CFL535G dual-channel time domain reflectometer

Locate high and low impedance faults on telecom cables with an advanced time domain reflectometer

The CFL535G is a dual-channel, high resolution, compact TDR for locating faults on paired metallic cables

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Dual-channel capability for testing simultaneously on two phases

Compare a good circuit with a faulty one to make the results easier to interpret

“Auto set-up” mode for instant use

Ensure that the most effective parameters are selected depending on the range required, aiding rapid diagnosis of the TDR trace

Ultra fast pulse for near-end fault location

Accurately locate faults that are as close as a few centimetres from the point of connection

Full Product Details

About the product

The CFL535G time domain reflectometer (TDR) offers compatibility with virtually all types of paired metallic cables, comprehensive dual-channel operation, “auto set-up” for instant use, excellent near-end fault location performance, and internal storage for up to 100 traces. This instrument is ideal for rapidly, reliably, and conveniently locating cable faults in telecommunications systems.

Directional control buttons and soft keys that aim to make operating the instrument easy and intuitive complement its large high-resolution WVGA colour display. Dual cursors allow instant measurement of the distance between any two points on the traces. Meanwhile, the trace comparison feature makes it easy to spot even slight differences between two simultaneously displayed traces.

To ensure precise fault location, the CFL535G has a minimum resolution of just 0.1 m, and its maximum range is up to 20 km, depending on the type of cable and velocity factor selected. Velocity factors from 0.2 to 0.99 are supported, allowing the instrument to deliver accurate results with any cable type. A choice of five output impedances from 25 Ω to 125 Ω is offered, together with an automatic impedance matching function.

The time-saving “auto set-up” option automatically sets the most suitable operating parameters for the instrument depending on the range selected, aiding rapid fault diagnosis. However, you can easily override the automatic settings, allowing you to manually fine-tune the operation of the instrument when dealing with particularly challenging faults.

Megger’s unique “Xpert” mode is another invaluable aid to fault location. A single press of the “Xpert” key automatically adjusts the range and gain of the instrument, and positions the cursor over the first major event on the cable. Subsequent key presses move the cursor, one event at a time, to the positions of other major events on the cable.

Compact, yet robustly built, the CFL535G dual-channel TDR has an IP54 ingress protection rating, which means that it is well protected against the vagaries of on-site use. It has CAT IV 150 V and CAT III 300 V safety ratings, in line with IEC 61010-1.

We supply Megger’s TraceXpert PC software as a standard issue with every CFL535G. Designed around a powerful database and configured for ease of use and simplicity, this versatile software package gives users complete control over data download from the instrument and provides robust reporting facilities.

Product documents

Additional documentation can be found on the support tab

Data sheet

CFL535G_DS_ENUS.pdf

pdf 137.4 KB

Technical guide

TDR_AG_en.pdf

pdf 1.83 MB

Application note

TDR_AN58_EN.pdf

pdf 62.84 KB

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to range limitations, is it true that TDRs can’t locate faults close to the point where they are connected to the cable?

While this used to be a problem, with good quality modern TDRs, it isn’t any longer. The latest instruments use very short pulses for so-called near-end measurements, which means they can accurately locate faults as close as a few centimetres from the point of connection.

Troubleshooting

My CFL535G won’t turn on

If your CFL535G won’t power on, it is likely because the battery is not charged. Plug in the charger, charge for six hours and then proceed with testing.

My CFL535G won’t charge, and there is a battery error message

These symptoms indicate that there is a battery malfunction. Please get in touch with your local Megger dealer for a replacement battery.

The LEDs on the charger are not showing, and it isn’t charging my CFL535G

These are signs that the charger is not functioning. Please get in touch with your local Megger dealer for a replacement charger.

The CFL535G keeps turning itself off

Someone may have set the instrument’s standby time too low. Access the user settings and increase the standby time.

The display is not visible

The display of the CFL535G may not be visible because its colour settings are incorrect. Access the user settings and change the colours. Conversely, the instrument may be in “power save” mode - press the standby button to return to the display.

The distance to the fault is inaccurate

An inaccurate fault distance result is likely due to an incorrect velocity factor (VF) setting. Check the VF value for the cable under test and change the settings.

I can’t set the velocity factor

If the cable velocity factor is unknown, test a known cable length to determine the velocity factor.

The VF, impedance, gain, and pulse are inaccessible

When this is the case, the CFL535G is set to “automatic”. Press the escape button and change to “manual”.

My CFL535G keeps ticking

When the dual input function is selected, ‘ticking’ is expected due to the relays switching input.

My CFL535G keeps ticking on single input

When ticking occurs on a single input test, there is an incorrect connection to the cable under test. Therefore, the end of the cable is not determined, so the CFL535G cannot reach the max range. Check all connections and perform the test again.

The ends of the cables are not visible on the trace

You have chosen the wrong range. Press the up navigation button from the main screen to extend the range.

My CFL353G can’t see a fault that is there

You have set your gain too low. Select and change the gain with the navigation buttons while in “manual” mode.

The trace is very noisy

You have set your gain too high. Select and change gain with the navigation buttons while in “manual” mode.

There is no trace even though the leads are connected

Check that you have plugged the test leads into the correct channel.

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

How do you locate moisture in a twisted pair cable?

A TDR will find water in a cable, but it is often difficult to determine how widespread the moisture contamination is. Moisture lowers impedance. In filled cable, moisture cannot migrate and so appears as a point problem. In air-core or pulp cable, moisture can migrate, so it may be important to trace the length of the contamination. You can facilitate such tracing by testing from both ends. Measurements up to the start of the ingress can be accurate. Beyond that point, the trace tends to flatten out, and specific distances can be erroneous due to changes in VoIP. In a twisted pair cable, each pair usually becomes impregnated at different points. Hence, you can use the range of these points to determine the length of the water contamination. Water can enter through a pinhole in the outer plastic insulator and then migrate within the cable. Each pair may indicate ingress at different points. But the water may have migrated away from the break in the outer sheath. It may be necessary to visually inspect the cable to prevent the problem from recurring.

How can I remove load coils?

When upgrading to ISDN, HDSL, or ADSL, you must remove load coils. A load coil may look like the open end of the cable. However, two criteria can help distinguish a load coil from a cable's open end. A load coil generally has a more rounded appearance than an open. And load coil spacing appears at regular intervals, such as 3000 feet, 6000 feet, etc. A TDR signal cannot pass through a load coil, so all you will see is the distance to the first one. Remove that and retest. If you now see the same reflection at twice the distance, it is reasonably certain that these are load coils.

How can I locate illegal taps?

Focus on the drop line from the metre to the transformer. With aerial cables, focus on the section that is not visible. With buried cables, focus on the cable between the meter and the manhole. Pulling the meter to gain access to the cables may be necessary. Connect the TDR test leads to the phases. Be sure the model you use has an internal blocking filter to protect the operator and instrument. Connect to the phases first. Next, test between the neutral on each of the phases. A difference in waveforms may indicate the presence of a tap.

What do I need to know in turning up (i.e., commissioning) a new cellular site?

A common problem is confusing the connections of transmit antenna cables with receive antenna cables. These can become mixed up during installation, and such misconnections must be sorted out and reconnected. Turn the noise filter off and connect the TDR to the transmission cable with an antenna in place. Zoom in and study the waveform. You will see a noisy waveform. The RF signal from the antenna will show up on the TDR baseline as noise. A high-gain antenna, such as the receive antenna, will have more signal amplitude than the relatively low-gain transmit antenna. This difference in amplitude provides for the distinction between receive and transmit antennas. If it is necessary to see the actual waveform of the cable, turn the instrument on and activate the noise filter.

How do I find intermittent faults?

Telephone customers first complain of static or no dial tone. Cable customers complain of snowy reception. High-resistance series faults or intermittent connectors usually cause these symptoms. They can be difficult to trace because they come and go with loop current on the line. Finding these with a TDR can be difficult. With a CFL535G, first, disconnect at the protector on the subscriber end. Connect a butt set, turn the speaker on and listen to the line. Turn the butt set to mute and dial the silent termination. Doing so eliminates noise picked up by the microphone of the butt set. Connect the CFL test probe leads to the pair under test. Keep the butt set connected with the silent termination. Switch on the TDR and initiate “Intermittent Fault Locate Mode”. Wait for the fault to occur, usually within 5 to 10 minutes.

How can a TDR identify splits and re-splits?

Splits and re-splits are where one conductor, each of two different pairs, is switched somewhere along the cable length. The split appears as an upward blip, and the re-split as downward. A TDR used in traditional mode looking for impedance discontinuity can find this split. A challenge is that this discontinuity is small, making the reflection difficult to identify. If the re-split is close, the pattern is more pronounced and easier to recognise. If the re-split is a distance away, attenuation reduces its size and makes identification difficult. The CFL535G in XTALK mode significantly enhances the reflection and makes finding distant re-splits easier. In XTALK mode, the split appears as a downward blip, and the re-split as upward.