ADDAC System ADDAC200CT Cable Tester User Guide
- June 1, 2024
- ADDAC System
Table of Contents
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: [email protected]
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:
[email protected]
ADDAC200CT USER’S GUIDE Revision.01 March.2024