What is a BERT Test?
A BERT (Bit Error Rate Test) dispatches millions of live data packets in both directions (full duplex) at the maximum data throughput possible (98.5%) and reports the error rate. This test guarantees the ability of the cable to perform at a specific data speed up to 1 gigabit. The specification as stated in IEEE 802.3 for 1 gigabit data speed is not more than one error in 10Gbits transferred. Validator will only perform a BERT test at 100 and 1000 Mb speeds. If you are using CAT5 or CAT5E cable, we recommend using the gigabit data rate for testing. It takes the least test time and stresses the link the most so the lower speeds will have no problem if gigabit has no more than 1 error in the less than 11 second test.
 

Does the Validator require calibration?
Validator is a digital device and its components are not subject to degradation in performance. The calibration procedure is performed to set a reference point for cable length to 0 feet/meters. If you use the shielded adapter cables in your kit as "sacrificial" cables to prolong the life of the RJ45 test port, leave the adapter cable plugged in when you select calibrate.
 

Does the Validator measure how much headroom there is on a cable?
No. Headroom is also known as Attenuation to Cross Talk Ratio (ACR) and it is the difference between the signal attenuation (loss) on a cable and the near end cross talk, expressed in db. It basically measures how much margin there is in the cable's performance before the signal becomes distorted. By performing a Bit Error Rate Test (BERT), Validator reports the number of errors encountered when live date packets are sent down the cable and returned and provides a speed rating. If the BERT test results are acceptable, that means the attenuation and cross talk are minimal.
 

What are the test limits a Pass test result is based on?
Skew is a maximum of 35 nanoseconds and Signal to Noise ratio is a minimum of 20db. The acceptable data error rate (BERT) for data communications is 1 error in 10E10 bits (100 gigabits).
 

Does the Validator support fiber cable measurements?
No. There are currently no plans to evolve the NT950 Validator to support fiber
 

Can I print test results directly from the Validator?
You cannot print directly from the serial port on the Validator at this time. Future upgrades are planned to support this functionality.
 

What is SKEW and SNR?
SKEW: Gigabit Ethernet systems carry data on all four pairs. The four pairs are in use at all times and each pair must be in synch with the other pairs. SKEW is the time difference in delay between pairs measured in nanoseconds. A SKEW greater than 45nS may cause information disparities. The 35nS limit is used to provide margin for temperature and other factors.

SNR: Signal to Noise Ratio is a compilation of measurements that test noise on cable that includes NEXT, Channel Response, Return Loss, and signal levels, which includes Attenuation, Amplitude and bandwidth. A SNR of less than 20 db will cause a cable to fail to carry 100Mb/1Gb data without errors. This is the real measurement TIA568 is inferring with their headroom number.
 

What is the accuracy of length and SKEW measurements?
The length accuracy on Validator or any other length measurement device has two components, the accuracy of the instrument's circuitry to measure the parameter that infers the length and the accuracy to which the cable parameter or constant is known. The accuracy of the Validator is specified as +/- 3%, which is the parameter measurement accuracy. Add the cable constant accuracy for a general overall accuracy of 5%. This is competitive with most devices that measure length. SKEW is measured using a crystal-controlled time base and is accurate to +/-).2nS.
 

Can I use my LanRoverPRO 1- 8 remote set with my Validator to test wire mapping?
Yes. The Validator is designed to work with the LanRoverPRO remote devices to perform wire mapping tests. Distance to fault is measured, but SNR and BERT will not be available when you use these remotes.
 

How much run time do I typically have with a fully charged battery?
Each unit can run on battery power for approximately 8 hours, depending on use pattern. Since the remote uses considerably less power than the main unit, a full days use can be assured by swapping the batteries between the two in the middle of the day. The battery icon on your screen displays either a green full-battery or the remaining capacity with the words 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, or Low.
 

Why does my Validator screen blink after a while?
The Validator has various timeout conditions to conserve battery life. When the unit goes into power saving mode, it blinks to let you know that it is still on. Press any key to bring back the full screen. The specific timeout values are adjustable in the Setup, Shutdown Timeouts screen.
 

How do I email Plan-Um floor plans and test results?
If only the originator has Plan-Um software installed, print the job information to a .PDF file. The .PDF file can be attached to an email and sent.
 

Can Validator measure Cable TV signal strength?
No. At this time coax cable can be tested for wiremap, cable length, and distance to short/open.
 

Where do I set the NVP value for the TDR measurement?
Validator does not consider NVP. When you test predefined cable types (CAT5, CAT3, RG6 etc.) the capacitance per foot is automatically prescribed. Length test results are performed using capacitance. TDR is used to measure SKEW and distance to short.
 

What is the maximum size background image that can be imported into Plan-Um?
The Plan-Um canvas maximum size is 3000 x 3000 pixels. However, Test-Um recommends importing an image of approximately 1000 X 800 pixels in order to maintain an easily readable scale between the Plan-Um icons and the image when the floor plan is printed.
 

Is it normal that the serial numbers of the Validator and the software are different?
Yes, there are two different serial numbers used. On the back side of the Validator the serial number for the hardware is printed and on the documents and in the software the electronic serial number is  printed.
 

What can be done to prolong the life of the RJ45 network cable port?
Test-Um recommends using either the shielded adapter cables provided with the NT950 kit or connecting the adapter cables to an LB68 RJ45 adapter to extend the lifetime of the RJ45 data jack on your Validator main and remote units. Either method will provide an easily replaceable adapter as a "sacrificial" connection port which can be replaced if it wears out. Use of these adapters will prevent Validator owners from having to send in their certifiers for rework which may well be out of warranty if over 1 year old.
 

How is it possible that custom cables types are deleted after turning the unit off and on?
It is possible that the auto-save feature is turned off. When the auto-save feature is turned on, the Validator will save after each cable test and when the unit is turned off. To turn the auto-save feature on go to Setup->NEXT Function Key->Settings->’Turn On Auto-Save’.