
Measure a length of cable identical to the type to be
tested. The longer the cable length, the more accu-
rate the result. Connect the cable under test to the
Model 3300 and set the cursors to the zero distance
marker and the leading edge of the reflected pulse.
Change the VOP setting until the distance reading
matches the known cable length. The VOP has now
been determined. If you are testing buried cable, be
certain to allow for cable snaking and depth.
Reducing VOP error
NOTE: Procedures 1 and 2 will work on faulted cables
only. When measuring undamaged cable (as on a reel) fol-
low the procedure outlined above. Proceduce 1 and 2 sim-
ply test (measure) the cable from one end only. Testing
from each end of an undamaged cable will obtain the same
reading from either end.
PROCEDURE 1.
Procedure 1 assumes only one fault per
cable length. If there are extreme changes in the VOP set-
ting, multiple faults may be present or the cable route may
be incorrect.
Testing a cable from both ends is the most
common and most accurate method of eliminating VOP
error. Using a cable locator and measuring wheel, deter-
mine the length and path of the cable being tested.
Test the cable from both ends and record the distance read-
ings. If the two readings do not equal the measured length
of the cable under test, change the VOP setting and retest.
For each VOP setting, test the cable from both ends. When
the sum of the two readings equals the known cable length,
the VOP error has been minimized and the exact location
of the fault has been determined.
PROCEDURE 2. The same result can also be determined
mathematically when testing cables from both ends: Take
the actual cable length and divide it by the sum of the two
(tests from each end) TDR readings. This gives you an