Applied Instruments Satellite Signal Level Meter

Applied Instruments Satellite Signal Level Meter

Satellite Signal Level Meters are used to test the quality of TV satellite signals. They are also called TV Meters, Field Strength Meters, and Satellite Finders.  These devices are primarily intended for installers and service technicians. Signal level is measured over a specified frequency range and expressed typically as dBmV or dBm.
 
Signal level meters would be connected to the cable from the antenna or cable provider. The antenna can be located and adjusted based on the signal level and other problems diagnosed.
 
Key Selection Criteria

• Signal type (CATV, VHF, UHF,DBS,MMDS,SMATV,DVB, DSS, ISDB-Tb, etc.)
• Frequency
• Spectrum Display. Some bench units will provide this feature or you can separately purchase a full spectrum analyzer from TEquipment.

What does MER, BER and C/N stand for and why are they important?
These terms are borrowed from the telecom industry for signal level.

• MER is the Modulation Error Ratio
• BER is the Bit Error Ratio
• C/N Is the carrier to noise ratio or signal to noise ratio (SNR)

These are helpful to a an installer or service technician determine problems such as loose or corroded wires, too long a cable run, or problems at the ground block, multi switches, head end or tap.