The Promax TV Explorer II+ incorporates the latest Worldwide satellite and terrestrial standards! It has been designed for the installation, maintenance and surveillance of terrestrial, satellite, cable and portable TV systems. This is perhaps the easiest to use spectrum analyzer on the market today with such an advanced set of features.
Overview
The TV EXPLORER II+ incorporate a transflective 6.5" colour LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
The new transflective technology combines the advantages of the transmissive and reflective displays. The transmissive ones are those illuminated from behind the screen, with good vision in the darkness. The reflective ones use the reflection of the external light in the back of the display.
The result is an stunning vision in darkness and by the direct sunlight. The big 6.5” panoramic colour screen allows to extend the area to display the measurements and make readings easier. With the 16:9 aspect ratio the instrument can test any television signal independently of the receiv- er available.
The temperature range for the LCD is extended from 80o C to -40oC allowing its use in very extreme conditions away from the operating limits of other components.
The Promax Explorer's compact and rugged construction makes it ideal for field use. Its 6.5" color LCD screen shows all measurement results and can also display the picture of analogue and digital channels found by the Explorer.
This instrument is compatible with the new DVB-S2 format in QPSK and 8PSK modulation and it can analyzer off-air digital broadcasting (COFDM encapsulating standard of HDTV programming) as well as digital cable (QAM Annex-B).
You can download the TV Explorer II+ PDF brocure here.
The Prodig 6B was built to support all DVB standards, namely: DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C, DVB-T and DVB-H.
In addition to the Explorer II, the II+ has the following advantages:
1 Gig of memory for data captures and streaming video captures (versus 128Mb on the II).
Common Interface (CI) slot for access to scrambled content.
MERGRAM and SPECTROGRAM functions*
*: The MERGRAM function is an evolution of the MER by carrier function that exploits the enormous processing power of the TV Explorer II+ meter to show in a live display, how MER values for each carrier (shown in different colours) change with the time in a DVB-T multiplex. The SPECTROGRAM function is an evolution of the spectrum analyser function that shows similarly how the peak levels of any signal under test vary with time.
Constellation
The constellation diagram is a graphic representation (called I-Q) of the digital symbols received over a period of time.
There are different types of constellation diagrams for the different modulation modes. With the TV EXPLORER II it is possible to display constellations for DVB-T/H, DVB-C, DVB-S and DVB-S2 signals.
In case of an ideal transmission channel, free of noise and interferences, all symbols are recognised by the demodulator without mistakes. In this case, they are represented in the constellation diagram as well defined points hitting in the same area and forming a clear dot.
Noise and impairments cause the demodulator to not always read the symbols correctly. In this case the hits disperse and create different shapes that at the end will allow to determine at a glance the type of noisein the signal.
Every modulation type is represented differently. A DVB-C 16QAM signal is represented on the screen by a total of 16 different zones, and a DVB-C 64QAM is represented on the screen by a total of 64 different zones.
The constellation shows in different colours the densityof hits and includes zooming and scrolling possibilities and also a clear button to clean the picture. QAM 256 constellation.
The Promax TV Explorer is easy to use. Most functions can be accessed within the touch of a single key and these functions can then be controlled via the push dial and the arrow-keys. There are no complicated sub menus to navigate to get where you want...
Example: Hit the S/T button to switch between Satellite and Terrestrial or the D/A button to switch between Digital and Analog.
First of its kind, the TV Explorer also includes an Auto-Identification and an Explore key to search for information about a particular channel/frequency or to scan all bands to search for signals.
Auto Identification
The TV Explorer is designed for use in terrestrial, satellite and cable-tv environments in both digital and analogue.
By hitting the Explore key, the instrument will search for any type of signal available and display its parameters such as Standard (Pal / Secam / NTSC), modulation type (QAM / QPSK / COFDM), transponder parameters (Symbol Rate, FEC) and channel parameters (PIDs).
Once transponders and channels are identified, the Explorer creates a registry of all the available channels for easy navigation of the entire network by the installer. Sessions can be stored and recalled at any time, to save time and organize your work.
You can also search for specific signals by manually entering the channel parameters.
Signal Measurement
All measures about a particular channel / transponder can be seen in one screen. The display adapts itself to the type of signal being measured:
DVB-H
Power, SER, VBER, MER, C/N, Noise Margin
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
DVB-S2 (QPSK/8PSK)
Power, CBER, MER, C/N, PER and LBER
Spectrum Display
To give the installer absolute control over his work, the Promax TV Explorer is also a powerful spectrum analyzer. This function is easy to use and allows the installer to control key parameters such as resolution, sensitivity and sweep time.
The Promax TV Explorer comes with several user-selectable color models or "skins". There are a number of possible combinations between colors and lines. Skins can help to improve the display in different light conditions and can make the user feel more comfortable with the instrument.
The 'UP-DOWN' arrows set the reference level.
Hit the 'UP' arrow and the reference level is increased by 10 dB.
Hit the "DOWN" arrow and the reference level is reduced by 10 dB.
Signal Demodulation
If you are locked on a digital satellite, cable or terrestrial signal, the Promax TV Explorer will display the channel (provided it is not scrambled) and the following information when the Demodulate key is pressed:
Channel Information:
Channel number and channel plan
MPEG-2 detection flag
Service
Network Identification
Video PID
Audio PID
Picture format
SID
ID
Free or Encrypted
Type of signal (DVB-T / C / S)
Portability
The Promax TV Explorer is small and rugged. It weights less than 2Kg (5Lb) including the battery, which makes it ideal for installers that must climb ladders and carry lots of equipment on the job.
The Promax TV Explorer comes complete with a carrying bag which allows you to strap it around your waist or shoulder and protects it from shocks and the elements.
Antenna Installation
The Promax TV Explorer has an "Easy antenna alignment" function which give a very fast spectrum display, ideal to locate hard to find satellite signals. Once the signal is found, you may peak your antenna using the same spectrum display or you can concentrate on the signal bar located on the right side of the screen.
The Promax TV Explorer allows you to control all types antennas and LNBs (13V/18V switching for polarity selection, 22Khz tone, DiSEqC control, etc.).
Battery
The Promax TV Explorer uses a high performance Lithium-ion battery. This batteries can provide a Max. operational time of over 4 hours. The battery can be charged in 2 to 3 hours and does not suffer from memory related problems common with Ni-Cad instruments.
A battery charge indicator () lets you know when it's time to plug the instrument in the A/C for extended use or re-charge the battery.
Light Sensor
The Promax TV Explorer would not be complete with another unique feature: a light sensor.
In addition to its extra-bright LCD display (320 candles / square cm), the Promax TV Explorer includes a light sensor that can automatically adjust the contrast and brightness of the screen.
This is not only useful to always get optimal visibility of the screen, but it can also extend the battery life of your instrument.
Specifications
See below for a full set of specifications for the Promax TV Explorer II+:
Explorer II+
Frequency Range
Terrestrial
5-1000MHz
Satellite
950-2150MHz
Resolution
Terrestrial
50 kHz
Satelite
200 kHz
RF Input
Impedence
75Ω
Connector
F, BNC, RCA
Max Signal
130 dBµV
Max Voltage
30 Vrms
Power Range
8-VSB
45 dBµV to 100 dBµV
QAM Annex-B
45 dBµV to 110 dBµV
QPSK
44 dBµV to 114 dBµV
DSS
44 dBµV to 114 dBµV
Level Measurement
Terrestrial
10 dBµV to 130 dBMV (3.16 µV to 3.16 V)
Satellite
30 dBµV to 130 dBMV (31.6 µV to 3.16 V)
Measurement Units
dBµV, dBmV, dBm
Measurement Bandwidth
Terrestrial
230 kHZ
Satellite
4 MHz
Max. band ripple 1 dB
Measurement Accuracy
Terrestrial
± 1.5dB
Satellite
± 2.5dB
Analog Measures
Terrestrial
Level, Video/Audio, C/N
Satellite
Level, C/N, Power (Digital)
Resolution Bandwidth
Terrestrial
1 MHz, 230 kHz
Satellite
4 MHz, 1 MHz
Display span
Terrestrial
Full Band, 500, 200, 100, 50, 32, 16, 8 MHz
Satellite
Full Band, 500, 200, 100, 50, 32, 16 MHz
Display Marker
Single, with Freq. and Level readout (power readout in digital)
Digital Measurements
DVB-H
Power, SER, VBER, MER, C/N, Noise Margin
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
DVB-S2 (QPSK/8PSK)
Power, CBER, MER, C/N, PER and LBER
Constellation Diagram
I-Q Graph
DVB-S and DVB-S2
Digital Modes
DVB-T
DVB-C
5057-5361 kbauds, 64/256 QAM
DVB-S (QPSK)
2-45Mbps, 1/2-7/8 FEC
DVB-S2
2-33Mbps, 1/2-9/10 (QPSK), 2/3-9/10 (8PSK)
Video Demodulation
Image & Sound
MP@ML for DVB & ATSC
Information
Service List & PIDs
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
6.5" TFT Screen, 16:9 & 4:3 ratios
System
NTSC
Video In/Out
RCA, 1Vpp (75Ω) positive Video
Audio In/Out
Scart with RCA Adapter
Speaker
Built in
Interface
RS-232 for updates & calibration
External device control
Voltage
5/13/15/18/24 V
(via RF Output)
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
> 4.5 hrs in continuous mode
Charging time
3 hours for >80% charge (device Off)
External requirement
12 V
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
230 (w) x 161 (h) x 76 (d)
Weight
2.2 kg (without accessories)
Accessories
Included
10dB attenuator, F-BNC, F-DIN, F-F adapters, AC/DC Charger, Carrying bag (yellow), Belt (Black), Car charger.
Built for all DVB standards!
To give the installer absolute control over his work, the Promax TV Explorer is also a powerful spectrum analyzer. This function is easy to use and allows the installer to control key parameters such as resolution, sensitivity and sweep time.
The Promax TV Explorer has an "Easy antenna alignment" function which give a very fast spectrum display, ideal to locate hard to find satellite signals. Once the signal is found, you may peak your antenna using the same spectrum display or you can concentrate on the signal bar located on the right side of the screen.
) lets you know when it's time to plug the instrument in the A/C for extended use or re-charge the battery.
The Promax TV Explorer would not be complete with another unique feature: a light sensor. 