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Low Voltage Multi-Conductor Cable Tester

05 October 2020 - CAMI Research, manufacturer of automation-ready cable and harness test systems, released the model M3Z low voltage test system. In addition to checking for opens, shorts, and miswires, the M3Z allows measurement of the quality of connections, resistors, diodes, and other measurement functions including for complex network and backplane applications. Measure 0.1Ω to 5 MΩ, and use the fixture-nulling feature to automatically subtract the resistance of your test interface fixture.

The control module has 128 test points plus a further 24 accessory test points and expands as needed to 2560 + 24 test points. The system includes a miniDIN8 socket for remote control, DB9 socket for probe/minihooks, and a 24-pin header for an expander cable. The M3Z ships with comprehensive, automation-ready software that allows for tester management, troubleshooting, pass/fail testing, and testing of any product volume and mix from prototyping through to batch testing.

The M3Z determines connectivity in cables and wire harnesses and also allows you to check the quality of those connections by finding non-optimal resistances caused by cold solder joints, certain types of crimp defects, improperly-seated connector pins, and intermittent connections. Settable resistance thresholds allow you to set thresholds for maximum permissible connection resistance, and minimum isolation resistance between unconnected wires. For connection resistance, set the low threshold to as little as 0.1 Ω, and for isolation resistance, set the high threshold as high as 5 MΩ. Typical thresholds for general-purpose testing would be 5 Ω maximum for connection resistance, and 1 MΩ minimum for isolation.

The M3Z control module has 128 test points plus a further 24 accessory test points and can be expanded up to 2,560 +24 test points by connecting expansion modules (128-points per module). An expansion upgrade can be ordered any time. The active test points are controlled through software, eliminating the toggle switch found on previous models.

Additional features include a remote control socket to be used for either an optional external footswitch or for a custom remote control to extend panel indicators and test button, and an accessory socket for a probe or minihook connectors. A probe comes with this tester and works with our software to identify unterminated wires. Use an optional wrist strap in place of the probe to identify wires with the touch of a finger.

M3Z Software

The M3Z ships with comprehensive, automation-ready software that allows for tester management, troubleshooting, pass/fail testing, and testing of any product volume and mix. Touch-screen compatible, the software provides maximum flexibility for the widest range of test needs: From prototyping and R&D through to batch testing, from High Mix Low Volume (HMLV) through to Low Mix High Volume (LMHV).

Available immediately, the M3Z starts at $2,395 USD and includes automation-ready operating software, a standard connector board set (CB15C), and probe. Requires any Windows-capable computer running Windows 7 or later. Compatible with touchscreen and laptop PCs.

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