ITB ARCHIMEDE 3000 Operating Manual

Italian Technology of Broadcast

User's Manual
ARCHIMEDE 3000 AR
432
Page 1 of 40

ARCHIMEDE 3000

Operating Manual

Via Casale 3/A

20144 Milano Italy

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Website: www.italab.it

ITALAB reserves the right to revise and change any and all information included in this document.

Ediz./Rev.

Data

(gg/mm/aa)

Motivo

Approvato da:

ARC3000 -A/00

20/06/2011

First Edition

M.N.

ARC3000-A/00

18/09/2014

Second Edition

M.N.

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Page 2 of 40

Warranty

Italab product is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of TWO YEARS from
date of shipment. The standard warranty may be extended beyond the two-year period. A record of warranty

extensions is listed on sales orders of each product purchased. Standard warranty conditions apply to
extended warranty period.

During warranty Italab will repair or replace product proved to be faulty prior to authorization. The warranty
validation only applies if product is returned to Italab after release of Return of Merchandise Authorization and
provided that maintenance procedures are followed as listed in the manual. Warranty does not cover repair
resulting from product carelessness, incorrect or improper use.

NO OTHER WARRANTY APPLIES

ITALAB IS NOT LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM PRODUCT MISUSE
ITALAB DOES NOT GUARANTEE ERROR-FREE EQUIPMENT, UNINTERRUPTED OPERATION, FIRMWARE OR
FIRMWARE BUGS.

If your Equipment needs repairing call Italab promptly and ask for customer service department. It is important
to contact Italab immediately since many problems may be quickly solved over the phone or by e-mail. Please
have your Serial Number ready before you contact Italab and clearly explain the nature of your problem. Once
we acknowledge your Equipment needs service, we will send you an electronic form to fill in with your name,
address, phone number, e-mail and an accurate description of problem or failure. We will issue an RMA
number.
Send the unit with prepaid shipment to the indicated maintenance lab and place the Equipment in the original
box or a suitable container to protect product from damage. Italab will not be responsible for damage incurred
during shipping. Please ensure RMA number is clearly marked onto shipping container. Our standard terms are
to fix or repair Equipment within five working days. If Equipment requires parts ordering or more than five
working days, Italab technical service will contact you. We also provide service for Equipment if warranty has
expired. Please, follow the same instructions described above, but tick in the “not in warranty” box.
Warranty is valid on condition that proper maintenance procedures have been complied with, as listed in the

manual. Damage caused by product misuse is NOT covered by warranty.

Warranty Service

The ARCHIMEDE 3000 is a high reliability equipment. Nevertheless, as any equipment which works 24 hours a
day for years, some failures are possible. Because the reparation of the modules, inside the Amplifier, is very
difficult on the field, we suggest in the event of any failure to contact our service.

ITALAB Via Casale 3/A 20144 Milano Italy
Phone: [phone] - Fax: [phone]

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User's Manual
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Page 3 of 40

Table of Contents

page

Warranty

2

Safety Instructions

4

System overview

6

Technical features

7

Front Panel

8

Rear panel

9

Internal overview

10

Installation to start up

11

System start up

12

System block diagram and Internal Connections

13

Circuit description

14/15

RF amplifier box
CPU board
Analog board
Led board
Lcd display
Power supply

14
14
15
15
15
15

LCD display screens

16

Power on
Start of transmission
Stop sequence

16
16
17

LCD display alarm screens

18

FWR alarm
SWR alarm
Temperature alarm

18
18
19

User Programming

20

Programming clock
Programming language
Programming name
Programming exit

21
22
23
24

Schematic drawings and BOM

25

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Safety Instructions

To maximize user safety and ensure the device to operate correctly , all instructions contained in this section
should be read carefully.

OPERATING CONDITIONS

This Equipment operates with:

 AC 50÷60 Hz power source of between 190-265 V
 temperature range from 0 up to 40°C.
 Maximum altitude of 4000 m

ATTENTION : hazardous voltages are present inside the Equipment. ONLY AUTHORIZED AND QUALIFIED

PERSONNEL CAN REMOVE PARTS OF THE EQUIPMENT

GROUND THE AMPLIFIER

To minimize shock hazard, the Amplifier chassis must be connected to an electrical ground through the AC
power mains cable, with the third wire ( yellow green ) connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the
power outlet. Any interruption of the grounding conductor will cause a potential shock hazard that could result
in personal injury. If the Amplifier is powered by any other source, make sure that the chassis is connected to a
separate safety ground

DO NOT OPERATE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE

Operation of the ARCHIMEDE 3000 in presence of flammable gasses or fumes can endanger persons
proximate to the site of operation.

DO NOT REPAIR THE ARCHIMEDE

Component maintenance, replacement and internal adjustments must be made only by ITB qualified service
personnel.

Fuses

In the event of fuses failure, only fuses with the same required current, voltage rating, and specified type
should be used. Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuse holders.

Output Connector

The “7/16” output connector carries dangerously high RF voltages that could cause shock and burn hazards.
Never operate the Amplifier without properly connecting the output connector in either an adequately rated
load or antenna.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

A sudden discharge of electrostatic electricity can destroy static-sensitive devices or micro-circuits. Proper
grounding techniques are necessary precautions to prevent damage. Always take industry-standard
precautions.

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General Safety Rules

 The device must be used in accordance with the instructions for use.
 Electrical installations in the room must correspond to the requirements of safety regulations.
 Take care that there are no cables, especially mains cables, in areas where people could move or work.
 Do not use a mains connection in sockets shared by other power consumers. Do not use an extension

cable.

 Only use the mains cable supplied. In the case it is not long enough, only use a cable with the same

characteristics as the one provided to assemble a longer one.

 The unit is completely disconnected from the power source only when the power cord is removed from

power source. Therefore the power cord and its connectors must always remain easily accessible.

 Do not set up the device in the proximity of heat sources or in a damp location.
 Make sure that the device has adequate ventilation.
 The Amplifier should not be used near water and objects filled with liquids should not be placed on the

appliance.

 The Amplifier should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper

ventilation. For example, the device should not be placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or
cabinet that may stop the flow of air through the ventilation openings.

 All plugs on the connection cables must be screwed or locked to the chassis housing.
 The device is designed to be used in horizontal position only.
 The device is no longer safe to operate when has visible damage or it hasn’t been working for long time.
 In case of technical problems or a few elements of doubt, Italab will help you with the support of

qualified technical personnel.

 In case of system failure or visible damage, the device must be shut down.
 Repairs may only be carried out by a person authorized by ITALAB.
 The ARCHIMEDE 3000 must be switched off and the power cord disconnected from the AC source when

removing the top cover.

Climatic Conditions

In order to have the best performance in term of power, life span, etc, the following parameters must be
respected:

 the room temperature should be in a range of 25° C and 30°C .
 The humidity shall be less than 70% and non-condensing.

The Equipment will work beyond the parameters specified, but Italab will not guarantee the continuous service
and, in any case, with temperatures higher than 50°inside the Equipment, the standby procedure will
automatically start. The room must have a good ventilation to ensure that the inside temperature never
exceeds the limit of 40 °C. If the Equipment is included in a rack, the rear of this should not be closed. If it is
necessary to close the rear of the device, a forced ventilation and air extraction must be provided.

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User's Manual
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Page 6 of 40

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

This document, ARCHIMEDE 3000 guidebook , provides instructions on how to install, start up and perform
controls on the 3000 Watt ARCHIMEDE FM Broadcast Transmitter (see photo below), an easy-to use and
versatile system used in stand-alone mode.
The information on this manual is intended for an experienced system operator with a knowledge of high­performance broadcast transmission systems. The ARCHIMEDE 3000 is designed to fit a standard 19” rack.

ARCHIMEDE 3000 is a broadband amplifier operating from 87.5 to 108 MHz. The RF part consists of 3
amplifying units (AMP1000 - FM) that can deliver full power to 3750 watts in continuous service. However,
since the philosophy of Italab is to allow all components of a product “not to work in stressful
conditions ," the full power of work has been limited to 3000 watts at full speed, this ensures a good
reliability without stress.

The Radiofrequency part (including a pallet, a low-pass filter and the input / output directional coupler)is
inserted in a box and shielded from all other components that complement this Equipment.

The switching power supply, extremely compact and of excellent quality, is oversized for its final use.

The ARCHIMEDE 3000 is run entirely by a powerful microprocessor that in real time controls all the important
functions for an efficient work (ventilation, temperatures of the RF part, temperature of incoming and inner
air, output power and reflected power).

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TECHNICAL FEATURES

Technology

• Solid state power MOSFET technology

• Master control by microprocessor with stored program

RF SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….87.5 ÷ 108 MHz
Input Power…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………15-17 Watts Max
Output Power………………………………………………………………………………………..……………...0 ÷ 3000 Watts
Harmonics…………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………….≤ - 70 dBc
Output Connector…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………7/16 “
Input Connector………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….N type

OTHER

Voltage Input………………………………………………………………………………………………………….190 ÷ 265 Vac
Current Input………………………………………………………………………………….……………………25 A÷ & 230Vac
Protections…………………………………………………………………………….……Overload, VSWR and Temperature
Cooling………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………….Forced Air
Working Ambient Temperature ……………………………………………………………………………………….0 ÷ +40 °C
Storage Temperature……………………………………………………………………………………...………… -10 ÷ +60 °C
Umidity……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..90 %
Control System……………………………………………………………………………………...2 buttons, 4x20 LCD display
Dimension…………………………………………………………………………………………………3 unity rack 19", 530mm
Weigh……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………….26 Kg
Box Material…………………………………………………………………………………………………...Alodyne Aluminium

The user must obtain a license before using the product in the intended country of use. Ensure respective
country licensing requirements are complied with. Limitations of use can be applied in respect of operating
frequency, transmitter power and/or channel spacing. Italab is not criminally and civilly liable for a not-legally
authorized use.

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FRONT PANEL

1

RF TEST (SMA connector output signal test– 60dBc ÷ 3 dB ) option

2

STOP button

Stop button

3

START button

Start button

4

Led ST.BY

Standby status led

5

Led On AIR

Power broadcast led

6

Led BLOCK

Spy Led block

7

Led TEMP

Alarm led for overheating

8

Led RF OUT

Spy Led RF out

9

Led REFL

Spy Led refl

10

DISPLAY

Operation display

DESCRIPTION

LED SWR: Blinking: indicates that the output RF power is being limited in order to reduce the

reflected power

Steady light: indicates that the reflected power is greater than 12% of the nominal power

of the Equipment

LED PWR: Blinking: indicates that the Equipment is limiting the output power in order not to exceed

the nominal power.

Steady light: indicates that the output power is greater than the nominal power

LED TEMP: Steady light: indicates that the sensors, placed inside the Equipment, detect a

temperature of the apparatus or pallet higher than the safety parameters.

LED INHIBIT: Blinking: indicates that the CPU is reducing the bias voltage to the MOSFET.

LED ON AIR: Blinking: indicates that the Amplifier is operating but there is no output signal over 15%

nominal maximum.

Steady light: indicates that the Equipment is deriving the output power

LED ST.BY: Steady light: indicates that the Amplifier is in stand-by mode.

STOP BUTTON: Pushing the button the Amplifier will go on standby mode and the output auxiliary power

supply will be suspended

START BUTTON: Pushing the button the pallet will go on operating mode and output auxiliary power

supply will be received

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REAR PANEL OF EQUIPMENT

1

Hot air extraction from power supply

option

2

RF Output Connector

3

RF Input Connector

4

220 Vac control output for the transmitter ( Max 1 A. )

5

Ground connector

6

A.C. mains input 220 Volt

7

A.C. mains input 220 Volt

8

Switch disconnector

9

Extraction of hot air RF section

10

Extraction of hot air RF section

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INTERNAL OVERVIEW OF EQUIPMENT

3

2

1

6

5

4

1

COLD AIR INPUT GRID

option

2

COLD AIR INPUT VANS

3

RF BOX

4

INTERFACE RF BOX

5
6

CPU
POWER SUPPLIES ( these may change from model to model)

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INSTALLATION TO THE START UP

For any questions or technical problems you may encounter during the installation phase, the ITALAB technical
staff will be at your complete disposal to solve the problem. Please do not produce any change that may
damage the Device .

Before mounting the Amplifier, check that in the room intended for the installation:

• dust is not excessive

• no deposits of harsh chemicals are present (chlorine, sulfur, etc..)

• any heat source (radiators, hot air ventilation etc.) must be at least 2 meters;

• the room temperature must not exceed the limits between 0 and +40 ° C with a relative humidity no

higher than 90% non-condensing.

After removing the Amplifier out of the packaging, verify that no damages have occurred during shipment.

Electrical connections

• The connection with main power at 230 Vac must be done through the cable shipped with the Amplifier

or with a three conductor cable and minimum conductor section 2.5 mm square.

• For safety is a good rule to have a dedicated cord of 2.5 mm square coming from main panel to wall

outlet with a proper thermal-magnetic circuit breaker.

• Check that the ON/OFF switch on the rear panel of Amplifier is on OFF position

• Plug the AC power cord into the AC power socket on the rear panel of Amplifier

• Plug the other end of the AC power cord into a wall outlet

• Connect the AC power cord of the exciter to the female wall outlet on the rear panel of Amplifier. This is

powered only when the Amplifier is in broadcasting mode.

• The max power absorption allowed is 230W/1A

RF connection

• Connect the coaxial antenna cable with impedance of 50 Ω to the RF output connector ( 7/16” ) on the

rear panel of Amplifier

• Connect the RF output of exciter to RF input connector of Amplifier with coax cable with impedance of

50 Ω

Final check for start-up procedure

Before starting the procedure check the following points for security:

That the Amplifier has the GROUND connection

That the Vac 230 with its circuit breaker is correctly connected to the Amplifier

That the AC power cord of exciter is correctly connected to the Amplifier

That the antenna cable is correctly connected at the Amplifier

That the RF cable from exciter to the Amplifier is correctly connected

Verify that the input power is not greater than 2 watts. The device will maintain constant the
output power even in the presence of a greater power input. Excessive power input will
damage the Equipment.

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SYSTEM START UP

When the power switch is turned on, some seconds are necessary before the system starts because the power
supply has a long start-up time in order to prevent overloading.
The display will then show the start-up procedure of the Amplifier and this will be ready for
transmission. With the ON AIR led blinking, slowly increase the exciter output power until you reach
the required transmission power and in any case not greater than 3000 Watts. When the display shows an
output of 150 watts, the ON AIR led stops blinking.
If the output power exceeds 3000 watts, the PWR led will blink and automatically the Mosfet bias voltage is
reduced in order to maintain the output power in the safety parameters. It is therefore useless to increase the
driving to have more power output.
By keeping on increasing the driving, you can damage the RF power Mosfet which is no covered by warranty, a
part from the warranty of the manufacturer.

Do not remove the AC power without first having performed the stop procedure , because if the Amplifier is still
connected to input power when is removed, this could damage the Equipment.

The installation of the Amplifier is now completed and the correct operation is indicated on the display showing
the following values:

• ARCHIMEDE 3000

• OUT POWER up to 3000 Watt

• REF POWER NORM.

And in the fourth line of the display will be displayed alternately:

 The temperature of the pallet (MAX 85°C) and of the input air ( MAX 45°C)
 Date and time

It is mandatory to provide adequate ventilation to the Equipment to maintain its internal temperature as low as
possible, in a recommended range of 5÷35° C. Even if the Equipment may work until 40°C his life expectancy
will be impaired by excessive temperature.
Vents in the walls and any other opening shall be fitted with a metal grating to keep away rodents and other
animals. Proper air filtering avoid dust and insects to be conveyed in the internal equipment causing over
temperature alarm. Make absolutely certain that the floor cannot be flooded during heavy rainfall. Even
moisture and/or dust may cause condensation build-up in the Amplifier. This can trigger destructive electric
arcs during the switch on/off system and thus cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.