Pico Macom PFAD900CS Installation And Operation Manual

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

FREQUENCY AGILE

AUDIO AND VIDEO

DEMODULATOR

Doc. No.OM2143N-2 REV. B
ECO 1770

P/N: 911045

Installation

And

Operation

Manual

PFAD 900cs

NTSC

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

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 PFAD 900cs agile modulator,
please contact your dealer or have him contact the
PICO MACOM Service Center at the phone num­bers on the bottom of the page.

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 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 AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE DE COURANT OU UNE
AUTRE SORTIEDE 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 - not recommended by the manufac­turer or they may cause hazards.

Important Information

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. The openings should never be blocked by
placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.

1

SAFEGUARDS

!

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
"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.

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

2

Important Information

SAFEGUARDS

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 (alumi­num, 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 stand­off 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.

STANDOFF
INSULATORS

b

MAST
ANTENNA

LEAD-IN WIRE

c

GROUND WIRE

TO EXTERNAL ANTENNA
TERMINALS OF PRODUCT

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT

GROUND CLAMPS
OPTIONAL ANTENNA GROUNDING ELECTRODE

DRIVEN 8 FEET (2.44M) INTO THE EARTH
IF REQUIRED BY LOCAL CODES. SEE NEC
SECTION 810 - 21(f).

BONDING JUMPER

d

GR

OUND CLAM

PS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(e.g. interior metal water pipe)

SERVICE
ENTRANCE
EQUIPMENT

SERVICE ENTRANCE
CONDUCTORS

GROUND CLAMP

POWER LINES

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING ACCORDING TO

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED

IN ARTICLE 810 - "RADIO AND TELEVISION

EQUIPMENT"

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 are 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.

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 the 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

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 performance ­this indicates a need for service.

NOTE TO THE CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER:

THIS REMINDER IS PROVIDED TO CALL THE CATV SYS­TEM INSTALLER’S ATTENTION TO ARTICLE 820 - 40 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.

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

D E S C R I P T I O N S

Specifications

3

PFAD 900cs

Agile Audio & Video Demodulator

Features

• Microprocessor controlled phase
locked loop oscillator for precise
channel selection

• Surface acoustic wave filter (SAW) for
superior vestigial sideband response

• Keyed AGC system for excellent pict­ure stability

• Envelope detection ensures excep­tional differential gain and phase

• Quadrature single tuned audio detection

• 4.5 MHz audio output

• MPX composite output for stereo
application

• 45.75 MHz I.F. monitor

• Separate video and audio outputs

• Low cost

• Two year warranty*

Description

The PFAD 900cs is a high quality cable television
video/audio demodulator utilizing micro-processor
controlled tuning. The unit demodulates NTSC
channels from 54 MHz to 806 MHz. IRC and
HRC offsets can be activated by push button
switches located in the front panel. The PFAD
900cs incorporates a phase locked loop synthesized
L.O. in conjunction with a non-volatile
mircoprocessor for precise frequency selection. The

unit accepts any NTSC television signal in the 54
MHz to 806 MHz frequency range and converts it
to baseband video and audio. Two additional
outputs are provided by the PFAD 900cs; an I.F.
output to monitor the status of the tuner and also
for use with other up converters, and a composite
multiplex output is provided for stereo applications.
PICO MACOM, INC. backs the product with a
two year limited warranty*.

Specifications

RF

Bandwidth: 54 MHz to 806 MHz
Input Level: Single channel, + 40dBmv

max. 60 channels, + 20dBmv
max.

Image rejection:

(@ -47dbm input) VHF=70dB, UHF=60dB
(@ -17dbm input) VHF=60dB, UHF=50dB

Noise figure: VHF=8dB, UHF=8dB

Video

Video Output Level: 0.5 to 1 V P-P
Impedance: 75Ω
Bandwidth: DC to 4.2 MHz
Frequency response: ± 1.5 dB
Differential gain: <5% max. (10 to90% APL)
Differential phase: <5° max. (10 to 90% APL)

Detector type: Envelope

General

Power Input:

117 VAC, 60 Hz
220 VAC, 60 Hz

Operating Temperature: -

10°C to +50°C

Dimensions:

19"L x 1.75"H x 3"D

Weight:

4.16 pounds (1.89 Kgs.)

Connectors:

RF In, Video Out, IF Out: "F" type
MPX Out, Audio Out: RCA type

Output level: 1 volt unbalanced de-empha-

sized

Output impedance: 600Ω
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 15 KHz
Detection type: Quadrature FM
MPX output level: 800mV unbalanced @ 600Ω

Audio

*Warranty is one year if sold outside the U.S.A.

AGILE AUDIO VIDEO DEMODULATOR

TV/CATV

CATV SERIES

PFAD 900cs

TV

CATV/STD.

CATV/IRC

CATV/HRC

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

P A N E L S

Front and Rear Panels

4

9. I.F Out(45.75 MHz):

A sample I.F. output used to monitor the
status of the tuner and for use with other
up converters.

10. 4.5 MHz Output

Provides audio output for stereo applica­tions using a BTSC stereo generator.

11. MPX Out:

This output provides a 800mV non de-em­phasized audio signal. This is an alter­nate connection for stereo. Before con­necting this output to the audio input
of a modulator, the pre-emphasis filter on
the modulator must be disabled.

12. Audio Output:

This output provides a de-emphasized
800mV baseband audio signal. Connect
this output to the audio input of modula­tor or TV monitor.

13. Convenience Outlet:

The AC output is capable of delivering up
to 600W of AC power.

14. Power Cord:

The three prong type power plug connects to
a 120 VAC, 60 Hz electrical output or if
220VAC, 60 Hz, a two prong flat blade type
is used.

1. Power on LED:

Indicates power is on when lit.

2. Channel Number Display:

Indicates demodulated channel.

3. Mode LED's:

Indicates which mode is operative; TV,
Standard CATV, CATV/IRC or CATV/HRC.

4. Mode Selector Switch:

Push this button to select mode.

5. Channel Down Switch:

Push this button to select lower channel.

6. Channel Up Switch:

Push this button to select higher channel.

7. RF In:

This 'F' connector accepts a 0 to 40 dBmV
signal from an antenna or cable line.

8. Video Out:

This output provides a standard 1 volt peak
to peak baseband video signal. Connect
this output to a video input of a modulator
or TV monitor.

117 VAC Version

220 VAC Version

+

AGILE AUDIO VIDEO DEMODULATOR

TV/CATV

CATV SERIES

PFAD 900cs

TV

CATV/STD.

CATV/IRC

CATV/HRC

12 3456

+

+

+

+

+

+

!

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

120VAC
60Hz 15W

RF IN

7

13

600W MAX

4.5 MHZ OUT

10

IF OUT

9

VIDEO OUT

8

MPX OUT11AUDIO OUT

12

14

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

!

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

220VAC
60Hz 30W

RF IN

7

13

4.5 MHZ OUT

10

IF OUT

9

VIDEO OUT

8

MPX OUT11AUDIO OUT

12

600W
MAX

14

AGILE AUDIO VIDEO DEMODULATOR

TV/CATV

CATV SERIES

PFAD 900cs

TV

CATV/STD.

CATV/IRC

CATV/HRC

12 3456

Spec

™
®

T

ru

PICO MACOM. INC. U.S.A.

NTSC

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

INSTALLATION

Modulator Hook-up

5

*Note: When using the PFAD 900 in a stereo application the pre-emphasis on the M860 must be disabled. To
disable the pre-emphasis, move SW1, slide switch, inside M860 modulator to the off position.

FUSE

FUSE

M860 Inside Top View

TO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

AUDIO IN

M860
Modulator

RF OUT

Rear View

VIDEO OUT MPX OUT

PFAD 900cs
Demodulator

+

+

RF OUT

+

AUDIO IN IF OUTVIDEO IN IF INEXT.4.5MHz IN

117VAC

60Hz 38W

600W MAX

L GND R

CAUTION:

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE

HAZARD, USE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE 0.5A 125V FUSE

M860
Modulator

TO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

AUDIO IN

RF OUT

Rear View

PFAD900cs
Demodulator

+

+

RF OUT

+

AUDIO IN IF OUTVIDEO IN IF INEXT.4.5MHz IN

117VAC

60Hz 38W

600W MAX

L GND R

CAUTION:

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE

HAZARD, USE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE 0.5A 125V FUSE

CAUTION:

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE

HAZARD, USE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE 0.5A 125V FUSE

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO OUT

VIDEO OUT

117VAC
60Hz 16W

RF IN

600W MAX

4.5 MHZ OUTIF OUTVIDEO OUT MPX OUT AUDIO OUT

CAUTION:

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE

HAZARD, USE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE 0.5A 125V FUSE

VIDEO OUT

117VAC
60Hz 16W

RF IN

600W MAX

4.5 MHZ OUTIF OUTVIDEO OUT MPX OUT AUDIO OUT

CAUTION:

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE

HAZARD, USE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE 0.5A 125V FUSE

125 VAC

0.5A

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

NOT ALL COMPONENTS SHOWN

SW102

SW101

I.F. IN I.F. OUT

EXT.

4.5 MHz
IN

AUDIO

IN

VIDEO

IN

AURAL
LEVEL

AUDIO

MODULATION

VIDEO

MODULATION

OUTPUT

LEVEL

RF

OUT

AUDIO / VIDEO BOARD

MIXER BOARD

POWER SUPPLY BOARD

+

+

+

+

VHF OUTPUT AMP BOARD

T102

VR109

VR107

VR106

VR105

L115

VR101VR102VR104VR108

RFMX-1

PRE-EMPHASIS SWITCH

VIDEO IN

SHIELD TO GND
CENTER CONDUCTOR TO L OR R

VIDEO IN

SHIELD TO GND
CENTER CONDUCTOR TO L OR R

MONAURAL APPLICATION

STEREO APPLICATION

RF IN

RF IN

FUSE

125 VAC

0.5A

FUSE

125 VAC

0.5A

FUSE

125 VAC

0.5A

FUSE

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

Signal Combining Methods

INSTALLATION

6

The final method of combining signals uses

three hybrid splitters per headend rack. The odd

channels are combined in one splitter, the even
channels in another splitter and the two splitters are combined to a single
output with a third splitter. Each rack is then combined with a final splitter
prior to the CA-30RK550 post amplifier.

*BS - Denotes low, medium, high and superband 2 volt strip amps.

The output levels of the modulator should be

the same as the output of the off-air strip ampli­fiers. The PFAD 900cs demodulator can be
combined with either the M600 modulator or
the PFAM 550 agile modulator. These are then

combined with the SP600 channel
processor or the LBS/HBS series
strip amplifiers. Three methods
are suggested to combine strip am­plifier, modulator and processor
outputs.

The PHC-12U twelve channel passive com-

biner consists of two rows of directional cou­plers combined by a hybrid splitter. The direc­tional coupler combining provides high isola­tion (40 dB) between the inputs. Normally, the
odd channels are combined on one row while
even channels are combined on the other row of
directional couplers. The combiner loss is 16
dB per channel.

Ch. 2

Ch. 3

Ch. 4

+36dBmV

+60dBmV

SP600

*BS

V
A

+52dBmV

+52dBmV

+52dBmV

+10dBmv

+14dBmv
+10dBmv

SP600

*BS

V
A

+52dBmV

+52dBmV

+52dBmV

+10dBmV

+14dBmV
+10dBmV

SP600

*BS

V
A

+50dBmV

+50dBmV

+50dBmV

+10dBmV

+14dBmV
+10dBmV

Ch. 2

Ch. 3

Ch. 4

PAD

+58dBmV

EVEN CHANNELS

Ch. 2

Ch. 3

Ch. 4

ODD CHANNELS

+43dBmV

+43dBmV

+36dBmV +60dBmv

6dB PAD

6dB PAD

RF

IN

RF

IN

RF

IN

RF

IN

RF

IN

RF

IN

PHC-12U

-16dB

CHC-16U

+10dB

to

+15dB

CA-30RK550

CA-30RK550

ATTENUA TOR PAD

ATTENUA TOR PAD

ATTENUA TOR PAD

PFAD 900cs

M600
or
PFAM 550

RF

IN

RF

IN

RF

IN

PFAD 900cs

M600
or
PFAM 550

PFAD 900cs

M600
or
PFAM 550

The CHC-16U sixteen channel active com-

biner 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.

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

14

W A R R A N T Y

FIVE Year Limited Warranty*

7

P

ico Macom, Inc.
warrants to the
original purchaser
this product shall
be free of defects
in material and

craftsmanship with only the limi­tations or exclusions set out below.

During the warranty period Pico
Macom, Inc. or an authorized Pico
Macom service facility will pro­vide, free of charge, the parts and
labor necessary to correct defects
in material and workmanship.

Warranty Duration

This warranty shall terminate
five years* from the original date
of purchase of the product or at a
time the product is:

1. Misused or damaged due to

neglect or improper installation

2. Modified

3. Repaired by someone other

than the warrantor

4. Sold by the original purchaser

Statement of Remedy

To obtain such a warranty serv­ice, contact the salesperson where
the product was obtained. You
will be issued a Return Authoriza­tion (RA) number which will be
used to track your product.

Be prepared to provide:

1. The model number and channel

number of the product

2. The date of purchase

3. A specific identification of the

problem
Deliver the products to Pico Macom,
Inc. or ship the products in the origi­nal packing material at the address
at the bottom of the page. Include
satisfactory evidence of the date of
purchase.

Products will not be accepted by
Pico Macom, Inc. without the RA
number clearly indicated on the ship­ping label.

The foregoing constitutes the Pico
Macom, Inc. entire obligation with
respect to this product and the origi­nal purchaser and any user or owner
shall have no other remedy and no

claim for incidental or consequen­tial damages. Some states do not
allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts or do not
allow the exclusions or limitation of
incidental or consequential dam­ages, so the above limitation and
exclusion may or may not apply to
you.

This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you also have rights
which vary from state to state.

*Warranty is one year if sold outside the U.S.A.

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

NOTES

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

NOTES

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

NOTES

PICO MACOM INC.

12500 Foothill Blvd. • Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 • [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]

PICO MACOM INC, U.S.A.

Spec

™

®

T

ru