Promax Prolink 4C Premium - CN Rood

PROLINK PremiumAn instrument for every budgetFor over 40 years PROMAX has beenequipping installers with advanced instrumentsthat are guaranteed to meettheir needs.When, in 1966, we launched the firstUHF field strength meter there wereonly a few channels broadcasting inthis frequency range.In 1996 PROMAX launched thePROLINK series. Its innovative modulartechnology, enabled the user tomake the leap to digital television witha very modest initial investment. Thosewho trusted PROMAX have been in theposition to easily adapt their instrumentationto the continually changing requirementsof these times.Easily choose the instrument to fit your needsPROLINK Premium PROLINK-2 PROLINK-3 PROLINK-3C PROLINK-4 PROLINK-4CDigital Satellite DVB-S Included Optional Optional Included IncludedDigital Terrestrial DVB-T Included Optional Optional Included IncludedDigital Cable DVB-C - Optional Optional Included IncludedAutomatic measurements - Included Included Included IncludedMPEG Decoder (free to air channels) - Optional Optional Included IncludedMPEG Decoder (encrypted channels) - - - Included IncludedConstellation diagram (QAM & COFDM) - - - Included IncludedTransport Stream Input-output - - - Included IncludedColour TFT Display - - 4” - 5”PROLINK-2 Premium not available until May 2004Due to a ceaseless investment in R&Dwe are now in a position to present ournew PROLINK Premium series, representinga new technological leapforward in instruments for installation,certification and the maintenance oftelecommunications systems.2

PROLINK PremiumTime proof investmentSturdy, compact design with an eye for detailAdvanced measurements for new requirements of digital TVHigh-performance spectrum analyserDemodulation of free to air and encrypted digital channelsAutomatic measurements, generation of reports, monitoringExcellent world wide after-sales service3Unbeatable features/price ratio

Large colour TFT displayPortableLight weight and reduced sizeBack-pack type carrying caseTransport case (optional)Very user friendlyMenus in various languages4

PROLINK PremiumAn eye for detailAt PROMAX we have always believed that excellence canonly be achieved through meticulous attention to detail. Thisis why, when designing the Premium series, we have givenspecial attention to the small details that make all the difference.The PROLINK-4C includes a 5" TFT display, striking the bestpossible balance between large dimensions and the portabilityof a field instrument.The contrast (320 cd/m2) is much better than that usuallyfound in this type of LCD’s, allowing it to be used in sunlight.Its wide working temperature range (-30 to 85 ºC) makes itsuitable for outdoor use, even in extreme weather conditions.The carrying bag incorporates a viewing hood to improvescreen contrast when working with direct exposure to sunlight(*).The iconographic keyboard makes for a very user-friendlyinterface where all the functions may be quickly learnt. Withthe rotary-button encoder, all functions may be easily selectedand validated.Thanks to the light-weight materials employed in its constructionand its small dimensions, the PROLINK Premium hardlyweighs 5 kgAdvanced design techniques, such as the use of 4-layer printedcircuits and mini-SMD massassembly, have enabled to achievea very reduce size for an instrumentof such features.The Premium series PROLINK’sare delivered with a carrying bagcontaining plenty of space for smallworking tools(*).5For improved comfort,the carrying bag mayalso be used as a backpack,making it easierto climb ladders andmoving over roofs (*).Optionally, PROMAX alsooffers a case (DC-233),ideal for extra protection ofthe instrument duringtransport.The menus are available in various languages.(*) Optional for PROLINK-2 Premium(**) Except PROLINK-2 Premium

Analogue TV measurementsDigital TV measurements QPSK/QAM/COFDM- Channel Power- Carrier/Noise- Bit Error rate (BER)- MER and CSI- Constellation (QAM & COFDM)MPEG transport stream analyserSatellite IF testDigital audio measurements- NICAM sound- RDS Radio- DAB digital radio6

PROLINK PremiumAdvanced measurements for new requirements of digital TVDigital Satellite (QPSK DVB-S)The PROLINK Premium range instruments that have thisfunction, are measuring the Bit Error Rate (BER) before andafter Viterbi. They include the DCI - Digital Channel Identifier(patented function), whichhelps to identify the selectedchannel almost instantaneously.(**)Measurement of the Bit ErrorRate before the first correction(Viterbi) is more sensitive tosmall variations in receptionquality. Measuring after Viterbiallows for comparison with the quality minimum requirementsfor DVB and defined by the QEF (Quasi Error Free) threshold.MPEG transport stream analyser (**)The 'wrong packages' function analyses in detail the MPEG-2transport stream. The analysis consists on a continuous monitoringof the packages received during a period of time andthen determining the cause of any reception problems. InDigital Terrestrial Televisión DVB-T, impairments are often dueto impulsive noise caused bytraffic and the ‘Wrong packets’function will the way to determinateor analy it.The instrument records all theerrors or events detected inthe MPEG-2 TransportStream, according to standardETSI TR 101290'Measurement guidelines for DVB systems' as defined by the'European Telecommunications Standards Institute'.It records the type of event along with the time and duration ofeach one. Also the total measuring time and the total numberof events is registered.7Digital Cable (QAM DVB-C)In digital cable, PROLINK Premium including this functionmeasures both the BER and MER error rates in QAM digitalsignals. The BER is usefull toconfirm that system measurementmeet with the DVB-Cquality limits. The MER is proportionalto signal quality andgives complementary informationwhich enables the noisemargin to be optimised. Forexample, quality of a signalwith an excellent BER can be improved with adjustment of theMER. The DCI function is included within this display.In QAM signals, it isvery valuable to analysethe constellation diagramwhich, with asimple glance, will showup any signals withnoise-related errors, IQimbalances, phase errors,etc.Satellite IF Test for network test and equalisationThis function has been designed to test the satellite IF distributionnetwork in buildings and to equalise the band beforeany signal is available. It is used in combination with theRP-050. This is a signal generatorwith 3 carriers in thesatellite IF band.With this function it is possibleto check at a glance theresponse of the system in thebeginning, middle and end ofthe band at any outlet.Terrestrial Digital (COFDM DVB-T)PROLINK Premium instruments including this function measurethe BER to contrast with DVB-T quality limits. They alsomeasure the MER, to guaranteesafety margins and good receptionin the event of changingmeteorological conditions, etc.The instrument also measuresCSI ('Channel StatusInformation') which providesvaluable additional information on the quality of the carriersmaking up a COFDM channel.In COFDM, by analysingthe constellation diagramit is possible todetect impairments inany of the thousands ofcarriers that compose aDTT signal.Digital audio measurementsThe PROLINK Premium series allows various types of measurementsto be taken on digital audio systems. This includesmeasuring the quality of NICAM digital sound.In FM radio it is possible tomeasure the quality of the RDSsignal (Radio Data System)using the EBB (Error BlockBalance) function. This functionalso allows to access informationassociated with this type oftransmission.(**) Except PROLINK-2 Premium

High accuracyHigh-speed sweepHigh frequency resolutionHigh sensitivityFlexible amplitude resolutionMaximum and minimum holdReturn channel coverage for Cable TVMeasurement in ISM band8

PROLINK PremiumHigh-performance spectrum analyserHigh accuracy, high-speed sweepThe PROLINK Premium series includes a batch of improvementsin spectrum analyser mode that makes it a highly usefultool in a large number ofapplications in telecommunications.These instruments combinethe advantages of high-accuracysystems, using the 'HighResolution' frequency sweepmode, with those of real timeanalysers, using the 'Aerialalignment' sweep modeHigh frequency resolutionThe adjustment of the minimum frequency range or Span onscreen has been reduced to 4 MHz in satellite band and 8MHz in terrestrial band. Using a measurement resolution filterof 50 kHz it is possible to perfectly view signals that were noteven possible to detect until now with this type of equipment.For example, in SNG applications for the transmission of datafrom mobile units, the satellite identification is through detectionof 'Beacon' signals at certain frequencies. These very lowpower signals, may be clearly observed on the screen ofPROLINK Premium series instruments.9High sensitivityAnother advantage of the PROLINK Premium series is itshigh sensitivity, which allows to measure very weak signals,even below 0 dB!V. This is an essential specification to measurethe Carrier/Noise ratio (C/N) of digital signals, in accordancewith the values demanded by current standards in differentcountries.Flexible amplitude resolutionThe PROLINK Premium series combines a wide dynamicrange of 50dB with a selectable reference level and a very flexiblevertical resolution of 2/5/10 dB per division. In practicethis allows to pick up signal variations on-screen that are notvisible on other meters.The pictures below show a very low power signal as observedon the PROLINK Premium and on another device.As you can see, only the PROLINK Premium clearly showsthe 'beacon' signal of a VSAT transmission.With another instrumentWith a PROLINK PremiumMaximum and minimum holdAn application of maximumhold could be the measurementof non-continuous signalssuch as those in GSMband. Minimum detectioncould be useful, for instance, toidentify interferences in ananalogue TV signal.Return channel coverage for Cable TV (**)In cable television it is very important to cover the return bandfrom 5 to 100 MHz, as these frequencies are used for theimplementation of interactive services (internet, pay TV, etc.).Together with the RP-100, the PROLINK Premium becomesa very powerful test set to quickly confirm the operation andresponse of the cables, amplifiers, etc. in a cable TV network.KmISM band coverage (accessories not included)There is a growing number of devicesusing the ISM band (IndustrialScientific and Medical) which operatesat frequencies of 2.4GHz and5.8GHz.Optional converters CV-245 andCV-589 allow to use PROLINKPremium instruments in spectrumanalyser mode for aligning aerials,detecting interferences, etc.(**) Except PROLINK-2 Premium

DVB Digital Channels identifier - DCI(Patented system)List of servicesMPEG transport stream input / outputFree to air channels decoderVideo and audio PID indicationEncrypted channels decoder‘Common Interface’ (Patented system)10

PROLINK PremiumDemodulation of free to air and encrypted digital channelsDVB Digital Channels Identifier - DCI (**)The result of demodulating a QPSK, QAM or COFDM digitalsignal is a sequence of bits so called the 'Transport Stream'.These bits are structured into packets. Some of these packetstransport compressed video, audio and data. Others containthe necessary information to access these contents. TheNETWORK, PROVIDER and SERVICE identification tablesmay be constructed out of these later packets.The information contained in these 3 tables appears in asequential way at the bottom line on the screen on measuringthe Bit Error Rate or BER.List of Services (**)Selecting the 'List of services' function information on the servicesin each multiplexor channel is displayedon-the screen.This is: service or programmename, thetype of service (television,radio, data ormosaic) and whetherthe information isencrypted or free.Free to air channels decoder (**)Once one of the availableservices listed in'DVB services' has beenselected, it may bedecoded and monitored.Video and audio PID indication (**)Another information obtained onselecting a service is the video packetidentification (PID).The PID is a personalised identifierfor each network and each programmethat is broadcasted. Itsregistration is regulated by theIn addition to the imageand audio, this screenshows information aboutthe measurement of thedigital signal along withthe NETWORK, PROVI-DER and SERVICEidentifiers.EBU (EuropeanBroadcasting Union).Encrypted channels decoder (***)The use of encryption systems is widely spread in digital paytelevision. The operator encodes the signals and the subscriberholds a Smart Cardgiving access to thosechannels. The mainlimitation with this kind ofsolution is that eachreceiver specialises in aspecific encryption systemand can not be usedfor another system.There is one alternative known as 'Common Interface' whichallows the use of standard receivers. In this case the receiverhas a slot to insert various conditional access modules (CAM)and their corresponding Smart Cards. This lets the useraccess the digital television content of various providers, evenMPEG Transport Stream input / output (***)The PROLINK-4/4C Premium have MPEG transport streaminput / output connexion through LVDS DVB-PI, D-25 parallelinterface.11The instrument alsoprovides information onthe audio PIDs.if they use different encryption systems. PROMAX holds apatent over the use of ‘common inteface’ in test equipment.(**) Except PROLINK-2 Premium(***) Only available in PROLINK-4 Premium and PROLINK-4C Premium

Measurement configuration memoriesAutomatic measurementsConnection to computerCertified reportsConfigurable reportsControl commands for monitoringControl and alarms softwareFlexible channel plans12

Automatic measurements, reports and monitoringPROLINK PremiumMeasurement configuration memoriesPROLINK Premium series instruments have 99 measurementconfiguration memories. Each configuration allows for thememorisation of detailed information on all the parametersrelated to the measurements: type of measurement (power ,C/N, BER, MER, etc.), name, frequency or channel, measurementunits, etc.Automatic measurements (**)PROLINK Premium instruments may be used as data acquisitionunits. With a single command they can automaticallyanalyse and memoriseup to 99 channels in oneoutlet. This process maybe repeated for up to 99outlets or testing points.It can also be used toperform continuousmeasurements in onepoint of the network.Setting a time interval,from 1 second to 24 hours in between measurements, the instrumentcan be let in acquisition mode. This function is veryuseful to trace or monitor the network and to detect randomfaults.Certified and configurable reports (**)The PKTools software allows to generate certified reportsdirect with the content in the data acquisition memory, and hinderingthe results from being altered in any way.These reports may only be personalised to include the logo ofthe certifying company.Alternatively, it is possible to make any other type of report,graphics or statistics using a standard spread sheet.Control and alarms software (**)In some applications requiring prolonged or even permanentmonitoring, the Datalogger included in the instrument mightnot be enough. The PKWatch software can prove especiallyuseful in such cases.PKWatch (RM-204) is an optional software that allows theuser to select the channels and parameters to be traced usinga very simple user-friendly menu. The program allows to stablishPASS/FAIL measuring margins and to generate alarmswhen the measurements do not fall within these limits.This may be an useful monitoring tool in transmission systems,repeater stations, satellite reception and distributionsystems or headends in cable TV.Connection to computer (**)The measurements on the Datalogger as well as the spectrum,can be downloadedto the CI-023 printer.Using the PKTools (RM-104) software, measurementsmay be transferredto a personal computer, fora more detailed analysis.This software is optional.13Control commands for monitoring (**)This instrument has a wide range of commands allowing youto, for example, identify analogue and digital radio andtelevision signals.This gives the instrument a great deal of flexibility in generatingremote control programs that are specific to eachapplication, for example in quality control and monitoring systems.Flexible channel set (**)This feature is very useful toprogram the channel plansaccording to the specific requirementsfor each application.For instance, the instrumentsmay include the channel plansof various satellites in order todirectly access each service.(**) Except PROLINK-2 Premium

Anti-shock protectorFlat type sealed front panelSide-mounted connectorsReplaceable adaptersLong-life batteries (Li+)Quick battery charge from vehicleBattery status indicator14

PROLINK PremiumDesigned to protect your investmentPROMAX's PROLINK instruments have defined a beforeand an after in the industry for these type of instruments.The Premium series will continue to set trends given theirinnovative design.PROLINK Premium aresturdy and very compactinstruments.A rubber band, made toprotect the instrumentfrom unexpected shocksfrom any angle, covers theinstrument, giving it thenecessary strength andprotection to preventdamage during transportor field work.The instruments also havea special protection systemto cushion the effectsof any shock experiencedby the screen (**).One of the most delicate components for such equipment arethe input / output connectors, so they have been mounted onthe side of the instrument. In addition, this area is sunken forbetter protection (**).The input connector is replaceable (**), so it may be easilychanged depending on the application or in the event of breakdown.The instruments are delivered with BNC-TV-F connectors(**).Battery charging is quick and may be carried out in intervals.Using the included AA-103 adapter (*), battery charging maybe performed from a vehicle's cigarette lighter.In addition to the low-battery indicator, the instrumentemploys a screen where the user may consult the batterystate, which also shows consumption by external units(amplifiers, LNBs, etc.) when they are powered from the instrument.The front panel is flat andsealed.A protection system to preventthe entry of water or dustthrough the encoder orifice,protects the instrument fromlight rain, cable shavings,dust, etc.15The Lithium-Ion batteries give an operational autonomy ofover 4 hours (in analogue measuring mode).Another advantage of this type of battery is that they canmaintain its charge when the instrument is not being used.So that, even when the instrument has not been used for along time, it is always ready to get back on operationwhenever required.The front panel LEDs allow checking, at all times, the type ofpower source beingused (mains or battery).The battery chargingstate shown by the flashingBATTERY OK indicator,can be checkedat a glance.(*) Optional for PROLINK-2 Premium(**) Except PROLINK-2 Premium

PROLINK PremiumSpecifications PROLINK-2 Premium PROLINK-3//3C Premium PROLINK-4/4C PremiumTUNINGRange 45 to 862 MHz (± 1 dB accuracy*) 5 to 862 MHz (± 1 dB accuracy*) 5 to 862 MHz (± 1 dB accuracy*)920 to 2150 MHz (±1.5 dB accuracy*) 920 to 2150 MHz (± 1.5 dB accuracy*) 920 to 2150 MHz (± 1.5 dB accuracy*)(862 a 2150 MHz optional) (862 a 2150 MHz optional) (862 to 2150 MHz optional)Resolution 50 kHz 50 kHz 50 kHzMode Frequency,Channel, Memory Frequency,Channel, Memory Frequency,Channel, MemorySPECTRUM ANALYSER High frequency and amplitude resolution High frequency and amplitude resolution High frequency and amplitude resolutionAUTOMATIC MEASUREMENT - Up to 9801 Up to 9801Unlimited using RM-104 / RM-204Unlimited using RM-104 / RM-204DIGITAL MEASUREMENTSCOFDM Signals (DVB-T) BER after Viterbi, CSI BER after Viterbi, CSI, MER (optional) BER after Viterbi, CSI, MER, ConstellationQPSK Signals (DVB-S) BER before/after Viterbi BER before/after Viterbi (optional) BER before/after ViterbiQAM Signals (DVB-C) - BER before FEC and MER (optional) BER before FEC, MER and constellationTRANSPORT STREAM ANALYSER - Included (with digital optionl) IncludedIF SAT TEST Included Included IncludedDIGITAL AUDIO MEASUREMENTS Included Included IncludedDVB CHANNELS IDENTIFICATION - Included (with digital option) IncludedSERVICE LIST - Name/Type/Codification (with digital option) Name/Type/CodificationVIDEO/AUDIO IDENTIFICATION - Included (with digital optionl) IncludedFREE CHANNELS DEMODULATION - MPEG-2 / DVB (MP @ ML) (with digital option) MPEG-2 / DVB (MP @ ML)ENCRYPTED CHANNELS DEMODULATION - - Using module CAM ('Common Interface')ANALOGUE VIDEO B/G/I/D/K/L M/N/B/G/I/D/K/L M/N/B/G/I/D/K/LLi+ BATTERY Included Included IncludedDIMENSIONS 294 (W.) x 100 (H.) x 274 (D.) mm 294 (W.) x 100 (H.) x 274 (D.) mm 294 (W.) x 106 (H.) x 274 (D.) mmWeight 4.9 Kg 5 Kg 5 Kg(*) Typical specification at calibration points16