DTC Communications PDTX5000 User Manual

COFDM Transmitter Module

Model Pd-TX-1000 1 Watt Output

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INCORPORATED

how to contact DTC

For operator and troubleshooting information,
customers are encouraged to refer to the
details in this manual. For additional
clarification or instruction, or to order parts,
contact DTC.

Customer Service is available Monday through
Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM and
5:00 PM EST at:

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.dtccom.com

Email: [e-mail]

486 Amherst Street

Nashua, New Hampshire 03063

copyright notice

Copyright © 2005

DTC Communications, Inc. All rights
reserved. No part of this document may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored
in a retrieval system or translated into any
language or computer language, in any form
or by any means, including but not limited to
electronic, magnetic, mechanical, optical,
chemical, manual or otherwise, without the
prior written permission of DTC
Communications, Inc.

disclaimer

The information in the document is subject to
change without notice. DTC makes no
representations or warranties with respect to
the contents hereof, and specifically disclaims
any implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose. DTC reserves
the right to revise this publication and to
make changes from time to time in the
content hereof without obligation of DTC to
notify any person of such revision or changes.

trademarks

Trademarks of DTC Communications, Inc.
include:

• DTC

• MiniPIX

• DynaPIX

Other product names used in this manual are
the properties of their respective owners.

®

®

warranty

DTC warrants its manufactured components
against defects in material and workmanship
for a period of two (2) years, commencing on
the date of original purchase.

Products manufactured by others that are
approved for use with DTC equipment are
warranted for the manufacturer’s warranty
period, commencing from the date of shipment
from DTC.

FCC information

The following information is provided as a
service to our law enforcement customers who
require a Part 90 station license for video
surveillance operations using the 2450 to

2483.5 MHz band.

You will need to provide two documents:

• Form 600 (the application form)

• Form 159 (the filing fee form)

Forms can be obtained from the FCC on their
website at:

www.fcc.gov

You can also contact the FCC using their FAX
back service at: [phone]

Additional instructions are available by
telephone at: [phone]

The filing fee form is returned to:

Federal Communications Commission

1270 Fairfield Road

Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245

2

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

PN OP1920304 REV 1

manual conventions

NOTE: Describes special issues you should
be aware of while using a particular function.

WARNING: Calls out situations in which
equipment could be damaged or a process
could be incorrectly implemented, but in
which operator safety is not a factor.

TIP: Describes application hints.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Quick Start ............................................................................ 4-5

Complete These Steps ................................................................ 4

Thermal Issues ........................................................................... 4

Introduction ............................................................................... 6

Operation ............................................................................... 7

Using your Palladium Transmitter ................................................ 7

Changing your Transmitter Configuration .................................... 7

Components ........................................................................... 8-9

Programming ...................................................................... 10-15

System PC Controller Application Software .............................. 10

Getting Started .......................................................................... 10

Transmitter Control Application ................................................. 11

Specifications ..................................................................... 16-17

Warranty ............................................................................. 18

Contact Us ............................................................................. 19

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

3

QUICK START

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Palladium Transmitter

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

1

Complete these steps:

1 Connect the transmitter antenna to the SMA connector on the

Palladium unit (see photo left).

2 Attach a 12 VDC power source (such as a battery pack or AC power

adapter) to the power block as shown below. The input voltage range is
from 10 to 18 VDC.

NOTE: Device is polarity sensitive. Connect DC power only as shown
below; black to black (-), red to red (+).

3 Attach your camera video input (75 ohm composite video source in PAL

or NTSC) to the video RCA connector (see photo below).

4 Apply the necessary power to your camera and turn ON.

Heat Sink

Thermal Issues

Programming
Connector

3

Palladium TX-1000
Modules feature a heat sink
for proper heat dissipation.
For optimal performance, do
not block air flow over the
fins of this heat sink.

5 When power is applied, the green RF LED turns ON. The channel

number LED also turns ON, representing the most recent channel
setting from the last time the transmitter was used. Push the RF button
to transmit.

6 If you need to change the operating channel, press the CONFIG button

to cycle through the 8 available channels indicated by the channel
number LEDs. Refer to the Programming section on page 10 for more
information on channel settings. When you change the channel
configuration, the RF transmission is automatically switched OFF to
prevent accidental interference. When you have selected the channel
you need, push the RF button for one second to start transmitting
again. The RF LED will turn ON.

NOTE: A red ALARM LED indicates that no video is connected.

Your Transmitter is now operational. Confirm its signal with your
Palladium Receiver.

NOTE: Eight Channel LEDs are located on the control panel.
If all 8 green LEDs are flashing, this indicates that your battery
source is low.

QUICK START

5

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Palladium TX-1000 Transmitter Controls

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

5

INTRODUCTION

Palladium TX-1000

1 Watt Digital Transmitter

The Palladium Series of digital video transmitters provide exceptional video
quality in high multipath environments. They are ideal for use inside
buildings, in urban areas, and in other applications where multipath
would normally cause video tearing or breakup.

All Palladium Series transmitters are designed for spectrum-efficient 2.5
MHz channel spacing. Approximately 400 carriers are used to transmit
video and two channels of voice and data. Palladium transmitters may be
located on adjacent channels without a guard band. AES 128-bit
encryption ensures users of secure communications.

The Palladium 1000 is a small, modular transmitter with a 1W RF power
output. It’s ideal for OEM concealments and short to mid-range robotic
and UAV applications. The package is only 13” x 9” x 2.5”. Power consump­tion is 6 Watts. All connections are conveniently located. This device can be
powered with disposable batteries. The Palladium 1000 incorporates a
power amplifier bringing total power output to 1W.

NOTE: Use only Lithium batteries with this device.

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Using your Palladium Transmitter

Follow the instructions given in the Quick Start section on pages 4-5.
When power is first applied to the Palladium, the unit reverts to the last
used channel and RF is turned ON. One of the green channel LEDs will
turn ON indicating the active channel. The Alarm LED may be ON, which
indicates that there is no active video input.

Changing your Transmitter Configuration

The Palladium Transmitter can store up to 8 different configurations,
which can be selected on the front panel. Each of these configurations can
be programmed into the Transmitter with the supplied DTC Programming
Software and a Windows PC. Refer to the Programming section on page 10
for more information.

To cycle through your preconfigured channels press the CONFIG button
once to advance to the next setting. By default, the Palladium will turn
OFF the transmitted signal while you are changing channels. This is to
prevent accidental interference. Push the RF button after channel selection
to resume RF transmission of your video image.

To place your Palladium Transmitter in (low current consumption) standby
mode, hold the RF button for one second. The RF LED turns OFF
indicating the TX is now in standby mode. Push RF again to resume
transmitting.

OPERATION

Palladium TX-1000

Transmitter Control Panel

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

7

COMPONENTS

Transmitter Control Panel

Channel LEDs These green LEDs, numbered 1 through

8, indicate the channel number currently selected.
Each channel represents a set of preconfigured
settings.

ALARM LED This red LED indicates a valid video signal

is not present.

RF LED This green LED indicates that the RF

output is ON.

RF Button This membrane switch toggles ON/OFF the

RF output.

CONFIG Button This membrane switch cycles through

the eight channels.

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Programming
Connector

(DB-9) See Page 10.

Transmitter Antenna
Connector (SMA) This

connector attaches to the
transmitter antenna and
carries the RF output
signal. Always ensure the
transmitter antenna is
attached before operating
the Palladium Transmitter.

COMPONENTS

Video Input Connector

75 Ohm Composite Video
Signal

DC Power Input

10-18 VDC

FCC ID Label This label

identifies the frequencies
programmed into the
Palladium Transmitter.

Control Panel

See Page 8.

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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PROGRAMMING

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

System PC Controller Application Software

Advanced control of the system is available by using PC control applica­tions. Typically users may want to customize the default configurations to
control settings such as frequency, scrambling keys, modulation
parameters, and video resolution.

The transmitter is controlled by the application DTC_tx_ctrl.exe avail­able on the CD delivered with the product.

A PC is required with two RS232 Serial COM ports to control both a
transmitter and receiver simultaneously. Where changes are to be made to
either a transmitter, or a receiver, at different times, a PC with a single
RS232 Serial COM part can be used.

Installation of the two control programs is as simple as copying them from
the CD to a suitable location on the PC. No install shield routine is
launched. Note that the controllers generate their own log and
initialization files, so it is best to create a dedicated directory for these
applications, perhaps with links to the applications from the desktop of
the PC.

Getting Started

•Use the supplied cables to connect the chosen COM port(s) of the PC to
unit(s) to be configured.

•Launch each application in turn by double clicking or using the run
command.

•Connection with a transmitter should be automatic, but the user can
force selection of the correct COM port using the drop down, followed by
the Connect button.

•Errors may appear during the connection process if the PC is unable to
automatically ascertain which unit is connected to which COM port.

Transmitter Control Application

Output Frequency (MHz)

The transmit frequency can be changed by entering the new desired
frequency in this field. Values outside the range supported by a particular
transmitter type will be rounded to the highest or lowest supported
frequency as appropriate. The resolution of the transmit frequency is
complex and resolved to the closest achievable within the constants of the
supported step sizes of 1MHz, 1.6667 MHz and 2.5 MHz.

Modulation Output

This control is used to turn on and off the RF output. After a configuration
change, the output always reverts to OFF. It must be ON for operation.

Modulation FEC

The default FEC is 2/3, however improved range operation can be achieved
by selecting FEC 1/3. FEC 1/3 will improve signal range by 3dB. However
FEC 1/3 reduces link capacity to 1.2Mb/s therefore reducing picture
quality.
FEC Link Bitrate Sensitivity 2/3 2.4Mb/s: -99dBm,
1/3 1.2Mb/s: -102dBm

Modulation Guard Interval

The Guard Interval is fixed at 1/16 in current software releases.

Modulation Bandwidth

For the Palladium transmitter products, the modulation bandwidth is fixed
at 2.5MHz.

COFDM Mode

The COFDM mode can be changed between QPSK and 16QAM. QPSK is
the default mode and will give the strongest most rugged RF link
performance. Selecting 16QAM reduces the link performance by 5dB but
improves the link data throughput, giving significantly better video quality.

PROGRAMMING

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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PROGRAMMING

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Output Attenuation

This control can be used to make minor adjustments to the output power
level, but in normal operation should not be changed from factory settings.

Video Input

This control is used to select the composite video input standard. Options
are PAL, and NTSC both with and without 7.5 IRE pedestal.

Video Bitrate

This control can be used to set the video bitrate within the constraints of
capacity available in the channel, but only when Chaining Input is set to
ON.
Chaining CANNOT be enabled on normal transmitters, and as such video
bit rate control is automatic.
The video bit rate is automatically maximized in each configuration when
Chaining Input is turned off.

Horizontal resolution

The video coding resolution can be selected from 704, 528, 480 and 352
pixels. Changing the horizontal resolution to lower values will make the
coded picture softer.
Care should be taken to match the horizontal resolution to the resolution
of the camera connected to the transmitter; this will give best image
results.

Audio Encoder

The Audio can be turned on and off with this control. Audio is OFF by
default, but there are several audio modes that vary from very high quality
to speech grade that can be selected with this control. Enabling audio will
degrade the video quality, because some of the available data capacity is
diverted away from video to audio. Selecting high fidelity audio modes will
degrade the video quality more than lower fidelity audio modes.

Audio Input Level

This control is used to define the audio gain to be applied to the audio
input signal. 0dB is used for line level audio and various options up to
48dB of gain can be applied for microphone inputs.

Unit Name

Can be user defined. Type in name.

Sleep Mode

This control allows the unit to be forced into a Sleep Mode where
main functions are disabled, and the power consumption is significantly
reduced.

Data

Future use.

Data Baud Rate

Future use.

Chaining Input

Future use.

Chain Number

Future use.

PROGRAMMING

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

13

PROGRAMMING

Current Config

This field reports the last loaded configuration number. Note that for the
Palladium transmitter, changes applied after the configuration has been
loaded are saved immediately into the current configuration.

Scrambling

Scrambling must be enabled at the transmitter by selecting AES in the
scrambling field. At this point the user will need to ensure that the correct
key is in use and this is done by using Options/Write AES key. The key is
128 bits and is entered as 32 ASCII hexadecimal characters (0-9 and A-F).

Video Locked (Status Only)

This status information indicates whether the transmitter is successfully
locked to the incoming composite video signal. Unlocked status may
indicate cabling faults, or poor quality incoming video feeds to the unit.

Software Version (Status Only)

This status information describes the version of the software running the
transmitter product.

FPGA Version (Status Only)

Engineering use only.

Serial Number (Status Only)

This status information is the electronic serial number of the transmitter
PCB. This number can be used for upgrades or support.

Chaining (Status Only)

Future use.

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Options

Timeouts – password protected access to change timeouts used during
the serial communications between the unit and the controller.
Engineering – password protected access to further diagnostic and
calibration features.
Write License Code – open a further password protected box for entering
license codes for future use.
Change RS232 address – prompts the user to change the units RS-232
address, which can be useful when connecting multiple units together via
a multi drop RS-485 bus for control purposes.
Write AES Key – opens a dialogue box for entering a 128bit AES
scrambling key, as 32 ASCII hexadecimal characters (0…F)

Restore Defaults – restores factory default settings in the transmitter.
Polling Enabled – selecting this option makes the control application

automatically refresh the data presented to the user every few seconds.

File

Load Config – used for loading configuration data to text file.
Save Config - used for saving configuration data to text file.
Change Logfile – opens a standard Windows file save dialog box which

allows the user to change the path and name of the log file generated by
the application.
Exit – exits the control application.

PROGRAMMING

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

15

SPECIFICATIONS

Physical

Unit Dimensions
Pd-TX-1000 14 x 9 x 3.5 in (356 mm x 229 mm x 89 mm)

Environmental

Operational Temp with Heatsink -10 degrees C to 70 degrees C
Ambient Temp with Heatsink -10 degrees C to 40 degrees C

Power

Input Voltage 10 to 18 VDC
Power Consumption
Pd-TX-1000 Fully Operational ~ 2 W, Sleep Mode < 0.5 W

Control

PC Control Interface RS-232.
Memory Ten user-programmable configurations

Video Encoding

Compression Standard MPEG-2 with non-DVB modes
Chrominance Profile 4:2:0
Line Standard PAL 625 or NTSC 525
Horizontal Resolution 704, 528, 480, 352 pixels (528 as standard)
Vertical Resolution 576 (625 lines) or 480 (525 lines)
Video Bitrates 1Mbps to 10 Mbps
System Latency End to end delay of 43 milliseconds

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Audio Encoding

Input 1 Stereo or Dual Mono pair
Bitrates 7 28 kbps to 72 kbps depending on configuration
Sampling Frequency 32 kHz, 16 kHz or 8kHz
THD < 0.1% max
Response 20Hz to 6KHz, +/- 0.25dB
Crosstalk > 55 dB min
S/N 60 dB RMS

Composite Video Input

Standards NTSC (with and without pedestal) or PAL
Specification Rec. ITU-R BT.470-4
Connector Hirose
Composite PAL and NTSC decoding Eight-bit comb filtering composite decoder

Analog Audio

Analog Audio Input +10 dBu
Nominal Level +4 dBu

Data

Baud Rate Up to 115 kbaud
Connector LEMO

Scrambling

Scrambling type Fixed key scrambling system

Algorithms offered include AES.

COFDM RF output

Output Frequency Band Dependent
Occupied Bandwidth 2.5 MHz
Power 100 mW or 250 mW
Connector SMA
COFDM Standard Proprietary, 2.5 MHz channel spacing, OFDM

bandwidth of 2.44 MHz with 400 carriers.

SPECIFICATIONS

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

17

TWO YEAR WARRANTY

DTC Communications, Inc. (DTC) warrants its RF transmitting and receiving products to be free from

defects in workmanship or material for a period of two (2) years from the date of shipment unless

otherwise stated.

The liability of DTC, Inc. under this warranty is limited to replacing, repairing, or issuing credit, at

option, for any products, which are returned by the purchaser during such warranty period, provided:

DTC is notified and a Repair Authorization Number is issued by DTC Customer Service within 30 days

after discovery of such defects by Customer.

The defective units are returned to DTC with transportation charged Prepaid by the Customer.

Product damaged in shipment must be reported to and claim forms filed with the Carrier by the

Customer. In shipments to the factory, notice and claim procedures will be initiated by DTC.

DTC’s examination of such products shall disclose to its satisfaction that such defects exist and have

not been caused by misuse, misapplication, neglect, improper installation, improper storage, alteration,

The warranty shall not apply to microphones, batteries, antennas, crystals or material ordinarily

susceptible to field damage or any accessories of a disposable nature. The warranty shall not apply to

Engineering Prototypes or Customer requested modifications to electronic circuits.

This warranty does not apply to and DTC does not independently warrant items or systems sold by DTC

which are produced by other manufacturers. With respect to such items, the Customer shall look to the

warranty of the original manufacturer and DTC disclaims all warranty, expressed or implied.

Nothing in this warranty, or any statement, brochure, bulletin, or advertisement is to be interpreted as

establishing the suitability of any product for particular application or use. Applications of the product

and the determination of suitability for any application, is the sole responsibility of the Customer.

physical damage or accidents.

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Sales Representatives

Nashua Main Office Numbers

voice [phone]
toll free [phone]
fax [phone]

Director of Federal Sales

John Morgan

(Nashua Main Office Numbers)

direct voice [phone]
cell [phone]
[e-mail]

Federal Sales Manager

Marianne Caiazza

(Nashua Main Office Numbers)

direct voice [phone]
cell [phone]
[e-mail]

Federal Sales Manager

Walter Patenaude

(Nashua Main Office Numbers)

direct voice [phone]
cell [phone]
[e-mail]

REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS

Director
State & Local Agencies & International Sales

Michael Demos

(Nashua Main Office Numbers)

direct voice [phone]
cell [phone]
[e-mail]

OEM Sales Manager

Steve Chisholm

(Nashua Main Office Numbers)

direct voice [phone]
[e-mail]

State/Local Inside Sales

Karen Korza

(Nashua Main Office Numbers)

direct voice [phone]
[e-mail]

CONTACT US

Federal/International/OEM Inside Sales

Christine Guzman

(Nashua Main Office Numbers)

direct voice [phone]
[e-mail]

Surveillance Platforms

IST

toll free (888) 478 -6599
voice (954) 755- 0724
cell [phone]
[e-mail]

Canada

Dyplex Communications Ltd.

Gary Sayer
voice [phone]
fax [phone]
[e-mail]

Howard Rich

toll free [phone]
voice [phone]
fax [phone]
NY, MA, CT, RI, PA, NJ, MD, DE,
WV, DC
[e-mail]

Floyd Flowers

voice [phone]
fax [phone]
WA, OR, ID, MT, ND, WY, UT, SD

Joe Parkinson

toll free [phone]
voice [phone]
fax [phone]
CA, AZ, NV, HI, AK
[e-mail]

Ed Bryant

voice [phone]
fax [phone]
ME, NH, VT,TX, OK, AR,
LA, NM, KS, CO
[e-mail]

Gary Nichols

toll free [phone]
voice [phone]
fax [phone]
MN, WI, MI, IA, MO, IL,
IN, OH, KY, NE
[e-mail]

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Frank Prioli

toll free [phone]
voice [phone]
fax [phone]
FL, GA, AL, MS, TN, NC,
SC, VA
[e-mail]

19

486 Amherst Street • Nashua, New Hampshire 03063 • 603-880- 4411

www.dtccom.com