Radio Systems i.AM.Radio Transmitter, 5.0 i.AM., ATU Installation And Operation Manual

i. AM. Radio Transmitter

Installation and Operation

Easy to follow instructions on how to program and use your Model 5.0 i. AM. Radio Transmitter

Contents

Quick Start ...........................................................................................3

Front and Rear Panel Controls ..............................................................5

Frequency Selection and Antenna Connections ....................................6

Using the Outdoor Antenna .................................................................................................... 7

To mount the outdoor antenna unit: .....................................................................................7

To tune the outdoor antenna unit: .........................................................................................7

Broadcasting Live ..................................................................................8

Broadcast Live from a Microphone. ........................................................................................8

Broadcast Live from a Studio or External Recorded Message. ..............................................8

Broadcast a prerecorded message from the internal “Message Chip” storage. ...................8

Record Procedure - in detail .................................................................9

Recording a message onto the internal “message chip.” ...................................................... 9

Technical Specifications and FCC Regulations ....................................10

Model 5.0 i. AM. Radio Transmitter .......................................................................................10

Model ATU – Outdoor tuning Unit / Range Extender ............................................................10

Applicable FCC and Licence Regulations - FCCID: DLB5LTT98 .............................................10

FCC part 15 rules, Section 15.219 Operation in the band 510–1705 kHz. ............................10

Questions? Just call 856-467-8000

2

Quick Start

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TWO-PART

MESSAGE

SELECT

Part 1 Part 2

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to m

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BACK-UP MICROPHONE:

Speak into vent on cabinet top

LINE INPUT

500mV

PP

/10K

WITH AGC

TRANSMIT MODE SWITCH

Message Chip Live Radio

5 minutes

OUTDOOR

ANTENNA
CONNECT

ANTENNA

SELECT

TWO-PART

MESSAGE

SELECT

Part 1 Part 2

CUSTOM POWER

INPUT

120 VAC

Basic Outdoor

SPEAKER VOLUME

Must be OFF when using a
microphone to avoid fee

dback

18 VDC

BACK-UP MICROPHONE:

Speak into vent on cabinet top

LINE INPUT

500mV

PP

/10K

WITH AGC

TRANSMIT MODE SWITCH

Message Chip Live Radio

5 minutes

SPEAKER VOLUME

Must be OFF when using a
microphone to avoid fee

dback

5 minutes

This Quick Start contains the basic steps necessary to set up and operate your i. AM. Radio Transmitter
using the Indoor Wire Antenna. Please read the detailed procedures in this manual for complete
instructions, especially if your set-up includes the Outdoor Antenna.

1 Make sure the Control Lock Key is inserted in the Control Lock hole

located on the rear of the Transmitter. This key must be completely
inserted to record messages and set the frequency on the transmitter.
Also, make sure that “ANTENNA SELECT” switch is in the
“Basic” position.

Remove

to message or frequency

2 Connect the indoor

antenna and be sure
to uncoil and fully
extend the wire.

3 Set the TWO-PART

MESSAGE SELECT
switch to Part-one.
You are now
ready to record
a message to be
broadcast via the
internal or external
mic or any external
input source con­nected to the LINE
INPUT jack.

key to prevent changes

ANTENNA

SELECT

Basic Outdoor

4 Plug the hand-held

microphone into the
MIC jack located on
the back of the Trans­mitter. If you are not
using a hand-held mic
the transmitter input
will default to the
internal microphone
located just under the
perforated lid.

Or, plug any line-level
source (Mp3 player,
Cassette deck) into the
LINE INPUT jack on the
rear panel.

OUTDOOR

ANTENNA
CONNECT

TWO-PART

MESSAGE

SELECT

Part 1 Part 2

5 Next, plug the power

transformer into a
grounded wall outlet,
and then plug the power
cord into the CUSTOM
POWER input jack
located

on the back

of the Transmitter.

The Transmitter will
then begin calibrating
itself. When it is finished
calibrating, a frequency
will appear on the front
panel display.

CUSTOM POWER

INPUT

120 VAC

SPEAKER VOLUME

Must be OFF when using a

18 VDC

microphone to avoid fee

6 The SPEAKER

VOLUME should be
turned off when
using the mic to
avoid feedback.

dback

33

6 To record, press and hold the Record/Pause button on the Front Panel until you

see the countdown begin on the Front Display. Then, release the button and begin
recording your message by speaking clearly into the internal mic under the top
perforated grill of the unit, or into a hand held mic plugged in to the MIC jack on
the rear of the unit, or by starting an external source plugged into the LINE INPUT
jack on the rear of the unit.

The front panel digital display will count down the total record time available, but
you can pause recording at any time by pushing the record button again. Then, fin­ish the record process by pushing the play button or continue recording by pushing
the record/pause button again.

7 To begin playback, press and

hold the Play button until you
see the frequency reappear.
The message will now be
broadcast in a continuous loop.

8 Next, determine an open

frequency in your area and
set this frequency on the front
panel display using the up/
down arrow keys. Please see
the “Frequency Selection” page
in this manual to select the
best frequency.

9 Finally, monitor the radio signal on

a good car radio to check coverage
and audio quality.

You can try different transmitter
locations and frequency selection
to improve coverage and
minimize noise.

Use of the outdoor antenna/ range
extender will substantially increase
coverage.

4

BACK-UP MICROPHONE:

Speak into vent on cabinet top

LINE INPUT

500mV

PP

/10K

WITH AGC

TRANSMIT MODE SWITCH

Message Chip Live Radio

5 minutes

Front and Rear Panel Controls

Front Panel

Back Panel

Connect indoor
antenna here,
uncoil and stretch
out fully along a
wall or window
sill.

AM frequency readout

key to prevent changes

Remove

to message or frequency

ANTENNA

SELECT

Basic Outdoor

Insert key to
allow message
record or
frequency
change

Push to Start Playback
of Recorded Message

OUTDOOR

ANTENNA
CONNECT

TWO-PART

MESSAGE

SELECT

Part 1 Part 2

Connect optional
outdoor antenna
here via RG-6
coaxial cable

Select indoor or
outdoor antenna

Push to raise and
lower operating
frequency

CUSTOM POWER

INPUT

120 VAC

18 VDC

External audio
input for
internal chip
recording or
live input.

Select recording
of part 1 or part 2
internal message

Push to start and
pause internal
message recording

SPEAKER VOLUME

Must be OFF when using a
microphone to avoid fee

dback

External hand-held
microphone jack.
Use automatically
overrides internal
microphone.

Select “MESSAGE CHIP”
to playback from internal
storage chip, or select
“LIVE RADIO” to transmit
via internal mic or
external line source.

Indoor AM Antenna

Model # IAM-Indoor Antenna

Antenna Tuner / Range Extender

Model # IAM-ATU

Transmitter Hand-held Mic

Model # IAM-Mic

Transmitter Power Supply

Model # IAM-Power Supply

5

BACK-UP MICROPHONE:

Speak into vent on cabinet top

LINE INPUT

500mV

PP

/10K

WITH AGC

TRANSMIT MODE SWITCH

Message Chip Live Radio

5 minutes

Frequency Selection and Antenna Connections

Set the Frequency

Determine an available frequency (preferably on the high end of the band) by using a good quality digital
car radio parked in your primary listening area. Select a channel on your car radio where no other radio
station is audible as well as on one channel above and one channel below. It is advisable to make this
listening test at dusk when radio reception is at best.

Use the front panel raise and lower controls to set this frequency.

Note: When using the indoor antenna, the transmitter will go through an automatic antenna calibration
routine after a frequency has been set. This routine will be automatically repeated once an hour to keep
the transmitter calibrated (an internal motor sound will be heard.)

Note: When operating the transmitter, the built in speaker can be used to monitor the broadcast signal or
manually turned off or down via the rear panel “SPEAKER VOLUME” control. The volume level setting of
the speaker volume will not affect the audio level of the broadcast signal.

Connect the Antenna

TWO-PART

OUTDOOR

MESSAGE

key to prevent changes

Remove

to message or frequency

ANTENNA

SELECT

Basic Outdoor

ANTENNA
CONNECT

SELECT

Part 1 Part 2

Connect the indoor antenna to the rear panel lug. Locate the transmitter by a window and stretch the full
length of antenna cable out in a straight a path as possible. Set the “ANTENNA SELECT” to “BASIC.”

OR

CUSTOM POWER

INPUT

120 VAC

18VDC

SPEAKER VOLUME

Must be OFF when using a
microphone to avoid fee

dback

Utilize the outdoor antenna tuning unit for extended range. Set the “ANTENNA SELECT” to “OUTDOOR and
follow the “Using the Outdoor Antenna” page in this manual for installation and tuning instructions.

Note: make sure that the transmitter is grounded either via the three prong power transformer or ground
wire connected to a screw on the rear of the unit.

6

Using the Outdoor Antenna

Mounting Bracket

Whip Antenna Connector

HI/LOW Frequency Switch

COAX connector to Transmitter

To mount the outdoor antenna unit:

Mounting Bracket

Ground Wire Connector

Tuning Knob Meter

Hinged Cover

1 Using the supplied hardware, mount the ATU to a 1/2” to 1 3/4” metal pipe (not supplied.) The pipe can

be free standing to approximately 20 ft. high and secured via guy wires or mounted to the side of a
building.

(Utilize the recommended Radio Shack model 15-0891 eaves mount kit or other antenna

mounting hardware.)

2 Connect the transmitter via the supplied RG-6 coaxial cable and turn on the transmitter and ground the

ATU via the ground wire connector.*

To tune the outdoor antenna unit:

3 Select HI or LOW on the HI/LOW Frequency switch.

• When broadcasting on a frequency OVER 1000 KHz (e.g. 1620) select HI

• When broadcasting on a frequency UNDER 1000 KHz (e.g. 870) select LOW

4 Turn the Tuning Knob on the ATU until the needle on the Output Meter peaks at its

highest number. Leave the knob set for this highest meter reading.

5 Close the cover on the ATU box and seal with a silicone sealant if in harsh weather conditions.

6 For best performance, attach a wire (not supplied) from the Ground Wire Connector on the top of the

ATU to a good earth ground.*

Some examples of good earth grounds are:

• The center screw that holds the cover on a wall electrical outlet.

• Plumbing and water pipes (metal).

• A copper ground rod driven into the earth.

*Please note that Part 15 FCC regulations do not allow an antenna in excess of 3 meters in length and
usually the ground wire length is considered a part of this length and is added to this total antenna
measurement calculation.

7

Broadcasting Live

OM POWER

INPUT

120 VAC

SPEAKER VOLUME

Must be OFF when using a
microphone to avoid fee

dback

VDC

TRANSMIT MODE SWITCH

Message Chip Live Radio

5 minutes

CUSTOM POWER

INPUT

120 VAC

SPEAKER VOLUME

Must be OFF when using a
microphone to avoid fee

dback

18 VDC

TRANSMIT MODE SWITCH

Message Chip Live Radio

5 minutes

ODE SWITCH

Radio

Broadcast Live from a Microphone.

CUST

UT

10K

C

LINE INPUT

PP

500mV

WITH AGC

/10K

18

Set the Transmit Mode Switch on the Back Panel, to “Live Radio.” This immediately and automatically
selects the built-in microphone (located inside the unit and under the top panel grill) to act as the audio
source for the transmission.

Plugging in a hand held, high-Z microphone into the “MIC” jack on the rear panel automatically super­sedes the built-in MIC and selects this MIC as the audio source for the transmission.

Note that the built-in audio limiter will keep the signal from distorting, but it is still best to speak directly
into the microphone and at normal and consistent volume for best sound quality.

Note that when using a microphone, the built-in speaker must be manually turned off or down via the rear­panel ‘SPEAKER VOLUME” control to avoid feedback

Broadcast Live from a Studio or External Recorded Message.

Set the Transmit Mode Switch on the Back Panel, to “Live Radio” and plug a line-level signal (.1V to .5V,
unbalanced) into the “LINE INPUT” (1/8” mini phone) connector on the rear panel. This immediately and
automatically selects this external line input to act as the audio source for the transmission or recording.

Note that the built-in audio limiter will keep the signal from distorting, but it is still best to maintain the
incoming signal level at a consistent volume for best sound quality.

Note that when recording or broadcasting a LINE INPUT, the built-in speaker can be used to monitor the
broadcast signal or manually turned off or down via the rear-panel “SPEAKER VOLUME” control. The volume
level of the internal speaker will not effect the audio level of the broadcast signal.

TRANSMIT M

Message Chip Live

Broadcast a prerecorded message from the internal “Message Chip” storage.

Set the Transmit Mode Switch on the back panel, to “Message Chip”. The transmitter will automatically
begin and continue to playback any audio recorded on the internal “Message Chip.”

Set the “Two-Part Message Select” switch in the “Part-1” position to playback only message one. Set the
“Two-Part Message Select” switch in the “Part-2” position to consecutively playback both messages parts
one and two.

8

Record Procedure - in detail

Front Panel

Recording a message onto the internal “message chip.”

1 Insert the Control Lock Key in the control lock hole located on the back of the Transmitter. Select either

Part-1 or Part-2 on the Two-Part Message Switch located on the back of the Transmitter. Note that you
can record or re-record either message part at any time and select to playback either only Part-1 or
Part-1 and Part-2 when transmitting. Therefore, Part-1 is often used as a “wrap-around” or permanent
part of the message while Part-2 is used for additional information and topical updates.

2 To record from the internal built-in MIC, speak into the top grill of the unit. To record from an external

MIC or LINE-INPUT plug either device into its corresponding rear panel connector.

3 Press and hold the Record /Pause button on the front of the Transmitter until the Display Panel begins

counting down in seconds (i.e. 300, 299, 298...) and then immediately begin speaking or press the start
button on your external audio source.

4 To pause during recording, press the Record/Pause button. Push Record/Pause again to continue. Do

not use the Pause Button to end a recording.

5 When your message is complete, wait a second or two then press and hold the Play button located on

the front of the Transmitter until you see the frequency re-display on the front panel. The message will
begin to playback, and will repeat in a loop.

If desired, repeat the recording procedure for message PART-2 by selecting Part-2 on the

TWO-PART MESSAGE SELECT SWITCH.

6 To protect your message from accidental erasure or tampering, remove the Control Lock Key from the

Control Lock located on the back of the Transmitter and place it in a safe place where it cannot be lost.

Note - You can monitor your recording on the Transmitter’s Internal Speaker by turning up the
“SPEAKER VOLUME” control on the transmitter rear panel, but doing so when utilizing a MIC as the record
source may cause feedback. The setting for this internal speaker volume will not affect of audio transmission.

9

Technical Specifications and FCC Regulations

Model 5.0 i.AM. - AM Radio Transmitter

• Frequency Agile with front-panel selectability - frequency range: 520 to 1700 kHz

• Automatic Tuning – internal automatic servo-operated tuning circuit for range maximization
(U.S. Patent No. 6,295,443)

• Audio Inputs – internal microphone plus externa mic (mono) and line level (stereo) inputs
(on 1/8” “mini phone” connector-line level sensitivity .1 to .5 volts

• Audio Processing: built in automatic audio limitor / compressor

• Message Storage: digital voice record/playback solid state memory chip, 5 minutes max.

• Message Length: variable depending upon model of transmitter (see sticker on unit back panel)

• Microphone: built-in or hand-held

• Size: 8” x 14” x 2.5” (shipping size boxed - 12” x 20” x 6”)

• Weight: 4 lbs. (shipping weight - 7 lbs)

• Indoor Antenna: black, rubberized wire, approximately 8’ in length

• Power: 110/120VAC via included 18VDC 100mA external transformer / grounded AC plug adapter

• RF output power: 100 mW average

• Frequency Control: Crystal controlled phase locked loop tuner

• Frequency Stability: - +/- 30 Hz

• Range: typically 300-3000 feet (dependent on conditions and use of outdoor range extender

Model ATU – Outdoor tuning Unit / Range Extender

• Input Power: .01 mW to 1 watt

• Frequency Range: 520 to 1700 kHz

• Connectors: “F” type input, 3/8”-24 threaded antenna coupling, grounding post with knurled knob

• Radiator: 9’ fiberglass whip antenna (included)

• Internal controls: frequency range switch, tuning knob

• Internal indicator: signal strength meter

• Size: 5” x 7” x 3” (shipping size boxed - 6” x 8.5” x 4”)

• Weight: 1.5 lbs. (shipping weight - 2 lbs)

• Mounting: mounts to any metal pipe from 1/2” to 1 3/4” diameter (mounting brackets included,
pipe not included

• US Patent Number US 7, 437,130 B2

Applicable FCC and Licence Regulations - FCCID: DLB5LTT98

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1.) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2.) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The model ATU Outdoor Manual Antenna Tuning unit is FCC accepted within this certification as serving as
the final output stage.

FCC part 15 rules, Section 15.219 Operation in the band 510–1705 kHz.

(a) The total input power to the final radio frequency stage (exclusive of filament or heater power) shall not

exceed 100 milliwatts.
(b) The total length of the transmission line, antenna and ground lead (if used) shall not exceed 3 meters.
(c) All emissions below 510 kHz or above 1705 kHz shall be attenuated at least 20 dB below the level of

the unmodulated carrier. Determination of compliance with the 20 dB attenuation specification may be

based on measurements at the intentional radiator’s antenna output terminal unless the intentional

radiator uses a permanently attached antenna, in which case compliance shall be demonstrated by

measuring the radiated emissions.

10

A Division of Radio Systems, Inc.

Radio Systems, Inc. • 601 Heron Drive • Logan Township, NJ 08085

Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • Email: [e-mail]

www.radiosystems.com