Motorola BLE100 User Manual

Installation and
Operation Manual

BLE100

1GHz Broadband Line Extender

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Caution

These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not perform any servicing other than that
contained in the Installation and Troubleshooting Instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Special Symbols That Might Appear on the Equipment

This symbol indicates that dangerous voltage levels are present within the equipment. These voltages are not
insulated and may be of sufficient strength to cause serious bodily injury when touched. The symbol may also appear
on schematics.

The exclamation point, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
installation, servicing, and operating instructions in the documents accompanying the equipment.

For continued protection against fire, replace all fuses only with fuses having the same electrical ratings marked at
the location of the fuse.

FCC Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the Installation Manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user
will be required to correct the interference at his/her own expense. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Motorola could void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment under the rules and regulations of the FCC.

Canadian Compliance

This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respects toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Declaration of Conformity

We Motorola, Inc.

101 Tournament Drive

Horsham, PA 19044, U.S.A.

declare under our sole responsibility that the

STARLINE® Model BLE100

to which this declaration relates is in conformity with one or more of the following standards:

EMC Standards

EN55022 EN55024 EN50083-2 CISPR-22 CISPR-24

Safety Standards

EN60065 EN60825 EN60950 IEC 60950 + A1: 1992 + A2: 1993 + A3: 1995 + A4: 1996

following the provisions of the Directive(s) of the Council of the European Union:

EMC Directive 89/336/EEC Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC

Copyright © 2006 by Motorola, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as
translation, transformation or adaptation) without written permission from Motorola, Inc.

Motorola reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of Motorola to
provide notification of such revision or change. Motorola provides this guide without warranty of any kind, either implied or expressed, including, but
not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Motorola may make improvements or changes in the
product(s) described in this manual at any time.

MOTOROLA, Intelligence Everywhere and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names
are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2006

Contents

Section 1

Introduction

Using This Manual ...........................................................................................................................................................................1-3

Related Documentation...................................................................................................................................................................1-3

Document Conventions................................................................................................................................................................... 1-3

If You Need Help...............................................................................................................................................................................1-4

Calling for Repairs...........................................................................................................................................................................1-5

Section 2

Overview

Ordering Matrix ................................................................................................................................................................................2-2

Housing.............................................................................................................................................................................................2-3

Gaskets.............................................................................................................................................................................................2-4

Port Locations..................................................................................................................................................................................2-5

Power Supply ...................................................................................................................................................................................2-6

Forward Path....................................................................................................................................................................................2-7

Return Path.......................................................................................................................................................................................2-7

Ingress Control Switch....................................................................................................................................................................2-8

Options and Accessories................................................................................................................................................................2-8

Section 3

Amplifier Setup

Proper Handling Procedures..........................................................................................................................................................3-1

Field Practice........................................................................................................................................................................... 3-1

Bench Setup ............................................................................................................................................................................3-1

Forward Path Alignment..................................................................................................................................................................3-2

Before You Begin....................................................................................................................................................................3-2

STARLINE Cable Equalizers ..................................................................................................................................................3-3

Example 1...................................................................................................................... .................................................. 3-3

Example 2...................................................................................................................... .................................................. 3-3

STARLINE Cable Simulators..................................................................................................................................................3-6

Input and Midstage Pads........................................................................................................................................................ 3-7

Flatness Control...................................................................................................................................................................... 3-7

Directional Coupler Test Points............................................................................................................................................. 3-8

Bode Equalization...................................................................................................................................................................3-8

BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual

ii Contents

Amplifier Level Control...........................................................................................................................................................3-9

Manual Gain Control.......................................................................................................................................................3-9

Automatic Drive Unit/QAM Automatic Drive Unit......................................................................................................3-11

ADU/QADU Pads and Levels .......................................................................................................................................3-12

Return Path Alignment...................................................................................................................................................................3-12

Before You Begin...................................................................................................................................................................3-12

Alignment Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................3-13

Powering and Surge Protection....................................................................................................................................................3-14

Section 4

Bench Testing

Before You Begin..............................................................................................................................................................................4-1

Test Equipment and Connections ..................................................................................................................................................4-2

Measuring Forward Gain.........................................................................................................................................................4-2

Example:..........................................................................................................................................................................4-3

Example:..........................................................................................................................................................................4-3

Testing Return Gain and Response.......................................................................................................................................4-4

Example:..........................................................................................................................................................................4-4

Completing the Test Procedures ...........................................................................................................................................4-4

Section 5

Installation

Aerial Installation..............................................................................................................................................................................5-1

Pedestal Installation.........................................................................................................................................................................5-3

Section 6

Operating Tips

Using Amplifiers in Lower Frequency Systems............................................................................................................................6-1

Using Amplifiers in Lower Gain Systems ......................................................................................................................................6-1

Appendix A

Specifications

Model BLE100S................................................................................................................................................................................A-1

AC Current........................................................................................................................................................................................A-2

Return Amplifier...............................................................................................................................................................................A-2

ADU Automatic Drive Unit..............................................................................................................................................................A-2

BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual

Contents iii

Appendix B

Torque Specifications
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Figures

Figure 1-1 BLE100 – closed ...........................................................................................................................................................1-1

Figure 1-2 BLE100 – open..............................................................................................................................................................1-2

Figure 2-1 BLE100 base with electronics module .......................................................................................................................2-1

Figure 2-2 BLE100 ordering matrix...............................................................................................................................................2-2

Figure 2-3 BLE-HSG/15 housing and dimensions.......................................................................................................................2-3

Figure 2-4 Housing gaskets...........................................................................................................................................................2-4

Figure 2-5 Housing ports................................................................................................................................................................2-5

Figure 2-6 BLE100 power supply ..................................................................................................................................................2-6

Figure 2-7 BLE100 block diagram .................................................................................................................................................2-7

Figure 2-8 BLE100 options and accessories..............................................................................................................................2-10

Figure 3-1 Equalizer slope versus cable....................................................................................................................................... 3-5

Figure 3-2 Frequency versus cable slope ....................................................................................................................................3-7

Figure 3-3 LDR/9/1G component layout (top-left, bottom-right) ................................................................................................3-8

Figure 3-4 ADU..............................................................................................................................................................................3-11

Figure 3-5 QADU ...........................................................................................................................................................................3-11

Figure 4-1 Test equipment connections for bench sweeping....................................................................................................4-2

Figure 5-1 Center-conductor pin length .......................................................................................................................................5-1

Figure 5-2 Torque sequence..........................................................................................................................................................5-2

Tables

Table 2-1 BLE100 options and accessories.................................................................................................................................2-8

Table 3-1 Starline Forward Equalizers – SFE-100-*.....................................................................................................................3-4

Table 3-2 STARLINE Cable Simulators......................................................................................................................................... 3-6

Table 3-3 Gain reserve versus ambient temperature ..................................................................................................................3-9

BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual

Section 1

Introduction

The Motorola 1 GHz STARLINE® series of broadband line extenders, BLE100, accept a single
input and provide 34 dB of operational gain to a single output. The BLE100 series of line
extenders meets Telcordia GR-1098 core voltage surge requirements using surge waveforms as
described in IEEE C62.41. The BLE100 is also FCC, CE, and CCC approved.

Features of the BLE100 include:

 1003 MHz power doubling technology in enhanced gallium arsenide (E-GaAs)
 Four different modular diplex filter frequency split options
 Ergonomics
 60/90 VAC line power option
 Thermal and auto-controlled Bode equalization
 −20 dB directional coupler test points
 Optional return path ingress control accessories
 Two-way operation capability
 15-amp power passing

Figure 1-1 illustrates a closed BLE100 line extender.

Figure 1-1
BLE100 – closed

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BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual

1-2 Introduction

Figure 1-2 illustrates an open BLE100.

Figure 1-2
BLE100 – open

-20dB

IN

SFE-100-XX

-20dB

MAN

ALIGN DOTS

SRE-X-XX

FUSE

THERM

JXP MID

MAN

STATUS

AUTO

MONITOR

RTN

EQ

TDU

JXP

JXP OUT

JXP IN

FWD

EQ

H

L

RCB100

RC

LDR

AC
TEST
POINT

CAUTION:CONTAINS PARTS AND
ASSEMBLIES SUSCEPTIBLE TO
DAMAGEBY ELECTROSTATIC
DISCHARGE(ESD)

+24V DC

TEST POINT

BLE

BODE

FUSE

ADU

-20dB

CHECKVOLTAGE

SELECTOR

REFERTO MANUAL

ADU

ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO

STATUS
MONITOR

JXP

JXP

IN

-20dB

REFERTO
MANUALFOR
FUSEVALUES

H

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OUT

Base

S100
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ADU

ICS

-16dB

Lid

BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual

Introduction 1-3

Using This Manual

The following sections provide information and instructions to bench test, install, and operate
the BLE100.

Section 1 Introduction provides a brief description of the product, identifies the information

contained in this manual, and gives the help line telephone number and repair return
information.

Section 2 Overview describes the BLE100 and includes details on the various options and their

functions.

Section 3 Amplifier Setup provides instructions for full configuration and forward- and return-path

alignment.

Section 4 Bench Testing describes the bench test procedures that are recommended before

installing the BLE100.

Section 5 Installation provides instructions for installing the BLE100 and performing field alignment.
Section 6 Operating Tips provides suggestions for handling field- encountered variables and

addressing maintenance tasks.

Appendix A Specifications lists the applicable technical specifications for the BLE100 and options.
Appendix B Torque Specifications provides the appropriate torque specifications for the screws,

clamps, connectors, and bolts used in the BLE100.

Abbreviations
and Acronyms

The Abbreviations and Acronyms list contains the full spelling of the short forms used in
this manual.

This installation manual assumes that all channels are standard National Television Standards
Committee (NTSC) analog channels. Refer to catalog specifications for further details pertaining
to signal levels of digital channels above 550 MHz.

This installation manual uses 1003 MHz as the reference frequency unless another frequency is
given. For example, quoted cable loss is understood to be at 1003 MHz.

Related Documentation

This installation manual is complete and you should not require any additional documentation
to install, test, or operate the BLE100 line extender.

Document Conventions

Before you begin to use the BLE100, familiarize yourself with the stylistic conventions used in
this manual:

Bold type

SMALL CAPS

* (Asterisk)

Italic type

Indicates text that you must type exactly as it appears or indicates a default value
Denotes silk screening on the equipment, typically representing front and rear-panel

controls, I/O connections and indicators (LEDs).
Indicates that there are several versions of the same model number and the information

applies to all models. When the information applies to a specific model, the complete model
number is given.

Denotes a displayed variable, a variable that you must type, or is used for emphasis

BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual

1-4 Introduction

If You Need Help

If you need assistance while working with the BLE100, contact the Motorola Technical Response
Center (TRC):

Inside the U.S.: 888-944-HELP (1-888-944-4357)
Outside the U.S.: 215-323-0044
Motorola Online:

http://businessonline.motorola.com

The TRC is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, Motorola Online offers a
searchable solutions database, technical documentation, and low-priority issue creation and
tracking.

Technical Response Center

Telephone Menu Options

888-944-HELP / 215-323-0044

Video Products

PRE S S 1

Controllers

PRESS 1

Digital

PRESS 2

Analog

Data Networks/

Transmission Products

PRESS 1

PRESS 2

Headend

PRESS 3

PRESS 3

Set-tops

http://businessonline.motorola.com

Connected Home Solutions

PRESS 1

Commercial

IRD

Broadcaster,

Satellite IRD or

Encoder Products

PRESS 2

PRESS 2

Uplink

Encoder

Consumer

Products

PRESS 4

PRESS 1

Cabl e Router

Products

PRESS 2

Cable Modems

Severity Level

1 - Criti cal Failure
2 - Serious Failure
3 - Lesser Failure
4 - Technical Assistance

VOIP

PRESS 3

Transmission

Products

PRESS 1

Network

Licensing

PRESS 4

Network

Management

PRESS 2

Network

Management

Products

PRESS 5

Multiservice

Transport
Products

(MBT/MWT/MEA)

PRESS 1

Consumer

Satellite

C Band

PRESS 2

Broadband

Retail

Support

Issu ed: 04/2005

BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual

Introduction 1-5

Calling for Repairs

If repair is necessary, call the Motorola Repair Facility at 1-800-227-0450 for a Return for
Service Authorization (RSA) number before sending the unit. The RSA number must be
prominently displayed on all equipment cartons. The Repair Facility is open from 8:00 AM to
5:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday.

When calling from outside the United States, use the appropriate international access code and
then call 956-541-0600 to contact the Repair Facility.

When shipping equipment for repair, follow these steps:

1 Pack the unit securely.
2 Enclose a note describing the exact problem.
3 Enclose a copy of the invoice that verifies the warranty status.
4 Ship the unit PREPAID to the following address:

BCS Nogales Repair Center
Attn: RSA #_________
6908 East Century Park Drive
Tucson, AZ 85706
US

BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual

Section 2

Overview

The BLE100 is a two-way capable line extender used in CATV distribution systems. The
BLE100 is powered by the 60/90 VAC cable supply and can be configured to pass this power to
additional line extenders. Installation of the return path enables two-way signal flow.

The standard model BLE100 includes an amplifier module with an integrated DC power supply,
which is normally furnished complete in the model BLE-HSG/15 housing, as shown in
Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1
BLE100 base with electronics module

-20dB

IN

SFE-100-XX

-20dB

MAN

ALIGN DOTS

FUSE

RTN

EQ

JXP

THERM

JXP MID

MAN

AUTO

TDU

JXP OUT

JXP IN

FWD

EQ

SRE-X-XX

H

L

STATUS

MONITOR

RC

+24V DC

TEST POINT

RCB100

BLE

BODE

LDR

AC
TEST
POINT

FUSE

CAUTION: CONTAINSPARTS AND
ASSEMBLIES SUSCEPTIBLE TO
DAMAGE BY ELECTROSTATIC
DISCHARGE (ESD)

ADU

-20dB

CHECK VOLTAGE

SELECTOR

REFER TO MANUAL

ADU

ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO

STATUS
MONITOR

JXP

JXP

IN

-20dB

REFER TO
MANUAL FOR
FUSE VALUES

H

L

OUT

S100
J

87

A
K
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ADU

ICS

-16dB

BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual

2-2 Overview

Ordering Matrix

Several models of the BLE100 are available. The BLE100 is fully configured in the Motorola
factory per customer request. You can find the model name on labels on the outside of the
shipping carton, the side of the BLE100 housing, and the side of the electronics module.

Please see the Product Data Sheet on the Motorola on line Product Catalog for available models
and associated part numbers.

Figure 2-2 identifies and describes the model strings.

Figure 2-2
BLE100 ordering matrix

Key

E-GaAs (High Output w/34 dB Gain)

H

BLE

Key

100S
100K
100A
100J
100N

Bandpass Split

5-40 MHz/52-1003 MHz
5-42 MHz/54-1003 MHz
5-65 MHz/85-1003 MHz
5-55 MHz/70-1003 MHz
5-85 MHz/105-1003 MHz

Gain

Key

X
A
Q

Level Control

None
ADU-499.25/S
QADU-609.00/S

Key

Key

Key

E15
E10

Station Slope

X

9 dB (Fmin-1003 MHz)

Return Gain

X

High (24 dB)

Housing*

Standard (Full Station)

F

Electronics only (15 amp)
Electronics only (10 amp)

* Electronics modules available are configured for manual level control only.

The ADU must be ordered and installed separately.

Notes:

1. FTECs and 20A fuses are included in all amplifiers as standard.

2. ICS and status monitor transponders will continue to be customer configurable options.

BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual

Overview 2-3

Housing

The BLE100 is furnished in a BLE-HSG/15 aluminum housing that protects the electronics
from weather and dissipates internally generated heat.

Figure 2-3 illustrates the BLE-HSG/15 housing and provides its dimensions.

Figure 2-3
BLE-HSG/15 housing and dimensions

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Coaxial cable connections to the housing are made using conventional 5/8 inch × 24 threads
per-inch stinger-type connectors. Four port plugs in the cover enable access to internal test
points without opening the housing.

The BLE-HSG/15 differs from the housing of the 10A BLE (model BLE-75SH and BLE-75JH)
and the JLX series of line extenders. However, you can upgrade the 10A BLE and the JLX
series of line extenders to the 15A BLE100 using the existing housing. To upgrade from 10A to
15A, use the BLE-15A platform assembly kit (P/N 951941-006-00). The BLE-15A kit contains
15A platform assemblies. As an alternative to the kit, you can order the BLE100 electronics
module configured as a 10A unit (see Fig.2-2 BLE100 ordering matrix, Housing).

Two messenger clamps are located on the side of the housing (Figure 2-5) and are secured with
5/16 inch × 24 threads-per-inch stainless steel bolts. The bottom of the housing also contains two
5/16 × 24 threaded holes located on the vertical center-line separated by four inches
center-to-center. Use these holes and the bolts from the messenger clamps for pedestal and
surface-mounting installations.

BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual

2-4 Overview

Gaskets

Each housing is equipped with a recessed woven-wire RF gasket and a silicone-rubber gasket to
provide a seal between the housing base and lid. These gaskets provide efficient ground
continuity, RF shielding, and weather protection. Both gaskets must be in place and in good
condition to ensure proper operation and protection of the station. The weather gasket should be
lightly coated with silicone grease each time the BLE100 is opened. Replace this gasket if it
becomes damaged or deformed.

Figure 2-4
Housing gaskets

Weather gasket

(silicone rubber)

-20dB

MAN

SFE-100-XX

IN

-20dB

ALIGN DOTS

SRE-X-XXSRE-X-XX

THERM

JXP MID

MAN

STATUS

AUTO

FUSE

RTN

EQ

JXP

JXP OUT

MONITOR

TDU

JXP IN

FWD

EQ

H

L

RCB100

RC

LDR

AC
TEST
POINT

CAUTION:CONTAINS PARTS AND
ASSEMBLIES SUSCEPTIBLE TO
DAMAGEBY ELECTROSTATIC
DISCHARGE(ESD)

+24V DC

TEST POINT

BLE

BODE

FUSE

ADU

-20dB

CHECKVOLTAGE

SELECTOR

REFERTO MANUAL

ADU

ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO

STATUS
MONITOR

JXP

JXP

IN

-20dB

REFERTO

MANUALFOR

FUSEVALUES

H

L

OUT

S100
J

87

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K
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ADU

ICS

-16dB

RF gasket

(woven wire)

BLE100 Installation and Operation Manual