Boonton PIM 21 Quick Start - Manual

Quick Start Guide
boonton.com 25 Eastmans Rd., Parsippany, NJ 07054 t: (973) 386-9696 f: (973) 386-9191 e: [email protected]
Before turning the tester on ensure that nothing is connected to the TEST PORT and that the external DC is connected, if required.
1. Press the green ON / OFF button momentarily to switch the test set on.
a. The digital display will scroll through model, serial number and version
messages and information relating to the frequencies used by the tester.
If no external DC power is connected the message Batt Pwr Only is dis-
played.
b. The tester will then self-calibrate and display the background noise
PIM value in dBc, this being the default display while the tester is in the
standby RF off mode.
c. Pressing the MENU button now sets the unit to the default RF OFF mode,
from which different menu choices may be selected.
2. Connect the device or cable to be tested to the TEST PORT
a. Press either of the red Test/RF On / Off buttons to turn on the two RF test
tones.
CAUTION: When the RF ON lamp is lit, RF energy is present at the TEST
PORT, so ensure this port is correctly terminated while RF is on.
Note: The two red Test/RF On / Off buttons have different functions; the
TIMED button will turn the RF test tones on for a pre-selected period
of time, typically used to reduce the potential of RF exposure and to
conserve battery life. The CONT button will switch the RF test tones on
continuously and a second button push is required to switch off the RF
tones. The desired TIMED period is set via the SETUP menu.
3. Read the PIM result.
a. In default mode the result is displayed on the digital display as a nega-
tive PIM level in dBc (i.e. level below the RF test tone level). A secondary
bar display is also provided as a quick visual indication. The red and green
indicators display the results in dBm from -123 dBm to -80 dBm. At the
maximum output of +33 dBm (2 W) per carrier, this is equivalent to -156
dBc to -113 dBc. Each display segment corresponding to approximately
2.7 dB. The changeover from red to green occurs at -140 dBc.
b. The numeric dBm display (in place of the default dBc) is available under
the DISPLAY Menu.
c. An audible indication of PIM level is also provided. Audio tone can be
changed from a sliding tone to beeps via the Setup menu, and audio level
is adjusted by the TONE level control on the front panel.
4. Switching the tester OFF.
a. Once your testing is complete, the tester may be switched off by press-
ing the green PWR ON / OFF button for a minimum of 5 seconds.
LCD Display
Input Keys Test RF on / off
RF Test Connector
Power on / off