CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
SM41 Rev. 4.00 NPX138 Panel Mount Radio Manual
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FOR AVIONICS INSTALLATION FACILITIES
The NPX138 is supplied without TSO certification, as no such standard
presently exists for airborne VHF/FM radio transceivers. This
equipment provides what is considered as “supplemental”
communications, and can be installed in an aircraft on a “Non
interference” basis. Installation should be performed using standard
procedures applicable to aircraft radio installation, to ensure that the
newly installed equipment does not interfere with any other equipment
in the aircraft.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful
interference.
Nov 10, 2003 Page ii
ENG-FORM: 820-0109.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD
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SM41 Rev. 4.00 NPX138 Panel Mount Radio Manual
Performed at factory
Periodically NAT will release manual amendments. In order to maintain the most
accurate and up to date manual these amendments should be carried out immediately
upon receipt and recorded on the following amendment record.
AMENDMENT RECORD
Amendment
Number
1 Apr 19/04 2
2 Aug 19/04 2
3 Nov 22/04 2
4 Jun 10/05 1,3
5 Jan 14/08 2
6 Mar 30/10 2
Amendment
Date
Section(s)
Changed
Date
Entered
Entered By
Insert any Amendment Instruction sheets after this page.
Nov 10, 2003 Page iii
ENG-FORM: 820-0109.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD
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SM41 Rev. 4.00 NPX138 Panel Mount Radio Manual
3.4.2 RX/TX Status Indicator 3-3
3.4.3 Scan/Guard TX Switch 3-4
3.4.4 Guard Controls 3-4
3.5 General Controls — Normal Operating Mode 3-5
3.5.1 Channel Switch 3-5
3.5.2 Brightness Switch 3-5
3.5.3 Squelch Pushbutton 3-6
3.6 Channel Display 3-6
3.6.1 ID Display Line 3-6
3.6.2 RX Display Line 3-7
3.6.3 TX Display Line 3-7
3.7 Channel Editing 3-8
3.7.1 SELECT Switch 3-9
3.7.2 NEXT Switch 3-9
3.7.3 EDIT Switch 3-10
3.7.4 HELP Switch 3-10
3.8 Status Editing 3-10
3.8.1 NEXT and SELECT Switch Use 3-11
3.8.2 Status Edit Features 3-11
3.9 Tones 3-12
3.9.1 General 3-12
3.9.2 Tone Display and Selection 3-13
3.9.3 Turning Tones On and Off 3-15
3.10 Scanning 3-15
3.10.1 General 3-15
3.10.2 Scan Operation 3-16
3.10.3 Scan Modes 3-16
3.11 Wideband/Narrowband Operation 3-18
3.11.1 Editing Wideband/Narrowband Flag 3-18
3.12 Configuration Mode 3-18
3.12.1 Using Configuration Mode 3-18
3.12.2 Configuration Option Table 3-19
Nov 10, 2003 Page v
ENG-FORM: 820-0109.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD
Note: Ensure that all drawings are inserted in the order shown on the latest drawing lists.
3 Update the Amendment Record sheet at the front of the manual.
4 Insert this page into the manual after the Amendment Record sheet (page ii).
Manual Amendment ends after the following amended pages
Amendment #1 Apr 19, 2004Page 1
ENG-FORM: 809-0107.DOT
PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
SM41 Rev. 4.00 NPX138 Panel Mount Radio Manual
Table of Contents
Section Title Page
1.0 Description
1.1 Introduction 1-1
1.2 Purpose of Equipment 1-1
1.3 Features 1-1
1.4 Specifications 1-2
1.4.1 Electrical Specifications 1-2
1.4.2 Receiver 1-2
1.4.3 Transmitter 1-3
1.4.4 Physical Specifications 1-3
1.4.5 Environmental Specifications 1-4
1.5 Unit Nomenclature 1-4
1.5.1 Narrowband Capability 1-4
1.5.2 Options 1-4
1.5.3 Special Options 1-5
1.5.4 Voice Inversion Encryption 1-5
2.0 Installation
2.1 Introduction 2-1
2.2 Unpacking and Inspection 2-1
2.3 Installation Procedures 2-1
2.3.1 Warnings 2-1
2.3.2 Cautions 2-1
2.3.3 Notes 2-2
2.3.4 Cabling and Wiring 2-2
2.3.5 Antennas 2-3
2.3.6 Mechanical Mounting 2-4
2.3.7 Post-Installation Checks 2-4
2.3.8 Post Installation EMI Test 2-5
3.0 Operation
3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 Initial Operation 3-1
3.2.1 Power-up Help 3-1
3.2.2 Initial Operating Display 3-2
3.3 Display 3-2
3.4 Function Controls 3-3
3.4.1 Main RX (Receive) Volume Control 3-3
Nov 10, 2003 Page iv
ENG-FORM: 820-0109.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD
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SM41 Rev. 4.00 NPX138 Panel Mount Radio Manual
3.4.2 RX/TX Status Indicator 3-3
3.4.3 Scan/Guard TX Switch 3-4
3.4.4 Guard Controls 3-4
3.5 General Controls — Normal Operating Mode 3-5
3.5.1 Channel Switch 3-5
3.5.2 Brightness Switch 3-5
3.5.3 Squelch Pushbutton 3-6
3.6 Channel Display 3-6
3.6.1 ID Display Line 3-6
3.6.2 RX Display Line 3-7
3.6.3 TX Display Line 3-7
3.7 Channel Editing 3-8
3.7.1 SELECT Switch 3-9
3.7.2 NEXT Switch 3-9
3.7.3 EDIT Switch 3-10
3.7.4 HELP Switch 3-10
3.8 Status Editing 3-10
3.8.1 NEXT and SELECT Switch Use 3-11
3.8.2 Status Edit Features 3-11
3.9 Tones 3-12
3.9.1 General 3-12
3.9.2 Tone Display and Selection 3-13
3.9.3 Turning Tones On and Off 3-15
3.10 Scanning 3-15
3.10.1 General 3-15
3.10.2 Scan Operation 3-16
3.10.3 Scan Modes 3-16
3.11 Wideband/Narrowband Operation 3-18
3.11.1 Editing Wideband/Narrowband Flag 3-18
3.12 Configuration Mode 3-18
3.12.1 Using Configuration Mode 3-18
3.12.2 Configuration Option Table 3-19
Nov 10, 2003 Page v
ENG-FORM: 820-0109.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD
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SM41 Rev. 4.00 NPX138 Panel Mount Radio Manual
Section 1.0 Description
1.1 Introduction
This manual contains description, installation, operation and maintenance information
on the NPX138 series of panel mount FM transceivers, serial numbers 1238 and
subsequent.
The NPX138 incorporates NAT’s proven user-friendly operating system with on-line
help, making it easy to program and use. The small size makes this radio ideal for
airframes where size and weight are a factor.
1.2 Purpose of Equipment
The NPX138 panel mount FM transceiver is a stand-alone radio designed for the single
mission user. It provides all the features needed to satisfy FM communications within
the VHF-FM high band.
1.3 Features
The NPX138 covers a frequency range of 138.000 MHz to 173.995 MHz in 5.0/6.25
kHz increments. Each of the 100 available channels can include a receive frequency
and CTCSS tone, transmit frequency and CTCSS tone, and an alpha/numeric
identifier.
A SCAN function allows scanning of selected channels. Transmit power of either 1 watt
or 10 watts is selectable from the front of the NPX138. Simplex and semi-duplex
operations are available. An optional guard receiver is available with some models.
DTMF encoding and direct keyboard entry can be effected by the use of the DTE12, an
accessory available from NAT.
Conveniently located beside the display are separate main volume, guard volume and
transmit select switches. Easily identified along the bottom of the front panel are
squelch test, channel up/down and display brightness controls. The aircraft dimmer
buss provides control for the panel lighting.
Depending on model selected the NPX138 can provide wideband (± 5.0 kHz Rated
System Deviation) and/or narrowband (± 2.5 kHz Rated System Deviation) by channel.
Compensation circuitry ensures that the average receive audio level remains constant
when the mode changes.
Nov 10, 2003 Page 1-1
ENG-FORM: 800-0106.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
NPX138 Panel Mount Radio Manual SM41 Rev. 4.00
1.4 Specifications
1.4.1 Electrical Specifications
Input power 28 Vdc nominal
Current consumption 0.5 A receive/2.0 A transmit (typical)
0.8 A receive/3.0 A transmit (max.)
Panel lighting 28 Vdc, 14 Vdc or 5 Vdc dependent on model.
Sidetone output 25 mW @ 600 Ω, adjustable.
Microphone Amplified Dynamic or equivalent, 150 Ω
balanced/unbalanced
Frequency range 138.000 MHz to 173.995 MHz
Tone capability 38 standard CTCSS tones
Operating mode simplex or semi-duplex
1.4.2 Receiver
Channel increments 5 kHz/6.25 kHz
Audio output 100 mW @ 600 Ω Bal/Unbal
Sensitivity
Main 0.5 µV max. @ 12 dB SINAD
Guard 0.5 µV max. @ 12 dB SINAD
Spurious response rejection 70 dB
Adjacent channel rejection NPX138 (all models) 70 dB min. @ ± 25 kHz
NPX138N (all models)
Wideband 70 dB min. @ ± 25 kHz
Narrowband 60 dB min. @ ± 12.5 kHz
Intermodulation rejection 70 dB
Hum and Noise ratio
Unsquelched > 50 dB
Squelched < -80 dBw
Distortion < 4% @ rated output
Page 1-2 Nov 10, 2003
ENG-FORM: 800-0106.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
Microphone Audio Sensitivity 100 mVrms into 150 Ω for 60% of rated system
deviation
Conducted spurious emissions
High power -64 dBc
Low power -55 dBc
Carrier frequency stability ±0.0003 %
FM hum and noise ratio >40 dB
AM hum and noise ratio >35 dB
Distortion <4 %
1.4.4 Physical Specifications
Height 1.88 inches (47.7 mm)
Overall depth 8.64 inches (219.5 mm)
Depth behind panel 7.66 inches (194.6 mm)
Width 5.75 inches (146.1 mm)
Weight 3.0 lbs. (1.4 kg)
Mounting Std. Dzus mounting (4 fasteners)
Connector type 25 pin D-subminiature male (pins)
Antenna connector BNC female
Nov 10, 2003 Page 1-3
ENG-FORM: 800-0106.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
NPX138 Panel Mount Radio Manual SM41 Rev. 4.00
1.4.5 Environmental Specifications
Operating temperature -30 C to +60 C
Altitude 25,000 feet
Humidity 95%
Vibration DO-160C, Cat. M
1.5 Unit Nomenclature
Variants of the NPX138 series radios are identified as follows:
Narrowband Capability
NPX138 N - 000
Lighting Power
1.5.1 Narrowband Capability
Special Options
Encryption
If the unit under consideration has the letter N after the NPX138 designation, it has the
capability for narrowband selection in addition to wideband. If this part of the name is
blank, the unit has wideband capabilities only.
NPX138 N
N = Wideband and Narrowband modulation
Blank = Wideband modulation only
1.5.2 Lighting Power
The digit in the first position of the unit suffix indicates the lighting power used.