Cadco DC2000 Operating Manual

B R O A D B A N D E Q U I P M E N T

Operating Manual

for the

DC2000 Digital Agile Down

Converter

2363 Merritt Drive Garland, Texas 75041

Phone [phone] FAX [phone]

Table of Contents

Important Notices 3

Suggestions for Headend Racking and Maintenance 5

Forward: Features and Options 6

Setup & Operating Instructions: DC2000 7

Setup & Operating Instructions: Dual RS232 Option 13

Panel Views, Front and Rear 18

Questions, Problems, etc. 19

Problem Troubleshooting Guide 20

2

Important Notices

Shipping Loss or Damage

Before signing the Common Carrier’s delivery receipt, count the number of cartons and
inspect each for visible damage. If the number of cartons does not agree with the receipt or
there is damage, make note of these discrepancies on all copies of the receipt before signing.

Immediately unpack the equipment and inspect for concealed damage. If damage is found,
notify the carrier immediately. We suggest you keep the shipping carton and packaging
material should the equipment ever need to be returned.

After filing you claim, notify CADCO for assistance on repair or replacement disposition.

CAUTION -

Unauthorized repair, modification or disassembly during the warranty period may cancel the
warranty. Should field repairs or modifications be desired, CADCO technicians may be able
to provide helpful suggestions, saving you both time and money.

Unauthorized Repair

Notice of Proprietary Data and Changes

Data, drawings, designs represented and all other material contained herein are the
proprietary property of CADCO Systems, Inc., and may not be reproduced or duplicated in
any form without written authorization by CADCO Systems, Inc. All material is subject to
change without notice or obligation.

Equipment Return

Should you desire to return the equipment for service, please call CADCO prior to
shipping. Enclosing as much information as possible on the reason for return and the
work desired will expedite service and help to insure your satisfaction. If possible, pack
the equipment in the original carton and materials. If the original packaging material is
no longer available, pack the equipment in cushioning material sufficient to provide a
minimum of 1.5 inches separation between the carton and the equipment. No Return
Authorization number is required. Include your return address, telephone number and
method of return shipment. Ship the equipment prepaid to the address in this manual.

3

Reasons for using CADCO Factory Service:

CADCO services exclusively CADCO equipment
Designed and manufactured your CADCO equipment
Knows CADCO equipment better than any other service provider
Technicians are trained on all CURRENT and PAST technical product

information

Technicians use specialized testing and alignment tools designed for

CADCO equipment

Technicians may often help with a specialized application
Toll-free factory sales and service hotline
Factory service rates are very competitive and in many cases less

expensive than non-factory service stations

Guarantees factory service for two years
Is known for fast, friendly customer service

4

Suggestions for Headend Racking and Maintenance

For prolonged equipment life and operating stability,
recommendations:

All headends should be installed in an environmentally controlled dust-free room

having a nominal temperature of 80 F (26 C) and 60% humidity. The room

should be protected from rodents and insect pests.

All equipment should be mounted in standard equipment racks or cabinets
All equipment should be rack spaced at one panel height, 1.75 inches (4.44cm).

There should be nothing between the equipment preventing air circulation.

Please make certain headend wiring and current capacity has adequate safety

margins. Never cascade AC powering strips. Use separate outlets. If AC power
is subject to fluctuation we recommend a constant voltage transformer be used.
Beware of ground loops and be certain all wiring is bonded and properly
grounded. Consult a codebook as needed.

All equipment racks should be electrically bonded together and earth grounded
All equipment interconnecting RF cables should be a minimum of double

shielded and quad shielded is recommended. Poorly shielded cable causes cross­modulation picture degradation between equipment.

Always use the coax connector intended for the coaxial cable used. Be certain it

is installed as recommended by the manufacturer. Connectors should be RFI
shielded.

RF Input and RF Output cables should be on opposite sides of the equipment

rack. Never bundle input and output RF cables together.

Operate each up-converter at the RF output level recommended. If it is

necessary to reduce the RF Output level, always operate the equipment as
recommended and reduce the RF

Equipment RF test points are only relative indicators of the actual RF output

level. All RF operating level measurements should be made at the RF Output of
each unit.

When the headend is initially placed in service, create a record of all operating

parameters for each channel’s equipment. Referring to these records during
routine maintenance provides a helpful record of operating changes.

CADCO

makes the following

5

FORWARD

INTRODUCTION

CADCO Systems thanks you for purchasing the Model DC2000 Digital Agile Low Noise
down converter. The DC2000 contains the latest in CATV electronics, including
synthesized crystal-referenced phase-locked-loop oscillators, microprocessor control,
hybrid amplifiers and saw-filtered output. In addition to these features, the DC2000 has
Frequency Input with 25 KHz frequency tuning allowing for more accurate tuning then
channel-by-channel tuning. This gives better flexibility and will work with all Cable
standard and HRC systems.

FEATURES

Digital Tuner for Digital and Analog Input Signals
Totally Microprocessor Controlled with Self-Diagnostic Monitoring
Selectable Input Frequency

Frequency: 7MHz through 756 MHz

SAW-filtered Output Centered on 44MHz
Defeatable Automatic Gain Control (AGC) for Manual Gain Control (MGC)
+40dBm Digital Signal / +37dBm Analog Signal Output Using Low-Distortion Hybrid

Amplifiers

Non-volatile Channel Memory
Synthesized Oscillators

Crystal Referenced

Phase Locked
Digital LED Readout
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Construction

RF Muted During Tuning

AVAILABLE OPTIONS

Dual RS232 Control for Daisy Chain Capability

6

General Setup and Operating Instructions

CADCO DC2000 Digital Agile Down Converter

NOTE:

envelope power

Power measurements for digital signals referenced throughout this manual refer to

, and are better measured with a power meter than with a spectrum

analyzer.

Position the CADCO DC2000 Digital Agile Down Converter in its installation mount or
rack

Locate the antenna lead or cable drop that will provide the input signal for the DC2000
Agile Down Converter.

Ensure that the input signal provides an adequate signal. The recommended input level for
best performance from the CADCO DC2000 Agile Down Converter without optional pre­amplifier is from 0dBmV to +10dBmV, with optional pre-amplifier is from –10dBmV to
0dBmV.

Connect the input-source cable drop or antenna lead to the F-connector on the rear panel of
the DC2000 marked “RF INPUT”.

Connect the output of the DC2000 to a 75 load, normally a channel combiner, via an RF

cable connected to the F-connector marked “IF OUTPUT” on the rear panel of the
DC2000.

Connect the CADCO DC2000 to a proper AC electrical source. The correct electrical input
type for the unit is marked on the rear panel, directly under the entrance of the power cord
into the unit.

NOTE: CADCO power supplies are designed so that, under certain power line or
heat buildup conditions, the unit shuts off. An indication is no RF output, although
the POWER LED on the front panel remains illuminated. If this occurs, unplug the
power cord and wait at least two (2) minutes before reapplying power. Upon
reapplying power, you should again have RF output. If the unit fails to provide RF
output again, or should the unit return to shutdown mode, telephone your distributor
for assistance or call CADCO Systems direct at 800-877-2288. Remember: CADCO
recommends a 1.75” air circulation space between each piece of rack-mounted
equipment.

7

Input Channel Selection

Select the desired input frequency using the front panel controls. If the units input frequency
is a Channel it should be tuned to the Center Frequency of the desired Channel. Example:
Channel 3 is input as 63.000 instead of 61.250. See Appendix for Channel Tuning Charts.

NOTE: The CADCO DC2000 Agile Down Converter has a

tuning circuits. In order to change frequency, hold the input select switch in the up- or down-position for at least

three seconds

When the circuit is defeated, frequency selection will proceed normally. Frequency display
will start moving higher in frequency when front panel selector switch is raised and
frequency will start moving lower when front panel selector switch is lowered. Each flip of
the switch will move the frequency 25kHz. Holding switch in either position will keep the
display moving up or down frequency and the rate of frequency change will increase until
the 1 MHz Display LED is changing at a rapid rate. Once frequency is selected and select
switch is released for 5 seconds the 3 second delay circuit reactivates.

NOTE:

blink during input-frequency tuning.

Connect a Spectrum Analyzer (recommended) or a Field Strength Meter to the F-connector
marked “IF OUTPUT” on the rear panel of the DC2000 Agile Down Converter. If the unit
is already connected to another device, disconnect that device from the unit.

To use the DC2000 in AGC (Automatic Gain Control) configuration, ensure that the rear
panel AGC/MGC switch is in the AGC position. To use the DC2000 in MGC (Manual
Gain Control) configuration, ensure that the rear panel AGC/MGC switch is in the MGC
position.

The FREQUENCY LOCK LED on the front panel display may also

built-in delay

in the input frequency

MGC Operation

Using the front panel control marked “MANUAL GAIN,” adjust the IF output of the unit.
The recommended output level is +25dBmV as measured at 44 MHz of the haystack.

8

MGC Setup And Operation

If you are using the DC2000 for DOCSIS (cable modem). Return path operation uses it
should be operated in Manual Gain Control (MGC) only. Manual Gain Control is needed to
keep the DOCSIS (cable modem) from chasing the Automatic Gain Control (AGC).
If you are using the DC2000 for off-air or other antenna receive applications the MGC may
cause you to experience fluctuations in the output levels due to wind on the receive antenna
etc… Off-air using should be in AGC not MGC.

To use the DC2000 for Manual Gain Control determine the signal input level from the input
signal source to the DC2000. Keep in mind that the output level of the DC2000 will be
reduced approximately by the difference from 0dBmV and the level of your input signal.
That is, if you have in input level of -10dBmV, the maximum output level from the DC2000

will be approximately +15dBmV as measured from the top of the haystack.
Switch the MGC switch on the back panel of the DC2000 to “ON.”
With a spectrum analyzer, look at the input source and notice the typical Input Signal.

See
Figure 0.0 (A minimum of 40dBmV from the top of the haystack to the noise floor
should be present for acceptable.)

Figure 0.0

9

Connect the input source to the RF input of the DC2000.

Figure 0.1

Connect a Spectrum Analyzer (recommended) or a Field Strength Meter to the F-connector
marked “IF OUTPUT” on the rear panel of the DC2000 Agile Down Converter.
This Output has a center frequency of 44 MHz.

Using the front panel control marked “MGC LEVEL,” adjust the RF output of the unit
until a carrier-to-noise level is achieved which is close to the carrier-to-noise level of the
input signal. Again, by using the same measurement technique as described in Step c.,
above, the level between the pilot carrier and the noise measured at 1MHz should be very
close to the same.

See Figure 0.1

10

If the level is set for too much gain, an improper condition will occur.
no instance should this IF level exceed +42dBmV.

See Figure 0.2

In

Figure 0.2

NOTE:

NOTE:

The recommended IF output level is between +38dBmV and +42dBmV.

Setting the IF output level below the recommended level may adversely affect the

parameters of the modulating signal; setting the IF output level above the recommended level
will adversely affect the quality of performance of the DC2000.

NOTE:

For 8VSB signals the pilot carrier level of the output signal should not exceed +31dBmV.

Disconnect the test equipment.

11

Figure 0.3

Setup is complete.

Remove all test equipment.

Reconnect all cables.

Reposition the unit in its rack location and secure it.

Connect all input and output sources to the unit.

Instructions complete.

12

GENERAL SETUP AND OPERATION - DUAL RS-232

REMOTE CONTROL OPTION

INTRODUCTION

If you have chosen the DUAL RS-232 Remote Control option for your agile unit, CADCO
thanks you for your choice. We think you will agree that this option adds many useful
capabilities to the product.
All of the CADCO frequency-agile products are equipped with a microprocessor that
controls many functions within the unit. The RS-232 option gives the user remote access to
all of the monitoring and control functions via a standard RS-232 communications link. To
facilitate use of the DUAL RS-232 option, each unit is assigned an individual identification
code at the factory. That code is displayed during the unit’s initial POST (Power On Self
Test) and can be changed at any time through the RS-232 link.

CONNECTION

Connection to the unit and between units is via RJ-11-6 jacks on the rear panel. The unit
communication jack is marked J1 and is the outermost jack on the rear panel (the one
nearest the RF OUTPUT connector). The interface cable, readily constructed by the
customer, should have an RJ-11-6 modular connector on one end and the appropriate
connector on the other end for the terminal or modem to which the unit will connect. See

Figure 2-1a below.

Figure 2-1a Figure 2-1b

13

Connection between units is also via an interface cable, but with an RJ-11-6 connector on
each end and wired in “straight-through” configuration. See Figure 2-1b, above. J2 is the
throughput jack and connects to J1 on another unit, allowing units to be linked together. Up
to 255 units can be daisy-chained in this fashion.

COMMUNICATION

The RS-232 option communicates with the CADCO unit by “dumb” terminals, by
computers running terminal emulation software or by high level computers with custom
software. The CADCO unit automatically recognized the source type. Any leading ASCII
character that lies between HEX 00 and HEX 7F will identify the source to be a ‘dumb’
terminal. Any leading ASCII character from HEX 80 to HEX FF will identify the source as
high level.

SETUP AND OPERATION - DUAL RS232 OPTION

After completing SETUP AND OPERATION

for the CADCO units in the
appropriate Operation Manual, install and setup the CADCO units, which have
the RS-232 option.

Connect together, in “daisy-chain” fashion, all units (up to 255) which will be
communicating via the RS-232 option. Link these units with RJ-11-6 interface
cables wired in straight-through fashion as shown below in Figure 2-2.
Connections should go from J2 on one unit to J1 on the next. Unit ID, at this
point, is not relevant. When all units are linked together, the first unit in the
chain will have an open J1; the last unit will have an open J2.

Figure 2-2

14

Using the customer-made interface cable, which will connect to the interface device
(terminal modem port or modem) RS-232 port, connect the first unit to port of the interface
device. See Figure 2-3

NOTE:

If power has not yet been applied to the units, it may be applied now.

However, it is recommended that power be applied to each unit in the link
sequentially, in order to read and notate the unit ID for each unit and to facilitate
changes in the event of duplicate unit ID. Alternatively, each unit can be individually
tested and the unit ID set, following the steps below, prior to installation and link
with other units.

Figure 2-3

To identify the unit ID of a CADCO product, observe the front panel display at the time
the unit is connected to a power source. The display will flash in the following sequence,
providing the following information:

Seq Observe
Function
1 All segments flash (“8.8.8”) Segment test
2 Specific number to two (2) decimal places Microprocessor version
3 Three- (3-) digit number from 0 to 255 Unit ID followed by
“.”
4 Number from 2-125, possibly preceded by Last channel selected
minus sign (“-“)

To initialize communications with a CADCO product equipped with the DUAL RS-232
option, enter the following keyboard sequence:

^#

15

where ^ is the symbol obtained by pressing the <SHIFT> and <6> keys, and # is the unit
ID number (from 0 to 255, obtained from step four (4), above) of the unit to which a
connection is desired.

The menu which appears shows the current configuration of the unit with which
communication is established. See Figure 2-4 On the initial communication, it may be
necessary to press <ENTER> to allow the unit to communicate initial information for each
parameter command displayed in the “ENTER SELECTION” field until that field is clear.
Each time <ENTER> is pressed, new information will appear in the appropriate field in the
menu displayed.

CADCO Remote Control Unit Menu v1.94

CADCO UNIT: P379 RS-232
CONFIG SWITCH: 11011000
UNIT ID: 255
SWITCH STATUS: ENABLED
CARRIER STATUS: CARRIER ON
INPUT CHANNEL: 21 - OFF AIR
OUTPUT CHANNEL: 33 - CABLE STANDARD

U = Enter new Unit ID text
S = Enable/Disable Front Panel Switch and Mode
C = Toggle Carrier ON/OFF
I = Enter new Input Channel
O = Enter new Output Channel
^#<CR> = Enter Unit Comm ID(#=0 to 255)

Figure 2-4

To change parameters in the unit, follow the instructions provided on the menu.

Changeable parameters, with their field entry code, are:

Code Meaning
U Enter New Unit ID
S Enable/Disable Front panel Switches and Offsets
T or C Turn output [RF Carrier] On or Off or Toggle Carrier ON/OFF
I Enter New Input Channel
O Enter New Output Channel
^#<CR> Enter Unit Communication ID (# = 0 to 255)

16

NOTE: Depending upon whether your CADCO unit is a processor or a
modulator, the menu will have slight variations. For example, the menu for the
modulator will not display “I” for “Enter New Input Frequency” because a
modulator cannot tune an input frequency. Different versions of units with
different features may result in similar variations, but all will be understandable
from the menu.

To address a new unit in the network, or after a power-up, enter a ^ followed by a valid unit
number (0 - 255) and <CR> or <ENTER>. If a unit in the network matches the unit ID
number sent, that unit will respond by returning a menu. When a ^ is sent, no further
characters will be echoed from any of the units on the network until a valid unit number and

carriage return are also sent. This is to avoid collisions on the network

.

NOTE:

If you are sending a ^ followed by a known valid unit ID number and are

still not receiving a menu, check to ensure that the unit ID number is not duplicated
in another unit. To check this, each unit which has not already been tested and
confirmed to have a valid unit ID number will have to be powered down and
repowered and the unit ID recorded from the POST sequence on the front panel
LED display.

HIGH LEVEL MODE

High-level commands are used for faster computer-to-Agile Unit communications.
Commands from an external computer take on the form of a command byte, followed by
any data bytes required, and ending with a checksum byte used for ensuring message
accuracy. Upon receiving a high-level command, data and a checksum, the unit will respond
with one or more bytes of data and a checksum.

Available high-level commands consist of:

POLLING Determines if any unit changes have taken place;
READING Unit sends current configuration data; and
WRITING Unit configuration is modified.

17

Panel Views



Front Panel



Rear Panel

18

QUESTIONS, PROBLEMS, COMPLAINTS, SUGGESTIONS

OR RETURNS

If you purchased your CADCO product through a distributor, please contact that distributor
first should you have any questions, problems, complaints, or suggestions concerning your
CADCO product. If you need to return the product for any reason, check with your
distributor. They may have an exchange or loaner policy in order to minimize any down­time the loss of the unit may cause; or they may prefer that any returns or repairs be
processed through them.

If you purchased your product directly from CADCO, or even if you purchased through a
distributor, you may contact your CADCO sales representative at 800-877-2288 or 972-271-

3651. Simply tell the receptionist the city and state from which you are calling and your call
will be directed to the proper representative.

BEFORE RETURNING ANY PRODUCT DIRECTLY TO CADCO FOR CREDIT,
REPAIR OR TRADE-IN, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CADCO REPRESENTATIVE
TO OBTAIN A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER. Failure to do so may delay
any credit due your account or may extend repair turnaround time. Our address for returns
is:

CADCO Systems
2363 Merritt Drive
Garland, TX 75041

If returning a product for repair, please include the name and telephone number of the
contact technician, a fax number, and a brief description of the symptoms. CADCO
recommends that, prior to returning a product for repair, an on-site technician review the
PROBLEM TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE in this booklet. However, to preserve your
warranty, please contact the CADCO repair department for authorization to break the
warranty seal before opening the unit.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING CADCO PRODUCTS

19

PROBLEM TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

A

The guide below covers some typical symptoms; possible associated causes and
suggested actions to follow before returning the unit for repair. It is not meant to be all­inclusive.

Symptom Possible Cause Suggested Action

No Output Unit tuned to output channel different from desired Ensure selected output channel is
Weak output (this occurs particularly on the units which have desired channel

Excessive noise Output level above rated maximum (most often Measure RF output from rear
Spurious signals occurs when changing from high-number channel to panel jack and adjust front panel

green LED on the front panel to indicate "T"
channels and channels above 99)

United tuned to input channel in a different range than Check INPUT SOURCE
desired SELECT switch for proper

source selection

Input signal is too weak Ensure input signal strength is

within specified range

IF Loop cable on rear of unit loose/disconnected Check IF Loop cable is securely

attached

Unit not plugged in or not getting power Check power cord and power

source, fuse

low-number channel, especially to the "T" channels) OUTPUT LEVEL control as

required

If level too high (most often occurs when routing IF Measure normal IF output level
through scrambler or other external device) for applied CW/unmodulated

input carrier and ensure same
level is returned to unit after
external processing

Input signal too strong or no input signal at all Measure input RF level and pad

to within specified input levels; if
signal not present, change to
active channel

Bad/noisy video

Channel do not Delay feature active Hold channel change switch in
change raised/lowered position for at

ural carrier interfering with video carrier Measure Aural Carrier level

and/or adjust AURAL CARRIER
LEVEL control on front panel

least three seconds

20

21