Seeker & Seeker MCA III Leakage Detection System Operation Manual This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. See Page 2 for complete details. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Industry Canada Standards. See Page 3 for complete details. Copyright © 2013 Trilithic, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
FCC Part 15 Compliance Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Industry Canada Compliance This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation of this device is subject to the following two conditions; 1) This device may not cause harmful interference and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Trilithic Company Profile Trilithic is a privately held manufacturer founded in 1986 as an engineering and assembly company that built and designed customer-directed products for telecommunications, military and industrial customers. From its modest beginnings as a two-man engineering team, Trilithic grew over the years and broadened its offerings of RF and microwave components by adding broadband solutions to its product line.
Table of Contents Chapter 1 General Information...................................................................................................................9 Helpful Website.......................................................................................................................9 Where to Get Technical Support.............................................................................................9 How this Manual is Organized...........................................................
About Your Seeker’s Battery.................................................................................................26 Overview..........................................................................................................................26 If Your Seeker Does Not Turn On....................................................................................26 Checking the Battery Level..............................................................................................
Chapter 5 Seeker MCA III Introduction.....................................................................................................41 What is Seeker GPS?...........................................................................................................41 Equipment Supplied with Your Seeker MCA III.....................................................................41 Accessories for Your Seeker MCA III....................................................................................
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Chapter 1 General Information Helpful Website The following website contains general information which may be of interest to you: http://www.trilithic.com Trilithic’s website contains product specifications and information, tips, release information, marketing information, frequently asked questions (FAQs), bulletins and other technical information. You can also check this website for product updates.
How this Manual is Organized This manual is divided into the following chapters: • Chapter 1, “General Information” provides Trilithic contact information and describes how this operation manual is structured. • Chapter 2, “Seeker Introduction” introduces what the Seeker is and what it does. This chapter discusses the practical application, connections and controls of the Seeker. Finally, this chapter discusses the Seeker’s battery and how to update your firmware.
Optional Software Although the Seeker comes preconfigured and ready to use from the factory, the following software is required for advanced configuration of the Seeker and Seeker MCA III: • Seeker Setup is used to configure the Seeker, enabling the operator to assemble files containing channel frequencies, squelch levels, and other settings. Users can efficiently download configurations to one or more leakage detectors.
Conventions Used in this Manual This manual has several standardized conventions for presenting information: • Connections, menus, menu options, and user-entered text and commands appear in bold. • Section names, web, and e-mail addresses appear in italics. A NOTE is information that will be of assistance to you related to the current step or procedure. A CAUTION alerts you to any condition that could cause a mechanical failure or potential loss of data.
Chapter 2 Seeker Introduction This chapter: • Describes the Seeker’s purpose • Gives an overview of the Seeker’s features • Lists the Seeker’s supplied equipment and optional accessories • Gives a guided tour of the Seeker and Mobile Mount and explains the display screen • Discusses the Seeker’s battery • Discusses updating the Seeker’s firmware What is the Seeker? The Seeker is specifically designed for efficient distribution leakage management, displaying numerical measurements of leaks on up
Multiple Frequency Presets Your Seeker can be setup to operate on up to 10 different frequency presets, which makes it easier to monitor and maintain multiple cable systems. These presets define the leakage monitoring frequency and, if desired, the tag detection frequency as well. You have the option of setting up only one frequency preset for simple operation, or multiple leakage frequencies for maintaining multiple cable systems. Frequency settings range from 109.25 to 110.5 MHz and 118.50 MHz to 147.
Squelch Operation Squelch level is the RF signal threshold that the Seeker uses to determine the validity of the signal. The signal “breaks squelch” when the RF leakage is greater than the squelch level, as long as any enabled tag or GT noise qualifiers are met as well. The receiver will not alarm for signals below the squelch level. The squelch level has a factory default of 2 µV/m. However, it can be reconfigured using the Seeker Setup software.
Function Upon parking and shutting down a vehicle equipped with a “Green Engineering” Mobile Mount and MCA III, the MCA III will attempt to upload leakage data to the LAW server via the Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. The MCA III will then automatically power down after the vehicle timer delay has expired. Seeker MCA III and Mobile Mount Compatibility “Green Engineering” Mobile Mounts are compatible only with “Green Engineering” Seeker MCA IIIs.
Equipment Supplied with Your Seeker The Seeker comes with the following: • Seeker leakage detector • Rubber “duck” antenna • Built-in battery • AC travel charger and mini-USB charge / data cable • DC power cable for the Seeker Mobile Mount • Mobile Mount and arm with mounting hardware • Operation manual and hardware USB driver on CD • Printed installation guide and installation checklist The Seeker requires a monopole antenna (not included) for use with the mobile mount.
Accessories & Replacement Parts for Your Seeker The following accessories & replacement parts are available for the Seeker: Part Number Description 2071679000 Rubber “Duck” Antenna 2071743000 Seeker Mobile Mount 2071585007 Power Cable for Seeker Mobile Mount 0610169007 Vehicle Power Adapter 2131249000 Seeker Holster 2071802000 Seeker Pole Mounting Kit 0610169006 Seeker Charger 0610169011 International Power Adapter Kit 2072585004 Mini-USB Data Cable 0090048000 Seeker Battery To place a
A Guided Tour of Your Seeker Front View Additional Function button Press this button to directly enable and disable tag detection. Also, when in WaveTracker mode, press this button to change the distance from the vehicle to the cable plant. VOLUME button Press this button to change the volume of the leakage tone. Brief presses increase the volume to maximum and then it rolls over to the minimum volume.
Back View Antenna connection The antenna connection is used to connect the Seeker to the Mobile Mount antenna connection.
Right Side View Mini-USB connection The Mini-USB connection is used to connect the charger to the Seeker and/or to connect a PC or laptop computer to the Seeker using the mini-USB charge / data cable. Bottom View Mobile Mount interface The Mobile Mount interface is used to charge the Seeker as well as communicate with the MCA III unit when the Seeker is in the mobile mount.
Display Screen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 11 10 1. GPS - This icon is shown when the Seeker is placed in the Mobile Mount and a GPS connection is established with the MCA III. When the icon is not shown, the Seeker is not in the Mobile Mount or the GPS connection cannot be established with the MCA III. If the icon blinks the MCA III is connected to the GPS but the GPS does not have a good position fix. 2.
7. Main display - This is used to show various parameters, and its function depends on the current display mode selection. 8. Antenna - This icon blinks when the signal mode is selected. This is the normal mode for leakage detection. 9. Bar graph - This is used to show the level of various Seeker and Seeker GPS parameters, and its function depends on the current display mode selection. 10. Battery - This icon blinks when the battery mode is selected.
A Guided Tour of Your Mobile Mount Front View Antenna connection The Mobile Mount antenna connection is used to connect the Seeker antenna input. Spring loaded cradle The cradle is spring loaded to ensure that the Seeker is held securely in the Mobile Mount. To place the Seeker into the Mobile Mount, place the bottom of the Seeker in the cradle and press down while pressing the top of the Seeker back into the Mobile Mount to connect the Seeker antenna input to the mobile mount antenna connection.
Left Side View Mounting arm The arm is used to secure the Mobile Mount to the vehicle. Use the knob to tighten and loosen the arm and then adjust the angle of the arm to achieve the proper mounting angle. The arm should be securely fastened to the vehicle with four screws or bolts. Rear View Audio output connection This connection is used to connect the audio from the Seeker to an external audio system.
About Your Seeker’s Battery Overview • The Seeker uses a Lithium-Ion battery. The battery is charged during manufacture and should be ready to use as long as it has not been stored for a long period of time. • Lithium-Ion batteries operate differently than Nickel-Cadmium batteries. They should be charged daily, and should not be deeply discharged as this could damage the battery. There is no memory effect and concerns about charging too soon or with little use are unwarranted.
Charging the Battery AC Charging Connecting the Mini-USB cable and charger to the Seeker will begin AC charging. • The Mini-USB charge / data cable and charger must be connected to both the Seeker and a working power outlet before AC charging can begin. • When the Seeker is off and it is charging, the device will go into background charging and nothing will be shown on the display screen.
Mobile Mount Charging Placing the Seeker into the Mobile Mount will begin Mobile Mount charging. • The Mobile Mount DC power cable must be connected to the Mobile Mount and the vehicle power supply before Mobile Mount charging can begin. • When the Seeker is off and it is charging, the device will go into a background charging and nothing will be shown on the display screen. • When the Seeker is on and is charging, the display will remain on the Measurement mode screen.
Chapter 3 Seeker Operation This chapter: • Provides information on Seeker’s operation and display modes Configure Settings You must configure the Seeker’s settings using the Seeker Setup software. The Seeker comes from the factory with default settings, but it is likely they will need to be customized. Detailed instructions can be found in the Seeker Setup Software Operation Manual.
PC Communications Mode This mode is used by the Seeker Setup software to send and retrieve configuration parameters from your Seeker. The following screen will be displayed while your Seeker is in this mode. Enter PC Communications Mode by: Connecting the Seeker to a PC or laptop computer using a mini-USB charge / data cable and then initializing the Seeker Setup software to communicate with the Seeker.
Display Modes While testing for leaks the user will need to view the information shown by the Seeker’s display modes. • Use the Seeker’s SELECT button to toggle through its display modes. • As you toggle, the display modes will appear in the same order in which they are discussed in this section.
Signal Level The Signal Level display is the normal display mode for leakage testing. In this mode the Antenna icon on the display blinks to show the Signal Level display is selected. The signal level detected for the selected frequency will be displayed numerically and the bar graph will indicate the relative signal level. Also: You can freeze the numerical display to make documenting the leakage value easier. • To freeze the display, press the Seeker’s CHANGE button.
Battery Charge Level The Battery Charge Level display is used to test the charge level of the battery. In this mode the Battery icon on the display will blink to show the Battery Charge Level display is selected. The bar graph at the bottom of the display will indicate the relative battery charge level. The numerical display will continue to display the RF signal level. Pressing the CHANGE button will display the Seeker Firmware version for five seconds.
Peak Hold The Peak Hold display is used to turn the Peak Hold function on or off. In the Peak Hold display, the PK icon at the top of the display will blink if the Peak Hold function is off. The “PK” symbol will be constantly displayed if the Peak Hold function is on. Press the CHANGE button to turn the Peak Hold function on or off. When the Peak Hold function is on, the numerical display will hold the latest peak RF level reading for up to five seconds unless the RF level increases.
Preset Frequencies The Preset Frequencies display is used to view the preset frequencies and select the one used for leakage testing by the Seeker. Preset frequencies are numbered from 0 to 9 and are configured and downloaded with the Seeker Setup software. The Seeker comes from the factory loaded with the following preset frequencies; 121.2625, 127.2625, 133.2625, 139.2500, and 146.2625 MHz.
Channel Tag The Channel Tag display is used to enable or disable the channel tag feature for the selected frequency preset. A Channel Tagger adds a low frequency tag (10-23 Hz, excluding 16 Hz) to a CATV channel. When the Channel Tag feature is enabled in the Seeker, it will alarm and produce an audible tone only when the leakage signal has the required tag. This eliminates false alarms from signals that do not originate in the user’s system.
Snapshot Modes While testing for leaks the user may need to record the pre fix and post fix leakage information recorded by the Seeker. Use the Seeker’s Snapshot button to display the Snapshot mode. The Snapshot modes will appear in the same order in which they are discussed in this section. The Snapshot button is used to synchronize data between the Seeker and the Seeker MCA III when the Seeker is in the Mobile Mount.
Pre-Fix To record the pre-fix leakage information recorded by the Seeker, press the Snapshot button when the following screen is displayed: Post-Fix To record the post-fix leakage information recorded by the Seeker, press the Snapshot button when the following screen is displayed: No Snapshot To cancel the snapshot of the information recorded by the Seeker, press the Snapshot button when the following screen is displayed: In Snapshot Mode, the display will cycle through the screens displayed above until
Chapter 4 Leakage Testing This chapter: • Discusses how to test for leaks using the Seeker Before You Begin Leakage Testing • A low battery may cause the Seeker to NOT turn on. Try charging your battery for 3 hours to see if that fixes the problem, or use the Seeker while in the mobile mount. • The Seeker will retain the setup from when the meter was last shut off.
3. Confirm the Seeker is in Measurement mode The Antenna icon on the display should be blinking for the Measurement mode. If necessary use the SELECT button to move to the Measurement mode. 4. Begin leakage testing Move the Seeker around the test area. If the detected leakage level exceeds the squelch level (default 2 mV/m), the Seeker will alarm. The frequency of the alarm tone will increase as the detected signal strength increases.
Chapter 5 Seeker MCA III Introduction This chapter: • Describes the purpose of the Seeker MCA III • Lists the equipment supplied with the Seeker MCA III • Gives a guided tour of the Seeker MCA III What is Seeker GPS? The Seeker GPS system provides a cost-effective way to equip each vehicle in a fleet with GPS-based reporting capabilities. The Seeker GPS system consists of the standard Seeker, a Seeker MCA III, and a GPS receiver.
Device Overview The Seeker MCA III is used to store leakage data collected from the Seeker and to upload the same leakage data to the user’s PC or laptop computer or the central server. Changes to the devices not expressly approved by Trilithic, Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Front View Display Screen The LCD is used to display the setup and operation status of the MCA III.
Rear View 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. Mobile Mount Serial Data Connection - This connection is used with the MCA III serial cable to connect the Seeker Mobile Mount to the MCA III. Also, power is supplied to the MCA III through this connection from the Mobile Mount. 2. GPS Serial Data Connection - This connection is used to connect to a serial (RS232) enabled GPS receiver. 3. Fleet Management Interface Connection - This connection is used to interface with your GARMIN FMI enabled Portable Navigation Device (PND).
Display Screen Overview The display screen of the MCA III is used to display the setup and operation status of the unit. Normal Display Screens The information displayed on this screen is for reference only, the settings shown here can be adjusted using the Seeker Setup software. The Seeker MCA III Home Screen shows the name and version number of the installed firmware/software.
Chapter 6 Seeker MCA III Operation This chapter: • Lists recommended software • Provides information on Seeker GPS operation and display modes Configure Settings You must configure the Mobile Communication Adapter (MCA III) settings using the Seeker Setup software. The MCA III comes from the factory with default settings, but it is likely they will need to be customized. Detailed instructions can be found in the Seeker Setup Software Operation Manual.
GPS Signal When the Seeker is placed in the Mobile Mount, the GPS Signal display is used to display the status of the GPS Signal. When the GPS receiver is off, the text GPS icon is not shown on the display. When the GPS receiver is on but the GPS receiver IS NOT receiving a satellite signal, the GPS icon will blink.
Data Synchronization When a user does not have a Wi-Fi or cellular connection available to upload recorded data from the MCA III to the central server, the user may synchronize the data of the MCA II with the internal memory of the Seeker. To synchronize the data between the MCA III and the Seeker, press and hold the Snapshot button.
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Chapter 7 Data Upload Options Standard Internet Connection The leakage data can be uploaded via an Internet connection. The user removes the Seeker from its Mobile Mount and connects it to a PC or laptop computer. The leakage data is then uploaded to the central server using a website on the internet. Wi-Fi The leakage data can be uploaded via a wireless connection.
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Chapter 8 Appendix General Specifications Frequency Range Settable using Seeker Setup Software, in 6.25 kHz steps. Low Band: 109.25 to 110.50 MHz High Band: 118.50 to 147.25 MHz Older Seekers do not include the low band frequency from 109.25 to 110.5 MHz. Seekers that are low band frequency compatible will have a label on the back of the device indicating “LOW BAND ENABLED”. Frequency Presets 10 user-set operating frequencies, selectable on front panel.
Display Messages & Error Codes Seeker Error Codes The codes shown below are displayed on the Seeker display screen as “E##” to indicate an error with the Seeker. “E##” Code Error Description Solution Factory 1 Parameters The checksum is not valid for this area or the calibration date for this area is not set. Factory 1 contains the filter, level, and GT calibration items. If a power cycle does not fix this, return to the factory for recalibration.
“E##” Code Error Description Solution Sync Error A problem occurred during a hot sync from an MCA back into a meter. This is most likely a communication error with the MCA. Try the sync process again. Bad Flash ID The flash ID read did not correspond to either the ST M25P64 or Winbond W25X64 device. If a power cycle does not fix this, then return to the factory for repair. 09 RTC Error The RTC power-on test failed (the value read from a RAM location in the RTC did not match the value written).
MCA III Error Codes The codes shown below are displayed on the Seeker MCA III display screen or on the MCA III display screen as “DEVICE ERRORS” to indicate an error with the MCA II. “E##” Code Error Description Solution 0 No errors detected N/A 3 Factory Calibration is not valid Return the device to the factory for repair. 4 User Parameters are not valid Use Seeker Setup to reconfigure the device.
“E##” Code Error Description Solution 12 WEP key communications failed Check to ensure that your WEP key is valid and reconfigure the device using the correct WEP key. 13 WPA key communications failed Check to ensure that your WPA/WPA2 key is valid and reconfigure the device using the correct WPA/ WPA2 key. 14 WiFi signal level communications failed If the error persists, contact support as this error may require a firmware update to correct.
“E##” Code Error Description Solution 36 Wi-Fi Association Failed Check the Wi-Fi information and ensure that the security keys are correct and reconfigure the device using the correct Wi-Fi settings. 37 Wi-Fi DHCP Request Failed Could not obtain an IP address using DHCP, if enabled. Verify that the Access Point has a DHCP server enabled or has a route to a network DNCHP server.
Access Point Error Codes The codes shown below are displayed on the Seeker display screen as “AP##” to indicate an error with the access point. “AP##” Code Error Description 00 Displayed for 3 seconds at power on when this mode has been activated. Also displayed (could be for minutes) while the Wi-Fi module is being set up and associating with the access point for testing of a new zone. 01 There was a communications problem between the Seeker and the MCA.
Seeker & MCA II Communication Messages The codes shown below are displayed on the Seeker display screen as “CA#” to indicate the communication status between the Seeker and MCA II. “CA##” Code Error Description 0 The Seeker meter has successfully established a connection to an MCA. 1 The Seeker meter is in the process of “syncing” snapshots to the MCA memory.
Seeker & MCA II Memory Full Messages The codes shown below are displayed on the Seeker display screen as “FL#” to indicate the internal memory status of the Seeker and MCA II. “FL##” Code Error Description 0 MCA internal memory is full. Shows after “CA0” if there are less than 30,000 records available. This display is cleared by a button press on the Seeker meter, which will cause a 1 hour “snooze” until the FL0 message is displayed again. 1 Seeker internal memory is full.
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Trilithic Broadband Instruments 2-Year Limited Warranty Trilithic, Inc. (“Trilithic”) warrants to the buyer that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship, under normal use, operating conditions and service for a period of two (2) years from date of delivery. Trilithic reserves the right, before having any obligation under this limited warranty, to inspect the damaged product, and all costs of shipping the product to Trilithic for inspection shall be borne solely by the buyer.
9710 Park Davis Drive Indianapolis, IN 46235 (317) 895-3600 www.trilithic.com P/N 00103XXXXX 6/13 Made in U.S.A.
