Ameritec AM48 HANDHELD Transmission Impairment Test Set (TIMS)
What Is It?
The Ameritec Model AM48 is a compact, user-friendly, yet powerful hand-held analog transmission test set. Weighing less than 2 lbs., it can easily be transported in a briefcase or slide into a tool kit. It is powered by four AA batteries, an accessory 110 VAC adapter/recharger or four AA rechargeable NiCad batteries.
The unit is designed for field testing and measurement of voice and data for 2 or 4 wire telecommunications transmission circuits. This unit is a full function signal generator able to generate all of the test tones and waveforms needed to perform a variety of standard measurements. It is a telephone set with built-in dial, talk and listen capability with a selection of 600 ohm or 900 ohm termination impedance. This unit fully complies with Bell Standard 41009.
What Does It Do?
The Ameritec Model AM48 can do a variety of measurements. With its built-in dial capability on dial-up networks it can access a distant responder or a second AM48 for centralized 2-wire testing. You can use a single unit with an Ameritec responder for centralized loop back testing. Or, use two sets for a complete end-to-end test of 4-wire data lines.
How Does It Work?
The user utilizes the color-coded controls and menu selection to select the desired measure mode and send mode. Measurements are captured and are automatically displayed. Immediate display indicates if the measurement is out of range over or under. All controls are edge-mounted rocker switches or slide switches color coded with descriptive labeling on the front of the unit for all switch functions. The keypad which is normally used for dialing, has a unique secondary function which allows setting of all control parameters associated with the more complex tests. The keypad is also able to set signal generator levels and frequencies.
What Can It Test?
A single unit with the capability to do the measurements of three separate instruments. Able to measure transmission circuits over the extended voice band 200 Hz to 20 kHz as follows:
- dBm level or dB loss
- Frequency
- Frequency Response (Attenuation Distortion)
- Noise
- Noise with Tone
- Signal/Noise Ratio
- P/AR
- 3 Level Impulse Noise
- Phase and Gain Jitter
- Hits and Dropouts
In addition, it is equipped with a user-programmable, non-volatile memory contained within the unit. The ability to store up to ten operator-defined send/measure test configurations, as well as up to 10 operator-defined test tone frequencies. Easily obtained stored data retrieved by a single keystroke from the user.