DTC Communications VXS250 User Manual

1/4 Watt Video Transmitter

1/4 Watt Video Transmitter

Operator Guide

Operator Guide

VBS-250 Frequency 2400-2500MHz

VBL-250 Frequency 1700-1850MHz

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:
T el: 603-880-441 1
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.dtccom.com
Email: [e-mail]

486 Amherst Street
Nashua, New Hampshire 03063
USA

Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2002
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.

Y ou will need to provide:

• Form 600 (the application 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

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

PN OP1920256 REV2

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.

RF EXPOSURE ST ATEMENT

In bodyworn deployments, when installed as directed, this equipment complies
with the FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an Occupational/Controlled
environment. Only antennas specifically designed and tested by DTC for on-body
applications should be used.
In General Population/Uncontrolled environments, proper spacing must be
maintained between the radiating surface of the antenna and any person’s body. In
the case of a simple dipole antenna with (2.1 dBi gain), a minimum spacing of 2.5"
must be maintained. In the case of gain antennas up to (17dBi), a minimum
spacing of 12.5" must be maintained.

Table of Contents

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

3

QUICK START GUIDE

VBS/VBL-250 Video Transmitter

4

6

5

7 1

3

1 Make sure that the ON/OFF switch is set to OFF. (Red dot is OFF).
2 Install 4 “AA” batteries in the internal battery compartment of the module.

(Lithium batteries are recommended)

Note: The module is power efficient, enabling 3 hours of operation.

3 Using a screwdriver, turn the channel selector to the correct transmission

channel number.

4 Connect an antenna to the ANTENNA connector on the module.
5 Connect the microphone or microphones to the MIC-1 and MIC-2 connectors

on the module.

6 Connect a video source to the Video/Multi I/O connector.
7 Slide the power switch to the ON position (Green dot is ON) to apply power to

the transmitter.

Note: While installing the batteries, observe proper polarity as printed
in the battery compartment. Reverse polarity protection is a built-in
design feature of the transmitter. If a battery is installed backwards, this
feature prevents the transmitter from powering up, without damaging
the transmitter or battery.

2

Warning: Do not apply power to
the transmitter until an antenna
has been connected in step 4.

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

VBS/VBL-250 Video Transmitter

OVERVIEW

What should you expect to receive with your 250mW Transmitter?
1 VBS/VBL Video Transmitter

1 Dipole antenna with right angle SMA connector
1 One Video and Power In “Y” cable
1 DTC programming software and cable

The VBS and VBL transmitters are small module transmitters designed for both on and off body applications. They are part of
a family of video transmitters from DTC that provide 250mW, 2 Watts and 5 Watts output power.

Feature

Programmable

Efficient Switching Power
Supply

Description

User programmable video channels, selectable in 250kHz steps. Two user
programmable audio sub carriers, selectable in 10kHz steps from 6 MHz to

7.5MHz.

• Audio sub carriers are OFF unless microphones are attached. The
transmitter automatically senses when a microphone has been attached.

• The audio sub carriers are phase locked, and will not drift into the video
signal.

• Automatic Gain Control is provided on each audio input, amplifying soft
sounds.

• They generate far less heat than a traditional video transmitters.

• They operate significantly longer than traditional video transmitters on the
same power source.

NOTE: The dipole antenna included is not recommended for normal
use! This antenna enables you to quickly set up your transmitter and
ensure proper operation. DTC highly recommends the use of
circularly polarized antennas for the best rejection of multi-path.

NOTE: DTC has provided you with a “Y” cable (power and video)
terminated with a BNC connector for your convenience.

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

5

FEATURES

Feature

Remote Switching Capability

External Power Loop Through

Encryption Option

Description

• You may turn the device ON or OFF, remotely, by attaching a switch to one

of the pins on the Multi I/O connector. DTC provides hard-wired and wireless
switches for this application.

• The power applied to the Multi I/O pin is automatically looped through the
unit, and available on a second pin to power a remote device, such as a
camera. If you apply 9 Volts in, you will get 9 Volts out.

WARNING:Make sure your camera will operate on the voltage being
supplied to the transmitter.

• The VBL/S series supports Ovation Micro ViewLock II encryption, which
adds approximately .35” to the width of the unit.

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Specifications for the Module (VBS/VBL-250)

Power Supply Internal batteries 4 “AA”lithium batteries or external 9-16Vdc.
Power Consumption 2.5 Watts (not including camera)
Battery life 3 hours
Reverse polarity

protection yes
Dimensions 2.5x4.5x0.675”
Camera Power Using external power input: Same as supply voltage,

switched (200mA max)
Using internal batteries: 5Vdc@175mA,switched (internal
regulator)

Controls 10 channel select rotary switch

Panel mounted, slide ON/OFF switch
VMx -2000 2 Watt Unit only

Connectors 2 pin Lemo: Mic 1

2 pin Lemo: Mic 2
SMA: Antenna
6 pin Multi I/O: Video in, Data in, DC input 9-16Vdc,

camera power, Remote ON/OFF, Multiplexed Data out,
Ground

Programmability Video: 2400-2500MHz (VBS-250)

1700-1850MHz (VBL-250)
250KHz resolution steps
Audio: User programmable from 6.0-7.5 MHz, in
10kHz steps

Chassis notes Machined solid aluminum with rounded edges.

Audio

General Mic level input (line level factory opt.) 50-3000Hz

Phased locked with AGC on both inputs. Sub-carrier auto
sensing, only active when microphone is attached.

Number of sub-carriers 2
Sub-carriers frequencies 6.0-7.5MHz , user programmable

SPECIFICATIONS

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Sub-carrier ON/OFF
control Subcarriers are activated when mic is connected.

Subcarrier frequency
stability +/- 0.003%, -30 to +70°C

Sub-Carrier Deviation 50kHz peak
Audio S/N 45dB min.
Frequency Response BW

= 50-3000Hz

1.5dB

Total Harmonic Distortion <2%
Input Level 8 mVpp@400Hz for 50 kHz peak dev.
Pre-Emphasis 75uS
Input Impedance 10k Ohm

Video

Video Frequency
Response BW

= 6 Hz - 5.0 MHz

1.5dB

Input Input Impedance 75 Ohms
Input Level 1V

p-p

Max.

S/N 60 dB min.
Pre-Emphasis Per CCIR 405 525 line curve
Differential Gain 5%

RF

Operating Frequency 1700-1850MHz, 250KHz resolution steps

2400-2500MHz, 250KHz resolution steps

Power output 250 mW min. @ nominal supply voltage, 25 Deg. C.

-3dB @ 3.6Vdc int

-2 dB over temp.

Output Impedance 50 Ohms
Spurs and Harmonics

output -50 dBc

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Load Pull Stability 8:1 VSWR

Frequency Stability +/- 0.003%, -30 to +50°C
Modulation Sensitivity 8MHz/V nom.
Modulation Sensitivity

Variation +/- 5% across the band
Peak Carrier Deviation 4 MHz nom.
Number of channels 10 max. (user programmable)
Sub-carrier sideband
level -28dBc, +/- 2dB
Environmental

Temperature Range -30 - +70°C
Humidity 90% (non-condensing)

Battery Drain

Battery Type With Camera Without Camera

lithium 3 Hours Min. 5 Hours Min.

Alkaline Not Recommended 3 Hours Min.

SPECIFICATIONS

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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CONNECTIONS

Channel Select Switch

CHANNEL SELECT SWITCH

Select a transmission channel by using the rotary switch located on the front
surface of the transmitter. Use a screwdriver to rotate the switch to the
desired channel number.

MATING CONNECT ORS

Lemo Male Part# (FFS.01.250.DLAE31)
DTC Male Part # (8570003)

Hirose Part# HR10A-7P-6P (02)
DTC Part # 954020

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Standard Male SMA connector

ANTENNAS

A standard SMA connector is used as the antenna connector on both the VBS/
VBL-250. Refer to a list of DTC antennas available on page 21.

TIP You may use the VBS/VBL series
transmitters with other manufacturers
antennas. Verify that they are suited for
the band you are operating in.

CHASSIS MOUNTED POWER ON/OFF SWITCH

A slide switch is provided for local control of power ON and OFF. Green dot is ON,

Red dot is OFF.

NOTE: REMOTE ON overrides the

chassis mounted ON/OFF switch.
(i.e. When the chassis mounted
power switch is set to OFF,
REMOTE ON can be used to turn
the transmitter ON.)

MICROPHONE CONNECTORS

Two connectors accommodate two microphone inputs. Each connector has two
contacts and provides power to the microphone as well as connecting the audio
signal into the transmitter. The audio sub-carriers are activated by the presence of
the microphone. If a microphone is removed, that sub-carrier is removed from the
transmit signal. Turning off the unused sub-carrier saves power and may improve
picture quality.

CONNECTIONS

Antenna Connector

On/OFF
Switch

Microphone Connectors

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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CONNECTIONS

Multi I/O Connector

MULTI I/O CONNECTOR

The multi I/O (6-pin Multi I/O) connector is mainly used as the video and external
power input connector. It also provides access to many transmitter functions, such
as:

• Programming the device

• Video in

• Power in

• Remote on

• Camera power

USING THE MULTI I/O CONNECTION FOR DIFFERENT EQUIPMENT

CONFIGURATIONS

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Pin 6: Video in

Pin 5: RS-232 in

Pin 4: Remote On,
switched to ground
multiplexed RS-232 out

NOTE: Remote On

overrides the chassis
mounted ON/OFF
switch.

Pin 1: Ground

Pin 2: Ext power input 9-16VDC

Pin 3: Camera Power Output

NOTE: Same as supply

voltage. Do not exceed
200mA.

Video In, External DC for Transmitter,
External DC for Camera and optional
Remote On

NOTE: You will need external
camera power if voltage to the
transmitter is not compatible with
your camera’s operating voltage,
and/or you need greater battery
life, and/or your camera draws
more than 200mA.

This equipment configuration shows the
video signal coming in, and an external
DC Power source for the transmitter
only at 9-16V. It is also configured with
a seperate DC power source for the
camera.The “remote on” function is
accomplished by connecting the remote
on to ground (optional feature).

USING A SEPARATE CAMERA POWER SOURCE

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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USING LOOP THROUGH, SINGLE POWER SOURCE, FOR TRANSMITTER AND CAMERA

Video In, External DC, Camera Power, and optional Remote
On

NOTE: You will need external
camera power if voltage to the
transmitter is not compatible with
camera’s operating voltage, and/
or you need greater battery life,
and/or your camera draws more
than 200mA.

This equipment configuration shows the
video signal coming in, and an external
DC Power source for the transmitter
and camera at 9-16V. The power
source for the camera is an internal
loop. The “Remote On” function is
accomplished by connecting the
Remote On to ground.

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

USING LOOP THROUGH, BATTERY POWER SOURCE, FOR TRANSMITTER AND
CAMERA

Video In, Internal Battery Power, Camera Power, and optional
Remote On

This equipment configuration shows the
video signal coming in, with an internal
battery power source loop which
powers the camera and the transmitter.
The “Remote On” function is accom­plished by connecting the Remote On
to ground.

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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USING A SEPARATE CAMERA POWER SOURCE

Video In, Battery Powered Transmitter, External Power for
Camera only and Remote On

NOTE: You will need external
camera power if voltage to the
transmitter is not compatible with
camera’s operating voltage, and/
or you need greater battery life,
and/or your camera draws more
than 200mA.

This equipment configuration uses
internal battery power for the transmit­ter and an external power source for
the camera. The video signal comes
into the transmitter. The “Remote On”
function is accomplished by connecting
the “Remote On” to ground.

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

List of Optional Accessories

Part Number Description

7011145-012 Microphone, 12” length
7011145-024 Microphone, 24” length
7011145-036 Microphone, 36” length
7011145-048 Microphone, 48” length
7011145-072 Microphone, 6’ length
7011145-144 Microphone 12’ length

4045170-024 Video In cable, Mullti-I/O to RCA(M)

with RCA/BNC adaptor, 24” standard

4045171-024 Video In/EXT Power cable, 24”standard

Video In: Multi I/O to RCA(M) with BNC
adaptor Ext. Power: 24 AWG wire
stripped and tinned leads.

COMPONENTS

NOTE: To order a custom cable length, change the-xxx
in the part number to reflect the dimension in inches.

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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COMPONENTS

List of Optional Accessories

Part Number Description

4045173 Programming cable

(Connects from the Multi I/O
connector to the DB9 connec
tor)

4045174-006 Antenna cable, SMA to TNC,

6”standard length

D cell battery pack

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTE: To order a custom cable length, change the -xxx
in the part number to reflect the dimension in inches.

List of Optional Accessories

Part Number Description

VW-ANT-2-SMA VidiWire antenna system 2.4-2.5 GHz
VW-ANT-1-SMA VidiWire antenna system 1.7-1.9 GHz

The VidiWire™ antenna system was specifically designed for video transmission
from on-body transmitters. This DTC Proprietary system provides the best possible
omnidirectional video transmission from a body-worn system. The system is
composed of three parts: two special patch-type antennas, and a phasing module.
When used in conjunction with a DynaPix™ diversity receiver system, the best
possible performance will be obtained.

WARNING: VidiWire Antennas are housed in a milled aluminum cover
which shields the wearer from RF energy. Make sure the antennas radiat­ing side is directed away from the body.

WARNING: Do not use the VidiWire antenna system on the body with any
transmitter outputting more than 250mW of RF energy.

ANT-5-PIG 5 dBi Patch Antenna

Connector: SMA or TNC Male on 18"
coax. “pigtail”.

DTC has developed a series of circularly polarized patch antennas for use in the

2.0 to 2.5 GHz indoor and short-term outdoor installations. The ANT-5-P is a 5dbi
gain, 90 degree wide beamwidth, antenna, mounted on a 0.125 in. thick aluminum
plate. Typical uses include disguised transmitters (i.e. tissue box), and vehicular­mounted transmitter antennas and in a variety of receive applications.

ANTENNAS

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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ANTENNAS

List of Optional Accessories

Part Number Description

ANT-VIL Dipole Antenna 1.70-1.85 GHz with

right angle SMA adaptor

ANT-VIS Dipole Antenna 2.4-2.5 GHz with

right angle SMA adaptor

The ANT-VIL/S is a 1/2 wave coaxial dipole portable duck antenna. It can be
mounted directly to the video transmitter, or at a right angle using the adaptor
provided.

7011129 ANT-2 2dB: Dipole 1.7-1.85GHz

*Must be used with SMA to TNC
antenna cable (4045174-006).

7011131 ANT-2 2dB: Dipole 2.4-2.5 GHz*Must

be used with SMA to TNC antenna

cable (4045174-006).
ANT-2 is a rugged, lightweight linearly polarized dipole for use in the 2.4 to 2.5
GHz and 1.7-1.85 GHz bands. It can be mounted at the end of a cable with a
compatible connector. This antenna is ground plane independent.

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

ANT-109

DTC has developed a series of circularly polarized panel antennas for use in
wideband transmit and receive applications from 1.7 to 2.7 GHz.
The ANT-10-R is a very wide bandwidth, unidirectional log-spiral array. This
antenna has useful gain, with some sidelobe variation, to 4 GHz.
It can be mounted to a wall or swivel mounted with the MAF-1 grip on two sur­faces, via two pairs of “1¦4-20” tapped holes located in the rear center and the
bottom center of the aluminum housing. The front of the
antenna is a radome made of a polycarbonate material. The antenna is suitable for
indoor and short-term outdoor use. It must be protected for extended outdoor use
and installations since it is not waterproof.

dBic Wideband Panel
Connector: TNC Female

ANTENNASPart Number Description

ANT-17-R

DTC developed this very high gain RHCP antenna for the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz band. It
provides unidirectional broadside coverage. Unlike conventional Yagi antennas,
this antenna is especially suitable for wall mounting. This panel antenna is useful
in long-range receive applications, applications in high, multi-path environments,
where it is impractical or impossible to mount a dish antenna.

17 dBic Directional Patch Array
Connector: TNC Male on 18" coax.
“pigtail”

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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PROGRAMMING

Introduction

DTC has built in a lot of flexibility in the programming options you have on the
VBL and VBS series transmitters. You can choose to use some, all or none of
this flexibility.

When you order a VBL or VBS transmitter, DTC will factory program your
frequencies at no additional charge to you. You may want to place a sticker
over the rotary switch on the chassis, so users in the field don’t attempt to
change frequencies. This is often the best path for state and local agencies
with limited frequencies available to them.

DTC will also provide you with free software and a free programming cable,
enabling you to change your video frequencies and their associated audio sub­carriers. This ideal if you often work with other agencies, or anticipate the
equipment being used by a multi-jurisdictional task force. You can program up
to ten channel settings per unit. In general, this allows you to program most
variations you might encounter in the field at the depot level.

As a practical matter, your VBL or VBS transmitter’s video frequencies and
audio sub-carriers will be dictated by the frequency and sub-carriers(s) of your
receiver and/or repeater. In many cases, these devices are crystal controlled
or have few channel options.

TIP: Make sure that you program
your transmitter to match the
frequencies and audio sub­carriers or your receiver, and test
the components as a system
prior to going into the field!

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Installing DTC Universal Programming Software on your PC

NOTE: Uninstall any previous versions by going to Add/Remove Pro­grams, clicking on DTC Universal Programming, and clicking on uninstall.

1 Click on Start, click on run.
2 Click on the Browse button.
3 Click on or find your CD drive.
4 Install the JAVA Runtime Environment Application first (CD provided).
5 Follow the install wizard screens.
6 Install the Universal Programming software next (floppy provided).
7 Click on Start, click on run.
8 Click on the Browse Button.
9 Click on your floppy drive.
10 Double click on the setup.
11 Follow the install wizard screens.
12 Your programming software is installed.

PROGRAMMING

DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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PROGRAMMING

Programming

1 Make sure the video transmitter ON/OFF. The red dot is OFF.
2 Make sure the transmitter has an antenna installed into the antenna

connector prior to programming.

3 Install the programming cable into the Multi I/O connector on the transmit-

ter

4 Connect the programming cable into a power source.
5 Plug the serial cable of the programming cable into the COM1 or COM2

port of your computer and turn the

transmitter switch to ON. The green dot is ON.

6 Select Start, programs, DTC communications on your computer.
7 The system allows you to select device COM1 or COM2, depending on

which serial port you are connected to.

8 Follow the instructions on the DTC Universal Programming screens to

begin the download process.

9 The frequency settings that are currently in your transmitter are down-

loaded to your computer.

10 Click on the “Tx Channel” tab in the programmer screen.
11 Select a channel and click on the Edit Channel button to change settings.
12 Enter your new frequency and settings.
13 To change any of the MIC-2 or MIC-1 settings, click on the settings

provided, then click OK.

14 Click on the Upload button to upload your new settings to the transmitter.

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DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Your new settings have been installed.

486 Amherst Street • Nashua, New Hampshire 03063 • 603-880- 4411 www.dtccom.com