Orban OPTIMOD-AM 9300 Operating Manual
Operating Manual
OPTIMOD-AM
9300
Digital Audio Processor
Version 1.0 Software
IMPORTANT NOTE: Refer to the unit’s rear panel for your Model Number.
Model Number: Description:
9300 OPTIMOD 9300, Digital I/O, Five-band monophonic
processing, 85-264 VAC, 50-60 Hz using universal
switching power supply.
MANUAL:
Part Number: Description:
96126.105.03 9300 Operating Manual
CAUTION:
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to
the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage
inside the enclosure voltage that may be
sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important
operating and maintenance instructions in the accompa-
nying literature. Read the manual.
In accordance to the WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) directive of the European Parliament, this product must not be discarded into the
municipal waste stream in any of the Member States. This product may be
sent back to your Orban dealer at end of life where it will be reused or recycled
at no cost to you.
If this product is discarded into an approved municipal WEEE collection site or
turned over to an approved WEEE recycler at end of life, your Orban dealer
must be notified and supplied with model, serial number and the name and
location of site/facility.
Please contact your Orban dealer for further assistance.
www.orban.com
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
Retain Instructions: The safety and operation instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings: All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow Instructions: All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Water and Moisture: The appliance should not be used near water (e.g., near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet base-
ment, or near a swimming pool, etc.).
Ventilation: The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appli-
ance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
Heat: The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
Power Sources: The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on
the appliance.
Grounding or Polarization: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
Power-Cord Protection: Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
Cleaning: The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Non-Use Periods: The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
Object and Liquid Entry: Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
Damage Requiring Service: The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: The power supply cord or the plug has
been damaged; or Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or The appliance has been exposed to rain; or The appliance does
not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Servicing: The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be
referred to qualified service personnel.
The Appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
Safety Instructions (European)
Notice For U.K. Customers If Your Unit Is Equipped With A Power Cord.
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
The cores in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
GREEN and YELLOW - Earth BLUE - Neutral BROWN - Live
As colours of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter E, or with the earth symbol, or coloured green, or green and yellow.
The core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal marked N or coloured black.
The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal marked L or coloured red.
The power cord is terminated in a CEE7 / 7 plug (Continental Europe). The green / yellow wire is connected directly to the unit's chassis. If you need to
change the plug and if you are qualified to do so, refer to the table below.
WARNING: If the ground is defeated, certain fault conditions in the unit or in the system to which it is connected can result in full line voltage between
chassis and earth ground. Severe injury or death can then result if the chassis and earth ground are touched simultaneously.
Conductor WIRE COLOR
Normal Alt
L LIVE BROWN BLACK
N NEUTRAL BLUE WHITE
E EARTH GND GREEN-YELLOW GREEN
AC Power Cord Color Coding
Safety Instructions (German)
Gerät nur an der am Leistungsschild vermerkten Spannung und Stromart betreiben.
Sicherungen nur durch solche, gleicher Stromstärke und gleichen AbschalAMerhaltens ersetzen. Sicherungen nie überbrücken.
Jedwede Beschädigung des Netzkabels vermeiden. Netzkabel nicht knicken oder quetschen. Beim Abziehen des Netzkabels den
Stecker und nicht das Kabel enfassen. Beschädigte Netzkabel sofort auswechseln.
Gerät und Netzkabel keinen übertriebenen mechanischen Beaspruchungen aussetzen.
Um Berührung gefährlicher elektrischer Spannungen zu vermeiden, darf das Gerät nicht geöffnet werden. Im Fall von Betriebsstörungen darf das Gerät nur Von befugten Servicestellen instandgesetzt werden. Im Gerät befinden sich keine, durch den Benutzer
reparierbare Teile.
Zur Vermeidung von elektrischen Schlägen und Feuer ist das Gerät vor Nässe zu schützen. Eindringen von Feuchtigkeit und
Flüssigkeiten in das Gerät vermeiden.
Bei Betriebsstörungen bzw. nach Eindringen von Flüssigkeiten oder anderen Gegenständen, das Gerät sofort vom Netz trennen und
eine qualifizierte Servicestelle kontaktieren.
Safety Instructions (French)
On s'assurera toujours que la tension et la nature du courant utilisé correspondent bien à ceux indiqués sur la plaque de l'appareil.
N'utiliser que des fusibles de même intensité et du même principe de mise hors circuit que les fusibles d'origine. Ne jamais
shunter les fusibles.
Eviter tout ce qui risque d'endommager le câble seceur. On ne devra ni le plier, ni l'aplatir. Lorsqu'on débranche l'appareil,
tirer la fiche et non le câble. Si un câble est endommagé, le remplacer immédiatement.
Ne jamais exposer l'appareil ou le câble ä une contrainte mécanique excessive.
Pour éviter tout contact averc une tension électrique dangereuse, on n'oouvrira jamais l'appareil. En cas de dysfonctionnement,
l'appareil ne peut être réparé que dans un atelier autorisé. Aucun élément de cet appareil ne peut être réparé par l'utilisateur.
Pour éviter les risques de décharge électrique et d'incendie, protéger l'appareil de l'humidité. Eviter toute pénétration
d'humidité ou fr liquide dans l'appareil.
En cas de dysfonctionnement ou si un liquide ou tout autre objet a pénétré dans l'appareil couper aussitôt l'appareil
de son alimentation et s'adresser à un point de service aprésvente autorisé.
Safety Instructions (Spanish)
Hacer funcionar el aparato sólo con la tensión y clase de corriente señaladas en la placa indicadora de características.
Reemplazar los fusibles sólo por otros de la misma intensidad de corriente y sistema de desconexión. No poner nunca los fusibles en
puente.
Proteger el cable de alimentación contra toda clase de daños. No doblar o apretar el cable. Al desenchufar, asir el enchufe y no el
cable. Sustituir inmediatamente cables dañados.
No someter el aparato y el cable de alimentación a esfuerzo mecánico excesivo.
Para evitar el contacto con tensiones eléctricas peligrosas, el aparato no debe abrirse. En caso de producirse fallos de funcionamiento,
debe ser reparado sólo por talleres de servicio autorizados. En el aparato no se encuentra ninguna pieza que pudiera ser reparada por
el usuario.
Para evitar descargas eléctricas e incendios, el aparato debe protegerse contra la humedad, impidiendo que penetren ésta o líquidos
en el mismo.
En caso de producirse fallas de funcionamiento como consecuencia de la penetración de líquidos u otros objetos en el aparato,
hay que desconectarlo inmediatamente de la red y ponerse en contacto con un taller de servicio autorizado.
Safety Instructions (Italian)
Far funzionare l'apparecchio solo con la tensione e il tipo di corrente indicati sulla targa riportante i dati sulle prestazioni.
Sostituire i dispositivi di protezione (valvole, fusibili ecc.) solo con dispositivi aventi lo stesso amperaggio e lo stesso comportamento
di interruzione. Non cavallottare mai i dispositivi di protezione.
Evitare qualsiasi danno al cavo di collegamento alla rete. Non piegare o schiacciare il cavo. Per staccare il cavo, tirare la presa e mai
il cavo. Sostituire subito i cavi danneggiati.
Non esporre l'apparecchio e il cavo ad esagerate sollecitazioni meccaniche.
Per evitare il contatto con le tensioni elettriche pericolose, l'apparecchio non deve venir aperto. In caso di anomalie di funzionamento
l'apparecchio deve venir riparato solo da centri di servizio autorizzati. Nell'apparecchio non si trovano parti che possano essere riparate
dall'utente.
Per evitare scosse elettriche o incendi, l'apparecchio va protetto dall'umidità. Evitare che umidità o liquidi entrino nell'apparecchio.
In caso di anomalie di funzionamento rispettivamente dopo la penetrazione di liquidi o oggetti nell'apparecchio, staccare immediatamente
l'apparecchio dalla rete e contattare un centro di servizio qualificato.
PLEASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING!
Manual
The Operating Manual contains instructions to verify the proper operation of this unit and initialization of certain options.
You will find these operations are most conveniently performed on the bench before you install the unit in the rack.
Please review the Manual, especially the installation section, before unpacking the unit.
Trial Period Precautions
If your unit has been provided on a trial basis:
You should observe the following precautions to avoid reconditioning charges in case you later wish to return the unit to
your dealer.
(1) Note the packing technique and save all packing materials. It is not wise to ship in other than the factory carton. (Re-
placements cost $35.00).
(2) Avoid scratching the paint or plating. Set the unit on soft, clean surfaces.
(3) Do not cut the grounding pin from the line cord.
(4) Use care and proper tools in removing and tightening screws to avoid burring the heads.
(5) Use the nylon-washered rack screws supplied, if possible, to avoid damaging the panel. Support the unit when tighten-
ing the screws so that the threads do not scrape the paint inside the slotted holes.
Packing
When you pack the unit for shipping:
(1) Tighten all screws on any barrier strip(s) so the screws do not fall out from vibration.
(2) Wrap the unit in its original plastic bag to avoid abrading the paint.
(3) Seal the inner and outer cartons with tape.
If you are returning the unit permanently (for credit), be sure to enclose:
The Manual(s)
The Registration/Warranty Card
The Line Cord
All Miscellaneous Hardware (including the Rack Screws and Keys)
The Extender Card (if applicable)
The Monitor Rolloff Filter(s) (OPTIMOD-AM only)
The COAX Connecting Cable (OPTIMOD-AM and OPTIMOD-AM only)
Your dealer may charge you for any missing items.
If you are returning a unit for repair, do not enclose any of the above items.
Further advice on proper packing and shipping is included in the Manual (see Table of Contents).
Trouble
If you have problems with installation or operation:
(1) Check everything you have done so far against the instructions in the Manual. The information contained therein is
based on our years of experience with OPTIMOD and broadcast stations.
(2) Check the other sections of the Manual (consult the Table of Contents and Index) to see if there might be some sug-
gestions regarding your problem.
(3) After reading the section on Factory Assistance, you may call Orban Customer Service for advice during normal Cali-
fornia business hours. The number is (1) 510 / 351-3500.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy. If it is not installed
and used as directed by this manual, it may cause interference to radio communication. This
equipment complies with the limits for a Class A computing device, as specified by FCC
Rules, Part 15, subject J, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference when this type of equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference. If it does, the user will be
required to eliminate the interference at the user’s expense.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications. (Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques [de las class A] prescrites dans le
Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du
Canada.)
Perform the installation under static control conditions. Simply walking across a rug can generate a static charge of 20,000 volts. This is the spark or shock you may have felt when
touching a doorknob or some other conductive surface. A much smaller static discharge is
likely to destroy one or more of the CMOS semiconductors employed in OPTIMOD-AM. Static
damage will not be covered under warranty.
There are many common sources of static. Most involve some type of friction between two
dissimilar materials. Some examples are combing your hair, sliding across a seat cover or
rolling a cart across the floor. Since the threshold of human perception for a static discharge
is 3000 volts, you will not even notice many damaging discharges.
Basic damage prevention consists of minimizing generation, discharging any accumulated
static charge on your body or workstation, and preventing that discharge from being sent to or
through an electronic component. You should use a static grounding strap (grounded through
a protective resistor) and a static safe workbench with a conductive surface. This will prevent
any buildup of damaging static.
WARNING
WARNING
IMPORTANT
U.S. patents 4,208,548, 4,460,871, 5,737,434, 6,337,999, 6,434,241, 6,618,486, and 6.937,912
protect OPTIMOD 9300. Other patents pending.
Orban and Optimod are registered trademarks.
All trademarks are property of their respective companies.
This manual is part number 96126.105.03
Published April 2009
© Copyright Orban
8350 East Evans Suite C4, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 USA
Phone: (1) (480) 403-8300; Fax: (1) (480) 403-8301; E-Mail: custserv@orban.com; Site: www.orban.com
Operating Manual
OPTIMOD-AM
9300
Digital Audio Processor
Version 1.0 Software
Table of Contents
Index.........................................................................................................................0-8
Section 1 Introduction
.........................................................................................................................................1-1
ABOUT THIS MANUAL.......................................................................................................1-1
THE OPTIMOD-AM 9300 DIGITAL AUDIO PROCESSOR ......................................................1-1
Making the Most of the AM Channel....................................................................1-2
Controllable and Adjustable...................................................................................1-2
Versatile Installation................................................................................................1-3
PRESETS IN OPTIMOD-AM..............................................................................................1-4
Factory Presets .........................................................................................................1-5
User Presets..............................................................................................................1-5
INPUT/OUTPUT CONFIGURATION ........................................................................................1-5
Digital AES3 Input/Output......................................................................................1-5
Analog Input/Outputs .............................................................................................1-6
Remote Control Interface .......................................................................................1-6
Computer Interface .................................................................................................1-7
RS-232 Serial Port ............................................................................................................. 1-7
RJ45 Ethernet Connector ................................................................................................. 1-7
LOCATION OF OPTIMOD-AM..........................................................................................1-7
Optimal Control of Peak Modulation Levels.........................................................1-7
Best Location for OPTIMOD-AM ............................................................................1-8
If the transmitter is not accessible:.................................................................................. 1-8
If the transmitter is accessible: ........................................................................................ 1-9
STUDIO-TRANSMITTER LINK...............................................................................................1-9
Transmission from Studio to Transmitter...............................................................1-9
Digital Links .................................................................................................................... 1-10
Analog Microwave STLs ................................................................................................. 1-11
Analog Landline (PTT/Post Office Line)......................................................................... 1-12
AM Transmitters and Antennas............................................................................1-12
Bypassing the Transmitter's Internal Filters and Clippers ...................................1-12
Power Supplies ......................................................................................................1-13
Pre-1965 Transmitters............................................................................................1-14
Asymmetry .............................................................................................................1-15
System Presets and Transmitter Equalization......................................................1-15
Antenna System.....................................................................................................1-17
USING LOSSY DATA REDUCTION IN THE STUDIO..................................................................1-17
ABOUT TRANSMISSION LEVELS AND METERING ..................................................................1-18
Meters ....................................................................................................................1-18
Figure 1-1: Absolute Peak Level, VU and PPM Reading ............................................... 1-19
Studio Line-up Levels and Headroom ..................................................................1-19
Transmission Levels................................................................................................1-20
LINE-UP FACILITIES .........................................................................................................1-20
Metering of Levels.................................................................................................1-20
Built-in Calibrated Line-up Tones.................................................................................. 1-20
Built-in Calibrated Bypass Test Mode............................................................................ 1-20
MONITORING.................................................................................................................1-21
Modulation Monitors and Their RF Amplifiers ...................................................1-21
Monitoring on Loudspeakers and Headphones..................................................1-21
Monitor Rolloff Filter..................................................................................................... 1-21
EAS TEST......................................................................................................................1-22
PC CONTROL AND SECURITY PASSCODE.............................................................................1-23
WHY THE NORTH AMERICAN NRSC STANDARD?...............................................................1-23
AM Stereo Introduces a Preemphasis Dilemma ............................................................1-23
Figure 1-2: NRSC Modified 75 µs Deemphasis ............................................................... 1-24
NRSC Standard Preemphasis and Low-pass Filtering ....................................................1-24
Figure 1-3: NRSC Lowpass Filter ..................................................................................... 1-25
WARRANTY, USER FEEDBACK...........................................................................................1-26
User Feedback........................................................................................................1-26
LIMITED WARRANTY .............................................................................................1-26
INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY...............................................................................1-26
EXTENDED WARRANTY ........................................................................................1-27
Section 2 Installation
.........................................................................................................................................2-1
INSTALLING THE 9300.......................................................................................................2-1
Figure 2-1: AC Line Cord Wire Standard).........................................................................2-2
Figure 2-2: Wiring the 25-pin Remote Interface Connector........................................... 2-3
Figure 2-3: 9300 Serial Port Pin Identification.................................................................2-4
Figure 2-4: Jumper Positions, Monitor Roll-Off Filter ..................................................... 2-4
Figure 2-5: Frequency Response Curves as Function of ROLLOFF Control, Monitor Rolloff
Filter Strapped for 18 dB/Octave...................................................................................... 2-5
Figure 2-6: Monitor Rolloff Filter Schematic Diagram.................................................... 2-6
9300 REAR PANEL ...........................................................................................................2-7
INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS.....................................................................................2-8
Cable.........................................................................................................................2-8
Connectors ...............................................................................................................2-8
Analog Audio Input.................................................................................................2-8
Analog Audio Outputs............................................................................................2-9
AES3 Digital Input and Output.............................................................................2-10
Grounding..............................................................................................................2-10
Power Ground........................................................................................................2-11
Circuit Ground .......................................................................................................2-11
9300 FRONT PANEL .......................................................................................................2-11
QUICK SETUP.................................................................................................................2-13
ANALOG AND DIGITAL I/O SETUP.....................................................................................2-20
Figure 2-7: Effect of Lowpass Filter Shape Control on 5 kHz Lowpass Filter............... 2-23
Overview of Transmitter Equalization........................................................................... 2-28
Description of the TX EQ Controls ................................................................................. 2-28
Procedure for LF Equalization........................................................................................2-28
Figure 2-8: Unequalized RF envelope (showing tilt)..................................................... 2-29
Figure 2-9: RF envelope requiring no tilt equalization................................................. 2-29
Figure 2-10: Unequalized RF envelope (showing ringing) ...........................................2-31
Figure 2-11: RF envelope showing successful HF equalization..................................... 2-31
AUTOMATION USING THE 9300’S INTERNAL CLOCK............................................................2-34
SECURITY AND PASSCODE PROGRAMMING.........................................................................2-37
To Create a Passcode: ............................................................................................2-38
To Edit a Passcode:.................................................................................................2-38
To Delete a Passcode: ............................................................................................2-38
To Lock the Front Panel Immediately:..................................................................2-39
To Program local lockout: .....................................................................................2-39
To Unlock the Front Panel: ...................................................................................2-39
Dial-up Networking and the Passcode.................................................................2-40
If You Have Forgotten Your Passcode..................................................................2-40
REMOTE CONTROL INTERFACE PROGRAMMING ..................................................................2-40
NETWORKING AND REMOTE CONTROL..............................................................................2-42
INSTALLING 9300 PC REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE ..........................................................2-44
Installing the Necessary Windows Services..........................................................2-44
Check Hardware Requirements............................................................................2-45
Running the Orban Installer Program .................................................................2-46
Setting Up Ethernet, LAN, and VPN Connections ...............................................2-46
Conclusion..............................................................................................................2-47
SYNCHRONIZING OPTIMOD TO A NETWORK TIMESERVER.....................................................2-47
Table 2-1: NIST-referenced timeservers (2006).............................................................. 2-48
APPENDIX: SETTING UP SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS.............................................................2-51
Preparing for Communication through Null Modem Cable ..............................2-51
Connecting Using Windows 2000 Direct Serial Connection:..............................2-51
Connecting Using Windows XP Direct Serial Connection ..................................2-56
Preparing for Communication through Modems ...............................................2-61
Connecting Using Windows 2000 Modem Connection ......................................2-61
Connecting using Windows XP Modem Connection ..........................................2-67
UPDATING YOUR 9300’S SOFTWARE.................................................................................2-73
Section 3 Operation
.........................................................................................................................................3-1
9300 FRONT PANEL .........................................................................................................3-1
SOME AUDIO PROCESSING CONCEPTS...................................................................................3-2
Loudness and density....................................................................................................... 3-3
OPTIMOD-AM PROCESSING............................................................................................3-4
AM Processing: The Art of Compromise ................................................................3-4
Shortwave/HF Processing ................................................................................................. 3-6
Working Together............................................................................................................ 3-6
Fundamental Requirements: High-Quality Source Material and Accurate
Monitoring...............................................................................................................3-6
Monitor Rolloff Filter....................................................................................................... 3-7
Reference Radios for the Processing ............................................................................... 3-7
Modulation Monitors....................................................................................................... 3-8
More About Audio Processing ...............................................................................3-8
Judging Loudness............................................................................................................. 3-9
Reverberation...................................................................................................................3-9
CUSTOMIZING THE 9300’S SOUND .....................................................................................3-9
Basic Control ..........................................................................................................3-10
Full Control ............................................................................................................3-11
Advanced Control..................................................................................................3-11
Gain Reduction Metering .....................................................................................3-12
To Create or Save a User Preset ............................................................................3-12
FACTORY PROGRAMMING PRESETS ...................................................................................3-13
Description of the Factory Presets................................................................................. 3-14
Table 3-1: Factory Programming Presets....................................................................... 3-15
EQUALIZER CONTROLS ....................................................................................................3-17
Table 3-2: Equalization Controls ................................................................................... 3-17
Figure 3-1: HF Receiver Equalizer Curves ...................................................................... 3-21
AGC CONTROLS ............................................................................................................3-23
Table 3-3: AGC Controls..................................................................................................3-24
Advanced AGC Controls........................................................................................3-26
CLIPPER CONTROLS .........................................................................................................3-28
Table 3-4: Clipper Controls............................................................................................. 3-28
MULTIBAND DYNAMICS PROCESSING ................................................................................3-30
Table 3-5: Multiband Controls .......................................................................................3-30
Table 3-6: MB Attack/Release Controls.......................................................................... 3-31
Table 3-7: MB Band Mix Controls...................................................................................3-33
Advanced Multiband Controls..............................................................................3-34
TEST MODES .................................................................................................................3-37
Table 3-8: Test Modes..................................................................................................... 3-37
USING THE 9300 PC REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE ...........................................................3-37
To set up a new connection: .................................................................................3-38
To initiate communication: ...................................................................................3-39
To modify a control setting:..................................................................................3-39
To recall a preset:...................................................................................................3-40
To save a user preset you have created: ..............................................................3-40
To back up User Presets, system files, and automation files onto your computer’s
hard drive:..............................................................................................................3-40
To restore archived presets, system files, and automation files:........................3-41
To modify INPUT/OUTPUT and SYSTEM SETUP: ...........................................................3-43
To modify AUTOMATION: .........................................................................................3-43
To group multiple 9300s: ......................................................................................3-43
Navigation Using the Keyboard ...........................................................................3-43
To Quit the Program..............................................................................................3-43
About Aliases created by Optimod 9300 PC Remote Software .........................3-43
Multiple Installations of Optimod 9300 PC Remote ...........................................3-44
To share an archived User Preset between 9300s: ........................................................3-45
Section 4 Maintenance
.........................................................................................................................................4-1
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................................4-1
SUBASSEMBLY REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT.......................................................................4-2
FIELD AUDIT OF PERFORMANCE..........................................................................................4-5
Section 5 Troubleshooting
.........................................................................................................................................5-1
PROBLEMS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS...............................................................................5-1
RFI, Hum, Clicks, or Buzzes ...............................................................................................5-1
Poor Peak Modulation Control ........................................................................................5-1
Excessively Low Positive Peak Modulation ......................................................................5-2
Audible Distortion On-Air ................................................................................................5-2
Audible Noise on Air ........................................................................................................5-3
Shrill, Harsh Sound............................................................................................................ 5-3
Audible Lowpass Filter Ringing........................................................................................ 5-3
Dull Sound......................................................................................................................... 5-4
Excessive Occupied Bandwidth ........................................................................................5-4
System Will Not Pass Line-Up Tones at 100% Modulation............................................. 5-5
System Will Not Pass Emergency Alert System (“EAS” USA Standard) Tones at the
Legally Required Modulation Level ................................................................................. 5-5
System Receiving 9300’s Digital Output Will Not Lock................................................... 5-5
General Dissatisfaction with Subjective Sound Quality.................................................. 5-5
Security Passcode Lost (When Unit is Locked Out) ......................................................... 5-6
Connection Issues between the 9300 and a PC, Modem, or Network ................5-6
Troubleshooting Connections.................................................................................5-6
You Cannot Access the Internet After Making a Direct or Modem Connection to
the 9300: ..................................................................................................................5-7
OS-SPECIFIC TROUBLESHOOTING ADVICE ............................................................................5-8
Troubleshooting Windows 2000 Direct Connect:..................................................5-8
Troubleshooting Windows 2000 Modem Connect:...............................................5-9
Troubleshooting Windows XP Direct Connect: ...................................................5-10
Troubleshooting Windows XP Modem Connect: ................................................5-11
TROUBLESHOOTING IC OPAMPS .......................................................................................5-12
TECHNICAL SUPPORT.......................................................................................................5-13
FACTORY SERVICE...........................................................................................................5-13
SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS ..................................................................................................5-13
Section 6 Technical Data
.........................................................................................................................................6-1
SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................6-1
Performance.............................................................................................................6-1
Installation ...............................................................................................................6-2
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................6-4
Overview ..................................................................................................................6-4
Control Circuits ........................................................................................................6-5
User Control Interface and LCD Display Circuits ...................................................6-5
Input Circuits............................................................................................................6-7
Output Circuits.........................................................................................................6-8
DSP Circuit..............................................................................................................6-10
Power Supply .........................................................................................................6-10
ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................................................................6-11
PARTS LIST ....................................................................................................................6-13
Obtaining Spare Parts ...........................................................................................6-13
Control Board ........................................................................................................6-13
Combined Input/Output and DSP (I/O+DSP) Board ............................................6-15
Display Board (Front) ............................................................................................6-18
Display Board (Back)..............................................................................................6-19
SCHEMATICS AND PARTS LOCATOR DRAWINGS...................................................................6-19
Function Description Drawing Page
Chassis
Control board
I/O+DSP Board
Display Board
DSP Block
Diagram
Circuit Board Locator and Basic Interconnections
Control microprocessor. Services
front panel, serial port, Ethernet,
Top view
(not to scale)
Parts Locator
Drawing
6-21
6-22
and DSP+I/O board.
Contains:
General Purpose bus, address de-
Schematic 1 of 5
6-23
coder, DSP, and I/O interface
Memory and clock generation Schematic 2 of 5
Ethernet Schematic 3 of 5
Miscellaneous input/output Schematic 4 of 5
Power and Ground Schematic 5 of 5
Analog Input/output
AES3 Input/output
Parts Locator
Drawing
6-24
6-25
6-26
6-27
6-28
DSP Chips; Local regulators.
Contains:
L and R Analog Inputs Schematic 1 of 9 6-29
Analog Outputs Schematic 2 of 9 6-30
Digital Input and Sync Input Schematic 3 of 9 6-31
Digital Outputs Schematic 4 of 9 6-32
DSP Extended Serial Audio Inter-
Schematic 5 of 9 6-33
face (ESAI) and Host Interface
DSP Serial Peripheral Interface,
Schematic 6 of 9 6-34
Power, and Ground
General Purpose bus 8-bit I/O Schematic 7 of 9 6-35
Serial Audio Interface and Clock
Schematic 8 of 9 6-36
Generation
Power Distribution Schematic 9 of 9 6-37
Front-Panel LCD, LEDs, Buttons,
and Rotary Encoder
Parts Locator
Drawing
6-38
Contains:
Front of board Schematic 1 of 2 6-39
Rear of board Schematic 2 of 2 6-40
Shows signal processing 6-41
Index
6
6300 2- · 13
9
9300 OPTIMOD-AM 1- · 1
A
A/D converter
circuit description 5- · 8
specification 6- · 2
Abbreviations 6- · 11
AC Line Cord Standard 2- · 2
Advanced Control 3- · 11
AES/EBU I/O 2- · 10
AGC
bass attack control 3- · 28
bass coupling control 3- · 26
bass release control 3- · 28
bass threshold control 3- · 27
control list 3- · 23
defeating 3- · 24
drive control 3- · 24
dual band 3- · 26
gate threshold control 3- · 25
idle gain control 3- · 27
master attack control 3- · 28
master release control 3- · 25
meter 2- · 12, 2
ratio control 3- · 27
studio 2- · 13
window release control 3- · 26
window size control 3- · 26
AGC Meter Display control 3- · 26
AM processing
general remarks 3- · 4
AM transmitters 1- · 12
analog I/O 1- · 6
analog input
circuit description 6- · 7
ref level, I/O setup 2- · 20
analog input 2- · 8
analog landline 1- · 12
analog output
circuit description 6- · 9
compensating for 600 ohm load 2- · 24
analog output 2- · 9
antenna system 1- · 17
archiving presets 3- · 40
asymmetry
inverting 2- · 32
asymmetry 1- · 15, 16
attack 3- · 28
attack time controls 3- · 35
audio
connections 2- · 8
input, connecting 2- · 8
output 2- · 10
output, connecting 2- · 9
Audio Precision 4- · 5
auditing performance 4- · 5
automation
add event 2- · 35
delete event 2- · 37
edit event 2- · 36
automation 2- · 34
automation 3- · 43
B
backing up presets 3- · 40
balanced
inputs 2- · 9
output, simulates transformer 2- · 9
base board
removing 4- · 2
replacing 4- · 4
Basic Control 3- · 10
bass clip threshold 3- · 28
bass punch
and the bass clipper 3- · 28
bass threshold 3- · 27
battery
replacing 6- · 5
bit depth of internal processing 6- · 1
block diagram 6- · 42
bounce 1- · 13
buttons
escape 2- · 12, 1
modify 2- · 12, 1
next 2- · 12, 1
previous 2- · 12, 1
RECALL 2- · 12, 1
setup 2- · 12, 1
soft buttons 2- · 12, 1
buzz 5- · 1
bypass
local 1- · 22
PC remote 1- · 23
remote interface 1- · 22
test mode 1- · 20
C
cable
shielding 2- · 11
type recommended for analog I/O 2- · 8
chassis
getting inside 4 · 2
ground 2- · 11
circuit board locator drawing 6- · 21
circuit description
control 6- · 5
LCD display 6- · 5
user control interface 6- · 5
circuit description 6- · 4
cleaning front panel 4- · 1
clipper
bass clip threshold control 3- · 28
control list 3- · 28
final clip drive control 3- · 29
Clipping
Defined 3- · 3
clock
battery 6- · 5
setting 2- · 34
common-mode rejection 2- · 11
components
obtaining 6- · 13
Compression
Defined 3- · 2
compressor gate 3- · 25
computer
connecting to 2- · 5
interface, specifications 6- · 3
troubleshooting connections 5- · 6
Windows 2000 5- · 8
Windows XP 5- · 10
computer interface
RS-232 2- · 7
serial 2- · 7
computer interface 1- · 7
connecting
through Win XP direct serial 2- · 56
connection to PC
troubleshooting 5- · 6
connectors
audio 2- · 8
input and output 2- · 8
contrast 2- · 11, 1
control knob 2- · 12, 1
controls
contrast 2- · 11, 1
description 3- · 1
corrosion 4- · 1
D
D/A converter
circuit description 6- · 9
specification 6- · 2
delta release control 3- · 36
density 3- · 3
digital I/O 1- · 5
digital input
circuit description 6- · 8
digital links 1- · 10
digital output
circuit description 6- · 9
display assembly
removing 4 · 2
display board
parts list 6- · 18, 19
distortion
excessive 5- · 5
specification 6- · 1
testing 4- · 8
troubleshooting 5- · 2
dither 2- · 25
DJ Bass control 3- · 22
downward expander 3- · 33
DSP
block diagram 6- · 42
circuit description 6- · 10
DSP board
replacing 4- · 4
dual microwave STLs 1- · 11
dull sound
troubleshooting 5- · 4
G
E
EAS
modulation low 5- · 5
test tones 1- · 22
easy setup 2- · 13
equalizer
control list 3- · 17
parametric 3- · 17
transmitter 1- · 15
escape button 2- · 12, 1
Ethernet 2- · 42, 46, 39
Ethernet cable
crossover 5- · 7
F
factory presets
selecting 2- · 18
tv 3- · 15
factory presets 1- · 5
factory service 5- · 13
final clip drive 3- · 29
Firewall 2- · 46, 39
Firmware
updating 9300 2- · 73
five-band
attack time controls 3- · 35
band on/off switch 3- · 35
band threshold control 3- · 32
delta release control 3- · 36
downward expander thresold control 3- · 33
HF clipper threshold 3- · 34
multiband drive control 3- · 30
multiband gate threshold control 3- · 33
mutiband release control 3- · 31
output mix controls 3- · 35
five-band 3- · 30
frequency response
specification 6- · 1
testing 4- · 8
front panel 3- · 1
front panel description 2- · 11
Full Control 3- · 11
fuse 6- · 10
gain reduction
meters 2- · 13, 2
gate
threshold control 3- · 33
gate 3- · 25
gate LED 2- · 12, 2
Gateway 2- · 46, 39
gateway address 2- · 42
getting inside the unit 4 · 2
GPI
specifications 6- · 3
GPI interface
testing 4- · 10
grounding
circuit 2- · 11
loss of 4- · 1
power 2- · 11
grounding 2- · 10
grouping 9300s 3- · 43
H
HF Clipping 3- · 29
HF Curve
frequency response 2- · 23
HF Curve control 3- · 21
HF Gain control 3- · 20
HF processing 3- · 6
High Frequency Enhancer 3- · 23
high frequency limiter
threshold 3- · 34
highpass filter
in user preset 3- · 23
quick setup 2- · 22
setting 1- · 16
highpass filter 1- · 16
hum 5- · 1
I
I/O
AES/EBU 2- · 10
connections 2- · 3
I/O board
replacing 4- · 4
IC opamps
troubleshooting 5- · 12
idle gain 3- · 27
input
analog, connecting 2- · 8
analog, specifications 6- · 2
digital, specifications 6- · 3
meters 2- · 12, 2
input level
line-up 1- · 19
maximum 2- · 8
input meters 1- · 20
input selector
I/O setup 2- · 20
input/output board
removing 4- · 3
inspection of package contents 2- · 1
installation procedure 2- · 1
Internet
cannot access 5- · 7
IP address 2- · 42
IP port 2- · 43
J
optimum · 8
lock
driven equipment cannot lock to 9300 output
5- · 5
lockout
immediate 2- · 39
programming local 2- · 39
unlocking front panel 2- · 39
lossy data reduction
in studio 1- · 17
NICAM 1- · 10
used in STLs · 10
loudness
insufficient 5- · 5
insufficient due to poor peak control 5- · 1
judging 3- · 9
loudness 3- · 3
loudness/distortion tradeoff 3- · 29
lowpass filter
in user preset 3- · 23
quick setup 2- · 22
setting 1- · 16
lowpass filter 1- · 16
J.17
and 9300 digital I/O 1- · 6
and NICAM 1- · 10
deemphasis applied to digital audio input 6-
· 3
defined 1- · 6
preemphasis applied to digital audio output
6- · 3
L
LEDs
gate 2- · 12, 2
Less-More 3- · 24
level
metering 1- · 20
setup 2- · 17
transmission 1- · 20
Limiting
Defined 3- · 3
line voltage 2- · 2
line-up tones
system will not pass at 100% modulation 5- ·
5
line-up tones 1- · 20
location 1- · 7
location of 9300
M
MAC address 5- · 6
main board
reattaching 4 · 4
MB Clip control 3- · 29
measuring performance 4- · 5
meter
circuit description 6- · 6
gain reduction 3- · 12
meters
AGC 2- · 12, 2
circuit description 6- · 6
gain reduction 2- · 13, 2
input 2- · 12, 2
studio 1- · 18
modem
preparing for connection 2- · 61
recommended baud rate 2- · 62
setting up 2- · 43
specification for 2- · 45
Windows 2000 configuration 2- · 61
Windows XP configuration 2- · 67
modify button 2- · 12, 1
modulation control
troubleshooting poor 5- · 1
modulation monitor
accuracy of 3- · 8
modulation monitors 1- · 21
monitor rolloff filter · 7
Monitor Rolloff Filter 1- · 21
monitor rolloff filter 2- · 5
multiband drive 3- · 30
N
NAB Broadcast and Audio System Test CD
4- · 5
network
timeserver 2- · 47
networking 2- · 42
NEXT button 2- · 12, 1
NICAM 1- · 10
noise
troubleshooting 5- · 3
NRSC 3- · 3
NRSC deemphasis 1- · 24
NRSC standard 1- · 23
null modem cable
communicating through 2- · 51
null modem cable 2- · 45
O
output
analog output level trim adjustment 4- · 7
analog, connecting 2- · 9
analog, specifications 6- · 2
compensating for 600 ohm load 2- · 24
digital, setting dither 2- · 25
digital, setting sync 2- · 25
digital, setting word length · 25
digital, specifications 6- · 3
output level
I/O setup 2- · 24, 26
quick setup 2- · 17
output mix controls 3- · 35
overshoot
in transmitter 1- · 12
overshoot
excessive 5- · 1
P
parts
obtaining 6- · 13
parts list
base board 6- · 13
display board 6- · 18, 19
I/O board 6- · 15
parts list 6- · 13
passcode
and dial-up networking 2- · 40
creating 2- · 38
deleting 2- · 38
editing 2- · 38
programming 2- · 37
recovering from lost 2- · 40
PC
Orban installer program 2- · 46
PC board locator diagram 6- · 21
PC control
security 1- · 23
PC hardware requirements 2- · 45
PC Remote
aliases 3- · 43
moving alias folders 3- · 45
multiple coexisting versions 3- · 44
upgrading versions 3- · 44
PC Remote Software 3- · 37
peak control criteria 1- · 7
performance
measuring 4- · 5
phase-linear
system group delay spec · 7
port, IP 2- · 43
Ports 2- · 46, 39
positive peak threshold 1- · 16
positive peaks
cannot achieve desired 5- · 2
positive peaks 1- · 15
power
cord 2- · 2, 7
power supply
circuit description 6- · 10
Orban part # 6- · 10
transmitter 1- · 13
power supply board
reattaching 4 · 4
preemphasis
quick setup 2- · 14
preemphasis 1- · 23
preset
restoring archived 3- · 41
presets
backup 3- · 40
customizing 3- · 9
factory 1- · 5
factory programming 3- · 13
saving user 3- · 5, 12
sharing between 9300s 3- · 42, 45
user presets 1- · 5
PREVIOUS button 2- · 12, 1
processing
block diagram 6- · 42
Proof of Performance 1- · 3
Proof of Performance 3- · 20, 37
Q
ringing
photo showing 2- · 31
reducing audible 3- · 22
testing for 2- · 27
RJ45 jack 2- · 43
routine maintenance 4- · 1
RS232
testing 4- · 10
RS-232 connector 2- · 7
RS-232 interface
circuit description 6- · 6
quick setup 2- · 13
R
radio
reference for processor adjustment 3- · 7, 20
ratio
AGC 3- · 27
rear panel 2- · 7
RECALL button 2- · 12, 1
receiver
HF rolloff 3- · 3
receiver equalizer 3- · 20
registration card 2- · 1
release
fast 3- · 32
medium-fast 3- · 32
medium-slow 3- · 32
slow 3- · 31
remote
PC Remote software 3- · 37
remote control
bypass 1- · 22
connecting 2- · 3
GPI, specifications 6- · 3
wiring 2- · 3
remote control 2- · 7
remote interface
functions controllable by 2- · 41
GPI 1- · 6
programming GPI 2- · 40
testing 4- · 10
wiring 2- · 3
remote interface connector 2- · 7
resolution
specification 6- · 1
reveberation 3- · 9
RFI 5- · 1
S
sample rate
at digital output 6- · 3
internal, specification 6- · 1
setting output 2- · 17
sample rate converter
testing 4- · 9
saving user presets 3- · 5, 12
screen display 2- · 11, 1
screens
System Setup 2- · 13
Security
lock immediately 2- · 39
security 1- · 23
security 2- · 37
Serial Communications
setting up 2- · 51
serial connection
setting up direct 2- · 44
serial connector 2- · 7
service 5- · 13
setup
I/O 2- · 20
quick 2- · 13
setup button 2- · 12, 1
shipping instructions 5- · 13
shortwave processing 3- · 6
shrill sound
troubleshooting 5- · 3
signal flow diagram 6- · 42
soft buttons 2- · 12, 1
Software
updating 9300 2- · 73
software updates 1- · 3
Sound Technology 4- · 5
spare parts
obtaining 6- · 13
specifications 6- · 1
spectrum analyzer 4- · 5
sports 3- · 32
Stanford Research Systems 4- · 5
station ID
setting 2- · 19
STL
compatibility with 32 kHz sample rate 2- · 10
overshoot in uncomressed digital 2- · 10
systems 1- · 9
studio AGC 2- · 13
studio chassis mode 2- · 16
studio-transmitter link 1- · 9
subassembly removal and replacement 4- ·
2
subnet mask 2- · 42
system setup
quick setup 2- · 13
System Setup screen 2- · 13
installation 5- · 1
tv presets 3- · 15
U
unlock front panel 2- · 39
unpacking 2- · 1
Updating software 2- · 73
user presets
archiving 3- · 13
creating 3- · 5, 10, 12
user presets 1- · 5
V
VPN, setting up 2- · 46, 39
W
T
talk 3- · 32
TCP/IP
setting parameters 2- · 42
technical support 5- · 26, 13
telephone support 5- · 26, 13
test
transmission facility · 27
test modes 3- · 20, 37
threshold control 3- · 32
tilt
photo showing 2- · 29
testing for 2- · 27
tilt 1- · 13
time & date 2- · 14
timeserver 2- · 47
Timeservers
Table of 2- · 48
top cover
reattaching 4 · 5
removing 4 · 2
transmission preset 1- · 15
transmitter
pre-1965 1- · 14
transmitter equalization 2- · 28
transmitter equalizer 1- · 15
transmitter overshoot 1- · 12
troubleshooting
warranty 1- · 26
Warranty 1- · 26
warranty 6- · 4
window
release control 3- · 26
window size control 3- · 26
Windows
installing services 2- · 44
Windows 2000
adding direct serial connection 2- · 52, 56,
62, 69
Direct Connect 5- · 8
direct serial connection 2- · 51
modem connect 5- · 9
modem connection 2- · 61
Windows XP
direct connect 5- · 10
modem configuration 2- · 67
modem connect 5- · 11
word length
at output, specification 6- · 3
setting output 2- · 25
X
XLR connector
wiring standard 2- · 9
OPTIMOD-AM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION
Section 1
Introduction
About this Manual
The Adobe pdf form of this manual contains numerous hyperlinks and bookmarks. A
reference to a numbered step or a page number (except in the Index) is a live hyperlink; click on it to go immediately to that reference.
If the bookmarks are not visible, click the “Bookmarks” tab on the left
side of the Acrobat Reader window.
1-1
This manual has a table of contents and index. To search for a specific word or
phrase, you can also use the Adobe Acrobat Reader’s text search function.
The OPTIMOD-AM 9300 Digital Audio Processor
Orban's all-digital 9300 OPTIMOD-AM Audio Processor can help you achieve the
highest possible audio quality in monophonic AM shortwave, medium wave and
long wave broadcasts. OPTIMOD-AM delivers louder, cleaner, brighter, FM-like audio
with an open, fatigue-free quality that attracts listeners and holds them. Because all
processing is performed by high-speed mathematical calculations within Motorola
DSP56367 digital signal processing chips, the processing has cleanliness, quality, and
stability over time and temperature that is unmatched by analog processors.
OPTIMOD-AM 9300 is descended from the industry-standard 9100 and 9200
OPTIMOD-AM audio processors. Thousands of these processors are on the air all
over the world. They have proven that the “OPTIMOD sound” attracts and keeps an
audience even in the most competitive commercial environment.
Because OPTIMOD-AM incorporates several audio processing innovations
exclusive to Orban products, you should not assume that it can be operated
in the same way as less sophisticated processors. If you do, you may get
disappointing results.
Take a little time now to familiarize yourself with OPTIMOD-AM. A small investment
of your time now will yield large dividends in audio quality.
OPTIMOD-AM was designed to deliver a high-quality FM-like sound to the listener's
ear by pre-processing for the limitations of the average car or table radio (while
1-2
INTRODUCTION ORBAN MODEL 9300
avoiding audible side effects and compromises in loudness or coverage). Because
such processing can make audible many defects ordinarily lost in the usual sea of
AM mud, it is very important that the source audio be as clean as possible. Orban's
publication Maintaining Audio Quality in the Broadcast Facility (available in .pdf
form from ftp.orban.com
improving the quality of your audio.
The rest of Section 1 explains how OPTIMOD-AM fits into the AM broadcast facility.
Section 2 explains how to install it and set it up. Section 3 tells how to operate
OPTIMOD-AM. Sections 4 through 6 provide reference information.
For best results, feed OPTIMOD-AM unprocessed audio. No other audio processing is
necessary or desirable.
If you wish to place level protection prior to your studio / transmitter link (STL), use
an Orban studio level control system expressly designed for this purpose. (At the
time of this writing, this is the Orban 6300 Multipurpose Digital audio Processor.)
The 6300 can be set up so that it substitutes for the broadband AGC circuitry in
OPTIMOD-AM, which is then defeated.
) contains valuable information and specific suggestions for
Making the Most of the AM Channel
OPTIMOD-AM rides gain over an adjustable range of up to 25dB, compressing
dynamic range and compensating for operator gain-riding errors and for gain inconsistencies in automated systems.
OPTIMOD-AM increases the density and loudness of the program mate-
rial by multiband limiting and multiband distortion-canceling clipping, improv-
ing the consistency of the station's sound and increasing loudness and definition
without producing audible side effects.
OPTIMOD-AM precisely controls peak levels to prevent overmodulation.
OPTIMOD-AM compensates for the high- and low-frequency rolloffs of
typical AM receivers with a fully adjustable program equalizer providing up to
20dB of high-frequency boost (at 5 kHz) without producing the side effects encountered in conventional processors. This equalizer can thus produce extreme
preemphasis that is appropriate for very narrow-band radios. OPTIMOD-AM's
fully parametric low- and mid-frequency equalizers allow you to tailor your air
sound to your precise requirements and desires. OPTIMOD-AM also fully supports
the NRSC standard preemphasis curve.
Controllable and Adjustable
OPTIMOD-AM comes with a wide variety of factory presets to accommodate
almost any user requirement. A single L
tory preset. The user (via F
ESS-MORE control easily modifies any fac-
ULL CONTROL) can further customize the presets, and
OPTIMOD-AM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION
these can be stored and recalled on command. Advanced Control (accessible
from the PC Remote application) facilitates detailed sound design using the
same controls that were available to the factory programmers.
An LCD and full-time LED meters make setup, adjustment and programming
of OPTIMOD-AM easy — you can always see the metering while you’re adjusting
the processor. Navigation is by dedicated buttons, soft buttons (whose functions
are context-sensitive), and a large rotary knob. The LEDs show all metering functions of the processing structure (Two-Band or Five-Band) in use.
OPTIMOD-AM contains a versatile real-time clock, which allows automation of
various events (including recalling presets) at pre-programmed times.
A Bypass Test Mode can be invoked locally, by remote control (from either the
9300’s GPI port or the 9300 PC Remote application), or by automation to permit
broadcast system test and alignment or “proof of performance” tests.
OPTIMOD-AM contains a built-in line-up tone generator that offers sine,
square, and triangle waves, facilitating quick and accurate level setting in any
system.
1-3
OPTIMOD-AM's software can be upgraded by running Orban-supplied
downloadable upgrade software on a PC. The upgrade can occur remotely
through the 9300’s Ethernet port or serial port (connected to an external modem), or locally (by connecting a Windows® computer to the 9300’s serial port
through a null modem cable).
The 9300 can be remote-controlled by 5-12V pulses applied to eight pro-
grammable, optically isolated “general-purpose interface” (GPI) ports.
9300 PC Remote software runs under Windows 2000 and XP. It communicates
with a given 9300 via TCP/IP over modem, direct serial, and Ethernet connections. You can configure PC Remote to switch between many 9300s via a convenient organizer that supports giving any 9300 an alias and grouping multiple
9300s into folders. Clicking a 9300’s icon causes PC Remote to connect to that
9300 through an Ethernet network, or initiates a Windows Dial-Up or Direct Cable Connection if appropriate. The PC Remote software allows the user to access
all 9300 features (including advanced controls not available from the 9300’s
front panel), and allows the user to archive and restore presets, automation lists,
and system setups (containing I/O levels, digital word lengths, GPI functional assignments, etc.).
Versatile Installation
OPTIMOD-AM controls the transmitter bandwidth as necessary to meet
government regulations, regardless of program material or equalization.
OPTIMOD-AM's high-frequency bandwidth can be switched instantly in 500Hz
1-4
INTRODUCTION ORBAN MODEL 9300
increments between 4.5 kHz and 9.5 kHz. The lower cutoff frequencies meet the
output power spectral density requirements of ITU-R 328-5 without further lowpass filtering at the transmitter, while the 9.5 kHz filter meets the requirements
of the NRSC-1 standard (North America). The 5.0 kHz filter makes the analog AM
bandwidth compatible with HD-AM transmission. The lowpass filters have parametric cutoff shapes, allowing you to trade off filter ringing against frequency
response flatness.
OPTIMOD-AM compensates for inaccuracies in the pulse response (tilt,
overshoot, ringing) of transmitters and antenna systems with a powerful
four-parameter transmitter equalizer. A built-in square-wave generator makes
adjustment easy. Four sets of equalizer parameters can be stored and recalled, allowing you to program day and night variations for two transmitters.
Two mono analog outputs and one AES3 output accommodate as many as
three transmitters.
OPTIMOD-AM is usually installed at the transmitter, replacing all processing
normally employed at the transmitter site, including compressor, protection peak
limiters, clippers, and high- and low-pass filters normally included within the
transmitter. It can also be installed at the studio if an uncompressed digital
STL is available.
OPTIMOD-AM comes with a Monitor Rolloff Filter for use in studio monitor-
ing. This filter emulates the frequency response of an average receiver.
The 9300 includes analog and AES3 digital inputs and outputs. Both the digi-
tal input and the digital output are equipped with sample-rate converters and
can operate at 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz sample rates. The digital
output can be pre-emphasized to the J.17 standard.
The analog inputs are transformerless, balanced 10k instrumentation-
amplifier circuits, and the analog outputs are transformerless balanced, and
floating (with 50 impedance) to ensure highest transparency and accurate
pulse response.
All input, output, and power connections are rigorously RFI-suppressed to
Orban’s traditional exacting standards, ensuring trouble-free installation.
The 9300 is designed and certified to meet all applicable international
safety and emissions standards.
Presets in OPTIMOD-AM
There are two distinct kinds of presets in OPTIMOD-AM: factory presets and user
presets.
OPTIMOD-AM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION
Factory Presets
The Factory Presets are our “factory recommended settings” for various program
formats or types. The description indicates the processing structure and the type of
processing. Each Factory Preset on the Preset list is really a library of more than 20
separate presets, selected by navigating to M
LESS-MORE and using the LESS-MORE control to adjust OPTIMOD-AM for less or more
processing. The factory presets are listed and described on page 3-13.
ODIFY PROCESSING > > BASIC CONTROLS >
1-5
Factory Presets are stored in OPTIMOD-AM’
erased. You can change the settings of a Factory Preset, but you must then store
those settings as a User Preset, which you are free to name as you wish. The Factory
Preset remains unchanged.
s non-volatile memory and cannot be
User Presets
User Presets permit you to change a Factory Preset to suit your requirements and
then store those changes.
You can store more than 100 User Presets, limited only by available memory in your
9300 (which will vary depending on the version of your 9300’s software). You can
give your preset a name up to 18 characters long.
User Presets cannot be created from scratch. You must always start by recalling a
Factory Preset. Make the changes, and then store your modified preset as a User
Preset. You can also recall a previously created user preset, modify it, and save it
again, either overwriting the old version or saving under a new name. In all cases,
the original Factory Preset remains for you to return to if you wish.
User Presets are stored in non-volatile memory that does not require battery
backup. To Create or Save a User Preset on page 3-12 has more about User Presets.
Input/Output Configuration
OPTIMOD-AM simultaneously accommodates:
A digital AES3 left/right input and an AES3 mono output.
A stereo analog left/right input and two mono outputs.
Digital AES3 Input/Output
The digital input and output conform to the professional AES3 standard. They have
sample rate converters to allow operation at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz sample
frequency.
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INTRODUCTION ORBAN MODEL 9300
The left/right digital input is on one XLR-type female connector on the rear panel;
the mono digital output is on an XLR-type male connector on the rear panel.
You can select whether OPTIMOD-AM uses its digital or analog input either locally
or by remote interface. If OPTIMOD-AM is set to accept a digital input and the feed
fails, you can configure OPTIMOD-AM so that it automatically switches back to the
analog input.
The 9300 can process the signal from the left, right, or sum of the left and right
channels of either the analog or the digital input.
Level control of the AES3 input is accomplished via software control via System
Setup (see step 5 on page 2-22) or via PC Remote.
Both analog and digital outputs are active continuously
The 9300’s output sample rate can be locked either to the 9300’s internal crystal
clock or to the sample rate present at its AES3 input.
The 9300 can apply J.17 deemphasis to signals applied to its digital input and J.17
preemphasis to the processed signal emitted from its digital output. J.17 is a
6 dB/octave shelving preemphasis/deemphasis standard with break points at 477 Hz
and 4.13 kHz. It is primarily used in older studio/transmitter links that use NICAM
technology. The 9300’s provisions for J.17 make it fully compatible with systems using this standard.
.
Analog Input/Outputs
The left and right analog inputs are on XLR-type female connectors on the rear
panel. Input impedance is greater than 10k; balanced and floating. Inputs can accommodate up to +27dBu (0dBu = 0.775Vrms). Although the 9300’s processing is
monophonic, we have supplied stereo inputs so that the 9300 can process the L+R, Lonly, or R-only signals without needing an external mixer.
The two mono analog outputs are on XLR-type male connectors on the rear panel.
Output impedance is 50; balanced and floating. The outputs can drive 600 or
higher impedances, balanced or unbalanced. The peak output level is adjustable
from –6 dBu to +20 dBu.
Level control of the analog inputs and outputs is accomplished via software control
through System Setup (see step 4 on page 2-20 and step 10 on page 2-26) or via PC
Remote.
Remote Control Interface
The Remote Control Interface is a set of eight optically isolated GPI inputs on a DB25 connector, which can be activated by 5-12V DC. They can control various functions of the 9300. See page 2-40 for a list of functions and information on programming the remote control interface.
OPTIMOD-AM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION
Computer Interface
On the rear panel of the 9300 are an RS-232 serial port and a 100 Mbps Ethernet
port for interfacing to IBM-compatible PCs either locally or through a TCP/IP network. These computer interfaces support remote control and metering, and allow
downloading software upgrades.
Each 9300 package ships with 9300 PC Remote software, an application for any IBMcompatible PC running Microsoft Windows 2000 (Service Pack 3 or higher) or XP.
9300 PC Remote permits you to adjust any 9300 preset by remote control or to do
virtually anything else that you can do from the 9300’s front panel controls. The
program displays all of the 9300’s LCD meters on the computer screen to aid remote
adjustment.
RS-232 Serial Port
9300 PC Remote can communicate at up to 115 kbps via
between the computer and the 9300 through their RS-232 serial ports.
RJ45 Ethernet Connector
9300 can be connected to any Ethernet network that supports the TCP/IP proto-
The
col.
modem or direct connection
1-7
See Networking and Remote Control on page 2-42 for more information.
Location of OPTIMOD-AM
Optimal Control of Peak Modulation Levels
The audio processing circuitry in OPTIMOD-AM produces a waveform that is precisely peak-controlled to prevent overmodulation, and is lowpass filtered to protect
adjacent channels and to conform to government regulations. Severe changes in the
shape of the waveform can be caused by passing it through a circuit with nonconstant group delay and/or non-flat frequency response in the 30-9500Hz range.
Deviation from flatness and phase linearity will cause spurious modulation peaks because the shape of the peak-limited waveform is changed. Such peaks add nothing
to average modulation. Thus, the average modulation must be lowered to accommodate those peaks so that they do not overmodulate. Transformers can cause such
problems.
Landline equalizers, transformers, and low-pass filters in transmitters typically introduce frequency response errors and non-constant group delay. There are three criteria for preservation of peak levels through the audio system:
1) The system group delay must be essentially constant throughout the frequency
range containing significant energy (30-9,500Hz). If low-pass filters are present,
this may require the use of delay equalization. The deviation from linear-phase
must not exceed 1 from 30-9,500Hz.
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INTRODUCTION ORBAN MODEL 9300
2) The low-frequency 3 dB point of the system must be placed at 0.15Hz or lower
(this is not a misprint!). This is necessary to ensure less than 1% overshoot in a
50Hz square wave and essentially constant group delay to 30Hz.
3) Any preemphasis used in the audio transmission system prior to the transmitter
(such as in an STL) must be canceled by a precisely complementary deemphasis:
Every pole and zero in the preemphasis filter must be complemented by a zero
and pole of identical complex frequency in the deemphasis network. An all-pole
deemphasis network (like the classic series resistor feeding a grounded capacitor) is not appropriate.
In this example, the network could be corrected by adding a second resistor between ground and the capacitor, which would introduce a zero.
Low-pass filters (including anti-aliasing filters in digital links), high-pass filters, transformers, distribution amplifiers, and long transmission lines can all cause the above
criteria to be violated, and must be tested and qualified. It is clear that the above
criteria for optimal control of peak modulation levels are met most easily when the
audio processor directly feeds the transmitter. While OPTIMOD-AM’s transmitter
equalizer can mitigate the effects of group delay and frequency response errors in
the signal path, an accurate path will still achieve the best results.
Best Location for OPTIMOD-AM
The best location for OPTIMOD-AM is as close as possible to the transmitter so that
OPTIMOD-AM’s output can be connected to the transmitter through a circuit path
that introduces the least possible change in the shape of OPTIMOD-AM’s carefully
peak-limited waveform. This connection could be short lengths of shielded cable (for
transmitters with analog inputs) or a direct AES3 connection (if the transmitter has a
digital input available). If this is impossible, the next best arrangement is to feed the
9300’s AES3 digital output through an all-digital, uncompressed path to the transmitter's exciter.
If the programming agency’s jurisdiction ends at the link connecting the audio facility to the transmitter, a variety of problems can occur downstream. (The link might
be telephone/post lines, analog microwave radio, or various types of digital paths.)
The link, the transmitter, the transmitter peak limiters, or the transmitter itself can
all introduce artifacts that a studio-located audio processor cannot control.
If the transmitter is not accessible:
All audio processing must be done at the studio and you must tolerate any
that occurs later. If an uncompressed AES3 digital link is available to the transmitter,
this is an excellent, accurate means of transmission. However, if the digital link employs lossy compression, it will disturb peak levels by up to 4 dB. Lossy compression is
also inappropriate for another reason: it cannot accommodate pre-emphasized audio (like OPTIMOD-AM‘s output) without introducing serious artifacts.
damage
Unlike FM, where the transmitter usually can be set up to provide preemphasis, AM transmitters are universally “flat.” Therefore, unlike FM,
there is no option when using lossy compression to de-emphasize at the
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