Installation and
Operation Manual
CA-45RK550
550MHz Push-Pull Headend Amplifier
Operation
Manual
Rev. 08/03
Ph: 800-421-6511
www.picodigital.com
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CA-45RK550
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Ph: 800-421-6511
www.picodigital.com
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of un-insulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
Product Inspection
Inspect the equipment for shipping damage. Should any damage be discovered, immediately file a claim with the carrier.
Important Safety Instructions
To insure proper installation and operation, take a moment to read this guide before proceeding with the installation. If you have any questions
or comments about the CA-45RK550 550MHz Push-Pull Headend Amplifier, please contact your dealer or have him contact the PICO MACOM
Service Center at these phone numbers: 800-421-6511.
1. Read Instructions: All safety and operating instructions should
be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions: The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings: All warnings on the appliance should be
adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions: All operating and user instructions should
be followed.
5. Cleaning: Unplug this appliance from the wall outlet before clean-
ing. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleansers.
6. Do Not Use Attachments: Use of attachments not recommend-
ed by the manufacturer may cause hazards.
7. Water and Moisture: Do not use this product near water—for
example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool—and the like.
8. Accessories: Do not place this product on an unstable cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table.The product may fall, causing serious
injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the appliance.
9. Ventilation: This video product should never be placed near or
over a radiator or heat register. This video product should not be
placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless
proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have
been adhered to. Any slots or opening in the cabinet are provided for
ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the video product and to
protect it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or
covered. Openings should never be blocked by placing the product on
a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
10. Grounding or Polarization: This video product is equipped with
either a three prong plug for 110 VAC use or a two prong flat blade
220 volt type plug. Each type is to be inserted into only the type of
receptacle for which they specifically designed. Do not cut off the
round grounding pin in order to be able to fit into a two prong receptacle as this could cause injury and will void the warranty.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY
.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION
CORD RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED
TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
ATTENCION: POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, NE PAS UTILISER CETTE FICHE POLARISEE AVEC
UN PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE DE COURANT OU UNE AUTRE SORTIE DE COURANT, SAUF SI
LES LAMES PEUVENT ETRE INSEREES A FOND SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A DECOUVERT.
Safeguards
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Safeguards
11. Power Sources: This product should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not
sure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult your appliance dealer or local power company.
12. Power-cord Protection: Power-supply cords should be routed
so they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon
or against them. Pay particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
13. Lightning: For added protection for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended or unused for long periods of time,
the unit should be disconnected from power source.
14. Power Lines: An outside antenna system should not be located
in the vicinity of overhead power lines, other electric light or power circuits, where it can fall into such power lines or circuits.When installing
an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep
from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them may
be fatal.
15. Overloading: Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as
this can result in risk of fire or electric shock.
16. Object and Liquid Entry: Never push objects of any kind into this
product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage
points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
17. Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or
other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
18. Damage Requiring Service: Unplug this product from the wall
outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the product does not operate normally by following the oper-
ating instruction. Adjust only those controls that are covered by
the operating instructions. An improper adjustment may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance—
this indicates a need for service.
19. Replacement Parts: When replacement parts are required, be
sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by
the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original
parts. Unauthorized substitutes may result in fire, electric shock or
other hazards.
20. Safety Check: Upon completion of any service or repairs to this
product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating conditions.
21. Outdoor Antenna Grounding: Before attempting to install this
product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to
provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static
charges.
a. Use No.10 AWG (5.3mm) copper, No.8 AWG (8.4mm) alu-
minum, No.7 AWG (10mm) copper-clad steel or bronze wire or
larger, as ground wire.
b. Secure antenna lead-in and ground wires to house with stand-
off insulators spaced from 4 feet (1.22m) to 6 feet (1.83m) apart.
c. Mount antenna discharge unit as close as possible to where
lead-in enters house.
d. A driven rod may be used as the grounding electrode where
other types of electrode systems do not exist. Refer to the
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70-1984 for information.
e. Use jumper wire not smaller than No.6 AWG (13.3mm) copper
or equivalent, when a separate antenna grounding electrode is
used.
NOTE TO THE CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER
THIS REMINDER IS PROVIDED TO CALL THE CATV SYSTEM
INSTALLER’S ATTENTION TO ARTICLE 820-22 OF THE NEC
THAT PROVIDES GUIDELINES FOR PROPER GROUNDING
AND, IN PARTICULAR, SPECIFIES THAT THE CABLE
GROUND SHALL BE CONNECTED TO THE GROUNDING
SYSTEM OF THE BUILDING, AS CLOSE TO THE POINT OF
CABLE ENTRY AS PRACTICAL.
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CA-45RK550
Descriptions
550MHz Push-Pull Headend Amplifier
4
Rev. 08/03
Ph: 800-421-6511
www.picodigital.com
CA-45RK550
Wide 54-550MHz frequency
range (Channels CATV 2-78,
95-99)
Available in either 30dB or 45dB
gain configurations for optimal
carrier-to-noise ratio and superior picture quality
± 0.5dB flatness across band
provides low distortion and
excellent frequency response
Employs state-of-the art hybrid
push-pull technology for distortion-free audio-video quality
Adjustable slope and gain controls for easy system balancing
Front panel controls and test
point enable easy setup and
monitoring
Double shielded enclosure provides over 95dB RFI shielding
performance reducing leakage
and ingress
Built-in lightning and line voltage surge protection protects
the unit from damage
Also available in a wall mount
versions as CA30-550 or
CA45-550 Distribution Amplifiers
The Pico Macom CA-30RK550 and CA-45RK550 are professional re-broad-
cast grade push-pull amplifiers producing signals with extremely low noise and
harmonic distortion. In the CA-45RK550, the state-of-the-art hybrid amplifier
module is preceded by a single transistor stage preamplifier to achieve the
total gain of 45dB. The amplifiers are capable of 82 channel operation over the
54-550MHz range. These rack-mounted amplifiers make excellent headend
launch amplifiers and are frequently used in conjunction with Pico Macom’s
passive headend combiners (PHC-12G or PHC-24G) to overcome losses asso-
ciated with signal combining in CATV and SMATV systems. Also, the
CA-30RK550 and CA-45RK550 are ideally suited for amplifying the cable input
prior to Pico Macom’s CEF channel elimination filter in applications requiring
“mix-and-match” channel applications or those requiring local insertion. Pico
Macom backs up this product with its industry leading 5-year limited warranty.
550MHz Push-Pull Headend Amplifiers
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CA-45RK550
Specifications
5
Rev. 08/03
Ph: 800-421-6511
www.picodigital.com
550MHz Push-Pull Headend Amplifier
Front View
Rear View
Bandwidth: 54-550 MHz
Gain: 30 dB or 45 dB
Gain Adjust Range: 0 to 8 dB
Slope: 0 to 8 dB variable
Flatness: ± .5 dB per channel
Max. Output (@ Max Slope): 45 dB (54 channels)
-57 dB (cross modulation)
Noise: 6.5 dB
Second Order Beats: -70 dB
Composite Triple Beat: -61 dB
Return Loss In: 16 dB
Return Loss Out: 16 dB
RF
CA-45RK550 45 dB Gain Amplifier
Ordering Information
Power Input: 115 VAC 60 Hz 4 W
Operating Temperature: -10° to +50° C
Dimensions: 19˝(L) x 3˝(D) x 13/4˝(H)
Weight: 3.8 lbs.
Test Points: -30 dB
General
7 44 dBmV 29 dBmV 66 dBmV
12 41 dBmV 26 dBmV 63 dBmV
36 32 dBmV 17 dBmV 54 dBmV
54 23 dBmV 8 dBmV 45 dBmV
78 18 dBmV 5 dBmB 40 dBmV
Total # of
Channels
CA-30RK550
Max. Input Level
CA-45RK550
Max. Input Level
Max. Output Level
(@ Max. Slope)
Channel Loading Specifications
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Operation and Controls
Front Panel
1. OUT:
The amplified RF signal is available at this port.
2. IN:
The input RF signal is connected to this port.
3. Power Cord:
This three prong polarized power cord is approved by both UL and
CSA for safe operation of the amplifier. Do not cut the ground terminal
for both safety and operational reasons. Connect to 108 to 125 Vac,
50/60 Hz electrical outlet
Back Panel
1. Power On LED:
Indicates power is on when lit.
2. R.F. GAIN
Adjust potentiometer for overall amplifier gain level.
3. Tilt:
Adjust potentiometer provides for slope adjustment over entire bandwidth.
4. -30dB Output Test Monitor:
Output test point is provided for amplifier set up and monitoring.
1
2 3
4
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Installation Procedure
Signal Combining Methods
PICO MACOM recommends connecting the headend components in the
following manner: Each of the modulators, signal processors or strip amplifiers output are connected to a combining network. Either a
PHC-12G or
a
PHC-24G headend combiner may be used to accomplish this purpose.
The PHC-12G or PHC-24G passive headend combiner consists of two
rows of directional couplers combined by a hybrid splitter. Normally, the
odd channels are combined on one row while even channels are combined
on the other row of directional couplers for maximum isolation.The output
of the combiners may be connected to the input of a launch amplifier such
as a
CA-30RK550 or CA-30RK1000. The output of the amplifier is con-
nected to the main distribution line.
The
CHC-16U/550 and CHC-16U/860 sixteen channel active combiners
provides both signal combining and post amplification of the headend
signals. Up to 16 channels may be combined using the
CHC-16U. The
combiner gain is 15 dB per channel.
A 24 channel system hook-up is shown. (The same combining result may
be accomplished by using a single
PHC-24G).
The two PHC-12G outputs are combined via a two-way splitter, which is
connected to a
CA-30RK1000 launch amplifier. The input levels to the
combiner, whether from a modulator, signal processor or a strip amplifier,
must be at the same amplitude.
Installation
It is recommended that assistance be available to safely install equipment in
equipment racks.
1. Install chassis in equipment rack (equipment rack sold separately) by
supporting the bottom and rear of CA-45RK550 at the desired eleva-
tion in rack.
2. Line up the side holes of chassis with the tapped equipment rack
holes.
3. Insert the provided screws through the mounting holes at the
extreme left and right of faceplate and thread into the tapped equip-
ment rack holes.
4. Fasten the bottom screws first, then fasten top screws. (tighten
securely).
5. Connect power cord to outlet supplying line power to the amplifier.
6. Connect a cable from the output of the combining system to the IN
connector on the rear of the CA-45RK550.
7. Connect a cable from the OUT connector on the rear of the
CA-45RK550 to the input of the distribution network.
8. Using a non-metallic flat blade screwdriver adjust the gain and tilt
controls on the front panel of the amplifier to meet system design
requirements.
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www.picodigital.com
Warranty
Limited Warranty
Pico Macom warrants to the original purchaser that all of its new products are of sound design, quality materials and workmanship at the time of manufacture
and will be free from related defects for one year from the original purchase date. Pico Macom will repair or, at its discretion, replace without cost to the original
purchaser, the product which, upon inspection by Pico Macom, appears to be defective or not conforming to factory specifications. Pico Macom will cover the cost
of parts, labor, and return freight from factory.
Five-Year Limited Warranty
Most products designated as “Headend Electronics” are further covered by an extended 4-year period beyond the expiration of the original 1-year warranty, for a full
5-year period. Qualified equipment requiring factory repair during the extended 4-year period is covered under our re-certification program. Re-certification fees
under this program shall not to exceed 20% of the product’s List Price and whenever possible, Pico Macom will attempt to upgrade performance to the latest
improved specification.
Warranty Limitations
This warranty excludes coverage of damage or inoperability resulting from (1) use or installation other than in strict accordance with Pico Macom’s written instruc-
tions, (2) disassembly or repair by someone other than Pico Macom or a Pico Macom authorized repair center, (3) misuse, misapplication or abuse, (4) alteration,
(5) lack of reasonable care or (6) wind, ice, snow, rain, lightning, power surges, or any other weather conditions or acts of God. Pico Macom’s warranty with respect
to third-party proprietary sub-assembly modules and/or private-label products are limited to the duration and terms of third-party vendors’ warranty. Pico Macom
shall in no event and under no circumstances be liable or responsible for any consequential, indirect, incidental, punitive, direct or special damages based upon
breach of warranty, breach of contract, negligence, strict tort liability or otherwise or any other legal theory, arising directly or indirectly from the sale, use, installation or failure of any product acquired by buyer from Pico Macom. This limited warranty extends to the original purchaser. Pico Macom reserves the right to modify
or discontinue this warranty at Pico Macom’s sole discretion without notification. No other warrantees are expressed or implied.
Uptime Loaner Program
Our Uptime loaner program is designed to provide domestic users of our headend products and commercial systems the best possible support and service. This
program is established to minimize downtime resulting from equipment failure in critical service situations. We offer this program free-of-charge (excluding freight)
to qualified purchasers within the warranty period. The program provides a free equipment loan of like qualified equipment enabling seamless operation for the time
required to repair and return the unit.
The process is simple. Call our Customer Service desk requesting a return-merchandise-authorization (RMA) number for the failed equipment and ask for a loaner
unit. We will issue an invoice for the List Price of the loaner unit plus shipping costs. When you receive the loaner unit, pack the failed unit in the loaner unit’s box
and ship it freight prepaid to Pico Macom for repair.When you receive the repaired unit, a new RMA number will be provided in the box. Carefully pack the loaner
unit and affix the new RMA number on the box and ship it back to us for full credit excluding shipping costs.
To qualify for the program, you must have current open-terms with us and in good standing. We must receive your failed unit within one week after the loaner unit
is shipped to you, and must likewise receive the loaner unit within one week after the repaired unit is shipped back to you. Daily rental fees not to exceed 10% of
the equipment’s List Price will apply beyond one week after the loaner or repaired unit are shipped to you. Other limitations may apply, so please call us for additional information on qualifying equipment and procedures. Pico Macom reserves the right to modify or discontinue the Uptime Loaner Program at any time, and at
its sole discretion.
Damage or Shortage Claims
Our shipping staff carefully packs and ships your orders in compliance with common carriers’ requirements. Please make note of any obvious damage or shortage
on the freight bill or carrier’s receipt next to your signature. The carrier’s agent must too sign acknowledging the loss. Failure to do so may result in the carrier’s
refusal to honor the claim. Please open your order immediately upon receipt to check for concealed damage and compare the packing list to the items shipped. If
damaged, keep the original shipping cartons for possible inspection by the carrier.You must report claims for loss or damage within 3 days of delivery, while claims
for erroneous charges or price corrections must be presented within 30 days of invoice date.
Returning Shipped Items
To return any shipped items, including those shipped for warranty repairs or credit, call our Customer Service desk to request a Return Merchandise Authorization
(RMA) number. Please reference the original invoice number and purchase date, and product serial number (if any). Be certain to mark the RMA number on the
package boldly and legibly. Unless we specify a different carrier, please ship your returned items to us via UPS freight prepaid and fully insured. If returned for
credit, we will promptly process your request upon receipt of your return order.
Our Return Policy: Your Satisfaction Guaranteed
Our goal is your complete satisfaction. If for any reason, our products were not quite what you anticipated, simply call your customer service rep and
we will be happy to assist you in replacing or returning the order.You may return current, non-discontinued items for full credit for up to 30 days from
invoice date. Our requirements are simple: Excepting defective items, the products must be returned in their original packaging and in re-salable
condition. Restocking fees may otherwise apply beyond this period or if products are not returned in their original condition. Please contact your
customer service rep for more information.
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