Ameritec AM8A Overview

AM8a PCM/VF Call Analyzer T1 PCM/VF Signaling Analyzer

What Is It? The Ameritec AM8a is an analog (POTS) and T1 (CAS) PCM/VF Signaling Analyzer. The AM8a incorporates multiple digital signal processors and microprocessors in a highly compact portable package. The AM8a can monitor or emulate the station (line) side or the central office (trunk) side of a PABX. The AM8a is small, full featured and convenient to transport from lab to field. A 19" rack mounting kit is available for permanent installation. The unit may be powered from AC power mains, where it automatically adjusts for compatibility with local line voltage and frequency, or it may be powered from an optional internal rechargeable battery pack. Equipped with a built-in central office battery power supply, loop length emulation, ring generator and dial tone generator, all of which are variable, and programmable to provide for wide variety of test configurations. A RS232C port and aux port allow for automatic hard copy reporting and remote control.

What Does It Do? The AM8a is capable of emulating, observing and troubleshooting signaling protocols on a wide variety of analog circuits or 1.544 Mbps PCM trunks. The unit can non-intrusively monitor a T1 span and either camp-on a specific channel or scan channels for new both-way activity. Signaling detection is completely automatic as the unit automatically differentiates between dial pulse, DTMF or MF signaling and decodes them appropriately. The "Store and Recall" feature allows the user to test several different trunk types recalling the previous used configurations. Exception reports can be printed by connecting an accessory printer and using the built-in programmable signaling thresholds to automatically screen for out of tolerance digits and events. The unit also provides full, comprehensive analysis of AT&T SLC®96 PCM circuits. This allows the user to detect and troubleshoot signaling problems between the central office and an AT&T SLC®96 remote terminal. The unit provides two PCM ports with dual receivers and transmitters. These ports can be used for passive monitoring of a PCM span or the AM8a may be inserted in series with the PCM span for duplex drop and insert testing of individual channels. Additionally, the ports can be used for clock synchronization testing of PCM spans where one port is connected to a reference span, while the second port is connected to the span under test. The AM8a also has the ability to measure VF level, frequency and noise on analog circuits.

How Does It Work? The Ameritec AM8a is user programmable allowing the user to setup and store test configurations to be used on different trunk types. Through the front panel keypad or via a downloaded protocol, the operator can dial any sequence of digits and events either manually or automatically. Up to 10 complex dialing sequences can be stored and later recalled for execution. When connected to a circuit, the unit will display signaling events occurring in either direction on a large backlighted liquid crystal display. Up to 80 dialed digits and/or events (i.e., on hook, off hook, wink, etc.) are collected and displayed for each call. The user, by merely placing a cursor under the digit or event, can observe, on the second display line, all details associated with that event. Commonly used AM8a test setups can be stored in non-volatile memory for later use. A total of 40 non-volatile memories are available for instant recall of personalized AM8a configuration setups. An additional 40 memories are available for recall of emulate/analyze parameters.

What Can It Test? Signaling Monitor/Emulator Dialed Digit Monitor/Emulator Dialed Digit Analyzer Complex Sequence Dialer VF Level, Frequency, Noise Measure DS1 PCM Drop & Insert Non-Intrusive PCM Measure SLC®96 Monitoring CO Battery, Ring Generator, and Dial Tone Generator Sources

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