Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual
ST-101 Signal Transmitter
Fault Location Transmitter
User Manual
Version 1.0.2
Allied Analogic. Inc.
132 Redtail Ct.
Weatherford, TX 76088
(817) 599-0272
© 2017, AALogic Inc., All rights reserved
Version 1.0.2
i
Table of Contents
1
General Description .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.1
Features ........................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2
How Fault Locating Works ............................................................................................................ 1
2
What is included ................................................................................................................................... 1
3
Front Panel ............................................................................................................................................ 2
4
Display ................................................................................................................................................... 3
5
Before First Use ..................................................................................................................................... 3
5.1
Battery Charging ........................................................................................................................... 3
5.2
Configuration Options ................................................................................................................... 4
5.2.1
Display Setup
–
Contrast and Backlite .................................................................................. 4
5.2.2
Tone Configurations .............................................................................................................. 4
6
Setup ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
6.1
Safety ............................................................................................................................................ 4
6.2
Fault Pre-Testing ........................................................................................................................... 4
6.3
Sectioning ...................................................................................................................................... 5
6.4
Connections .................................................................................................................................. 5
6.5
Split Faults ..................................................................................................................................... 5
7
Transmitting Signals .............................................................................................................................. 6
7.1
Frequency selection ...................................................................................................................... 6
7.2
AUTO-SET ...................................................................................................................................... 7
7.3
Manual Transmitting ..................................................................................................................... 7
7.4
Output Errors ................................................................................................................................ 8
7.4.1
Low Current
–
High Resistance or Open ............................................................................... 8
7.4.2
High Current
–
Short, Cross, or Ground ................................................................................ 9
7.4.3
AUTO-SET High Current Error ............................................................................................... 9
8
Specifications: ..................................................................................................................................... 11
9
ST-101 Quick Reference ...................................................................................................................... 13
9.1
Setup ........................................................................................................................................... 13
9.2
AUTO-SET .................................................................................................................................... 13
9.3
Manual Mode .............................................................................................................................. 13
Version 1.0.2
1
1
G
ENERAL
D
ESCRIPTION
The ST-101 Signal Transmitter is a signal transmitter used to transmit signals on twisted pair telephone lines for
locating resistive faults when used with a receiver such as the AALogic SR-101.
1.1
F
EATURES
The features of the ST-101 Signal Transmitter include:
Five frequencies: 335Hz, 577Hz, 987Hz, 2KHz, and 4KHz.
Simple user interface and operation.
Rechargeable internal battery
Water resistant, lockable case
1.2
H
OW
F
AULT
L
OCATING
W
ORKS
The ST-101 helps locate faults by transmitting a signal on a pair with a resistive fault. The technician uses a
signal receiver, such as the AALogic SR-101, to trace the signal on the cable. The current flowing in the
pair causes the signal to be radiated. The highly sensitive receiver, tuned to the same frequency as the
transmitted signal, allows the technician to locate the fault by observing the changes in the signal
strength. The signal significantly increases or decreases as the technician moves past the fault.
The ST-101 offers a high voltage, low current signal that is compatible with receivers capable of
monitoring one of the five signal frequencies.
This manual describes the setup of the transmitter for the various faults to be located. It is important that
the technician setup the system as described to obtain reliable results. In all cases, a complete circuit,
through the fault, is required.
The receiver operating instructions must also be used for effective location of faults.
2
W
HAT IS INCLUDED
The ST-101 includes the following:
ST-101 Signal Transmitter
Test cord with clips
Charger
USB Drive with manual
2
Version 1.0.2
3
F
RONT
P
ANEL
The ST-101 main display is shown in the following picture.
The
PWR/CLR
on the lower left is used to Exit any screen or to turn the unit off.
Keys
F1
,
F2
, and
F3
are screen dependent.
o
The
F1 START
key starts sending a signal at the currently set frequency.
o
The
AUTO-SET
key initiates an automatic setup feature. The ST-101 will scan the pair and
attempt to determine an optimum frequency and initial power
LEVEL
.
The
FREQ
key allows for frequency selection.
The
LEVEL
key is used to adjust the power output
LEVEL
when transmitting the signal.
The
CFG
key allows the user to set the
CONTRAST
,
BACKLITE
, and
TONE
mode options.
The Charger jack (12V) is used to charge the internal battery. Only use the supplied charger to
charge the ST-101 to avoid damage to the unit.
The CHGR lights above the display has a red light when the charger is connected. A green light is on
when the battery is charging.
The pair cord plugs in on the right side of the case as indicated on the front panel.
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3
4
D
ISPLAY
The Main screen is shown in the following picture.
From this screen, the
F1
key is labelled
START
. This begins the transmitting operation using the current
frequency shown on the screen and automatically adjusts the power output. The
F2
is not used from the Main
screen. The
F3
key is labelled
AUTO-SET
and begins the transmitting operation and automatically adjusts the
frequency and the power output.
The display is backlight and contrast adjustable by pressing the
CFG
key.
A battery charge indicator is in the top left corner. Always check this before use. If only one segment is shown,
charge the unit as soon as practical.
5
B
EFORE
F
IRST
U
SE
5.1
B
ATTERY
C
HARGING
The ST-101 should be charged before the first use. Use only the supplied power supply with the ST-101.
AALogic recommends charging a minimum of four hours before the first use. In normal operation, the ST-
101 should be fully charged after two to three hours depending on the current charge level.
Battery Charge
Indicator
Currently Selected
Frequency
4
Version 1.0.2
5.2
C
ONFIGURATION
O
PTIONS
This section describes the configuration options for the ST-101.
5.2.1
Display Setup
–
Contrast and Backlite
Press the
CFG
key to adjust the display for personal preferences. The Contrast and Backlite
LEVEL
s can
both be adjusted. It may be easier to increase the Backlite to a comfortable
LEVEL
first and then adjust
the Contrast.
5.2.2
Tone Configurations
The ST-101 has two tone modes, SOLID and Pulsed, selected from the
CFG
screen. The SOLID tone should
be used in most cases. The pulsed mode provides an ON/OFF/ON tone that may be useful when more
than one cable appears to have tone. The SOLID mode may be easier to use once the proper cable has
been identified. Some receivers may not display the pulsed tone as well when locating a fault.
6
S
ETUP
The ST-101 is designed to simplify setup. The directions provided with the receiver should be reviewed to
ensure the best success in locating the fault.
6.1
S
AFETY
All prescribed safety precautions and procedures must be observed while using the ST-101. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or
death.
Caution should be used when foreign voltage is detected on a pair. The voltage may be a power source capable
of injury to technicians and possible damage to equipment. Foreign voltage should be removed prior to locating
for best results
.
6.2
F
AULT
P
RE
-T
ESTING
The technician must identify the type of fault before attempting location. The ST-101 connection and receiver
indication vary depending on the type of fault. Pair test equipment, such as the AALogic D-105, ATV-25, or
similar test sets, may be used to identify the type of fault on the pair.
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5
The approximate location of the Fault should also be estimated by the pair test equipment. The estimate and
the cable documentation are useful in sectioning the cable for Fault location. The physical location and the
location provided by electrical measurements may not agree.
6.3
S
ECTIONING
The fault should be isolated to as small a cable section as practical prior to attempting fault location. This will
improve the reliability of the fault indications and reduce the time needed to locate the fault. Existing practice
should be followed for sectioning.
The faulted pair being located should be isolated from the CO and any terminating (premise) equipment during
the location.
6.4
C
ONNECTIONS
The ST-101 includes a cord with pair clips. This cord is plugged into the jack on the right side. Only the pair cord
supplied with the ST-101 should be used.
Fault location depends on current flow. The black and red clips must be connected to each side of a resistive
fault as follows:
Fault
Description
Connections
Short
Tip connected to Ring
Black to Tip and Red to Ring
Ground
Tip or Ring connected shield
Black to sheath and Red to grounded wire
Cross
Tip or Ring of one pair is connected to the Tip or
Ring of another pair
Black to one of the crossed wires and Red to the
other crossed wire.
Split
Tip or Ring of one pair is split with the Tip or Ring
of another pair
Black to Tip of one of the split pairs and Red to
the Ring of the same pair. See 6.5 below.
6.5
S
PLIT
F
AULTS
During identification of the split, the technician must identify the two pairs involved in the split and if the tips or
rings are split. The diagram below shows a split and how to place temporary short at the end of the section.
Locating a Split
TIP
RING
R
T
TIP
RING
R
T
TIP
RING
R
T
TIP
RING
R
T
Pair 1
Pair 2
TIP
RING
R
T
TIP
RING
R
T
Pair 1
Pair 2
Temporary
Short
Locating a Split
TIP
RING
R
T
TIP
RING
R
T
Pair 1
Pair 2
Temporary
Short
Locating a Split
TIP
RING
R
T
TIP
RING
R
T
TIP
RING
R
T
TIP
RING
R
T
Pair 1
Pair 2
TIP
RING
R
T
TIP
RING
R
T
Pair 1
Pair 2
Temporary
Short
Locating a Split
TIP
RING
R
T
TIP
RING
R
T
Pair 1
Pair 2
Temporary
Short
6
Version 1.0.2
7
T
RANSMITTING
S
IGNALS
The ST-101 allows the technician to preselect a frequency to transmit by pressing the
FREQ
key. A suggested
cable length is displayed for each frequency. Higher or lower frequencies may work better than the suggested
frequency in some cases.
7.1
F
REQUENCY SELECTION
Pressing the
FREQ
key allows the user to select a specific frequency. The ST-101 displays the
recommended distance for each frequency. The table below shows the recommendations and notes.
Section Length
Frequency
Note
100 to 2000 feet
4 KHz
Higher frequencies may be
detected past the Fault in some
cases.
1-3 kFt
2 KHz
2-5 kFt
987 Hz
Some pair identification probes are
compatible with this frequency.
3-6 kFt
577 Hz
This tone is compatible with
standard tone probes for pair
identification.
Version 1.0.2
7
Section Length
Frequency
Note
4-10 kFt
335 Hz
Additional fault isolation is
recommended if the section is
greater than 10 kFt. Set the
FREQ
to
335 Hz If the section is longer than
10 kFt,
7.2
AUTO-SET
The preferred and easiest way to start the ST-101 is using the
F3
AUTO-SET
from the Main screen. The ST-
101 will scan the connection and set the initial frequency and PWR LEVEL. The frequency and PWR LEVEL
can then be adjusted if desired.
1.
From the Main screen, press
F3
AUTO-SET
.
2.
The ST-101 prompts to connect the output.
3.
Connect the clips as described in 6.4 above and press
F1
START
.
The ST-101 determines the initial frequency and PWR LEVEL for the current connection.
4.
The ST-
101 displays, “Set SR
-
101 Freq XXX”. This is the initial frequency as determin
ed by the ST-
101. Set the SR-101, or other receiver, to this frequency and press
F1
OK
.
5.
The ST-101 starts transmitting the signal at the frequency and power level determined by the
scan. Follow the instructions for the receiver to ensure the signal is detected by monitoring the
cable.
6.
The frequency can be changed by pressing the
FREQ
key or the power level by pressing the
LEVEL
key as needed. Always ensure the ST-101 and receiver are using the same frequency.
7.
Press
F1 STOP
to temporarily stop transmitting but remain in the Transmit mode. Pressing
F1
START
from the stop screen will resume transmitting.
8.
Press
CLR
to stop transmitting and return to the main screen.
7.3
M
ANUAL
T
RANSMITTING
Use these instructions to transmit a signal at a pre-set frequency.
1.
From the Main screen, press
FREQ
. If the desired frequency is displayed on the main screen, this
step may be skipped.
a.
Use
F1
,
F2
, and
F3
to select and set the desired frequency.
2.
Press
F1 START
3.
The ST-101 prompts to connect the output and press
F1
START.
The ST-101 uses the selected frequency and gradually increases the power level to obtain a
recommended initial
PWR LEVEL
. This level should be sufficient in most cases. The frequency and
gain on the receiver must be adjusted using directions provided with the receiver.
The power LEVEL can be adjusted by the user by pressing the
LEVEL
key from the Transmit screen.
The level may be adjusted up or down, as needed, within the range of 1 to 10.
NOTE: The ST-101 will not transmit signals at power LEVELs that may damage internal circuits.
8
Version 1.0.2
4.
Press
F1 STOP
to temporarily stop transmitting but remain in the Transmit mode. Pressing
F1
START
from the stop screen will resume transmitting.
5.
Press
CLR
to stop transmitting and return to the main screen.
7.4
O
UTPUT
E
RRORS
This sections describe the transmitter operation when the clips have excessively high or low resistances
connected to the pair clips.
7.4.1
Low Current
–
High Resistance or Open
Low current occurs when the resistive fault is too high or the clips are connected to an Open. Check the
clip connections when the ST-101 indicates
Hi Resistance Error
. In some cases, a higher frequency may be
used and increase the current.
The following table shows the typical fault resistances that can be located.
Version 1.0.2
9
Typical Resistive Fault Limits, 1000 ohms
Cable Diameter
1
”
2
”
3
”
Short
75K
50K
25K
Ground
100K
75K
75K
Cross
100K
75K
50K
Split
> 1600 ohms
7.4.2
High Current
–
Short, Cross, or Ground
When the current is too high, the ST-101 may stop scanning and display High Resistance Error. Use the
following table to resolve the error.
Procedure
Solution
Check the Clips
Ensure the clips and wire are not shorted.
Measure the fault with a test set
The cable pair maybe shorted at the connection point.
Decrease the frequency
High frequencies require more current on long sections.
7.4.3
AUTO-SET High Current Error
The AUTO-SET function may not be able to determine the correct frequency if the resistive fault is very
low. In these cases, use the manual mode to setup the ST-101 as described in 7.2 above.
Version 1.0.2
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8
S
PECIFICATIONS
:
Display
Transflective Sunlight Readable
Backlight LED
Resolution 128 x 64
Power
Li-ion 6800mAH
Charger
12
Vdc / 2A
Operate Time 8 to 16 hours
Charge Time ~4 Hrs
Temperature
Charge
0 to 45c (32 to 113F)
Operate
-20 to 60c (-4 to 158F)
Storage
-20 to 60c (-4 to 158F)
Fault Limits
Typical Resistive Fault Limits, 1000 ohms
Cable Diameter
1
”
2
”
3
”
Short
75K
50K
25K
Ground
100K
75K
75K
Cross
100K
75K
50K
Split
> 1600 ohms
Fault Limits are shown as a general guideline and may vary due to cable makeup or fault
position within the cable.
All specification are subject to change without notice.
Version 1.0.2
13
9
ST-101
Q
UICK
R
EFERENCE
9.1
S
ETUP
1.
Charge all equipment
2.
Test to determine the type of resistive fault
3.
Estimate the distance to the fault
4.
Section and isolate the section
5.
Estimate the length of the section
6.
Apply a short at the far end if the fault is a split
7.
Use AUTO-SET or Manual mode to start transmitting the signal using the steps below.
9.2
AUTO-SET
1.
Turn on ST-101
2.
Press
F3
AUTO-SET
3.
Connect the clips to the pair(s)
4.
Press
F1
START
5.
Set the receiver to the indicated frequency
6.
Press
F1
OK
7.
Use the receiver to check for tone on the cable, adjust receiver gain
8.
Press
LEVEL
and adjust the power output level if needed
9.
Use the receiver instructions to locate the fault
9.3
M
ANUAL
M
ODE
1.
Turn on ST-101
2.
Press
FREQ
and select frequency using section length information
3.
Set receiver to the selected frequency
4.
Press
F1
START
5.
Connect the clips to the pair(s)
6.
Press
F1
START
7.
Use the receiver to check for tone on the cable, adjust receiver gain
8.
Press
LEVEL
and adjust the power output
LEVEL
if needed
9.
Use the receiver instructions to locate the fault