CableEye M4 Cable Tester Enhanced System 2, 152/2560 Testpoints, USB

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What are the CableEye components and what exactly do I need?

Answer: CableEye consists of a basic device, the actual tester. This is available in different versions and expansion levels, depending on the number of test points and the range of functions (M2U, M3Z, M4, HVX and extensions). In addition, there are so-called connector boards (CBs, usually in pairs), which are used to adapt your connectors/cables to the tester. For example, to adapt 26-, 34-, 40-, 50-, or 60-pin ribbon cable connectors, you need the CB2 model (CAMI-732). Many CBs are available unassembled or assembled for maximum flexibility. CBs for special connector types that are not yet available can be designed and added by the user or as an optional service. For cable harnesses, the system can be expanded up to 2560 test points. Our CableEye experts will be happy to advise you and help you configure your system.
Basically you should answer these questions to define the first rough scope of your tester:

• How many cores do the cables to be tested have (or how many pins do the connectors have)? Which connector types are used?
  This determines the number of test points as well as the required connector board types.
• What exactly has to be tested?
  This determines the required basic device, as depending on the model, the basic devices have a different scope of functions, see web store.
• Will I stick to exactly this test scope "forever" or do I want to test other, more complex cables in the longer term?
  This is also decisive for the basic device, because not all models can be expanded to the same number of test points and test functions.

Question: What does "test points" mean for the CableEye system?

Answer: Each connection/contact is called a test point. Example: A cable with a 25-pin D-sub connector has 25 pins/test points on one side, plus the shield, and 25 test points and shield on the other side. A total of 52 test points are therefore required here. For more complex cables and harnesses, the number of test points can increase very quickly. CableEye basic systems with 128 or 152 test points as standard are available. With extensions, they can be expanded up to 1024 or 2560 test points.

Question: For which cables is the CableEye tester suitable?

Answer: The CableEye tester primarily tests for continuity or open circuit/line break, short circuits, miswires, resistors and inline components. So typical cable types as DUTs are power supply lines for low voltage (up to 48 V), audio, video and short data cables etc. Typical connector types, for which there are also ready-made adaptor boards for the CableEye system, are various D-sub, flat ribbon connectors, Cinch, XLR, USB, SCSI, various round connectors and many more. The CableEye system is also particularly suitable for cables with many cores and complex cable harnesses.
For testing with higher voltages (up to max. 2.1 kVDC or 1.2 kVAC), the CableEye HVX version is intended. Additional tests include dielectric strength and insulation resistance.
The CableEye system cannot be used to test fiber optic cables - OTDR devices are used here. Likewise, the CableEye system is not used for cables where frequency-dependent transmission properties, characteristic wave impedance, attenuation, etc. must be determined. These include, for example, cables for the transmission of high-frequency signals such as high-speed data cables, some control cables for robots, cables for satellite and radio transmissions, etc. VNAs (vector network analyzers) and TDRs (time domain reflectometers) are used here.

Question: Can I find a "loose contact" with the CableEye?

Answer: "Loose contacts", or more generally "intermittent faults", often occur in cables that are subjected to high mechanical stress due to movement or frequent connection/disconnection. But of course they can also be caused by production errors such as cold solder joints or bad crimps, among other things. Finding such faults is difficult, as they may only occur occasionally. To reliably detect intermittent faults, the CableEye system works with tests in a continuous loop. For example, the cable can be moved by the user during the continuous test to "trigger" the fault.

Question: I would like to have the cable test carried out by non-technically trained assistants, is that possible?

Answer: The CableEye system has an interface (USB) to the PC and can be automated with Macros. This allows you to prepare entire test sequences, including the output of test documents, to such an extent that even less trained personnel can operate the system after minimal instruction.