Research, Development and Production

of
Telecommunications Measuring Instruments

Presents
 ACT6000
Advanced Communication
Tester
….what is it? ….what is it useful for ?
● Level Generator Tests and Analysis on lines or any
● Selective Level Meter other communication way
● Spectrum & Network Analyzer ● Attenuation & Frequency response
● Noise, Level, Distortion & Cross-talk
● TDR Faults Locator
● Return-loss & Longitudinal Balance
● Digital Multimeter ● Faults location & Micro-Interruptions
● White Noise Generator ● Noise immunity & Data-rate estimation
Applications for TLC services

Air Traffic - Voice Highway data Railway data Energy transport data
and data comms. communications communications communications (PLC)
 ACT6000
Advanced Communication
Tester

Applications:
- Qualification and troubleshooting of symmetric copper line / channels
- Spectral analysis of base and high band signals (up to 6 or 35 MHz)
- xDSL preconfigured tests (Bit-Rate estimation and PSD included)
Transmissive Metallic Qualification Telephone Signalling
Qualification Faults Finding & Tests and Special
& Diagnosis Faults Location Functions
- Noise - AC and DC Voltage - Telephone Simulation
- Return-Loss - AC and DC Capacitance - Power Spectrum Density
- Long. Balancement - Insulation and Loop Resistance - Noise Immunity
- Cross-Talk - Low Insulation Location - Results and Schreenshot export
- Attenuation - TDR Faults location
- xDSL S/N ratio evaluation - Microinterruptions test
- xDSL Bit-Rate evaluation - Impulsive Noise test
 ACT6000
Advanced Communication
Tester
Base Circuits & Measurements

Level Generator
- Attenuation - Return-Loss
- Cross-Talk Active Bridge - Long. Balance-Loss
- Microinterruptions - TDR Fault Location
- Noise Selective Level Meter
- Power Spectrum Density
- Impulsive Noise Spectrum Analyzer

- AC/DC Voltage
- AC/DC Capacitance
Digital Multimeter
- Loop Resistance
Resistive Bridge - Res. Insulation

Resistive Faults Location

 ACT6000
Advanced Communication Tester
Main Functions
● Level Generator & Selective Level Meter
200 Hz – 6 MHz (or 35 MHz) operative band

● Spectrum & Network Analyzer

200 Hz – 6 MHz (or 35 MHz) operative band

● TDR Fault Locator & Events test

from 2 to 8,000 meters

● Digital Multimeter
Resistance Faults Locator
& Special Functions
ACT6000 - Functions Group – Menu Hierarchy
Main Menu
From this menu, by selecting the
icon-number with the ◄ ►▼▲ arrows
and confirming with “Enter” it is possible
to access the available functions. Quick
access is possible by typing on the
keypad the icon number.
1- Line Tests Access the sub-menu 5 – Signal Analyzer Access the sub -
for automatic and pre-configured menu for signal generation, selective
copper pairs qualification in SELT or measurements, spectral or network
DELT mode and POTS services. analysis on copper pairs or other lines
or devices.

2 - TDR Fault locator Access the 6 – File Manager Access the sub -
TDR sub -menu to find the End-of -Line menu for management and export of
and possible faults on copper pairs. saved file-measurements.

3 – Event tests Access the sub - 7 – Config. & Utility Access the
menu to monitor some events as sub-menu for the initial setup of the
microinterruptions or impulsive noise instrument (date/hour, display.. and
on copper pairs and other lines types. measurement parameters).

4 – Multimeter Access the sub-menu 8 – Slave mode

for metallic measurements as voltage, Special configuration to set the
resistance, insulation, capacitance instrument as Slave to perform some
of copper pairs and other devices automatic and pre-configured End-to -
End tests on copper pairs and lines.
ACT6000 - Connections and Commands description

The front panel is free from connections to make the

usage of the lateral keypad and the bottom function keys
easy.
All the data and graphs are shown on the color and high
resolution display.
The powerful human interface allows the quick menu
selection to the intuitive use of the instrument.

Connections
Headset RTX Connector TX Connector
Connector (Main Line) (Secondary Line)

PC Connection USB port USB port LED Battery Power Supply

(Service only) to PC to Pen-Drive status input
Copper Pairs / Channel Qualification: “DELT” Automatic Sequence Introduction

MASTER
SLAVE

data communications from Base Band to xDSL band

MASTER
SLAVE

PCM MUX digital stream PCM MUX

voice / data communications in Base Band via digital stream

By the use of a couple of ACT6000, each implemented by the advanced optional
software ASW-1/II, it is allowed the automatic End-to-End test to perform an accurate
and bilateral transmissive Test Sequence to get the Line / Channel Qualification /
Certification.
Copper Pairs
Funzioni Speciali
/ Cannel
: ESPORTAZIONE
Certification: MISURE
Configuration for DELTesting”
SU PC
Automatic Sequence Setup
MASTER configuration
(to put on the MDF – Central Office or street cabinet ).
Connect the line and the ground reference to the RTX
connector.
From the Main Menu select the item 1 “Line Tests”, and
from this
the “1. BALANCED LINE TESTS” menu.
By the F2 key select “DELT” mode and by the F3 key select
the service type for the line to be test (i.e. MODEM 56k),
then push F5 key to start the automatic procedure.
From this moment the MASTER sends on the line under test
an audible intermittent beep (useful as pair finder).

SLAVE configuration
(to put on the street cabinet or user side).
Connect the line and the ground reference to the RTX
connector.
From the Main Menu select the item 8 “Slave Mode” and
from this the “1. BALANCED LINE TESTS”
From this moment, if the line good (no interrupted or
shorted), it is audible the beep sent from the MASTER.

Push the F5 key to start the automatic sequence.

Start
Copper
FunzioniPairs Certification:
Speciali : DELT Test “Double-End-Line-Testing”
ESPORTAZIONE MISURE SU PC
Automatic Sequence Running
Before the transmissive tests, using the same line under test, the SLAVE sends to the MASTER its
data for the right identification, then the MASTER starts the test sequence related to the selected
service (e.g. MODEM 56k).
From the SLAVE’s display it is possible to follow the progress of
the test sequence and the related local results.

Finished the tests the SLAVE sends automatically to the

MASTER its results.

The progress of the transmission is shown on the its display

Coincidentally, from the MASTER’s display it is

possible to follow the progress of the tests
sequence and the related local results.

Received the data stream from the SLAVE, the

MASTER’s display it is completed with all the
results (Central and Subscriber side), included
the possible Bit-Rate estimation if selected some
masks as ADSL, ADSL2+ or VDSL2 services.

Pushing the F1 key it is possible to save the test

on the internal memory.
Copper
FunzioniPairs Certification:
Speciali : DELT Test “Double-End-Line-Testing”
ESPORTAZIONE MISURE SU PC
Automatic Sequence Results
Finished the tests sequence all the results are shown on
the summary table.

All the possible fail results, related to the selected mask,

are highlighted in red.

Pushing the F5 “View” it is possible to analyze the

graphic details of single transmissive measurement.

Each graph (with exception of the

Insertion loss) shows the local (Master)
and remote (Slave) results with different
colors:
- Green: local unit
- Violet: remote unit
POTS link Qualification: “DELT” Automatic Sequence Introduction

MASTER
SLAVE

Signalling and Audio POTS tests on full analog links

MASTER
SLAVE

PCM MUX digital stream PCM MUX

to POTS
to POTS

Signalling and Audio POTS tests on analog / digital links

By the use of a couple of ACT6000, each implemented by the advanced optional
software ASW-1/II + POTS and DMM modules, it is allowed the automatic End-to-End
subscribers test to perform a bilateral signalling and transmissive POTS link
qualification.
POTS Link
Funzioni Speciali
Qualification:
: ESPORTAZIONE MISURE SU
Configuration for Subscribers DELTesting”
PC
Automatic Sequence Setup
SLAVE SETUP
From the Main Menu select and enter
“8. SlaveMode” then select and enter
“2. TELEPHONE TESTS”.
Connect the powered line (Tip & Ring) to the a - b points of the
RTX connector.
Verify the “On-Hook” voltage from the CO Exchange (normally 40
- 50 Vdc, however it can be between 20 to 72 Vdc).
The Slave is now ready to receive data requests from the Master
unit. When the measurement sequence is completed, the Slave
automatically sends all its results to the Master unit. Once the
data transfer is completed, the Slave automatically returns to
stand-by mode ready for other tests.
MASTER SETUP
From the Main Menu select and enter “1. LINE TESTS” then
select and enter on the “2.TELEPHONE TESTS” menu.
By keypad type the telephone number of the caller (Master) then
push “Enter”.
Push again “Enter” and select by the q arrow the second line
associated to the “Slave”, then push again “Enter”. Now type the
telephone number of the answer (Slave) and validate with
“Enter”.
Connect the powered line (Tip & Ring) to the a b points of the
RTX connector.

Pushing F5 key “Start” the measurements sequence is started.

POTS Link
Funzioni Speciali
Qualification:
: ESPORTAZIONE MISURE SU
Configuration for Subscribers DELTesting”
PC
Automatic Sequence Results

Finished the data transfer from the Slave unit, all the results are shown on the display of the
Master.
Pushing F5 “Save” type by the keypad the test name, push “Enter” and F5 “Save” again.
Possible failed results are shown in red, according to the typical POTS standard.
If necessary to repeat the test, push “Escape” to come back to the Master Setup menu and push
F5 “Start”.
Copper Pairs pre-Qualification: “SELT” Automatic Sequence Introduction
Applications for copper pairs qualification

ACT6000 can perform many measurements in Single-End mode.

To operate in confortable way it is possible to perform the measurements from the
Central side without technician and remote instrument at the opposite side of the
open line under test (with 4500 meters maximum lenght)

By a special Automatic Sequence (available with the Advanced Software 1/II) it is

possible to perform a complete copper pair qualification, electrics and
transmissive tests included, in 90 seconds!
Line Qualification: “SELT” Automatic Sequence – Cable setup

opened
Line
7
Config & Utility

From the Main Menu select the 7 “Config. & Utility” group
and then “8.CABLE SETUP”.

By the arrows select

the preponderant * Cable
Type, then push “Enter” to
confirm.

Note *: “preponderant” it means the main sector of the line to be test, or the first going out
cable from the MDF room if the test is performed by the Central Office.
Line Qualification: “SELT” Automatic Sequence – End-of-Line finding by TDR

opened
1 2
Line

Before to start the Automatic Sequence it is suggested

to find the End-of-Line echo by the TDR function (see
slide No. 32) and verify the congruent line lenght
according to the PVF related to the selected cable type. TDR Fault Locator

Notes:
Some local measurements (as the Electrics, Noise, Long.
Balance-Loss and Next) are valid for any line lenght.

Vice-versa for a possible valid SELT Insertion-Loss

measurement it is necessary to find (manually by the TDR) 1771 meters
the valid End-of-Line echo within 5 km of distance.

Return-Loss: due to the impossibility to terminate the line-end

for SELT Automatic Sequence, in some cases the bad result of
the R.L. can be false, above all when the line under test is
short (under 500 - 700 meters) or when selected a Base Band
mask (Voice or MODEM 56k). PVF 0.600
In this case it is suggested to apply the termination at the line-
end (e.g. 600 Ohm for Base Band masks) and perform the R.L.
measurement as single real time test …see slide N° 19
Line Qualification: “SELT” Automatic Sequence – Setup and Start

opened 1
Line

Finished the tests sequence all the results

are shown on the test summary table.
If some measured value is out of the preconfigured
threshold limits the result is shown in red. Selected the line service type (e.g. SHDSL
About the Return-Loss see note on slide N° 16 mask) it is possible to start the test.
Line Qualification: “SELT” Automatic Sequence – Results

opened
Line

Pressing the “View” key it is possible

to analyze the details of the electric
and transmissive measurements.
SELTests – single pre-configured real time transmissive measurements

opened or
loaded *
Line Sequence
Noise
Ret-Loss
Long-Bal
NEXT
PSD

This operative mode (with continuously graphs update) it is very useful to select
quickly the good line to assign the possible service according to some
transmissive performances.

* see the note on slide N° 16

Electrics Tests by DMM “Digital Multimeter”

Introduction:
After the SELT Test Sequence or previous
indications, it is possible to perform some metallics
measurements to verify the electrics parameters of
the line under test, or to localize the possible faults
opened or / anomalies.
shorted *
Line

By the DMM Function (allowed with the optional internal Module):

- Extraneous AC/DC Voltage on the line (AC power influence or DC voltage coupling).
- AC Capacitance to measure the mutual capacitance and “Q” values between a – b wires.
- DC Capacitance (capacitor discharge method) to measure the capacitance value (loads included
as telephone devices) among a - b - and c (Gnd) wires.
- Low Insulation finding, among a - b - and c (Gnd) wires.
- Low Insulation location, among a - b - and c (Gnd) wires, by Resistive Bridge (RFL Function).
- Loop Resistance between a – b wires *, to estimate the line length and verify the junctions
quality.
- Resistive Line Balancement, between a – b * related to c (Gnd) wires.
- Impedance Response of the line or load connected to a – b
Electrics Tests by DMM “Digital Multimeter” - VOLTAGE

1 4
opened
Line

DMM Multimeter

Select “Line voltage”

Electrics Tests by DMM “Digital Multimeter” – AC CAPACITANCE & Q

1 4
opened
Line

DMM Multimeter

Select “Capacitance”
Electrics Tests by DMM “Digital Multimeter” – DC CAPACITANCE

1 4
opened
Line

DMM Multimeter

Select “Capacitance”
Electrics Tests by DMM “Digital Multimeter” – LOOP RESISTANCE

1 4

For this test it is necessary

DMM the support of another Multimeter
technician at the remote
side of the line under test

Select “Resistance”

Short the a - b wires according to

the instructions highlighted on the
advice.
Electrics Tests by DMM “Digital Multimeter” – Ohm Meter
Real time measurement (by ACT-18 optional module alternative to ACT-11 POTS SUB module)

1 4

For this test it is necessary

the support of another
Multimeter
DMM technician at the remote
side of the line under test

Short the a - b wires according to

the instructions highlighted on the
advice.
Electrics Tests by DMM “Digital Multimeter” – RESISITVE BALANCEMENT

1 4

For this test it is necessary

DMM the support of another Multimeter
technician at the remote
side of the line under test

Select “R-Balan”

Short the a-b-c wires according

to the instructions highlighted on
R-Balan the advice.
Electrics Tests by DMM “Digital Multimeter” - INSULATION

1 4

opened
Line

DMM Multimeter

Select “Insulation”
Electrics Tests by DMM “Digital Multimeter” – FAULTS LOCATION

For this test it is necessary

DMM the support of another
technician at the remote
RFL
side of the line under test

1.059 kΩ

11.02 kΩ

Short the right wires according the

instructions highlighted on the advices.
 ACT6000 – Resistive Bridge – Low Resistive Insulation finding examples

b RX RY
a Rb-c (o a-c) 1 b RX a RY a
RL
c 2 a Rb-a 1
RX b RY b
A c Ra-c (o b-c) 2
Fault between one wire (i.e. b)
and Ground (or other wire) D
Fault between b and a wire +
+ Fault between one wire (i.e. a) and ground
b (or other wire)
RX a RY a
a Rb-a 1
RX b RY b b RX a
2 RY a
c a Rb-a 1
RX b RY b 3
B Ra-c (o b-c) 2
Fault between b and a wire, using c Rb-c (o a-c)
the Ground reference (or other wire) E
Fault between b and a wire
+ Fault between one wire (i.e. a) and ground or..
b + Fault between one wire (i.e. b) and ground or..
RX a RY a
a RX b
Rb-c 1
RY b
c Ra-c 2 Note:
Assigned the right resistivity / km value
C of the conductors, the tester calulates
Fault between one wire (i.e. b) and Ground (or other wire) and shows automatically on the display
+ Fault between one wire (i.e. a) and Ground (or other wire) the related lenght of the RX and RY
sectors.
Electrics Tests by DMM “Digital Multimeter” – FAULTS LOCATION
with extraneous DC voltage finding
If during the Insulation test is WARING!
detected an extraneous DC voltage DC VOLTAGE OVER THE LINE
among the wires connected to a – b VERIFY LINE CONNECTIONS
points and /or to c (GND reference), PRESS ANY KEY TO RESTORE
this advise will appears.
In this case is not possible any Insulation test !
For this test it is necessary
the support of another To localize the possible fault it is possible to select a special test
DMM technician at the remote
side of the line under test among the functions of the “Resistance/Insulation” menu. The
typical situation is a low insulation for water/oxide presence
between the line under test (e.g. Pair 2) and one powered lines
(e.g. Pair 1) as represented on the scheme below.

ACT6000 – Resistive Bridge – Low Insulations localization

services
with extranesous DC voltage
Central Office
battery set Tester to fault distance Fault to line-end distance (strap)
Ring RX RY
Pair 1 R.fault powered line
48 V Tip RX RY
R.fault
RX RY
GND Pair 2 R.fault line under test
RX RY
good wire good wire strap
c b a Rw
Pair 3 good line
Rw

GND
Electrics Tests by DMM “Digital Multimeter” – FAULTS LOCATION
Fautl
Line multi-section setup
By a new menu, it is now
possible to configure a multi-
section line, very useful setup
to perfom possible accurate
Loop Resistance and Fault
Location tests.
Digital
Multimeter
b 1520 m / 0,4 615 m / 0,57 21 m / 0,6

a 10kW

c
TDR Fault Locator / End-of-Line estimation

1 2
opened
Line

DMM

The TDR function allows the localization of possible

faults / anomalies on the line under test or estimate
2628 meters
its total length.

Any impedance mismatches on the line are shown

as upward pulses when the impedance increases (up
to the “open circuit”), and downward pulses when the
impedance decreases (up to the “short circuit”). PVF 0.680

To know the distance from the test point it is

necessary to find the final echo adjusting the better
range and move the Marker at the beginning of the
echo as represented at the right picture.

For accurate distance estimation it is suggested to select the proper cable type (as described on
slide N°15) associated to the correct PVF value.
TDR Fault Locator / long term monitor

opened
Line …quiet

TDR
Function By special setting, the TDR can capture
occasional echoes before of the End-of-
Line, due to occasional events as short
circuit, false contacts, micro-
interruptions etc. as the example below.
“Normal” mode
Distance to new echo Distance to end-of-line

…quiet …quiet

Move the Marker on new echo Set “peak” mode and wait… Set “Relative” mode
Events Tests – Microinterruptions / Impulsive Noise

Microinterruption
Test

Impulsive Noise
Test
Special Utilities : Measurements saving and exporting
Finished any tests, the results (data and graphics)
can be saved on the internal memory of the
instrument.
The tests can be named by the keypad with 8
characters maximum.
For example, typing Cable and Pair number
“C23_P36” (Cable No. 23 / Pair No. 36) or with last
8 numbers of the Subscriber Telephone number.
Without the typing of any name, the test will be
saved with the default data (test type and date).

By pushing the “View” key all the saved

measurements can be re-viewed in the same way
as they were saved.
The screenshot is exportable on the USB Pen-
Drive as image in BMP format.

By pushing the “Export” key the row data of the

saved tests can
be exported on the external USB
Pen-Drive in CSV format.

The CSV file can be opened by Windows Excel

application.
Selecting and managing the row data it is
possible to convert these in graphs and edit the
data base.
Special : CSV file opening
Exported the CSV file on the USB Pen-Drive, and
connected it to the USB port of the PC, a folder (named
ACT-6000) will be found.
Inside of the above folder will be found another sub-folder
(named with the Serial Number of the instrument).. i.e.
“# 0000104“.
Inside of the “S/N folder” will be found one or more folders related to the
exported test types, for example:
- the automatic SELT tests identified with “M111”,
- the automatic DELT tests identified with “M112”.

Example: inside the folder “M112” (DELT Sequence) will be find:

- Or a BMP image related to the previous screenshot exporting;

- the CSV file related to a DELT Sequence saved with “C28_CP36” name.
Clicking on the CSV file (if the PC works with Windows Office) a Excel file will be automatically opened on which
is included the tester identification and the tests parameters, the summary of the results and the row data of the
spectral measurements, very useful to create possible interactive graphics.
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

-20

Rumore locale (dBm)

Rumore remoto (dBm)
-40
Ret, Loss locale (dB)
Ret, Loss remoto (dB)
-60 Bilan, Long, locale (dB)
Bilan, Long, remoto (dB)

-80

Attenuazione (dB)

-100

-120
Special : PDF Test Reports (by CSV file Conversion)
By the new PC application “ACT6000 CSV-PDF Converter” is now
possible to convert the CSV files related to the SELT or DELT testing
PDF Test Reports.

By the control panel, it is possible

to select the CSV file to be convert.
After the possible summary
compilation and pushing the
“Generate Report”, a complete Test
Report will be shown.
It can be saved in PDF format.
Special : PC link (by USB standard cable)
By the new PC program “ACT6000 Utility” it is possible to connect the
Instrument to the PC by a standard USB cable.
This is an alternative method to the USB Pen-drive to export or import
various data.

After the Serial Com selection (assigned by Windows XP) the utility allows the download of BMP (screen shot),
CSV files and the Cables database. Using the special Editor functions it is possible to edit and to upload to the
instrument a new Cables database, Transmissive Threshold Limits and a possible Firmware updating.