Stock No.
Stock No.
USER MANUAL
USER MANUAL
BIDA Series
Broadband Indoor Distribution Amplifiers - Active Return Path
Model Stock No. Model Stock No.
BIDA 55A-30 5800 53 BIDA 86A-30 5800 83
BIDA 55A-30P 5800P53 BIDA 86A-30P 5800P83
BIDA 55A-43 5800 54 BIDA 86A-43 5800 84
BIDA 55A-43P 5800P54 BIDA 86A-43P 5800P84
BIDA 55A-50 5800 55 BIDA 100A-30 5800 13
BIDA 75A-30 5800 73 BIDA 100A-30P 5800P13
BIDA 75A-30P 5800P73 BIDA 100A-43 5800 14
BIDA 75A-43 5800 74 BIDA 100A-43P 5800P14
BIDA 75A-43P 5800P74
5800
5800
Status Date Document No. Issue No. Author
ACTIVE 9/08/2014 651187000 P 1 KK
800-523-6049
www.blondertongue.com
©2014 Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are the property of their respective owner.
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BIDA Series
Instruction Manual
Product Summary
Description
The Blonder Tongue BIDA-ARP is a completely self-contained broadband indoor distribution amplifier designed specifically
for CATV and SMATV signal distribution systems which use a cable drop as a signal source. Seventeen models are available with bandwidths ranging from 49-550 MHz to 49-1000 MHz, gains of either 30 dB or 43 dB, and push-pull or power
doubling hybrid technology.
All models have a return path bandwidth of 5-36 MHz and can be configured for either a passive (as shipped) or active
return. When field configured to an active return the BIDA-ARP Series have a full gain of 20 dB. All models can be attenuated over a range of 10 dB in the forward path and 18 dB in the return path. Gain and slope controls are located on the
front panel for easy set-up and ad just ment. Two -30 dB backmatched test points are provided to permit testing without
interruption of service.
In applications where input signals are too high or where greater cable equalization is necessary, the BIDA-ARP can be
reconfigured by using plug-in fixed attenuators (forward and return) and cable slope equalizers (forward) to meet particular requirements.
Push-pull and power doubling hybrid modules, hybrid IC modules enable the BIDA-ARP to operate at high output levels
while retaining low distortion characteristics.
The aluminum chassis is designed to provide excellent heat dissipation thus allowing operation at high ambient temperatures with no degradation of performance or reliability.
Features
• Provides Two-Way Capability with an Active or Passive Return Path Set by Field-Changeable Jumpers.
• Hybrid IC Circuitry for High Output with Low Distortion.
• Front Panel Gain and Slope Controls for Easy Adjustments.
• Sockets for Hybrid IC to Make a Hybrid IC Change in the Field.
• Forward Path Input-Side Plug-In Fixed Attenuator and Cable Equalizer for Optimum Per for mance.
• Return Path Output-Side Fixed Attenuator for Optimum Performance.
• Externally Accessible Test Points Permit In-Service Testing.
• Exceeds FCC Specs for Both Conducted and Radiated Interference at Full Output Level.
• External “UL Listed” Power Transformer.
©2014 Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are the property of their respective owner.
Section 1 — General & Safety Instructions
The STOP sign symbol is intended to alert you to the presence of REQUIRED operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions that if not followed, may result in product failure or destruction.
The YIELD sign symbol is intended to alert you to the presence of RECOMMENDED operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions.
The LIGHTNING flash symbol is intended to alert you to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage"
within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electrical shock.
BIDA Series
Instruction Manual
3
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER FROM THIS UNIT.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER
This reminder is provided to call the CATV System Installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for
proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as
close to the point of cable entry as practical.
Safety Instructions
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO HELP ENSURE
AGAINST INJURY TO YOURSELF AND DAMAGE TO YOUR EQUIPMENT.
å Elevated Operating Ambient - If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment
may be greater than room ambient. Therefore, consideration should be given to installing the equipment in an environment compatible with the
maximum ambient temperature.
å Reduced Air Flow - Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of air flow required for safe operation of the equipment
is not compromised.
å Mechanical Loading - Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
å Circuit Overloading - Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that overloading of
the circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used
when addressing this concern.
å Reliable Earthing - Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. Particular attention should be given to supply connec-
tions other than direct connections to the branch circuit (e.g. use of power strips).
å Read all safety and operating instructions before you operate the unit.
å Retain all safety and operating instructions for future reference.
å Heed all warnings on the unit and in the safety and operating instructions.
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BIDA Series
Instruction Manual
Safety Instructions - continued
å Follow all installation, operating, and use instructions.
å Unplug the unit from the AC power outlet before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning the exterior of the unit.
å Do not use accessories or attachments not recommended by Blonder Tongue, as they may cause hazards, and will void the warranty.
å Do not operate the unit in high-humidity areas, or expose it to water or moisture.
å Do not place the unit on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The unit may fall, causing serious personal injury and damage to the
unit.
å Do not block or cover slots and openings in the unit. These are provided for ventilation and protection from overheating. Never place the unit
near or over a radiator or heat register. Do not place the unit in an enclosure such as a cabinet without proper ventilation. Do not mount equipment in the rack space directly above or below the unit.
å Operate the unit using only the type of power source indicated on the marking label. Unplug the unit power cord by gripping the plug, not the cord.
å The unit is equipped with a three-wire ground-type plug. This plug will fit only into a ground-type power outlet. If you are unable to insert the
plug into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace the outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the ground-type plug.
å Route power supply cords so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention
to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the unit.
å Be sure that the outdoor components of the antenna system are grounded in accordance with local, federal, and National Electrical Code (NEC)
requirements. Pay special attention to NEC Sections 810 and 820. See the example shown in the following diagram:
å We strongly recommend using an outlet that contains surge suppression or ground fault protection. For added protection during a lightning
storm, or when the unit is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the lines between
the unit and the antenna. This will prevent damage caused by lightning or power line surges.
å Do not locate the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits.
When installing the antenna, take extreme care to avoid touching such power lines or circuits, as contact with them can be fatal.
å Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords, as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
å Never insert objects of any kind into the unit through openings, as the objects may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts. This could
cause fire or electrical shock.
å Do not attempt to service the unit yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage and will void the warranty. Refer
all servicing to authorized service personnel.
å Unplug the unit from the wall outlet and refer servicing to authorized service personnel whenever the following occurs:
o The power supply cord or plug is damaged;
o Liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the unit;
o The unit has been exposed to rain or water;
o The unit has been dropped or the chassis has been damaged;
o The unit exhibits a distinct change in performance.
å When replacement parts are required, ensure that the service technician uses replacement parts specified by Blonder Tongue. Unauthorized
substitutions may damage the unit or cause electrical shock or fire, and will void the warranty.
å Upon completion of any service or repair to the unit, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to ensure that the unit is in proper
operating condition.
Returning Product for Repair (or Credit)
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) Number is required on all products returned to Blonder Tongue, regardless if
the product is being returned for repair or credit. Before returning product, please contact the Blonder Tongue Service
Department at 1-800-523-6049, Ext. 4256 or visit our website: www.blondertongue.com for further information.