1. Introduktion
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the Megger TDR500/3 Basic Handheld Time Domain Reflectometer. The TDR500/3 is a compact, portable instrument designed for accurately locating faults on metallic cables, such as opens, shorts, and impedance changes.
Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device to ensure proper understanding and to prevent damage to the instrument or injury to personnel.
2. Sikkerhedsoplysninger
WARNING: Always observe standard safety precautions when working with electrical equipment and cables. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death.
- Ensure the cable under test is de-energized and isolated from all power sources before connecting the TDR500/3.
- Do not use the instrument if it appears damaged or if its operation is abnormal.
- Only use accessories and cables supplied or approved by Megger.
- Hold instrumentet tørt og rent. Undgå at det udsættes for ekstreme temperaturer eller fugtighed.
- Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
3. Produktet er slutview
The Megger TDR500/3 is engineered for ease of use and precision in cable fault location. Its robust design and intuitive interface make it suitable for professional use in various industrial and scientific applications.
3.1 Nøglefunktioner
- AUTO Selection Option: Automatically selects the most effective parameters for the required range, facilitating rapid diagnosis.
- Trace HOLD Feature: Allows the operator to freeze the trace on the screen for detailed analysis.
- Backlit Graphics Monochrome LCD: A 256 x 128 pixel display with white-light backlight and grey scale tones for clear visibility.
- Adjustable Display Contrast: Optimize screen readability in various lighting conditions.
- Høj opløsning: Provides resolution down to 0.1 meters (0.3 feet).
- Bredt udvalg: Capable of testing cables up to 5 kilometers (15,000 feet), depending on velocity factor and cable type.
- Multiple Output Impedances: Selectable impedances of 25, 50, 75, and 100 Ohms to match various cable types.
- Adjustable Velocity Factor (VF): Configurable from 0.2 to 0.99 to accommodate different cable dielectric properties.
3.2 Enhedslayout

Figur 1: Forside view of the Megger TDR500/3. The device features a monochrome LCD at the top, displaying trace data, velocity factor (UF), and impedance (Z). Below the screen are navigation buttons and a backlight control. A central four-way directional pad and a 'HOLD' button are located mid-body. The lower section includes a large rotary selector with 'AUTO', 'OFF', TDR waveform, and 'Setup' (wrench) positions, along with the Megger TDR500/3 branding.
The TDR500/3 features a clear graphical display and a user-friendly control layout:
- LCD-skærm: Shows the cable trace, distance to fault, velocity factor (VF), impedance (Z), and range settings.
- Control Buttons (below LCD): Used for navigation and adjusting display settings like contrast and backlight.
- Retningspude: For navigating menus and moving the cursor on the trace.
- HOLD knap: Freezes the current trace on the display.
- Drejeknap: Used to select operating modes: AUTO, OFF, TDR measurement, and Setup.
4. Opsætning
4.1 Strømforsyning til enheden
The Megger TDR500/3 operates on AC power. Connect the supplied AC adapter to the device's power input and then to a suitable AC power outlet. The device does not use internal batteries.
4.2 Connecting to Cables
Before connecting the TDR500/3 to any cable, ensure the cable is completely de-energized and isolated from all power sources. Connect the appropriate test leads (not included, but typically BNC or alligator clips) to the TDR500/3's input port and then to the cable under test. Ensure a secure connection to minimize signal reflections.
5. Betjening
5.1 Tænd/sluk
To turn on the TDR500/3, rotate the main selector switch from the 'OFF' position to either 'AUTO' or the TDR measurement symbol.
To turn off the device, rotate the main selector switch to the 'OFF' position.
5.2 AUTO Selection Mode
The 'AUTO' mode simplifies operation by automatically setting the optimal range, pulse width, and gain for the cable under test. This is recommended for initial scans and general fault location.
- Rotate the selector switch to 'AUTO'.
- The TDR500/3 will automatically scan the cable and display the trace.
- Use the directional pad to move the cursor along the trace to identify fault locations. The distance to the cursor position will be displayed on the screen.
5.3 Manual Settings (TDR Mode)
For advanced testing or specific cable types, you can manually adjust parameters in the TDR measurement mode.
- Rotate the selector switch to the TDR measurement symbol.
- Use the directional pad and control buttons to access and adjust settings such as:
- Velocity Factor (VF): Adjust this value (0.2 to 0.99) to match the cable's dielectric constant for accurate distance measurements. The current VF is displayed on the screen (e.g., "UF=0.69").
- Output Impedance (Z): Select from 25, 50, 75, or 100 Ohms to match the characteristic impedance of the cable. The current impedance is displayed (e.g., "Z=100Ω").
- Rækkevidde: Manually set the maximum display range (e.g., "100 m").
- Observe the trace and use the cursor to pinpoint faults.
5.4 Trace HOLD Feature
Press the 'HOLD' button to freeze the current trace on the display. This is useful for comparing traces or for detailed analysis without the trace continuously updating. Press 'HOLD' again to resume live trace updates.
5.5 Display Adjustments
Use the control buttons below the LCD to adjust the display contrast and backlight intensity for optimal viewunder forskellige lysforhold.
6. Vedligeholdelse
6.1 Rengøring
Wipe the instrument with a soft, damp klud. Brug ikke slibende rengøringsmidler eller opløsningsmidler. Sørg for, at der ikke kommer fugt ind i enheden.
6.2 Opbevaring
Store the TDR500/3 in a clean, dry environment within the specified operating temperature range. Protect it from dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
6.3 Kalibrering
Regular calibration by authorized service centers is recommended to ensure the continued accuracy and performance of the TDR500/3. Refer to Megger's official documentation or website for recommended calibration intervals.
7. Fejlfinding
| Problem | Mulig årsag | Løsning |
|---|---|---|
| Enheden tænder ikke. | No AC power, faulty power adapter, or internal issue. | Check AC power connection. Ensure power adapter is functioning. If problem persists, contact Megger support. |
| Unclear or noisy trace. | Incorrect impedance setting, poor cable connection, or external interference. | Verify impedance setting matches cable. Ensure test leads are securely connected. Check for strong electromagnetic interference. |
| Incorrect distance readings. | Incorrect Velocity Factor (VF) setting. | Adjust the VF setting to match the known velocity factor of the cable under test. Refer to cable specifications. |
| Skærmen er for svag eller for lys. | Display contrast or backlight settings are incorrect. | Adjust display contrast and backlight using the control buttons below the LCD. |
For issues not listed here, or if solutions do not resolve the problem, please contact Megger customer support.
8. Specifikationer
| Parameter | Værdi |
|---|---|
| Modelnummer | TDR500/3 (also 1002-227) |
| Opløsning | 0.1 m (0.3 fod) |
| Maksimal rækkevidde | 5 km (15,000 ft) (dependent on VF and cable type) |
| Output Impedances | 25, 50, 75, 100 Ω |
| Velocity Factor (VF) Range | 0.2 til 0.99 |
| Display Type | Backlit Graphics Monochrome LCD (256 x 128 pixels) |
| Strømkilde | AC (external adapter) |
| Varens vægt | 3.65 pund |
| Produktmål (L x B x H) | 9.06 x 1.89 x 4.53 tommer |
| Oprindelsesland | Storbritannien |
| Brug | Professionel |
9. Garanti og support
Megger products are designed for reliability and performance. For information regarding warranty coverage, technical support, service, or replacement parts, please contact Megger customer service or visit the official Megger website. Please have your product model number (TDR500/3) and serial number ready when contacting support.
For de mest opdaterede kontaktoplysninger, besøg venligst: www.megger.com





