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Product Manual
232-FMA
Stereo FM Tuner
Rev 1.3 August 11, 2005
17630 Davenport Road, Suite 113 • Dallas, TX 75252
Phone: 972-931-2728 • Toll-Free: 888-972-2728 • Fax: 972-931-2765
E-Mail: Sales@crwww.com
• Website: www.crwww.com
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Table of Contents
Overview.............................................................................................................................................3
Specifications......................................................................................................................................4
Physical.................................................................................................................................................4
Front Panel............................................................................................................................................4
Rear Panel.............................................................................................................................................4
Includes ................................................................................................................................................4
Front Panel Programming...................................................................................................................5
Mode 0: RF Tune Select..........................................................................................................................5
Mode 1: Baud Rate Select.......................................................................................................................5
Mode 2: Unit Address Select....................................................................................................................5
Mode 3: Not used...................................................................................................................................5
Mode 4: Front Panel Disable level............................................................................................................5
Mode 5: Power-up Volume level ..............................................................................................................5
Mode 6: Special Test Mode (for factory testing)........................................................................................5
Mode 7: Audio Decoding.........................................................................................................................5
Mode 8: Bass setting fixed at 0dB............................................................................................................5
Mode 9: Treble setting fixed at 0dB .........................................................................................................6
Front Panel Programming Quick Reference .......................................................................................6
RS-232 Control Protocol.....................................................................................................................7
Overview...............................................................................................................................................7
General protocol specifications ................................................................................................................7
Command String Structure......................................................................................................................7
General RS-232 Commands.....................................................................................................................8
Terminal Communication Commands .......................................................................................................9
RS-232 Command Hints and Tips.............................................................................................................9
Response Strings .............................................................................................................................. 10
Frequency/Source Status Response String..............................................................................................10
Audio Status Response String................................................................................................................10
Front Panel Mode Status Response String...............................................................................................10
Control Cable Connections................................................................................................................11
Single Tuner ........................................................................................................................................11
Multiple Tuners, AV6x4 Router ..............................................................................................................11
Rack Mounting..................................................................................................................................12
RK1 Single Unit Rack Mount..................................................................................................................12
RK2 Side-by-Side Rack Kit.....................................................................................................................12
Safety Instructions...........................................................................................................................13
Limited Warranty and Disclaimer.....................................................................................................14
Contemporary Research 2 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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Overview
The Contemporary Research 232-FMA is a versatile RS-232 controlled FM tuner featuring stereo
audio, 10-preset memory, front-panel operation and feedback, and intelligent control. Fully
programmable, the unit can restore all settings on power-up from non-volatile memory.
The front-panel buttons and LED display can be used for general operation and to program basic
features for tuning, RS-232 baud rate and local control. Full setup, control, and feedback is provided
by RS-232. Up to three FM, TV tuners, and AV6x4 Routers can be controlled from a single RS-232
port. In addition, remote preset up and down operation can be accessed through contact closure
inputs.
• Tunes FM stereo broadcasts with local/DX modes, auto stereo/mono operation
• Interacts with PCs and control systems via RS-232, using simple ASCII-format commands and
feedback, up to 3 tuners can be linked to a single RS-232 control port
• Stores up to 10 presets in onboard memory, unlimited presets via external control system
• Accesses presets via front-panel control, RS-232, and contact closures
• Provides front-panel control for A/V Mute, Seek up/down, and Preset up/down; with LED
feedback for Mute, current frequency and programming mode
• Restores all operation status after loss of power from data stored in non-volatile memory
• Mutes audio with front-panel LED indicator
• Enables and disables front-panel operation via front-panel and RS-232 commands
• Mounts in 19" rack with optional RK1 or RK2 kit for dual side-by-side installation
Contemporary Research 3 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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Specifications
Physical
Size: 8.5" [216mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 6.0" [153mm] deep
Weight: 1.25 lbs [0.57kg]
Enclosure: All aluminum with durable black powder coat paint
Mounting: Rack mounting for one or two units side-by-side optional (RK1, RK2)
Front Panel
Push Buttons: Preset up and down, Seek up and down, and Mute All A/V
Indicators: Red LED: Mute All A/V status
3 digit, 7 segment red LED display for frequency and stereo/mono mode
Rear Panel
Power In: 2.1mm coaxial jack (inside center conductor positive)
11.5 to 16.5 VDC, 12 VDC typical, 100 mA max (may be unregulated)
RS-232 Control: DB-9 male
User selectable 300 to 9600 (default) baud, 8 data bits, No parity, 1 stop bit
All standard ASCII keyboard character strings available from any terminal program
2 momentary closure inputs close to ground (pin 5) to select stored presets
Preset Up (Pin 4), Preset Down (Pin 9)
Antenna: F female antenna connector
87.7 to 108MHz automatic fine tuning to 1 KHz
+35dBmV maximum, -20dBmV minimum input level (DX Mode)
–20dBmV typical local mode attenuation (Local mode)
Video Output: RCA female, not implemented presently
Audio Outputs: Stereo RCA female, left and right channels
Unbalanced line level, 600 ohm impedance
40Hz to 14KHz response
3% maximum, <1% typical total harmonic distortion (THD)
24dB minimum, 28dB typical stereo channel separation
68dB typical signal to noise ratio
160mV RMS typical output level (or mute)
Includes
12 VDC Power Supply (North America shipments only)
Contemporary Research 4 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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Front Panel Programming
To Enter a Front Panel Programming Mode:
1. Press and hold the Mute A/V button such that the red LED light above is lit (indicating Mute On).
2. Press Seek Up.
3. Release all buttons, the 232-FMA will now be in the front panel programming mode.
4. The front panel display is dedicated to programming information display while in this mode.
5. Changes are saved in non-volatile memory as they are entered.
6. The Seek up/down buttons scroll through programming modes 0 through 9.
7. The Preset up/down buttons scroll through possible parameters for each mode.
To Exit the Front Panel Mode
Push and release the Mute All A/V button.
Front Panel Modes
Mode 0: RF Tune Select
Selects U.S. standard FM odd frequency presets or both even and odd FM frequencies for international use.
Factory default is odd frequencies only.
Mode 1: Baud Rate Select
Selects the baud rate for the RS-232 control port. Factory default is 9600 baud. Higher baud rates are
recommended for quicker response time.
Mode 2: Unit Address Select
Selects unit address used in RS-232 remote control protocol. Factory default is unit address 1 and should
only be 2 or 3 if multiple units are RS-232 daisy chained.
Mode 3: Not used
Mode 4: Front Panel Disable level
Selects front panel buttons to be disabled. Different levels of lockout are possible.
Levels are as follows:
Level Buttons Disabled
0 None (normal operation)
1 Preset Up/Dn
2 Seek Up/Dn
3 Preset & Seek Up/Dn
4 Mute A/V
5 Preset Up/Dn & Mute A/V
6 Seek Up/Dn & Mute A/V
7 All (complete front panel disable)
Mode 5: Power-up Volume level
Seeks the audio volume level at power-up. ‘0’ restores volume to previous muted or full level, ‘1’ restores
volume to full level. May be set from 0 – 63, but any value above zero sets volume to full on.
Mode 6: Special Test Mode (for factory testing)
Displays unit software version. Holding Preset Up button while exiting this mode will return the unit to all
factory default settings: 9600 baud, unit #1, panel lockout level 0, power-up volume restore, stereo local
Mode 7: Audio Decoding
Seeks mono/local, stereo/local, mono/DX or stereo/DX.
Mode 8: Bass setting fixed at 0dB
Contemporary Research 5 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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Mode 9: Treble setting fixed at 0dB
Front Panel Programming Quick Reference
Mode: Parameter:
FM Tune
Baud Rate
Unit Number
Not Used
Panel Lockout 4 .0 none
Power-up Volume
1 full volume
Firmware Version
Audio Decode 7 .0 mono local
0 .0 FM odd frequencies (US standard)
1 FM even and odd frequencies (international)
1 .1 300
2 600
3 1200
4 2400
5 4800
6 9600
2 .1 one
2 two
3 three
3 .0
1 preset up/dn
2 seek up/dn
3 preset & seek up/dn
4 mute A/V
5 preset up/dn & Mute A/V
6 seek up/dn & Mute A/V
7 all
5 .0 restore previous level
6 .13 displays firmware version*
1 stereo local
2 mono DX
3 stereo DX
Bass Gain
Treble Gain
8 .8 0 dB fixed
9 .4 0 dB fixed
*Press and hold Channel Up, then Mute AV to restore tuner to default settings
Contemporary Research 6 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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RS-232 Control Protocol
Overview
The 232-FMA full duplex RS-232 scheme enables a system programmer to control all FM Tuner functions as well
as monitor 3 groups of FM Tuner status. All commands are sent as ASCII strings. No delays between characters
or commands are required, as data is interrupt driven and buffered.
The 3 status groups are: Frequency/Source Seek, Audio Levels/Mode and Front Panel. The Mute A/V buttonfunction status from the 232-FMA front panel has been grouped with the Frequency/Source for simplicity in the
most common modes of operation. Each of the groups has one ASCII status response string containing all of
the status data for that group. The current status string of a group is sent from the 232-FMA whenever a valid
command for that group is received by the 232-FMA RS-232 port or front panel. A group's status may be
requested (without making a change) via the RS-232 port. Status of all 3 groups is sent at power up. The
format of each group's status response string remains the same always.
Up to 3 232-FMAs may be cabled together and addressed for individual control from a single RS232 port. Each
232-FMA is assigned a unique unit code (Front Panel Mode 2).
Communications parameters (Front Panel Mode 1) are 300 to 9600 baud, 8 data bits, No parity, and 1 stop bit.
Factory default is 9600 baud, Unit#1.
All settings are saved to NVRAM in the 232-FMA.
General protocol specifications
Characters in command strings to the 232-FMA are common ASCII keyboard characters.
Command strings sent to the 232-FMA begin with the ASCII > (greater than symbol) as an 'Attention' character
and end with the ASCII CR (carriage return) as an 'End-of-command' character.
Responses from the 232-FMA begin with the ASCII < (less than symbol) as an 'Attention' character and end
with the ASCII CR (carriage return) followed by an ASCII LF (line feed) as 'End-of-command' characters.
ASCII CR (carriage return) is required at the end of each command and is assumed in all examples
Command String Structure
[Attention] (Unit#) [Command] (Parameters) [CR]
Attention Single character (>) starts the string
Unit # The Unit# is expressed as an ASCII 1 2 or 3 when used in multi 232-FMA applications.
It may be omitted for a default of Unit#1 for a single 232-FMA set as Unit#1.
Command A two-character command
Parameter Added attributes to command
Return A carriage return ends the command string, you may use ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard
‘Enter’ in programming. For simplicity, the programming examples in the manual will not show
the ‘CR’ – so remember, you’ll need to add it in your control code.
.
Contemporary Research 7 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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General RS-232 Commands
TT= Select tuned frequency
Example: ‘
TC= Force tuned frequency
Example: ‘
TP Set to previous preset Accesses previously selected frequency
TU Tune channel up
Example: ‘
TD Tune preset down Selects next lower preset.
T+ Tune frequency up Selects next higher frequency (depends on S0 setting).
T- Tune frequency down
Example:
TS= Set Preset
Example:
TG= Recall Preset Recall preset by number 0 – 9
T! Delete Presets Deletes all presets
XT Toggle Mute A/V Alternates Mute A/V on and off
XX Mute A/V off Turn A/V outputs on at previous level
XM Mute A/V on
Example:
VX Volume Mute off Restores audio volume to previous level
VV Stop volume ramp Stops volume ramping
VT Toggle Volume Mute Alternates audio mute on and off
VM Volume Mute on
Example: ‘
S0= Set tune mode 0=Odd frequencies only (200KHz steps - U.S. - default)
S4= Set front panel lockout mode 0=None
S5= Power-up volume 0=restore to previous level
S7= Set audio mode
Example:
ST Request Channel status
Example:
SV Request A/V status Unit sends “V” Audio status string
SS Request Front Panel status Unit sends “S” Front Panel status string
>TT=94.5
>TC=101.9’
>3TU’
>T>TS=1
‘>XM’
>VM’
>S7=2
‘>ST’
87.7-108.0
Selects preset 94.5, if currently stored as a Preset
87.7-108.0
Selects preset 101.9 regardless of current Presets
Selects next higher channel in stored Tune Ring
Bumps Unit#3 to next higher preset
Selects next higher frequency (depends on S0 setting)
Bumps frequency down one step (200 or 100 KHz).
Set current frequency as Preset 0 – 9
Sets current tuned frequency as Preset 1
Mutes A/V outputs
Mutes audio and video outputs
Turns off audio outputs
Mutes audio outputs
1=Even and odd frequencies (100 KHz steps - international)
1=Preset
2=Seek
3=Preset & Seek
4=Mute A/V
5=Preset &Mute A/V
6=Seek & Mute A/V
7=All
1-63= Restore to preset volume level (1 min, 63 max)
0=Mono/Local
1=Stereo/Local (default)
2=Mono/DX
3=Stereo/DX
Sets audio mode to mono/DX
Unit sends “T” Frequency/Source status string
Returns Frequecy/Source status response string
Preset frequencies act similar to a video tuner Tune Ring, after the last preset is selected (Preset 9), the next
Preset Up command will start at the lowest Preset (0). While the 232-FMA has only audio outputs at present,
we have kept the Mute A/V commands to be consistent with programming and operation for the 232-STA and
232-MTA TV Tuners.
Contemporary Research 8 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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Terminal Communication Commands
EF Echo Off Characters received will not be re-transmitted (power up default)
EN Echo On Characters received will be re-transmitted.
Example: ‘
ID Product ID Returns the product model number and software version.
Z! Zap Reconfigures unit for all factory default settings.
>EN’ Characters received will be re-transmitted.
RS-232 Command Hints and Tips
Leading zeros may be included or omitted from command parameters.
Example: ‘
Multiple commands may be concatenated as single strings up to 120
Example: ‘
Example: ‘
Mute A/V Off command is not required in any command; however it may be useful to send Mute A/V Off in case
Mute A/V had been set On from the front panel.
Sending all
Example: ‘
>TC=089.5’ Selects preset 89.5 as A/V output, same as ‘>TC=89.5’.
ASCII characters long.
>XXTC=89.5’ Selects Mute A/V off, station 89.5.
>S0=0S4=0’ Selects odd frequency mode, no front panel lockout
3 status request commands to the 232-STA back-to-back for a full status update is allowed.
>STSVSS’ Returns all 3 response strings back-to-back.
The carriage return line feed at the end of each response allows for easy monitoring of responses with an ASCII
terminal program. You may use ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard ‘Enter’ in programming.
You don’t have to use the ‘=’ character between the command and parameter – the string works either way.
Contemporary Research 9 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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Response Strings
Typical: [Attention] [Unit#] [data ...data] [cr] [lf]
232-FMA status response strings contain ASCII characters similar to those used for the same functions
in command strings. An ASCII 'carriage return' and ‘line feed' follow each response string.
Frequency/Source Status Response String
Audio Status Response String
Front Panel Mode Status Response String
Contemporary Research 10 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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Control Cable Connections
All drawings show pin numbers relative to a PC COM port or Axcent3 DB-9 RS-232 control port.
Pin-outs to other types of control ports may vary. Pins 4 and 9 are momentary closures to GND (5).
Single Tuner
Control Wiring – Single Unit
RS-232
Control Port
5 GND
2 RXD
3 TXD RXD 2
Preset Down 9
GND 5
TXD 3
Preset Up 4
9-pin D-sub
female
Multiple Tuners, AV6x4 Router
Up to three tuners can be daisy-chained from one RS-232 control port. Remember that you will need
to use the Unit# address in your programming when you control more than one tuner from the
same control port. You can also daisy-chain one or two tuners with an AV6x4 A/V Router. In this
application, set the Router to the lowest Unit#.
RS-232 Wiring – Two Units
RS-232
Control Port
5 GND
2 RXD
3 TXD RXD 2
GND 5
TXD 3
GND 5
TXD 3
RXD 2
Unit 2
9-pin D-sub
female
Unit 1
9-pin D-sub
female
RS-232 Wiring – Three Units
RS-232
Control Port
5 GND
2 RXD
3 TXD RXD 2
GND 5
TXD 3
GND 5
TXD 3
RXD 2
GND 5
TXD 3
RXD 2
Unit 3
9-pin D-sub
female
Unit 2
9-pin D-sub
female
Unit 1
9-pin D-sub
female
Contemporary Research 11 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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Rack Mounting
Two options are available for rack-mounting tuners.
RK1 Rack Mount
RK2 Rack Mount
RK1 Single Unit Rack Mount
Size Long Bracket: 9.5" [206mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 1.75” [38mm] deep
Size Short Bracket: 1.0" [22mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 1.75” [38mm] deep
Weight: 3.25 oz [0.148kg]
Enclosure: All aluminum with durable black powder coat paint
Hardware: Qty 4 CS, Phillip, Flathead, 82deg, Black, 8-32 x .25”
Attach the long and short rack ears to the side and towards the front of the unit with the four (4)
supplied 8-32 by ¼” (black) countersunk screws.
RK2 Side-by-Side Rack Kit
1. Remove top cover of the first unit by removing the ten (10) black screws.
2. Attach cover of first unit to the side of the second with three (3) supplied 4-40 by 1/4" (silver
colored) panhead screws and split lock washers. Note that only one side of the second unit
has the (3) built in nuts to accept the screws above.
3. Reinstall the bottom/chassis of the first unit underneath its cover and attach with just eight (8)
of the screws removed in step 1.
4. Attach short rack ears to the side and towards the front of each unit with the four (4) supplied
8-32 by 1/4" (black) countersunk screws.
Contemporary Research 12 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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Safety Instructions
Read before operating equipment
1. Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
2. Power Sources - Use supplied or equivalent UL/CSA approved low voltage DC plug-in transformer.
3. Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If you connect an outside antenna or cable system to the product, be
sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges
and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70, provides
information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the
lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge
unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
4. Lightning - Avoid installation or reconfiguration of wiring during lightning activity.
5. Power Lines - Do not locate an outside antenna system near overhead power lines or other electric light
or power circuits or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna
system, refrain from touching such power lines or circuits, as contact with them might be fatal.
6. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.
7. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts, resulting in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.
8. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
9. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:
• When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
• If liquid spills or objects fall into the product.
• If the product is exposed to rain or water.
• If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions. An improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product
to its normal operation.
• If the video product is dropped or the cabinet is damaged.
• When the video product exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.
Contemporary Research 13 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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Limited Warranty and Disclaimer
Contemporary Research Corporation (CR) warrants this product to be free from defects in
material and workmanship under normal use for a period of two years from the date of
purchase from CR. Should such a defect occur CR will repair or replace, at their option, the
defective product at no cost for parts or labor.
This warranty extends to product purchased directly from CR or an Authorized CR Dealer.
Consumers should inquire from selling dealer as to the nature and extent of the dealer's
warranty, if any.
All warranty claims must be shipped pre-paid to the factory. Call or fax to obtain a Return
Material Authorization (RMA) number.
CR is not liable for any damages caused by any of its products or for the failure of any
products to perform, including any lost profits, lost savings, incidental damages, or
consequential damages. CR is not responsible for any claim made by a third party or made
for you by a third party. This limitation of liability applies whether damages are sought, or a
claim is made, under this warranty or as a tort claim (including negligence and strict product
liability), a contract claim, or any other claim. This limitation of liability cannot be waived or
amended by any person. This limitation of liability will be effective even if CR or an
authorized representative of CR has been advised of the possibility of any such damages.
Some states do not allow a limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts. Some states do
not allow the limitation or exclusion of incidental or consequential damages for consumer
products. In such states, the limitation or exclusion of the Limited Warranty may not apply to
you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights
that may vary from state to state. You are advised to consult applicable state laws for a full
determination of your rights.
Except as expressly set forth in this Limited Warranty, CR makes no other warranties,
expressed or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose. CR expressly disclaims all warranties not stated in this Limited Warranty.
Any implied warranties that may be imposed by law are limited to the terms of this Limited
Warranty.
Contemporary Research 14 232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner
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