Drake digital VM2860, VM2862 User Manual

®

VM2860/VM2862

Commercial Video Modulator

(For use in NTSC systems)

Instruction Manual

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

© Copyright 2003 R.L. Drake Company P/N: 3852471C-2-2003 Printed in the U.S.A.

2 Cautions Statements

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR

ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT

EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

¡WARNING!

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE POWER SUPPLY COVERS

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance 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 appliance.

WARNING:

CAUTION:

ATTENTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE 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.

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

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 alternating­current 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 grounding-type 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.

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

ANTENNA

LEAD IN

WIRE

GROUND CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE

SYSTEM (NEC ART 250, PART H)

ANTENNA

DISCHARGE UNIT

(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING

CONDUCTORS

(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

Table of Contents / Description / Specifications 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Caution Statements
2 Important Safety Instructions
3 Table of Contents / Description / Specifications
4 Front Panel Controls and Indicators
5 Rear Panel Controls and Connections

VIDEO

POWER

LEVEL

NORMAL

6 Installation / Installation Diagram
7 Channel Assignments
9 Internal Jumper Settings
10 Service / If You Need To Call For Help
11 Warranty

OVER-MOD

NORMAL

AUDIO
LEVEL

OVER-MOD

A / V RATIO

EAS ACTIVE

CHANNEL

CATV

CATV +

100

VM2860 VIDEO MODULATOR

25

RF OUTPUT

DESCRIPTION

The R.L Drake VM2860 and VM2862 Video Modulators are high
quality, vestigial sideband units with synthesized visual and aural
carriers. They are designed to accept NTSC video and audio
baseband signals from a satellite receiver or similar equipment.
Front panel video and audio level controls with accompanying
modulation indicators permit easy setup of the proper modulation
levels. The A/V ratio and RF output level controls are also provided
on the front panel. A rear panel EAS alternate IF input is also
provided. The VM2860 model is for applications with mono audio
and the VM2862 model provides BTSC stereo encoded audio. If
SAP is required, this option is available for the VM2862 model, and
is field installable.

Synthesized operation provides complete frequency agility, allowing
front panel selection of any standard CATV channel from 2 to 135
(54 to 862 MHz band). FCC required offsets for aeronautical
channels are automatically provided for each channel that requires
an offset. For special applications, IRC or HRC CATV frequencies
or off-air broadcast frequencies can be selected after moving an
internal jumper.

A high quality IF SAW filter with FCC predistortion eliminates
adjacent channel interference and provides optimum delay
characteristics.

SPECIFICATIONS - VM2860 / VM2862

Frequency Range:

FCC Offsets:

Output Level:

Amplitude Stability:
Output Impedance:

Frequency Stability:

Spurious Outputs:

Phase Noise:

Output Filter Bands:

Broadband Noise:

Input Impedance:

Frequency Response:

In-channel C/N:

Differential Gain:

Differential Phase:

MONO AUDIO

Input Impedance:

RF

A/V Ratio:

VIDEO

Input Level:

L/C Delay:

Input Level:

54 MHz to 864 MHz.
Standard CATV channels 2 to 135.
Broadcast, HRC, and IRC channel plans available by
internal jumper.
Automatic, positive.
+60 dBmV minimum, 12 dB minimum adjustment
range.
± 1 dB.
75 Ohms, 12 dB return loss within output filter
passband.

-12 dB to -25 dB.
± 5 ppm. All oscillators locked to the same internal
reference.

-60 dBc at +60 dBmV output level, 5 MHz to
1000 MHz, 15 dB A/V ratio.

-85 dBc at 10 kHz offset.
54 MHz to 258 MHz, 258 MHz to 462 MHz, 462 MHz
to 660 MHz, 660 MHz to 864 MHz.

-80 dBc, 4 MHz bandwidth, +60 dBmV output level,
±18 MHz offset within output filter passband, -90 dBc
outside of output filter passband, output filtered into 4
approximately 200 MHz wide bands.

1 Vp-p ± 3 dB, manual gain adjustment with
modulation indicators.
75 Ohms, 25 dB return loss.
20 Hz to 4.2 MHz, ± 1 dB with 4.5 MHz trap off,
20 Hz to 4.1 MHz, ±1 dB with 4.5 MHz trap on.
65 dB.
±50 nS of FCC predistortion with 4.5 MHz trap off,

-20 +80 nS of FCC predistortion with 4.5 MHz trap on.
± 3%.

0

± 3

.

250 mVrms to 2.5 Vrms, manual gain adjustment with
LED modulation indicators.
10K Ohms, unbalanced.

An auto-switching alternate IF input, labeled EAS input, is provided
for connection of an Emergency Alert System 44 MHz IF signal.
When the EAS IF signal appears at the EAS input, the main video
and audio modulated IF is replaced by the EAS input signal.

A 4.5 MHz video trap may be selected via an internal jumper
(VM2862 has 4.5 MHz trap on as factory setting). This may be used
to filter off a 4.5 MHz sound subcarrier or undesired video
components to prevent interference to the stereo or SAP channels.

The RF section of the modulator contains bandpass filtering that
divides the 54 to 862 MHz output range into four bands, each
approximately 200 MHz wide. This filtering, in conjunction with the
use of high level, low noise floor mixing, ensures very low
broadband noise at the output. Thus a full complement of up to all
134 available channels from VM2860 or VM2862 modulators may
be combined while maintaining an excellent C/N of each channel.
All of the mentioned features, combined with a carefully designed
low noise and low distortion output stage, provide reliable operation
in a densely crowded SMATV or CATV environment.

The inclusion of a fan in the VM2860 and VM2862 permits rack
mounting of this equipment without leaving the typical 1U air space
between modulators.

MONO AUDIO, cont'd.

Pre-emphasis:

Frequency Response :

BTSC STEREO AUDIO

Frequency Response:

Frequency Response:

Auto Switching Level:

Input Level:

Input Impedance:

Separation:

SAP AUDIO Option

Input Level:

Input Impedance:

EAS INPUT

Impedance:

Isolation:

GENERAL

AC Power:

Temperature Range:

Radiated Emissions:

75 µS.
50 Hz to 15 kHz, ±1 dB.

THD:

0.5% maximum.

S/N:

65 dB.

(VM2862 only)

250 mVrms to 2.5 Vrms, manual gain adjustment with
LED modulation indicators.
10K Ohms, unbalanced.
30 db, 50 Hz to 12.5 kHz; 25 dB, 12.5 kHz to 14 kHz.
± 0.5 dB, 50 Hz to 14 kHz.

THD:

0.5% maximum.

S/N:

65 dB.

(VM2862 only)

250 mVrms to 2.5 Vrms, manual gain adjustment with
over-modulation indicator.
10K Ohm, unbalanced.
±2 dB, 50 Hz to 10 kHz.

THD:

1% maximum.

S/N:

80 dB.

Level :

+30 dBmV, ±1 dB (visual carrier).
75 Ohm, 20 dB return loss.
60 dB.
+20 dBmV.

115 VAC ± 10%, 60 Hz,
23 Watts (VM2860), 28 Watts (VM2862).

Fuse:

1/2 Amp Slo-Blo 5 X 20 mm.
0° to 50° C.

Cooling:

Internal 1.85 CFM fan allows operation in the rack
without air spaces between units.
FCC Part 15.

Size:

11.25" D x 1.75" H x 19" W

Weight:

8 lbs. 8 oz.

4 Front Panel Controls and Indicators

F1

POWER

NORMAL

F2

VIDEO
LEVEL

F3

Figure 1 - FRONT PANEL

F1 - POWER Indicator

This LED lights when the unit is connected to a source of
AC power. The LED flashes when on an invalid channel or
if there is a synthesizer error.

F2 - VIDEO LEVEL Control

The setting of this screwdriver adjustment determines the
video modulation level. Clockwise rotation increases the
depth of modulation. After installing the unit, and with a
nominal 1 Vp-p video source connected, adjust the VIDEO
LEVEL control to a point where the red LED modulation
indicator (see item F3) just remains off (87.5% depth of
modulation). It is normal for the green modulation indicator
to be on with only sync level video input.

F3 - MODULATION Indicators (Video)

The green LED will be turned on continuously with sync
level or higher video input. An overmodulation condition is
noted with the red LED turned on continuously. The
VIDEO LEVEL control should be set to a point where the
red LED just remains off (see item F2).

F6 F7 F8 F9

A / V RATIO

EAS ACTIVE

CHANNEL

CATV

CATV +

100

VM2860 VIDEO MODULATOR

25

OVER-MOD

NORMAL

F4

AUDIO
LEVEL

OVER-MOD

F5

F6 - A/V RATIO Control

This screwdriver adjustment varies the level of the aural
carrier over a range from 12 to 25 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.

F7 - EAS ACTIVE Indicator

This indicator lights when a signal is present at the EAS
input (R2) indicating that the modulator has switched to the
EAS signal.

F8 - CATV, CATV +100 CHANNEL Switch

This two position switch allows selection of the desired
operating channel from 02 to 99 (when the switch is in the
CATV position) and channels 100 to 135 (when the switch
is in the CATV +100 position). See the CHANNEL
ASSIGNMENTS section for a list of the corresponding
operating frequency, and offset, if any, for each channel
number.

F10

RF OUTPUT

F4 - AUDIO LEVEL Control

The setting of this screwdriver adjustment determines the
audio deviation level. Clockwise rotation increases the
level. After installing the unit and with the audio source
connected, adjust the AUDIO LEVEL control to a point
where the green LED is turned on continuously and the red
LED just remains off (25 kHz peak deviation).

F5 - MODULATION Indicators (Audio)

The green LED will be turned on continuously for peak
deviations of approximately 2.5 kHz (10% of 25 kHz
maximum) or greater. An overmodulation condition is
noted with the red LED turned on continuously. The
AUDIO LEVEL control should be set to a point where the
red LED just remains off (see item F4).

F9 - CHANNEL Switch

These pushwheel switches allow the selection of the
desired operating channel from 01 to 135. See the
CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS section for a list of the
corresponding operating frequency, and offset, if any, for
each channel number.

F10 - RF OUTPUT LEVEL Control

This screwdriver adjustment varies the RF OUTPUT level.
Clockwise rotation increases the level.

Rear P anel Controls and Connections 5

R10R3 R4 R8

MADE IN THE U.S.A. BY

SERIAL #

RF OUTPUT

®

R1

SAP LEVEL

EAS IN

R2 R5 R7R6 R9

SAP AUDIO IN

SAP

OVERMODULATION

Figure 2 - REAR PANEL

R1 - RF OUTPUT

This is the modulator output, 54 to 864 MHz.

R2 - EAS IN Connector

Apply a 44 MHz (45.75 MHz video carrier) signal at
30 dBmV to this input from an EAS IF modulator. Any level
above +20 dBmV will activate the auto switching circuitry.

R3 - SAP Level *

Adjusts the modulation level of the SAP subcarrier.
Advance level until indicator R5 just illuminates.

R4 - SAP AUDIO IN *

Apply the audio program for the SAP audio channel to this
input.

R5 - SAP OVERMODULATION *

Indicates overmodulation of the SAP audio channel. Adjust
audio with SAP level control, R3.

R6 - AUDIO IN, L/R

These are unbalanced audio inputs to the IF circuits.
These “RCA” (phono) connector inputs accept baseband
through 15 kHz audio at a nominal level of 250 mV RMS
(approximately -10 dBu).

AUDIO IN

L R

VIDEO IN

CAUTION:-

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

ATTENTION:

-RISQUE D'INCENIDE­REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUÉ APRÉS
DEBRANCHER DU SECTEUR.

RISK OF

FUSE

.5 A / 250 V

SLO-BLO

115 VAC, 60 Hz

27 WATT

R7 - VIDEO INPUT ("RCA" type or "F" type)

These are used as the baseband input to the IF circuits.
Use ONE of these inputs (either the "RCA" or "F" type)
which accepts baseband through 4.2 MHz video at levels
from 0.7 Vp-p to 1.5 Vp-p.

R8 - Fan Vents

To ensure proper cooling of the unit, do not block these
vents for the cooling fan.

R9 - FUSE

Always replace this fuse with one of the same type and
rating: .5 Amp, 250 V SLO-BLO®, 5 x 20 mm type.

R10 - 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
safety purpose of the center ground prong on the attached
line cord plug.

* SAP option must be installed in the VM2862.
The SAP option may be field installed, by a qualified

technician, into a VM2862. For purchase information, call
Drake Customer Service at 1 [phone].

6 Installation / Installation Diagram

CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS - All connections to and
from the VM2860/VM2862 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
VM2860/VM2862 modulators and either multi-port
combiners or combinations of two-port combiners.

INSTALLATION NOTES - Level adjustment provides
optimum performance in multichannel 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. The 'Output Level' and 'A/V
Ratio' controls are used respectively to make these
adjustments. If an output level of less than +50 dBmV is
required from the VM2860/VM2862, add an attenuator of
the appropriate value to the modulator output.

TYPICAL SATELLITE RECEIVER

H

V

REAR PANEL

VIDEO

AUDIO

OUT

OUT

L R

Example: For an output level of +45 dBmV, add a 12 dB
attenuator pad to the modulator output and set the
VM2860/VM2862 output level to +57 dBmV ahead of
the pad.

RACK MOUNTING - Adequate ventilation is very important
in multichannel 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.

FCC PART 76.612 - The VM2860/VM2862 synthesizer has
been programmed to comply with FCC requirements for
offsets on cable channel frequencies assigned to aviation
and navigation communications. The programmed offset
for each channel is listed in the following chart.

TYPICAL SATELLITE RECEIVER

H

V

REAR PANEL

AUDIO

VIDEO

OUT

OUT

L R

VM2860/VM2862

MADE IN THE U.S.A. BY

SERIAL #

RF OUTPUT

®

SAP LEVEL

EAS IN

OVERMODULATION

VM2860/VM2862 VIDEOAUDIO

MADE IN THE U.S.A. BY

SERIAL #

COMBINER

RF OUTPUT

®

SAP LEVEL

EAS IN

OVERMODULATION

NOTE: When connecting the audio output of a stereo receiver to a VM2860, connect both
Left and Right channels. The VM2860 will sum these to make a complete mono audio
signal. When a mono source is used, either input of the VM2860 may be chosen.

SAP AUDIO IN

SAP

SAP AUDIO IN

SAP

AUDIO IN

L R

AUDIO IN

L R

AUDIO

VIDEO IN

VIDEO IN

VIDEO

CAUTION:-

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

ATTENTION:

-RISQUE D'INCENIDE­REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUÉ APRÉS
DEBRANCHER DU SECTEUR.

CAUTION:-

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

ATTENTION:

-RISQUE D'INCENIDE­REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUÉ APRÉS
DEBRANCHER DU SECTEUR.

FUSE

.5 A / 250 V

SLO-BLO

FUSE

.5 A / 250 V

SLO-BLO

115 VAC, 60 Hz

27 WATT

115 VAC, 60 Hz

27 WATT

RF OUT

Figure 3 - TYPICAL MULTIPLE MODULATOR INSTALLATION

Channel Assignments 7

EIA CH# /

Output Channel

Switch Setting

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68

Visual Carrier

Frequency (MHz)

STD IRC

N/A

73.25

55.25

61.25

67.25

79.25

77.25

85.25

83.25

175.25

181.25

187.25

193.25

199.25

205.25

211.25

121.2625

127.2625

133.2625

139.25

145.25

151.25

157.25

163.25

169.25

217.25

223.2625

229.2625

235.2625

241.2625

247.2625

253.2625

259.2625

265.2625

271.2625

277.2625

283.2625

289.2625

295.2625

301.2625

307.2625

313.2625

319.2625

325.2625

331.275

337.2625

343.2625

349.2625

355.2625

361.2625

367.2625

373.2625

379.2625

385.2625

391.2625

397.2625

403.25

409.25

415.25

421.25

427.25

433.25

439.25

445.25

451.25

457.25

463.25

469.25

475.25

481.25

487.25

HRC

72.00

54.00

60.00

66.00

78.00

84.00

174.00

180.00

186.00

192.00

198.00

204.00

210.00

120.00

126.00

132.00

138.00

144.00

150.00

156.00

162.00

168.00

216.00

222.00

228.00

234.00

240.00

246.00

252.00

258.00

264.00

270.00

276.00

282.00

288.00

294.00

300.00

306.00

312.00

318.00

324.00

330.00

336.00

342.00

348.00

354.00

360.00

366.00

372.00

378.00

384.00

390.00

396.00

402.00

408.00

414.00

420.00

426.00

432.00

438.00

444.00

450.00

456.00

462.00

468.00

474.00

480.00

486.00

TABLE 1:

CATV

EIA CH# /

Output Channel

Switch Setting

69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98

99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135

Visual Carrier

Frequency (MHz)

STD IRC

493.25

499.25

505.25

511.25

517.25

523.25

529.25

535.25

541.25

547.25

553.25

559.25

565.25

571.25

577.25

583.25

589.25

595.25

601.25

607.25

613.25

619.25

625.25

631.25

637.25

643.25

91.25

97.25

103.25

109.275

115.275

649.25

655.25

661.25

667.25

673.25

679.25

685.25

691.25

697.25

703.25

709.25

715.25

721.25

727.25

733.25

739.25

745.25

751.25

757.25

763.25

769.25

775.25

781.25

787.25

793.25

799.25

805.25

811.25

817.25

823.25

829.25

835.25

841.25

847.25

853.25

859.25

HRC

492.00

498.00

504.00

510.00

516.00

522.00

528.00

534.00

540.00

546.00

552.00

558.00

564.00

570.00

576.00

582.00

588.00

594.00

600.00

606.00

612.00

618.00

624.00

630.00

636.00

642.00

90.00

96.00

102.00

108.00

114.00

648.00

654.00

660.00

666.00

672.00

678.00

684.00

690.00

696.00

702.00

708.00

714.00

720.00

726.00

732.00

738.00

744.00

750.00

756.00

762.00

768.00

774.00

780.00

786.00

792.00

798.00

804.00

810.00

816.00

822.00

828.00

834.00

842.00

848.00

854.00

860.00

8 Channel Assignments, continued

VHF BROADCAST CHANNELSVHF BROADCAST CHANNELS

VHF BROADCAST CHANNELS

VHF BROADCAST CHANNELSVHF BROADCAST CHANNELS

Channel Number

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

9
10
11
12
13

Visual Carrier

Frequency (MHz)

55.25

61.25

67.25

77.25

83.25

175.25

181.25

187.25

193.25

199.25

205.25

211.25

TABLE 2:

UHF BROADCAST CHANNELSUHF BROADCAST CHANNELS

UHF BROADCAST CHANNELS

UHF BROADCAST CHANNELSUHF BROADCAST CHANNELS

Channel Number

BROADCAST TV

14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

Visual Carrier

Frequency (MHz)

471.25

477.25

483.24

489.25

495.25

501.25

507.25

513.25

519.25

525.25

531.25

537.25

543.25

549.25

555.25

561.25

567.25

573.25

579.25

585.25

591.25

597.25

603.25

609.25

615.25

621.25

627.25

633.25

UHF BROADCAST CHANNELSUHF BROADCAST CHANNELS

UHF BROADCAST CHANNELS

UHF BROADCAST CHANNELSUHF BROADCAST CHANNELS

Channel Number

42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69

Visual Carrier

Frequency (MHz)

639.25

645.25

651.25

657.25

663.25

669.25

675.25

681.25

687.25

693.25

699.25

705.25

711.25

717.25

723.25

729.25

735.25

741.25

747.25

753.25

759.25

765.25

771.25

777.25

783.25

789.25

795.25

801.25

(5) AUDIO LOOP

(6) VIDEO LED

(7) CLAMP

Internal Jumper Settings 9

REAR PANEL

(2) IF LOOP

SLOWNORM

(3) AUDIO PRE-EMPHASIS

ON

ON

(8) 4.5 MHz TRAP

OFF

OFF

VM2862
VM2860

(4) MODEL

SETTING

FRONT PANEL

Figure 4 - INTERNAL JUMPER SETTINGS

There are a number of internal jumpers that may be
programmed to change certain parameters from the factory
default settings. Some of these jumpers should not be
changed in the field. In most cases, the factory default
settings should prevail.

(1) - CHANNEL PLAN JUMPER - The factory setting for
this configuration is to have no jumper. This provides a
standard EIA CATV plan. If IRC frequencies are required,
add a shorting jumper across the two pins pointed out by
the IRC arrow in Figure 4. For HRC, use the two pins
indicated for HRC. If broadcast frequency assignments are
needed, jumper the two pins indicated by the BCTV arrow.

NOTE: Never install more than one shorting jumper at a
time at this block of headers.

(2) IF LOOP JUMPER - The factory setting is shown in

Figure 4. If this jumper is removed, the 44 MHz IF loop will
be opened and the modulator output will go away. This is
used for special applications and will not normally be
changed.

(3) AUDIO PRE-EMPHASIS JUMPER - This jumper should
normally be in the ON position to enable the 75 µSec audio
pre-emphasis. ON is the correct setting for both the
VM2860 and VM2862 models. If the VM2860 model is
used with an external stereo encoder that provides the

IRC
HRC

BCTV

pre-emphasis, VM2860 pre-emphasis may be defeated by
moving this jumper to OFF. The VM2862 internal stereo
encoder requires this setting to be ON.

(4) MODEL SETTING - This jumper must be set to match
the model number of this modulator.

(5 & 6) AUDIO LOOP and VIDEO LED - These jumpers
must be present in the VM2860. They are not present in
the VM2862.

(7) CLAMP JUMPER - This jumper affects the time
constant of the video clamp. The factory setting is NORM.

(8) 4.5 MHz TRAP - The factory settings are OFF for the
VM2860 and ON for the VM2862. When set to ON, a

4.5 MHz notch filter is inserted in the video input path to
prevent any possible 4.5 MHz energy in the video from
interfering with the stereo or SAP performance. A slight
degradation in video response and LC delay is incurred.
The VM2862 thus requires an ON setting for the jumper.
Mono operation is less critical and the default setting for
the VM2860 is OFF. If audio interference from the video
source is observed on the VM2860, move this jumper to
the ON position. See the Specifications section for details
of the jumper's affect on performance.

(1) CHANNEL PLAN
NO JUMPER = STD

10 Service / If You Need To Call For Help

SERVICE INFORMATION

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.

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

IF YOU NEED TO CALL FOR HELP

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].

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, use one of the following
methods for return shipment:

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

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

3) You specify some other method of return and payment.
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.

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 11

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) Retain invoice or original proof of purchase to establish the start of the warranty period.
(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