Blink  
Battery is low  
Charging  
Steady Light  
The Injector is inactive, the AC adapter is present  
and the battery pack is being charged at the maximum rate.  
Charging  
Charging  
Off  
The Injector is inactive and the battery or AC adapter is  
not present; or the Injector is active.  
Blinking (once  
every 10  
seconds  
The Injector is inactive and the AC adapter is present; the  
battery pack is fully charged and the Injector is in trickle  
charge mode.  
Circuit  
Guard,  
Pass, Fail,  
plus steady  
tone  
Blinking  
Overvoltage condition  
Super Injector+/Super Injector LED Indicators  
Indicator  
State  
Description  
Status  
Status  
Rapid blink  
Steady light  
Test in progress  
Test Connector  
(36-pin on Super  
Injector+ or Mod 8  
on Super Injector)  
Injector waiting for  
signal from Scanner  
Injector battery low  
Pass  
Indicator  
Fail  
Indicator  
Status  
Slow blink  
Status  
Indicator  
Pass  
Fail  
Fail, plus  
tone condition  
Steady light  
Steady light  
Steady light  
Test has passed  
Test has failed  
Overvoltage steady  
When to Use the Injector  
Some measurements require the use of the Injector at the far end of the cable. For other  
measurements, the Injector can be connected but its use is optional. The Scanner automatically  
detects the presence of and configures the Injector for the measurement to be performed. The  
following table outlines when to use the Injector:  
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Injector  
Required?  
Yes  
Measurement  
Description  
Attenuation  
The Injector generates the frequencies and the Scanner  
measures the signal to determine the signal loss.  
Autotest  
Yes  
No  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
The Injector is required for Attenuation, NEXT  
measurements, Resistance and Wire Map during Autotest.  
Capacitance  
Length  
If connected, the Injector provides an “OPEN” for the  
duration of the measurement.  
If connected, the injector provides an “OPEN” for the  
duration of the measurement.  
Impedance  
If connected, the injector provides an “OPEN” for the  
duration of the measurement.  
NEXT - Scanner  
End  
The Injector provides a 100 ohm termination while the  
Scanner measures NEXT.  
NEXT - Injector  
End (2-Way  
The Scanner provides a 100 ohm termination for the  
duration of the measurement.  
Injector+/ 2-Way  
Injector only)  
Loop Resistance  
Yes  
If connected, the Injector is used to “SH ORT” the wire pair  
under test and the Scanner measures Loop Resistance. If the  
2-Way Injector is not connected, the Scanner will display  
“OVR” (Over Range).  
Wire Map (Find  
Cable Faults)  
Yes  
No  
The Scanner communicates with the Injector across the link  
under test to determine the wire connection from the  
Scanner end to the Injector end.  
Noise  
The Injector is not required to measure impulse noise or  
peak-to-peak noise.  
Note: The Injector is not used when testing coaxial cable. See Appendix D: Working with  
Coaxial Cable for more information.  
Using Multiple Injectors  
One Scanner can store calibration data for up to five Injectors. To determine which Injector is  
attached to the Scanner, press the Extended Functions key, then select Injector Info. The  
Scanner will display the serial number and other information for the attached Injector.  
Injector Calibration  
Calibration of the Injector’s signal amplitude is required for accurate Attenuation measurements  
and requires user intervention. To maintain accurate Attenuation measurements, the Injector must  
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be calibrated each calendar day that it is used. Expiration of calibration data is automatically  
detected by the Scanner.  
The Scanner and Injector are connected through their respective test connector ports using the  
patch cable provided with each instrument. The amplitude of each frequency generated by the  
Injector is measured by the Scanner. The resulting calibration values are stored in the Scanner  
according to the Injector’s serial number. The Scanner maintains five sets of Injector calibration  
data simultaneously.  
1. Connect the Scanner and the Injector using the patch cable supplied with the Scanner (see  
following diagrams). If you have a Scanner with a 36-pin connector, you may also need to use  
the Mod 8 Adapter (included).  
2. Power on the Scanner.  
3. Press the Extended Functions key.  
4. Select Calibrate Injector. The Scanner will display:  
Searching for Injector . . .  
5. On finding the Injector, the Scanner displays:  
Calibrating . . .  
6. When the calibration is complete, the Scanner displays:  
The Injector has been calibrated  
7. Press OK (F1) to return to the Extended Functions menu.  
Mod 8 Adapter Note  
Use of the mating connectors not in conformance with FCC Part 68, Sub-Part F may result in  
damage not covered by Microtest warranty.  
Calibration Connections  
Modular 8 Adapter  
Modular 8 Plug to  
36-Pin Patch Cable  
36-Pin Scanner  
36-Pin Injector  
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Modular 8 Plug to  
36-Pin Patch Cable  
36-Pin Scanner  
Mod 8 Injector  
Modular 8 Patch Cable  
36-Pin Scanner  
Mod 8 Injector  
Injector Internal Calibration (2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector only)  
Periodically, the 2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector and the Scanner require calibration of their  
internal measurement circuitry. The Scanner will determine when internal calibration is required for  
itself and the Injector. If required, the Scanner directs the Injector to perform the calibration. At  
the same time, the Scanner performs its own internal calibration, synchronizing the calibration  
times of both devices. Internal calibration is performed automatically and is required to account for  
temperature changes. The only effect you may notice is an occasional slight increase in test times  
while internal calibration is being performed.  
Connections  
The Scanner and the Injector are used together to perform measurements that allow the Scanner to  
verify installed links or assist in the diagnosis of network problems at the physical layer. To  
accomplish these measurements, the Scanner and the Injector are connected at both ends of a  
network cabling link. The end at which the Scanner is connected is referred to as the  
“PentaScanner end”. The end at which the Injector is connected is referred to as the “Injector  
end”.  
When the 2-Way Injector+ or 2-Way Injector is used for testing, the Scanner screens will display test  
results for both ends of the link. Press the F4 key to toggle the display between Scanner (Penta)  
and Injector (Inj) test results.  
Refer to the diagrams on the following pages for instructions on connecting the Scanner and the  
Injector for both basic link and full channel tests.  
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Basic Link with Modular 8 Jacks  
The diagram below shows the connection of a PentaScanner+ to a Modular 8 jack in the wiring  
closet and a 2-Way Injector+ or Super Injector+ to a Modular 8 jack in the work area.  
Use the Modular 8 plug to 36-pin patch cable to attach the PentaScanner+ to the Modular 8 jack.  
At the other end of the link, use the Modular 8 plug to 36-pin patch cable to attach the Injector to  
the Modular 8 jack.  
Wiring Closet  
Work Area  
Modular 8 Jack  
Modular 8 Plug to  
36-Pin Patch Cable  
36-Pin Scanner  
36-Pin Injector  
If you are using a Super Injector, use the Modular 8 patch cable to connect the Injector to the  
Modular 8 jack as shown:  
Wiring Closet  
Work Area  
Modular 8 Jack  
Modular 8 Plug  
Modular 8  
Patch  
Cable  
to 36-Pin  
Patch Cable  
36-Pin Scanner  
Modular 8 Injector  
Basic Link with IDC Block and Modular 8 Jack  
Wiring Closet  
Work Area  
110 Block  
Modular 8 Jack  
Modular 8  
Plug to  
36-Pin  
Patch  
110 Block  
to 36-Pin  
Patch  
Cable  
Cable  
36-Pin Scanner  
36-Pin Injector  
Page 11  
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The diagram shows the connection of a PentaScanner+ to an IDC (110) block in the wiring closet  
and a 2-Way Injector+ or Super Injector+ to a Modular 8 jack in the work area.  
Punch Down Block Adapter kits are available (as optional accessories) to interface the Scanners  
with IDC (110) punch-down blocks. For the PentaScanner+, order kit #8123-01. For the  
PentaScanner and PentaScanner Cable Admin, order kit #8051-13.  
Use the 110 Block to 36-pin patch cable to attach the Scanner to the 110 Punch down block. At  
the other end of the link, use the Modular 8 plug to 36-pin patch cable to attach the Injector to  
the Modular 8 jack.  
If you are using a 2-Way Injector or Super Injector, use the Modular 8 patch cable to connect the  
Injector to the Modular 8 jack, as shown:  
Wiring Closet  
Work Area  
110 block  
Modular 8 Jack  
110Block  
Modular 8  
Patch  
Cable  
to 36-Pin  
Patch Cable  
36-Pin Scanner  
Modular 8 Injector  
Full Channel Modular 8 Link  
A full channel consists of the different link elements from the hub to the wallplate. For cables  
terminated with a Modular 8 plug, use the Modular 8 Adapter to interface the PentaScanner+  
with these cables. This diagram shows the connection of a PentaScanner+ to a cross connect in the  
wiring closet and a 2-Way Injector+ or Super Injector+ to a Modular 8 jack in the work area.  
Wiring Closet  
Work Area  
110 block  
Modular 8 Jack  
User Cable  
Modular 8  
Adapter  
36-Pin Scanner  
Modular 8 Injector  
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Use the Modular 8 Adapter to attach the PentaScanner+ to the user cable attached to the cross  
connect. At the other end of the link, use an additional Modular 8 Adapter to attach the 2-Way  
Injector+ or Super Injector+ to the user cable attached to the Modular 8 jack.  
If you are using a 2-Way Injector or Super Injector with a Modular 8 connector, attach the user cable  
directly to the Modular 8 jack, as shown:  
Wiring Closet  
Work Area  
110 block  
Modular 8 Jack  
User Cable  
Modular 8  
Adapter  
36-Pin Scanner  
Modular 8 Injector  
If you are using a PentaScanner or PentaScanner Cable Admin and 2-Way Injector or Super Injector  
with Modular 8 connectors, attach the user cables directly to the Modular 8 jacks, as shown below:  
Wiring Closet  
Work Area  
110 block  
Modular 8 Jack  
User Cable  
36-Pin Scanner  
Modular 8 Injector  
Chapter 3: Autotest  
Autotest lets you run cable tests, check test results against standards, and get a PASS/ FAIL  
indication — without having to know which tests to select or how to interpret results. Autotest can  
be customized depending on your site or system requirements. For example, your system may  
require the use of two wire pairs (instead of four) or you may not need to perform all of the tests  
that Autotest can run. By customizing Autotest to meet your specific needs, you save time and  
money!  
Autotest varies depending on your network type. Autotest supports many network types, including  
ARCNET, 10BASE-T, Category 5, Category 4 and Category 3 LINK, ISO Class C and D, Token  
Ring 4/ 16 Mbps. See Appendix A: Specifications for a list of supported network types.  
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This chapter explains how to run Autotest, including selecting the cable types and Autotest  
specifications. It also explains how to customize an Autotest so you can select the pairs that are  
tested, the PASS/ FAIL criteria, and select which tests to run during Autotest. Each test, such as  
NEXT, Impedance, Capacitance, etc. is explained, including how to customize the limits for each  
test and how to troubleshoot test results.  
Steps for Running Autotest  
1. From the Ready screen, verify that the cable type matches the cable type you will be testing. If  
it matches, proceed to step 2. Otherwise, see Selecting the Cable Type for instructions.  
2. Also from the Ready screen, verify that the default Autotest is the Autotest that you want to  
run. If it is, proceed to step 3. Otherwise, see Customizing Autotest for instructions.  
3. Connect the Scanner to the near end of the twisted pair cable you are testing and connect the  
Injector to the far end. During Autotest, the Injector provides the far end termination for  
measurements made by the Scanner. In addition, it generates signals of programmable  
frequency for measurement by the Scanner to determine one-way Attenuation. The 2-Way  
Injector+/2-Way Injector also generates swept frequency signals and measures the Near End  
Crosstalk at its end of the installed link. The Scanner acts as the termination device while  
NEXT is being measured by the 2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector.  
4. If you have not used the Injector in the last 24 hours, you will need to calibrate. Press the  
Extended Functions key and select Calibrate Injector.  
5. Press the AUTOTEST key. If you are testing twisted pair cable, the Scanner will immediately  
verify that the Injector is attached. If the Injector is not attached, the Scanner will wait until it  
is attached before running the Autotest.  
6. When the Autotest completes, a PASS or FAIL tone will sound. You can then view the results  
of individual tests. (See Autotest Results Screen for instructions.) Or, you can view a  
summary of test results. (See Viewing Autotest Results Summary for instructions.)  
7. You can also save Autotest results — see Saving Autotest Results for details.  
8. You can also print Autotest results — see Printing Autotest Results for details. A sample  
Autotest report is shown at the end of this chapter.  
Press the ESCAPE key at any time to cancel the Autotest.  
Selecting the Cable Type  
To display the CABLE SETUP screen, press Cable (F1) from the Ready screen. This screen  
displays the cable types available for testing.  
Before running an Autotest, verify that the cable type you are testing matches the cable type in the  
Scanner. Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to scroll through the list one line at a time. Press the  
Ï
or Ð arrow key to scroll through the list one page at a time.  
If the cable type you are using is not in the list, press Edit (F2) to define a new cable type (see  
Editing the Cable Type for further instructions). You can also press Edit (F2) to review the  
current settings for the selected cable type or to make changes.  
Press Default (F1) to choose the highlighted cable type for the test you run. Choosing the correct  
cable type will ensure accurate Length measurements.  
Press Delete (F3) to delete user-defined cable types. Note: Factory-supplied cable types cannot be  
deleted.  
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Press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
Editing the Cable Type  
To display the EDIT CABLE screen, press Cable (F1) from the Ready screen, then press Edit  
(F2). This screen displays the characteristics of the cable you will be testing.  
Press the Ñor Òarrow key to highlight the (cable) Name or NVP (Nominal Velocity of  
Propagation) field. The Impedance field is for reference only and does not affect test results. The  
highlighted field will be enclosed in a box. Use the Scanner keypad to enter the Cable Name or the  
NVP value.  
Press Del (F2) to delete the character at the cursor.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the cable  
name. If your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to edit the name. See  
Chapter 4: Editing, Printing & U pdating for more information on editing.  
Note: If you change the information for a factory supplied cable type and do not edit the cable  
name, an asterisk (*) will appear before the cable name.  
If you are not sure of the NVP value, press GetNVP (F4) to calculate it. See Calculating NVP for  
more information.  
Press Save (F1) to store the new settings and exit. If you have changed the cable information,  
press Default (F1) from the CABLE SETUP screen to select it as the cable type to use during  
testing.  
Press the ESCAPE key to exit without saving.  
Calculating NVP  
To display the CABLE NVP screen, press Cable (F1) from the Ready screen, then press Edit  
(F2); then press GetNVP (F4).  
For an accurate Length test, the NVP (Nominal Velocity of Propagation) must be set correctly.  
NVP is a measure of how fast a signal travels down a cable compared to the speed of light. It is  
usually between 60% and 90% and is specified by the cable vendor. The Scanner has a large library  
of cables with the manufacturer’s specified NVP.  
This screen lets you calculate the NVP for cables over 50 feet (15.24 meters) long. The  
PentaScanner and PentaScanner Cable Admin calculate the NVP based on the longest wire  
pair in the cable. The PentaScanner+ calculates the NVP based on the shortest wire pair in the  
cable.  
You can use the CABLE NVP feature to create a custom cable type when the cable type is not  
known.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the cable  
length. If your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to edit the length.  
See Chapter 4: Editing, Printing & U pdating for more information on editing.  
Press Del (F2) if you wish to delete the character at the cursor. After you have entered the cable  
length, press Calc (F4) to calculate the NVP.  
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After calculating the NVP, press Save (F1) from the EDIT CABLE screen to store the new  
settings. Then, press Default (F1) from the CABLE SETUP screen to select the cable as the  
default cable type.  
Customizing Autotest  
To display the AUTOTEST SETUP screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select  
Setup Autotest. This screen lets you set the default Autotest, edit Autotest settings and delete  
user-defined Autotests.  
Press the Ñ or Òarrow key to scroll through the list. Or, press the Ï or Ð arrow  
key to scroll up or down one screen at a time. When the Autotest you want to use is highlighted,  
press Default (F1) to select it as the Autotest to run.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to change the Autotest  
name. If your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to edit the name. See  
Chapter 4: Editing, Printing & U pdating for more information on editing. Press Change (F2)  
to set the Margin Display.  
Press Delete (F3) to delete user-defined Autotests.  
Press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
Editing Autotest Information  
To display the EDIT AUTOTEST screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup  
Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2). This screen lets you customize  
Autotest settings.  
Press the Ñor Òarrow key to scroll through the available options and press Select (F1) to choose  
the highlighted option. Or, press the number on the keypad that corresponds to the option you  
want.  
Select Name/Options to edit the Autotest name and to change the MARGIN OPTION. Select  
Pairs to choose the pairs to be used in the Autotest, and to indicate which pairs have PASS/ FAIL  
criteria applied to them during Autotest. Select Tests to Run to choose which tests to run during  
Autotest. Select Limits to edit test limits.  
Press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
Editing the Autotest Name  
To display the EDIT AUTOTEST NAME screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select  
Setup Autotests, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select  
Name/Options. This screen lets you edit the Autotest name and change the MARGIN OPTION.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter up to 14  
characters for the Autotest name. If your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press  
Edit (F2) to display the edit screen. See Chapter 4: Editing, Printing & U pdating for more  
information on editing.  
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When Margin Display is set to TIA Margin Display, marginally passing test results (those for  
which the passing value falls within the Scanner’s accuracy range) are marked with “*PASS”. When  
Margin Display is set to ACR Margin Check, a cable will pass if a failing NEXT test result is within  
the Scanner’s accuracy range AND if the ACR result is within an acceptable range. When Margin  
Display is set to None, the only possible Autotest results are “PASS” or “FAIL”.  
In the Autotest memory list screen, the test status can be “P” (PASS) or “F” (FAIL), or if the  
Autotest was run with Margin Display set to TIA, “*” (MARGINAL PASS).  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new Autotest name and exit or press the ESCAPE key  
to exit.  
Selecting Pairs for Autotest  
To display the EDIT AUTOTEST PAIRS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select  
Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2); then select Pairs. This  
screen lets you select which pairs to test and which pairs to use as PASS/ FAIL criteria.  
The top row indicates the pairs to be tested during Autotest. The bottom row indicates the pairs  
that will determine the PASS/ FAIL criteria for the cable. Press the Ïor Ð arrow key to  
move left or right within the rows. Or, press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to move between rows.  
Press Select (F2) (or Unsel) to select (or deselect) the pair. Selected tests are marked with an ‘x’.  
Press Save (F1) to store the pair selections and exit or press the ESCAPE key to exit without  
saving.  
Note: If a pair is selected for PASS/ FAIL criteria, but is not selected for testing, all tests will fail. If  
a pair is selected for testing but is not selected for PASS/ FAIL criteria, the Autotest will not be  
marked as FAIL if that pair fails.  
Selecting Tests to Run During Autotest  
To display the EDIT TESTS TO RUN screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select  
Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Tests to  
Run. This screen lets you enable or disable the tests to run during Autotest. When using the 2-  
Way Injector+ or 2-Way Injector, you can run tests at the Scanner or Injector end of the link.  
Press the Òor Ñarrow key to highlight the test(s) to enable or disable.  
Press Select (F2) (or Unsel) to enable (or disable) the highlighted test. Enabled tests are marked  
with an ‘x’.  
After all test selections have been made, press Save (F1) to save the list of selected tests for this  
Autotest.  
Press the ESCAPE key to exit the screen without saving.  
Note: ACR will not be computed unless the NEXT and Attenuation tests are enabled (since ACR  
computations are based on NEXT and Attenuation measurements). The Scanner will automatically  
disable ACR if NEXT or Attenuation is not enabled.  
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Editing Test Limits  
To display the EDIT LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup  
Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits. This screen  
lets you specify the PASS/ FAIL limits used in tests.  
Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to highlight the test for which you want to edit the limits.  
Press Select (F1) to display the limits screen for the highlighted test. Or, press the number on the  
keypad that corresponds to the test for which you want to change the limits.  
After editing the selected limits, press Save (F1) to save these changes and to return to the EDIT  
LIMITS screen.  
If you have created a new Autotest by editing the Autotest name or by editing a factory-  
programmed Autotest, and if you want the new test to be the default Autotest, press ESCAPE  
until you return to the AUTOTEST SETUP screen, then press Default (F1).  
Note: See the individual test sections for information on customizing specific test limits.  
Running Autotest  
To display the AUTOTEST: screen, press the AUTOTEST key. This screen is displayed while  
Autotest is running. The Autotest name is displayed at the top of the screen and the cable type is  
shown in the top center of the screen. Each pair being tested is displayed in the lower left corner of  
the screen. The name of each test being run is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen. A  
status bar at the bottom of the screen indicates the progress of the Autotest.  
Press the ESCAPE key at any time to cancel the Autotest.  
Note: The Injector must be attached to the far end of the cable during Autotest. If it is not, the  
Scanner screen will display the following:  
Searching for Injector . . . (Injector Not Found)  
Autotest Results Screen  
To display the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen, press the AUTOTEST key, or press the Extended  
Functions key and select Memory. This screen is displayed when Autotest completes or when  
saved Autotest results are selected for viewing.  
The Autotest name is at the top right of the display and the PASS/ FAIL indicator is in the center.  
The number of failed tests, if any, is displayed next to the PASS/ FAIL indicator. An Autotest will  
PASS if all the selected tests meet the specified criteria. An Autotest will FAIL if one or more  
selected tests fail. When the Margin Display is set to TIA Margin Display an Autotest will  
marginally PASS (*PASS) if one or more NEXT, Attenuation or Length measurements marginally  
passes. A marginal PASS is defined as a PASS result that is closer to the PASS/ FAIL threshold than  
the accuracy of the Scanner.  
Press View (F1) to display Autotest results, then use the Ñ or Ò arrow keys to scroll through  
the tests. The tests you view depend on the tests you have selected to run in AUTOTEST SETUP.  
See Selecting Tests to Run During Autotest for more information.  
Press Save (F2) to save test results and exit. See Saving Autotest Results for more information.  
Note: The Save (F2) key is unavailable when viewing the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen via the  
Extended Functions/Memory feature.  
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Press Print (F3) to print test results. See Printing Autotest Results for more information. Note:  
The Print (F3) key is unavailable when viewing the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen via the  
Extended Functions/Memory feature.  
Press Tests (F4) to view a PASS/ FAIL summary of test results and to view results for selected  
tests. See Viewing Autotest Results Summary for more information.  
Viewing Autotest Results  
WIRE MAP, LENGTH, PROPAGATION DELAY, NEXT, ATTENUATION, ACR, IMPEDANCE,  
LOOP RESISTANCE, CAPACITANCE  
You can view Autotest results by pressing View (F1) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen and  
pressing the Ñ or Ò arrow key to scroll through test results. Press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
The next section describes each test, including how to set test limits, how to read results screen and  
how to troubleshoot test results.  
Wire Map  
Wire Map easily diagnoses your communications link for crossed pairs, shorts, split pairs and opens.  
Crossed pairs occur when two or more wires are reversed from end to end, thus resulting in a  
communication failure.  
Split pairs occur when physical continuity is maintained but wires from logical pairs are split up.  
This error is more difficult to detect because there is still a pin-to-pin correspondence. Wire Map  
finds split pairs, and you can also suspect split pairs if the cable’s NEXT test result is less than 22  
dB. For more information, refer to Microtest’s Category 5 Cable Testing H andbook.  
Wire Map Test Results  
To display this screen, press View (F1) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen, then press the  
Ò
key until the WIRE MAP TEST RESULTS screen is displayed.  
The wire map screen displays a graphical representation of the wiring in your cable. Near end  
wiring displays on the left side of the screen and far end wiring displays on the right side of the  
screen.  
A >< between wire pairs indicates a crossed pair.  
No line between wire pairs indicates an open.  
A ] between wire pairs indicates a short.  
A straight line between pairs indicates a good pair.  
“PASS” or “FAIL” indicates if wiring is correct or incorrect.  
Press Splits (F1) to display the SPLIT PAIRS screen, with the split status displayed to the right of  
the wire pair.  
Press the Ò arrow key to display the next test result screen or press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
Note: You can also generate a wire map by attaching the Injector to the far end of the twisted pair  
cable and pressing the Find Cable Faults key.  
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Length  
Length can find opens, shorts, and breaks in a cable. The PentaScanner Product Family uses  
Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to find the location of faults in cables. TDR is similar to ‘cable  
radar’. The Scanner generates a pulse down the wire, and when the pulse encounters an impedance  
change (such as an open, short, or poor connection), all or part of the pulse energy is reflected  
back to the Scanner. The Scanner then measures the delay between when the pulse was sent and  
when the reflection was received. Knowing the speed that the pulse travels down the cable  
(Nominal Velocity of Propagation, or NVP), the Scanner can then calculate the distance to the  
fault.  
The Length measurement is most accurate when the NVP setting you use is set correctly.  
Customizing Length Limits  
To display the LENGTH LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup  
Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits, then select  
Length. This screen lets you change the minimum and maximum Length limits.  
Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to select the minimum or maximum Length limit. The selected  
limit will be enclosed in a box.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limits. If  
your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new Length limits and exit or press the ESCAPE key to  
exit without saving.  
Length Test Results  
To display the LENGTH screen, press View (F1) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen, then  
press the Ò key until the LENGTH screen is displayed.  
Autotest Length test results provide information for the shortest pair, displayed at the top of the  
screen. The PASS/ FAIL bar across the screen compares the measured Length value to the Length  
limit value. Below the PASS/ FAIL bar, the Length limit value is displayed. The Autotest name is  
displayed after Spec: at the lower left of the screen.  
Press Table (F1) to display the Length and Delay of all pairs, and the Skew between pairs (if  
Propagation Delay has been selected as part of the Autotest). The Skew value is the worst-case  
value of the difference in propagation delay between the wire pairs.  
Press the Ñor Ñ arrow key to display the previous or next test results screen.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
Note: For diagnostic purposes, you can run Length and Delay continuously by pressing the  
Measure Cable Performance key and selecting Length/Delay.  
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Propagation Delay  
Customizing Delay Limits  
To display the DELAY LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup  
Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits, then select  
Delay. The Delay Limits screen lets you change the minimum and maximum Delay limits.  
Press the Òor Ñ arrow key to select the minimum or maximum Delay limit. The selected limit  
will be enclosed in a box.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limits. If  
your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new Delay limits and exit or press the ESCAPE key to  
exit without saving.  
Propagation Delay Test Results  
To display the PROPAGATION DELAY screen, press View (F1) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS  
screen, then press the Ò arrow key until the DELAY screen is displayed.  
At the upper left of the screen, the pair corresponding to the test result is shown. The measured  
Delay is shown to the right of the pair. The PASS/ FAIL bar across the screen compares the  
measured Delay value to the Delay limit value. Below the PASS/ FAIL bar, the Delay limit value is  
displayed. The Autotest name is displayed after Spec: at the lower left of the screen.  
Press Table (F1) to display the Length and Delay of all pairs, and the Skew. The Skew value is the  
worst-case value of the difference in propagation delay between the wire pairs.  
Press Pair (F3) to toggle through the Delay results for each pair.  
Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to display the previous or next test results screen.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
Note: For diagnostic purposes, you can run Length and Delay continuously by pressing the  
Measure Cable Performance key and selecting Length/Delay.  
Near End Crosstalk (NEXT)  
As current flows in a wire, an electromagnetic field is created which interferes with signals on  
adjacent wires. As the frequency increases, this effect generally intensifies. Each pair is twisted to  
allow opposing fields in the wire pair to cancel each other. The tighter the twist, the more effective  
the cancellation and the higher the data rate supported by the cable. Maintaining this pair twist is  
the single most important factor in any single Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) installation. If wires  
are not tightly twisted, the result is excessive Near End Crosstalk (NEXT).  
Measuring NEXT at Both Ends of the Link  
The 2-Way Injector+ (and 2-Way Injector) allow NEXT to be measured at both ends of the link  
without having to swap the Scanner and the Injector end devices. When the Scanner is measuring  
NEXT, the Injector provides a 100 ohm termination at the Injector end. The Scanner transmits a  
signal which is varied (or swept) through a frequency range. The signal is monitored on the receive  
pair through a narrow band receiver. The received signal amplitude is compared to the transmitted  
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signal and the difference is reported as the NEXT value (in dB). When measuring Injector end  
NEXT, the roles of the devices are reversed. The Scanner provides the 100 ohm termination for  
the Injector measurements and the Injector transmits a signal which is varied (or swept) through a  
frequency range. The signal is monitored by the Injector on the receive pair through a narrow band  
receiver and the difference in the transmitted and received signal levels is reported as the Injector  
end NEXT (in dB).  
Customizing NEXT Limits  
To display the NEXT LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup  
Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits, then select  
NEXT.  
The NEXT LIMITS screen lets you specify the PASS/ FAIL limits, frequency range and step size  
used in testing NEXT. Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to select the NEXT limit to be changed.  
The selected limit will be enclosed in a box.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limit. If  
your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen.  
Note: Limit only applies when Criteria is set to Fixed. When Criteria is set to Fixed, the decibel  
value entered in the Limit field will be used as the PASS/ FAIL criteria across all frequencies.  
The PentaScanner+ allows you to set a limit based on an Offset value. When Criteria is set at  
something other than Fixed, the Offset field replaces the Limit field. The value entered in the  
Offset field will be added to the NEXT criteria calculations, allowing you to set tighter NEXT  
limits in your Autotests. For example, if you enter a dB offset of 5.0 dB, the criteria calculations for  
Cat 5 Link, Cat 5 Channel, etc. will be increased by 5.0 dB. You can enter offset values from 0.0  
— 60.0 dB.  
When Step or Criteria is selected, Change (F2) lets you toggle through the available settings.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new NEXT limit settings and exit or press the ESCAPE  
key to exit without saving.  
NEXT Test Results  
To display the NEXT screen, press View (F1) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen, then press  
the Ò key until the NEXT screen is displayed. This screen displays Near End Crosstalk (NEXT)  
test results.  
When using the 2-Way Injector+ (or the 2-Way Injector), the top line of the screen indicates if  
NEXT is being reported for the Scanner (Penta) or Injector (Inj) end of the link.  
At the upper left of the screen, the pair combination is shown. The PASS/ FAIL bar across the  
screen compares the measured NEXT value to the NEXT limit value. The Autotest name is  
displayed after Spec: at the lower left of the screen.  
Press Detail (F1) to display the Frequency Sweep range and test results for all pairs.  
Press Pair (F3) to toggle through the NEXT results for each pair combination.  
When using the 2-Way Injector+ (or the 2-Way Injector), press F4 to toggle between NEXT  
results for the Scanner (Penta) or Injector (Inj) end of the link.  
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Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to view the previous or next test results screen.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
Note: For diagnostic purposes, you can run NEXT continuously by pressing the Measure Cable  
Performance key and selecting NEXT.  
NEXT Detail  
To display this screen, press Detail (F1) from the NEXT screen. This screen displays the frequency  
sweep range and the worst case NEXT for each pair.  
Press Graph (F1) to enter graphing mode. Graph (F1) is available when Save Sweep Data has  
been selected in the AUTOTEST SETUP, or when NEXT results are viewed immediately after  
running the test.  
Press Pair (F3) to toggle through the available pair combinations.  
When using the 2-Way Injector+ (or the 2-Way Injector), press F4 to toggle between NEXT  
results for the Scanner (Penta) or Injector (Inj) end of the link.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the NEXT screen.  
NEXT Graph  
To display this screen, press Detail (F1) from the NEXT screen, then press Graph (F1). This screen  
displays the NEXT graph for the indicated pair combination.  
The top line of the screen displays the worst case NEXT and the frequency at which it occurred.  
When using the 2-Way Injector+ (or the 2-Way Injector), the second line of the screen indicates  
if NEXT is being reported for the Scanner (Penta) or Injector (Inj) end of the link.  
Press Zoom (F1) to magnify the area of the graph around the cursor. The Zoom key can display  
1x, 2x, 5x or 10x magnification.  
Press Print (F2) to print the NEXT graph.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the NEXT DETAIL screen.  
Attenuation  
The Attenuation function measures signal loss in a cable as a function of frequency. This  
measurement is a very important cable certification parameter. Your Scanner measures cable  
attenuation using the one way method as specified by IEEE and EIA.  
The one way Attenuation measurement requires that a signal be injected at one end of the cable  
and measured at the other end to determine cable loss. The Injector acts as the far end signal  
generator and the Scanner NEXT receiver measures the received signal.  
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Customizing Attenuation Limits  
To display the ATTENUATION LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select  
Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then press Limits (F4),  
then select Attenuation. This screen displays the Attenuation frequency range and the criteria used  
to determine the range.  
Press the Òor Ñarrow key to highlight the field to change.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limit. If  
your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen.  
If the Criteria in the ATTENUATION LIMITS screen is set to Fixed Points, you can press Limits  
(F4) to display the ATTENUATION LIMITS AND FREQUENCY screen.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new limits and exit or press the ESCAPE key to exit  
without saving.  
Attenuation Limits and Frequency  
If the Criteria in the ATTENUATION LIMITS screen is set to Fixed Points, you can display the  
ATTENUATION LIMITS AND FREQUENCY screen. To display this screen, press the Extended  
Functions key, then select Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit  
(F2), then select Limits, then select Attenuation, then press Limits (F4). This screen displays  
Attenuation limits for each frequency and lets you specify the frequencies to be included in the  
Autotest.  
Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to highlight the Attenuation frequency to be included in the  
Autotest.  
Press Select (F2) (or Unsel) to include (or skip) the Attenuation frequency during the Autotest.  
Press Edit (F3) to change the Attenuation limit for the highlighted frequency.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new limits and exit or press the ESCAPE key to exit  
without saving.  
Editing Attenuation Limits  
To display the ATTENUATION LIMITS FOR FREQUENCY screen, press the Extended  
Functions key, then select Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit  
(F2), then select Limits, then select Attenuation, then press Limits (F4), then press Edit (F3).  
This screen displays the maximum Attenuation limit for the selected frequency and lets you change  
it.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limit. If  
your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new maximum Attenuation limit and exit or press the  
ESCAPE key to exit without saving.  
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Attenuation Test Results  
To display the ATTENUATION screen, press View (F1) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen,  
then press the ¬ arrow key until the ATTENUATION screen is displayed.  
At the upper left of the screen, the pair corresponding to the displayed result is shown. The  
Attenuation, in decibels (dB), is shown centered and the frequency is shown to the right. The  
PASS/ FAIL bar across the screen compares the measured Attenuation value to the Attenuation  
limit value. The Autotest name is displayed after Spec: at the lower left of the screen.  
Press Detail (F1) to display the frequency sweep range and the test results for all pairs.  
Press Pair (F3) to toggle through the Attenuation results for each pair combination.  
Press the Ïor Ðarrow key to display the previous or next test results screen.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
Note: For diagnostic purposes, you can run Attenuation continuously by pressing the Measure  
Cable Performance key and selecting Attenuation.  
Attenuation Detail  
To display this screen, press Detail (F1) from the ATTENUATION screen. This screen displays the  
frequency sweep range and the worst case Attenuation for each pair.  
Press Graph (F1) to enter graphing mode. Graph (F1) is available when Save Sweep Data: Attn  
has been selected in the SAVE AUTOTEST screen or when viewing results immediately after  
running the Autotest.  
Press Pair (F3) to toggle through the available pair combinations.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Attenuation screen.  
Attenuation Graph  
To display this screen, press Detail (F1) from the ATTENUATION screen, then press Graph (F1).  
This screen displays the Attenuation graph for the indicated pair combination.  
Press Zoom (F1) to magnify the area of the graph around the cursor. The Zoom key can select 1x,  
2x, 5x or 10x magnification.  
Press Print (F2) to print the Attenuation graph.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Attenuation Detail screen.  
Attenuation-to-Crosstalk Ratio (ACR)  
Attenuation-to-Crosstalk Ratio (ACR) is an indication of how much larger the received signal is  
compared to the noise (NEXT) on the same pair. ACR reports the difference between NEXT and  
Attenuation on the cable. Both Attenuation and NEXT are measured and the ACR value is  
computed at each measured Attenuation frequency. The worst case ACR is reported for each pair  
combination.  
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Customizing ACR Limits  
To display the ACR LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup Auto-  
test, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits, then select ACR.  
This screen lets you set the Limit Function and edit the Fixed Minimum ACR limit. Use the ž or ¬  
arrow keys to select the field to change. The selected field will be enclosed in a box.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limit. If  
your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen.  
When Limit Function is selected, press Change (F2) to toggle between Fixed, Derived and  
(ISO) Class D:  
When Fixed is selected, the minimum ACR limit that you specify is applied across the full  
frequency range measured.  
When Derived is selected, the ACR limit applied is derived from the equation:  
NEXT limit - Attenuation limit.  
When Class D is selected, the ACR limit applied is as specified for ISO Class D links.  
When Fixed Minimum is selected, the value you enter can range from 0 to 60 dB.  
ACR Test Results  
When using the 2-Way Injector+ (or the 2-Way Injector), the top line of the screen indicates if  
ACR is being reported for the Scanner (Penta) or Injector (Inj) end of the link.  
At the upper left of the screen, the pair combination is shown. The ACR, in decibels (dB), is  
shown to the right of the pair combination. The PASS/ FAIL bar across the screen compares the  
measured ACR value to the ACR limit value. Below the PASS/ FAIL bar, the ACR limit value is  
displayed. The Autotest name is displayed after Spec: at the lower left of the screen.  
Press Pair (F3) to toggle through the ACR test results for each pair combination.  
When using the 2-Way Injector+ (or 2-Way Injector), press F4 to toggle between NEXT results  
for the Scanner or Injector end of the link.  
Press the Òor Ñ arrow key to display the previous or next test results screen.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
Impedance  
Impedance is a measure of the opposition to the flow of current in a cable. Unshielded Twisted  
Pair (UTP) is commonly rated at either 100 or 120 ohms. This value must be constant over the  
operating bandwidth of the cable.  
Impedance measurements, useful for finding mismatches, include the effects of resistance,  
inductance and capacitance. An Impedance mismatch will cause a signal reflection in the cable,  
which in turn absorbs signal energy. This creates excessive loss, shorter distances that data can travel  
reliably, and data errors. The PentaScanner Product Family uses Time Domain Reflectometry  
(TDR) to measure Impedance.  
The Impedance function measures the characteristic impedance of the cable at a fixed propagation  
delay down the cable. Depending on the NVP of the cable, this sample point is between 25 and 40  
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feet down the cable. The sampling of the voltage is delayed long enough to allow the incident step  
to propagate past near end patch cables, cross connects block, etc. that could disrupt the  
impedance measurement. The length of the cable must be long enough to produce a round trip  
delay, which is longer than the sample time delay. For short cables, the impedance function  
measures the termination value.  
Note: To measure Impedance correctly, the cable length must be 40 feet or greater. If the cable is  
not at least 40 feet long, the Impedance test result will be OVR (Over range) or UND (Under  
range).  
Customizing Impedance Limits  
To display the IMPEDANCE LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select  
Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits, then  
select Impedance.  
This screen lets you change the minimum and maximum Impedance limits. Press the Ñ or  
Ò
arrow key to select the minimum or maximum Impedance limit. The selected limit will be  
enclosed in a box.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limits. If  
your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new Impedance limits and exit or press the ESCAPE  
key to exit without saving.  
Impedance Test Results  
To display the Impedance screen, press View (F1) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen, then  
press the Ò key until the IMPEDANCE screen is displayed.  
At the upper left of the screen, the pair combination is shown. The Impedance, in ohms (), is  
shown to the right of the pair. The PASS/ FAIL bar across the screen compares the measured  
Impedance value to the Impedance limit value. Below the PASS/ FAIL bar, the Impedance limit  
value is displayed. The Autotest name is displayed after Spec: at the lower left of the screen.  
Press Table (F1) to display the Impedance test results for all pairs or press Pair (F3) to toggle  
through the Impedance results for each pair.  
Press the Ïor Ðarrow key to display the previous or next test results screen.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
Note: For diagnostic purposes, you can run Impedance continuously by pressing the Measure  
Cable Performance key and selecting Impedance.  
Loop Resistance  
Loop Resistance is the combined resistance of two conductors in a twisted pair cable, or the coaxial  
shield and center conductor in coaxial cable. In twisted pair cable, Loop Resistance is measured by  
using the Injector to short the far end of the pair being tested. In coaxial cable, a shorting plug is  
required to measure Loop Resistance. The Loop Resistance range is 0 to 10,000 ohms.  
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Resistance is said to fail if measured values on pairs used by the selected network type are greater  
than the resistance for a maximum length loop (100 meters for most networks).  
Customizing Loop Resistance Limits  
To display the LOOP RESISTANCE LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then  
select Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select  
Limits, then select Loop Resistance. This screen lets you change the maximum Loop Resistance  
limit.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limit. If  
your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new maximum Loop Resistance limit and exit or press  
the ESCAPE key to exit without saving.  
Loop Resistance Test Results  
To display the LOOP RESISTANCE screen, press View (F1) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS  
screen, then press the Ä key until the LOOP RESISTANCE screen is displayed.  
At the upper left of the screen, the pair corresponding to the test result is shown. The Loop  
Resistance, in ohms (), is shown to the right of the pair. The PASS/ FAIL bar across the screen  
compares the measured Loop Resistance value to the Loop Resistance limit value. Below the  
PASS/ FAIL bar, the Loop Resistance limit value is displayed. The Autotest name is displayed after  
Spec: at the lower left of the screen.  
Press Table (F1) to display the Loop Resistance test results for all pairs or press Pair (F3) to toggle  
through the Loop Resistance results for each pair.  
Press the Ïor Ðarrow key to display the previous or next test results screen.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
Note: For diagnostic purposes, you can run Loop Resistance continuously by pressing the  
Measure Cable Performance key and selecting Loop Resistance.  
Capacitance  
Capacitance is the amount of electric field energy that can be stored between two conductors at a  
given voltage. For twisted pair cable, Capacitance is measured between conductors in a pair. For  
coaxial cable, Capacitance is measured between the conductor and the shield.  
The Capacitance measurement is made by measuring the effective charging and discharging time  
constant that is formed by the capacitance of the cable. This is done at low frequency to eliminate  
any transmission line effects of the cable under test.  
Customizing Capacitance Limits  
To display this screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup Autotest, then  
highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits, then select Capacitance.  
Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to select the minimum or maximum Capacitance limit. The  
selected limit will be enclosed in a box.  
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If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limits. If  
your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new Capacitance limits and exit or press the ESCAPE  
key to exit without saving.  
Capacitance Test Results  
To display the CAPACITANCE screen, press View (F1) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen,  
then press the Ò key until the CAPACITANCE screen is displayed.  
At the upper left of the screen, the pair corresponding to the displayed result is shown. The  
capacitance, in picofarads (pF), is shown to the right of the pair. The PASS/ FAIL bar across the  
screen compares the measured Capacitance value to the Capacitance limit value. Below the  
PASS/ FAIL bar, the Capacitance limit value is displayed. The Autotest name is displayed after  
Spec: at the lower left of the screen.  
Press Table (F1) to display the Capacitance test results for all pairs or press Pair (F3) to toggle  
through the Capacitance test results for each pair.  
Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key to display the previous or next test results screen.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
Note: For diagnostic purposes, you can run Capacitance continuously by pressing the Measure  
Cable Performance key and selecting Capacitance.  
Saving Autotest Results  
This screen lets you store Autotest results in the Scanner’s memory. To display the SAVE TEST  
screen, press Save (F2) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen. Press the Ñ or Ò arrow key  
to highlight the field to update.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter field values.  
When editing the Circuit ID, press F3 to change editing modes (CAPS, caps, NUM or Inc).  
Increment (Inc) mode automatically increments the last character position, and lets you manually  
increment or decrement any character using the Ñ or Ò arrow key.  
To start the Automatic Increment function:  
1. Run the initial Autotest.  
2. Enter the initial Circuit ID.  
3. Set F3 to Inc mode.  
4. Press F1 to save the Autotest.  
After performing the next Autotest, enter the SAVE TEST screen. The Scanner will automatically  
increment the last field in the Circuit ID. Press F1 to save the Autotest.  
When you enter the initial Circuit ID, you can divide the fields by using non-alphanumeric  
characters. The non-alphanumeric characters are considered field separators. For example, the  
Circuit ID BLDG-001 is divided into two fields by the ‘-’ character. In Automatic Increment  
mode, the Scanner will automatically increment the last field, “001”, from “001” to “999” and  
then roll back to “000”. Both alphabetic and numeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9) will be  
incremented if the circuit ID contains both types of characters.  
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While in Automatic Increment mode, you can manually increment the last character by pressing the  
Scanner’s ENTER key. In addition, you can use the Ï and Ð keys to move to any character in  
the Circuit ID, and you can use the Ñ key to manually increment (or the Ò key to decrement)  
the character at the cursor.  
Note: When in Inc mode, pressing F3 will allow you use the arrow keys to move the cursor from  
the Circuit ID field to the Save Sweep Data field.  
If your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store your changes and exit or press the ESCAPE key to return  
to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
Save Sweep Data  
When the Save Sweep Data field is selected in the SAVE TEST screen, several choices are  
available:  
When None is selected, Sweep data is not saved  
When Attn is selected, all measured Attenuation points are saved with the Autotest  
When NEXT is selected, all measured NEXT points are saved with the Autotest  
When Both is selected, both Attenuation and NEXT are saved with the Autotest  
When None is selected, no sweep data is saved. The worst case NEXT data point for each pair is  
preserved in the saved Autotest. If you choose to save the NEXT sweep data, then every measured  
next point is preserved. This permits you to view and print the graphs while viewing an Autotest  
from memory. If this data is not saved, then the graphical information is not available except  
immediately after the Autotest has been run, or in Measure Cable Performance.  
Normally, 500 Autotests can be saved. H owever, saving full NEXT sweep and Attenuation sweep  
data drastically reduces the number of Autotests, which can be saved. When saving Attenuation  
data and both near and far end NEXT sweep data, perhaps only 40 tests can be saved. The specific  
number of tests that can be saved is indeterminate, since the information is highly compressed prior  
to saving. A cable, which has a smooth NEXT reading, will compress better than a cable with  
jumpy NEXT. Also, some Autotests (such as a Category 3) specify the NEXT sweep range to be  
smaller than a Category 5 Autotest; and fewer Autotests may be stored if the Autotest uses 100  
kH z NEXT step size rather than TIA or 200 or 500 kH z steps.  
Printing Autotest Results  
PRINT FORMAT  
To display this screen, press Print (F3) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen. This screen  
provides a selection of formats for printing Autotest Results.  
Press Change (F2) to view the available printing formats.  
Press Print (F3) to select a report format and begin printing.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
Viewing Autotest Results Summary  
To display the TESTS screen, press Tests (F4) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
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When using the 2-Way Injector+ (or 2-Way Injector), the screen indicates if NEXT and ACR test  
results are from the Scanner or Injector end of the link.  
Press the Ò or Ñarrow key to scroll through the list of tests and their PASS/ FAIL results.  
Press View (F1) to view the test results for the highlighted test.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST RESULTS screen.  
Sample Autotest Report  
1. H eading provides  
information on the  
circuit. The Circuit ID  
is filled in as you save  
each test result. Some  
fields in the heading  
can only be entered  
using Microtest’s  
Cable Management  
System (CMS) For  
Windows.  
2. Expected results  
(factory or user-  
defined).  
3. Actual test results  
for this cable.  
4. An ‘!’ preceding a  
test result indicates that  
the test result is  
outside of the test  
limits; an asterisk (*)  
indicates a marginal  
pass condition.  
5. Results for each  
pair combination.  
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Chapter 4: Editing, Printing & Updating  
Several screens allow editing. For example, you can edit the owner and company names that appear  
on the opening logo screen and on printed reports. Different Scanners in the PentaScanner  
Product Family have different editing procedures. This chapter explains in more detail the two  
different editing methods.  
Editing with the Alphanumeric Keypad  
Use this editing method if your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad.  
Each character is edited individually; that is, the character being edited is at the cursor position.  
Alphabetic and special characters are printed above each numbered key on the keypad. For  
example, ABC is printed above the 2 key. With the keypad in CAPS mode, press and hold the 2  
key to display an A, B, or C. Release the key to place the displayed character in the field that is  
being edited. The 1 key allows entry of special characters:  
-
hyphen  
_
.
underscore  
period  
comma  
*
(
)
asterisk  
left parentheses  
right parentheses  
slash  
/
#
pound sign  
Press Del (F2) to delete the character at the cursor.  
Press CAPS (F3) (or caps or NUM) to toggle the keypad between uppercase letters (CAPS),  
lowercase letters (caps), or numerals (NUM).  
Press the Ïor Ðarrow key to move left or right within the string of characters.  
Press Save (F1) to save the new entries.  
Press Clear (F4), when available, to clear the field that is highlighted.  
Editing with the Arrow Keys  
Use this method if your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad. To edit a  
field, highlight the field and press Edit (F2).  
Each character is edited individually; i.e. the character being edited is at the cursor position. Press  
the A-Z key to enter an alphabetic character and press the Òor Ñarrow key to change it. You can  
hold down the Òor Ñarrow key to scroll through the available characters. Or, press a number  
key to enter a numeric value.  
Press the Ïor Ðarrow key to move left or right within the string of characters.  
Press Del (F1) to delete the character at the cursor.  
Press Clear (F4) to erase the contents of the field.  
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Press Done (F2) to exit the editing screen.  
Printing or Downloading Test Results  
To send test results directly from the Scanner to a printer or PC:  
1. Configure the Printer Port settings in the PRINTER PORT SETUP screen. To display this  
screen on the PentaScanner or PentaScanner Cable Admin, press Extended  
Functions key, then select Printer Port. To display this screen on the PentaScanner+,  
press the Extended Functions key, then select User Preferences, then select Printer  
Port.  
1. Press the Òor Ñarrow key to highlight a setting to modify — Baud rate or  
Handshaking. The default settings for Baud rate and H andshaking are 9600 and  
XON/ XOFF. The settings for Data Bits, Stop Bits and Parity are fixed at 8, 1 and None  
and cannot be changed. After highlighting the Baud rate or H andshaking setting, press  
Change (F2) to toggle through the available settings.  
2. Press Printer (F3) to display the  
DB-9 to DB-9 Cable  
DB-9 to DB-25 Cable  
graphics printer screen. Press Save (F1)  
to store the new settings and exit or press  
the ESCAPE key to exit without saving.  
3. Choose the appropriate serial  
communications cable. A DB-9 to DB-9  
serial cable is included in the kit, or you  
can use a DB-9 to DB-25 cable. Note:  
The cable must be wired as in Appendix  
C: Pin-outs.  
Male  
Female  
Male  
Female  
1. Attach the DB-9 end of the cable to the Scanner and the other end to the serial port on the  
back of the printer or to COM 1 or COM 2 on the back of the PC:  
Connection for Printing Test Results  
Connection for Downloading Test Results  
IBM-compatible PC  
Printer  
(rear view)  
Scanner  
DB-9  
Serial Port  
COM 1 or COM 2  
Scanner  
Serial Cable  
DB-9  
DB-9 to DB-25 or  
DB-9 to DB-9  
Serial Cable  
1. Use the PRINT OPTIONS screen to set the criteria to determine which Autotests to print.  
To display the PRINT OPTIONS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select  
Memory, then press Print (F3).  
2. To display the PRINT FORMAT screen, press Print (F3) from the AUTOTEST RESULTS  
screen, or press Print (F3) from the PRINT OPTIONS screen. Press Change (F2) from the  
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PRINT FORMAT screen to select the PRINT FORMAT (text or CSV); then press Print  
(F3) to begin printing.  
3. If you are sending results to a PC, you can use Microtest’s Cable Management System  
(CMS) For Windows (a Microtest accessory available from your distributor) to download  
Autotest records in Comma Separated Variable (CSV) format. Make sure that the baud  
rate, parity, handshaking (protocol) and data and stop bit settings in CMS For Windows  
are the same as the Scanner’s Printer Port Settings. Refer to the CMS For Windows User  
Guide for instructions. You can also send results to the PC using Windows™ Terminal  
Emulation or Procomm Plus® (see below).  
Printing Tips  
When printing from the Extended Functions menu, you can print all tests that passed  
or failed by selecting All Pass or All Fail from the PRINT OPTIONS screen.  
For best results, print NEXT and Attenuation graphs to a LaserJet printer. The LaserJet  
printer will print the graph on one page, whereas the Epson format requires two pages  
to print the same graph.  
Uploading Autotest Reports to Windows Terminal  
1. With Windows loaded, click on the Accessories window, and select Terminal. If  
Terminal is not an icon, click on Files, choose Run, and type “TERMINAL.EXE”.  
2. Select Settings | Communications from the Menu Bar.  
3. In the Communications screen, verify that the settings are 9600 Baud, Xon/ Xoff, 8  
data bits, 1 stop bit and No parity. Choose the appropriate Communications (serial)  
port. Click OK to save these settings.  
4. Select Transfers | Receive Text File from the Menu Bar. In the Receive Text File screen,  
name the file with a .txt extension. Note the drive and path to which the file will be  
saved.  
5. The screen will now show “Receiving [file.txt]” on the bottom right and “Bytes: 0” on  
the bottom left.  
6. Begin the transfer from the Scanner (see step 7 in Printing or Downloading Test  
Results, above). Select “text” as the Print Format.  
7. When the transfer is complete, close Windows Terminal.  
You can now use the DOS ‘COPYcommand to print the text file to a printer; i.e., “COPY  
filename.txt LPT1”.  
Uploading Autotest Reports to a PC with Procomm Plus  
Procomm Plus for DOS  
To send reports to a PC using Procomm Plus for DOS, open Procomm Plus and perform these  
steps:  
1. Press ALT + P to enter port parameters. Set the port to be used (COM1 or COM2),  
the baud rate (default is 9600), the data bits (8), stop bits (1) and parity (None). Make  
sure that the settings are the same as the Scanner’s Printer Port Settings. Press Alt + S to  
save settings.  
2. Press ALT + S to select terminal options. Ensure that the handshake method selected is  
XON/ XOFF to match the Scanner’s Printer Port Settings.  
3. Press ALT + F1 to open a log file. Type the desired file name. Give the filename a  
“.TXT” extension to make it easy to locate.  
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4. Begin the transfer from the Scanner (see step 7 in Printing or Downloading Test  
Results, above). Select “text” as the Print Format. You should see the information  
scrolling on the Procomm Plus window while the transfer is in progress.  
5. When the transfer is complete, press ALT + F1 again to close the log file. The file will  
be saved under the current directory.  
6. Press ALT + X to exit the Procomm Plus package.  
You can now use the DOS ‘COPYcommand to print the log file to a printer; i.e., “COPY  
filename.txt LPT1”.  
Procomm Plus for Windows  
To send reports to a PC using Procomm Plus for Windows, open Procomm Plus and perform these  
steps:  
1. Press ALT + S to select terminal options. Ensure that the handshake method selected is  
SOFTWARE, set the port to be used (COM1 or COM2). Set the data bits (8), stop  
bits (1) and parity (None), and set the baud rate to the highest speed that your system  
will support. Set the terminal setting to VT100. Set the protocol to ASCII. Save the  
new settings.  
2. On the Scanner, press the Extended Functions key, then select Printer Port. Set the  
baud rate to match the baud rate set in Procomm Plus and set the handshake to  
XON/ XOFF.  
3. Select the download folder. Type the desired file name. Give the filename a “.TXT”  
extension to make it easy to locate.  
4. Begin the transfer from the Scanner (see step 7 in Printing or Downloading Test  
Results, above). Select “text” as the Print Format. You should see the information  
scrolling on the Procomm Plus window while the transfer is in progress.  
5. When the transfer is complete, click OK.  
6. Exit Procomm Plus.  
You can now use the DOS ‘COPYcommand to print the report file to a printer; i.e., “COPY  
filename.txt LPT1”.  
Uploading NEXT and Attenuation Graphs to a PC with Procomm Plus  
Procomm Plus for DOS  
1. Open the Procomm Plus application.  
2. Press ALT + P to enter port parameters. Set the port to be used (COM1 or COM2),  
the baud rate (default is 9600), the data bits (8), stop bits (1) and parity (None). Press  
Alt + S to save settings.  
3. On the Scanner, press the Extended Functions key, then select Printer Port. Set the  
baud rate to match the baud rate set in Procomm Plus and set the handshake to  
RTS/ CTS. Press F3 (Printer) to display and change the Graphics Printer options. Save  
these changes.  
4. In Procomm Plus, press Alt + S to get to the Procomm Plus setup utility.  
5. On the Procomm Plus setup utility menu select FILE/PATH OPTIONS. On the  
FILE/ PATH OPTIONS menu select C- Default path for downloaded files  
(PgDn) x:directory path. Make sure the path specified is the one to which you would  
like to save the files.  
6. Press ESC to return to the Procomm Plus Setup Utility menu. Select TERMINAL  
OPTIONS. On the TERMINAL OPTIONS menu, set C-Soft flow ctrl (XON/XOFF) to  
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OFF. Set D-Hard flow ctrl (RTS/CTS) to ON. Press ESC to return to the Procomm  
Plus Setup Utility menu.  
7. Press ESC to go to the Procomm Plus main screen. Press PageDown on the PC  
keyboard. The Download Protocols menu will be displayed.  
8. Select R for R) RAW ASCII and press ENTER. RAW ASCII DOWNLOAD will be  
displayed, with a Please enter filename: prompt. Type the file name desired and press  
ENTER. A blank screen with the message DOWNLOAD IN PROGRESS - PRESS  
ESC TO END will display. If you get an Error Opening File message, check the path  
name in item C on the FILE/ PATH OPTIONS screen. Correct this item if necessary  
and try again.  
9. From the Scanner, start the download of the graph information by pressing Print (F2)  
from the NEXT GRAPH or ATTENUATION GRAPH screen. When the download is  
complete, press ESC to close the Procomm Plus file.  
10. The NEXT and Attenuation graph file will be located in the path specified in step 3  
above.  
11. Use the DOS copy command to send the NEXT graph information to the printer. For  
example, to print a file named NXTFILE.ASC, type COPY /B NXTFILE.ASC LPT1.  
Procomm Plus for Windows  
1. Open the Procomm Plus application.  
2. Press ALT + S to select terminal options. Ensure that the handshake method selected is  
H ARDWARE, set the port to be used (COM1 or COM2). Set the data bits (8), stop  
bits (1) and parity (None), and set the baud rate to the highest speed that your system  
will support. Set the terminal setting to VT100. Set the protocol to RAW ASCII.  
3. On the Scanner, press the Extended Functions key, then select Printer Port. Set the  
baud rate to match the baud rate set in Procomm Plus and set the handshake to  
RTS/ CTS. Press F3 (Printer) to display and change the Graphics Printer options. Save  
these changes.  
4. Select the download folder and enter a file name to which you want to save the graph  
data. For example, you might name the file TEST.GPH .  
5. From the Scanner, start the download of the graph information by pressing Print (F2)  
from the NEXT GRAPH or ATTENUATION GRAPH screen.  
6. Exit to DOS, and use the DOS copy command to send the NEXT or Attenuation  
graph information to the printer. For example, to print the file named TEST.GPH , type  
COPY /B TEST.GPH LPT1.  
Troubleshooting Printing Problems  
Problem: I get a blank page between each test result. H ow can this be corrected?  
Solution: Change the lines per page setting on the printer to 66 lines per page.  
Problem: My printout is garbled. Why?  
Possible Solution: The H andshaking setting for the printer may not be set correctly. Press the  
Extended Functions key; then select Printer Port. H andshaking should be set to XON/ XOFF  
on both the Scanner and the printer. Also, make sure the baud rate setting matches that of the  
printer (9600 baud is the most common baud rate). If you experience problems at this setting,  
change to a lower baud rate setting. The serial port on the printer cannot always keep up with the  
flow of data from the Scanner, so if you experience printing problems, ALWAYS change to a slower  
baud rate, rather than a faster baud rate.  
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Problem: The screen displays Printing . . . but nothing is printing on the printer.  
Possible Solution: You must use a straight through” serial cable. Refer to Appendix C: Pin-  
outs for the cable pin-out specifications. Also, make sure that XON/ XOFF handshaking is  
supported.  
Downloading Software Updates  
If you are connected to the Internet, our World Wide Web page can be accessed by entering  
area after online registration.  
You can also download the latest PentaScanner files from Microtest's BBS:  
1. Use a communications package* for your computer and set the following parameters:  
Modem speed between 1200 and 57,700 (1200 to 28.8 baud)  
Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, No Parity  
ANSI Terminal Emulation  
*Windows “Terminal,” the program that is packaged with Windows 3.x, will not work with  
Microtest's BBS. Most commercially available communications programs will perform  
successfully.  
2. Dial in to the Microtest BBS:  
(602) 957-7716 (U.S.)  
+44-1293-894031 (U.K.)  
3. You will be asked for your name and password. If you are a new user, enter your name  
and make up a password. Remember to keep a record of the password you used.  
4. If you plan to use our BBS more than one time, it may be convenient to first set up a  
default download protocol:  
From the Main Menu, select Y for Your Settings. Enter 14 between the  
brackets, and press Enter.  
Select the letter representing the download protocol you will use, e.g., Z for  
Zmodem. Press Enter.  
Type Q to Quit. Then press Enter.  
(Note: You can change your default at any time by following the above procedure  
and reselecting a protocol.)  
5. Press F for Files, D for Download.  
6. Type in the name of the file you want, e.g. PS421.EXE, and press Enter.  
Note: The file you download will have a .EXE extension. This is a “self-extracting archive”  
program that you will need to run to decompress the update program, Flash image and  
“README” files.  
7. You will be prompted for another file name. Press Enter again to continue.  
8. Press D for Download.  
Depending upon your communications software, your download may begin immediately or  
you may need to start it manually. If you did not select a default protocol, you will be  
prompted to select a download protocol at this time.  
9. Press Q to Quit back to the Main Menu, and G to log off (Goodbye).  
Updating Scanner Software from the PC  
At this point, you have downloaded the required software update files from the BBS to the PC. Or,  
you may have been given a diskette containing software update files and have copied them to the  
PC.  
NOTE: The update process will erase all test results stored in memory. If you have any Autotest  
results stored in memory, print or download the results before updating the software.  
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1. Connect the DB-9 end of the communications  
cable to the serial port on the Scanner and the  
other end (DB-9 or DB-25) to the serial port on  
the PC.  
2. Turn off the Scanner and plug the AC adapter in  
to the Scanner.  
3. H old down the AUTOTEST key and the Find  
Cable Faults key and press the On/Off key. The  
Scanner will turn on and the screen will display:  
Waiting for REFLASH  
COM 1 or COM 2  
AC  
Adapter  
Either DB-9 to DB-25  
or D-9 to DB-9  
Serial Cable  
You are now ready to download the new flash update  
from the PC.  
4. From the DOS prompt, type PENTA -? and press  
the <ENTER> key on the PC keyboard. The options and default screen will display.  
5. Type PENTA followed by the COM 1 or COM 2 option (-C1 or -C2), and press the  
<ENTER> key on the PC keyboard.  
Examples:  
English:  
Penta -C1  
English (Int’l):Penta -C1 -E  
French:  
German:  
Spanish:  
Italian:  
Penta -C1 -F  
Penta -C1 -G  
Penta -C1 -S  
Penta -C1 -I  
Penta -C1 -K  
Japanese:  
These commands update the Scanner with the information stored in the file using COM 1  
with the Scanner in “Waiting for REFLASH” mode. While the flash is being updated,  
the PC screen will show a progress graph. This process will take approximately two  
minutes.  
Note: The international Scanners require an international version of software. Attempts to  
update a non-international version of the Scanner with international versions of  
software will fail!  
6. When the update is complete, the PC will display the DOS prompt. Upon completion,  
the screen may display:  
ERROR  
One or more stored  
Autotest results have  
been lost.  
7. If so, press OK (F1) to display the Ready screen. The software is now updated!  
8. To place the real-time clock in 24 hour mode, press the Extended Functions key,  
select User Preferences (if you have a PentaScanner+), select Date/Time, and press  
Save (F1) to store the new settings  
To verify the software update, press and hold the Backlight button (located to the right of the  
ESCAPE button). The software version number will be displayed.  
Updating the 2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector  
If you have any Autotest results stored in the Scanner, be sure to print or download them to a PC  
before updating the Injector. The update process will erase ALL Autotest results stored in memory.  
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1. Connect the DB-9 end of the communications cable to the serial port on the Scanner  
and the other end (DB-9 or DB-25) to the serial port on the PC.  
2. Turn off the Scanner and plug the AC  
adapter into the Scanner.  
3. H old down the AUTOTEST and Find  
Cable Faults keys and press the ON/OFF  
key on the Scanner. The Scanner will turn  
on and the screen will display:  
COM 1 or  
COM 2  
Waiting for REFLASH  
Patch Cable  
4. Connect the Scanner to the Injector using  
AC Adapter  
AC Adapter  
DB-9 to DB-9  
Serial Cable  
the Category 5 patch cable provided.  
5. Plug the AC adapter into the 2-Way  
Injector+ (or the 2-Way Injector).  
6. You are now ready to download the new  
flash update from the PC.  
Scanner  
Injector  
7. From the DOS prompt, type PENTA -?  
and press the Enter key on the PC keyboard. The options and default screen will  
display.  
8. Type PENTA followed by the COM 1 or COM 2 option (-C1 or -C2), followed by -2,  
and press the <ENTER> key on the PC keyboard. Example:  
PENTA -C1 -2  
This command updates the 2-Way Injector+ (or the 2-Way Injector) from the flash image  
downloaded from the BBS. The updated software is downloaded from the PC through  
the PC COM port to the Scanner. While the software is being downloaded, the PC  
screen will show a progress graph. This process will take approximately one minute.  
9. When the download is complete, the PC displays:  
Download of FLASH image file complete.  
10. Watch the Scanner screen for REFLASH progress. The Scanner display will show the  
progress of the update and the 2-Way Injector+ (or the 2-Way Injector) Status and  
Pass LEDs will blink during the update. This step will take approximately one minute.  
When complete, the 2-Way Injector+ (or the 2-Way Injector) is updated with the  
new software.  
11. To verify the update, press the Extended Functions key on the Scanner, then select  
Injector Info. The Scanner will display the new software version.  
Technical Support  
If you are having problems with the Scanner and cannot find help for your problem in this user  
guide, you can contact Microtest Technical Support by phone, fax, via the Internet, the Microtest  
BBS, or CompuServe:  
U.S.A. and Canada  
1-800-NET-FIXR (1-800-638-3497) (voice)  
1-800-419-8991 (fax)  
Europe, Middle East and Africa  
+44 1 293 894025 (voice)  
+44 1 293 894008 (fax)  
World Wide Web  
You can download files and send mail to Microtest via the Internet:  
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Microtest Bulletin Board System (BBS)  
You can contact Microtest Technical Support and download product update files from the  
Microtest BBS. To access the BBS, set your communications software to 1200 to 14400 baud; 8  
data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity; ANSI terminal emulation, and dial:  
(602) 957-7716  
+44 1 293 894031  
(U.S.) or  
(Europe)  
FaxFacts  
You can request additional information from FaxFacts, Microtest’s telephone-operated fax request  
line. FaxFacts is an on-demand system that allows you to dial in on any touch tone phone and have  
product information and technical tips faxed to you. To access FaxFacts, dial:  
U.S. (602) 952-6450  
Follow the voice prompts to request the appropriate document.  
Chapter 5: Find Cable Faults  
Find Cable Faults traces your cable runs and locates intermittent faults. It also incorporates Time  
Domain Reflectometry so you can find faults in cables less than 10 feet long. (The PentaScanner  
Product Family has zero dead zone for detecting cable faults.)  
Wire Map determines how the cable and connectors are wired, from one end to the other. It is  
usually run before any other measurements, to pinpoint cabling problems caused by opens, shorts,  
split pairs or miswires.  
Find Cable Faults draws a graphical representation of the cable, showing opens, shorts and  
miswires. When Wire Map is run, Find Cable Faults continuously repeats its testing so the  
operator can wiggle connectors and wires to locate intermittent faults. Find Cable Faults  
repeatedly runs Length and Wire Map and displays the length and continuity of the entire cable.  
Wire Map  
The Wire Map screen is displayed when you press the Find Cable Faults key. There are primarily  
four things that can go wrong with a cable or connector:  
A short between wires  
An open on any single wire  
An open across all wires (break)  
An impedance mismatch  
If a short or open exists in the cable, isolate the segment you suspect, connect the Scanner to it and  
run the Length test by pressing the Measure Cable Performance key; then selecting Length.  
An Impedance mismatch is caused by irregularities in the cable and can show up as an open or a  
short at an unexpected length.  
When troubleshooting wiring problems, look for improperly crimped cables — make sure that the  
outer insulation fits into the end of the connector.  
Press Splits (F1) to display the wire splits screen. The split status is shown to the right of each wire  
pair.  
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Wire Map for Both Ends of the Link  
The Injector plays an integral part in determining the wire map for a given link. With the  
Scanner and the Injector connected at opposite ends of a link or cable, the wire map can be  
determined. When running Find Cable Faults or Autotest, the Scanner and the Injector  
communicate to determine how the link is wired. With the wire map on display, press Splits (F1) to  
display the wire splits screen. The Scanner/Injector combination identifies the following wiring  
configurations:  
Straight Through Wiring  
Straight through wiring (the expected case) is displayed as shown:  
Cross Wiring  
Cross wiring is displayed as shown:  
Short at the Injector End  
A short at the Injector end is displayed as:  
Short at the Scanner End  
A short at the Scanner end is displayed as:  
Note: The Injector is not required in order to detect a short at the Scanner end of the link.  
Short on the Link  
A short in the link (where wires can be seen at both ends) is displayed as:  
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Chapter 6: Measure Cable Performance  
Measure Cable Performance lets you run individual tests such as NEXT, Attenuation,  
Length/ Delay, Impedance, Loop Resistance, Capacitance, Impulse Noise and Peak to Peak Noise.  
Press the Measure Cable Performance key to display a list of the tests to run.  
Press the Ñor Ò arrow key to highlight the test you want to run, then press Select (F1) to run  
the highlighted test.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Ready screen.  
See Chapter 3: Autotest for more information on test results for UTP cable.  
See Appendix D: Working with Coaxial Cable for information on test results for coaxial cable.  
NEXT  
To display this screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select NEXT.  
This screen displays the frequency sweep range and the worst case NEXT for each pair. When using  
the 2-Way Injector+ or 2Way Injector, the top line of the screen indicates if NEXT is being  
reported from the Scanner end (Penta) or the Injector end (Inj) of the link.  
Press Graph (F1) to enter graphing mode.  
Press Sweep (F2) to display the NEXT Sweep range and step criteria.  
Press Pair (F3) to toggle through the available pair combinations.  
When using the 2-Way Injector+ or 2Way Injector, press F4 to toggle between the NEXT results  
for the Injector end or the Scanner end of the link.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the MEASURE CABLE PERFORMANCE screen.  
NEXT Graph  
To display this screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select NEXT, then press  
Graph (F1).  
The top line of the screen displays the worst case NEXT and the frequency at which it occurred.  
When using the 2-Way Injector+ or 2Way Injector, the second line of the screen indicates if  
NEXT is being reported for the Scanner (Penta) or Injector (Inj) end of the link.  
Press Zoom (F1) to magnify the area of the graph around the cursor. The Zoom key can display  
1x, 2x, 5x or 10x magnification.  
Press Print (F2) to print the NEXT graph.  
Press Test (F3) to rerun the NEXT test and display new data.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the NEXT results screen.  
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Note: See Chapter 3: Autotest for more information on NEXT testing.  
NEXT Sweep  
To display this screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select NEXT, then press  
Sweep (F2). This screen allows you to select the sweep range and step method for NEXT tests.  
If your Scanner has an alphanumeric overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the new sweep  
limits. If your Scanner does not have an alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit  
screen.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the NEXT results screen.  
Attenuation  
To display the ATTENUATION screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select  
Attenuation.  
Press Graph (F1) to enter graphing mode.  
Press Sweep (F2) to display the Attenuation results at different frequencies.  
Press Pair (F3) to toggle through the available pair combinations.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the MEASURE CABLE PERFORMANCE screen.  
Attenuation Graph  
To display this screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select Attenuation, then  
press Graph (F1). This screen displays the Attenuation graph for the indicated pair combination.  
Press Zoom (F1) to magnify the area of the graph around the cursor. The Zoom key can display  
1x, 2x, 5x or 10x magnification.  
Press Print (F2) to print the Attenuation graph.  
Press Test (F3) to rerun the Attenuation test and display new data.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Attenuation screen.  
Note: See Chapter 4: Editing, Printing & U pdating for more information on printing.  
Attenuation Limits  
To display this screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select Attenuation, then  
press Sweep (F2).  
This screen allows you to change the Attenuation Sweep range and step criteria.  
Press the Ñor Ò key to highlight the field to change. Use the Scanner keypad to enter the range  
values, or press Change (F2) to toggle through the Criteria values.  
When entering range values, press Del (F2) to delete the number at the cursor. On the  
PentaScanner+, there is also a numeric mode, indicated by NUM (F3).  
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Press Limits (F4) to display and change Attenuation limits at various frequencies.  
Press Save (F1) to store the new values.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Attenuation screen.  
Note: See Customizing Attenuation Limits in Chapter 3 for more information on Attenuation  
limits.  
Length/Delay  
To display the LENGTH/DELAY screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select  
Length/Delay.  
The pairs are shown on the left and the length for each pair is shown in the second column. The  
third column shows the propagation delay values in nanoseconds (nS) and the fourth column  
indicates the condition of the wire pair (open or short). The Skew value is the worst-case value of  
the difference in propagation delay between the wire pairs.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the MEASURE CABLE PERFORMANCE screen.  
Impedance  
To display the IMPEDANCE screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select  
Impedance.  
The pairs are shown on the left and the impedance values in ohms () are shown on the right.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Measure Cable Performance screen.  
Loop Resistance  
To display the LOOP RESISTANCE screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then  
select Loop Resistance.  
The pairs are shown on the left and the loop resistance values in ohms () are shown on the right.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the MEASURE CABLE PERFORMANCE screen.  
Capacitance  
To display the CAPACITANCE screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select  
Capacitance.  
The pairs are shown on the left and the capacitance values in picofarads (pF) are shown on the  
right.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Measure Cable Performance screen.  
Noise  
Noise is undesirable electrical activity that interferes with a network’s ability to transmit data  
reliably. Noise sources in networks may include AC transmission lines, fluorescent light fixtures,  
industrial equipment, elevators, etc. Noise problems also occur when other wire pairs in the same  
sheath are used for non-LAN applications.  
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Testing for noise involves turning off all LAN devices and measuring for background electrical  
activity in the cable. Often, noise problems can be corrected by moving the cable away from the  
source or removing the source, if possible. Different noise sources radiate at different frequencies.  
By knowing the frequency of the noise source, you are better able to pinpoint the cause of the  
noise. Two Noise measurements are provided: Impulse Noise and Peak-to-Peak Noise.  
Impulse Noise counts the impulses detected between wires in a pair, or the center conductor and  
shield (when using a Coax jack). Impulse Noise measurements are used for long term monitoring  
of the network. They indicate spikes of electrical activity that occur at random on the network.  
Peak-to-Peak Noise measures continuous noise signals, in the range of 0 to 3,000 millivolts (mV),  
between the wires in a pair or the center conductor and shield in the case of coax cable (when using  
the Coax jack).  
Impulse Noise  
To display the IMPULSE NOISE screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select  
Impulse Noise.  
A noise impulse is detected when it crosses the selected voltage level. When the selected voltage  
level is positive, impulses rising above that level are counted. When the selected voltage level is  
negative, impulses falling below that level are counted.  
The wire pair being monitored is indicated in the upper left corner of the display.  
The current time of day is displayed below the wire pair.  
The box below the current time displays a graph of the impulses detected since the measurement  
started. The graph can span a 25-hour period with each dot across the graph representing the  
highest peak impulse in the last 15-minute interval.  
The bar graph on the right displays the impulses per second, averaged over the last 10 seconds.  
E.T. indicates the Elapsed Time since the start of the test.  
Count indicates the cumulative count of impulses detected since the start of the measurement.  
When the Count exceeds 65535, OVR (Over Range) is displayed. In an Over Range condition, the  
last average CPS (Counts Per Second) recorded is displayed.  
CPS indicates the average counts per second since the measurement started. The maximum average  
counts per second is 200.0.  
Press Pair (F1) to select a new pair to test. The results from the previously displayed pair are  
cleared from the screen.  
Press Clear (F2) to restart the test and clear all history data.  
Press Level (F4) to change the voltage level for detecting impulses. The results from the previously  
displayed pair are cleared from the screen.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Measure Cable Performance screen.  
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Peak-to-Peak Noise  
To display the PEAK-TO-PEAK-NOISE screen, press the Measure Cable Performance key,  
then select P-P Noise.  
The pairs are shown on the left and the Peak-to-Peak Noise values are shown on the right.  
If the Peak-to-Peak noise level exceeds 3,000 mV, OVR (Overrange) is displayed.  
The measurement’s bandwidth covers a range of 40 KH z to 30 MH z.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the Measure Cable Performance screen.  
Chapter 7: Analyze LAN Traffic  
Analyze LAN Traffic is a built-in network monitor that shows the current level of LAN traffic  
activity and monitors network traffic for up to eight hours with the interval set to 5 minutes (using  
the AC adapter as a power source).  
The Analyze LAN Traffic feature is useful for tracking down intermittent faults. It can also help  
you decide if your network needs a bridge or a router because of excessive LAN traffic. It provides  
even greater flexibility in locating problems, by letting you change the traffic sampling interval  
simply by pressing Setup (F4).  
Note: Analyze LAN Traffic does not monitor Token Ring network traffic.  
LAN Traffic Display  
To display the TRAFFIC screen, press the Analyze LAN Traffic key. The ANALYZE LAN  
TRAFFIC screen displays two graphs. The large graph on the left shows a historical “skyline” of  
activity; representing the percent utilization of the total network. The small bar graph on the right  
indicates the current level of activity. This indicator should change frequently because of the  
volatile nature of most network activity. If it is always off or always fully on, you may have a serious  
problem with your cabling system or LAN hardware.  
Press Clear (F2) to reset the graph.  
Press Scale (F3) to toggle between linear and logarithmic scale.  
Press Setup (F4) to configure the monitor.  
Press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
The Traffic level indicator shows relative activity as follows:  
0
No network activity  
1-10 Typical network traffic  
11-20 heavy network traffic  
21-40 Very heavy traffic  
41-60 Overloaded network  
61-99 Probable defective component  
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Setting Up the Traffic Monitor  
To display this screen, press the Analyze LAN Traffic key, then Setup (F4).  
This screen lets you change the traffic-sampling interval for the network activity monitor.  
Press Change (F2) to toggle through the available interval options.  
Press Save (F1) to store the new setting and exit or press the ESCAPE key to exit without saving.  
Chapter 8: Extended Functions  
Extended Functions Menu  
This screen displays the Extended Functions available for the Scanner. Press the Ñor Ò key to  
scroll through the available options. Or, press the Ïor Ð key to scroll up and down one screen  
at a time. Press Select (F1) to choose the highlighted option, or press the number on the keypad  
that corresponds to the option you want.  
Select Autotest Memory to manage, view, print and clear saved test results.  
Select Setup Autotest to set the default Autotest, edit Autotest names, select pairs to  
test and/ or to include in PASS/ FAIL criteria, select the tests to run and customize test  
limits.  
Select Calibrate Injector to calibrate the Injector.  
Select User Preferences to edit the owner or company name, specify backlight and  
auto shutoff time limits, set length units, configure the printer port, or set the date and  
time. Note: The PentaScanner and PentaScanner Cable Admin display the units,  
printer port, and date/ time items on the main EXTENDED FUNCTIONS menu.  
Select Injector Info to display Injector software, hardware and calibration information.  
Select Cable Trace to send a traceable signal down a length of attached cable.  
(PentaScanner+ only.)  
Select Office Locator to determine the room and wall outlet to which a length of cable  
leads. (PentaScanner+ only.)  
Note: The PentaScanner and PentaScanner Cable Admin EXTENDED FUNCTIONS menu  
contains an additional item, LAN Monitor. This item is identical to the LAN Monitor Setup  
function under the Analyze LAN Traffic key. The PentaScanner and PentaScanner Cable  
Admin also displays units, printer port, and date/ time setups under the main EXTENDED  
FUNCTIONS menu, not under the USER PREFERENCE menu.  
Autotest Memory  
To display the MEMORY screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Autotest  
Memory. This screen lets you view, print or delete the Autotest results you have stored in memory.  
Press the Ñor Ò arrow key to scroll through the list of stored tests (or Ïto page up and © to  
page down) then press Select (F2) to choose the highlighted test.  
Press View (F1) to display the selected test.  
Press Print (F3) to print all or selected test results.  
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Press Clear (F4) to erase all or selected test results.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the EXTENDED FUNCTIONS screen.  
See Chapter 3: Autotest for more information.  
Autotest Setup  
To display the AUTOTEST SETUP screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup  
Autotest. This screen lets you select the default Autotest, edit Autotest settings and delete user-  
defined Autotests.  
Press the Ñor Ò arrow key to scroll through the list of Autotests (or to page up and Ð to  
page down). When the Autotest you want is highlighted, press Default (F1) to select it as the  
default Autotest.  
Note: An Autotest name proceeded by an asterisk (*) indicates that the original Autotest has been  
modified and the Autotest name has not been changed.  
Press Edit (F2) to change the Autotest name, to select pairs to be used, to select the tests to run,  
and to set test limits.  
Press Delete (F3) to delete the highlighted user-defined Autotest.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the SETUP screen.  
See Chapter 3: Autotest for more information.  
Editing Autotest Information  
To display the EDIT AUTOTEST screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Setup  
Autotest, then press Edit (F2). This screen lets you customize Autotest settings.  
Press the Ñor Ò arrow key to scroll through the available options and press Select (F1) to  
choose the highlighted option. Or, press the number on the keypad that corresponds to the option  
you want.  
Select Name/Options to edit the Autotest name and to change the Margin Options.  
Select Pairs to choose the pairs to be tested during Autotest, and to indicate which  
pairs have PASS/ FAIL criteria applied to them during the Autotest.  
Select Tests to Run to choose the tests to run during Autotest.  
Select Limits to edit test limits.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the AUTOTEST SETUP screen.  
Calibrating the Injector  
The Injector must be calibrated each calendar day that you use it to ensure accurate measurements.  
To calibrate the Injector, connect the Scanner and the Injector with the patch cable supplied with  
the Scanner. Press the Extended Functions key; then select Calibrate Injector.  
Press Cancel (F1) or the ESCAPE key to stop the calibration.  
See Chapter 2: Getting Started for more information on the Injector.  
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Setting Up User Preferences  
To display the USER PREFERENCE SETUP screen, press the Extended Functions key, then  
select User Preferences. This screen displays the User Preferences options.  
Press the Ñor Ò arrow key to scroll through the available options and press Select (F1) to  
choose the highlighted option. Or, press the number on the keypad that corresponds to the option  
you want.  
Select Owner/Company Name to edit the owner and company name used on the  
opening screen and on printed reports.  
Select Backlight/AutoShutoff to set the backlight “on time” and to set the automatic  
shutoff time limits.  
Select Units to display the Scanner’s Language and Date Style, and to set Length units.  
(This item appears in the Extended Functions menu in the PentaScanner and  
PentaScanner Cable Admin.)  
Select Printer Port to configure the Scanner’s printer port settings. (This item appears  
in the Extended Functions menu in the PentaScanner and PentaScanner Cable  
Admin.)  
Select Date/Time to set the Scanner’s date and time. (This item appears in the  
Extended Functions menu in the PentaScanner and PentaScanner Cable  
Admin.)  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the SETUP screen.  
Editing Owner/Company Name  
To display the OWNER/COMPANY NAME screen, press the Extended Functions key, then  
select User Preferences, then select Owner/Company Name. This screen lets you select the  
Owner or Company Name for editing. Use the Ñor Ò arrow key to highlight the name to edit,  
then enter new names with the keypad (if your Scanner’s keypad has an alphanumeric overlay) or  
press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen (if your Scanner’s keypad does not have an alphanumeric  
overlay). You can enter up to 19 characters for the Owner and Company Names. The names that  
you enter will appear on printed reports and on the Scanner boot screen.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store your changes and exit or press the ESCAPE key to exit  
without saving.  
See Chapter 4: Editing, Printing & U pdating for more information on editing.  
Setting Backlight and Auto Shutoff Times  
To display the BACKLIGHT/AUTOSHUTOFF screen, press the Extended Functions key, then  
select User Preferences, then select Backlight/Auto Shutoff. This screen lets you specify how  
long the backlight stays on and lets you specify a time limit for the Scanner to automatically shut  
off. Press the Ñor Ò arrow key to select the Backlight or Auto Shutoff setting. The selected  
setting will be enclosed in a box. Press Change (F2) to view the available settings.  
Press Save (F1) to store your changes and exit or press the ESCAPE key to exit without saving.  
Setting Up Units  
To display the UNITS SETUP screen, press the Extended Functions key, select User  
Preferences (if you have a PentaScanner+), then select Units. This screen displays the current  
settings for Units (feet or meters), Language and Date Style.  
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The Language and Date Style fields are preprogrammed. Neither of these fields can be changed.  
Press Change (F2) to toggle the Units setting between feet and meters.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new Units setting and exit or press the ESCAPE key to  
exit without saving.  
Setting Up the Printer Port  
To display the PRINTER PORT SETUP screen, press the Extended Functions key, select User  
Preferences (if you have a PentaScanner+), then select Printer Port. This screen lets you  
configure serial printer port settings.  
Press the Òor Ñarrow key to highlight a setting to modify — Baud rate or H andshaking.  
The default settings for Baud rate and H andshaking are 9600 and XON/ XOFF. The settings for  
Data Bits, Stop Bits and Parity are fixed at 8, 1 and None. Their values cannot be changed.  
After highlighting the Baud rate or H andshaking setting, press Change (F2) to toggle through the  
available settings.  
Press Printer (F3) to display the graphics printer screen.  
Press Save (F1) to store the new settings and exit or press the ESCAPE key to exit without saving.  
See Chapter 4: Editing, Printing & U pdating for more information on printing and  
downloading.  
Selecting a Graphics Printer  
To display the GRAPHICS PRINTER screen, press the Extended Functions key, select User  
Preferences (if you have a PentaScanner+), then select Printer Port, then press Printer (F3).  
This screen lets you specify the type of printer used for printing NEXT and Attenuation graphs.  
Press Change (F2) to toggle through the available printer settings.  
Press Save (F1) to store the new settings and exit or press the ESCAPE key to exit without saving.  
Setting the Date and Time  
To display the DATE/TIME SETUP screen, press the Extended Functions key, select User  
Preferences (if you have a PentaScanner+), then select Date/Time.  
Press the Ñor Ò or Ïor Ð arrow key to select the portion of the date or time field to  
change. The selected portion of the field will be enclosed in a box.  
Press Change (F2) to toggle through the available date and time settings.  
After editing press Save (F1) to store the new date and time settings and exit or press the  
ESCAPE key to exit.  
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Displaying Injector Information  
To display the INJECTOR INFO screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Injector  
Info.  
The calibration date is shown at the top of the screen, followed by the battery status. The software  
and hardware versions are displayed below the battery status. The serial number is displayed at the  
bottom of the screen.  
Press the ESCAPE key to return to the EXTENDED FUNCTIONS screen.  
Tracing a Cable  
(PentaScanner+ only)  
To display the TRACE CABLE screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select Cable  
Trace.  
To trace a cable, use Microtest’s Cable Tracer II (sold separately) or any other audio amplifier,  
along with this Scanner. Attach the end of the cable you want to trace to the Scanner’s twisted pair  
or BNC connector. A multi-tone trace signal will begin transmitting. Make sure the cable you are  
tracing is not grounded. A grounded cable will cause the signal generated by this unit to be very  
weak. As long as the antenna of the Cable Tracer II or similar device is within one foot of the  
cable, you will hear a multi-tone sound. Trace along the cable where the sound is loudest to  
determine the cable’s path. For more information, refer to the Microtest Cable Tracer II  
Operator Manual or the operator manual for the audio amplification device you are using.  
Press ESCAPE to exit the Cable Trace function.  
Locating an Office Cable Drop  
(PentaScanner+ only)  
To display the OFFICE LOCATOR screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select  
Office Locator. Use this function with Microtest’s Office Locator Kit to find the termination of  
an office cable drop. Insert the RJ-45 Office Locator plugs into the wall outlets in the offices you  
wish to locate. At the hub, run the Office Locator function at each connection. The Scanner will  
display the ID of the Office Locator plug at the far end of the attached cable.  
Press ESCAPE to exit the Office Locator function.  
Appendix A: Specifications  
PentaScanner+/PentaScanner/PentaScanner Cable Admin  
Physical Characteristics  
Dimensions:  
Weight:  
10.2 cm x 20.3 cm x 5.5 cm (4”x 8” x 2.15”)  
0.79 kg (1lb 12 oz)  
Power  
Rechargeable, replaceable battery pack  
Volts @ 1200 mA-H r  
Built in charger using AC adapter  
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Battery life: 8+ hours operation  
AC: 9V DC - 1 amp AC adapter for continuous operation or charging  
User Interface  
x 64 Graphic LCD with backlight  
cm x 3.8 cm (2.25” x 1.5”) display area  
Elastomeric keypad with tactile feedback, numeric input, dedicated functions, 4 soft functions  
and cursor pad  
Context-sensitive help and operating instructions  
Tone generation audio for warning or other user feedback  
Date stamp of all tests  
Environmental  
Operating Temperature: 0 to 50° C (32 to 122° F)  
Storage Temperature: -10 to 55° C (14 to 131° F)  
Operating H umidity (non-condensing): 10 to 90%  
Storage H umidity: 5 to 95%  
Measurement Ports  
PentaScanner+: BNC and 36-pin connector that withstands in excess of 20,000 mating cycles  
PentaScanner/ PentaScanner Cable Admin: BNC and shielded Modular 8 (RJ-45)  
connector  
Testing of all four pairs on RJ-45 is fully supported  
Serial Port  
Connector, Cable: DB-9  
Baud rate:  
Parity:  
300 to 38,400 baud  
NONE  
Length:  
8 Bits  
H andshaking:  
None, RTS/ CTS, and XON/ XOFF  
Memory  
Control: Flash memory allows electronic upgrading in remote locations  
Test Storage: Up to 500 complete Autotest results can be stored in permanent flash memory  
(PentaScanner+). Up to 500 complete Autotests results can be stored in battery-backed  
memory (PentaScanner, PentaScanner Cable Admin)  
Autotest Functions  
Full suite of tests to determine if cable meets generic cabling or network type requirements  
(TIA/ EIA TSB-67, ISO Class C, D, 10-BASE-T, Token Ring, Fast Ethernet, ATM 155 etc.)  
Up to 20 user definable Autotest programs  
Wire Map  
Uses Injector for complete mapping of wiring at both ends of the cable  
Finds miswires, opens, shorts, split pairs  
Includes test of shield if connected  
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Length  
TDR method determines length and distance to cable faults  
Range: 0 to maximum distance  
where maximum distance  
=
=
915 meters (3000 ft)for twisted pair cable  
1220 meters (4000 ft) for coaxial cable  
Accuracy: ± K ± Length Resolution ± NVP uncertainty  
where K = ±4% of length or 0.6 meters (2 ft), whichever is greater  
Length Resolution: 0.3 meters (1 ft)  
PentaScanner+ NEXT and Attenuation Measurement Performance Specifications  
Testing  
PentaScanner+ NEXT and  
Attenuation Performance  
Parameters @ 100MHz  
through  
Mod 8  
Testing through  
36-Pin Connector  
Adapter  
Typical  
Typical  
Max  
0.5  
Dynamic Accuracy (dB)  
Residual NEXT (dB)  
0.3  
67  
0.3  
45  
62  
Output Signal Balance (dB)  
Common Mode Rejection (dB)  
Random Noise (dB)  
50  
43  
40  
45  
38  
34  
78  
75  
78  
Transmit Return Loss (dB)  
Receive Return Loss (dB)  
NEXT Accuracy (dB) @ 100 MHz  
Atten. Accuracy (dB) @ 100 MHz  
26  
23  
20  
22  
17  
17  
0.5 (*1)  
0.3 (*4)  
0.9 (*1)  
0.6 (*4)  
1.5 (*2,3)  
0.6 (*3,4)  
*Notes:  
(1) NEXT accuracy is calculated at the Basic Link Limit (29.3 dB) per error model in TSB-67 A.3  
(2) NEXT accuracy is calculated at the Channel Limit (27.1 dB) per error model in TSB-67 A.3  
(3) Performance assumes a high performance modular 8 plug  
(4) Attenuation accuracy calculated per error model in TSB-67 A.3  
Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT)  
Tests all six pair combinations  
Frequency range 0.7 to 100 MH z  
Sweep Mode 0.1 MH z, 0.2 MH z, 0.5 MH z linear or TIA (user selectable)  
Dynamic Range:  
PentaScanner+: Measurement dynamic range > 75 dB  
PentaScanner/ PentaScanner Cable Admin: At least 15 dB > 568A  
Measurement Accuracy:  
PentaScanner+: Calculated per TIA TSB-67 error model (see NEXT and Attenuation  
Specifications table)  
PentaScanner/ PentaScanner Cable Admin: 1.5 dB when measured ±1.5 dB when  
measured using fixed attenuators  
Measurement resolution: 0.1 dB  
Attenuation  
Tests all four pairs using far end active signal injection  
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Frequency range  
PentaScanner+: 1.0 to 100 MH z  
PentaScanner/ PentaScanner Cable Admin: 1.0 to 100 MH z  
Sweep mode: Swept 1- 100 MH z using 1 MH z step or fixed points (1.0, 2.0, 4.0,5,0, 8.0,  
10, 16.0, 20, 25, 31.25, 62.5, and 100 MH z)  
Dynamic Range: 0 - 50 dB  
Measurement Accuracy:  
PentaScanner+: Calculated per TIA TSB-67 error model (see NEXT and Attenuation  
Specifications table)  
PentaScanner/ PentaScanner Cable Admin: 1.5 dB  
Measurement resolution: 0.1 dB  
Impedance  
Range:  
Accuracy:  
Resolution:  
40 to 200 ohms  
± 5 ohms  
2 ohms  
Loop Resistance  
Range:  
Accuracy:  
0 to 10000 ohms  
± 0.3 ohms @ 0 to 15 ohms  
± 2% @ 15 to 109 ohms (PentaScanner+)  
± 2% @ 15 to 200 ohms (PentaScanner/ PentaScanner Cable Admin  
± 5% @ 109 to 5000 ohms (PentaScanner+)  
± 5% @ 200 to 5000 ohms (PentaScanner/ PentaScanner Cable  
Admin)  
± 10% @ 5000 to 10000 ohms  
Resolution:  
0.1 ohms  
1.0 ohms  
0 to 200 ohms  
200 to 9.999K ohms  
Capacitance  
Range:  
Accuracy:  
0 to 100,000 pF  
± 20 pF  
± 10%  
5 pF  
0 to 200 pF  
200 to 100,000 pF  
20 to 1000 pF  
Resolution:  
50 pF  
1000 to 100,000 pF  
Impulse Noise  
Detects the occurrence of narrow impulse type events exceeding an adjustable threshold of  
± 0.262, 0.524, 1.0, 2.0 or 2.5 volts. Instantly displays up to 200 impulse noise events per  
second. Graphically logs and displays impulse events for up to 25 hours. Termination  
impedance: 200 ohms.  
Peak to Peak Noise  
Measures the peak to peak voltage of steady state noise signals.  
Range: 0 to 3,000 mVpp into 100 ohms.  
Bandwidth: 3dB from 40 kH z to 30 MH z  
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H igh Voltage Input/Protection  
The test interface withstands input hazard conditions that arise from normal telephone  
interfaces (48 VDC at less than 80 mA) or 24 VAC power used to power many telephone  
keysets.  
2-Way Injector+/2-Way Injector  
Environmental, Physical Characteristics, User Interface, Measurement Port  
Refer to specifications for PentaScanner+/ PentaScanner/ PentaScanner Cable Admin  
LED Displays  
Pass Indicator (GREEN) for test result  
Fail Indicator (RED) for test result  
Status Indicator (GREEN) for 2-Way Injector status  
Charging Indicator (RED) for battery status  
H azard Indicator (RED) for high voltage input protection warning  
Audible Feedback  
Programmable tone generation through a piezo-electric transducer to signal test is complete or  
overvoltage conditions  
Rechargeable Battery  
Removable, rechargeable Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd)  
Capacity:  
1200 mAh  
Battery Life:  
Charging Time:  
8+ hours daily operation  
14 hours (via AC Adapter)  
2-3 hours (via Battery Charger)  
H igh Voltage Input/Protection  
The test interface withstands input hazard conditions that arise from normal telephone  
interfaces (48 VDC at less that 80 mA) or 24 VAC power used to power many telephone  
keysets.  
FLASH Memory  
128K FLASH memory is provided to allow for software updates in the field  
Power Control  
AC Adapter or Battery  
Auto-shutoff when operating on battery  
Power on under Scanner control  
Injector End Termination to Support Scanner Measurements  
OPEN (during Impedance, Capacitance, and Length measurements and during  
Communication)  
SH ORT (during Loop Resistance measurements)  
100 Ohm Termination (during NEXT measurements)  
Swept signal injections during Autotest  
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2-Way Injector+ NEXT Measurement Performance Specifications  
Testing  
through  
Mod 8  
20Way Injector+  
NEXT Performance  
Testing through  
36-Pin Connector  
Parameters @ 100MHz  
Adapter  
Typical  
Typical  
Max  
0.5  
62  
Dynamic Accuracy (dB)  
Residual NEXT (dB)  
0.3  
67  
0.3  
45  
Output Signal Balance (dB)  
Common Mode Rejection (dB)  
Random Noise (dB)  
50  
43  
40  
45  
38  
34  
78  
75  
78  
Transmit Return Loss (dB)  
Receive Return Loss (dB)  
NEXT Accuracy (dB) @ 100 MHz  
26  
23  
20  
22  
17  
17  
0.5 (*1)  
0.9 (*1)  
1.5 (*2,3)  
*Notes:  
(1) NEXT accuracy is calculated at the Basic Link Limit (29.3 dB) per error model in TSB-67 A.3  
(2) NEXT accuracy is calculated at the Channel Limit (27.1 dB) per error model in TSB-67 A.3  
(3) Performance assumes a high performance modular 8 plug  
Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT)  
Tests all six pair combinations  
Frequency range 0.7 to 100 MH z  
Sweep Mode 0.1 MH z, 0.2 MH z, 0.5 MH z linear or TIA (user selectable)  
Dynamic Range:  
2-Way Injector+: Measurement dynamic range > 75 dB  
2-Way Injector: At least 15 dB greater than required by EIA/ TIA 568A Annex E for  
Category 5 link and ISO 11801 Class D performance or 60 dB, whichever is less  
Measurement Accuracy:  
2-Way Injector+: Calculated per TIA TSB-67 error model (see 2-Way Injector+ NEXT  
Injector Specifications table)  
2-Way Injector: ±1.5 dB when measured using fixed attenuators  
Measurement resolution: 0.1 dB  
Super Injector+/Super Injector  
Physical Characteristics  
Dimensions:  
Weight:  
7.62 cm x 16.5 cm x 3.25 cm (3.0” x 6.5” x 1.28”)  
0.255 kg (9 oz)  
Power  
AA Alkaline batteries  
Battery Life: Varies depending on usage and battery quality. On average, the batteries will  
withstand testing of well over 500 cables.  
Features  
Automatic power control from Scanner  
Status indicators: Active, Test Passed, Test Failed  
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Built in protection from normal telephone circuit power voltages  
Audio alert to signal test complete and overvoltage line conditions  
Active signal generator (up to 100 MH z) to measure one-way cable attenuation  
Supports testing of all 4 pairs  
Environment  
Refer to specifications for PentaScanner+/ PentaScanner/ PentaScanner Cable Admin  
Supported Cabling/Network Types  
Arcnet  
ISO Class D  
Apple local talk  
ATM 51 Mbps  
ATM 155 Mbps  
Cat 3 Channel & Basic Link  
Cat 4 Channel & Basic Link  
Cat 5 Channel & Basic Link  
CDDI  
Multimedia 802.9  
Token Ring 4 MH z  
Token Ring 16 MH z  
TPPMD  
TPDDI  
T1/ E1  
10BASE-T  
100 BaseX  
100 VG Any LAN  
ISDN  
ISO Class C  
User-defined network types are also supported. See Microtest’s Category 5 Cable Testing  
H andbook for more information on network types.  
Appendix B: 150 ohm Cables  
Working with 150 Ohm Cables  
If you are using 150 ohm cable, adjust the minimum and maximum Impedance limits ±10% to 135  
and 165 ohms.  
First, make sure that the cable type for which you are changing the Impedance limits has been  
selected as the default cable type. To select the default cable type, press Cable (F1) from the  
Ready screen, highlight the desired cable type, and press Default (F1).  
To display the IMPEDANCE LIMITS screen, press the Extended Functions key, then select  
Setup Autotest, then highlight the Autotest to edit, then press Edit (F2), then select Limits, then  
select Impedance.  
Press the Ñ or Ò arrow keys to highlight the field to edit. If your Scanner has an alphanumeric  
overlay on the keypad, use the keypad to enter the limits. If your Scanner does not have an  
alphanumeric overlay, press Edit (F2) to display the edit screen. Change the Minimum limit to 135  
and the Maximum limit to 165. See Chapter 4: Editing, Printing & U pdating for more  
information on editing.  
After editing, press Save (F1) to store the new limits and press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
Creating a Cat 5 Test for Token Ring  
1. At the Ready screen, press the Extended Functions key and select Setup Autotest.  
2. H ighlight the Cat 5 Link Autotest and press Edit (F2).  
3. Select Pairs.  
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4. Use the arrow keys and the Unsel/Sel (F2) key so that the only pairs selected (marked with a  
x) are 36 and 45.  
5. Press Save (F1).  
6. Select Limits.  
7. Select Impedance. Change the Minimum limit from 80 to 135. Change the Maximum limit  
from 125 to 165. Press Save (F1) to save the new limits.  
8. Press the ESCAPE key twice.  
9. Press Default (F1) to select “*Cat 5 Link” as the default Autotest. The “*” indicates that this  
is a user-defined Autotest.  
10. If the length of cable that you are testing is near 328 feet, you may need to change the  
maximum Length limit from 328 to 361 feet. Other limits such as the Loop Resistance and  
Capacitance may also need to be changed proportionately to the increase in Length limit if  
these tests are failing marginally.  
11. You are now ready to press the AUTOTEST key to run the Token Ring Cat 5 Autotest.  
Appendix C: Cable Pin-outs  
Cable Pin-outs  
Serial Cable DB-9 Female to DB-9 Male Pin-outs  
B-9 Female  
DB-9 Male  
1___________1  
2___________2  
3___________3  
4___________4  
5___________5  
6___________6  
7___________7  
8___________8  
9___________9  
Serial Cable DB-9 Female to DB-25 Male Pin-outs  
B-9 Female  
DB-25 Male  
1___________8  
2___________3  
3___________2  
4___________20  
5___________7  
6___________6  
7___________4  
8___________5  
9___________22  
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Serial Cable DB-25 Female to DB-25 Male Pin-outs  
B-9 Female  
DB-9 Male  
2___________2  
3___________3  
4___________20  
5___________5  
6___________6  
7___________7  
8___________8  
20__________4  
22__________22  
Cable Pin-Out Signals  
The signals for the cable pin-outs are as follows:  
DB-9  
Male  
Pin  
DB-25  
Male  
Pin  
DB-25  
Female  
Pin  
DB-9  
Female  
Pin  
Signal  
Signal Description  
5
3
2
7
8
4
6
1
7
GND  
TXD  
RXD  
RTS  
7
5
3
2
7
8
4
6
1
Protective Ground  
Transmitted Date  
Received Data  
2
2
3
3
4
4
Request to Send  
Clear to Send  
5
CTS  
DTR  
DSR  
RLSD  
5
20  
6
20  
6
Data Term Ready  
Data Set Ready  
8
8
Received Line Signal  
Detector  
9
22  
RI  
22  
9
Ring Indicator  
Appendix D: Working with Coaxial Cable  
Coaxial cable is a common type of cable used for network data transmission. In coaxial cable, an  
insulated wire runs through the middle of the cable and a second wire, called the shield, surrounds  
the insulation of the inner wire like a sheath. The outer insulation jacket wraps around the second  
wire.  
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By pressing the Measure Cable Performance key, you can test Length/ Delay, Impedance, Loop  
Resistance, Capacitance, Impulse Noise and Peak-to-Peak Noise for coaxial cable. NEXT and  
Attenuation are not supported for coaxial cable.  
NOTE: The Injector is not used when testing coaxial cable.  
Length/Delay Test Results  
To display the LENGTH/DELAY screen, from the Ready screen, press Jack (F4) and set the Jack  
to Coax. Then press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select Length/Delay.  
During the Length/ Delay test, the cable should be open or shorted.  
If NEF (No End Found) is displayed next to the Length, it indicates that the cable is properly  
terminated or the cable is too long.  
The IEEE Length specification is 600 feet.  
Press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
Impedance Test Results  
To display the IMPEDANCE screen, from the Ready screen, press Jack (F4) and set the Jack to  
Coax. Then press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select Impedance.  
During the Impedance test, the cable can be open, shorted or terminated. There is no preference.  
If UND (Under range) is displayed, the cable is less than 40 feet long or the Impedance is less than  
40 ohms.  
If OVR (Over range) is displayed, the Impedance is greater than 200 ohms, the cable is less than  
40 feet long, or the cable/ pair is not connected.  
The IEEE Impedance specification is 50 ohms, ±2 ohms.  
Press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
Loop Resistance Test Results  
To display the LOOP RESISTANCE screen, from the Ready screen, press Jack (F4) and set the  
Jack to Coax. Then press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select Loop Resistance.  
During the Loop Resistance test, the cable should be terminated or shorted.  
If OVR (Over range) is displayed, the Loop Resistance is greater than 10K ohms.  
The IEEE Loop Resistance specification is 14.6 ohms.  
Press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
Capacitance Test Results  
To display the CAPACITANCE screen, from the Ready screen, press Jack (F4) and set the Jack to  
Coax. Then press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select Capacitance.  
During the Capacitance test, the cable should be open.  
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If OVR (Overrange) is displayed, the Capacitance is greater than can be measured or the cable is  
properly connected.  
Press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
Impulse Noise Test Results  
To display the IMPULSE NOISE screen, from the Ready screen, press Jack (F4) and set the Jack  
to Coax. Then press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select Impulse Noise.  
During the Noise test, the cable can be open, shorted or terminated. There is no preference.  
Press Clear (F2) to clear the graph.  
Press Level (F4) to change the voltage level for detecting impulses.  
Press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
Peak-to-Peak Noise Test Results  
To display the PEAK-TO-PEAK NOISE screen, from the Ready screen, press Jack (F4) and set  
the Jack to Coax. Then press the Measure Cable Performance key, then select P-P Noise.  
During the Noise test, the cable can be open, shorted or terminated. There is no preference.  
Press the ESCAPE key to exit.  
4747 North 22nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85016-4708  
(602) 952-6400 FAX (602) 952-6401  
Microtest Europe  
2A Kingfisher H ouse, Northwood Park, Gatwick Road  
Crawley, West Sussex, RH 102XN, United Kingdom  
+44 1293 894000, FAX +44 1293 894008  
Part Number 2938-4509-03E Rev 1 3/ 96  
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