This document is an operation manual for a Signal Level Meter, version 1.11, manufactured by Deviser. The device is a handheld instrument designed for measuring signal levels in various applications, likely related to cable television (CATV) systems.
Function Description
The Signal Level Meter is primarily used for:
- Single Channel Test: Measuring the video carrier level and the V/A (delta level between video and audio carrier) of a single channel.
- Single Frequency Test: Measuring the level of an audio carrier or FM broadcast level at a specific frequency. This mode also features an audio monitor function that automatically activates when the signal level is above 35 dBµV.
- Tilt Measurement: Displaying the video carrier levels of two selected channels simultaneously and calculating the "tilt level," which is the delta level difference between these two channels. This function is useful for measuring or adjusting trunk amplifier parameters and for CATV maintenance work.
- C/N Measurement (Option): Measuring the Carrier-to-Noise (C/N) ratio of a channel. This mode supports both online and carrier-off tests, with the carrier-off test providing a more exact C/N value.
- Voltage Test: Measuring trunk voltage (AC or DC) and displaying the battery voltage.
Usage Features
The device features a user-friendly interface with a clear LCD screen and a keypad for navigation and control.
Keypad Introduction:
The keypad includes the following buttons:
- CH/F: Used to switch between Single Channel, Single Frequency, Trunk/Battery Voltage measurement modes.
- VOLT: (Not explicitly described in the provided text but visible on the keypad, likely related to voltage measurement).
- FAV: (Not explicitly described in the provided text but visible on the keypad).
- TILT: Toggles between Double Channel Same Screen Display, Tilt mode, and C/N mode.
- Power Switch (①): Powers the device on or off.
- Stepping Option (↔): Used to change the step size for frequency adjustments (e.g., 50kHz, 100kHz, 1MHz, 10MHz, 100MHz).
- Up/Down Arrows (↑↓): Used to increase or decrease the measured frequency or channel number.
- C/N: (Visible on the keypad, used to access C/N test mode).
Screen Display:
The LCD screen displays various parameters depending on the selected mode:
- Battery Status: An icon indicating the current battery charge.
- Video Carrier: An indicator for the video carrier.
- QAM: An indicator for QAM modulation.
- Level: The measured signal level in dBµV.
- Channel Number: The currently selected channel.
- Frequency: The measured frequency in MHz.
- Unit: Displays V/A, TILT, or C/N depending on the mode.
- Secondary Channel Number: In certain modes, a secondary channel number or frequency may be displayed.
Operational Flow Examples:
Initialization Process:
If the meter hangs up or displays abnormally, it can be initialized by:
- Pressing and holding the TILT button and the ↑ button simultaneously.
- While holding these, press the power key to power on the meter.
- Release the power button first, then release the TILT and ↑ buttons.
This process clears the memory, and the meter will start normally.
Maintenance Features
Battery and Charging:
- The device has a built-in 3.6V/2.1AH Ni-MH battery.
- Initial Charge: The battery must be charged for more than 10 hours before its first use.
- Charger: Only use the adapter supplied with the unit. Using any other adapter could damage the unit.
- Charging Time: A full charge takes 10-12 hours (with the meter powered off).
- Low Battery Indicator: When the battery voltage drops below 3.2V, a battery indicator will display on the screen, prompting the user to charge the device.
- Automatic Shut-off (Low Battery): The meter will automatically shut off and cannot be powered on if the battery voltage is lower than 3.1V, to protect the battery from damage.
- Battery Life Extension: To extend battery life, it is recommended to charge and discharge the battery every 3 months.
- Working Time: The meter can continuously work for over 6 hours (with audio and LCD backlight shut off).
General Maintenance:
- Electromagnetic Fields: The accuracy of the device may be affected when used in strong electromagnetic fields.
- Automatic Shut-off (Inactivity): The unit will auto shut off if there is no keypad activity for 3 minutes or if the remaining battery power allows for less than 30 seconds of working time.
- RF Input Voltage: The maximum voltage for the "RF INPUT" is 100V. Exceeding this voltage can damage the meter.
- Backlight: The LCD backlight is disabled upon powering on. It activates when any key (excluding the power key) is pressed and automatically shuts off after 20 seconds to prolong working time.
Warranty:
The instrument is guaranteed for 1 year, excluding the battery.