Fluke TS 100 PRO - User Manual

The Fluke Networks TS®100 PRO Cable Fault Finder is a portable, handheld Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) device designed for installers, repair technicians, and other authorized personnel. Its primary functions include detecting bridge taps, locating problems on installed copper cable pairs, and managing cable inventory. This enhanced version of the TS100 PRO is specifically engineered to help technicians qualify, troubleshoot, and repair copper facilities that support high-speed VDSL services.

Function Description

The TS100 PRO operates by sending a pulse down a pair of wires and measuring the reflections that occur due to impedance variations. This allows it to determine the length of the cable and the distance to any faults. The device is capable of detecting various cable issues such as opens, shorts, and bridge taps.

A key feature is its SmartTone™ Positive Identification System, which injects a tone onto the connected pair concurrently with fault locating signals. This tone is compatible with most tone probes and helps in positively identifying the target wire pair, especially in multi-wire environments where tones from nearby wires might be indistinguishable. The tone has five frequency and cadence options, and its characteristics change as the cable condition changes to "normal-open" from any other condition.

The device also includes PowerBT™ bridge tap detection, which is crucial for identifying these common cable faults. When a bridge tap is detected, the display shows the distance to the bridge tap or its length. The Bridge Tap Filter Test Mode allows the tester to ignore the first bridge tap to locate a second one, which is useful in complex cabling scenarios.

The TS100 PRO provides voltage detection, indicating the presence of DC voltage and flashing for AC voltage. It also offers an audible indication for shorted wires and external voltages greater than 90 volts AC or 100 volts DC, enhancing safety during use. The input is protected up to 250 volts against accidental connections to a power source.

For inventory management, the tester can measure the length of wire or cable remaining on spools without needing to unspool or move them. This is valuable for both job-site and warehouse personnel, helping to determine if enough cable is available for a job and preventing unnecessary trips for more supplies.

Usage Features

The TS100 PRO is designed for ease of use with automatic adjustments. It features a bright 0.4-inch LED display that shows test results, including length measurements, distance to faults, and VOP values. The display can provide up to four readings per second.

Modes of Operation:

Normal Test Mode: This is the default mode when the tester is turned on. It provides standard TDR results with a deadzone of zero.
Deadzone Test Mode: This mode ignores the first 50 feet (15 meters) of cabling, allowing technicians to skip expected events like splices or visually apparent events near a terminal or crossbox. If the cable is shorter than 50 feet, the tester will display an error.
Bridge Tap Filter Test Mode: Activated by pressing the down arrow button twice, this mode skips the first bridge tap to locate a second one. The red BT FILTER LED illuminates when this mode is active.
VOP Mode: In this mode, users can quickly change and monitor the Velocity of Propagation (VOP) value the tester uses. This is particularly useful when switching between different cable types or initially characterizing a cable. The display alternates between the measured length and the VOP setting, and the VOP value can be adjusted using the up/down arrow buttons. Bridge tap detection, bridge tap filter, and auto-shutoff features are disabled in this mode.
Setup Mode: This mode allows users to select units of measurement (feet or meters) and reset all parameters to factory defaults. It is accessed by holding down both arrow buttons for 3 seconds while pressing and releasing the ON/AUTOTEST key.

Battery Management: The tester uses four AA batteries (included) and boasts a fifty-hour battery life with an intelligent power-down feature. It automatically turns off after five minutes if not connected to anything, or after one hour if connected to a cable. A low battery indicator (LO batt) alerts the user when the battery voltage falls below 4.5 VDC, although the tester will continue to operate for at least an hour, albeit with potentially less accurate readings.

Connecting to Cables: To test a cable, the test lead clips are attached to a pair of wires at one end of the cable. The tester shows the distance to the nearest fault it finds. It is crucial to use only test leads supplied with the tester or approved by Fluke Networks to ensure reliable results. When testing telephone cables, the tester should only be connected to non-working circuits to avoid causing service outages on active XDSL or T1 circuits.

Multi-Wire Environment Testing: In multi-wire cables (e.g., 4-wire telephone, 8-wire CAT-5, 12-2 AC wire), a short could exist between any number of conductors, including a shield or conduit. To fully test, each wire should be checked against every other wire, including shields and conduits. While connecting all conductors to one clip lead and the shield to the other is a quick method, it can reduce cable impedance and lead to measurements below the tester's range; individual wire testing is more reliable.

Conduit Testing: The TS100 PRO can test both wire pairs and single wires within a conduit. For a wire pair, if one wire separates from the other by at least 1 foot (30 cm), the tester indicates an open at that separation point. For a single wire, by clipping one test lead to the wire and the other to the conduit, the tester shows the length up to a fault or to the point where the wire separates from the conduit by at least 1 foot (30 cm).

Maintenance Features

The TS100 PRO is designed with durability in mind. Its components are protected against damage from moisture, and it features a high-strength plastic (ABS) housing.

Battery Installation and Replacement: The battery compartment is located on the back of the tester. To install or replace batteries, a number 2 Phillips screwdriver is used to loosen the screw on the battery door. The screw does not come out of the door. Users must ensure correct battery polarity as shown at the bottom of the compartment. To extend battery life, batteries should be removed if the tester will not be used for a long period.

Cleaning: For cleaning the display, lens cleaner and a soft, lint-free cloth are recommended. The case can be cleaned with a soft cloth moistened with water and a weak soap. Petroleum-based or chlorinated cleaning agents, such as CRC Cable Clean®, should not be used as they can damage the tester.

Troubleshooting:

Self-Test Failure: If the display remains at "8888" after power-on, the self-test has failed. This could indicate weak batteries or moisture inside the tester. Users should try changing batteries or drying the tester.
No Key Response: If the tester does not respond to key presses, batteries might be dead, incorrectly inserted, or contacts could be dirty/broken. Users should ensure nothing is connected to the input connector before opening the battery door, then check battery installation and contacts for damage or dirt, observing correct polarity.
Inaccurate Length Readings: If the tester reads less than 10 feet (3 meters) regardless of cable length, the connection to the cable might be broken. Users should check connections for dirt or insulation and test the clip leads by shorting them and listening for the beeper. The BNC connector should also be visually inspected for damage. Inaccurate length readings can also be due to an incorrect VOP setting; adjusting the VOP according to the cable type can improve accuracy.
Moisture Exposure: If the tester gets wet, moisture will not harm the device itself, but it can create a leakage path for hazardous voltages. If moisture gets inside, the tester should be allowed to dry at normal room temperature for 24 hours.

Safety Precautions:

Users should always read the safety information and instructions in the manual before using the tester.
The tester should not be connected directly to a mains electrical supply or power sources. If the VOLTAGE LED is on, the tester must be immediately disconnected from the cable.
Avoid testing cables with hazardous voltages present. If high AC or DC voltages are indicated, disconnect immediately.
Do not touch voltages greater than 30 volts AC RMS, 42 volts AC peak, or 60 volts DC.
The tester should not be used in explosive gas/vapor environments or damp/wet conditions.
To prevent damage from static discharge, test leads should remain connected to the BNC connector, and the BNC connector should not be touched by hand.
The tester should not be used if it is damaged (e.g., cracks, missing plastic, damaged insulation). If damaged, the battery should be removed, and the tester should not be used.
The case should not be opened, as this can damage internal circuits and voids the warranty. Repairs should only be performed by Fluke Networks approved service centers.
Only four AA batteries should be used and correctly installed. The tester should not be used without the battery door installed.
Batteries contain hazardous chemicals; if they touch skin, the area should be immediately cleaned with water, and medical aid sought.

Fluke TS 100 PRO Specifications

General

Type	Cable Tester
Power Supply	9V alkaline battery
Continuity Testing	Yes
Warranty	1 year
Supported Cables	Twisted pair, coaxial, and telephone cables
Display	LCD
Test Types	Wiremap
Battery Life	Approximately 50 hours
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 50 °C
Storage Temperature	-20 °C to 60 °C
Tone Generator Frequency	1 kHz