Instructions for Installation and Operation
900 MHz Stereo Audio Receiver
Model AR900-32
User’s Guide
900 MHz Stereo Audio Transmitter
Model AT900-32
Applied Wireless products are designed and
manufactured with pride in the United States of America
© Copyright 2007 by Applied Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
A
PPLIED WIRELESS, INC.
1250 Avenida Acaso, Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: 805-383-9600 Fax: 805-383-9001
Email: info@appliedwireless.com
www.appliedwireless.com
Pub. # UG-ATR90032 Rev. date 02/07
Long Range Wireless Applications
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ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (USA), cont.
• HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE:
If a product covered by this warranty and sold in the USA by AW proves to be defective during the
warranty period AW will, at its sole option, repair it or replace it with a comparable new or
reconditioned product without charge for parts and labor, when said product is returned in compliance
with the following requirements:
1. You must first contact AW at the following address/phone for assistance:
APPLIED WIRELESS, INC.
1250 Avenida Acaso, Suite F
Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: (805) 383-9600
If you are instructed to return your product directly to the factory, a Return Merchandise
Authorization number (RMA) will be issued to you.
2. You must package the product carefully and ship it insured and prepaid. The RMA number must
be clearly indicated on the outside of the shipping container. Any product returned without an
RMA number will be refused delivery.
3. In order for AW to perform service under warranty, you must include the following:
(a) Your name, return shipping addre ss (not a PO Box), and daytime telephone number.
(b) Proof of purchase showing the date of purchase.
(c) A detailed description of the defect or problem.
Upon completion of service, AW will ship the product to the specified return shipping address. The
method of shipping shall be at AW’s sole discretion. The cost of return shipping (within USA) shall be
borne by AW.
User’s Guide – 900MHz Stereo Audio Transmitter & Receiver 17
Products manufactured by APPLIED
WIRELESS, INC. (AW) and sold to purchasers
in the USA are warranted by AW according to
the following terms and conditions. You should
read this Warranty thoroughly.
• WHAT IS COVERED, AND DURATION OF
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (USA)
COVERAGE
AW warrants the product to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for one
(1) year from the date of purchase by the
original end user purchaser.
:
• WHAT IS NOT COVERED:
This warranty does not apply to the following:
1. Damage caused by accident, physical or
electrical misuse or abuse, improper
installation, failure to follow instructions
contained in the User’s Guide, any use
contrary to the product’s intended
function, unauthorized service or alteration
(i.e. service or alteration by anyone other
than AW).
2. Damage occurring during shipment.
3. Damage caused by acts of God, including
without limitation: earthquake, fire, flood,
storms, or other acts of nature.
4. Damage or malfunction caused by the
intrusion of moisture or other
contamination within the product.
5. Batteries supplied by AW in or for the
product.
6. Cosmetic deterioration of chassis, cases,
or pushbuttons resulting from wear and
tear typical of normal use.
7. Any cost or expense related to troubleshooting to determine whether a
malfunction is due to a defect in the
product itself, in the installation, or any
combination thereof.
8. Any cost or expense related to repairing or
correcting the installation of an AW
product.
9. Any cost or expense related to the
removal or reinstallation of the product.
10. Any product whose serial number or date
code is altered, defaced, obliterated,
destroyed, or removed.
This warranty is extended to the original
purchaser of the product(s) only, and is not
transferable to any subsequent owner or
owners of the product(s). AW reserves the right
to make changes or improvements in its
products without incurring any obligation to
similarly alter products previously purchased.
• EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
AW expressly disclaims liability for incidental
and consequential damages caused (or
allegedly caused) by the product. The term
“incidental or consequential damages” refers
(but is not limited) to:
1. Expenses of transporting the product to
AW to obtain service.
2. Loss of use of the product.
3. Loss of the original purchaser’s time.
:
• LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES:
This warranty limits AW’s liability to the repair
or replacement of the product. AW makes no
express warranty of merchantability or fitness
for use. Any implied warranties, including
fitness for use and merchantability, are limited
in duration to the period of the one (1) year
express limited warranty set forth herein. The
remedies provided under this warranty are
exclusive and in lieu of all others. AW neither
assumes nor authorizes any person or
organization to make any warranties or assume
any liability in connection with the sale,
installation, or use of this product.
Some states do not allow limitations on how
long an implied warranty lasts, and some states
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
liability for incidental or consequential damages
so the limitations or exclusions stated herein
may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights and you may have other
rights which vary from state to state.
(continued on next page)
900 MHz Stereo Audio Transmitter
Model AT900-32
900 MHz Stereo Audio Receiver
Model AR900-32
Introduction / Product Descriptions
Model AT900-32 from Applied Wireless, Inc. is a high quality transmitter
designed to broadcast excellent quality low noise stereo audio from any
line level source, to the Applied Wireless model AR900-32 receiver. The
AT900-32 transmitter is compatible with line level audio sources such as
CD and DVD players, commercial radio (AM or FM) receivers, satellite
radio receivers, MP3 players, and PCs. Model AT900-32 conforms to
FCC Part 15 requirements for unlicensed use, and will transmit over
distances up to 750 feet.* The range may be increased substantially
through the use of a directional antenna (such as a flat panel or Yagi) at
the receiver.
* Unobstructed, straight line-of-sight range, when used with the standard antennas
included with the transmitter and receiver.
The AT900-32 transmitter and the AR900-32 receiver provide thirty-two
user-selectable channels of operation within the 902 – 928 MHz band to
enable simultaneous operation of multiple transmitters in a common area.
Excellent frequency stability is assured through the use of crystal
references. The products incorporate precise FM modulation and
sophisticated filters to provide stable, interference-free high fidelity audio
reception.
The transmitter and receiver are housed in small yet rugged aluminum
extrusion enclosures. AC power converters (9VDC) are supplied, along
with RCA phono-type audio cables. By FCC regulation, the transmitter’s
quarter-wave antenna is permanently attached (substituting a different
antenna, or mounting the antenna remotely are not permitted). The antenna
supplied with the receiver is a removable quarter-wave ground plane
(sometimes referred to as a half-wave) antenna. The receiver’s antenna
16 Applied Wireless, Inc.
User’s Guide – 900MHz Stereo Audio Transmitter & Receiver 1
attaches with a BNC connector, enabling the use of an alternative antenna,
(such as a flat panel or Yagi) to increase operating range (please contact
Applied Wireless for a selection of available antennas).
The AT900-32 transmitter and the AR900-32 receiver are well-suited for
many diverse applications, including distribution of audio entertainment
content throughout a building, commercial and industrial surveillance,
monitoring, security, etc.
Installation Instructions
Before Beginning the Installation
Plan your installation carefully. The physical location and orientation of
the transmitter and receiver antennas (relative to each other) will have a
significant influence on reception quality at the receiver, particularly at
longest ranges. For best results, both the transmitter antenna and the
receiver antenna should be positioned vertically (pointing either up or
down). Also, keep in mind that the RF signal from the transmitter will
travel through most non-metallic building materials (wood, stucco, brick,
etc.), however maximum stated reception range is based on unobstructed
line of sight conditions. While the transmitter’s signal will easily pass
through most non-metallic building structures, the transmitter and receiver
are both rated for indoor use only. If either unit must be located outdoors,
it must be protected from the elements (using, for example, a non-metallic
NEMA4 enclosure).
Connecting Audio to the AT900-32 Transmitter
Connect a line level stereo audio source (outputs from a CD player, for
example) to the corresponding LEFT and RIGHT line-level input jacks on
the transmitter’s rear panel (refer to Figure 1). A shielded dual cable is
supplied with the transmitter for making these connections. Some audio
devices, such as MP3 players, portable CD players, and PC sound cards
have a single miniature (3.5mm) stereo phone jack (as opposed to separate
RCA phono-type jacks). To connect any of these to the transmitter, use the
supplied adaptor in conjunction with the standard dual cable to make the
connection.
The following sections pertain exclusively to the Audio Transmitter,
Model AT900-32:
This product incorporates transmitter module FCC ID: QY4265
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
INSTRUCTION TO THE USER (required by the FCC)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This equipment has been certified to comply with the limits for a class B
computing device, pursuant to FCC Rules. In order to maintain
compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cables must be used with this
equipment. Operation with non-approved equipment or unshielded cables
is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception. The user is
cautioned that changes and modifications made to the equipment without
the approval of manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate
this equipment.
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User’s Guide – 900MHz Stereo Audio Transmitter & Receiver 15
Technical Specifications
AT900-32 Transmitter
Operating Frequency (32 Channels) 902 – 928 MHz
Operating Voltage Range 7.5 to 18VDC
Operating Current 120 mA
Audio Signal-to-Noise Ratio* 78 dB
Audio Frequency Response (+/-3dB)* 50 - 15,000 Hz
Audio Channel (L/R) Separation (@ 1KHz)* 30 dB
Audio Distortion (@ 1kHzm +/-25KHz deviation)* 0.3%
Stereo Pilot Level -20 dBc
RF Output Power 1 mW (0 dBm)
Frequency Stability (over operating temp.range) +/-30 ppm
FM Deviation +/-75 KHz
Harmonic Suppression -45 dBc
Antenna Output Impedance 50 Ohms
Operating Temperature Range
Storage Temperature Range
*Audio performance specifications are “end-to-end” characteristics,
when used with Model AR900-32 receiver.
AR900-32 Receiver
Operating Frequency (32 Channels) 902 – 928 MHz
Operating Voltage Range 7.5 to 18VDC
Operating Current 140 mA
Audio Frequency Response (+/-3dB, flat EQ)* 50 - 15,000 Hz
Audio Channel (L/R) Separation (@ 1KHz)* 30 dB
Audio Signal-to-Noise Ratio* 50 dB
Audio Distortion (@ 1kHzm +/-25KHz deviation)* 0.3%
RF Input Sensitivity (30 dB SNR) -106 dBm
IF Bandwidth 180 KHz
Antenna Input Impedance 50 Ohms
Frequency Stability (over operating temp. range) +/-30 ppm
Operating Temperature Range
Storage Temperature Range
*Audio performance specifications are “end-to-end” characteristics,
when used with Model AT900-32 transmitter.
-20°C to +70°C
-50°C to +150°C
-20°C to +70°C
-50°C to +150°C
Figure 1 – AT900-32 Transmitter (Rear Panel)
Note 1: If the audio source device provides only a single (mono) output, a
“Y” adaptor (not supplied) may be used to feed the signal to both of the
transmitter’s input jacks.
Note 2: If a microphone is to be used as the audio source, an external
microphone preamp (not supplied) must be used to raise the microphone’s
output signal to the required line level.
Connecting the AR900-32 Receiver’s Audio Outputs
Using the shielded dual audio cable provided, connect the receiver’s line
level audio outputs to the appropriate inputs on the device that is to
amplify and reproduce (or record) the received audio signals (refer to
Figure 2). If the destination device has only a single (mono) input, a “Y”
adaptor (not supplied) may be used to combine the receiver’s LEFT and
RIGHT outputs, and feed the combined signal to the destination device’s
mono input jack.
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User’s Guide – 900MHz Stereo Audio Transmitter & Receiver 3
Figure 2 – AR900-32 Receiver (Rear Panel)
Connecting Power to the Transmitter and Receiver
The AT900-32 and the AR900-32 each require an external power source
of between 7.5 and 18 volts DC. A plug-in 120VAC-to-9VDC power
converter is supplied with each unit. Insert the power converter’s 2.1mm
plug into the DC INPUT jack on the unit’s rear panel (refer to Figures 1 and
2). Plug each converter into a live 120VAC outlet. The transmitter’s red
POWER indicator LED (on the front panel) should illuminate. On the
receiver, power on is indicated by the illumination of the 2 digit CHANNEL
display.
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User Settings and Adjustments
Selecting the Channel of Operation (Transmitter)
Referring to Figure 3, select the channel on which the transmitter will
operate. Available channels are numbered 01 through 32 (inclusive). To
select a channel, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to rotate the se lector on
the left to the “tens digit” of the desired channel, then rotate the selector
on the right to the “ones digit” of the desired channel. As an example, to
select channel 26 rotate the selector on the left to “2,” and rotate the
selector on the right to “6.” Be sure to line up the selector’s triangleshaped pointer (not the screwdriver slot) to the desired number. Please
note that setting the channel to “00” is the same as channel “01.”
Similarly, setting the channel to any number from “33” to “99” (inclusive)
is the same as channel “32.” If several AT900-32 transmitters are to be
used simultaneously in a common area (so as to broadcast multiple audio
programs), each transmitter must be set to its own unique channel.
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User’s Guide – 900MHz Stereo Audio Transmitter & Receiver 13
Noise Reduction (Transmitter and Receiver)
The transmitter and receiver are each equipped with active noise reduction
circuits. However, these circuits are normally turned off (factory preset),
to provide the widest possible frequency response for high fidelity music
listening. If the received audio program has an excessive level of
background noise or “hiss” (especially noticeable during periods of
silence, such as the pause between songs on a CD), activating the noise
reduction circuits in both the transmitter and receiver will minimize the
objectionable noise.
To activate the noise reduction circuits, locate the NR switches on the
transmitter and receiver printed circuit boards (refer to Figures 5 and 6).
Slide the actuator of each switch to its NR position.
Note 1: Be sure to readjust the transmitter’s audio modulation level (as
described on page 6) anytime the noise reduction circuits are either
activated or turned off.
Note 2: The noise reduction switches in the transmitter and the receiver
must be set to match each other (either on or off), in order to maintain
balanced audio frequency response.
Set this selector
to the “ones” digit
of the desired
channel
Set this selector
to the “tens” digit
of the desired
channel
Figure 3 – AT900-32 Transmitter (Front Panel)
Selecting the Channel of Operation (Receiver)
The AT900-32 provides 32 user-selectable channels. Referring to Figure
4, use the DOWN and UP buttons on the unit’s front panel to select the
desired channel. Momentarily pressing either button will raise or lower the
displayed channel by one; holding either button continuously will rapidly
cycle the channels up or down as appropriate. If multiple AT900-32
transmitters are operating in a common area to broadcast multiple audio
programs, the AR900-32 receiver can receive any of the desired programs
simply by selecting the corresponding channel.
12 Applied Wireless, Inc.
Figure 4 – AR900-32 Receiver (Front Panel)
User’s Guide – 900MHz Stereo Audio Transmitter & Receiver 5
Setting the Transmitter’s Audio Modulation Level
With an active audio source connected to the transmitter’s AUDIO INPUTS,
adjust the AUDIO LEVEL control on the front panel such that the green
MODULATION LEVEL OK indicator is illuminated whenever audio is present,
and the red PEAK indicator flashes only on the loudest audio transients. To
prevent distorted audio at the receiver, the red PEAK indicator should not
be illuminated continuously.
Note: The audio source device may have a volume control that adjusts the
level of the audio signal(s) being fed to the transmitter’s inputs. If your
source device (e.g. portable/personal CD player or MP3 player) is so
equipped, initially set that device’s volume control to its approximate
midpoint. Then, adjust the transmitter’s AUDIO LEVEL control as described
above. Use the following guidelines to “fine tune” the settings:
• If the audio output at the receiver suffers from excessive background
noise, the source device’s volume level is probably set too low.
Increase the source device’s volume control a bit, and readjust the
transmitter’s AUDIO LEVEL control accordingly.
• If the audio output at the receiver is distorted, and/or if the
transmitted audio program can be heard on (or interferes with) either
or both of the channels adjacent to the selected channel of operation,
the source device’s volume level is probably set too high. Reduce the
source device’s volume control a bit, and readjust the transmitter’s
AUDIO LEVEL control accordingly.
Local/Distance (DX) Jumper (Receiver)
The AR900-32 receiver has an internal jumper that determines the
receiver’s RF sensitivity. The factory default position for this jumper is the
Distance (DX) setting, configuring the receiver for maximum sensitivity.
This is the appropriate setting for most applications (to allow for
maximum reception range). However, if multiple AT900-32 transmitters
are to be used in a common area (so as to broadcast multiple audio
programs), and any are set to operate on numerically adjacent channels,
there is a possibility of interference from one channel to the adjacent
channel. Switching the jumper to the LOCAL setting on any receiver(s) that
exhibit such interference may reduce or eliminate this interference. To do
this, perform the following steps:
1. Locate the LOCAL/DX jumper on the circuit board. In its factory
default position, the jumper connects the middle pin of the 3-pin
group to the DX pin, leaving the LOCAL pin open.
2. Remove the jumper from its default position, and reinsert it such
that it connects the middle pin to the LOCAL pin (leaving the DX pin
open).
Adjusting Headphone Volume (Receiver)
If desired, stereo headphones or earbuds equipped with a standard 3.5mm
mini-phone plug may be used with the AR900-32 receiver. Insert the plug
into the HEADPHONE jack on the rear panel. The output level at this jack
may be adjusted using the VOLUME control on the front panel.
Note: The receiver’s VOLUME control only affects the volume at the
headphone jack. It does not affect the volume at the receiver’s line level
audio outputs.
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User’s Guide – 900MHz Stereo Audio Transmitter & Receiver 11
Internal Settings
The AT900-32 transmitter and the AR900-32 receiver each have internal
jumpers and/or switches (on their respective printed circuit boards) that
are preset at the factory to provide the proper configuration for most
applications. The following sections describe these settings, and provide
guidelines for when it may be necessary or desirable to modify them.
CAUTION!
The AT900-32 transmitter and the AR900-32 receiver both contain
sensitive electronic components on their respective circuit
boards. These devices can be permanently damaged by static
discharge if adequate anti-static procedures are not observed.
Such damage is not covered by the Applied Wireless, Inc.
Limited Warranty. Before attempting to modify any of the internal
settings, discharge any static that may have accumulated on
your body by touching a metal object or surface that is earth
grounded, such as a cold water pipe. In addition, your work area
should be as static-free as possible (for example, do not work in
an area in which the floor is covered by nylon carpeting).
In order to modify any internal settings, the unit’s circuit board must
be removed from the enclosure, as follows:
EQualization (Receiver)
When headphones or earbuds are used with the receiver, the EQ button on
the receiver’s front panel may be used to select one of four preset audio
equalization (tone) profiles, enabling you to select the audio response
characteristics that you prefer. The chosen equalization profile only affects
the audio from the headphone jack on the rear panel. The audio signals at
the line level audio output phono jacks remain “flat” regardless of the
equalization profile chosen for the headphones.
Momentarily pressing the EQ button will cause the 2-digit CHANNEL
indicator to display the current equalization profile. The four equalization
profiles are as follows:
• E1: No Equalization (flat response)
• E2: Bass Boost
• E3: Treble Boost
• E4: Bass Boost + Treble Boost
Pressing the EQ button again (while the display is indicating the
equalization profile) will advance to the next profile. The 2-digit CHANNEL
indicator will automatically revert to displaying the receiver’s current
channel when the EQ button has not been pressed for two to three seconds.
1. Disconnect the power and audio cables from the unit.
2. For the receiver, remove the antenna. For the transmitter, the
antenna is permanently attached. Do not attempt to remove it.
3. For the receiver, remove the VOLUME knob.
4. For the transmitter, remove the two Phillips screws securing the
front panel.
5. For the receiver, remove the two Phillips screws securing the rear
panel.
6. The two long edges of the circuit board are retained in lengthwise
grooves along the inside walls of the enclosure. Gently slide the
circuit board out of the enclosure. As you remove the circuit board,
hold it by its edges only.
7. Once the internal setting(s) have been modified as necessary,
reassemble the unit by reversing the steps above.
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User’s Guide – 900MHz Stereo Audio Transmitter & Receiver 7
Transmitter Connection Diagram
A
p
r
t
For maximum range, the
transmitter’s antenna must be
oriented vertically.
Rear panel of transmitter
C Adaptor
Dual RCA phono jack
to 3.5mm mini phone
plug adapto
Receiver Connection Diagram
For maximum range, the
receiver’s antenna must be
oriented vertically.
Rear panel of receiver
AC Adaptor
3.5mm Stereo
ut Jack
Out
Left
Audio Outputs
Audio Source Device
with RCA phono jack outputs,
for example:
• CD player
• DVD player
• Tuner
Right
Audio Source Device
with 3.5mm mini phone jack
stereo output, for example:
• MP3 player
• Portable CD player
• PC Sound Card
• Satellite radio receiver
8 Applied Wireless, Inc.
Lef
Audio Inputs
Right
Audio Playback (or Recording)
Device with RCA phono jack
inputs, for example:
• P.A. Amplifier
• Stereo Receiver
• Audio Recorder
User’s Guide – 900MHz Stereo Audio Transmitter & Receiver 9
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