DSP Series Meters

Value-based models for every technician work group

Robust and compact DOCSIS 3.1 installation and service meters for cable service providers and contractors.

As cable networks migrate to newer technologies, and anticipating an eventual move to DOCSIS 3.1 and 1.2 GHz downstream range for all meters, the complete VIAVI meter line provides these installation and service measurement capabilities for cable service providers and contractors.  These robust and compact DOCSIS 3.1 meters are known for their long battery life.

Basic Signal Level Meter – 180 DSP

A dependable tool for basic cable installation needs, the 180 DSP signal level meter features a compact rugged design, easy-to-use color user interface and an unparalleled selection of digital and analog channel measurements, including DOCSIS 3.1 OFDM signal analysis.

The 180 DSP performs QAM carrier measurements (including deep interleave) and displays Hum[1], Constellation, Equalizer Tap, MER and BER. This allows users to quickly analyze 64 and 256 QAM downstream channels for quality verifications or to locate impairments.  The 180 DSP also performs an extensive set of OFDM signal measurements to enable testing in DOCSIS 3.1 deployments.  In addition to average level, peak-to-valley, and in-channel tilt, the meter displays PLC constellation, level, pre/post BER, MER, decoder stress over time, and a summary for the default profile.

The channel plan scan displays the frequency response of the entire channel lineup in a color-coded bar graph of each channel, or your favorite channels in the active channel plan. The channel plan scan also includes on-screen markers that can be adjusted to perform a tilt measurement.

The 180 DSP analyzes spectrum from 4 to 205 MHz, showing peak measurements, color-coded markers, and delta measurements. This feature also includes adjustable detector modes which are useful for capturing bursty transient noise. The 180 DSP optionally performs forward spectrum measurements from 5 MHz to 1,250 MHz[2].

Installation Troubleshooting and Certification

180 and 360 DSP signal level meters are specifically tailored for fast installation testing and troubleshooting. These meters come equipped with all needed analog and digital signal measurements to ensure the highest quality installation—and at a price point that makes it feasible for system operators to outfit their entire fleet.

The 180 and 360 DSP meters make basic RF installation a breeze for installers and contractors. To streamline basic RF installation and make the installer’s job easier, the meters feature intuitive, color touchscreen interfaces, simple pass/fail indicators, and autotest apps. These meters are built with the technician in mind—from the quick charge time to the unique, built-in LED flashlight and glow in the dark keypad for those dark, cramped spaces.

The 360 DSP has built-in DOCSIS 3.1 Modem, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi communications capabilities, and test results can be easily to StrataSync for near real-time views of measurement data.

Maintenance Meter – Plant Maintenance – 1G DSP

Maintain your plant with one instrument that has everything needed for systemwide testing. The 1G DSP conveniently combines CATV, DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem, gigabit Ethernet, and optical testing.

This maintenance technician’s meter has powerful troubleshooting tools for experienced techs, yet simplifies decision making and streamlines standard processes and procedures for the more novice tech, making techs more efficient, improving overall system health, and enabling techs to continue using the same meter as they become more experienced.

The 1G DSP can achieve throughput testing speeds of up to a gigabit/sec using a dedicated Ethernet test port or the internal cable modem. The meter can perform either roundtrip or one-way Key Parameter Index (KPI) measurements for full Ethernet service testing. With constant payload testing for Layer 2 through Layer 4, the 1G DSP is built for verification of both Ethernet Service Level Agreement (SLA) and Quality of Service (QoS) metrics.

For optical power measurements, the 1G DSP can be optionally equipped with a single input port for measurement of single mode (1310 nm, 1490 nm, and 1550 nm) wavelengths with interchangeable FC, SC, and ST style adapters.

The 1G DSP features a large, high resolution, ultra-bright, color touchscreen interface, simple pass/fail indicators, and powerful autotest apps to streamline troubleshooting and make the technician’s job easier.  Other cool features include: remote meter control via a web browser, long battery life with a quick charge time, and glow in the dark keypad for those dark, cramped spaces. This meter also includes a visual fault locator (VFL) for locating loss points in patch cords, patch panels, and enclosures.

StrataSync

StrataSync is a cloud-based, hosted solution that manages assets, configurations, and test data for VIAVI instruments to ensure they are all equipped with the latest software and installed options. It manages inventory, test results, and performance data from anywhere with browser-based ease—improving both technician and instrument efficiency. Operators can then leverage data from the entire network for results analysis and to inform and train the workforce.

There are many options for syncing the VIAVI DSP series meters with StrataSync including Ethernet, DOCSIS, or with WiFi (consider the many WiFi hotspots) when a data connection is established. Syncing on a consistent schedule becomes more important as techs are required to upload data to show that all tests for a service activation were performed and show that all tests passed. This provides confidence to the service provider that the installation was performed successfully, and in contractor situations helps to avoid bill-backs due to customer complaints post-installation.

[1] Hum is optional on 180 DSP-Lite

[2] Forward spectrum analysis is optional on 180 DSP-Lite


Benefits:

  • Provides cable installers and field technicians a full complement of RF measurement functions
  • Color touch screen reduces installer entry errors and improves decision making
  • Multiple tests in a single autotest app provide a convenient way to standardize tech processes & procedures
  • Powerful troubleshooting tools to improve overall system health

Applications:

  • Return spectrum analysis (4 to 110 MHz)
  • Level, C/N; QAM and OFDM measurement
  • Complete channel plan scan with tilt measurement
  • Advanced, yet simple testing and troubleshooting with channel plan auto discovery

Key Features:

  • 1.25 GHz Frequency range
  • Meters with DOCSIS® 3.1 RF measurements and with cable modem service tests
  • Auto-discovery of channel plans

Additional Resources:

Forward Spectrum Analysis (FSA) Option for New DSP Family

When activated in a 180 DSP or 360 DSP, the Forward Spectrum Analysis feature provides users with the ability to view raw forward spectrum traces from 5 to 1000 MHz (units equipped with 1 GHz RF Board) or 5 to 1250 MHz (units equipped with 1.25 GHz RF Board) with DSP spectrum snapshots to give the user a view of any downstream channels.


Analog and Digital HUM (HUM) Option for New DSP Family

When activated in a 180 DSP or 360 DSP, the Analog & Digital Hum feature provides users with the ability to measure the amplitude of the 50/60 Hz, 100/120 Hz, and low frequency interference present on the video/QAM carrier of a single selected analog or digital channel.


Vehicle Power Adapter for New DSP Family

Vehicle power adapter for the 180 DSP, 360 DSP, 720 DSP & 1G DSP.


Precision RF Coaxial Test Cable (I/O-15)

Precision RF coaxial test cable (3 foot) with 75 Ohm impedance and F-Type Male to Male connectors.


I-Stop Filter (1 GHz)

The I-Stop is a 1 GHz reverse test probe that is used with signal level meters for bi-directional measurements with no risk of power damage to the meter.

Just screw the probe into a distribution tap's unused KS port and a spring-loaded "stinger" connects a 20 dB resistive test point circuit to the hardline. The bi-directional connection lets a meter or analyzer measure forward and reverse signals, as well as reverse ingress. A built-in AC/DC blocking circuit protects the meter or analyzer from damage from online power up to 90 volts.

The I-Stop also works with both the Original and New DSP Family of Field Analyzers and the 9581 SST to let you track reverse ingress sources down to the nearest tap without removing reverse modules or diplexers and without disrupting forward or reverse service.

  • Taps unused KS ports for bi-directional measurements
  • Compatible with SLMs and reverse and forward path analyzers
  • Protects instruments from damage caused by line power
  • Tracks reverse ingress to the nearest tap

TLB-46 Return Measurement Lowpass Filter (46 MHz)

The TLB-46 is a 46 MHz return lowpass filter. This high-quality low pass filter will ensure no forward signals are getting into the device this is connected to. This is most commonly used with any Signal Level meter.


Strand Hook

Strand hook for use with the Original and New DSP Meter Families.


AC to DC Power Adapter & Battery Charger without AC Power Cable for New DSP Family

AC to DC Power Adapter & Battery Charger without AC Power Cable for the New DSP Family of Signal Level Meters. This is a standard AC to DC power supply (Input: 90 - 220 VAC, Output 15 VDC, 3.3 Amp). Can be used to replace the AC to DC adapter & battery charger that is included with the following products: 180 DSP, 360 DSP, 720 DSP & 1G DSP.


New DSP Family Battery

Li-ION battery for the 180 DSP, 360 DSP, 720 DSP & 1G DSP. The following number of batteries are used in each unit; 180 DSP (QTY 1), 360 DSP (QTY 2), 720 DSP (QTY 2) and 1G DSP (QTY 3). Each battery can be replaced individually.


180 DSP Carrying Case

Replacement carrying case for the 180 DSP.


360 DSP Carrying Case

Replacement carrying case for the 360 DSP.


1G DSP Carrying Case

Replacement carrying case for the 1G DSP.


Shoulder Strap (ST-2)

Shoulder strap for use with the Original and New DSP Meter Families.


Strand Hook

Strand hook for use with the Original and New DSP Meter Families.


Touchscreen Stylus for New DSP Family

Replacement touchscreen stylus for the 180 DSP, 360 DSP, 720 DSP & 1G DSP.


AC Power Cable for DSP, CT, SST Products - US

AC power cable for DSP, CT, SST Products. This is a US standard 6 Foot power cable with a 3-prong grounded plug Male (NEMA 5-15P) to 3-pin shroud plug Female (IEC 320C13).

USED AS REPLACEMENT FOR FOLLOWING US PRODUCTS: CT-2, CT-3, CT-4, 180 DSP, 360 DSP, 720 DSP, 8300 FST, 8300A FST, 8310 RSA, 860 DSP, 860 DSPh, 860 DSPh Input Expander, 860 DSPi, 860 DSPr, 1G DSP, 9581 SST R3, 9581 SST R4, 9581 SST R5 & 9581 TPX.


AC Power Cable for DSP, CT, SST Products - EURO

Euro AC power cable for DSP, CT, SST products. This is a Euro standard 2.5 Meter power cable with a Continental Europe 2-prong plug Male (IEC 884/CEE 7/VII) to 3-pin shroud plug Female (IEC 320C13).

USED AS REPLACEMENT FOR FOLLOWING EURO PRODUCTS: 180 DSP, 360 DSP, 720 DSP, 8300 FST, 8300A FST, 860 DSPh, 860 DSPi, 860 DSPr & 1G DSP.

USED AS ACCESSORY FOR FOLLOWING US PRODUCTS: CT-2, CT-3, CT-4, 8310 RSA, 860 DSP, 860 DSPh Input Expander, 9581 SST R3, 9581 SST R4, 9581 SST R5 & 9581 TPX.


Services

Instrument Care Support Plans

Save up the 50% of standard service prices and obtain priority service when you buy a bundled plan at the same time the instrument is purchased. Care Support Plans offer the best way to purchase extended warranty, premium technical support, self-paced training, and critical maintenance services like calibration services that include software and engineering change order update services to ensure your product is maintained with current software and a calibration certificate. These discounted plans are 2-5 years long when purchased upfront with your VIAVI instruments.


VIAVI Care Support

* 5-year plans only; if applicable

View Support Plans On New Equipment

Factory Repair

VIAVI Solutions is a single-source supplier for all of your factory and on-site test equipment repair, maintenance, and calibration service needs.

We offer return-to-factory, fixed-rate repair services for all VIAVI test equipment. Fixed-rate repair provides the best turnaround time, streamlining the overall repair process and creating a very predictable and reliable repair experience at the best pricing.

Our technicians ensure that your equipment is functioning properly by completing any maintenance and install enhancements,  including engineering change notice updates.

Find out more about our Factory Repair Services

Factory Calibration

Keeping your equipment in top-running shape with factory or onsite calibration services helps ensure your network will continue to operate at peak performance. A variety of options allow you to manage the logistics of calibrating your equipment, while maximizing your maintenance investment. Performing regular calibration of equipment ensures the accuracy of its measurements. Improper calibration, however can compromise a network and impact services.  

Keep your equipment in top-running shape with VIAVI On-site Services that help to ensure your network continues to operate at peak performance. It's the most cost-efficient and effective way to maintain equipment on a timetable that meets your requirements.

Find out more about our Calibration Services

Self-Paced Training

VIAVI offers self-paced technical and product training as a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective training delivery option. Self-paced training offers a flexible training option for small groups of employees or those located remotely or in multiple locations. It’s an ideal training solution for instructing technicians who work in the field and cannot attend on-site classes.

Find out more about our Training Services

Priority Service

VIAVI Care Plan Priority Services and Technical Expert Application Center (TAC) Service Levels for Field Portable Instruments used to test fiber, cable TV, xDSL, metro and wireless networks

All customers enjoy Standard Plus support during the product warranty period and can upgrade to Premium TAC by purchasing a VIAVI Care Support Plan.

The hallmark of our test platforms is evolving, modular test features to allow customers to keep pace with advancing communications technologies. The learning process is not just “one and done,” and field teams often have high rates of turnover.

Find out more about our Priority Services

Battery / Bag Replacement Coverage
Batteries and bags wear out with daily use and charge cycles. To ensure these items don't slow you down, our 5 year plans include a replacement over the life of your 5 year plan.

VIAVI will provide a one-time replacement of bad battery and worn soft bag/glove within the duration of a 5-year SilverCare or MaxCare Support Plan. Replacement will only be replaced when the instrument is returned to VIAVI for repair or calibration service. Hard cases are excluded, and coverage is not applicable for instruments sold without bag/battery.

This coverage is Included in 5 year Silver and MaxCare Plans

Technical Assistance
The VIAVI Technical Support team can assist you in using/configuring products or address issues regarding product performance.

Visit our Technical Assistance section for more information.

MaxCare Accessory Replacement Coverage
Instrument products come with accessory cables and connector tips. To ensure reliable, accurate testing we will cover the replacement of one accessory annually, to ensure good test results.

When an accessory has been determined to be defective or faulty, VIAVI will, at no charge to customer, either repair the accessory or exchange at VIAVI’s discretion. Exchanged accessories may be new or refurbished. All returned accessories become property of VIAVI. The following limitations apply: no more than one accessory may be exchanged per 12 month period; applicable accessories include only those accessories that are considered essential to the operation of the instrument and were shipped with the original purchased product. The Customer is responsible for shipping faulty accessory back to VIAVI when there is a concern or during a calibration or repair service event.

Express Loaner
Now you can schedule calibrations or repairs with no downtime. The Express Loaner Service provides you with a similarly configured piece of equipment before sending yours in for calibration or for that unexpected repair that you need immediately.


Care Support Plan - DSP

ProductRecommended Plan (Part Number)BronzeCare
BronzeCare
SilverCare
SilverCare
MaxCare
MaxCare
Why calibrate?
180 DSP MeterSilver-5

Why calibrate this product?
What are the common issues?

Why calibrate this product?

Frequencies/levels need to be within specifications to guarantee precise and reliable results.

Factory standards to ensure accuracy

Factory standards to ensure accuracy

VIAVI Calibrates to TL9000 factory standards to ensure your instrument is certified to measure accurately, as it did when it came off the factory line.  Instruments that are out of calibration will produce unreliable measurements and can create false passing or false failing test results that often cause your team repeat work.  We maintain, polish and clean all fiber connectors, fix pigtail connections that are internal to the product to ensure all ports stay in good working order and upgrade software / firmware to the latest approved release to enable enhancements. VIAVI Care Plans are the most cost-effective way to plan for calibration with a low, discounted price at the time of instrument purchase, however fixed rate calibration can be purchased at a later date on a separate purchase order.

  • Ensure accurate measurements that meet calibration and service level agreements, ISO and TL standards for network test procedures.
  • Ensure all test transmission signals work properly to avoid issues such as not reaching full line rate testing rate required to validate service bandwidth, speed and quality of service (QoS).
  • Maintain ports and connectors to keep test transmissions working properly and to extend the life of the instrument. For example, if optical connectors and, lasers are bad or electrical/RF interface ports are loose after years of connection cycles, OTDR, TDR, and Radio Frequency measurements will not work properly.
  • When doing construction, installation and activation work that must be certified, all network components typically must be tested with a certified, calibrated instrument to preserve warranty from manufacturer, such as fiber optic cable manufactures. 
  • Accurate RF frequencies and optical wavelengths are critical to meet measurement specifications.  If using these to validate network elements, power levels, transmission rates, out of specification tools will prevent validation of network elements and signals.

How will my measurements be affected if the product is out of calibration?

Out of specification measurements could cause unnecessary repeat calls customer service issues.

What are the most common implications of these issues to the business?

What are the most common implications of these issues to the business?

  • Uncalibrated tools produce unreliable measurement results that can't be certified to specifications and may violate service level agreements or ISO/TL9000 standards with your customers and their network equipment vendors.
  • QoS certification may be inaccurate and generate a repeat test need. Contractors are often not compensated or could be delisted as an approved service supplier due to incorrect results.
  • Full manufacturer  warranty (20-30 years) from cable suppliers (e.g. Corning, CommScope, Belden, ect.) will only be granted if the installation is certified with a calibrated instrument, thus the network owner is motivated to comply with correct installation certification procedures to retain and enforce the warranty on expensive cabling and optical network elements, etc.

Common Business impacts include:

  • Lost revenue, customer complaints and increased costs: 
  • Most network operators track and audit repeat work done by sub-contractors and often there is a billing dispute in these cases.  Contractors with high rates of inaccurate test results are usually hired for less or not at all when not meeting SLA agreements or quality metrics.   
  • For Network Operators, repeat service quality issues with customers often causes added cost, customer dissatisfaction and loss of business.  

Example:

Let's look at OTN/SONET/SDH/E1/T1 and various FTTX, DOCIS and xDSL measurements.  It is critical to reach full line rate (1G, 10G, 40G, 100G) to test service performance and service error rates.  If the uncalibrated tester can not reach full line rate during testing, a customer may be left with suboptimal performance that will quickly create complaints or alternatively, the technician could end up chasing phantom network problems that do not exist.

360 DSP, 1G DSPSilver-5

Why calibrate this product?
What are the common issues?

Why calibrate this product?

Frequencies/levels need to be within specifications to guarantee precise and reliable results.

Factory standards to ensure accuracy

Factory standards to ensure accuracy

VIAVI Calibrates to TL9000 factory standards to ensure your instrument is certified to measure accurately, as it did when it came off the factory line.  Instruments that are out of calibration will produce unreliable measurements and can create false passing or false failing test results that often cause your team repeat work.  We maintain, polish and clean all fiber connectors, fix pigtail connections that are internal to the product to ensure all ports stay in good working order and upgrade software / firmware to the latest approved release to enable enhancements. VIAVI Care Plans are the most cost-effective way to plan for calibration with a low, discounted price at the time of instrument purchase, however fixed rate calibration can be purchased at a later date on a separate purchase order.

  • Ensure accurate measurements that meet calibration and service level agreements, ISO and TL standards for network test procedures.
  • Ensure all test transmission signals work properly to avoid issues such as not reaching full line rate testing rate required to validate service bandwidth, speed and quality of service (QoS).
  • Maintain ports and connectors to keep test transmissions working properly and to extend the life of the instrument. For example, if optical connectors and, lasers are bad or electrical/RF interface ports are loose after years of connection cycles, OTDR, TDR, and Radio Frequency measurements will not work properly.
  • When doing construction, installation and activation work that must be certified, all network components typically must be tested with a certified, calibrated instrument to preserve warranty from manufacturer, such as fiber optic cable manufactures. 
  • Accurate RF frequencies and optical wavelengths are critical to meet measurement specifications.  If using these to validate network elements, power levels, transmission rates, out of specification tools will prevent validation of network elements and signals.

How will my measurements be affected if the product is out of calibration?

Out of specification measurements could cause unnecessary repeat calls customer service issues.

What are the most common implications of these issues to the business?

What are the most common implications of these issues to the business?

  • Uncalibrated tools produce unreliable measurement results that can't be certified to specifications and may violate service level agreements or ISO/TL9000 standards with your customers and their network equipment vendors.
  • QoS certification may be inaccurate and generate a repeat test need. Contractors are often not compensated or could be delisted as an approved service supplier due to incorrect results.
  • Full manufacturer  warranty (20-30 years) from cable suppliers (e.g. Corning, CommScope, Belden, ect.) will only be granted if the installation is certified with a calibrated instrument, thus the network owner is motivated to comply with correct installation certification procedures to retain and enforce the warranty on expensive cabling and optical network elements, etc.

Common Business impacts include:

  • Lost revenue, customer complaints and increased costs: 
  • Most network operators track and audit repeat work done by sub-contractors and often there is a billing dispute in these cases.  Contractors with high rates of inaccurate test results are usually hired for less or not at all when not meeting SLA agreements or quality metrics.   
  • For Network Operators, repeat service quality issues with customers often causes added cost, customer dissatisfaction and loss of business.  

Example:

Let's look at OTN/SONET/SDH/E1/T1 and various FTTX, DOCIS and xDSL measurements.  It is critical to reach full line rate (1G, 10G, 40G, 100G) to test service performance and service error rates.  If the uncalibrated tester can not reach full line rate during testing, a customer may be left with suboptimal performance that will quickly create complaints or alternatively, the technician could end up chasing phantom network problems that do not exist.


VIAVI Care Support for Existing Equipment

FleetCare
FleetCare

FleetCare plans can be customized to include any service entitlements on your fleet of existing equipment. Please fill out a Service Contracts form for a quote.

  • Any collection instruments with a single coterminous renewal date
  • Each contract is customized with any number of annual terms required by the customer
  • Onsite Calibration, Training, Field Application Engineer days can be added

View Support Plans For Existing Equipment


Repair and Calibration

Our products live in rugged environments for over 10 years with 1000s of test connect/disconnect cycles.  We will be there to support you to ensure components that require maintenance like connectors, batteries, and software updates to ensure you are ready to test accurately for years to come. We apply factory procedures that use fast, automated calibration and functional verification, maintenance using OEM parts and the application of all engineering change orders and software updates. Services are available through contract Care plans, FleetCare or per incident as requests. 

Top 4 Reasons to Choose VIAVI for Your Repair and Calibration Needs:

  • Minimize business disruption
  • Budget
  • Measurement Accuracy and Product Reliability
  • Measurement Compliance, TL9000 certification and OEM Standards

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How to Get Started

Interested in a product demonstration? Contact us for more info, receive a price quote, or find out how to buy.