The user's authority to operate this equipment could be revoked through any
changes or modifications not expressly approved by Daniels Electronics Ltd.
The design of this equipment is subject to change due to continuous development.
This equipment may incorporate minor changes in detail from the information
contained in this manual.
The OS-3A/H Synthesizer Module produces a low distortion, high stability, FM modulated (FM
transmitter) or unmodulated (receiver LO, AM transmitter) RF signal covering the frequency bands
of 29 - 50 MHz, 118 - 159.4 MHz, 118 - 174 MHz and 406 - 470 MHz. It achieves ±1 ppm
frequency stability from -40°C to +60°C with its own internal reference, or it can be slaved to an
external 10/9.6 MHz reference signal of desired stability. The OS-3H Synthesizer Module is
provided in eleven models covering three primary frequency bands (see section 1.2). A synthesizer
module can be easily removed for programming, calibration, or repair. Each synthesizer module
contains two circuit boards providing digital and analog functionality. The analog RF circuitry i s
fully isolated in a shielded compartment. Three inter-board filtered wire connections provide signal
and power interface. Digital signal and power control is provided through five photo-logic optical
transceivers, further enhancing electrical noise isolation.
1.2 OS(R/T)-3(A/H) Enhanced Synthesizer Family Models
The OS-3A/H Synthesizer module family forms an integral component of the MT-3 receiver and
transmitter product line. In transmitters, the OS-3A/H synthesizer provides a modulated low level
RF signal to the Power Amplifier module. In receivers, the OS-3A/H synthesizer provides a low
noise local oscillator signal that either directly drives the mixer circuitry or drives a buffer amplifier
in order to achieve higher LO mixer drive required for enhanced intermodulation capability. There
are eleven distinct models in the OS-3H Enhanced Synthesizer Family. Note that this manual
provides service and operating information for all eleven synthesizer family members. It is
important to establish the correct synthesizer model number of interest in order to direct attention to
specific documented information. The specific model number is printed on the synthesizer module
top cover.
The eleven models are described as follows:
Frequency Band: 29 - 50 MHz, Common OS-3H0xx Analog
Frequency Band: 118 - 159.4 MHz, AM Multichannel OS-3H1xx Analog
• OST-3A128- synthesized, installed in AM transmitter, 118 - 138 MHz RF output.
• OSR-3A149- synthesized, installed in AM receiver, 139.4 - 159.4 MHz RF output.
Board
Frequency Band: 118 - 174 MHz, Common OS-3H1xx Analog
Board
• OST-3H141- synthesized, installed in FM transmitter, 128 – 152.6 MHz RF output.
• OST-3H162- synthesized, installed in FM transmitter, 150 - 174 MHz RF output.
• OSR-3H141- synthesized, installed in FM receiver, 128 – 152.6 MHz RF output.
• OSR-3H162- synthesized, installed in FM receiver, 150 - 174 MHz RF output.
Frequency Band: 406 - 470 MHz, Common OS-3H4xx Analog
Board
• OST-3H440- synthesized, installed in FM transmitter, 406 - 470 MHz RF output.
• OSR-3H440- synthesized, installed in FM receiver, 427.4 - 451.4 MHz RF output.
The OS-3A/H Enhanced Synthesizer models are very similar; all models use the same dig i ta l board
and mechanical construction. The significant differences between the models relate to the analog
board. There are four different analog boards covering the four frequency bands of 29 - 50 MHz,
118 - 159.4 MHz, 128 - 174 MHz and 406 - 470 MHz respectively. Each model’s specific sub
band of operation in a given frequency band is determined by select components on the
corresponding analog board.
To ease troubleshooting and maintenance procedures, Daniels Electronics Limited has adopted a
printed circuit board (PCB) numbering convention in which the last two digits of the circuit board
number represent the circuit board version. For example:
•PCB number 43-9120 10 indicates circuit board version 1.0;
•PCB number 50002- 02 indicates circuit board version 2.0.
All PCB's manufactured by Daniels Electronics are identified by one of the above conventions.
Refer to "OS(R/T)-3(A/H) Digital Board Schematic Diagram" in section 4 page 19. The
synthesizer operates from +9.5 Vdc applied to connector pin P1-2. Total current drain is
approximately 160 mA (65 ma for AM). Power Down control (P2-4) controls the +5.0 Vdc
microcontroller regulator U2 through power MOSFET switch U1. For receiver applications, the
synthesizer is always operating with the enable line P2-4 permanently connected to +9.5 Vdc. In
transmitter applications, pin P2-4 is controlled by MT-3 Transmitter Board jumper J18 which
selects the synthesizer's standby mode. In low current standby mode (< 16/4 mA) approximately
50 ms of transmitter turn on delay from PTT activation must be tolerated (lock time of
synthesizer). For transmitter applications requiring less than 10 ms of turn on delay, the
synthesizer can be made to run continuously. This capability comes at the expense of an additional
160 (65 mA for AM) of transmitter standby current.
2.2 Synthesizer Analog Circuitry (Analog Board)
There are four separate analog circuit boards covering the four frequencies bands of 29 - 50 MHz,
118 - 159.4 MHz, 128 - 174 MHz and 406 - 470 MHz respectively. All four analog boards are
similar in operation and circuit topology with the VCO, Loop Filter, and Output Lowpass Filter
sections being band specific. Refer to "OS(R/T)-3(A/H) Analog Board Schematic Diagram” in
section of this manual.
2.2.1 Common Analog Board Circuitry
This section describes the circuitry common to all versions of the FM Synthesizer Analog Board.
The Analog Board utilizes four optical receivers (U1 - U4), and one optical transmitter (U5) to
provide an isolated data interface to the digital board. In normal operating modes, +9.5 Vdc
Regulator IC U8 provides continuous +5.0 Vdc to the internal TCXO and power control optical
receiver U1. This results in a standby current level of ≈ 10 mA for FM and 4 mA for AM. Primary
power is controlled through activation of optical receiver U1 under control of the digital board
micro controller U4. Regulator U6 provides switched +8.0 Vdc with regulator U7 providing
switched +5.0 Vdc to all analog supply points. Power MOSFET IC U9 works as a clamping
circuit to quickly discharge VCO filter capacitors C32 and C33 when powered down, resulting in
immediate suppression of RF output from the VCO.
The OS-3H enhanced synthesizer is formed around a low power, single chip MC145190
(MC145191) synthesizer IC U10. A 9.6 MHz reference signal is provided from either the internal
TCXO (JU1-B Analog Board), or an external source via SMB connector J1 with jumper JU1-A
(Analog Board) and jumper JU2 (AM Analog Board only) installed. The external reference source
may be 9.6 MHz or 10.0 MHz through selection of jumper JU2 (Digital Board); install jumper
JU2 (Digital Board) for 10.0 MHz reference selection. If an external signal is used for the
reference source, it must be of low phase noise, high stability, with a level of 0 dBm ± 3 dB. A
sinusoidal signal shape is required for an external reference source. A poor quality reference
source will degrade receiver/transmitter performance to unacceptable levels. Transistor Q2 forms a
buffer amplifier having 50Ω input impedance at 10.0 MHz. The internal 9.6 MHz TCXO provides
better than 1 ppm frequency stability from -30°C to +60°C. Fine frequency adjustment is made
through frequency control potentiometer RV1, which is accessible through the synthesizer top
cover.
The 9.6 MHz reference source is divided down to establish a channel selection step size of
5.0/6.25, 12.5, or 25.0 kHz depending on the particular synthesizer model type. A third order
passive loop filter comprised of C37, C38, C39, C45, C49, R36 and R32, is employed to achieve
the required noise performance, modulation, and worst case switching time of 50 ms. A small
sample of RF energy is coupled from the VCO output buffer U16 on the FM analog board or from
Q6 on the AM analog board to the synthesizer IC U10 prescaler input (pin 11). FM modulation of
the VCO from ≈ 100 Hz to 3 kHz, is provided through the baseband input pin P1-1 on Digital
Board. A 1 kHz sine wave with a level of approximately 400 mVrms at P1-1 provides FM
deviation of 3.0 kHz. SMB connector J2 provides an RF output level of approximately +5 dBm
into a 50Ω load.
An optional modulation input is provided through connection P1-18 (Digital Board) and routed to
the Analog board via connection P3. This connection must be coupled to a low impedance, dc
coupled source and provides a phase modulated bandwidth from 0 (DC) to ≈ 50 Hz (PLL loop
filter bandwidth) allowing for specialized applications such as paging or trunking where a separate
low frequency digital/analog modulation channel is required. Phase modulation input pin P1-18 is
routed to the transmitter audio processor spare pin P4-2 via JA4-2 on the MT-3 transmitter main
board. It should be noted that any application of the direct TCXO modulation port transfers the
control of the synthesizer steady state frequency setting to the external modulating source.
Frequency control potentiometer RV1 is effectively removed from the frequency adjust circuitry.
A lock detect LED (LED1) indicates an unlocked PLL condition. An unlocked PLL condition
normally indicates that the VCO is not tuned within the lock in range of the desired channel
frequency. When used in a transmitter, the loss of lock will prevent PTT from keying the power
amplifier module. This prevents transmission of a spurious, unlocked output signal. Adjustment of
tuning capacitor C24 will normally reestablish frequency lock within the synthesizer design
frequency range. Optical transmitter U5 is additionally activated in unlocked conditions and
enables the micro-controller (digital board) to respond to the unlocked PLL state. Note that the
118 – 159.4 MHz and the 406 - 470 MHz Analog Board does not incorporate a VCO tuning
capacitor; the VCO covers the full frequency range without tuning. An unlocked condition in this
case would indicate an attempt to synthesize an invalid channel frequency outside the installed
VCO frequency range.
Refer to the "OS(R/T)-3H 2 9 - 71.4 MHz Analog Board Schematic Diagram" located in section 4
page 3 of this manual.
Field effect transistor Q5 provides a VHF negative resistance amplifier/oscillator that is tuned on
frequency by the combination of resonator L5 and a total capacitive reactance presented across L5
through capacitors C62, C63, C64, C23 (Select), variable capacitor C24, and varactor diodes D1
and D2. Fine frequency adjustment is provided by multi-turn trimmer capacitor C24 in conjunction
with coarse frequency jumper selections JU2, JU3, and JU4. Select capacitor values are chosen to
position the operating frequency in one of three bands; 29 - 38 MHz, 38 - 50 MHz, and 50.4 -
71.4 MHz. Varactor diodes D1 and D2 provide oscillator frequency control. PLL voltage feedback
control from the output of the lowpass loop filter controls the VCO frequency through the reverse
biasing of varactor diodes D1 and D2. The PLL control voltage can range from ≈ +1.0 Vdc to
+7.0 Vdc and is normally set to ≈ +4.5 Vdc for the nominal programmed synthesizer center
frequency. Setting the PLL control voltage set point (TP4) is made by adjusting fine frequency
variable capacitor C24 combined with binary weighted lumped capacitor coarse frequency jumpers
(JU2, JU3, JU4). External baseband frequency modulation is provided through connection P1
and a voltage divider network formed by R21 and R22. A large signal division ratio, established
by the resistive dividers R21 and R22, allows low deviation (less than 5 kHz) direct frequency
modulation of the VCO output signal.
The PLL lowpass filter is formed from select component values C37, C38, C39, C45, R32, and
R36. The loop filter response is optimized for switching time, noise, and modulation requirements
specific to each sub-band within the 29 - 71.4 MHz frequency range. The select component values
(including the loop filter) can be found in tabular format as part of the VHF OS-3H 29 - 71.4 MHz
Analog Board Schematic diagram.
RF output power is taken from the source of Q5 and amplified/buffered by U11. U15 provides
further amplification and isolation while delivering ≈ +10 dBm to a six pole lowpass/notch output
filter formed from C53, C57, C58, C59, L11, and L13. The six pole output filter provides a 50
MHz (OST-3H035, OST-3H045 TX) or 80 MHz (OSR-3H061 RX) cutoff frequency which
reduces harmonic output to acceptable levels. SMB connector J2 provides interconnection to the
companion transmitter or receiver with an output level of ≈ +5 dBm.
2.2.3 118 - 159.4 MHz Multichannel AM Analog Board Circuitry
Refer to the "OS(R/T)-3H 118 - 159.4 MHz Analog Board Schematic Diagram" located in section
4 page 7 of this manual.
Field effect transistor Q5 provides a VHF negative resistance amplifier/oscillator that is tuned on
frequency by the combination of tapped resonator L5 and a total capacitive reactance presented
across L5 through capacitors C40 and/or C23 (Select), varactor diodes D6, D7, and varactor
diodes D1 and D2. Coarse frequency adjustment is provided by varactor diodes D6, D7. Select
capacitor values C40 or C23 are chosen to position the operating frequency in one of two bands;
118 - 138 MHz, and 139.4 - 159.4.MHz. Varactor diodes D1 and D2 provide fine oscillator
frequency control. PLL voltage feedback control from the output of the lowpass loop filter controls
the VCO frequency through the reverse biasing of diodes D1 and D2. The PLL control voltage can
range from ≈ +1.0 Vdc t o +4.7 Vdc and is normally set to ≈ +3.3 Vdc for the whole range of
synthesizer frequencies. Setting the PLL control voltage set point (TP4) is made by adjusting the
capacitance of varactor diodes D6, D7, which are controlled by a microcontroller U18 through a
digital to analog converter U17. The microcontroller U18 controls the test point TP4, the outpu t of
the PLL Low Pass Filter, and adjusts the output voltage of D/A converter so that the TP4 voltage is
approximately is 3.3Vdc at any frequencies. The microcontroller than goes sleep in order to keep
the power consumption at the low level.
The PLL lowpass filter is formed from select component values C37, C38, C39, C45, R32, and
R36. The loop filter response is optimized for switching time, noise, and modulation requirements
specific to each sub-band within the 118 - 159.4 MHz frequency range. The select component
values (including the loop filter) can be found in tabular format as part of the VHF OS(R/T)3(A/H) 118 - 159.4 MHz Analog Board Schematic diagram.
RF output power is taken from the source of Q5 and amplified/buffered by Q6. U11 provides
further amplification and isolation while delivering ≈ +10 dBm to a five pole lowpass output filter
formed from C53, C58, C59, L11, and L12. The five pole lowpass output filter provides a 190
MHz low pass cutoff frequency which reduces harmonic output to acceptable levels. SMB
connector J2 provides interconnection to the companion transmitter or receiver with an output level
of ≈ +5 dBm.
2.2.4 128 - 174 MHz Analog Board Circuitry
Refer to the "OS(R/T)-3(A/H) 128 - 174 MHz Analog Board Schematic Diagram" located in
section 4 page 11 of this manual.
Field effect transistor Q5 provides a VHF negative resistance amplifier/oscillator that is tuned on
frequency by the combination of tapped resonator L5 and a total capacitive reactance presented
across L5 through capacitors C40 and/or C23 (Select), variable capacitor C24, and varactor diodes
D1 and D2. Fine frequency adjustment is provided by multi-turn trimmer capacitor C24. Select
capacitor values C40 or C23 are chosen to position the operating frequency in one of two bands;
128 – 152.6 MHz and 150 - 174 MHz. Varactor diodes D1 and D2 provide oscillator frequency
control. PLL voltage feedback control from the output of the lowpass loop filter controls the VCO
frequency through the reverse biasing of diodes D1 and D2. The PLL control voltage can range
from ≈ +1.0 Vdc to +7.0 Vdc and is normally set to ≈ +4.5 Vdc for the nominal programmed
synthesizer center frequency. Setting the PLL control voltage set point (TP4) is made by adjusting
fine frequency variable capacitor C24. External baseband frequency modulation is provided
through connection P1 and a voltage divider network formed by R21 and R22. A large signal
division ratio, established by the resistive dividers R21 and R22, allows low deviation (less than 5
kHz) direct frequency modulation of the VCO output signal.
The PLL lowpass filter is formed from select component values C37, C38, C39, C45, R32, and
R36. The loop filter response is optimized for switching time, noise, and modulation requirements
specific to each sub-band within the 128 - 174 MHz frequency range. The select component
values (including the loop filter) can be found in tabular format as part of the VHF OS(R/T)3(A/H) 128 - 174 MHz Analog Board Schematic diagram.
RF output power is taken from the source of Q5 and amplified/buffered by U11. U15 provides
further amplification and isolation while delivering ≈ +10 dBm to a five pole lowpass output filter
formed from C53, C58, C59, L11, and L12. The five pole lowpass output filter provides
a 190 MHz low pass cutoff frequency which reduces harmonic output to acceptable levels. SMB
connector J2 provides interconnection to the companion transmitter or receiver with an output level
of ≈ +5 dBm.
2.2.5 406 - 470 MHz Analog Board Circuitry
Refer to the "OS(R/T)-3H 406 - 470 MHz Analog Board Schematic Diagram" located in section 4
page 15 of this manual.
The UHF OS(R/T)-3H 406 - 470 MHz synthesizer employs integrated surface mount VCO
modules (designated U17) for full frequency band coverage. Two VCO modules are used to cover
406 - 470 MHz (TX) and 427.4 - 451.4 MHz (RX) for transmitter and receiver UHF applications
respectively. The receiver VCO module is optimized for low phase noise, while the transmitter
VCO is configured with modulation input capability. PLL voltage feedback control from the output
of the lowpass loop filter controls the VCO frequency through Mod I/P (pin 2). The PLL control
voltage can range from ≈ +1.0 Vdc to +7.0 Vdc depending on the selected operating frequency.
External baseband frequency modulation is provided through connection P1 and VCO Mod input
pin 6.
The PLL lowpass filter is formed from select component values C37, C38, C39, C45, R32, and
R36. The loop filter response is optimized for switching time, noise, and modulation requirements
specific to each sub-band within the 406 - 470 MHz frequency range. The select component values
(including the loop filter and VCO type) can be found in tabular format as part of the UHF
OS(R/T)-3H 406 - 470 MHz Analog Board Schematic diagram.
RF output power is taken from the VCO RF output and amplified/buffered by U11. U15 provides
further amplification and isolation while delivering ≈ +10 dBm to a five pole lowpass output filter
formed from C53, C58, C59, L11, and L12. The five pole lowpass output filter provides
a 530 MHz low pass cutoff frequency which reduces harmonic output to acceptable levels. SMB
connector J2 provides interconnection to the companion transmitter or receiver with an output level
of ≈ +5 dBm.
Refer to the "OS(R/T)-3(A/H) Digital Board Schematic Diagram" on page 4-19. Microcontroller
U4 provides control of the synthesizer module. It communicates with synthesizer IC U10,
monitors the synthesizer lock detect, manages PTT input/output, and determines the operating
frequency from either four rotary BCD switches or four externally driven channel select lines. The
rotary BCD channel switches are located on the main MT-3 Transmitter or Receiver circuit board.
The Microcontroller U4 also communicates with an external factory programmer through I/O l ines
TX DATA (P1-17), RX DATA (P1-9), and BOOTSTRAP (P2-2). The external programmer
places the operating program in non volatile microprocessor memory. It is also used to program 15
user defined c ha n ne l s e le ct i on s. A n i nt e rn al "watchdog" timer provides robust software protection
in all operating modes.
Data communication between the digital and analog circuit boards is provided by four optical
transmitters (U5 through U8) and one optical receiver (U9). The optical interface provides a fully
isolated inter-board data link designed to eliminate digital noise from disturbing sensitive PLL
circuitry.
2.4 Frequency Control
2.4.1 BCD Switch Frequency Control
Selection of the desired synthesizer output frequency is straight forward. If all four of the channel
select lines CHAN SEL3 - CHAN SEL0 are pulled low (grounded), the synthesizer will scan four
BCD switches connected to SW1 COM - SW4 COM and PC4 - PC7 to establish the operating
frequency. The BCD switches are located on the receiver and transmitter main circuit boards.
* Note: The four channel select lines , CHAN SEL3 - Chan SEL0, are connected via the MT-3
transmitter or receiver main board module connector to the M3 motherboard subrack. These lines
may be used for external frequency control. They are normally pulled low via jumper sets located
on the M3 motherboard subrack.
If the channel select lines are pulled high to +9.5 Vdc in any combination resulting in a binary code
greater than 0000 (all low), then the frequency is established as the preprogrammed entry in a table
containing 15 separate frequency settings. For example; if all the channel select lines are pulled
high then a binary code of 1111 results which selects the frequency entry from the 15th table
position. CHAN SEL3 is the most significant bit of the binary channel selection code. The channel
table is normally programmed at the factory for those applications requiring specialized remote
control of frequency. These programmed channel assignments are stored in non-volatile
microprocessor EEPROM and are not susceptible to inadvertent erasure.
In transmitters, the synthesizer operating frequency is the transmitter operating frequency;
however, for receivers, an IF Offset correction factor (21.4 MHz typically) must be added to or
subtracted from the synthesizer operating frequency in order to determine the actual receive
frequency. Refer to the channel designation table documentation provided with the transmitter or
receiver modules for simplified channel number and frequency information.
2.4.2 Frequency Select Handle Frequency Control
For operation in this mode the external channel select must be set to channel #16. Channel
selection is achieved by pushing the buttons Frequency Increase Ø and Frequency Decrease Œ on
the Frequency Select Handle. The Frequency Select Handle is located on the Front Panel. The user
interface consists of an 8 digit display and 3 pushbuttons. On power up or key press, the
synthesizer is interrogated for the current channel number and channel frequencies. This
information is used to generate the display, and update the synthesizer itself. The module
communicates with the synthesizer using a standard 2 wire serial interface (9600 Baud, 8 bits, no
parity, 1 stop bit). The command protocols are simple ASCII, both to and from the synthesizer.
The frequency value and the channel are displayed on the Front Panel for several seconds only, in
order to conserve power. Another dedicated line allows the handle to temporarily wake up the
synthesizer if it has been powered down. (This is currently only used on the transmitters)
For the detailed information about changing frequency see the "Frequency Select Handle
Instruction Manual".
2.5 Synthesizer Base and Frequency Increment Table
The OS-3A/H Synthesizer operates in frequency increments of 5.0 / 6.25 kHz, 12.5 kHz, or 25
kHz depending on the particular model and band of operation. The Base Frequency is the lowest
frequency of any given synthesizer model.
The operating frequency is determined as follows for Synthesizers having 5. 0/6.25 kHz channel
increment capability;
•for BCD switch settings (in the range of 0000
setting by 5.0 kHz and add it to the synthesizer base frequency.
to 4999 , multiply the switch
Example: An OST-3H141 synthesizer has a base frequency of 128 MHz. The
selected channel number is 0988. The synthesizer output frequency is:
((988 x 5 kHz) + 128 MHz) = 132.940 MHz
•for BCD switch settings in the range of 5000 to 9999 , subtract 5000 from the
switch setting, multiplying the result by 6.25 kHz and add it to the synthesizer
base frequency.
Example: An OSR-3H162 synthesizer has a base frequency of 150 MHz. The
selected channel number is 7205. The synthesizer output frequency is:
((7205-5000) x 6.25 kHz) + 150 MHz) = 163.78125 MHz
The key point to remember is that 5.0 kHz channel increments are selected with BCD
channel switch settings in the range of #0000 through #4999 and 6.25 kHz channel
increments are selected with BCD switch settings in the range of #5000 through #9999.
2.7 8.333 kHz Channelization.
The operating frequency is determined as follows for Synthesizers having 8.333 kHz channel
increment capability;
•Multiply the BCD switch setting by 8.333 kHz and add it to the synthesizer
base frequency.
Example: An OST-3A128 synthesizer has a base frequency of 118 MHz. The
selected channel number is 0231. The synthesizer output frequency is:
OS(R/T)-3(A/H) enhanced synthesizer alignment is simplified by using a Type 84 subrack and RF
extender card/cable to provide receiver or transmitter power and signal interconnection.
Alternatively, +9.5 Vdc may be applied directly to a receiver or transmitter module through
positive connection to pins B6 / Z6, and negative connection to pins B30 / Z30 / B32 / Z32.
Receiver balanced audio (600 Ω) is available at pins B26 and Z26.
3.2 Repair Note
The OS(R/T)-3(A/H) synthesizer employs a high percentage of surface mount components which
should not be removed or replaced using an ordinary soldering iron. Removal and replacement of
surface mount components should be performed only with specifically designed surface mount
rework and repair stations complete with Electro Static Dissipative (ESD) protection.
When removing Surface Mount Solder Jumpers, it is recommended to use solder wick braid in
place of vacuum type desoldering tools. This will help prevent damage to the circuit boards.
3.3 Recommended Test Equipment
Alignment of the synthesizer requires the following test equipment or its equivalent.
Power supply - Regulated +9.5 Vdc at 2 A. Phillips PM 2811
Oscilloscope / Multimeter - Fluke 97 Scopemeter
Radio communications test set - Marconi Instruments 2965A
It is recommended that the radio communications test set be frequency locked to an external
reference (WWVH, GPS, Loran C) so that the internal high stability local oscillator may be
accurately set to within its ±1 ppm frequency tolerance.
•Jumper JU1 installed AM Multichannel mode selected
Analog Board
•Jumper JU1:'B' positionInternal/External reference. Internal selected
•Jumper JU2 not installed Internal/External reference. Internal selected
3.5 OS(R/T)-3(A/H) Synthesizer Alignment
3.5.1 General
Under normal circumstances, synthesizer alignment is accomplished without removing the
synthesizer from the MT-3 Receiver IF/Audio Board or the MT-3 Transmitter Main Board.
Alignment simply involves setting the internal TCXO reference frequency (if one is installed and
the internal reference option enabled). This step is described in "Reference Frequency Alignment"
of section 3.5.5.5. A change in synthesizer operating frequency greater than the maximum tuning
range for a particular model (Refer to Specifications section 1.3) from an initial factory setting
requires a slightly more involved alignment procedure as described in sections 3.5.2 to 3.5.5. To
convert a synthesizer with an internal reference source to a synthesizer requiring an external
reference signal or vice-versa is done through the appropriate selection of jumper JU1 A or B, and
JU2 (Refer to section 3.5.6).
The synthesizer module is fastened to the main board (MT-3 Receiver IF/Audio Board or MT-3
Transmitter Main board) with a single counter sunk Phillips machine screw accessible from the top
cover. Remove this screw to remove the synthesizer module. Using a plastic coated lifting tool,
such as a small screwdriver with the tip covered in heat shrink material, gently lift the synthesizer
module from the main circuit board by applying pressure in a rotating fashion about four corners
of the synthesizer module. It is important to gently remove the synthesizer module "straight out" in
order to prevent damage to the connector pins. Installation of the synthesizer is performed in a
fashion reverse to the above procedure. It is important to emphasize the importance of connector
pin alignment prior to any application of reinsertion force. Four corner locating pins assist in
connector pin alignment during installation and removal.
Note: Complete synthesizer alignment can be made without removing the synthesizer. The
alignment procedure starting in section 3.5.5 may now be performed.
3.5.4 Circuit Board Removal
Note: Circuit board removal is not required for tuning purposes.
Using a vacuum desoldering station, desolder connections P1, P2, and P3. Remove SMB
connectors J1 and J2 by desoldering the center pins and removing four M2.0 machine screws.
These connection points are shown in the "OS(R/T)-3(A/H) XXX - XXX MHz Analog Board
Component Layout (Top)" diagrams. Remove seven M2.0 machine screws and carefully remove
the analog circuit board. Removal of the analog circuit board will expose three interboard wire
connections. Carefully remove three ferrite beads and six Teflon washers from the inter-board
connection wires. Attempt to maintain the position of the three interboard wires in order to simplify
re-assembly. The digital board may now be extracted by removing four M2.0 machine screws.
Follow a reverse procedure to re-assemble.
3.5.5 Frequency Adjustment and Channel Selection
Connect a radio communications test set through a short section of low loss 50 Ω coaxial cable to
the synthesizer module SMB RF output jack (J2). Select the desired channel number through the
BCD frequency selection switches on the MT-3 Transmitter Main board or the MT-3 Receiver
IF/audio board (or through .the Frequency Programming Module). Turn the power off and on and
wait a few minutes for the oscillator to completely stabilize. It should be noted that the internal
synthesizer TCXO, if installed, operates continuously (regardless of the TX PTT state) when
installed in a transmitter. This continuous operation results in approximately 10 mA of additional
standby current.
The measured RF output signal should be within ± 1.0 ppm of the specified osc i llator frequency at
an output level of +5 dBm. Note that unlocked synthesizer operation will be indicated by an
unstable or spurious RF output signal. The "Unlocked" red LED will also be illuminated when the
PLL is unlocked. Check that the requested channel number is within the frequency range of the
particular synthesizer model. An unlocked condition may be rectified by adjusting the VCO tuning
elements as described in the following procedures (no adjustment requires for the multichannel AM
Synthesizers). Note that there are variations in alignment procedures between the three synthesizer
family members as described in the following sections.
Refer to the "OS(R/T)-3H 29 - 71.4 MHz Analog Board Component Layout" diagrams and the
"OS(R/T)-3H 29 - 71.4 MHz Analog Board Schematic Diagram" located in section 4 on pages 1, 2
and 3.
Using a high impedance (10 MΩ) DC Voltmeter, measure the PLL control voltage at TP4 located
on the synthesizer module analog board (top). Access to TP4 is available through the synthesizer
top cover. Using a small standard blade screwdriver, carefully adjust the VCO fine frequency
"TUNE" trimmer capacitor C24 until a test point (TP4) voltage of approximately +2.3 Vdc is
obtained. Measured PLL loop control voltages below approximately +0.5 Vdc and above
approximately +4.5 Vdc indicates an "out of lock" synthesizer condition.
If a test point (TP4) voltage of approximately +2.3 Vdc is unattainable through adjustment to C24,
then the coarse frequency jumpers, JU2-JU4 require modification in order to pull the VCO tune
range within the adjustment range of fine tuning capacitor C24. The top synthesizer cover must be
removed in order to gain access to the coarse frequency jumpers. The coarse frequency jumpers
(JU2-JU4) may be considered to be a selectable binary weighted capacitor element with JU2 being
the most significant "bit" and JU4 being the least significant "bit". The tuning resolution size is
≈12 pF (JU4) . If the tuning voltage remains higher than +2.3 Vdc, decrease the tuning jumper
setting by 1 "bit" position and re-adjust C24 in an attempt to achieve +2.3 Vdc at TP4. For
example, if coarse frequency jumpers JU2-JU4 are all installed and represented by 111 then a
decrease by 1 "bit" position (12 pF) is represented b y a binary jumper selection of 110; jumper
JU4 is not installed and jumpers JU2, JU3 are installed. Continue to decrease the jumper position
one "bit" at a time until the synthesizer regains lock with TP4 adjusted (C24) for +2.3 Vdc. If the
tuning voltage remains lower than +2.3 Vdc, increase the jumper setting by 1 "bit" position and readjust C24 in an attempt to achieve +2.3 Vdc at TP4. Repeat this procedure until +2.3 Vdc at TP4
is achieved.
It is important to check the loop control voltage at TP4 when multiple synthesizer channels have
been programmed. All channel selections should result in a TP4 voltage within a +1.0 to +4.0 Vdc
range. Adjust the fine tuning capacitor C24 to center multiple channel voltages symmetrically about
+2.3 Vdc. Channel selections beyond the tuning range capability of the synthesizer will result in
unlocked operation. The tuning range capability of all synthesizer models is listed in the
Specifications section (1.3) of this manual.
Refer to the "OS(R/T)-3A 118 - 159.4 MHz Analog Board Component Layout" diagrams and the
"OS(R/T)-3A 118 - 159.4 MHz Analog Board Schematic Diagram" located in section 4 on pages
5, 6, and 7.
Using a high impedance (10 MΩ) DC Voltmeter, measure the PLL control voltage at TP4 located
on the synthesizer module analog board (top). Access to TP4 is available through the synthesizer
top cover. The VHF synthesizers operating in the 118 - 159.4 MHz frequency range employ a PIC
microcontroller having no frequency adjustment capability. The OST-3A128 and OSR-3A149
models cover 118-138 MHz, and 139.4 - 159.4 MHz respectively and provide full band coverage
without tuning adjustment.
All channel selections might result in a TP4 voltage within the +3.1 to +3.5 Vdc range. Channel
selections beyond the tuning range capability of the synthesizer will result in unlocked operation
over the temperature range - 40C to + 60C. The tuning range capability of all synthesizer models is
listed in the Specifications section of this manual.
Refer to the "OS(R/T)-3H 128 - 174 MHz Analog Board Component Layout" diagrams and the
"OS(R/T)-3H 128 - 174 MHz Analog Board Schematic Diagram" located in section 4 on pages 9 ,
10 and 11.
Using a high impedance (10 MΩ) DC Voltmeter, measure the PLL control voltage at TP4 located
on the synthesizer module analog board (top). Access to TP4 is available through the synthesizer
top cover. Using a small standard blade screwdriver, carefully adjust the VCO fine frequency
"TUNE" trimmer capacitor C24 until a test point (TP4) voltage of approximately +2.3 Vdc is
obtained. Measured PLL loop control voltages below approximately +0.5 Vdc and above
approximately +4.5 Vdc indicates an "out of lock" synthesizer condition.
It is important to check the loop control voltage at TP4 when multiple synthesizer channels have
been programmed. All channel selections should result in a TP4 voltage wi thin the +1.0 to +4.0
Vdc range. Adjust the fine tuning capacitor C24 to center multiple channel voltages symmetrically
about +2.3 Vdc. Channel selections beyond the tuning range capability of the synthesizer will
result in unlocked operation. The tuning range capability of all synthesizer models is listed in the
Specifications section of this manual.
Refer to the "OS(R/T)-3H 406 - 470 MHz Analog Board Component Layout" diagrams and the
"OS(R/T)-3H 406 - 470 MHz Analog Board Schematic Diagram" located in section 4 on pages 13,
14 and 15.
Using a high impedance (10 MΩ) DC Voltmeter, measure the PLL control voltage at TP4 located
on the synthesizer module analog board (top). Access to TP4 is available through the synthesizer
top cover. The UHF synthesizers operating in the 406 - 470 MHz frequency range employ
integrated VCO modules having no frequency adjustment capability. The OST-3H440 and OSR3H440 models cover 406-470 MHz, and 427.4 - 470 MHz respectively and provide full band
coverage without tuning adjustment. Measured PLL loop control voltages below approximately
+0.5 Vdc and above approximately +7.0 Vdc indicates an "out of lock" synthesizer condition.
It is important to check the loop control voltage at TP4 when multiple synthesizer channels have
been programmed. All channel selections should result in a TP4 voltage within the +1.0 to +7.0
Vdc range. Channel selections beyond the tuning range capability of the synthesizer will result in
unlocked operation. The tuning range capability of all synthesizer models is listed in the
Specifications section of this manual.
3.5.5.5 Reference Frequency Alignment
Adjust the synthesizer TCXO fine frequency potentiometer RV1 until the correct output frequency
is achieved. Access to this potentiometer is made available through an opening in the synthesizer
top cover. An RF power level o f approximately +5 dBm should be measured at the synthesizer
module output connector and the frequency should be within ±1 ppm from the desired operating
frequency. Reference frequency adjustments should be made at room temperature (+20°C) after te n
minutes.
3.5.6 Jumper Configuration
Solder jumpers are clearly marked on both the synthesizer digital and analog circuit boards. Refer
the "OS(R/T)-3(A/H) Digital Board Component Layout (Bottom)" diagram in section 4 page 1 4 ,
and the applicable "OS(R/T)-3(A/H) Analog Board Component Layout (Top)" diagram for jumper
locations. The following list details the required jumper configuration for the two synthesizer
operating modes:
1)Internal reference . Install jumper JU1-B, on Analog Board (Standard). The internal
temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) provides the reference signal
with a stability less than ±1 ppm from -30°C (Optional -40°C) to + 60°C. (Located
on the Analog Board)
. Install jumper JU1-A, JU2 on Analog Board. This mode
is used in applications requiring better than ±1 ppm frequency stability. An external
9.6/10.0 MHz reference signal must be provided at synthesizer SMB connector J1.
(Located on the Analog Board)
3) Reference Frequency
10.0 MHz reference frequency. When not installed, the reference frequency
Select . Install jumper JU2 on Digital Board to select a
selected is 9.6 MHz. JU2 must not be installed when using the internal 9.6 MHz
TCXO reference. JU2 is used by the microcontroller to establish the correct
reference frequency division ratio. (Located on the Digital Board; The Synthesizer
module must be removed to change jumper JU2)
4) AM Multichannel Synthesizer Select
. Install jumper JU1 on Digital Board to select
AM Multichannel Synthesizer with Frequency Select Handle. (Located on the Front
Panel)
Remember : Care must be exercised when installing the reconfigured synthesizer module back into
the transmitter board or the IF/audio board. Pay careful attention to pin alignment before pressing
the synthesizer module into its mating sockets.
2Mar 98• Changes to the AM Analog board (OST-3A128) to improve performance
ECO #547.
C37 was 220nF is now 100nF and C40 was 8.2pF is now not installed
C45 was 33nF is now 22nF and C49 was 2.2nF is now 1.5nF
R32 was 33kΩ is now 56kΩand R36 was 3k3Ω is now 5k6Ω
3Mar 00• Changes to the AM Analog board to improve performance at -40˚C.
ECO #565.
L4 was 1.5µH is now 3.9 µH
• Changes to the FM Analog boards to improve manufacturing. ECO #572
C32 & C33 were 100µF through hole tantalums are now 100µF surface
mount tantalums
• Changes to the OS-3A/H Digital board for compatibility with the new AM
wideband Synthesizers. ECO #579.
Added C15 (10µF) and R41 (221kΩ).
JU1 was added and is installed for AM modules only.
PCB, DIGITAL, OS-3H/P SYNTH was version 2 now version 3.
• Added the new component layouts, schematic diagram and parts lists for
the new AM wideband synthesizer. Wideband referring to only having to
be tune once and working over the whole AM band (118-138 MHz).