Promax Prolink 4C Premium
The Prolink 4C Premium is an advanced satellite & terrestrial spectrum analyzer.
Time Proof Investment
Investing in the Prolink 4C Premium is a perfect way to guarantee the quality of your work for years to come.
Some of the features of this instrument:
- High-performance spectrum analyser
- Automatic measurements, generation of reports, monitoring
- Large colour TFT display & sealed front panel
- Long-life batteries (Li+) with in car charger & status indicator
- Analogue TV measurements
Digital TV measurements (QPSK/QAM/COFDM)
- Channel Power
- Carrier/Noise
- Bit Error rate (BER)
- MER and CSI
- Constellation (QAM & COFDM)
- MPEG transport stream analyser with transport stream I/O
- Satellite IF test
- Digital audio measurements (NICAM, RDS Radio, DAB digital radio)
- High-speed sweep
- High accuracy frequency resolution
- High sensitivity
- Flexible amplitude resolution
- Maximum and minimum hold
- Return channel coverage for Cable TV
- Measurement in the ISM band
- Demodulation of free to air and encrypted* digital channels
- Common Interface (CI) slot
- DVB Digital Channels identifier and NIT table readout
- Video and audio PID indication
- Computer interface
- Certified & configurable reports
- Control commands for monitoring
- Control and alarms software
- Flexible channel plans
- Multilingual interface
- Portable, sturdy, compact design with Anti-shock protector
- Back-pack type carrying case with side-mounted connectors
You can download the PDF brochure from Promax for the Prolink 4C premium analyser here.
the Prolink 4C Premium online.
An eye for details
Promax, the manufacturer of the Prolink 4C Premium believes that excellence can only be achieved through meticulous attention to detail. This is why, when designing the Premium series, they've given special attention to the details that make all the difference.
The PROLINK-4C features a 5" TFT display, striking the best possible balance between size and portability . With its contrast ratio of 320 cd/m2 its screen is brighter than what is usually found on this type of LCD, allowing it to be used in sunlight. The carrying bag also incorporates a viewing hood to improve screen contrast when working with direct exposure to sunlight.
Its wide working temperature range (-30°C to 85°C) makes it suitable for outdoor use, even in extreme weather conditions.
Thanks to the light-weight materials employed in its construction and its small dimensions, the PROLINK 4C Premium weighs only 5kg.
Advanced design techniques, such as the use of 4-layer Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and mini-SMD mass assembly, have allowed promax to deliver an impressive number of features in a relatively small instrument.
The Prolink 4C Premium comes with Promax's trademark red & yellow carrying bag, featuring storage to spare for crimp tools, etc.
The iconographic keyboard makes for a very user-friendly interface. With the rotary-button encoder, functions may be easily selected and validated and the menus are available in various languages.
For improved comfort, the carrying bag may also be used as a back- pack, making it easier to climb towers, ladders and work on roofs. We also offer an optional pelican style carrying case, ideal for extra protection of the instrument during transport.
Digital Measurement Capability
Digital Satellite (QPSK DVB-S)
The Prolink 4C Premium can measure the Bit Error Rate (BER) of an Mpeg-2 DVB carrier before and after Viterbi correction. It also features a Digital Channel Identifier (DCI, a patented function), which helps identify the channels in the carrier almost instantaneously.
Bit Error Rate measures before Viterbi correction are more sensitive to small variations in reception quality. Measuring after Viterbi allows for a measure of the signal at the DVB stage, defined by the QEF (Quasi Error Free) threshold.
Satellite IF Test for networks and equalisation
This function has been designed to test the satellite IF distribution network in buildings and to equalise the band before any signal is made available. It is used in combination with the RP-050, a signal generator with 3 carriers in the satellite IF band. With this function it is possible to check at a glance the response of the system in the beginning, middle and end of the band on any outlet.
Digital Cable (QAM DVB-C) 
The Prolink 4C Premium measures both the BER and MER error rates in QAM digital signals. The BER is usefull to confirm that the system meet DVB-C quality limits. The MER is proportional to the signal quality and gives complementary information to optimize the noise margin, i.e. an excellent BER can still be improved by increasing the MER. The DCI function is also included within this measurement screen.
With QAM, it is also useful to analyse the constellation diagram which, with a simple glance, will reveal signal with noise-related errors, IQ imbalances, phase errors, etc.
Terrestrial Digital (COFDM DVB-T)
The Prolink 4C Premium measures the BER to verify the quality of a DVB-T signal. It also measures the MER, to ensure safety margins and good reception in changing meteorological conditions. The instrument also measures Channel Status Information (CSI), which provides valuable information on the quality of the carriers making up a COFDM channel. In COFDM, analysing the constellation diagram helps detect impairments in any of the thousands of carriers that compose a DTT signal.
MPEG transport stream analyser 
The 'wrong packages' function analyses the MPEG-2 transport stream of a signal.
The analysis consists of a continuous monitoring of the packets received during a set period of time and determining the cause of potential reception problems. In Digital Terrestrial Television (DVB-T), impairments are often due to impulsive noise caused by traffic and the ‘Wrong packets’ function will help analyze it.
The instrument records all errors or events detected in the MPEG-2 Transport Stream, according to standard ETSI TR 101290 'Measurement guidelines for DVB systems' as defined by the 'European Telecommunications Standards Institute'. It records the type of event with the time and duration of each event. It also registers the time of the test and number of events signaled.
Digital audio measurements
The Prolink 4C Premium allows its user to make various measurements on digital audio systems. This includes measurement capability of NICAM digital audio, Radio Data System (RDS) signals in FM using the EBB (Error Block Balance) function. This function also allows the user to access RDS information.
Spectrum Analysis capability
High accuracy, high-speed sweep speed
The Prolink 4C Premium is a highly useful instrument in a large number of applications. These 4C Premium combines the advantages of a high-accuracy system (in 'High Resolution' frequency sweep mode), with those of a real time analysers (in 'Aerial alignment' sweep mode).
High frequency resolution
The minimum Span Resolution of the Prolink 4C Premium is 4 MHz in satellite (950-2150MHz) and 8 MHz in terrestrial mode (5MHz-1000MHz). Using a measurement resolution filter of 50 kHz, it is possible to analyze signal undetectable on standard analyzers, such as the beacon transmitted on most satellites at given frequencies, often used by SNG trucks for antenna alignment.
High sensitivity
The Prolink 4C Premium is a highly sensitive instrument, which allows the user to measure very weak signals, even below the 0 dBμV mark. This is an essential feature to measure the Carrier/Noise ratio (C/N) of digital carriers, in accordance with the values demanded by current standards in different countries.
Flexible amplitude resolution
The Prolink 4C Premium combines a wide dynamic range of 50dB with selectable reference level and a vertical resolution of 2/5/10 dB per division. This allows the user to pick up signal variations not visible on other instruments. The pictures below show a low power signal as observed on the Prolink 4C Premium vs what might be seen on a standard field strength meter. In this example, the Prolink 4C Premium shows a 'beacon' from the VSAT operator that would not be visible on another instrument.
Maximum and minimum hold
Maximum hold can be used to measure non-continuous signals such as those found in the GSM band. Minimum detection can be used to identify interferences in any type of system among other things.
Cable Return Path
The 5 to 100 MHz band is used by cable operators for an increasing number of interactive services (Internet, PPV, etc.). Together with the RP-100, the Prolink 4C Premium becomes a powerful test kit to confirm the response of cables, amplifiers and distribution equipment in a cable TV network environment.
ISM band coverage (converters not included)
A growing number of devices use the ISM band (Industrial Scientific and Medical) at frequencies of 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz. With the CV-245 and CV-589 converter, the Prolink 4C Premium can be used in spectrum analyser mode to aligning aerials, detect interferences, etc.
Video & Audio Demodulation
DVB Channel Identifier (DCI), Services & PID
QPSK, QAM or COFDM signals contain 'Transport Streams' made of packets that carry video, audio or data. The Prolink 4C Premium can read the NETWORK, PROVIDER and SERVICE identification tables for each transport stream. Selecting the 'List of services' function brings up the name, the type of service (television, radio, data or mosaic) and whether the information is encrypted or free. The PID is a personalised identifier for each program broadcast in a multiplex and is available whenever a channel is selected.
Free to air and encrypted channels
In addition to picture & sound, the Prolink 4C Premium will give out measurement data on digital channels along with the NETWORK, PROVIDER and SERVICE identifiers. Encrypted channels can be viewed provided the right Common Interface (CI) module is present in the Prolink 4C Premium along with a smart card carrying a valid subscription for the said service.
MPEG Transport Stream input / output
The Prolink 4C Premium also offers MPEG transport stream input / output capability through an LVDS DVB-PI, D-25 parallel interface.
Measurement, Reports & Monitoring
Preset Measures
The Prolink 4C Premium can store 99 measurement configurations. Each configuration allows for the memorisation of parameters related to a measure: type of measure (Power, C/N, BER, MER, etc.), name, frequency or channel, units, etc.
Automatic measures
The Prolink 4C Premium can be used for batch data acquisition. With a single command, it can analyse and memorise up to 99 channels from one outlet. This process may be repeated for up to 99 outlets or test points. It can also be used to perform continuous measurements on one point in the network. Setting a time interval, from 1 second to 24 hours in between measurements, the instrument can be let in acquisition mode over a long period of time. This function can be very useful to trace or monitor the network and detect random faults.
Computer Software & Interface
Measures in the Datalogger as well as the spectrum can be downloaded to a CI-023 printer. Using PKTools, measures may also be transferred to a personal computer for a more detailed analysis. PKTools software allows the user to generate reports from stores measures and hinders the results from being altered in any way. These reports may be personalised to include the logo of the certifying company. It is also possible to generate custom report, graphics or statistics in a spreadsheet.
Control commands & monitoring
This instrument can understand a wide range of remote commands, giving the user a great deal of flexibility to create scripts specific to certain tasks, for example to remote control and monitor distribution systems. You can get a full list of RS232 commands for the Prolink 4C Premium here.
Control & Alarms Software
For applications that require prolonged or permanent monitoring, PKWatch is an optional software that interfaces the Prolink 4C Premium with a computer to monitor as many parameters as required with PASS/FAIL points that can generate alarms as required by the user.
Flexible channel set
This feature is very useful to program channel plans according to the specific requirements of each user application. For instance, the Prolink 4C Premium may include the channel plans of various satellite providers in access each transponder by transponder number instea of individual frequency.
Built to Last
The Promax Prolink 4C Premium is a sturdy and very compact instruments. A rubber band protects the instrument from shocks and gives it the necessary strength and protection to prevent damage during transport or work on the field. The screen has an additional protection system to cushion the effects of shock that may be experienced on the field.
The front panel is flat and sealed, to prevent water or dust infiltration and it protects the instrument from light, rain, cable shield cutouts, dust, etc.
The input / output connectors are side mounted to prevent damage in a recessed area for even better protection and the input connector are replaceable.
The Lithium-Ion batteries give an operational autonomy of over 4 hours (in analogue measuring mode) and maintain their charge when the instrument is not being used. Battery charging is quick and may be carried out in intervals. Using the included AA-103 adapter, you may also charge the battery using your vehicle's 12VDC cigar-outlets.
In addition to a low-battery indicator, the instrument features a battery level screen that also gives consumption info devices powered through the IF Input (amplifiers, LNBs, etc.).
Specifications Summary
| Promax Prolink 4C Premium | ||
| Frequency Range | Terrestrial | 5-862MHz |
| Satellite | 950-2150MHz | |
| Resolution | Terrestrial | 50 kHz |
| Satellite | ||
| RF Input | Impedence | 75Ω |
| Connector | F, BNC, RCA | |
| Max Signal | 130 dBµV | |
| Max Voltage | DC to 100Hz, 30 Vrms | |
| Measurement | Units | dBµV, dBmV, dBm |
| Measurement Accuracy | Terrestrial | ± 1dB |
| Satellite | ± 1.5dB | |
| Analog Measures | Terrestrial | Level, Video/Audio, C/N |
| Satellite | Level, C/N, Power (Digital) | |
| Digital Measurements | DVB-T | Power, SER, VBER, MER, C/N, Noise Margin |
| DVB-C | Power, BER, MER, C/N, Noise Margin | |
| DVB-S (QPSK) | Power, CBER, VBER, MER, C/N, Noise Margin | |
| Constellation Diagram | I-Q Graph | DVB-T, DVB-C |
| Video Demodulation | Image & Sound | 480i, 576i video & audio for Analog terrestrial, DVB-S, C, T channels |
| Video Format | MPEG-2 (MP@ML) (Main Profile @ Main Level) | |
| Information | Carrier ID, Channel List & Names, PIDs for DVB-S, C, T channels | |
| Datalogger Function | Analogue | Level Video/Audio, C/N |
| Digital | Frequency Offset, Mpeg-2 Detection, power, C/N, MER, CBER, VBER, LBER and noise margin | |
| Physical | Display | 5" TFT Screen, 4:3 ratios |
| System | NTSC, PAL, SECAM, M/N/B/G/I/D/K/L formats for analog video. | |
| Video In/Out | RCA, 1Vpp (75Ω) positive Video | |
| Audio In/Out | Scart with RCA Adapter | |
| Speaker | Built in | |
| RS-232 Port | RS-232 port for updates, remote control, download of logs and calibration. |
|
| Common Interface | CI Slot for access to scrambled content (CI module & smart card not provided) | |
| External device control (via RF Output) | Voltage | 5/13/15/18/24 V |
| 22KHz | 0.6V ± 0.2V, 22 KHz ± 4 kHz | |
| Maximum Power | 5W | |
| DiSEqC | DiSEqC 1.2 Standard | |
| Power supply | Internal Battery | 7.2 V 11 Ah Li-Ion battery |
| > 4 hrs in continuous mode | ||
| Charging time | 3 hours for >80% charge (device Off) | |
| External requirement | 12 VDC / 5Amp | |
| Consumption | 30 W | |
| Auto power off | Set by user | |
| Environmental | Temperature | 5° to 40° with auto-off in case of excess heat |
| Humidity | Up to 80% @ 31°C, 50% @ 40°C | |
| Altitude | Up to 2000m | |
| Dimensions | 294 (w) x 106 (h) x 274 (d) | |
| Weight | 5 kg (without accessories) | |
| Accessories | Included | 10dB attenuator, F-BNC, F-DIN, F-F adapters, AC/DC Charger, Belt (Black), Car charger. |
| Included | Back pack style carrying bag (yellow) | |
*: Scrambled channels require the presence of a CI decoder module and smart card with subscription.
