Minimax Manual
Minimax Manual
Minimax Manual
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75 West Forest Avenue
Englewood, NJ 07631
USA
800-569-6299
tel: 201-569-3323
fax: 201-569-6285
www.sadelco.com
e-mail: sadelco@aol.com
Manual Part No. ST1003A
rev. 08/03/01
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KEYPAD SUMMARY AND SETUPS
INTRODUCTION
SPECIFICATIONS
INITIAL STARTUP
AUTO-CALIBRATION
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13
HUM MEASUREMENT
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FAVORITE CHANNELS
General Information
Programming Favorite Channels and Frequencies
Erasing Favorite Channels
Recalling Favorite Channels
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ERROR CODES
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WARRANTY POLICY
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Tune a Channel Number
Tune a Frequency
Beep ON/OFF
(Minimax-M Only)
Select dBmV or dBuV
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The Minimax and Minimax-M hand-held meters incorporate state of the art technology
to make signal level measurement faster and easier than ever before. Auto-calibration,
using a built-in white noise source, corrects every measurement for frequency response,
attenuator setting, and temperature. Keypad tuning, an autoranging attenuator and digital readouts allow novice users to take accurate, foolproof readings with minimal training.
The full keypad provides instant access to all channels and frequencies. Dedicated keys
for all functions eliminate the need to look up hidden commands or menus. Advanced
features include C/N, Hum, Favorite Channel Programming, and Picture-Audio.
Minimax-M Models have been tailored for the MMDS installer. An extra battery provides
switchable 18 V power at the F connector for powering the downconverter and a
microammmeter makes antenna alignment easy. A special channel plan designed for
MMDS is standard on these models.
All models are programmed with the most commonly used channel plans. Additional
standard and custom plans are also available.
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FREQUENCY RANGE
MINIMAX 600 & M600
MINIMAX 800 & M800
47 - 600 MHz
5 - 872 MHz
TUNING INCREMENTS:
Frequency Mode: 125 KHz
Channel Mode: 6, 7, or 8 MHz
FREQUENCY ACCURACY:
+/- 20 KHz
IF BANDWIDTH:
40 dB or better
FM SELECTIVITY:
Will distinguish 2 FM signals of similar amplitude 300 KHz apart
MEASUREMENT RANGE:
MINIMAX Models:
MINIMAX-M Models:
AUTO-CALIBRATION:
Each measurement computer corrected for level, attenuator setting and temperature.
Internal Calibrator: +/- 0.25 dB, 4.5 - 872 MHz White Noise Source
AUTORANGING ATTENUATOR:
Range: MINIMAX: 40 dB, MINIMAX-M: 20 dB
Input: 75 ohm, user replaceable F81 connector
BNC available by special order
DISPLAY:
All Models
Digital LCD: Indicates channel, frequency, and signal level in dBmV (switchable to
dBuV)
8.5L x 4 W x 2.5 D, 21 cm x 10 cm x 6 cm
8.5L x 4 W x 3.0 D, 21 cm x 10 cm x 7.6 cm
lbs, 1.4 Kg, including case and batteries
lbs, 2.0 Kg, including case and batteries
ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED:
MINIMAX Models:
Water resistant cordura nylon case
AC 110 V Charger/Adaptor
Nicad Batteries
Operators Manual
Part
Part
Part
Part
No. CASE002
No. T60
No. BAT02/BAT03
No. ST1003A
MINIMAX-M Models:
Water resistant cordura nylon case
AC 110 V Charger/Adaptor
Nicad Batteries
Operators Manual
Part
Part
Part
Part
No. CASE003
No. T60
No. BAT05
No. ST1003A
OPTIONS:
Model SH2
Model T60E
Strand Hook
220 V Charger/Adaptor
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Unpack and inspect the instrument for any visible defects or damage. Claims for shipping damage must be made by the receiver. Make sure to save all packaging materials.
Press and hold ON/OFF key. Make sure to hold the ON/OFF key for one second
to allow the meter to lock on.
The LCD Window will briefly display the software rev and then PASS. The meter will perform an Autocalibration and tune to the last channel or frequency tuned before it was
shut off.
To adjust volume, Press VOL, UP or DOWN, ESC/CLR.
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MINIMAX models are powered by 15 AA high energy nicad batteries. The 15 cells are
split into one pack of 7 and one pack of 8. MINIMAX-M models are powered by 15 SubC high energy nicad batteries (1 pack). The batteries in your new meter may not be fully
charged when you receive it.
Check the battery voltage before using your meter and recharge if necessary.
Charge time is aproximately 14 hours.
Use only the proper Sadelco Charger:
AC Charger: T60 for 110V
T60E for 220V
The operating voltage range is approximately 20 Volts to 15 Volts. At 17 Volts, the meter
will beep and begin flashing a Lo Bat warning. Under average operating conditions, you
will have about 30 minutes left for both models. When the charger is plugged in, the display will show 24 V.
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USING THE ELAPSED TIME INDICATOR
To help maximize battery power, we have included an elapsed time indicator which
appears on the right side of the LCD whenever battery voltage is displayed.
After fully charging the meter, reset the timer to zero by pressing: decimal point, BAT.
Now, whenever the meter is used, the operating time is accumulated.
After every 30 minutes of elapsed time, the meter will beep and display the total elapsed
time and the battery voltage for 4 seconds.
AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF
To increase the effective battery life, all Minimax and Minimax-M models are equipped
with an automatic shutoff circuit. It is factory set at 5 minutes. Any keypad entry during
the 5 minutes resets the clock. To turn the meter on after an auto shutoff, press and hold
the ON/OFF key.
To deactivate the auto shutoff:
To change setting to 10 minutes:
To return to 5 minutes:
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Using Sadelcos patented white noise calibration technology in conjunction with stored
correction tables, auto-calibrations are performed every two minutes of operation.
Auto-calibrations are also performed:
when
when
when
when
You may notice a momentary delay and hear the clicking of the attenuator during an
Auto-calibration. The display is frozen during this time.
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GENERAL PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
AUTORANGING ATTENUATOR
The autoranging attenuator eliminates the need to manually switch pads in or out to
bring the signal level in range. You will hear some clicking as the relays are switched in
and out. If the RF signal is above or below the meters range, the LCD will indicate this
by flashing Or (Over Range) or Ur (Under Range). On MINIMAX-M Models, the
microammeter will automatically change ranges as necessary. LEDs indicate the proper scale to read. If the RF signal is above or below the meters range, the microammeter will peg right or left respectively.
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AUTOMATIC PA CALCULATION
To automatically toggle between Picture and Audio carriers of the same channel and calculate the (difference) between them:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Note: the PA function can not be activated in the digital channel mode.
TUNING BY FREQUENCY
1. Enter the desired frequency number including a decimal point.
2. Press CH/FRQ.
The meter will tune and display frequencies in 125 KHz steps. If the entered frequency
does not fall on one of the 125 KHz steps, the meter will tune to and display the closest
step. Offsets up to +/-40 KHz are read with negligible error.
You must enter a decimal point even for frequencies that are whole numbers such as
54.00 MHz. The decimal point tells the meter to tune to a frequency instead of a channel. You do not have to enter zeros after the decimal point.
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Channel No.
Channel 14
Channel 14
Channel 24
Channel 24
Keypad Entry
14
914
24
924
Frequency
123.25 MHz
471.25 MHz
223.25 MHz
531.25 MHz
Keypad Entry
707
7
713
13
Frequency
7.00 MHz
175.25 MHz
43.00 MHz
211.25 MHz
Channel No.
Channel 7
Channel 7
Channel 13
Channel 13
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All MINIMAX-M models come equipped with an extra large built-in battery that provides
a switchable 18V DC power supply out of the F connector.
This feature is used to power MMDS antenna mounted downconverters during installation. Do not activate this feature when connected to a CATV or MATV system.
To activate, Press the DOWN/CONV key. PWR OUT LED lights, 18V is present at the F
connector.
To deactivate, Press the DOWN/CONV key again
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On MINIMAX-M models, the HUM function shares a key with the BAT check. This
requires the operator to hold the key down for 3 seconds to activate HUM. During this
3 seconds, the battery condition is displayed. On the MINIMAX models, the HUM key is
separate so it needs only to be pressed to activate HUM.
Measurement of HUM (low frequency disturbance) can be made on any active audio carrier or unmodulated CW signal. A minimum signal level of -20 dBmV for the Minimax and
-11 dBmV for the Minimax-M is required for Hum measurement.
To measure HUM:
1. Tune to the Picture or Audio carrier of the channel you wish to measure or tune to
the frequency of the CW signal.
2. Press HUM (Hold for 3 seconds on MINIMAX-M models).
3. HUM will be displayed in %. (If Hum is >6%, the display will flash 6%).
4. Press ESC/CLR to return to signal level measurement mode.
Note: If you tune to a picture carrier using a channel number, the meter automatically
switches to the corresponding audio carrier before making the HUM measurement. If
you tune to a picture carrier using a frequency number, the meter remains at that frequency and attempts to measure HUM. This feature allows HUM measurement of a CW
signal at any frequency but will give incorrect HUM measurements if the entered frequency is an active picture carrier.
Note: Hum cannot be activated in the digital channel measurement mode.
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Noise measurements on active cable systems are effected by many factors such as carrier sidebands, harmonic products, and spurious beats.
Ideal measurements are made by using a band pass filter to isolate the channel being
tested and by shutting off the carrier before making the noise measurement. Refer to the
NCTA recommended practices for guidelines on making the best measurements under
various conditions.
Use of a low noise preamplifier is recommended when signal levels are below +20
dBmV.
Method One
This is the preferred method when conditions permit.
1. Connect a band pass filter between the test point and the meter.
2. Tune to the desired picture carrier using channel number or frequency.
3. Press the C/N key. The meter stores the carrier level.
4. If you tuned using a channel number the meter will switch to the corresponding frequency and begin to flash. If you tuned using a frequency, the meter will remain in
the frequency mode and begin to flash.
5. Shut off the carrier.
6. Press the ENT key. The meter reads the noise level, adds a correction factor, calculates and displays the C/N ratio.
7. Press ESC/CLR to return to the signal level mode.
Method Two
If you cannot turn off the carrier.
1. Connect a band pass filter between the test point and the meter.
2. Tune to the desired picture carrier using channel number or frequency.
3. Press the C/N key. The meter stores the carrier level.
4. If you tuned using a channel number the meter will switch to the corresponding frequency and begin to flash. If you tuned using a frequency, the meter will remain in
the frequency mode and begin to flash.
5. Use the UP/DOWN keys or number keys and CHN/FRQ to search for the lowest
noise level near the channel. This is often 1.5 MHz below the carrier but will
depend on the shape of your filter.
6. When you have found the lowest noise reading, press ENT. The meter reads the
noise level, adds a correction factor, calculates and displays the C/N ratio.
7. Press ESC/CLR to return to the signal level mode.
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Method Three
When you cannot shut off the carrier and you do not have a band pass filter.
1. Locate a channel that does not have another channel below it, or where there is a
band guard. Tune to the picture carrier of that channel using channel number or
frequency.
2. Press the C/N key. The meter stores the carrier level.
3. If you tuned using a channel number the meter will switch to the corresponding frequency and begin to flash. If you tuned using a frequency, the meter will remain in
the frequency mode and begin to flash.
4. Use the UP/DOWN keys or number keys and CHN/FRQ to search for the lowest
noise level near the channel. This is often 1.5 MHz below the carrier.
5. When you have found the lowest noise reading, press ENT. The meter reads the
noise level, adds a correction factor, calculates and displays the C/N ratio.
6. Press ESC/CLR to return to the signal level mode.
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This Minimax is equipped with a digital channel measurement facility. It is activated by a
quick press of the CN/DIG key.
Note: If this key is held down, the Carrier to Noise function will be activated. To exit the
Carrier to Noise function, press ESC/CLR.
To Measure a Digital Channel: From any channel, Press (do not hold) CN/DIG.
The display will flash digtL on, then di followed by the channel number and the signal
level.
During digital channel measurements, the LCD readout is automatically corrected to
show the average power level of a 6 MHz digital channel.
The microammeter (Minimax-M models only) is not corrected during digital channel
reading and thus shows a lower, incorrect level. Use the microammeter only for peaking during digital channel reading.
The Minimax remains in the Digital Mode until the CN/DIG key is pressed again.
Once in the Digital Mode:
- Tune other digital channels using either the UP/DOWN or number keys followed by
CH.
- All Favorite Channels are measured as digital even if they were programmed in the
analog mode.
- The PA and HUM functions cannot be activated.
- The Minimax remains in the digital mode after shutoff and restart.
To return to normal analog channel reading: Press (do not hold) CN/DIG.
The display will flash digtl OFF
Note: To activate Carrier to Noise measurement, Press and Hold the CN/DIG key.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
The MINIMAX can store up to 9 favorite channels in each channel plan. You may store
channel numbers and/or frequencies in any order and combination.
Favorite channels can be programmed in the normal analog channel mode or digital
channel measurement mode. Favorite channels are measured as either digital, if in the
digital mode, or analog, if in the normal analog mode.
To enter the Favorite Channel Mode, you must first program one or more favorite channels, and then recall one of them.
Once in the Favorite Channel Mode, pressing the UP/DOWN keys will switch in the next
programmed favorite channel. Any unprogrammed slots will be skipped and the unit will
loop from the highest to the lowest slot.
You can perform the C/N, Hum, CH/FRQ, and PA functions using your favorite channels. You can also change the Optional User Settings for the Auto shutoff, Volume, Beep
ON/OFF, and dBmV - dBuV in the Favorite Channel Mode.
To exit the Favorite Channel Mode, press ESC, tune a channel using a valid channel
number followed by CH/FRQ, or select a new channel plan.
Note: When in the digital channel measurement mode all favorite channels are measured as digital even if they were programmed in the normal analog mode.
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1. F---Err
This code appears if the user tries to recall a Favorite Channel Number which has
not been programmed. Meter defaults to previously tuned channel.
2. Error Chn
This code appears if the user tries to switch to Channel from a Frequency which
has no associated channel. Meter defaults to previously tuned Frequency.
3. Error tbl
This code appears if the meter cannot access the previously selected channel
table. Minimax will default to Table 1-EIA. Minimax-M will default to Table 5 dS1.
User must reselect desired channel plan if other than default plan.
4. Ur - Under Range
This code appears if the signal level is too low (or nonexistent) to measure.
5. Or - Over Range
This code appears if the signal level is too high to measure. An external attenuator pad can be used to bring the signal level into range.
6. Error -Hu
This code appears if the signal level is too low (below -20 dBmV for Minimax and
below -11 dBmV for Minimax-M) to measure hum.
7. Error +Hu
This code appears if the signal level is too high (above +50 dBmV for Minimax and
above +40 dBmV for Minimax-M) to measure hum.
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Sadelco warrants all instruments against defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve months after shipment. Sadelco will repair or replace any assembly or component (except batteries) found to be defective under normal use during this period.
Sadelcos obligation under this warranty is limited solely to repairing any such instrument
which, in Sadelcos opinion, proves to be defective within the scope of the warranty when
returned to the factory. Transportation to the factory is to be prepaid by the purchaser.
Return transportation via UPS surface will be provided by Sadelco. Should the customer
request an alternate shipping method, the customer will be solely responsible for any
charges in excess of UPS surface rates.
This warranty does not apply to any products repaired or altered by any persons not
authorized by Sadelco, or not in accordance with instructions furnished by Sadelco. If
the instrument is defective as a result of misuse, improper repair, or abnormal conditions
of operation, the warranty will become void. In doubtful cases we will contact the purchaser for repair authorization. Please notify us if an estimate is required.
Sadelco assumes no responsibility for its products being used in a hazardous manner
either alone or in conjunction with other equipment. Sadelco assumes no liability for
secondary damages and, in any event, Sadelcos liability for breach of warranty under
any contract or otherwise shall not exceed the purchase price of the specific product
shipped and against which a claim is made.
An RMA number is not required to return either warranty or repair units to Sadelco.
However, Sadelco assumes no liability for any product in transit to Sadelco. Please
make sure to include a description of the problem or symptom along with your complete
company name, address, telephone, fax, and contact person.
For Warranty or Repair service return to:
Sadelco, Inc.
Service Department
75 West Forest Avenue
Englewood, NJ 07631
USA
Tel: 800-569-6299 (USA only)
Tel: 201-569-3323
Fax: 201-569-6285
www.sadelco.com
e-mail: sadelco@aol.com
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Listed below are the standard channel plans for various MINIMAX and MINIMAX-M
models. Not all models contain all plans. Models with limited frequency ranges contain
only the appropriate portions of the plans.
Since some plans have more than one channel with the same channel number, the first
column lists the keypad entry for direct access to a channel and the second column lists
the channel number as it is displayed on the LCD.
Additional standard and custom channel plans are available from the factory.
Plan 1 - EIA (NTSC, NCTA)
Standard USA cable channel plan
Plan 2 - HRC
Picture and audio carriers are offset 1.25 MHz lower than EIA Plan 1.
Exception Channels 5 & 6 which are 0.75 MHz higher. Channel 1 added.
Plan 3 - IRC
Same as EIA Plan 1 except channels 5 & 6 which are offset 2 MHz higher.
Channel 1 added.
Plan 4 - AIR
Standard USA over the air VHF & UHF channels
Plan 5 - MMDS1 (display indicates DS1)
Standard USA over the air VHF & UHF, MMDS channels 24 - 54 (A1 - G4), MDS1 channel 14, and MDS2 channel 99.
Plan 6 - Custom
Plan 7 - Custom
Plan 8 - Custom
Plan 9 - Custom
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