Drake digital HCP2550A User Manual

®

HCP2550A

Commercial Heterodyne Channel Processor

(For use in NTSC systems)

Instruction Manual

® is a registered trademark of the R.L. Drake Company

©Copyright 2002 R.L. Drake Co. P/N: 3852423F-3-2002 Printed in the U.S.A.

ii Caution Statements

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR

ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT

EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC

SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

WARNING:

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET, REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION
CORD RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO
PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

A product and cart combination should be moved
with care. Quick stops, excessive force and
uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart
combination to overturn.

The lightning flash with arrow head symbol, within
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage"
within the product's enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying
the product.

ATTENTION:

POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, NE PAS UTILISER CETTE FICHE POLARISEE
AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE DE COURANT OU UNE AUTRE SORTIE DE
COURANT, SAUF SI LES LAMES PEUVENT ETRE INSEREES A FOND SANS EN LAISSER
AUCUNE PARTIE A DECOUVERT.

Important Safety Instructions iii

1. Read Instructions—All the safety and operating instructions should be read
before the product is operated.

2. Retain Instructions—The safety and operating instructions should be
retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the product and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions—All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning—Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not

use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleansers. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

6. Attachments—Do not use attachments that are not recommended by the
product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

7. Water and Moisture—Do not use this product near water—for example,
near a bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub; in a wet basement;
or near a swimming pool; and the like.

8. Accessories—Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult,
and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product. Any
mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and
should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

9. A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart
combination to overturn.

10. Ventilation—Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation
and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from
overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The
openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug,
or similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation
such as bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the
manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to.

11. Power Sources—This product should be operated only from the type of
power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power supplied to your home, consult your product dealer or local power
company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or other
sources, refer to the operating instructions.

12. Grounding or Polarization—This product may be equipped with a
polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the
other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace
your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.
Alternate Warnings—If this product is equipped with a three-wire grounding­type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin, the plug will only fit into a
grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert
the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.
12 a. Mise à la terre ou Polarisation—Cet appareil est équipé avec un cordon
d'alimentation à trois fils. Il est a brancher sur une prise ayant un connecteur a
la terre. Assurez-vous que la connection a la terre ne manque pas.

13. Power-Cord Protection—Power-supply cords should be routed so that
they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the product.

14. Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an outside antenna or cable system is
connected 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. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides
information with regard 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.
See Figure A.

15. Lightning—For added protection for this product during a lightning storm,
or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from
the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.

16. Power Lines—An outside antenna system should not be located in the
vicinity of overhead power lines, other electric light or power circuits, where it
can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna
system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines
or circuits as contact with them may be fatal.

17. Overloading—Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral
convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

18. 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 that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind
on the product.

19. 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.

20. Damage Requiring Service—Unplug this product from the wall outlet and
refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged,
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product,
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water,
d. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating

instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions as 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,

e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way, and
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance—this indicates

a need for service.

21. Replacement Parts—When replacement parts are required, be sure the
service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer
or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutes
may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

22. Safety Check—Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product,
ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the
product is in proper operating condition.

23. Wall or Ceiling Mounting—The product should be mounted to a wall or
ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

24. Heat—The product should be situated away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.

NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLERS:

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.

Example of antenna grounding as per National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70

GROUND CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE

Figure A

ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)

iv Table of Contents / Specifications

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ii Caution Statements

iii Important Safety Instructions

iv Table of Contents / Specifications

1 Description

2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators

4 Rear Panel Controls and Connections

SPECIFICATIONS

INPUT SECTION

Frequency Range:

Input Impedance:

RF Input Level:

Adjacent Channel Rejection:

Noise Figure:

Tuner Image Rejection:

In-channel C/N:

AFC Range:

Pilot Threshold:

5 Installation

7 List of OFF-AIR Type Input Channels

8 List of CATV Type Input Channels

9 List of Output Channels

10 Service / If You Need To Call For Help

11 Warranty

54 - 806 MHz:
Off-Air TV channels 2 - 69,
Standard CATV channels 2 - 125,
IRC and HRC channels 1 - 125.
75 Ohms, greater than 10 dB return loss.

-20 dBmV to +25 dBmV (preamp on).

-10 dBmV to +35 dBmV (preamp off).
Greater than 60 dB.
Less than 10 dB (preamp on).
Greater than 75 dB.
60 dB for input levels of +15 dBmV or greater (preamp on).
60 dB for input levels of +25 dBmV or greater (preamp off).
± 75 kHz minimum.
Typical adjustment range:

-20 dBmV to +5 dBmV (preamp on).

-10 dBmV to +15 dBmV (preamp off).

COMPOSITE IF LOOP

Output Level (V carrier):

Spurious Outputs:

Input Level (V carrier):

IF Input/Output Impedance:

OUTPUT SECTION

Frequency Range:

Output Impedance:

Video Frequency Response:

Frequency Stability:

A/V Ratio Adjustment:

Spurious Outputs:

Auto Switching Level:

Isolation Between Composite and EAS Inputs:

Operating Temperature:

Isolation:

Output Level:

L-C Delay:

FCC Offset:

Broadband Noise:

EAS INPUT

Input Level:

Input Impedance:

GENERAL

AC Power Input:

Dimensions:

Weight:

+28 dBmV ±2 dB.

-60 dBc minimum.
+28 dBmV nominal,
+30 dBmV maximum.
75 Ohms, greater than 15 dB return loss.
Greater than 60 dB.

82 channels, 54 to 550 MHz;
Channels 2 - 78 and 95 - 99.
+60 dBmV (typically adjustable from +50 to +60 dBmV).
75 Ohms, greater than 12 dB return loss.
20 Hz to 4.2 MHz, ±1.5 dB maximum.
±50 nSec.
±5 PPM of output frequency (AFC on),
±5 PPM of frequency difference between input and output signals (AFC off).
Automatic (plus, minus, or none is selectable).
+5 dB to -12 dB typical, relative to input A/V ratio.

-60 dBc.

-80 dBc (measured in a 4 MHz bandwidth at greater than ±12 MHz offset from
carrier at an output level of +60 dBmV).

+28 dBmV nominal.
75 Ohms, greater than 15 dB return loss with this port enabled.
Greater than +20 dBmV, nominal.
Greater than 60 dB.

115 VAC (±10%), 60 Hz, 30 Watts.
00 C to +500 C, ambient.
19" (481 mm) W x 1.75" (44 mm) H x 14.3" (363 mm) D.
10 lbs. (4.6 Kg).

Introduction - Description 1

+

CATV 100
CATV

OFF
AIR

RF INPUT

IRC
HRC
STD

CHANNEL PLAN

HCP2550A CHANNEL PROCESSOR

POWER

EAS

READY

PRE-AMP AFC

OFF ONOFF ON

The R.L. Drake HCP2550A is a high quality, frequency
agile channel processor capable of converting any VHF,
UHF, or CATV input signal to any standard output channel
between 54 and 550 MHz. Input and output frequency
are easily set with front panel pushwheel switches.
Selectable preamp and AFC provide stable reception of
weak or out-of-tolerance signals. A/V ratio and output
level controls are also provided along with IF loop-thru
connections to offer exceptional flexibility.

The synthesized input tuning permits reception of Off-Air
TV channels 2 through 69, standard CATV channels
2 through 125, and IRC, HRC channels 1 through 125.
A selectable preamp ensures reliable reception of weak
input signals. Selectable AFC ensures that out-of­tolerance cable channels, VCR modulators, or UHF
translator signals will not affect the IF or RF output
frequencies of the HCP2550A. A front panel indicator
lights for signals that are within the AFC lock range.
A selectable and adjustable threshold level control for the
input signal level is also provided. An internally generated
carrier is substituted for input signals below the set
threshold level. A front panel signal indicator lights for
input signal strengths greater than a threshold value.

RF OUTPUT

4 4

INPUT

CHANNEL

LOCK

DETECT

SIGNAL

PILOT

THRESHOLD

A/V

RATIO

OUTPUT

LEVEL

OUTPUT

ENABLED

7 8

OUTPUT

CHANNEL

The synthesized RF output can be set for any CATV
channel 2 through 78 and 95 through 99. FCC required
channel frequency offsets are automatically provided.
Offsets of ± and zero can be selected with a rear panel
switch. RF output level is front panel adjustable to
+60 dBmV maximum.

The output modulator section of the HCP2550A accepts
Emergency Alert System (EAS) signals as required by the
FCC Part 11 for many CATV systems. Either automatic or
manual activation of the Emergency Alert System input is
controlled by the rear panel (EAS) switch.

Coaxial connectors are provided for the RF Input, the IF
Loop-out and Loop-in, and the RF Output. All of the
above mentioned features, combined with a carefully
designed low intermodulation output stage, provide
reliable operation in a densely crowded SMATV or cable
environment.

The use of SAW filtering permits reliable adjacent channel
operation of multiple Channel Processor and modulator
units. IF loop-thru capability in the HCP2550A supplies a
padded IF output prior to channel conversion.
This feature provides the capability to replace the
standard internally generated IF output with an alternate
source of composite IF, or allows the insertion of IF
scrambling equipment.