MCM-55
300MHz VHF High-Gain Push-Pull Amplifier
Installation and
Operation Manual
Ph: 800-421-6511
www.picodigital.com
Operation
Rev. 03/13
Manual
Safeguards
MCM-55
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 MCM-55 300MHz VHF High-Gain Push-Pull Amplifier, please contact your dealer or have him contact the PICO
MACOM Service Center at these phone numbers: 800-421-6511.
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.
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.
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
cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners
or aerosol cleansers.
6. Do Not Use Attachments: Use of attachments not recommended 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.
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Rev. 03/13
Ph: 800-421-6511
www.picodigital.com
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 prod-
uct.
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the product does not operate normally by following the
operating 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 perfor-
mance—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.
Safeguards
MCM-55
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.
Ph: 800-421-6511
www.picodigital.com
3
Rev. 03/13
Descriptions
MCM-55
300MHz VHF High-Gain Push-Pull Amplifier
Broadband 54-300MHz
frequency range (Channels
CATV 2-36, 95-99)
High 55dB gain 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
Easy-access controls and
low-loss (-30dB) test point
enable simplified setup and performance monitoring
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
Black anodized extruded
aluminum heat-sink maximizes
heat dissipation for improved
reliability and corrosion resistance
External UL approved power
adapter supplied for ease of
installation and to reduce heat
build-up within the unit
MCM-55
300MHz VHF High-Gain Push-Pull Amplifier
The Pico Macom MCM-55 is a high quality hybrid push-pull wall-mounted
distribution amplifier producing signals with extremely low-noise and harmonic distortion. These amplifiers are capable of 42 channel operation over the
54-300MHz range in smaller MDU, CATV or SMATV systems. Because of its high
gain and low noise figure, the MCM-55 is also ideally suited for headend applications with low-level input signals. The hybrid module provides excellent heat
sinking capabilities that are required for the reliability of a high output amplifier.
To ensure reliability and minimize heat build-up within the unit, an external UL
approved power adapter is supplied.
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Rev. 03/13
Ph: 800-421-6511
www.picodigital.com
Specifications
MCM-55
300MHz VHF High-Gain Push-Pull Amplifier
Specifications
Frequency Range: 300 MHz
Gain Adjust Range: 12 dB
Slope Adjust Range: 8 dB
Flatness: ±.5 dB from 54 – 300 MHz
Noise Figure: 6.5 dB
Second Order Beats: -70 dB
Composite Triple Beat: -61 dB
Return Loss In: 11 dB
Return Loss Out: 14 dB
Test Points: -30 dB
Power Requirements: 27 VAC 600 mA power adapter
Operating Temperature: -10° to 50° C
Dimensions: 8”(L) x 41/2”(D) x 2”(H)
Weight: 2.8 lbs.
Ordering Information
MCM-55 - 300MHz VHF High-Gain Push-Pull Amplifier
Channel Loading Specifications
Total # of
Channels
7
12
36
Max. Input
Level
11 dBmV
3 dBmV
-4 dBmV
Max. Output Level
@ Max Slope
66 dBmV
57 dBmV
51 dBmV
Ph: 800-421-6511
www.picodigital.com
5
Rev. 03/13
Operation and Controls
MCM-55
1
23 4
6
5
Front Panel
1. Gain Adjust:
Adjust potentiometer for overall amplifier gain level.
2. Tilt Adjust:
Adjust potentiometer provides for slope adjustment over entire bandwidth.
3. IN:
The input RF signal is connected to this port.
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Ph: 800-421-6511
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4. OUT:
The amplified RF signal is available at this port.
5. -20 dB Input Test Monitor:
Input test point is provided to monitor input level to the amplifier.
6. -20 dB Output Test Monitor:
Output test point is provided for amplifier set up and monitoring.
7. Power cable:
The power cable connects to a 120Vac, 60Hz wall adaptor.
www.picodigital.com
Installation Procedure
MCM-55
Installation
1. Connect an F type jumper cable from the source Headend/CATV Feed/VHF Antenna to the INPUT connector of the MCM-55.
2. Connect an F type jumper cable from the OUTPUT connector of the MCM-55 to the distribution system.
3. Plug the power cable into a polarized electrical outlet
4. Connect a RF signal level meter to the MCM-55 OUTPUT test point connection and adjust the output level to match the distribution level require-
ments.
Ph: 800-421-6511
www.picodigital.com
7
Rev. 03/13
Warranty
MCM-55
One Year Limited Warranty
Pico Macom warrants to the original purchaser a full 1-year warranty period on all new products. 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 the Factory
Specications. Pico Macom will cover the cost of parts, labor, and return freight from factory.
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 instructions, (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, excessive heat, 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 and cannot be assigned or transferred to any other party without the prior
express written permission of Pico Macom, which permission Pico Macom may withhold for any reason or for no reason at all. Pico Macom reserves
the right to modify or discontinue this warranty at Pico Macom’s sole discretion without notication. No other warrantees are expressed or implied.
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 also 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. Re-certication fees of 10% to 50% of original purchase price 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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Rev. 03/13
Ph: 800-421-6511
www.picodigital.com
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