DSAM Firmware v3.6.1 Release Notes
September 10, 2010
DSAM v3.6.1 firmware upgrade is now available online
DSAM v3.6.1 Announcement
JDSU has released the DSAM v3.6.1 firmware for the DSAM family of test meters. DSAM v3.6.1 firmware is available online as a free upgrade for previous DSAM firmware versions on www.catvsupport.com.
v3.6.1 Firmware Enhancements
All existing DSAM meters can be upgraded to v3.6.1. When existing DSAMs are upgraded to the v3.6.1 firmware, some new features will become available on the meter based upon the meter type along with additional enhancements from the previous versions.
v3.6.1 Features and Enhancements:
1. SmartScan™ - Another JDSU innovation that will help both Service Technicians and Maintenance Techs.
SmartScan provides the ability to see the network frequency response in an easy-to-read display without the need to take a sweep reference. It also provides the ability to apply consistent limits throughout the network regardless of location. SmartScan can help network technicians diagnose plant issues faster.
SmartScan is a standard feature on DSAM-3xxx and DSAM-6xxx meters with v3.6.1 firmware. SmartScan is a chargeable option (part number is DSAM-SMARTSCANOPT) for all DSAM-1xxx and DSAM-2xxx meters.
SmartScan measurements are also incorporated into the Home Certification™ test. This will help streamline the “refer to maintenance” process established by our customers. Home Certification is widely deployed by many of our customers, and has been helping them to reduce repeat truck rolls and improve subscriber satisfaction.
2. In-Band C/N - provides the ability to perform C/N measurement in band. This measurement technique is useful if there are no guard bands between channels. The specification for both the existing Out-of-Band C/N measurement and new In-Band C/N measurement is the same. In-Band C/N is only available on DSAMs with DOCSIS® 3.0 hardware version 5-6-4-4-1 and higher.
3. ISDB-T Support (Japan only) - provides measurement support for the ISDB-T standard in Japan. The DSAM now supports both QAM and ISDB-T measurements with one meter, reducing the need to carry two instruments.
4. Better Screen Visibility – Enhancements to key measurement screens so that technicians can see these displays clearly under direct sunlight.
Old Screen Prior to Release v3.6.1 New Screen in Release v3.6.1
5. Enhanced Sync Process – Configure IP addresses for both Ethernet and RF connections so that synchronization to the same Test Productivity Pack (TPP) server can be performed over RF connection in the plant when technicians troubleshoot issues or when they are back in the office, without changing the IP addresses. The hostname of the TPP server can also be entered now as well.
6. C/N and Hum measurements enhanced in Home Certification and AutoTest – pass/fail limits for minimum input level removed for both C/N and Hum measurements so that these measurements will show the actual measured C/N and Hum values.
Additional Enhancements
§ Throughput units changed from kb/s to Mb/s for DOCSIS®, Ethernet, and Home Certification tests.
§ Enhancements when synchronizing with the Test Productivity Pack (TPP) server software.
§ AutoTest is now 3 times faster when measuring level only on QAM digital channels.
§ Bug fix where BER was falsely reported on the downstream channel when connecting to a 1.X/2.0 CMTS with a DOCSIS 3.0 DSAM.
For Technical Assistance Contact
JDSU Cable Networks Technical Assistance Center (TAC) –
United States: 1-800-428-4424, ext. 8350
Worldwide: +1-317-788-9351
© Copyright 2010, JDSU, All rights reserved.