Pico Macom PFAM550 User Manual

Installation and

Operation Manual

PFAM550

550MHz Agile A/V Modulator

Operation

Manual

Rev. 07/03

Ph: 800-421-6511

www.picomacom.com

PFAM550 Manual.qxd 7/29/03 2:10 PM Page 1

PFAM550

2

Rev. 07/03

Ph: 800-421-6511

www.picomacom.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 impor tant
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 PFAM550 Agile A/V Modulator, please contact your dealer or have him contact the PICO MACOM Service Center at
these phone numbers: 800-421-6511, 818-493-4300.

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 , washbo wl, 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

PFAM550 Manual.qxd 7/29/03 2:10 PM Page 2

PFAM550

3

Rev. 07/03

Ph: 800-421-6511

www.picomacom.com

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 b y 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 par ts 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) 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 dr iven 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.

PFAM550 Manual.qxd 7/29/03 2:10 PM Page 3

PFAM550

Descriptions

550MHz Agile A/V Modulator

4

Rev. 07/03

Ph: 800-421-6511

www.picomacom.com

82-Channel frequency range
54-550 MHz (CATV 2-78, 95-99)

DIP switch controlled phase­locked loop for solid drift-free
output on any channel

SAW filtered for superior adjacent
channel performance enables
drop-in channel expansion

57dBmV output for optimum
carrier-to-noise performance

Carrier-to-noise ratio >60dB
provides superior picture quality

Front panel test point for easy RF
level system monitoring

Composite audio-video IF loop
provides compatibility with
encoders, ghost cancellers, and
video-override applications

IRC and HRC offset available for
frequency settings in systems
using offset channels

Double heterodyne conversion
provides superior spurious
harmonic output suppression

UL Approved

The PFAM550 is a professional re-broadcast grade frequency agile double
heterodyne conversion audio/video modulator. Its SAW filter provides superior
sideband filtering, adjacent channel compatibility and spurious free output.
The PFAM550 provides 57±2 dBmV output over 82 channels from CATV
channel 2 to 78 accommodating HRC and IRC offset frequencies. The unit
features a composite audio-video IF loop, which provides compatibility with
encoders, ghost cancellers, and video-override applications. Front panel
DIP-switch controlled phase-locked-loop (PLL) allows easy channel selection
and drift-free channel stability. High quality modulation and RF level control
potentiometers assure years of reliable operation. The modulator is shipped
with all internal adjustments pre set, and FCC Docket 21006 offsets are
standard. Pico Macom backs up this product with its industry leading 5-year
limited warranty.

PFAM550

550MHz Agile A/V Modulator

PFAM550 Manual.qxd 7/29/03 2:11 PM Page 4

PFAM550

Specifications

5

Rev. 07/03

Ph: 800-421-6511

www.picomacom.com

550MHz Agile A/V Modulator

POWER

550MHz Agile A/V Modulator

PFAM550

VIDEO/
AUDIO
RATIO

AUDIO
OVER

MOD.

AUDIO

MOD.

VIDEO

MOD.

CHANNEL

RF LEVEL

TEST POINT

-30dB

VIDEO
OVER

MOD.

RF OUT

IF IN IF OUT VIDEO IN AUDIO IN

AC117V

60Hz/35W

600W MAX

125VAC

0.5A

CAUTION:

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE

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

FUSE

Front View

Rear View

Video Channels: 82 channels (2-78 & 95-99)
Frequency Range: 54-550 MHz
Output Level: 45 to 57 dBmV, ± 2 dBmV

(adjustable from front panel)

Output Impedance: 75 ohms
Output Return Loss: -15 dB
Audio/Video Ratio: Adjustable -7 to -22 dB

below visual carrier

Frequency Stability: ±5 kHz in aeronautical band

Conforms to FCC Docket

21006

Spurious Output: -60 dB below video carrier

with A/V ratio @ -15 dB

C/N (In-band): >57 dB
C/N (Out-of-Band): >68 dB
Fv+6 MHz (Upper Adj. Reject): >60 dBc
Fv-1.5 MHz (Lower Adj. Reject): 60 dBc

Input Level: 1.0 V p-p min for 87.5% mod.
Input Type: Clamped video neg. sync
Video S/N: -60 dB minimum (weighted)
Input Level Range: 0.5 V to 1.5 V p-p
Frequency Response: ±0.8 dB 30 Hz to 4.2 MHz
Differential Gain: <5% (10 to 90% APL)
Differential Phase: <5° (10 to 90% APL)
Chrominance luminance delay: *See note below
Hum and Noise: -60 dB @ 87.5 modulation

*NOTE: Meets FCC group delay predistortion requirements for
color transmission.

Power Input: 95 to 130 VAC, 60 Hz or

210-250 VAC, 50 Hz

Operating Temperature: -10° C to + 50° C
Dimensions: 19˝(L) x 9

3

/

8˝(D) x 1

3

/

4˝(H)

Weight: 3.8 lbs.
Connectors: All “F” type

Baseband Input Impedance: 600 ohms unbalanced

Baseband Input Level:

0.5 V p-p for 25 kHz peak dev.

Pre-emphasis: 75 microseconds
Flatness: 1.5 dB max. 50 Hz to 15 kHz

RF

Video

Audio

General

Ordering Information

PFAM550

PFAM550 Manual.qxd 7/29/03 2:11 PM Page 5

PFAM550

6

Rev. 07/03

Ph: 800-421-6511

www.picomacom.com

Operation and Controls

POWER

550MHz Agile A/V Modulator

PFAM550

VIDEO/
AUDIO
RATIO

AUDIO
OVER

MOD.

AUDIO

MOD.

VIDEO

MOD.

CHANNEL

RF LEVEL

TEST POINT

-30dB

VIDEO
OVER

MOD.

1. Power On LED:

Indicates power is on when lit.

2. Video/Audio Ratio Adjustment:

Used to set level of audio carrier.

3. Audio Modulation LED:

Indicates aural over modulation level when lit.

4. Audio Modulation Adjustment:

Used to set audio modulation (Volume).

5. Video Modulation Adjustment:

Used to set video modulation.

6. Video Modulation LED:

Indicates video over-modulation when lit.

7. Channel Select:

Dip switches are used to select desired channel.

8. RF Output Adjust:

Used to set output level.

9. -30dB Output Test Monitor:

Used to monitor RF output level.

Front Panel Control

1. RF Output:

Connect this port to distribution system.

2. I.F. Input:

Input from I.F. scrambler or I.F.output.

3. I.F.Output:

To I.F.input or to scrambling device.

4. Video Input:

Accepts video output from satellite receiver, VCR and
CCTV camera.

5. Audio Input:

Accepts audio output from satellite receiver, VCR and CCTV camera.

6. Fuse holder:

117VAC type - 0.5 amp, 125V slow-blow fuse.
220VAC type - 0.5 amp, 250V slow-blow fuse.

7. Convenience Outlet:

117VAC type

8. Power Cord:

117VAC type - Three wire, standard U.S.A.type.

Back Panel Control

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

2

3

4

5

6 7

8

PFAM550 Manual.qxd 7/29/03 2:11 PM Page 6

RF OUT

IF IN IF OUT VIDEO IN AUDIO IN

CAUTION:

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

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE

125VAC

0.5A

FUSE

600W MAX

AC117V

60Hz/35W

PFAM550

7

Rev. 07/03

Ph: 800-421-6511

www.picomacom.com

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 con­nected to the main distribution line.

The CHC16U/550 and CHC16U/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 CHC16U. 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 saf ely install equipment in
equipment racks. Chassis must be fastened securely in equipment rack
before populating with modules.

1. Install chassis in equipment rack (equipment rack sold separately) b y
supporting the bottom and rear of PFAM550 at the desired elevation
in rack.

2. Line up the side holes of chassis with the tapped equipment rack holes.

3. Insert the provided screws through the side holes in chassis and

thread into the tapped equipment rack holes.

4.Fasten the bottom screws first, then fasten top screws (tighten
securely).

5. Install a short F-type jumper cable (provided) between the IF output
and IF input connector on the rear of the PFAM550 (Required for
proper operation).

6. Connect a cable from the output of the video source to the video
input connector of the PFAM550.

7. Connect a cable from the output of the audio source to the audio
input connector of the PFAM550.

8. Connect a cable from the output RF connector of the PFAM550 to the
input of the combining system.

9. Remove the channel select access panel on the front of the
PFAM550.

10. Select the desired output channel by using a plastic screw driver to
set the DIP switches using the included chart.

11. Connect power cord to receptacle supplying uninterrupted line power
(LED on front panel will illuminate).

12. Connect a cable between the front panel output test point and a
spectrum analyzer or signal level meter.Measure the video and aural
carrier level.

13. Adjust the aural carrier level to 15dB below the level of the video
carrier by slowly rotating the VIDEO AUDIO RATIO adjustment on the
front panel of the PFAM550.

14. Connect a cable between the combining system test point and a
spectrum analyzer or signal level meter.Measure the video and aural
carrier level of the PFAM550 and adjacent channels.

15. Adjust the Output level of the PFAM550 to match the video and audio
carrier levels of adjacent channels by adjusting the OUTPUT LEVEL
adjustment on the front panel of the PFAM550.

PFAM550 Manual.qxd 7/29/03 2:12 PM Page 7

From Satellite Antenna

VIDEO
LEVEL

AUDIO IN

VIDEO

OUT

INV

NOR

950-1750MHz

COMPOSITE

VIDEO OUT

+

70 MHz

OUT

IN

CAUTION:

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE

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

RF IN

950-1450

MHz

OUT

H

V

+

FUSE

AC25OV

18V 250mA

1/2A

LNB POWER

OUT

117V

ON OFF

.35A
60Hz

125VAC

FUSE

AC117V

600W MAX

0.5A

60Hz/35W

Audio Output Connection:
Center Conductor to Mono+(Positive)
Shield to Mono-(Negative)

+

LANGUAGE

AUDIO OUTPUT

DATA CLOCK

MONO LEFT RIGHT

_

_+_+_

+

PR4200IRD SATELLITE RECEIVER

RF OUT

PFAM550 MODULATOR

GND

_

+

+

RF OUT to TV or
Distribution System

+

AUDIO OUTPUT LEVEL

LRMONO

IF IN IF OUT VIDEO IN AUDIO IN

V
A

RF

+10dBmV

IN

+14dBmV

RF

+10dBmV

IN

V
A

+10dBmV

RF
IN

+14dBmV

RF

+10dBmV

IN

V
A

RF

+10dBmV

IN

+14dBmV

RF

+10dBmV

IN

PFAM550

SP860

XBS

PFAM550

SP860

XBS

PFAM550

SP860

XBS

+52dBmV

+52dBmV

+52dBmV

+55dBmV

+55dBmV

+60dBmV

+50dBmV

+50dBmV

+50dBmV

Ch. 2

PHC-12G

-18dB

Ch. 3

Ch. 4

PAD

ATTENUATOR PAD

+36dBmV

6dB PAD

ATTENUATOR PAD

h. 2

C

CHC-16U/550

+6dB

to

+12dB

C3

h.

C4

h.

Ch. 2

Ch. 4

EVEN CHANNELS

Ch. 3

ODD CHANNELS

+43dBmV

+43dBmV

CA-30RK550

+60dBmV

+65dBmV

+39dBmV +60dBmV

8dB PAD

ATTENUATOR PAD

CA-30RK550

PFAM550

8

Rev. 07/03

Ph: 800-421-6511

www.picomacom.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 be yond 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 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, 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 retur n 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.

PFAM550 Manual.qxd 7/29/03 2:12 PM Page 8