ADDAC System ADDAC200CT Cable Tester User Guide

June 1, 2024
ADDAC System

ADDAC System ADDAC200CT Cable Tester

Specifications:

  • Desktop device
  • Power Consumption: 30mA +12V, 30mA -12V

Description:

The ADDAC200CT Cable Tester is a desktop utility designed to test the integrity of both mono jacks and ribbon cables. It ensures secure and electrically sound connections.

Features:

  • Individual wire testing with dedicated LEDs for each wire in ribbon cables
  • Visual indication of the connection status
  • Detects shorts between wires
  • Compatible with ADDAC System ribbon cables and standard Eurorack power ribbon cables

Usage Instructions

Test Procedure:

  • Always notice the orientation of the headers
  • Do not twist cables
  • Ensure the red stripe is facing down
  • If any wires are shorted, LEDs will be off – do not use the cable with modules

Safety Precautions:

Only power the board when testing a cable. Leaving it on continuously can lead to unintended issues.

Busboard Monitor:

The LEDs on the busboard monitor allow you to check the state of power lines and CV/Gate functions.

FAQ:

  • Q: Can I use any ribbon cable with the ADDAC200CT Cable Tester?
    A: The tester is compatible with ADDAC System ribbon cables and standard Eurorack power ribbon cables. Ensure proper orientation and compatibility before testing.

  • Q: What should I do if all LEDs are off during testing?
    A: This indicates a potential short in the cable. Do not use the cable with your modules to prevent damage.

For feedback or support, contact us at: addac@addacsystem.com

Welcome to:

ADDAC200CT CABLE TESTER USER’S GUIDE Revision.01 March.2024

DESCRIPTION

Introducing ADDAC’s Cable Tester, a desktop utility that provides a reliable means to test the integrity of both mono jacks and ribbon cables, ensuring that every connection is secure and electrically sound. Individual Wire Testing – Featuring the ability to test each wire within the ribbon cables independently with dedicated LEDs for every wire, providing a clear visual indication of the status of each connection, wires are also tested against their neighbouring wires to detect shorts.
This is a desktop device, we provide a long power cable so that it can still be plugged into your rack.
As a safety precaution only power this board when you need to test a cable.
Leaving it ON at all times can lead to unintended problematic misuses which, in a worst-case scenario, can shorten your Eurorack PSU

WARNING
DO NOT POWER MODULES FROM THE TEST SOCKETS!!

BUSBOARD MONITOR

The baseboard monitor leds allow the user to check the state of the baseboard power lines as well as the special CV/Gate functions.
If the baseboard has no +5v supply the led will be off likewise for the CV/Gate functions if not in use.

RIBBON CABLE COMPATIBILITY

Compatible with all ADDAC System ribbon cables (power, expansions and interconnectivity: 112, 213, 807). Also compatible with any standard Eurorack power ribbon cable (2×5 to 2×8 or 2×8 to 2×8).

WARNING
NOT ALL MANUFACTURERS FOLLOW THESE STANDARDS! ALLWAYS NOTICE THE ORIENTATION OF THE HEADERS IF YOUR CABLE DO NOT FOLLOW THE STANDARD THEN MOST PROBABLY IS NOT COMPATIBLE

TEST PROCEDURE

Once power is supplied the ±12V Monitor LEDs will turn ON. After checking if the cable to be tested is compatible, make sure to keep the Red Stripe Down and Insert one end of the ribbon cable into the [A SIDE], then insert the other end into the [B SIDE] side. Next check the leds, if all leds are ON then the cable is OK.

TO ENSURE A PROPER TEST IS MADE:

  • ALWAYS NOTICE THE ORIENTATION OF THE HEADERS
  • DO NOT TWIST CABLES
  • ALWAYS USE RED STRIPE DOWN

DURING TESTING A CABLE MAY BE DAMAGED IN SUCH A WAY THAT ONE OR MORE WIRES ARE SHORTED, IN THIS CASE, DEPENDING ON THE WIRES IN QUESTION, SEVERAL OR ALL LEDS WILL BE OFF, IF THIS HAPPENS MAKE SURE NOT TO EVER USE THAT CABLE WITH YOUR MODULES.
THE MODULE IS PROTECTED AGAINST SHORTINGS CAUSED BY ANY FAULTY CABLES!

Remember that every [A SIDE] pin is tested against every [B SIDE] pin, if the cable is a power cable than even if not all leds are ON it can happen that the cable still works due to the redundancy used, as there are 2 wires for +12V, 2 wires for -12V and 6 wires for GND, if one +12V wire (ex. led 10 is off) the cable will still work as wire 9 will still provide the +12V to the module.
This principle does not apply when testing an interconnection cable, like used on our ADDAC112, ADDAC213 or ADDAC807, in this case if one wire is interrupted there’s one input/output that will not work

For feedback, comments or problems please contact us at: addac@addacsystem.com
ADDAC200CT USER’S GUIDE Revision.01 March.2024

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