Drake digital VM1550 User Manual

VM1550

Commercial Video Modulator

(For use in NTSC systems)

Instruction Manual

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

© Copyright 2002 R.L. Drake Company P/N - 3857400K-3-2002 Printed in U.S.A.

2 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 3

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)

4 Table of Contents / General Description

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Caution Statements

2

Important Safety Instructions

3

Table of Contents / General Description

4

Specifications

5

Front Panel Controls and Indicators

6

Rear Panel Connections

7

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Installation

8

Frequency Allocation Chart

9

Internal Jumper Selection

10

Notes

11

Service Information /

12

If You Need To Call For Help

Warranty

13

A U D I O L E V E L

POWER

V I D E O L E V E L A / V R A T I O

OVER

MODULATION

The R.L Drake VM1550 Video Modulator is a high quality
vestigial sideband heterodyne audio/video modulator that
provides a modulated visual and aural RF carrier output
on VHF channels, 2-13; Midband, A-I; Superband, J-W;
or Hyperband, AA-HH. Consult factory for custom
channels. All aeronautical channels are offset positive
with a tolerance of ±5 kHz as required by FCC rules. The
VM1550 is designed to accept video and audio baseband
signals from a satellite receiver, TV camera, video tape
recorder, TV modulator or similar equipment. The
heterodyne conversion system, in conjunction with the
use of a SAW filter, insures optimum vestigial selectivity
for adjacent channel headends.

IF loop-thru capability in the VM1550 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 insertion of IF scrambling equipment.

CHANNEL

VM1550 VIDEO MODULATOR

RF LEVEL

The modulator accepts standard (sync negative) polarity
video at a 0.7 -2.5 Vpp level. All level controls and
modulation indicators are located on the front panel for
ease of operation.

Field-defeatable audio pre-emphasis enables
transmission of BTSC encoded standard baseband stereo
audio signals.

Specifications 5

RF

Frequency Range:

Channels Available:

Output Level:

Output Impedance:

A/V Ratio:

Frequency Stability:

54 - 348 MHz.
VHF 2-13,

Lowband 1 (A8)
Midband 14-22 (A-I) and
95-99 (A5-A1),
Superband 23-36 (J-W),
Hyperband 37-44 (AA-HH)
Factory tuned for single
channel. *

+45 dBmV minimum, (typically
adjustable from +35 to
+45 dBmV). Note: If an output
level of less than +35 dBmV is
required, add an attenuator of
the appropriate value to the
modulator output.(eg., add a
10 dB pad for +30 dBmV output).

75 Ohms, return loss of 12 dB.
Audio Carrier -20 to -12 dB

referenced to video carrier,
adjustable.

± 5 kHz (Visual Carrier).

Video S/N:

L/C Delay:

Differential Gain:

Differential Phase:

AUDIO

Input Level for 25 kHz

Peak Deviation:

Input Impedance:

Pre-emphasis:

Frequency Response:

60 dB minimum,
luminance weighted.

±35 nSec referenced to 0 nSec
L/C delay (complies with FCC
rules, 76.605).

± 4% (10 to 90% APL).
± 4 degrees (10 to 90% APL).

140 mV minimum. Manual gain
adjustment with front panel
control. Over-Modulation LED set
for 25 kHz peak deviation
indication.

10K Ohms, Unbalanced.
75 µSec. (internally defeatable).
20 Hz to 15 kHz, ± 1 dB,

referenced to 75 µSec
pre-emphasis curve.
(20 Hz-100 kHz if preemphasis
is defeated).

Intercarrier Frequency:

FCC Frequency

Offsets:

Spurious Outputs:

Broadband Noise:

VIDEO

Input level for 87.5%:

Input Impedance:

4.5 MHz.

All aeronautical channels
offset positive with a tolerance
of ±5 kHz.

-65 dBc minimum, measured
at -15 dB A/V ratio and with
modulator output level of
+45 dBmV.

-77 dBc, referenced to video
carrier.
(4 MHz BW @ ±12 MHz offset).

-95 dBc @ ±36 MHz 0ffset.

1 Vp-p +/-3 dB, manual gain
adjust with front panel control.
Over-Modulation LED set for

87.5% depth of modulation
indication.

75 Ohms, return loss of 18 dB
minimum.

4.5 MHz Intercarrier
Stability:

Total Harmonic

Distortion:

Hum and Noise:

COMPOSITE IF

LOOP

Output Level (V carrier):

Input Level (V carrier):

Input/Output

Impedances:

GENERAL

AC Power Input:

Operating Temperature

Range:

Size:

±5 kHz, 00 C to +500 C.

1.0% maximum.

-60 dB minimum, referenced
to 25 kHz peak deviation.

+28 dBmV.
+28 dBmV.

75 Ohms.

115 VAC ±10%, 60 Hz,
10 WATTS.

00 C to +500 C, ambient.
19" W x 1.75" H x 6.75" D.

Frequency Response:

*Consult factory for custom channels

20 Hz to 4.2 MHz, ±1.0 dB.

Weight:

5 Lbs. (2.25 Kg).

6 Front Panel Controls and Indicators

A U D I O L E V E L

POWER

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8

F1 - POWER Indicator

Lights when the unit is connected to a source of AC
power.

V I D E O L E V E L A / V R A T I O

OVER

MODULATION

F7 - CHANNEL Designation

The label indicates the fixed channel output for your
particular model. The VM1550 is capable of fixed channel

CHANNEL

VM1550 VIDEO MODULATOR

RF LEVEL

output within the following ranges: VHF, 2-13; Lowband 1

F2 - AUDIO LEVEL Control

The setting of this screwdriver adjustment determines the

(A8): Midband, 14-22 (A-I) and 95-99 (A5-A1); Superband,

23-36 (J-W); Hyperband, 37-44 (AA-HH);
peak aural carrier deviation. Clockwise rotation increases
the carrier deviation. Set this control to a level which
causes the LED Over Modulation indicator (See Item ‘F3’)
to just begin lighting (25 kHz deviation).

F8 - RF OUTPUT LEVEL

This screwdriver adjustment permits decreasing the RF

output level a minimum of 12 dB below its specified output

level as the control is rotated counterclockwise. The

F3 - AUDIO OVER MODULATION Indicator

Lights when the audio amplitude is greater than the

maximum output level of +45 dBmV is set with the

adjustment fully clockwise.
25 kHz deviation level.

NOTE: If an output level of less than +35 dBmV is

F4 - VIDEO OVER MODULATION Indicator

Lights when the video amplitude is greater than the 87.5%

required, add an attenuator of the appropriate value at the

modulator output.
depth of modulation.

Example: For an output level of +30 dBmV, add a 10 dB

F5 - VIDEO LEVEL Control

attenuator pad to the modulator output.
The setting of this screwdriver adjustment determines the
video modulation level. Clockwise rotation increases the
modulation depth. Set this control to a level which causes
the LED Over Modulation indicator (See Item ‘F4’) to just
begin lighting (87.5% depth of modulation).

F6 - A/V RATIO Control

This screwdriver adjustment varies the level of the aural
carrier over a range from 12 to 20 dB below the visual
carrier. The aural carrier should be adjusted to
approximately 15 dB below the visual carrier (normal
operation). Clockwise rotation increases the aural carrier
level and thus decreases the A/V ratio.

Rear Panel Connections 7

FUSE

1/8A, 250V

SLO-BLO

600 WATTS MAX

120V, 5A

115V 60 Hz
10 WATTS

R F O U T

MADE IN U. S. A. BY ®

COMPOSITE

IN OUT

I F

CAUTION:

- RISK
OF FIRE -REPLACE
FUSE AS MARKED
AFTER DISCONNECTING
UNIT FROM AC LINE

ATTENTION:

- RISQUE D'INCENDIE ­REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUE APRES
DEBRANCHER DU
SECTEUR

VIDEO
INPUT

AUDIO
INPUT

R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

R1 - RF OUT

This is the modulator output.

R5 - AUDIO INPUT Connector

This is an unbalanced audio input to the IF circuits. This
“RCA” (phono) connector input accepts baseband through

R2 - COMPOSITE IF INPUT Connector

This is the composite IF input to the heterodyne converter.
The composite IF has both the aural and visual IF
combined. This connection is normally cabled directly to

15 kHz audio at a nominal level of 250 mV RMS
(approximately 0 dBm). NOTE: An internally selected test
point jumper defeats the audio pre-emphasis for

stereo capability.
the “COMPOSITE IF OUT” connector (See Item `R3').
This external IF loop allows the use of accessories such
as scramblers or alternate video sources. Note that
accessory equipment must also have the visual carrier at

R6 - FUSE

Always replace this fuse with one of the same type and

rating: 1/8 Amp, 250 V SLO-BLO® , 3AG type.

45.75 MHz and the aural carrier at 41.25 MHz. Both input
levels must be at their nominally specified levels.

R7 - AC OUTLET Receptacle

This is a power receptacle for other other equipment and

R3 - COMPOSITE IF OUTPUT Connector

This is the composite IF output from the IF circuits. The

is rated at 600 WATTS maximum; 120 V, 5 Amp. This

receptacle is unfused and unswitched.
composite IF provides a vestigial sideband filtered visual
carrier at 45.75 MHz combined with a level controlled
(-15 dBc typical) aural carrier at 41.25 MHz. This
connection is normally cabled directly to the
“COMPOSITE IF IN” connector (See Item `R2').

R8 - LINE CORD

This is a three-wire power cable. When the cable is

connected to a properly wired AC power line outlet, this

cable grounds the instrument cabinet. Connect to a

nominal 115 VAC ±10%, 60 Hz source. Do not defeat the

R4 - VIDEO INPUT Connector

safety purpose of the attached line cord plug.
This is the baseband video input to the IF circuits. This
input accepts baseband thru 4.2 MHz video at levels from

0.7 Vp-p to 1.5 Vp-p.

8 Installation

CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS

All connections to and from the VM1550 are made through
the rear panel.

Figure 3

shows a typical two channel
installation using a typical satellite receiver as a signal
source. Additional channels can be added by using
additional VM1550 modulators and either multi-port
combiners or combinations of two-port combiners.

INSTALLATION NOTES

Level adjustment provides optimum performance in
multi-channel installations. The modulator outputs should
be checked periodically with a spectrum analyzer to maintain
a ±1 dB variation of adjacent channel carriers. Aural/Visual
(A/V) ratios should be held to -15 dB or less.

TYPICAL

SATELLITE RECEIVER

REAR PANEL

VIDEO

OUT

AUDIO

V

H

OUT

The output 'RF Level' and 'A/V Ratio' controls are used
respectively to make these adjustments. If an output level of
less than +35 dBmV is required, add an attenuator of the
appropriate value to the modulator output.
Example: For an output level of +30 dBmV, add a 10 dB
attenuator pad to the modulator output.

RACK MOUNTING

Adequate ventilation is very important in multi-channel
installations. Units should be spaced apart by at least one
panel height wherever possible, and some air movement is
advisable in enclosed rack cabinets. Excessive heat will
shorten component life and modulator performance will be
degraded without proper cooling.

TYPICAL

SATELLITE RECEIVER

REAR PANEL

VIDEO

OUT

AUDIO

V

H

OUT

R F O U T

R F O U T

COMBINER

RF OUT

MADE IN U. S. A. BY ®

MADE IN U. S. A. BY ®

CAUTION:

COMPOSITE

IN OUT

IN OUT

I F

COMPOSITE

I F

- RISK
OF FIRE -REPLACE
FUSE AS MARKED
AFTER DISCONNECTING
UNIT FROM AC LINE

ATTENTION:

- RISQUE D'INCENDIE ­REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUE APRES
DEBRANCHER DU
SECTEUR

CAUTION:

- RISK
OF FIRE -REPLACE
FUSE AS MARKED
AFTER DISCONNECTING
UNIT FROM AC LINE

ATTENTION:

- RISQUE D'INCENDIE ­REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUE APRES
DEBRANCHER DU
SECTEUR

VIDEO
INPUT

VIDEO
INPUT

Figure 3

TYPICAL MULTIPLE MODULATOR INSTALLATION

AUDIO
INPUT

AUDIO
INPUT

AUDIOVIDEOAUDIOVIDEO

FUSE

1/8A, 250V

SLO-BLO

FUSE

1/8A, 250V

SLO-BLO

600 WATTS MAX

120V, 5A

600 WATTS MAX

120V, 5A

115V 60 Hz
10 WATTS

115V 60 Hz
10 WATTS

CABLE TV CHANNELS

Channel Designation

B
A
N
D

Standard

Alphanumeric

Identification

EIA/NCTA

Numeric

Equivalent

Frequency Allocation Chart 9

Visual Carrier

Frequency

(MHz)

95
96
97
98
99
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

10
11
12
13
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44

2
3
4

5
6

7
8
9

55.25

61.25

67.25

77.25

83.25

91.25

97.25

103.25

109.25

115.25

121.25

127.25

133.25

139.25

145.25

151.25

157.25

163.25

169.25

175.25

181.25

187.25

193.25

199.25

205.25

211.25

217.25

223.25

229.25

235.25

241.25

247.25

253.25

259.25

265.25

271.25

277.25

283.25

289.25

295.25

301.25

307.25

313.25

319.25

325.25

331.25

337.25

343.25

2

L
O
W

M

I

D

H

I
G
H

S
U
P
E
R

H
Y
P
E
R

3
4

5

6
A-5
A-4
A-3

A-2*
A-1*

A*
B*
C*

D
E
F
G
H

I
7
8
9

10
11
12
13

J

K*

L*
M*
N*
O*
P*
Q*
R*
S*
T*
U*
V*

W*
AA*
BB*

CC*
DD*

EE*
FF*

GG*
HH*

10 Internal Jumper Selection

CAUTION

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE REQUIRES REMOVAL

OF AN EQUIPMENT COVER THAT EXPOSES POTENTIALLY
LETHAL VOLTAGES IF THE EQUIPMENT IS POWERED FROM
AN AC POWER SOURCE. REFER SERVICING TO A
QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN ONLY.

Audio -

Pre-emphasis

(factory setting)

3
2

3
2
1

1

Audio -

Flat

TOP, FRONT VIEW OF UNIT

FIGURE 4

VM1550 IF / POWER SUPPLY BOARD PICTORIAL

Notes 11

Warranty

12 Service Information / If You Need To Call For Help

SERVICE INFORMATION

The VM1550 Audio-Video Modulator has been designed and
produced to provide trouble-free service. Should the need for
repair arise, EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED TO

AVOID A POTENTIALLY LETHAL ELECTRIC SHOCK.

The top cover is removable, and provides access to all
serviceable components. Schematic diagrams are available
from our customer service department for a nominal charge.

All internal adjustments require test equipment, and alignment
should be attempted only by a trained technician.

You may contact the R.L. DRAKE Service Department for
additional information or assistance by calling
[phone], Monday through Friday, between
8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, except on holidays.

IFIF

IF YOU NEED TO CALL FOR HELP

IFIF

Call our Customer Service/Technical Support line at
[phone] between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Eastern
Time, weekdays. Please have the unit’s serial number
available. We will also need to know the specifics of any
other equipment connected to the unit.
When calling, please have the unit up and running, near
the phone if possible. Our technician(s) will likely ask
certain questions to aid in diagnosis of the problem. Also,
have a voltmeter handy, if possible.

R.L. DRAKE also provides technical assistance by
e-mail: [e-mail]
or by Telefax: [phone].

You may also contact the R.L. DRAKE Service Department
by E-mail at the following address:
[e-mail]
or by Telefax:
[phone].

Should you want to return your unit for service, package
the unit carefully using the original carton or other suitable
container.

Write your return address clearly on the shipping carton
and on an enclosed cover letter describing the service
required, symptoms or problems. Also include your
daytime telephone number and a copy of your proof of
purchase.

The unit will be serviced under the terms of the
R.L. DRAKE COMPANY Limited Warranty and returned to
you.

Red is an overnight service. Send the unit in a way that it
can be traced if we can’t verify receipt of shipment. We
suggest UPS or insured postal shipment.

If the unit is still under the original owner’s warranty,
R.L. DRAKE will pay the cost of the return shipment to
you. Our return shipping policy is that we will return it UPS
Brown if received Brown or by US Mail, it will be returned
Blue if received Blue or Red—or it will be returned
however you prefer if you furnish the return cost for the
method you select.
If the unit is out of warranty, it will be returned by UPS
Brown label COD (UPS does not accept cash/currency)
unless:

Many of the products that are sent to us for repair are in
perfect working order when we receive them. For these
units, there is a standard checkout fee that you will be
charged. Please perform whatever steps are applicable
from the installation sections of the Owner's Manual
before calling or writing—this could save unnecessary
phone charges. Please do not return the unit without
contacting R.L. DRAKE first: it is preferred to help
troubleshoot the problem over the phone (or by mail) first,
saving you both time and money.

Inside the carton, enclose a note with your name, ad­dress, daytime phone number, and a description of the
unit’s problem.
The unit must be sent to the following address:

Service Department
R.L. DRAKE COMPANY
230 Industrial Drive
Franklin, Ohio 45005 U.S.A.

Be sure to include your street address which will be
needed for UPS return. UPS Surface (Brown Label) takes
7-10 days to reach us depending on your location, Blue
takes 2-3 days.

1) It was received UPS Blue/Red, in which case it will be
returned UPS Blue/Red COD;

2) You designate billing to American ExPress, VISA,
MasterCard or Discover card;

3) You prepay the service charges with a personal check,
or

4) You specify some other method of return.
When calling, the technician can estimate the repair

charges for you over the phone. This is another good
reason to call before sending a unit in for repair.
Typically, equipment is repaired in five to ten working
days after it arrives at R.L. DRAKE if we have all the facts.
If we must call you, it may take longer. R.L. DRAKE is not
responsible for damage caused by lightning, nonprofes­sional alterations, “acts of God”, shipping damage, poor
storage/handling, etc. R.L. DRAKE will make note of any
shipping damage upon receipt.
Should your warranty card not be on file at R.L. DRAKE,
you will need to send proof of purchase to receive
warranty service. Typically, a copy of the invoice from an
R.L. DRAKE dealer will suffice. The warranty is for the
original owner only and is not transferable.

Warranty 13

Warranty

Three Y ear Limited Warranty

R.L.DRAKE COMPANY warrants to the original purchaser this product shall be free from defects in material or
workmanship for three (3) years from the date of original purchase.

During the warranty period the R.L.DRAKE COMPANY or an authorized Drake service facility will provide, free of
charge, both parts and labor necessary to correct defects in material and workmanship. At its option, R. L. DRAKE
Company may replace a defective unit.

To obtain such a warranty service, the original purchaser must:

(1) Complete and send in the Warranty Registration Card within 10 days of purchase.
(2) Notify the R.L.DRAKE COMPANY or the nearest authorized service facility, as soon as possible after discovery of

a possible defect, of:
(a) the model and serial number,
(b) the identity of the seller and the approximate date of purchase; and
(c) A detailed description of the problem, including details on the electrical connection to associated equipment and the
list of such equipment.

(3) Deliver the product to the R.L.DRAKE COMPANY or the nearest authorized service facility, or ship the same in its
original container or equivalent, fully insured and shipping charges prepaid.

Correct maintenance, repair, and use are important to obtain proper performance from this product. Therefore carefully
read the Instruction Manual. This warranty does not apply to any defect that R.L.DRAKE COMPANY determines is
due to:

(1) Improper maintenance or repair, including the installation of parts or accessories that do not conform to the quality
and specifications of the original parts.

(2) Misuse, abuse, neglect or improper installation.
(3) Accidental or intentional damage.

All implied warranties, if any, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, terminate
three (3) years from the date of the original purchase.

The foregoing constitutes R.L.DRAKE COMPANY’S entire obligation with respect to this product, and the original
purchaser shall have no other remedy and no claim for incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses. Some
states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or do not allow the exclusions or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty shall be construed under the laws of Ohio.

For Service, contact:

R.L. DRAKE COMPANY

230 Industrial Drive

Franklin, Ohio 45005 U.S.A.

Customer Service and Parts Telephone: [phone]

Telefax: [phone]

World Wide Web Site: http://www.rldrake.com

R.L. DRAKE COMPANY

230 Industrial Drive

Franklin, Ohio 45005 U.S.A.

Customer Service and Parts Telephone: [phone]

Telefax: [phone]

World Wide Web Site: http://www.rldrake.com