Microwave Radio Communications CodeRunner 4 Operator's Manual

CodeRunner 4

Table of Contents

Section 1 - System Overview

Section 2 - System Installation

Section 3 - Operating Controls

Section 4 - Troubleshooting

Analog & Digital

Central Receiver

Section 5 - Remote Operation

Section 6 - Media Switch

Appendix A - Receiver Interconnections

Appendix B - Frequencies

Appendix C - Modules

Appendix D - Antenna Configurations

Document: 400438-1
Revision J September 2007

Operator’s Guide

PROPRIETARY NOTICE

The information and design contained within this manual was originated by and is the property of
Microwave Radio Communications (MRC). Microwave Radio Communications reserves all
patent proprietary design, manufacturing, reproduction use, and sales rights thereto, and to any
articles disclosed therein, except to the extent rights are expressly granted to others. The
foregoing does not apply to vendor proprietary parts.

To allow for the introduction of design improvements, specifications are subject to change
without notice.

©2007 Microwave Radio Communications

Printed in the U.S.A.

September 2007

Revision Date

A February 2000

B March 2000

C July 2000

D January 2001

E July 2001

F July 2002 ECO 2137

G October 2002 ECO 2195

H October 2002 ECO 2222

J September 2007

Microwave Radio Communications
101 Billerica Avenue – Bldg 6
North Billerica, MA 01862-1256
USA

TEL: [phone]

978.671.5700
FAX: [phone]

Safety Precautions

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

Use the following table to interpret how to distinguish between Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

Warning

Caution

Note

Safety Symbols

The following safety symbols are used in this manual:

Gives information which, if strictly observed, will prevent personal injury or death, damage to personal
property, or the environment.

Gives information which, if strictly followed, will prevent damage to equipment or other goods.

Provides supplementary information.

WARNING:

Risk of Electric Shock

WARNING:

General Warning

Risk of Danger

CAUTION:

Electrostatic Discharge.

.

Possible Damage to Equipment

Nomenclature and Markings

Fuse - Identifies fuse boxes or their locations.

Frame or Chassis Ground - Identifies the frame ground

terminal.

Earth Ground - Identifies the earth ground terminal.

Protective Earth Ground - Identifies any terminal which is

intended for connection to an external conductor for
protection against electric shock in case of a fault, or the
terminal of a protective earth ground electrode.

.

Important Safeguards

Warning:

1. Read all of these instructions.

2. Save these instructions for later use.

3. Follow all warnings and instructions
marked on the units.

Read Instructions - All safety and
operating instructions should be carefully

1

read before operating the equipment.

Retain Instructions - The safety and
operating instructions should be retained

2

and stored in a convenient place for future

reference.

Heed Warnings - All warnings on this
equipment, and in the operating instructions

3

should be strictly adhered to.

Follow Instructions - All operating and user
instructions should be properly

4

implemented for optimum and safe

performance.

Cleaning - Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleaners. Instead, use only a damp

5

cloth for cleaning.

Attachments - Do not use attachments not
authorized by Microwave Radio

6

Communications. Using unauthorized
attachments may create safety hazards or damage
the equipment.

Water and Moisture - Indoor equipment is

not designed to withstand water or moisture

7

beyond the limits noted in the product
specifications.

Accessories - Do not place equipment on

an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or

8

table. The product could fall, causing
serious personnel injury or damage the equipment.
Use only equipment recommended by Microwave
Radio Communications. When mounting or installing
the equipment, follow the manufacturer's
instructions.

Grounding or Polarization - AC powered

10

This plug fits into a standard, grounded power outlet.
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
grounded plug.

11

equipment items. Pay particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the point
where they enter and exit the equipment.

12

can result in fire or electric shock.

13

following conditions occur:

1. If the power supply cord or plug has been

2. If liquid has been spilled in the equipment, or

3. If the equipment does not operate normally by

When the equipment exhibits a distinct change in
performance indicating the need for service.

14

Unauthorized substitutions could result in fire,
electric shock, or damage to the equipment.

versions of this product are equipped with a
3-wire plug with an integral grounding pin.

Power Cord Protection - Power supply
cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by other

Object or Liquid Entry - Never spill liquids
or insert objects of any kind through
openings in the equipment. Such actions

Damage Requiring Service - Unplug the
radio product from the power outlet and
contact service personnel when the

damaged.

objects have fallen into the equipment.

following the operating instructions and
adjusting only those controls that are covered by
the operating instructions. Improperly adjusting
or tampering with controls not covered in the
operating instructions may result in damage to
the equipment or require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the radio to its
normal operation.

Replacement Parts - When replacing
parts is required, use only parts authorized
by Microwave Radio Communications.

Power Sources - The equipment should be

operated only from the type of power source

9

indicated on the unit, or in the operating
instructions. For 220 VAC operation, the proper
power cord must be used.

Safety Check - Upon completing any

15

determine that the equipment is in proper operating
condition.

service or repairs to the equipment, ensure
that safety checks are performed to

Table of Contents

1 System Overview .............................................................................................................1-1

Figure 1-1 CodeRunner 4 Block Diagram....................................................................... 1-2

Figure 1-2 Front Panel..................................................................................................... 1-3

Figure 1-3 Rear Panel Connections - Typical.................................................................. 1-3

2 System Installation ..........................................................................................................2-1

2.1 Unpacking and Handling ........................................................................................................2-1

2.1.1 Inspection ........................................................................................................................2-1

2.1.2 Damage in Shipment ....................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Installation Prerequisites ........................................................................................................2-2

Figure 2-1 Rack Clearances – Top View......................................................................... 2-2

2.2.1 Grounding the Equipment Rack ......................................................................................2-3

2.3 Rack Installation .....................................................................................................................2-4

Figure 2-2 Rack Installation ............................................................................................ 2-4

2.4 Equipment Rack Installation ..................................................................................................2-4

Table 2-1 Equipment Rack Specifications ..................................................................... 2-4

Figure 2-3 Equipment Rack Template............................................................................. 2-5

Figure 2-4 Equipment Rack – Front View ...................................................................... 2-6

2.5 Initial Power-up Procedure .....................................................................................................2-6

3 Operating Controls ..........................................................................................................3-1

3.1 Common Key Functions ......................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Receiver Screens ....................................................................................................................3-1

Figure 3-1 Receiver Screens............................................................................................ 3-1

3.2.1 Main Screen .....................................................................................................................3-2

Figure 3-2 Main Screen ................................................................................................... 3-2

3.2.2 Menu Screen .................................................................................................................... 3-3

Figure 3-3 Menu Screen ................................................................................................. 3-3

3.2.3 Remote Control Menu .....................................................................................................3-4

Figure 3-4 Remote Control Menu.................................................................................... 3-4

3.2.4 Configuration Screen .......................................................................................................3-5

Figure 3-5 Configuration Screen ..................................................................................... 3-5

3.2.5 Modify Channel Plan Screen ...........................................................................................3-5

Figure 3-6 Modify Channel Plan Screen ......................................................................... 3-5

3.2.6 RF Tray Screen ................................................................................................................3-6

Figure 3-7 RF Tray Screen .............................................................................................. 3-6

3.2.7 Power Supply Status Screen ............................................................................................ 3-7

Figure 3-8 Power Supply Status Screen .......................................................................... 3-7

3.2.8 Digital Demodulator Screen ............................................................................................3-8

Figure 3-9 Digital Demodulator Screen .......................................................................... 3-8

3.2.9 Video Demodulator Screen ............................................................................................. 3-9

Figure 3-10 Video Demodulator Screen.......................................................................... 3-9

3.2.10 Audio Screen .................................................................................................................3-10

Figure 3-11 Audio Screen.............................................................................................. 3-10

4 Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................................4-1

4.1 Front Panel Indicators .............................................................................................................4-1

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v

Figure 4-1 Front Panel LEDs........................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 System Alarms ........................................................................................................................4-2

Figure 4-2 Main Screen .................................................................................................. 4-2

Table 4-1 System Alarms ................................................................................................ 4-2

4.3 Replacing the Fuse .................................................................................................................4-3

Figure 4-3 CodeRunner 4 Rear Panel - Typical ............................................................. 4-3

5 Remote Operation ...........................................................................................................5-1

5.1 Local and Remote Operation ..................................................................................................5-1

5.2 Command Inputs to the Remote Connector ...........................................................................5-2

Table 5-1 Remote Interface Connections ........................................................................ 5-2

5.2.1 Control Functions ............................................................................................................5-3

Table 5-2 RF Channel Selection...................................................................................... 5-3

Table 5-3 Offset Selection, – Active High ...................................................................... 5-3

Table 5-4 Band Select – Active High .............................................................................. 5-3

Table 5-5 IF Bandwidth Select – Active High ................................................................ 5-3

Table 5-6 Squelch Control – Active High ....................................................................... 5-4

Table 5-7 Digital Mode Select/Active High.................................................................... 5-4

Table 5-8 Digital Mode Select/Active High.................................................................... 5-4

5.2.2 Vdc Bias Supply ..............................................................................................................5-4

5.2.2.1 Ground .....................................................................................................................5-4

5.2.3 Status Outputs – Remote Connector J7 ...........................................................................5-4

5.2.3.1 Receiver Signal Strength Indication - Analog .........................................................5-4

5.2.3.2 Remote Mode Status ................................................................................................ 5-4

5.2.3.3 Squelch Alarm ..........................................................................................................5-4

6 Media Switch ....................................................................................................................6-1

6.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................6-1

Figure 6-1 Media Switch Block Diagram........................................................................ 6-1

6.2 Mounting the Media Switch ...................................................................................................6-2

Figure 6-2 Media Switch on CR4 Rear Panel ................................................................. 6-2

6.3 Media Switch Connections .....................................................................................................6-2

Figure 6-3 Media Switch Connections ............................................................................ 6-2

6.4 System Interconnection ..........................................................................................................6-3

Figure 6-4 System Interconnection.................................................................................. 6-3

6.5 Harness Assemblies ................................................................................................................6-4

Figure 6-5 Power & IF Control Harness (907008).......................................................... 6-4

Figure 6-6 Audio Harness (906978) ................................................................................ 6-4

A Receiver Interconnections ............................................................................................A-1

A.1 Cabinet Connections .............................................................................................................. A-1

Figure A-1 CodeRunner Rear Panel Connectors - Typical ............................................ A-1

A.2 Remote Interface Connector ..................................................................................................A-2

Table A-1 Remote Interface Connections (J7) ............................................................... A-2

Table A-2 Serial Port (J8)............................................................................................... A-3

Table A-3 Summary Alarm (J3) ..................................................................................... A-3

Table A-4 Rx Status (J13) .............................................................................................. A-3

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CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide

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Figure A-2 Receiver Interconnection Diagram - RF Shelf............................................. A-4

Figure A-3 Receiver Interconnection Diagram - Backplane .......................................... A-5

B Frequencies ....................................................................................................................B-1

B.1 Channel Frequencies ............................................................................................................. B-1

Table B-1 2 GHz Channel Guide (17 MHz Channel Plan) ............................................ B-1

Table B-2 2 GHz Channel Guide (12 MHz BAS Channel Plan) ................................... B-2

Table B-3 7 GHz Channel Guide.................................................................................... B-2

Table B-4 13 GHz Channel Selection Guide.................................................................. B-3

C Modules .........................................................................................................................C-1

Figure C-1 Receiver Components - Top View ............................................................... C-1

C.1 Rx Video Demodulator .......................................................................................................... C-2

Figure C-2 Rx Video Demodulator Adjustments .......................................................... C-2

C.2 Audio SubCarrier Motherboard ............................................................................................. C-3

Figure C-3 Audio Subcarrier Motherboard ................................................................... C-3

D Antenna Configurations ................................................................................................D-1

D.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... D-1

Figure D-1 Central Receive - Analog/Digital ................................................................ D-1

Figure D-2 Central Receive with Analog/Digital Media Switch.................................... D-2

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CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide

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Preface

Purpose

This manual explains how to install, operate, and configure the MRC CodeRunner 4 Central Receiver.

Audience

This manual is intended for qualified installers and service technicians who need to perform the
following tasks:

• Install the receiver in a standard rack mount.

• Power up and configure the system for either analog or digital system configurations.

• Troubleshoot common system problems.

For commonly used abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary on page x.

Related Documents

• MAC-1000 Master Antenna Controller

• ASC-140 Slave Antenna Controller

• MRC 2000 Antenna Controller

• ProScan Antenna

• MicroScan Antenna

• UltraScan Antenna

• SectorScan Antenna

• Ellipse CR Antenna

• Sector CR Antenna

• Omnipole Antenna

Customer Service

Customer Service Hours: Monday through Thursday

8 AM to 7 PM, Eastern Time (US)
Friday
8 AM to 5 PM, Eastern Time (US)

Telephone: [phone] (Press 3)

978-671-5700 (Press 3)

Fax: [phone]

Technical Support

Technical Support Service Hours: Monday through Friday

8 AM to 7 PM

Telephone: [phone] (Press 4)

978-671-5700 (Press 4)

Fax: [phone]

After regular business hours and on weekends and holidays, you can also reach our expert staff as
follows:

Telephone: [phone]

Your call will be automatically forwarded to the on-call Technical Support Specialist.

CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide 400438-1

Rev. J

ix

Preface

When contacting Customer Service or Technical Support, please have the following
information available:

• Model number and serial number of the unit.

• Approximate purchase date.

• Unit identification markings and revision.

• Be prepared to accurately describe the problem.

Glossary

This section describes commonly used acronyms and abbreviations used in
telecommunications and those specific to MRC Broadcast Products Group.

Term Definition

ØLK Phase Lock

3RU 3 Rack Unit height

A & C Alarm and Control

ADPCM Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation

AFC Automatic Frequency Control

AGC Automatic Gain Control

AIS Alarm Indication Signal (all one’s)

AMI Alternate Mark Inversion, line code format for traffic data.

AVG Average

B8ZS Bipolar 8 Zero Substitution, line code format for traffic data.

BB Baseband

BER Bit Error Rate

BNC Bayonet lock coaxial connector

BPF Band Pass Filter

BPS Bits per second

CCITT International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee, a

telecommunications standardizing committee of the ITU.

Composite A band or grouping of frequencies and/or subcarriers, including video,

occupied by the signal in a radio transmission system. Same as
baseband signal.

dB Decibel

dBm A unit of measurement referenced to one milliwatt.

DMUX,
DEMUX

Duplex A channel capable of transmitting information simultaneously in either

E1 2.048 Mbps traffic rate

EIA Electronic Industries Association, an industry association that

EMC Electromagnetic compatibility

Demultiplexer

direction

establishes various standards.

x

CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide 400438-1 Rev. J

Preface

Term Definition

EOW Engineering Order Wire

ERRS Errors

ESD Electrostatic discharge

FCC Federal Communications Commission, the United State's

communications regulatory agency.

FIFO First in, first out buffer

FIR Finite Impulse Response

FLR MRC's model designation for frequency modulated (FM) remodulating

radio systems from 2 to 15 GHz. FLR2 is the 2 GHz band version;
FLR4, the 4 GHz band version, etc.

FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array

GND Ground

H/W Hardware

HDB3 High Density Bipolar 3 line code format for traffic data

HPF High Pass Filter

I In phase

ID Identification

IF Intermediate Frequency

IRE 1. Institute of Radio Engineers, an international professional radio

engineering association that establishes various standards.

2. A unit of measurement, established by the IRE, in which 1 IRE Unit
=.00714 volts peak-to-peak (Vp-p) and 140 IRE units equals 1 Vp-p.

Kbps Kilobits per second

KHz Kilo (1,000) cycles per second

LCD Liquid Crystal Display

Lcl Local

LED Light emitting diode

LO Local Oscillator

LOS Loss of Signal

LPF Low Pass Filter

Mbps Megabits per second

MHz Million (1,000,000) cycles per second

MRC Microwave Radio Communications

MUX Multiplexer

NRZ Near Return to Zero

PER Parity Error Rate

PLL Phase Lock Loop

Q Quadature phase

QPSK Quadrature Phase Shift Keying

CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide 400438-1 Rev. J

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Preface

Term Definition

RCL Received Carrier Level

RSL Received Signal Level

Rcvr Receiver

RF Radio Frequency, any frequency of electromagnetic radiation or

alternating currents in the range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz; as in RF
Signal or RF Transmission.

RF Level RF Power from the transmitter

Rx Receiver

S/W Software

SC Service Channel

Setpt Set point

Simplex A channel capable of transmitting information in only one direction.

Site ID A physical location where any number of modems, transmitters, or

receivers are installed.

STDBY Standby

Subcarrier An electromagnetic signal that is used as a medium for placing an

information channel above another information channel.

SYNTH Synthesizer

T1 1.544 Mbps traffic rate

Tx Transmitter

VCO Voltage Controlled Oscillator

VCXO Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator

VDC Volts Direct Current

VF Voice Frequency

Video A term pertaining to the bandwidth and spectrum of the signal that

results from television scanning and which is used to reproduce a
picture.

Xmitr Transmitter

Xmtr Transmitter

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CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide 400438-1 Rev. J

Section

1 System Overview

This section provides an overview of the MRC CodeRunner 4 Central Receiver. For a
system block diagram of the receiver, see

The CodeRunner 4 Central Receiver is capable of receiving in both analog or digital mode.
In the analog mode, the receiver outputs an NTSC signal with 4 audio channels, baseband,
and filtered video. In digital mode, the receiver outputs a digital data stream using either an
internal or external modem.

The incoming RF signal is down-converted to 70 MHz, filtered, and amplified. The output
from the IF Amplifier is split into two paths:

• A +5 dBm signal is routed to an analog demodulator, if one is installed.

• A second –10 dBm signal is routed to the power distribution board on the RF shelf.
Here the IF is switched to a direct rear panel connection. The switch is controlled
from the front panel display and keypad.

Power is brought to the receiver via a rear panel receptacle mounted on the plug-in power
supply. The power is routed through the rear panel backplane to the front panel display and
to the power distribution board on the RF tray,

All receiver functions are controlled from the front panel display and keypad. The receiver
can be controlled remotely and switched between analog or digital mode from either the
local or remote location.

The front panel displays common system faults with four LED indicators for power,
squelch, summary alarm, and remote/local status. Summary alarm messages appear as
scrolling text on the front panel LCD, A list of summary alarms and troubleshooting guide
can be found in

Section 4, Troubleshooting on page 4-1.

Figure 1-1 on page 1-2.

1

For remote cabling and interconnections, see Appendix A, Receiver Interconnections.

For more information on the operating controls, see Section 3, Operating Controls on

page 3-1.

The receiver mounts in a standard 3RU rack unit. See Section 2, System Installation on

page 2-1.

CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide

400438-1 Rev. J

1-1

System Overview

Figure 1-1 CodeRunner 4 Block Diagram

815 MHz OUT

RF

INPUT

LOW

NOISE

CONVERTER

SYNTHESIZER

RF SHELF

12 dB
COUPLER

LCD

DISPLAY

&

KEYPAD

2ND

DOWN

CONVERTER

DISTRIBUTION

IF

FILTER

POWER

BOARD

VIDEO DEMODULATOR

AUDIO DEMODULATOR

POWER SUPPLY

PLUG-IN MODULES

IF

AMP

EXTERNAL
MODEM

REAR PANEL

IF
OUTPUT

AC
INPUT

1-2

AUDIO
OUTPUT
(4 Chan.)

VIDEO

REAR PANEL BACKPLANE

REMOTE

I/0

BASEBAND

SUMMARY
ALARM

Rx STATUS

SERIAL
PORT

REMOTE
INTERFACE

PGM I/O

CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide 400438-1 Rev. J

Figure 1-2 Front Panel

System Overview

MRC CodeRunner 4

Figure 1-3 Rear Panel Connections - Typical

(J1)

(J12)

(J11)

(J15)

(J16)

SUM

ALARM

(J3)

VIDEO BB

(J2)

~AC POWER
120/240; .4A
50/60 HZ
FUSE:
T1A 250 VA C

"CAUTION
DOUBLE-FUSE
NEUTRAL/FUSING"

AUDIO

1

2

3

4

RX STATUS

(J13)

(J9)

PGM I/O

REMOTE
INTERF

SERIAL

PORT

ACE

POWER

REMOTE

SQUELCH

ALARM

DIGCR_FR

815 MHz OUT

RF IN

(J7)

(J8)

IF I/O

EXT MODEMDATA OUT

CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide 400438-1 Rev. J

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System Overview

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1-4

CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide 400438-1 Rev. J

Section

2 System Installation

This section explains how to install the MRC CodeRunner 4, Digital Central Receiver. The
following topics are covered:

• Unpacking and Handling

• Installation Prerequisites

• Rack Installation

2.1 Unpacking and Handling

Each unit is shipped assembled, wired, and factory tested. Each unit is packaged in
appropriate shipping containers. Care should be taken when removing equipment from the
container to prevent damage to the unit. Check that all parts and accessories are removed
from the container and packing material before they are discarded. Verify that the
equipment items shipped agree with those listed on the sales order.

Note: DO NOT discard the container or any packing material until the

mechanical inspection has been satisfactorily completed. This
material must be available in the event that a damage claim needs to
be filed with the shipping carrier.

2

2.1.1 Inspection

Inspect the equipment for any shipping damage. Check that the equipment is clean and that
no cables or connectors are broken, damaged, or loose.

Note: At the time of inspection, DO NOT make any adjustments to internal

controls or adjustments. The equipment has been factory adjusted for
proper operation prior to shipment.

2.1.2 Damage in Shipment

Should any damage be discovered after unpacking the unit, use the following procedure:

1. Immediately file a claim with the shipping carrier.

2. Forward a copy of the damage report to MRC.

3. Contact Customer Service at which time they will determine the disposition of the

equipment.

For Customer Service information, see the Preface section of this manual.

CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide

400438-1 Rev. J

2-1

System Installation

Installation Prerequisites

2.2 Installation Prerequisites

Complying with installation prerequisites prevents problems from arising during
installation or future maintenance of the unit. Use the following guidelines:

1. Where possible, provide easy access to the front and rear of the equipment rack

(Figure 2-1).

- Allow a minimum of 18 inches [45.72 mm] clearance at the rear of the
equipment rack.

- To service and maintain the equipment, allow a minimum of 36 inches of

clearance in front of the equipment rack.

Caution: Reduced Air Flow – Installation of the equipment in a rack should

be such that the amount of air flow required for safe operation of
the equipment is not compromised.

Figure 2-1 Rack Clearances – Top View

18"

[45.72 mm]

CLEARANCE

REAR

CR4 Receiver

FRONT

MOUNTING
RAILS

36"

[89.9 mm]

CLEARANCE

2-2

CodeRunner 4 Operator’s Guide 400438-1 Rev. J