
© Copyright 2008, Audio Technologies Inc.
SYS10K
MODULAR AMPLIFIER RACK SYSTEM
OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Audio Technologies Inc. Phone: (856) 719--9900 sales@atiaudio.com www.
audio.com

SYS10K Modular Amplifier Rack System
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The SYS10K Modular Amplifier System is a flexible and efficient, high performance
audio distribution system. The SYS10K 10000 combines up to ten amplifier modules
with two power modules in a 5-1/4" high by 19" wide Eurocard specification enclosure
14-1/2" deep. All modules plug in from the front, are secured with captive hardware and
present an attractive and safe closed front panel. Aluminum extrusion construction
makes a strong and rugged enclosure and allows free convection for vertical airflow. The
basic frame provides power bussing for all positions. Individual modules are supplied
with mating connector assemblies, which mount on the rear of the card frame and plug
into the power bus. Connector assemblies provide barrier block connections with fanout
strips for studio wiring. Alternate insulation displacement, mass termination connector
systems allow simple push-on audio connections.
A wide variety of available interchangeable plug-in modules allow an optimum system to
be initially assembled at reasonable cost and expanded and upgraded as future
requirements necessitate. A partial listing of available SYS10K modules follows. Consult
factory for latest information.
DA100 - A basic one input, six outputs Distribution Amplifier. A single power stage is
split into six active balanced outputs at +22dBm each. Split and by-passed build-out
resistors give protection against shorts and RF. Balanced bridging input. Single panel
level control sets all outputs. Headphone monitor jack.
MDA100 - Metered One-by-Six Distribution Amplifier. Adds a LED Bargraph VU Meter to
the basic amplifier described above. Measures -21 to +6 VU with 0 VU adjustable for
outputs from 0 to +18dBm. Signal Alarm indicator and output warns of dead channel.
CDA100 - Compressing One-by-Six Distribution Amplifier. Adds a Gated Compressor to
the MDA100. Controls on inputs above -30d8m. Compression Slope adjustable up to
20:1. Input level sensor gates compressor gain recovery to prevent background noise
build-up during program pauses. Meter is switchable to Output or Gain Reduction levels.
Switchable linear amplifier mode.
IDA100 - Independent Six-Output Distribution Amplifier. Individual trimmers provided for
each output along with a Master Level control. Headphone output plus six transformers
coupled (IDA100-1) or active balanced (IDAI00-2) outputs.
MIDA100 - Metered Independent Output Distribution Amplifier. Six Transformer (-I) or
Active Balanced (2) outputs with independent level trim controls. A LED Bargraph meter
is switchable to all outputs and the input. Master level control and headphone output.

MIDA100-1RC - Remote controllable Distribution Amplifier. Four transformer outputs
each with an independent level trim control. Switchable Remote or Local DC operated
VCA Master Level Control. A LED bargraph meter is switchable to all four outputs or the
input signal. Headphone output.
PS100 - Power Module. A bi-polar unregulated 18 VDC supply drives the system power
buss through fused isolation diodes. Operates singly or as a redundant pair in the right
hand positions of each rack frame. Front panel LEDs indicates low voltage on either
buss or blown fuses. Power Failure Alarm relay contacts close for any power loss and
can activate an external alarm. Alarm outputs from both PS100 positions are paralleled
and brought to a barrier block (pos. 4 & 5) mounted on the left hand rear of the card
cage. Dual power transformers in each module run cooler and generate minimal hum
field. DC lines are fully bypassed. AC line filtering, non-concentric wound power
transformers and varistor clippers prevent power line transient and RF feed thru.
INSTALLATION
MOUNTING A fully loaded RM100 frame is heavy! To protect yourself and the
equipment, mount the empty RM100 enclosure securely before plugging in the power
and amplifier modules. The RM100 is designed for free vertical air convection cooling.
We recommend at least one rack unit (1-3/4 inches) spacing between stacked units or
forced air cooling of more densely stacked frames. If using forced air, seal frames and
joints between frames with duct tape and use blank panels to seal any empty slots to
avoid losing air pressure.
WIRING The RM100 is supplied with mating connectors for the PS100 power supplies
mounted on the right side of the enclosure and with all power busing in place, ready to
plug on to the mating amplifier connector assemblies. Install amplifier modules starting
at the most left hand position (opposite from power supplies) and stack side-by-side for
optimum shielding of each module.
The connector assemblies supplied with each amplifier module mount on the rear of the
rack frame using supplied metric hardware - (4) M 2.5 x 6 mm screws. System audio
inputs and outputs connect to a 15-position barrier block using a supplied mating fanning
strip for easy pre-wiring. The 15-position fanning strip may be cut into smaller sections if
desired, e.g. inputs only, outputs only. The fanning strip is KULKA P/N 649A15 and
replacements are available from ATI stock. Wire the audio inputs and outputs using the
connector assembly markings as a guide. See Fig. 3. NOTE: Barrier block screws are
tightly machine inserted by the manufacturer. Protect your knuckles by loosening them a
few turns before mounting them in a rack where they are hard to reach. Doing so will
make it much easier to install your pre-wired fanning strips at 3 AM. Fanning strips fit
onto barrier blocks from the left.
On special order, connector assemblies with .025 posts instead of the barrier block are
available. These posts mate with AMP MTA100 Series plug-on connectors. The MTA
connectors are solderless insulation displacement types. Special tools for wire insertion
into the MTA connectors include a simple and inexpensive maintenance type tool AMP
Audio Technologies Inc. Toll Free 800-922-8001 sales@atiaudio.com

59803-1, and a precision ratchet type self-indexing hand tool AMP59801-1. Consult:
factory for more information.
The SYS10K uses only three wire grounded power plugs. The third wire ground can
cause a ground loop with your station ground. If you are sure your station ground will
provide adequate protection to personnel in case of an AC line short to chassis, a 3 to 2
AC adaptor can be used to isolate the power line ground. We recommend that the
adaptor be removed and the power line ground reconnected prior to any service work
requiring removal of the station ground from the chassis.
To allow maximum flexibility in grounding in high RF environments, the circuit grounds
are isolated from case ground. An individual circuit ground is available next to the HI
input terminal of each module. These grounds are already interconnected through the
common DC power supplies. It is not recommended that the individual circuit grounds be
tied together since a ground loop would result. A common DC ground is available on the
ALARM terminal block pin 3. This ground may be interconnected, tied to chassis or
connected to a studio ground system.
ALARMS Alarm lines from the two power supplies are paralleled and brought to a
barrier block mounted on the left hand rear sidewall. The power alarm is connected to
pins 1 and 2. The power alarm outputs are reed relay contacts which close if either or
both DC output voltages drop below 11 volts due to excessive loading, blown fuses or
loss of AC power. The reed relay contacts should not be used to switch high current
lamp loads or AC line voltages. A recommended Alarm interface circuit capable of
operating audible and visual alarms is shown in figure 1. Several racks of distribution
amplifiers may be paralleled into a single alarm interface.
MODIFICATIONS
230 VAC OPERATION PS100 incorporate dual transformer primaries, which can
be strapped for 115 or 230 VAC operations. To use on 230
VAC power, remove jumpers J1 and J3 from the solder
side of the PSI00 PC Board and insert a jumper in the J2
position.
DUAL AC POWER Each PS100 of a redundant powered system may be
operated from a separately fused AC system for even
greater reliability. An additional AC line cord is required
and replaces the AC jumpers between the power blocks of
the two PS100 modules.

ACCESSORIES
A full complement of operational accessories is available for use with your SYS10K. A
partial list follows. Consult the factory or a current price list for an up-to-date listing.
BP100-1 Blank Front Panel, 1.2 inches wide to replace missing amplifier module.
BP100-2 Blank Front Panel, 2.0 inches wide, replaces missing power supply module.
EXI00-1 Extender Assembly for amplifier modules. A four-foot long extension
cable allows easy module service.
The following four items are normally supplied with the RM100 Rack Frame or with the
plug-in amplifier modules. Order extras as spares or to build bench test and service
fixtures.
20181-501 Mating connector assembly for PS1 00 power supply module.
20179-501 Mating connector assembly for amplifier module.
20184-501 DC interconnect cable assembly. Interconnects 20181-501 with 20179-501.
20185-501 AC Line Cord Assembly.