Technalogix TXF300 Users Manual
FM TRANSMITTER
Introduction
You’ve already unpacked it, haven’t you? You’ve unpacked it and plugged it in
and turned it on and fiddled with the knobs. No? Okay, good. Please take a few
minutes to read the manual and familiarize yourself with your new Technalogix
FM power amplifier or transmitter.
We believe that this user manual, the Quickstart package (Final Inspection
Report, Wiring Hookup, and Block Diagram), and of course our equipment,
should be everything you need to get on the air with a superb audio signal. We
understand that a capable and confident user will get the most out of our product
and we have made every attempt to educate readers of all technical levels. If
there is something that is not clear, or you require further information, please do
not hesitate to contact us and we’ll be glad to help out.
Technalogix Ltd.
#4, 8021 Edgar Industrial Place
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
T4P 3R3
Phone: 403.347.5400
Fax: 403.347.7444
URL: www.technalogix.ca
Email: technical@technalogix.ca
sales@technalogix.ca
All information that is specific to your unit is contained within the Quickstart
package (Final Inspection Report, Wiring Hookup, and Block Diagram) included
in the shipped equipment container. This Quickstart package summarizes
performance specifications, provides wiring hookup details, and outlines specific
components found in the system.
We truly appreciate that you have chosen us as your RF equipment supplier.
Happy transmission!
Last Revised:
3-Apr-2014
General Safeguards
This section is written as a general guide to keep all five fingers on your hand
and is intended for those having previous knowledge and experience with these
kinds of equipment. It is not intended to contain a complete statement of all
safety precautions, which should be observed by personnel using this or other
electronic equipment.
Documentation
Read, retain and follow instructions before operating the equipment. There is a
lot of useful information in the manual, and besides, we spent a lot of time writing
it!
Environment
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this equipment to rain,
moisture, or rye and sodas at the company Christmas party. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service this equipment yourself as opening or removing covers
can result in a warm tingly feeling and will void the warranty. Refer all servicing
to qualified service personnel.
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Safety and First Aid
Personnel engaged in the installation, operation, maintenance, or servicing of
electronic equipment are exposed to the hazard of high voltage. It is imperative
that all safety regulations and precautions are consistently observed. Knowledge
of first aid procedures is recommended. The following information is presented
as a reference only. The user should ensure that they are trained in proper first
aid and the necessary precautions, which may not be contained in this manual,
are followed.
At all times, avoid placing any part of the body in series between ground and
circuit points, whether power is on or off.
Dangerous voltage may be present in equipment even though power is off.
Do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
It is the duty of all personnel to be prepared to give adequate emergency first
aid treatment and thereby prevent avoidable loss of life.
There are three principle degrees of burns, recognizable as follows:
a first-degree burn reddens the skin.
a second-degree burn blisters the skin.
a third degree burn chars the flesh and frequently places the victim in a
state of shock accompanied by respiratory paralysis.
Respiratory paralysis can cause death by suffocation within seconds. It is
imperative that the approved methods of artificial respiration are initiated
immediately and continue until the victim’s breathing is normal.
A muscular spasm of unconsciousness may render the victim unable to break
free of the electric power. If this is the case, turn the power off immediately.
Do not touch the victim or you may share the same predicament!
If the power cannot be turned off immediately, very carefully loop a dry rope,
article of clothing, length of strong cloth or a rolled-up newspaper around the
victim and pull the victim free of the power source. Carefully avoid touching
the victim or clothing.
Once free of the power source, the victim must be placed in a reclining
position and covered with a blanket or newspapers to keep warm. At the first
opportunity, enlist help in summoning a doctor. If a doctor cannot be
summoned, transport the victim to the doctor or a hospital. Be sure the victim
is kept well covered and warm while awaiting professional treatment.
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Operating Safeguards
Load Impedance
It is a known fact that our FM equipment enjoys 50-ohm load impedances. So
much so, that it is imperative you maintain 50-ohm impedances throughout your
system. In return, your equipment will provide you with maximum power transfer
to the antenna and decreased reflected power heading back towards the
amplifier pallets, reducing the amount of magic smoke that gets let out of the
equipment. Before anything is turned on, ensure that there is a 50-ohm path from
the output of each stage to the input of the next, all the way to the antenna.
Operating Warnings
Our FM equipment is designed to reliably generate a specific RF output power
level. Failing to adhere to overdriven amplifier, high reflected power, and high
temperature, and other warnings can decrease the reliability of your system, and
frankly, makes our repair department busy and grumpy. If you need to transmit to
a little larger coverage, you are better off increasing antenna gain, and more
importantly, antenna height above average terrain. On FM broadcast
frequencies, insufficient antenna height puts an upper limit on your range,
regardless of power levels, as the distance from your antenna to the radio
horizon is limited.
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Terms of Sale
Sales by Technalogix Ltd. (“Seller”) are made only on terms which are contained
in this policy. Seller hereby gives notice of its objection to any different/additional
terms and conditions. All sales are expressly conditional upon Buyers’ assent to
the terms and conditions set forth below. These terms and conditions may be
modified/ supplemented only by written document signed by authorized
representative of the Seller. These terms and conditions supersede any prior
and/or contemporaneous agreements/correspondence between Buyer and
Seller. Any order received and accepted by Seller shall be construed as
acceptance of Seller’s offer to sell its products to the Buyer in accordance with
terms and conditions of sale set forth herein. No waiver, whether express or
implied, by Seller of any of the terms or conditions hereof shall be deemed a
continuing waiver or trade custom between parties, but shall apply solely to the
instance to which the waiver is directed.
Ordering Information
All orders must be in writing and/or accompanied by a Purchase Order. A
minimum down payment is required with all orders. No orders are considered an
order until the payment has been made.
Pricing Policy
All prices are FOB shipping point and prices do not include freight, handling, and
insurance. All prices published/quoted by Seller may be changed at any time
without notice. Unless otherwise specified, written quotations expire 30 days from
date issued and subject to change/termination by notice during this period.
Taxes
Prices for all products do not include any sales, use, excise or other taxes. Buyer
agrees to pay all applicable taxes, duties and other fees on product and services
ordered. If Buyer claims an exemption from any tax, Buyer shall submit to Seller
the appropriate exemption certificates.
Shipping
Shipping is the responsibility of the Buyer. This includes all freight, customs and
brokerage charges, duties, and insurance.
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Terms of Payment
Seller will provide credit terms to Buyer at its discretion. Such terms are subject
to change at all times. If credit is provided, Seller will invoice Buyer on the date
the product is ordered. Such invoices will be due and payable net thirty (30) days
from the date of invoice, subject to credit is not established or maintained, terms
shall be net cash on or prior to the Delivery Date. Seller reserves the right, at its
sole discretion at any time to revoke any credit previously extended. Past due
accounts shall be charged two percent (2%) per month, or the highest rate
permitted by Alberta law, whichever is less, and will be added to the outstanding
balance. In the event Buyer defaults on the payment, Buyer shall be liable for all
collection costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. Non-payment of
past due accounts will result in a lien against parts and all subsequent
assemblies or products that our components are in. Goods remain the property of
Seller until invoice is paid in full.
Changes and Cancellation
Purchase orders that have been accepted by Seller may not be changed/
cancelled, in whole or part, without written Seller consent. All changes must be
included in change order reflecting purchase order and submitted to the Seller.
All other changes will not be accepted/acknowledged. Changes may affect
delivery dates. Expenses incurred because of changes shall be charged to
Buyer. Buyer will be liable for Seller’s costs incurred, plus a reasonable profit, for
the portion of work terminated, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, together with cancellation charges. Orders for standard product may
be changed by Buyer, with no penalty to Buyer, provided that Buyer provides
Seller notification at least 30 days prior to scheduled ship date. Order changes
received within 30 days of scheduled ship date may be subject to an order
change charge; a schedule detailing these charges will be forwarded to Buyer
when Buyer’s change order is acknowledged. In no event can any aspect of the
order be changed after the product shipment has occurred. Custom orders may
be cancelled by Buyer, provided that Buyer pays Seller for completed work
allocated to Buyer’s order at time of termination of the work at selling price and all
costs for work-in-progress and costs resulting from cancellation and reasonable
profit therein. Specific cancellation charges dependent on the type of custom
product ordered. A schedule detailing these charges will be forwarded to Buyer
when Buyer’s cancellation fee of up to 100% of the order, depending on the
stage of completion of the order at the date the cancellation or revised is
accepted.
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Custom Products Policy
Custom items are not returnable. Items other than “off the shelf” products are
considered custom and are products/materials which have been altered,
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amended and customized to your order, and not resalable.
Returns
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Terms and
Product return without written authorization by Seller will not be accepted.
Returns accepted only with a valid Return Material Authorization (RMA). To
receive authorization for product return, call Seller. There is a standard 25%
restocking cost assessed on most returns. All returned products (non-repair)
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must be unused, and in original condition. No refund/credit given for damaged
products. We do not accept postage-due/ C.O.D. packages at any time.
Excusable Delay
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Seller shall not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from any delay in
delivery or failure to deliver which is due to any cause beyond Seller’s control,
including, without limitation, acts of nature, unavailability of supplies or sources of
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energy, riots, wars, fires, floods, epidemics, lockouts, strikes and slowdowns,
delays in delivery by supplies, or acts or omissions of the Buyer. The Buyer shall
be liable for stage charges, including but not limited to all third party costs and
expenses incurred by Seller, in holding or storing products for the Buyer or at the
Buyer’s request.
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Assignment
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Buyer shall not assign any duties nor assign any order or any interest therein
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without written consent of the Seller. Any such actual or attempted assignment
shall entitle Seller to cancel the order upon written notice to the Buyer.
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Seller assumes no obligation to install any product sold to place any products in
working order at Buyer’s premises and not responsible for freight damage.
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Validity of Separate Clauses
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If any provisions of this agreement shall be held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable,
the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be
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affected or impaired thereby.
Warranty
Technalogix products have been completely tested and found to meet
specifications and be in proper operating condition. Technalogix-manufactured
products are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for
a period of two years from the date of shipment. Products sold through, but not
directly manufactured by Technalogix, carry the original manufacturer’s warranty.
Seller will not be liable for damages of whatever nature arising out of or in
connection with the equipment or its use thereof. Technalogix does not assume
responsibility for injury or damage resulting from the practices of untrained or
unqualified personnel in the handling of this equipment and does not include
misuse, neglect or accident, incorrect wiring and/or improper installation,
unauthorized repairs, modifications or use in violation of instructions issued by
Seller, incidental or consequential damages as a result of any defect, reshipment
cost or insurance of the unit or replacement units or parts, acts of nature,
damages due to AC or DC power supplied by customer to power the equipment
(see installation recommendation for surge protection), or acts of terrorism. Seller
agrees, at our option, to remedy warranted defects or furnish a new part in
exchange for any part of unit which, under normal installation, use and service,
becomes defective. The user pays for transportation costs to and from repair
facility. If you require on-site service, the cost to you will be $800.00 US per 8hour day plus air fare, meals, and transportation charges for personnel and
equipment.
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Principle of Operation
The internal FM exciter found inside FM transmitter enclosures accepts analog,
digital or MPX audio signals and modulates them onto an FM carrier. The analog
signal can be either mono or stereo (both included as standard), while the digital
inputs are accepted on AES3, S/PDIF optical (Toslink), or S/PDIF coaxial inputs.
Also included on the Exciter circuit board are amplifier stages to increase the
modulated level from a few dBm up to several watts.
The RF power amplifier is designed to take a modulated FM carrier from the
Exciter (typically less than 30-watts depending on transmitter power level), and
amplifies the carrier to a level that is suitable for transmission through an
antenna, cavity, or alternative load. The power amplifier feeds this load through
an inline wattmeter and transmission line. For broadcast and over-the-air
amplifier systems, the pattern of the antenna then dictates the range and
coverage area.
The amplification is accomplished by one or many amplifier pallets internal to the
power amplifier system. If there is more than one amplifier pallet stage, then the
first pallet acts as a driver feeding Intermediate Power Amplifiers (IPAs) and/or
final stage pallets. If multiple final pallets are required, then a splitter and
combiner are also required before and after the final stages.
Technalogix manufactures FM amplifiers and transmission systems suitable for
87.5 to 108.0 MHz. Custom frequencies are available upon request if you require
carriers outside this range, including audio for VHF applications and other unique
requirements.
The RF amplifiers utilize readily available RF components wherever possible,
thus enhancing the serviceability of the equipment. The amplifier modules are
stable for high reliability and long service life and feature ultra linear amplification
and individual channel RF output filtering, unless ordered otherwise.
The Block Diagram is included with the Quickstart package to illustrate the
specific component flow of the RF amplifier system and to provide specific
configuration and model information.
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Installation
This section contains installation recommendations, unpacking, inspection, and
installation instructions for the power amplifier or transmitter. We are sure that
you are chomping at the bit to install your new system, so we recommend that
you read the following sections very carefully.
Building Recommendations
The quality of the building is of great importance if you are to expect long life and
continued performance from the power amplifier or transmitter. The building must
be clean, dry, temperature controlled and secure. Don’t forget to allow space in
the building for any additional racks to house test equipment, a workbench area,
line regulating transformers, ladders, equipment and parts storage, first aid kit,
emergency generator if used, as well as heating and cooling devices that may be
unique to your installation. A beer fridge is optional. A sloping roof will tend to
develop leaks less rapidly. The building should be well roofed with good material.
The cooling load will be lowered with reflective or light colored roofing material.
Electrical Service Recommendations
Technalogix recommends that a qualified, licensed local electrician be consulted
for the required electrical service. We suggest local electricians because:
The personnel knows the local codes
The personnel can be on site readily
You are apt to get better overall support if you give what business you can
to local suppliers
Technalogix recommends that proper AC line conditioning and surge
suppression be provided on the primary AC input to the power amplifier or
transmitter. If DC is used as a source, a DC-DC converter is recommended to
provide isolation between the supply and the load. All electrical service should
be installed with your national electrical code in your area, any applicable
provincial or state codes, and good engineering practice. Special consideration
should be given to lightning protection of all systems in view of the vulnerability of
many sites to lightning. Lightning arrestors are recommended in the service
entrance. Gas Discharge Tubes (GDT) may help in preventing lightning, which
was forecast for another day, from creating a bad day. Straight and short grounds
are recommended. The electrical serviced must be well grounded. Do not
connect the unit to an open delta primary power supply, as voltage fluctuations
could harm the unit. Branch your circuits. Do not allow your lights, your
workbench plugs, and your transmitting or translating equipment to operate on
one circuit breaker. Each amplifier or transmitter should have its own circuit
breaker, so a failure in one does not shut off the whole installation.
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Antenna and Tower Recommendations (if applicable)
Your preliminary engineering workgroup should establish your antenna and tower
requirements, if applicable, both for receiving and transmitting antennas.
Construction of sturdy, high quality antenna/tower systems will pay off in terms of
coverage of your service area, the overall quality and saleability of your radiated
signal, and reduced maintenance expenses. Technalogix provides complete
turnkey antenna systems if needed. If your site is serving as a translator, your
receiving antenna should be in line of sight to the originating station all year
round. The foliage will change with season. Transmitting antennas can enhance
or seriously impair the amplifier or transmitter output.
The selection, routing, and length of coaxial cable are extremely important in the
installation. If there is a 3 dB line loss in the cable between your unit’s output and
the transmitting antenna, the unit will only deliver half power. Buy the best cable
you can obtain, route it via the shortest way to the antenna, and keep it straight.
Do not form it into sharp bends on its way. Do not use any more cable fittings for
the installation than absolutely necessary. All cautions here apply equally to all
coaxial cables in the system - input and output.
Pay attention to radial ice accumulation when designing the transmission system.
It is not uncommon for at least an inch of ice to build up on a tower or antenna in
some locations. This in turn significantly increases the weight, cross section, and
wind loading of the system, not to mention creating issues from reflective power.
Attaching the transmission line to the tower is crucial to maintain a safe and
reliable operation. Nylon wire ties and electrical tape will breakdown in the
sunlight and ultimately fail, creating a potentially dangerous situation. It is
important to use proper clamps and hoisting grips and also ensure that the
transmission line is grounded to the tower in several locations. When high
currents flow through the tower in the event of lightning strikes, some of that
current will flow through the outer conductors of the transmission lines. Due to
the resistance difference between the steel tower and copper transmission line, a
significant voltage can be developed, often resulting in arcing between the outer
jacket and outer conductor, thus pitting the conductor.
Preventative maintenance is crucial in ensuring that safety is maintained.
Specifically, check that transmission line grounds are tight and are not missing
any hardware. Frequently inspect support clamps or spring hangers. Consider
investing in an ice break, if you haven’t already done so, as shards of falling ice
can damage the transmission line – and if it is going to happen, it will happen at
an important time. Check the tower light photocells and conduit.
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The better-known tower manufacturers offer complete technical and safety
documentation with their towers. Be sure that you have this information as it
regards wind loading, guying, etc. The best-designed antenna system will
function poorly if shortcuts and compromises are used during installation. Follow
the manufacturer’s instructions exactly, along with any engineering data prepared
for the site. Be absolutely safe and certain about this aspect as human lives may
be at stake.
Shelter Security
The FCC requires that the equipment be secure from entry or control by
unauthorized persons, and that any hazardous voltages or other dangers
(including most tower bases) be protected by locks or fences as necessary to
protect personnel and prevent unauthorized tampering or operation. Security of
the building further implies that it be secure from wildlife. Use sturdy construction
materials, including sheet metal if necessary. Holes around conduit, cable, and
other similar entry points should be stuffed with steel wool and caulked to prevent
entry of wildlife. Other features of security for your shelter may include its location
with respect to the prevailing wind conditions. Locations leeward of some natural
topographical feature will prevent wind damage and snowdrifts. Check the soil
runoff conditions that may slow or hasten wind or water erosion and other
concerns that may be unique to your location.
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Heating and Cooling Requirements
The environment’s temperature will contribute greatly to the length of the power
amplifier’s or transmitter’s life. Technalogix recommends that the building’s
filtered air intake must have capacity for all air-flow in the building plus an
additional 20%. Keep the intake below the roofline to avoid intake of solar heated
air. Please ensure that the intake and exhaust areas are on the same side of the
building to avoid pressure differentials during windy conditions. Also, do not
position intake near exhaust’s preheated air. If air conditioning is required to cool
the shelter, discuss the situation with a qualified HVAC technician. Under
average conditions, 12,000 BTUs will cool approximately 500 square feet to a
comfortable level.
The fans internal to the enclosures help cool the components. The specific fan
voltages and part numbers are listed in the Block Diagram included with the
Quickstart package.
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Unpacking and Inspection
Check the outside of the container. Carefully open the container and remove the
power amplifier or transmitter and any accessories. Retain all packing material
that can be reassembled in the event that the equipment must be returned to the
factory.
Exercise care in handling equipment during inspection to prevent
damage due to rough or careless handling.
Visually inspect the enclosure of the power amplifier or transmitter for damage
that may have occurred during shipment. Check for evidence of water damage,
bent or warped chassis, loose screws or nuts, or extraneous packing material in
connectors or fan failures. Inspect all connectors for bent connector pins. If the
equipment is damaged, a claim should be filed with the carrier once the extent of
the damage is assessed. Technalogix cannot stress too strongly the importance
of immediate careful inspection of the equipment and subsequent immediate
filing of the necessary claims against the carrier if necessary. If possible, inspect
the equipment in the presence of the delivery person. If the equipment is
damaged, the carrier is your first area of recourse. If the equipment is damaged
and must be returned to the factory, phone for a return authorization number.
Claims for loss or damage may not be withheld from any payment to
Technalogix, nor may any payment due be withheld pending the outcome
thereof. Technalogix cannot guarantee the carrier’s performance.
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Panel Connections
AC IN: Single phase AC input to feed internal AC/DC switching power supplies.
Check with factory as not all power supplies are universal 110/220V.
RF OUT: FM modulated RF carrier output (N female or 7-16 DIN female)
RBDS/RDS: Configuration and control of RBDS/RDS encoder in transmitter
accomplished through RS232 (female) connector.
REMOTE PORT: Parallel parameter interface (DB25 female)
ETHERNET: Remote control and monitoring via Ethernet (RJ45 jack)
SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) remote control and
monitoring (RJ45)
S/PDIF COAX: Digital audio input, Sony/Phillips Digital Interface, coaxial (RCA female)
S/PDIF OPTICAL: Digital audio input, Sony/Phillips Digital Interface, optical (Toslink female)
AES (digital): Digital audio input, AES/EBU professional audio interface (XLR female)
LEFT (analog): Analog audio input, left channel, (XLR female)
RIGHT (analog): Analog audio input, right channel, (XLR female). For Mono operation,
use the Right input.
MPX IN: External MPX input. Used when external stereo encoders or processors
present. (BNC female)
MPX OUT: MPX output signal from exciter. Used for external processing. (BNC
female)
SCA1/SCA2: Input connection from SCA generator or source, intended for 60 to 99
kHz. Typically modulated to 10%, or 7.5 kHz deviation.
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Initial Hook Up
1. Ensure that the antenna has been swept and, ideally, has a return loss of
greater than 20dB (VSWR = 1.2:1). This should be done before connecting
the antenna cable to the system’s output. The power amplifier’s control
system allows the user to change the VSWR trip point up to a maximum level
of 1.8:1, unless a custom VSWR protection system has been requested.
Strive for the lowest possible return loss to maximize transmission distance
and improve operating performance. Unless requested otherwise at the time
of purchase, VSWR levels between the trip point set by the user and 1.8:1 (or
custom VSWR trip point) will cause a fold back in power. VSWR levels past
1.8:1 (or custom VSWR trip point) will cause the system to shut down or fold
back with attenuation to avoid damage.
2. Place the amplifier in its permanent location near a receptacle supplying the
required AC or DC mains voltage.
3. Place an appropriate AC or DC power line protector, conditioner, and/or surge
suppressor across the supply line. This small investment is highly
recommended to protect the equipment from power surges and spikes (not
covered by warranty).
4. Install a lightning surge arrestor or Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) on the coax
near the antenna to protect the amplifier. This small investment is highly
recommended to protect the equipment from lightning (not covered by
warranty).
5. Connect the transmitting antenna cable to the RF OUT female connector on
the PA enclosure’s RF output. On units that have a separate filter or
filter/power supply enclosure after the power amplifier enclosure, ensure to
connect the transmitting antenna cable on the last enclosure in the chain to
the RF Out and connect the RF coaxial between the power amplifier and the
second enclosure in the chain. The system must be loaded into a 50-ohm
load before any power is turned on for over-the-air systems. The Wiring
Hookup is included in the Quickstart package included in shipping and
visually summarizes the aforementioned information.
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6. Connect the desired audio source connection, analog mono or stereo, digital
audio, or MPX. Subcarrier signals can be connected to the SCA1 or SCA2
BNC connectors.
7. Connect additional control/monitoring cables if desired. SNMP or Ethernet
should be connected to the lower RJ45 on the back panel. Remote port
connections are made to the DB25 connector and the internal RDS in
controlled by RS232 on the DB9 connector.
At this stage, the system is set up and ready to do a preliminary start up, as
outlined in the “Operating Procedure” section.
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Operating Procedure
Assuming the previous installation instructions have been completed and
cautions noted, and the power amplifier is ready to receive a properly modulated
RF signal, proceed with the following steps to place the system in operation. The
power amplifier has been factory aligned for a specific frequency (per system
specification), signal levels and optimum performance.
IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU RUN YOUR SYSTEM INTO A
DUMMY LOAD BEFORE INSTALLING TO MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO
DAMAGES CAUSED IN SHIPPING AND THE UNIT IS RUNNING PROPERLY
1. Verify that all control and RF cables are tight and properly seated in or on the
mating connector.
2. Plug in the desired audio source: analog (left and right for stereo), digital or
MPX. For mono audio use the Right XLR input.
3. With the power amplifier loaded into the antenna, cavity, alternative load, or
dummy load power up the amplifier by turning on power supply either via the
ON/OFF switch on the back of the power amplifier.
4. Verify that the power amplifier fans are all on. The power amplifier fans are
powered via DC voltage so this is an indication that the power supply is
started and running. There may be fans installed in the filter or power supply
enclosures, if applicable.
5. The internal soft start circuitry will turn the bias voltages off until the power
supply to the amplifier pallets is fully stable. The front display indicates when
the soft start is running with either a displayed message when an LCD option
is installed or via maximum attenuation when a touch screen option is
installed. Once complete, the Forward and Reflected Power, Power Supply,
and Temperature readings will appear on the display. Deviation is shown on
the FM screen.
6. Adjust RF output power on the power amplifier to about 10% of rated forward
power. The output power level is adjusted from the power amplifier’s RF
Levels screen. Then turn the carrier on, the Carrier On/Off is in the top right
corner of the touch display on all screens. If the unit contains more than one
final amplifier pallet (illustrated in your Block Diagram included in the
Quickstart package), ensure that the final pallet currents on the multiple finals
all match within 10% of each other. With multiple finals, the final pallet
currents should always match within this range under all operating conditions.
Front panel readings will vary slightly upon turn on. Steady state parameters
can be taken after approximately one hour.
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Terms and
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Principle of
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Operation
Control System
RF Components
Power Supply
Maintenance
Troubleshooting
7. Ideally, the RFL Power should read zero. However, should a high VSWR be
detected, the system will automatically fold back. Under normal conditions, a
well installed and setup system should indicate RFL power less than 3% of
FWD power.
8. Adjust RF output power on the power amplifier to desired level. The output
power level can be adjusted from the power amplifier’s RF Levels screen.
Keep in mind that the system will fold back or shut down (depending on
severity) should the forward RF output power level exceed the trip overdrive
point.
Pease note that 100% should be the maximum FWD power. Typically,
customers run the systems at 90% to avoid occasional AC power line spikes
or transients from tripping the shutdowns. The difference of 10% will provide a
marginal difference in range (tower height will have a much more significant
effect on range in the case of over-the-air) or cavity excitation.
9. Verify that the power supply reads correctly (see supplied final inspection
sheet for factory settings of power supply levels) on the display of the power
amplifier. You should see no more than 3% fluctuations in DC supply voltage,
and even less with a properly conditioned AC source to the power supply.
10. Look at the transmitted output using suitable test equipment. If the output
quality is unsatisfactory, check the input signals, connections to the antenna
system, antenna and transmission line VSWR, and the physical condition of
the antenna.
11. Select the appropriate input from the FM Controls screen on the front panel.
12. Adjust the attenuation for the input if needed from the Audio Levels screen on
the front panel. Check the modulation level on the main RF Display or FM
display on the front panel.
13. After warm up, compare the temperature of the equipment from the front
display to the temperature recorded in the final inspection sheet, included in
shipping. Assuming ambient temperatures are close (our factory is typically
around 18 to 25˚C), your temperature reading should be very close to the
factory reading. Use your temperature measurement as a method to monitor
fan performance (though on higher power units, fan current is also
monitored). A fan failure or air blockage will show an increase in temperature,
assuming ambient temperature is not varying.
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For FM broadcast applications, if the quality of transmission is unsatisfactory, the
difficulty is often with the receiving antenna or with obstructions in the path
between the amplifier/antenna and receiver. There is also a troubleshooting
section located later in this manual.
At this time, Technalogix recommends that you document your measurements to
use as a reference over time. The measurements can be made either from the
front display, or remotely via the Remote Port (DB25), Ethernet (lower RJ45), or
SNMP (lower RJ45), whose operation is explained in the Monitor and Control
System sections.
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Troubleshooting
Monitor and Control System
Control System Overview
The control system is used for a variety of functions, the most important of which
is ensuring that the amplifier or transmitter continues to operate in a safe manner.
The control system also allows the user to monitor and control the amplifier or
transmitter from both the front panel and remotely through the parallel port,
Ethernet, or SNMP access port.
The control system is comprised of three modules. These modules work together
to provide all the functions of the control system and include: Display Interface,
Exciter (in the case of a transmitter), and Temperature Sensor modules. The
operation of each module is outlined in the following sections and illustrated in
the following block diagram. Multiple revisions of the modules may be included.
Specific revision numbers of the modules are listed on the Final Inspection
Report included in the Quickstart Package and also in the Versions screen if the
touchscreen option was ordered.
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Principle of
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Troubleshooting
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