1503C MTDR User Manual
2–1
Operator Tutorial
This chapter will show, step by step, the features and uses of the 1503C.
What is the Tektronix 1503C?
The Tektronix 1503C Metallic Time-Domain Reflectometer is a long range metallic
cable tester capable of finding faults in metal cable. Tests can be made on coaxial
cable, twisted pair, or parallel cable.
How Does It Do It?
The 1503C sends an electrical pulse down the cable and receives reflections back
made by any discontinuities. This is known as time-domain reflectometry. The
1503C is sensitive to impedance changes. Problems in the cable will be detected and
displayed as changes in impedance along the cable. These will be displayed as hills
and valleys in the reflected pulse. The 1503C is capable of finding shorts, opens,
defects in the shield, foreign substances in the cable (e.g., water), kinks, and more.
Even though other instruments might show a cable as good, the 1503C can show
many previously hidden faults.
You, the Operator
The 1503C is a highly accurate cable tester. It is easy to use and will provide fast,
accurate measurements. Because of electrical and environmental differences in
cables and their applications, each waveform will likely differ. The best way to learn
these differences is experience with the instrument. You are the 1503C’s most
important feature.
Experiment with different cables in known conditions and see how they compare.
Subject cables to situations you might find in your application and learn the effects.
We have included some examples of cable faults in this manual to help you gain
familiarity. With practice, you will quickly become familiar with even the most
subtle differences in waveforms.
Menus and Help
The 1503C is equipped with various help screens. Simply press MENU for
assistance. The instrument will prompt you. More information on MENU is located
in the Operating Instructions chapter of this manual.
Summary of Contents for 1503C
Page 4: ......
Page 92: ...Appendix A Specifications A 6 1503C MTDR User Manual...
Page 104: ...Appendis B Operator Performance Checks B 12 1503C MTDR User Manual...
Page 122: ...Glossary Glossary 6 1503C MTDR User Manual...
Page 127: ......
Page 128: ......