Coax Clarifier™ Coax Tester
Test, Map, Profile and Qualify "Dark" Coax Cable Networks
Dark unpowered coax systems give no clue as to their design, condition or configuration. The new Coax Clarifier™ Coax Tester by T3 Innovation makes it simple and easy to discern the layout of a coax network, locate faults on individual cable runs, identify remotes through splitters, and determine cable run length. In addition, separate cable mapper sets allow a technician to map out the entire coax system and measure the quality and characterization of the overall network for carrying services, such as high grade video, surveillance data and HD programming.
- Fast testing using multiple coax mapper remote sets
- Quickly discover coax system layout configuration to save time
- All testing in one unit: Discovery, Quality and Condition
- Clear concise measurement display for easy understanding of the capability of each run
Spec Sheet: Coax Clarifier Specification Sheet
User Manual: Coax Clarifier™ User Manual
Coax Clarifier™ Demo Video
FAQ
Q. How does the Coax Clarifier measure Return Loss?
A. The Clarifier injects a common Cable Television frequency and measures the return loss of that frequency.
Q. Does the Coax Clarifier measure bandwidth?
A. No, the Clarifier measures the return loss of the injected signal. This allows the technician to identify unterminated splitters, ports, cables, and impedance issues.
Q: Does the Clarifier work on energized cables?
A: No, the Clarifier is designed to test un-energized cables. Do not connect the Coax Clarifier to energized cables as this will damage the unit.
Q. Why don’t I get a perfect Quality reading?
A: There are many factors that can affect the Return Loss measurement:
- You must use 75Ohm coaxial cable.
- Make sure you are connected to the splitter Input.
- All unused ports and cables must be properly terminated with a 75Ohm terminating resistor.
- The cable you are connected to must be greater than 5ft.
- If measuring the quality signal using the RF remotes, the Clarifier will not provide the most accurate measurement. This is caused by the additional circuitry in the RF remote.
- There may be impedance issues caused by poor quality splitters, poor quality cable, damaged cable, or excessively long cable runs.
Q. What's the difference between the RF remotes and the small ID only remotes?
A. The RF remotes are identified by responding to an RF signal. This allows the remotes to be identified through splitters. The smaller ID only remotes are identified by their resistance values. They are meant to be used on home run cables only.
Q. How do I use the tone features of the Coax Clarifier?
A. The Coax Clarifier has two tone modes. You can select the analog tone and pick up an audible tone using a tone probe. This will allow you to trace the cable or find a cable in a bundle. The RF tone is to be used with an RF loss meter. There are four RF tones to choose from: 10dB, 20dB, 30dB, and 40dB.
Q. How do I calibrate the cable measurement?
A. Press the cable test button to enter the cable test screen. Connect to a known length of cable. Press and hold the cable test button until the Cal and Pf number begins to flash. Press the up and down arrow buttons until the correct length is shown. Press the cable test button again.
Optional Accessories
Product Number | Description |
---|---|
|
Adapter, F-Jack to BNC Jack |
|
Adapter, F–Jack to Push-On Cable |
|
F-Connector Coupler, F81 |
|
F-Terminator Plug |
|
Cable Assembly, Screw-On F-Jack to |
CR001 |
No. 1 Coax RF Remote |
CR002 |
No. 2 Coax RF Remote |
CR003 |
No. 3 Coax RF Remote |
CR004 |
No. 4 Coax RF Remote |
CR005 |
No. 5 Coax RF Remote |
CR006 |
No. 6 Coax RF Remote |
|
Nos. 1 – 4 ID Only Coax Remote Set in Foam Holder |
RK112 |
Nos. 1-12 ID Only Coax Remote Set in Foam Holder (Illustrated) |
|
TrakAll Tone Probe |
Specifications
Physical Dimensions |
Size: 17.3 x 8.0 x 3.3 cm (6.8 x 3.15 x 1.3 inches) Weight: 340 grams (12.0 oz.) With batter |
Power |
4 AA alkaline batteries • Standy: 4 years • Active: 20 hours average |
Operating Environment |
• Operating temperature: 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F) • Storage temperature: -20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F) • Humidity: 10% to 90%, non-condensing • Altitude: 3,050 meters (10,000ft) maximum |
Quality (Return Loss) | 0.0 to 40.0 dB |
ID Only Coax Remotes |
100 ohms maximum DC resistance, center conductor plus shield |
Coax RF Remotes |
17dB maximum attenuation to remote location (splitters, cable, etc.) |
Audio Frequency Tone |
• 1,000 and 600 Hz – 4 patterns (High only, Low only, 2 warble tones) • 3.3Vp-p (pin or shield), 6.6Vp-p (both pin and shield) open circuit |
Radio Frequency Tone | 10, 20, 30 or 40MHz, 1Vrms into 75 ohms |
Battery Low Level | Approximately 4 volts |
Capacitance Length |
• Range – 0 to 1,500 ft (457 meters) min at 15pF/ft length constant • Accuracy – ±5% ±1ft (0.5 m) with correct length constant • Length Constant Range – 10.0 to 40.0 pF/ft (33 to 131pF/meter) |
Compliance | Complies with Conformité Européenne directives. |
Attach the Coax Clarifier™ testing remotes to each cable end to qualify and map your network in seconds.
Maps runs through splitters to show an accurate picture of the coax system layout using up to 6 Coax RF Remotes. Up to 12 ID Only Coax Remotes also
available for wiremapping on home runs.
|
Test, map, display, and qualify coax run quality
- Identifies cable faults
- Displays cable run quality
- Detects Coax RF Remotes through splitters
- Locates splitters in the system
- Tests and grades splitter performance
- Measures cable length up to 1,500 feet
-
Wiremaps up to 12 coax locations
Testing Modes
Coax Run Mapping
Maps runs through splitters to show an accurate picture of the coax system layout using up to 6 Coax RF Remotes. Up to 12 ID Only Coax Remotes are also available for wiremapping on home runs.
Cable Length
Determines cable run length and reports the location of an open or unterminated cable.
Quality of Network
Measures overall network quality and clearly depicts network reading as both a bar graph and a digital return loss number, measured in dB.
Tone Tracing
Traces coax runs with four unique tones to quickly distinguish between respective outlets.
FAQ
Q. How does the Coax Clarifier measure Return Loss?
A. The Clarifier injects a common Cable Television frequency and measures the return loss of that frequency.
Q. Does the Coax Clarifier measure bandwidth?
A. No, the Clarifier measures the return loss of the injected signal. This allows the technician to identify unterminated splitters, ports, cables, and impedance issues.
Q: Does the Clarifier work on energized cables?
A: No, the Clarifier is designed to test un-energized cables. Do not connect the Coax Clarifier to energized cables as this will damage the unit.
Q. Why don’t I get a perfect Quality reading?
A: There are many factors that can affect the Return Loss measurement:
- You must use 75Ohm coaxial cable.
- Make sure you are connected to the splitter Input.
- All unused ports and cables must be properly terminated with a 75Ohm terminating resistor.
- The cable you are connected to must be greater than 5ft.
- If measuring the quality signal using the RF remotes, the Clarifier will not provide the most accurate measurement. This is caused by the additional circuitry in the RF remote.
- There may be impedance issues caused by poor quality splitters, poor quality cable, damaged cable, or excessively long cable runs.
Q. What's the difference between the RF remotes and the small ID only remotes?
A. The RF remotes are identified by responding to an RF signal. This allows the remotes to be identified through splitters. The smaller ID only remotes are identified by their resistance values. They are meant to be used on home run cables only.
Q. How do I use the tone features of the Coax Clarifier?
A. The Coax Clarifier has two tone modes. You can select the analog tone and pick up an audible tone using a tone probe. This will allow you to trace the cable or find a cable in a bundle. The RF tone is to be used with an RF loss meter. There are four RF tones to choose from: 10dB, 20dB, 30dB, and 40dB.
Q. How do I calibrate the cable measurement?
A. Press the cable test button to enter the cable test screen. Connect to a known length of cable. Press and hold the cable test button until the Cal and Pf number begins to flash. Press the up and down arrow buttons until the correct length is shown. Press the cable test button again.
Product Downloads
Spec Sheet: Coax Clarifier Specification Sheet
User Manual: Coax Clarifier™ User Manual
Ordering Information
Product Number | Description | ||
---|---|---|---|
Kits | |||
CC200 |
Coax RF Remote: #1-2 |
||
CC210 |
Coax RF Remote: #1-4 |
||
CC220 |
Coax RF Remote: #1-4 |
||
CC250 |
Coax RF Remote: #1-4 |
||
CC260 |
Coax RF Remote: #1-6 Coax ID Remote Set: #1-12 coax ID includes foam holder Cable Assembly: screw on F jack to push-on F plug cable - 12" F-Connector Coupler: F81 Qty: 7 F Terminator plug Qty:6 Large T3 pouch |
Optional Accessories
Product Number | Description |
---|---|
|
Adapter, F-Jack to BNC Jack |
|
Adapter, F–Jack to Push-On Cable |
|
F-Connector Coupler, F81 |
|
F-Terminator Plug |
|
Cable Assembly, Screw-On F-Jack to |
CR001 |
No. 1 Coax RF Remote |
CR002 |
No. 2 Coax RF Remote |
CR003 |
No. 3 Coax RF Remote |
CR004 |
No. 4 Coax RF Remote |
CR005 |
No. 5 Coax RF Remote |
CR006 |
No. 6 Coax RF Remote |
|
Nos. 1 – 4 ID Only Coax Remote Set in Foam Holder |
RK112 |
Nos. 1-12 ID Only Coax Remote Set in Foam Holder (Illustrated) |
|
TrakAll Tone Probe |