Tektronix 1502C Cable Tester

The Tektronix 1502C is a portable Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) for high-resolution fault location and characterization in metallic cables. Using pulse-echo measurement principles, it transmits 300 mV step signals into the cable under test and analyzes reflections to identify opens, shorts, crimps, impedance mismatches, shield defects, and moisture intrusion. The instrument achieves 200 ps system risetime (10% to 90%), enabling fault resolution as close as 0.6 inches and precise distance readout to 0.05 inches. Maximum test range reaches 2,000 feet with horizontal accuracy of ±1.6 inches or ±1% of measured distance. Vertical measurement accuracy is ±3% full scale across a 0.5 to 500 millipulses per division range. Configurable noise averaging from 1 to 128 samples optimizes signal clarity. The 1502C accepts coaxial, twisted pair, and parallel metallic cables via standard BNC connectors and includes an ohms-at-cursor function for direct characteristic impedance readout. Its rugged construction, backlit LCD display, and dual power options—115/230 V AC or 12 V internal battery—support field deployment across telecommunications, data networks, CATV, power distribution, agriculture, PCB manufacturing, and aviation industries.