Park Air Systems B6350 User Guide
T6T Transmitter User Guide
Issue 1
Handbook Title: T6T Transmitter User Guide
Handbook Part Number: 31-360000TX
Issue Number: 1
Date of Issue: November 1999
Published By: Park Air Electronics
Northfields
Market Deeping
Peterborough
England PE6 8UE
Telephone: From UK, 01778 345434
From outside UK, 44 1778 345434
Fax: From UK, 01778 342877
From outside UK, 44 1778 342877
Page ii
Handbook Amendment Record
Amendments to this handbook, originated by Park Air Electronics, are listed in the following table.
Amendment
Number
The equipment’s modification label shows modifications embodied in the equipment.
Date Brief Details
Equipment Modification Record
Modifications to the T6T transmitter are detailed in the following table.
PAE Change
Note Number
Modification
Number
Date Brief Details
PAE Change
Note Number
Page iii
List of Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used in this user guide:
A amp
AM amplitude modulation
BIT built-in test
dB decibel
DSP digital signal processing
ETI elapsed time indicator
ICAO international civil aviation organisation
kg kilogram
kHz kilo Hertz
LCD liquid crystal display
mA milliamp
MARC multi-access remote control system
MHz mega Hertz
mm millimetre
ppm parts per million
PSK phase shift keying
rms root mean square
RSSI receiver signal strength indication
V volt
VFP virtual front panel
VHF very high frequency
Page iv
T6T Transmitter User Guide
Section 1
General Information
Section 1 Contents
Chapter 1. Overview
Introduction to the T6T Transmitter 3
T6T Handbooks 3
Operational Settings 4
Virtual Front Panel 5
Built-In Tests 5
Transmitter Variants 6
Configuring the T6T Transmitter 6
Chapter 2. Specification
Dimensions and Weight 9
RF Characteristics 9
Environmental 10
Power Requirements 10
Chapter 3. Controls, Indicators, and Connectors
Front Panel 11
Transmit Indicator 11
Alarm Indicator 11
Ready Indicator 11
Standby Indicator 12
Reference Connector 12
Microphone/Diagnostics Connector 12
Scroll/Select Switch and LCD 13
Rear Panel 14
Power Switch 14
AC Input Connector 14
DC Input Connector 15
Fuse F1 15
Chassis Stud Connection 15
Facilities Connector CN5 15
MARC Port CN6 16
Computer Port CN7 16
Antenna Connector 16
Chapter 4. Installation Procedures
Introduction 21
Initial Inspection of the Transmitter 22
Fitting the Correct AC Input Fuse 22
Selecting the Correct AC Input Tap 23
Selecting the Keying Method 24
Fitting a Radio into an Equipment Rack 25
Connecting Remote Facilities 25
Chassis Stud Connection 26
AC Supply Connection 26
DC Supply Connection 27
Connecting an Antenna 27
Switching On 27
Page
Section 1 T6T Transmitter User Guide
Page 2
Chapter 1. Overview
This chapter provides an introduction to the T6T transmitter, briefly describes the features, and
shows how the radio is configured for operational use.
INTRODUCTION TO THE T6T TRANSMITTER
Park Air Electronics (PAE) T6T is a VHF multi-mode air-traffic control transmitter compatible with
analogue (AM) and digital (D8PSK) modulation modes. Current models are supplied programmed for
AM voice operation in the frequency range 118 to 136.975 MHz using 25 kHz or 8.33 kHz channel
spacing. Future software upgrades will allow D8PSK operation.
The transmitter produces a 50 watt carrier output that can be reduced, in 1 watt steps, to 5 watts. The
output power, and the majority of operational settings, can be selected at the front panel, using the virtual
front panel (VFP) or through a compatible control and data system such as the PAE multi-access remote
control (MARC) system.
A multi-channel feature allows up to 100 frequency channels to be stored and recalled by channel
number.
The transmitter is designed to be fitted in an industrial 19 inch (483 mm) equipment rack. Operation is
from either a standard ac mains supply, or from a low voltage dc supply. When both input supplies are
connected, the dc supply acts as a back-up if the mains supply fails.
Comprehensive continuous and interruptive Built-In Tests (BIT) provide confidence of the transmitter's
serviceability.
T6T HANDBOOKS
This user guide describes the T6T transmitter and gives complete installation and setting up procedures.
The user guide is split into sections as follows:
Section 1. Section 1 (this section) provides general information that is common to all
operating modes.
Section 2. Section 2 provides information that is specific to operating the T6T transmitter
in AM-voice mode.
Section 3. Section 3 onwards will, when available, describe the digital operating modes.
A maintenance kit (PAE part number 70-6350MKIT) is also available. A maintenance handbook,
included in the kit, contains fault finding guides to module level and details VFP operation. The VFP can
be used for setting up, maintenance purposes, and for loading new software.
T6T transmitter maintenance should not be attempted without reference
to the maintenance handbook
The maintenance kit includes a CD-ROM containing the VFP software and a lead for connecting the
radio to a Personal Computer (PC). The CD-ROM also contains the software as loaded into the T6T at
the time of sale. This enables the original software to be re-loaded if the transmitter's Digital Signal
Processing (DSP) module is ever replaced.
Both the user guide and maintenance handbook are available on CD ROM. Contact PAE for details.
T6T General Information Section 1
Page 3
OPERATIONAL SETTINGS
Operational settings for the T6T transmitter are configured at the front panel, through the VFP, or
through an associated MARC system (or compatible control and data system). At the transmitter,
operational settings are selected and displayed using the front panel Scroll/Select switch and the LCD.
Freq 123.000MHz
Chan 1
Offset +5.0kHz
Pwr lllllllllll
The settings are selected through a series of menus. Full details are given in the section of this user
guide applicable to the operating mode. Two example selection menus, Set Frequency menu and
Channel Storage menu, are shown below.
121 .500MHz
Example Set
Frequency Menu
C ance l OK
Ch1 00 121 . 500MHz
Cance l
Stor e
Example Channel
Storage Menu
Store and End
During normal transmitter operation, the Main screen, shown below, is displayed. The screen shows the
operating frequency, the channel number (if the channel store facility is used), the carrier offset (if used in
AM-voice mode), and displays a graphical representation of instantaneous peak power.
Fr eq 123 . 000MHz
Chan 1
Of fset +5.0kHz
Example Main
Screen
Pwr IIIIIIIIIIII
Section 1 T6T Transmitter User Guide
Page 4
Virtual Front Panel
As an alternative to setting up the transmitter from the front panel, the T6T's virtual front panel (VFP)
software can be used. To use the VFP, an IBM™ compatible PC must be connected to the transmitter
(see Fig. 1-1). Using the VFP offers several advantages over setting up from a transmitter's front panel.
These are:
When set up using the VFP, a profile of the transmitter's operational settings can be created.
q
The profile can then be used to automatically set up other radios within a system, or to reset a
radio should its DSP module ever be replaced.
When using the VFP, the transmitter's front panel can be locked. This means that a
q
transmitter's settings cannot inadvertently be changed by tampering with the front panel
controls.
A print-out of a transmitter's profile (all the operational settings) can be made from the VFP.
q
Instructions on VFP usage is outside the scope of this user guide. Reference, therefore, should be made
to the T6T maintenance handbook that is supplied with a CD-ROM containing the VFP software.
BUILT-IN TESTS
The transmitter continuously self monitors key internal parameters without affecting normal operation. If
a BIT fault is detected, the front panel Alarm indicator lights, the Ready indicator becomes unlit, and the
transmitter becomes inoperable.
Additionally, a BIT warning, as opposed to a BIT fault may be indicated. A BIT warning is shown by the
front panel Alarm indicator flashing; the Ready indicator remains lit and the transmitter remains
operational, but at reduced power.
Apart from continuous monitoring, an interruptive BIT test can be initiated locally at the front panel, or
remotely. When initiated, test signals are injected that key the transmitter allowing parameters to be
monitored in their active state.
The results of continuous monitoring, and of interruptive testing, are available at the front panel LCD.
When the transmitter is used with a MARC system (or other compatible data and control system) the
results are also sent, in the form of a data message, to the monitoring facility. A full description of the BIT
facilities is given in the section applicable to the required operating mode. The following two illustrations
show example front panel BIT displays.
RF D r i v e PASS
Fwd Powe r 2 5W
Rf l Power 2W
<< >>
VSWR PASS
PA Temp 8 0°C
Syn t h Lock Pass
<< >>
T6T General Information Section 1
Page 5
TRANSMITTER VARIANTS
Two variants of the T6T transmitter are available:
B6350. This model operates in all modes except in AM-voice when using a 5-carrier offset.
q
The frequency stability of this model is 1 ppm.
B6350OPT1. This model operates in all modes including AM-voice when using a 5-carrier
q
offset. The frequency stability of this model is 0.25 ppm.
CONFIGURING THE T6T TRANSMITTER
Fig. 1-1 shows the signal connectors fitted to the transmitter's front and rear panels. The connectors
used to configure the transmitter depend on the required operating mode. The purpose of each
connector is briefly described in the following paragraphs and fully detailed in chapter 3 starting on
page 11.
Antenna Connector
Used in all operating modes to connect the 50 ohm antenna feeder
cable.
Microphone/Diagnostics
Connector
This is a dual purpose connector. A microphone/headset (complete with
integral PTT switch) can be connected to enable local AM-voice
operation.
Alternatively, a PC can be connected to allow use of the VFP. The VFP
can be used to set the transmitter's operational settings, or to download
new software.
Reference Connector
Used in all operating modes to check and reset the transmitter's
reference frequency.
Facilities Connector Used primarily to connect remote signals when using AM-voice mode
when the transmitter does not form part of a MARC system.
Some auxiliary signals available at this connector, for example the
24 volt (nominal) unregulated output supply, can be utilized irrespective
of the operating mode.
MARC Port The MARC port is used to connect remote signals when the transmitter
forms part of a MARC system, or other compatible control and data
system.
Computer Port
The computer port is used in digital communication modes to connect
the transmitter to a control computer.
Section 1 T6T Transmitter User Guide
Page 6
Signals to/from a control
computer. Used when
operating in digital
communication modes.
Signals to/from an
RSE 2 equipment. Used
when the radio forms
part of a MARC system.
Computer
Port
MARC
Port
T6T Transmitter
Antenna
Connector
Remote Signals.
Facilities
Connector
Frequency counter for
maintenance purposes.
Fig. 1-1. T6T Transmitter Configuration
Reference
Connector
Microphone/Diagnostics
Connector
Microphone/headset
for local AM operation.
PC to allow use of the VFP
and to download new
software.
T6T General Information Section 1
Page 7
Intentionally Blank
Section 1 T6T Transmitter User Guide
Page 8
Chapter 2. Specification
This chapter contains the T6T transmitter's specification that is common to all operating modes.
Specifications relevant to specific operating modes are contained in the section applicable to the
required operating mode.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
The dimensions and weight of the T6T transmitter are:
Width 483 mm (19 inches).
Height 88.9 mm (3.5 inches). The height occupies 2U of
equipment cabinet space.
Depth (front panel to rear panel) 430 mm (16.9 inches).
Depth (front panel to rear of fan) 450 mm (17.7 inches).
Weight 15.6 kg (34.4 pounds)
RF CHARACTERISTICS
Frequency range 118 to 136.975 MHz.
Output carrier power The output power is adjustable between 5 and 50 watts.
Number of channels The transmitter has a multi-channel capability.
100 channels can be stored and recalled.
Frequency accuracy Better than 1 ppm for transmitter B6350.
Better than 0.25 ppm for transmitter B6350OPT1.
Protection Excessive VSWR. The transmitter will transmit at full
power into a VSWR of up to 2.5 :1. At a higher VSWR
the output power will be reduced by 10 dB ± 1 dB, if
necessary, in order to protect the transmitter.
Provision is made via the facilities port to allow an
external VSWR signal to be monitored. This is required
when isolators are employed which shield the transmitter
from a VSWR fault at the antenna.
PA Overheating. If the RF PA temperature exceeds
°
80
C, the output power is reduced by 6 dB ± 1 dB and a
BIT warning indicated.
If the RF PA temperature exceeds 90°C the transmitter
de-keys and a BIT alarm is indicated.
T6T General Information Section 1
Page 9
Control Loop Error. If the cartesian control loop goes
out of limits, for example, due to low supply volts, the
output power gradually reduces by up to 3 dB until the
loop regains stability. If this fails to stabilise the loop the
transmitter de-keys and a BIT alarm is indicated.
Harmonic outputs Harmonic outputs are below -36 dBm.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Temperature range The transmitter operates to specification at temperatures
between -20 and +55°C and at a relative humidity
between 5% and 90% (non-condensing).
Duty cycle 100%.
Warm up time The transmitter is fully operational 5 seconds after
switch on.
Storage The transmitter can be stored at temperatures between
-30 and +70°C without causing damage.
Cooling The transmitter has an integral cooling fan.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
The transmitter operates from an ac input supply, or a dc input supply. When both supplies are
connected, the dc input acts as an automatic backup supply for the ac mains.
ac input supply The transmitter operates from a 48 to 62 Hz
single-phase ac supply.
The input voltage, measured at the equipment, can be
110/120/220/230/240 V ac (± 10%). The correct ac
input tap must be selected to suit the input voltage.
Additionally, the correct ac input fuse F2 must be fitted.
See installation detail on page 23.
ac power consumption Typically 330 VA. 500 VA maximum.
dc input supply Between 21.6 and 32 V. Full output power capability is
maintained with a dc input between 24 and 32 V. From
24 down to 21.6 V the output power gradually
decreases.
dc supply current 15 amp (maximum) with a 28 volt dc input supply.
Section 1 T6T Transmitter User Guide
Page 10
Chapter 3. Controls, Indicators, and Connectors
This chapter details the purpose of all controls, indicators, and connectors
fitted to the transmitter's front and rear panels.
FRONT PANEL
The front panel's controls, indicators, and connectors are shown below and described in the following
paragraphs.
Freq 123.000MHz
Chan 1
Offset +5.0kHz
Pwr lllllllllll
Transmit Indicator
An amber indicator that lights when the transmitter is keyed and producing output power.
Alarm Indicator
A red indicator that either flashes, or lights, when a BIT fault has been detected. BIT indications are
classified as either warnings or faults.
If a warning is detected, the Alarm indicator flashes, the Ready indicator remains lit, and the transmitter
remains operational. A BIT warning is indicated if:
q
a high PA temperature is sensed
q
a high VSWR is sensed.
If a fault is detected, the Alarm indicator lights and the Ready indicator becomes unlit; the transmitter
cannot be used.
Ready Indicator
A green indicator that lights when the transmitter is ready for use and no BIT faults have been detected.
T6T General Information Section 1
Page 11
Standby Indicator
A red indicator that lights when the transmitter is in standby mode. When in standby mode, most of the
transmitter's circuits are inactive, the front panel LCD is blanked, and the transmitter cannot be keyed.
Standby mode is selected and deselected using the front panel Scroll/Select switch and LCD, by
initiating an instruction through a MARC system, or through the VFP. Details of front panel selection and
deselection are given in the section of this user guide applicable to the particular operating mode.
Reference Connector
An SMB jack socket that allows a high impedance frequency counter to monitor the transmitter's
reference frequency. This connector is used only for maintenance purposes. The instructions for
checking and adjusting the reference frequency are given in the T6T maintenance handbook.
Microphone/Diagnostics Connector
A dual purpose connector that allows either a dynamic
microphone (and headset if sidetone is required) or a PC to be
connected to the transmitter. The connector is a 7-pin self
locking DIN socket.
A microphone/headset with integral PTT switch can be fitted to
this connector to enable the transmitter to be operated in local
mode. The connections are detailed in table 1-1. A PC can also
be connected to allow the VFP to be displayed. Using the VFP is
detailed in the T6T maintenance handbook. The connections at
(DEV083-05)
the transmitter are shown in table 1-2.
Fig. 1-2.
Microphone/Diagnostics
Connector Pin-Out
Headset/Diagnostics
Connector Pin Number
1 Microphone ground 0 volt.
3 Microphone PTT 0 volt = PTT. 5 V pull-up = not PTT.
5 Sidetone to headset
6 Microphone input 6.8 kohm, 5 mV sensitivity.
Table 1-1. Microphone/Headset Connections
Signal Notes
200 ohm output impedance.
Maximum = 3 volt peak-to-peak.
Section 1 T6T Transmitter User Guide
Page 12
Table 1-2. Diagnostics PC Connections
Headset/Diagnostics
Connector Pin Number
2 Transmit data RS232
4 Receive data RS232
7 Ground 0 volt
Scroll/Select Switch and LCD
The Scroll/Select switch is used in conjunction with the LCD to select most of the transmitter's
operational settings. Use of the switch and LCD is fully detailed in the section of this user guide
applicable to the particular operating mode. During normal operation, the LCD shows the operating
frequency, the channel number (if the channel store facility is used), the carrier offset (if used), and
displays a graphical representation of instantaneous peak power.
The example LCD screen below shows the transmitter operating on 123.000 MHz; the frequency has
been preset as channel 8; and no offset is used.
Fr eq 123 . 000MHz
Chan 8
Signal Notes
Pwr IIIIIIIIIIII
T6T General Information Section 1
Page 13
REAR PANEL
The rear panel's controls, indicators, and connectors are shown in Fig. 1-3 and described in the following
paragraphs.
(DEV083-02)
Fig. 1-3. Rear Panel
Power Switch
A 2-way rocker switch used to switch on, and switch off, power to the transmitter's circuitry.
l =On
= Off
WARNING!
When the POWER SWITCH is set to the Off position, lethal voltages are still present in the
transmitter's internal power supply circuitry. To ensure safe working, the ac and dc input
supplies must be disconnected from the transmitter.
AC Input Connector
A 3-pole IEC chassis plug for connecting the ac input
supply. The plug has an integral 20 mm fuse (F2) that
protects the Line (L) input circuit. The fuse is rated at
4 amps. Detailed instructions regarding fuse types,
and connecting the ac supply are given in the
installation chapter on page 26.
Caution!
Before connecting an ac input supply to the
transmitter, the ac input taps must be set to suit
the local mains supply (see page 22).
(SA3536)
Fig. 1-4. AC Mains Connector
Section 1 T6T Transmitter User Guide
Page 14
DC Input Connector
A 3-pole chassis plug for connecting the dc input supply.
Detailed instructions for connecting the dc supply are given
in the installation chapter of this handbook on page 27.
(DEV083-06)
Fig. 1-5. DC Connector
Fuse F1
Fuse F1 protects the dc input positive supply circuit. It is a Size 0 fuse rated at 15 amps. The PAE part
number of the fuse is: 29-01350201.
Chassis Stud Connection
The chassis stud is used to provide a common earth point between the transmitter and the associated
equipment rack, or the transmitter and the user's system earth. The stud must not be used as a safety
earth. Connection details are given on page 26.
Facilities Connector CN5
A 15-way D-type socket used primarily to connect remote signals when the transmitter operates in AM
mode and does not form part of a MARC (or similar) system. The pin-out of this connector is given in
table 1-3 on page 17.
Apart from allowing connection of remote signals, this connector
makes some auxiliary signals available to the user. For example, a
24 volt (nominal) unregulated output supply. The auxiliary signals
can be employed by the user as and when required irrespective of
the operating mode.
Facilities connector CN5 as seen when looking at the rear panel.
Connections should be made using a 15-way D-type plug PAE part
number: 20-01150100 (plug), and 20-09150101 (cover). These are
supplied with the transmitter as item 3 (see page 22).
Fig. 1-6. Facilities Connector
CN5 Pin-Out
T6T General Information Section 1
Page 15
MARC Port CN6
A 9-way D-type socket used to connect remote signals to a MARC system or other compatible control
and data system. The pin-out of this connector is given in table 1-4 on page 18.
MARC connector CN6 as seen when looking at the rear panel.
Connections should be made using a 9-way D-type plug PAE part
number: 20-01090100 (plug), and 20-09090101 (cover).
Fig. 1-7 MARC Port CN6 Pin-Out
Computer Port CN7
A 25-way D-type socket used to connect the transmitter to a control computer when the transmitter is
operated in digital communication modes. The pin-out of this connector is given in table 1-5 on page 19.
Computer port CN7 as seen when looking at the rear panel.
Connections should be made using a 25-way D-type plug PAE part
number: 20-01250100 (plug), and 20-09250101 (cover).
Fig. 1-8 Computer Port CN7 Pin-Out
Antenna Connector
An N-type 50 ohm coaxial socket used to connect the antenna's feeder cable.
Section 1 T6T Transmitter User Guide
Page 16
Table 1-3. Facilities Connector CN5 Pin-Out
Pin
Number
1 Ground 0 volt.
2 Line In (+) Pins 2 and 3 present a 600 ohm balanced audio input to the
3 Line In (-)
4 External VSWR
5
6 PTT Output
Signal Name Description
transmitter for use in AM modes. The input level is adjustable
between -40 dBm and 0 dBm. Phantom keying can be
superimposed on the audio lines. See ‘Selecting the Applicable
Keying Method’ in section 2 on page 10.
An input signal to the transmitter to indicate a VSWR fault in the
antenna circuit. When this signal is active, the transmitter's output
power is reduced by 10 dB and a VSWR warning is indicated. This
is a TTL input pulled-up to 5 V; the active signal is 0 volt.
An output signal that can be used to control an antenna
Antenna
Change-Over
change-over relay when the transmitter is used in conjunction with a
T6R receiver. Antenna change-over is a grounding output; the
active (transmitter keyed) polarity is always the same as the PTT
output signal on pin 6. Maximum current sink is 100 mA.
This output, when active, indicates the transmitter is keyed. It is a
grounding output. The active polarity is set from the front panel.
Maximum current sink is 100 mA.
An input signal used to key the transmitter. The active signal can be
0 volt, or a dc level between +10 and +50 volt, or a dc level between
7 Remote PTT
8 Ground 0 volt.
9 Unregulated Supply
10 Tx Inhibit
11 BIT Interruptive Test
12 Not Used
13 Ready Output
-10 and -50 volt. Internal jumpers JP8 and JP9 must be correctly set to
suit the required keying potential (see ‘Remote Keying Configurations’
in section 2 on page 11). The active polarity is set from the front panel.
A dc output supply between 21.6 and 32 volt. The supply is fused
at 500 mA.
This input signal, when active, prevents the radio from being
keyed. This is a TTL input pulled-up to 5 V; the active polarity is set
from the front panel.
An input signal that initiates a BIT interruptive test. This is a TTL
input pulled-up to 5 V. The active polarity of this signal is set from
the front panel. The input signal must be active for a minimum of
300 ms; the signal cannot then be activated again for at least
3 seconds.
Pin 12 is internally connected. Do not make any connections to
this pin.
This output is active when the radio is ready to transmit and no
faults have been detected by the BIT circuitry. It is an open
collector output. The active polarity is set from the front panel.
14 Tape Output
15 Not Used -
T6T General Information Section 1
An audio output for connection to a recording system. The output
is nominally -10 dBm into 100 ohm.
Page 17
Table 1-4. MARC Connector CN6 Pin-Out
Pin
Number
1 Ground 0 volt.
2 Line In (+) Pins 2 and 3 present a 600 ohm balanced audio input to the
3 Line In (-)
4 PTT
5 Unregulated Supply
6 Data In (+) RS422 data line.
7 Data In (-) RS422 data line.
Signal Name Description
transmitter for use in AM modes. The input level is
adjustable between -40 dBm and 0 dBm. Phantom keying
can be superimposed on the audio lines. See ‘Selecting the
Applicable Keying Method’ in section 2 on page 10.
An input signal used to key the transmitter. The active
signal can be 0 volt, or a dc level between +10 and +50 volt,
or a dc level between -10 and -50 volt. Internal jumpers JP8
and JP9 must be correctly set to suit the required keying
potential (see ‘Remote Keying Configurations’ in section 2
on page 11). The active polarity is set from the front panel.
A dc output supply between 21.6 and 32 volt. The supply,
which is fused at 500 mA, is used as the power source for
the MARC RSE 2 equipment.
8 Data Out (+) RS422 data line.
9 Data Out (-) RS422 data line.
Section 1 T6T Transmitter User Guide
Page 18
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