Technisonic TFM-138 User Manual
VHF/FM
AIRBORNE TRANSCEIVER
MODEL TFM-138B
s/n’s 1500 and up with F14 Software
(
Installation and
Operating Instructions
)
Til Document No.
97RE221
Rev. A
Issue 1
SEPTEMBER 2002
Technisonic Industries Limited
240 Traders Boulevard, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1W7
Tel:(905)890-2113 Fax:(905)890-5338
www.til.ca
CAUTION
This unit contains static sensitive devices. Wear a grounded wrist strap and/or conductive gloves when
handling printed circuit boards.
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user
will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Warning:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Technisonic Industries could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
The Model TFM-138B, VHF/FM Transceiver is under warranty for one year from date of purchase. Failed
units caused by defective parts, or workmanship should be returned to:
Technisonic Industries Limited
240 Traders Boulevard
Mississauga,
Ontario L4Z 1W7
Tel: (905) 890-2113 Fax: (905) 890-5338
A Page
Summary of DO-160C Environmental Testing for Technisonic Model TFM-138B, VHF Transceiver
Conditions Section Description of Conducted Tests
Temperature and Altitude 4.0 Equipment tested to categories B2 and D1.
Vibration 8.0 Equipment is tested without shock mounts
to categories B, M and N.
Magnetic Effect 15.0 Equipment is class Z.
Power Input 16.0 Equipment tested to category B.
Voltage Spike 17.0 Equipment tested to category B.
RF Emission 21.0 Equipment tested to category Z.
Installation Approval Note
Presently no TSO standard exists for airborne FM transceivers. To make it easier for installation agencies to
provide their customers with an approved installation supported by an effective Airworthiness Approval,
Technisonic has secured Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Approvals (both US and Canadian) on its
Airborne FM products for many helicopters currently being delivered in the US and Canada as well as a
number of single engine fixed wing aircraft. The above referenced DO-160C test data is also on file and
available from Technisonic to support approval requirements in airframes for which Technisonic does not
possess an STC.
Approved aircraft types are listed in the attachments to the formal STC documents. These STC's are the
exclusive property of Technisonic and require the written authority of Technisonic for their use. To assist
Factory Authorized Technisonic Dealers in the certification process, we have placed copies of our Canadian
and US STC's on our web site along with a letter of authorization for their use. These documents may be
downloaded and used as support for the technical submission to FAA or Transport Canada. Only factory
authorized dealers/installers are permitted to download and make use of these documents on behalf of their
customers (end users) in support of regulatory agency approval. Please refer to the Technisonic web site
www.til.ca
for the latest issue of available STC’s and letter of authorization for use.
B page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Title Page
SECTION 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.1 Introduction ............................................................. 1-1
1.2 Description ............................................................. 1-1
1.3 Purpose of Equipment .................................................... 1-1
1.4 Model Variation .......................................................... 1-1
1.5 Technical Summary...................................................... 1-2
SECTION 2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Features ............................................................... 2-1
2.2 Operating Instructions .................................................... 2-1
2.3 Programming Instructions ................................................. 2-5
2.4 Scanning Function ....................................................... 2-6
2.5 Priority and Selective Memory Channel Scanning .............................. 2-6
2.6 Direct Frequency Entry Mode .............................................. 2-6
2.7 Receive Frequency Simplex Function ........................................ 2-7
2.8 Keyboard Lockout Function . . .............................................. 2-7
2.9 Variable Frequency Mode Function ......................................... 2-7
2.10 LED Display Variable Dimming Mode ........................................ 2-7
2.11 90 Second Transmitter Time Out Feature .................................... 2-7
2.12 Quick Guard Programming Feature ......................................... 2-7
2.13 Programming CTCSS Tones .............................................. 2-8
2.14 PC Memory/Programming Download Capability ............................... 2-9
SECTION 3 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 General ................................................................ 3-1
3.2 Equipment Packing Log................................................... 3-1
3.3 Transceiver Installation ................................................... 3-1
3.4 Installation Kit - Contents .................................................. 3-1
3.5 Antenna Installation ...................................................... 3-1
3.6 Installation - Pin Locations and Connections .................................. 3-1
3.7 Wiring Instructions ....................................................... 3-3
3.7.1 Main Power +28VDC ..................................................... 3-3
3.7.2 Main Ground ............................................................ 3-3
3.7.3 PTT (Ground Keying) ..................................................... 3-3
3.7.4 Front Panel Back Lighting . . . .............................................. 3-5
3.7.5 Audio Outputs (600 and 4 Ohms) ........................................... 3-5
3.7.6 Audio Output Ground ..................................................... 3-5
3.7.7 Mic Signal Input ......................................................... 3-5
3.7.8 Memory Up/Memory Down ................................................ 3-5
3.7.9 Data Input .............................................................. 3-5
3.8 Internal Programming and Guard Enable/Disable Jumper ....................... 3-5
3.9 Transmitter Power Adjustments ............................................ 3-7
3.10 Transmitter Microphone Level Adjustment .................................... 3-7
3.11 Transmitter Sidetone Level Adjustment ...................................... 3-7
3.12 Main and Guard Squelch Adjustment ........................................ 3-9
3.13 Transmitter Deviation Adjustment ........................................... 3-9
3.14 Guard Receiver Audio Limit Feature ......................................... 3-9
i
SECTION 3 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS - APPENDIX
Post Installation EMI Test.................................................. A-1
LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Title Page
3-1 15-Pin D Connections .................................................... 3-3
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure No. Title Page
2-1 Operator's Switches and Controls - TFM-138B ................................ 2-3
2-2 TFM-138B Transceiver PC Up/Download Cable - Wiring Diagram ............... 2-12
3-1 Outline Drawing for TFM-138B Transceiver .................................. 3-2
3-2 Wiring Connections for TFM-138B Transceiver ................................ 3-4
3-3 Interal Enable/Disable Jumper and TX High/Low Power Adjust Locations ........... 3-6
3-4 Microphone and Sidetone Level, Main and Guard Squelch Adjustment Access ...... 3-8
3-5 Deviation Adjustment Potentiometer Location ................................ 3-10
ii
TFM-138B
SOFTWARE CHANGE NOTE
This document covers operation of the Technisonic TFM-138B, s/n 1500 and onwards which have been
delivered from the factory with version F14 software. For TFM-138B’s with s/n 1499 or less, TiL Document
95RE177 should be referred to.
This document does not cover the operation of older version TFM-138B’s with s/n 1499 or less.
iii
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This publication provides operating and installation information on the TFM-138B (with version F14
software), Transceiver manufactured by Technisonic Industries Limited. The version F14 software
is factory installed in TFM-138B’s with s/n F1500 and onwards. The unit offers an extended frequency
range with selectable channel spacing and is intended for use (in the U.S.) only by government
agencies or contractors thereto, who have obtained licensing for operation in the 138-150 MHz portion
of the band. If the TFM-138B transceiver is used in CANADA, operation is restricted to the following
sub bands: 138-144, 148-148.99, 149.005-150.005 and 150.05-174 MHz.
1.2 DESCRIPTION
The TFM-138B, Transceiver is a frequency agile, fully synthesized airborne transceiver capable of
operating in the 138.000 MHz to 174.000 MHz frequency range in 2.5 kHz increments with either 25
kHz or 12.5 kHz channel spacing. The Transceiver can operate without restriction on any split
frequency pair in the band and also incorporates a two channel synthesized guard receiver.
The TFM-138B Transceiver provides 120 operator accessible memory positions, each of which is
capable of storing a transmit frequency, receive frequency, transmit frequency CTCSS tone or DPL
code, receive frequency CTCSS tone or DPL code, an alphanumeric identifier for each channel and
in the TFM-138B, wideband (25 kHz) or narrowband (12.5 kHz) channel spacing assignment.
Operating frequency and other related data are presented on a 48 character, two line LED matrix
display. Data entry and function control are performed via a 12 button keypad. Preset channels may
also be scrolled and scanned through keypad function activation. Data may also be entered via a PC
computer with the provided software and optional PIB-100 programming interface box or via an older
computer and PC Up/download cable, P/N 943165-4.
SECTION 1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.3 PURPOSE OF EQUIPMENT
The TFM-138B, VHF/FM Transceiver is designed to provide secondary airborne communications to
facilitate operations which are typically performed in a low altitude environment. The transmitter
section of this unit has a minimum of 8 watts and does not exceed 10 watts output power, which may
be reduced by a front panel switch to 1 watt, in order to reduce interference to land based systems.
1.4 MODEL VARIATION
There are four variations of the Model TFM-138B Transceiver. All units offer identical features
and performance except for the following differences:
TFM-138B, P/N 921012-1, Option B GREEN display and 28 Volt back lighting.
TFM-138B, P/N 921012-1 (5V), Option B GREEN display and 5 Volt back lighting.
TFM-138B, P/N 921012-2, Option B RED display and 28 Volt back ligting.
TFM-138B, P/N 921012-2 (5V), Option B RED display and 5 Volt back lighting.
Both P/N's 921012-1 and 921012-2 are always provided with 28 Volt back lighting unless a specific
request is made for 5 Volt AC operation. Version F14 software is standard in all variations from s/n
F1500 onwards.
1-1
1.5 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Specification Characteristic
GENERAL
Model Designation: TFM-138B
Frequency Range: 138.000 to 174.000 MHz
Tuning Increments: 2.5 kHz
Operating Mode: F3E simplex or semi-duplex
Channel Spacing: 25 or 12.5 kHz
Physical Dimensions (including heatsink): Approx. 8.0" X 3.0" X 5.75"
Weight: Approx. 3.1 Lbs (1.4 Kg)
Mounting: Panel Mount via Dzus fastners
Operating Temperature Range: -45EC to +70EC
Power Requirement:
Voltage: 28.0 Vdc, ± 15%
Current: Receive - 0.7 A Max.
1 Watt Transmit - 1.3 A Max.
8-10 Watt Transmit - 2.0 A Max.
Frequency Selection: 120 memories programmed with:
a) Tx Frequency/Rx Frequency
b) Tx/Rx CTCSS tone or DPL code
c) 9 character alpha numeric title
Guard Receiver: 2 channels programmed with:
a) Tx Frequency/Rx Frequency
b) Tx CTCSS tone or DPL code
c) 9 character alpha numeric title
CTCSS squelch/encoder: All CTCSS tones available
DPL digital squelch/encoder: All standard DPL codes
DTMF encoder: All standard DTMF tones
Audio Output: 0.5 Watts into 600 ohms
Speaker Output: 2.5 Watts min. into 4 ohms
Back Lighting: 28 Volts (standard) or
5 Volts (specify)
Display Colour: Green (standard) or
DPL is a trademark of Motorola Corporation
Red (specify)
1-2
1.5 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
MAIN RECEIVER
Sensitivity at 12 dB SINAD Better than 0.35 µV
Adjacent Channel Selectivity -70 dB (25 or 12.5 kHz)
Spurious Attenuation -90 dB
Third Order Intermodulation -70 dB
Image Attenuation -80 dB
FM Acceptance ± 6 kHz
Hum and Noise Better than 50 dB
Audio Distortion less than 5%
Antenna Conducted Emission less than -70 dBm
GUARD RECEIVER
All specifications identical to main receiver
TRANSMITTER
RF Power Output 1 watt or 10 watts
Output Impedance 50 ohms
Maximum Deviation ±5 kHz (25 kHz mode)
(In narrowband mode) ±2.5 kHz(12.5kHz mode)
Spurious Attenuation -90 dB below carrier level
Frequency Stability ± 2.5 ppm
Microphone Circuit Carbon or equivalent
Sidetone Output 0.5W (max) into 600Ω
Harmonic Attenuation -65 dB below carrier level
FM Hum And Noise -40 dB
Audio Input 50 mV at 2.5 kHz into
200 Ω input circuit for
±3.5kHz deviation, adjst.
Audio Distortion Less than 5%
1-3
2.1 FEATURES
The equipment has several important operating features which provide maximum flexibility,
performance and versatility. These features include:
1. 120 memory positions which can each be programmed with a transmit and receive frequency
with 25 or 12.5 kHz channel spacing, Tx/Rx CTCSS tones or DPL codes and a 9-character
alphanumeric title.
2. 2 guard channels which can each be programmed with a Rx frequency with 25 or 12.5
kHz channel spacing, CTCSS Tx tone or DPL code and a 9-character alphanumeric title.
3. Scanning of preprogrammed memories with selective memory scanning, in 5 scan lists.
4. Priority scan of memory channel 1, if desired.
5. Direct frequency entry mode.
6. Receive frequency simplex function.
7. Switchable RF output power between 1 watt and 8-10 watts.
8. Lockout of keyboard to prevent inadvertent entries.
9. Variable frequency mode to manually scan up and down in 2.5 kHz steps.
10. LED display variable dimming mode.
11. Selectable 90 second Tx time out feature.
12. Quick download of any of the 120 memory positions to the guard memories.
13. PC Memory Upload and/or download capability.
SECTION 2
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
In addition to the above features the following list summarizes the NEW operating features and
improvements incorporated in the Version F14 software:
1. Configuration Menu - Pressing ENTER, RCL and FUNC together with all 3 front panel switches
in the “up” position while turning the radio on will put it into configuration
mode. The programming features that can be configured by this menu
include:
a) DPL - Can be turned on or off with th MUP and MDN
(4 and 7) keys. This only removes the DPL entry
step from the programming sequence and does not
stop memories that already have DPL codes from
working. This also applies to the rest of the on/off
configurable items.
b) Scan - Can be disabled. Selecting FUNC and SCAN will
do nothing if Scan is off. The scan list indicator (+)
will still display if was previously programmed.
c)
Rx CTCSS
- Can be turned on or off from the
programming sequence. This affects only the
CTCSS tones for receive.
FUNC 7
d)
- Can be turned on or off. When off, the main
memory channel can not be dumped into one of the
guard channels using function 7.
e) LAST MEM - If set to on, the last memory channel on
the display will be what comes up when the
radio is turned on. If set to off, the last memory that
changes were made to will be what comes up when
the unit is switched on.
2-1
2.1 (NEW) FEATURES - F14 Software (continued)
2. Fast Download - PC download is now much faster.
3. PC Up/Download - It is recommended to purchase the PIB-100 programming box complete
with Windows based programming software. However, as an alternative, it
is possible to use the older DOS software supplied with the radio if you have
an older 486 or early Pentium PC running DOS to program the radio. See
PC download instructions for more details.
4. Fast Scan - Scanning speed has increased. The delay between channels is now
dependent upon the amount of frequency change from the last
channel to the next instead of always assuming the worst case (138
to 174MHz). Four more scan lists have been incorporated so that
the pilot does not have to reprogram scanning when flying into a
new area or job site.
5. Quick Scan/Lock - A memory channel can quickly be put in or taken out of the scan list by
pressing
FUNC and then ENTER. The scan indicator is toggled on and off. The new
condition is saved in the eeprom.
6. New Characters - A couple of graphics ( * , ! and
) have replaced those unknown
#
shapes and designs that used to be at the end of the character list.
7. Rx CTCSS Updating - While programming the receive CTCSS tone the receiver is
updated immediately. This can help you find out what tone is
being used on a repeater or other radios by simply scrolling
through the tones until the squelch opens.
8. Guard Jumper - Programming of the guard channels can be totally disabled by
removing J15. (used to be the 138/150 jumper) This way, the
radio has to be disassembled in order to re-program either of the
guard frequencies. This may be required on US Forest Service contracts.
9. Variable Frequency mode - It is now possible to scroll to the frequency of 174.0000
MHz as long as the digits after the decimal are zeros.
10. Easier Programming - Several changes have been made to the programming mode
easier or quicker to use. These include:
a) When entering frequencies, you do not have to type in the entire frequency to
the last digit. Now you can type in what you need and hit ENTER. This is also
true for the direct entry mode.
b) If you change the receive frequency, the transmit frequency will change to the
same thing. This makes entering a simplex channel quicker.
c) When entering the alphanumerics, you can now backspace with the 1 key to
correct mistakes.
d) You do not have to go through the entire programming sequence anymore. At
any time you can press the FUNC key and it will save all changes that have
been made and return to normal operating mode. This is also true for the tone
programming mode and the direct entry mode.
2-2
FIGURE 2-1 Operator's Switches and Controls - TFM-138B
2-3
2.2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (See Figure 2-1)
1. Switch power on by turning the main volume clockwise. Depending how the radio is
configured, either the last programmed or last displayed frequency will appear on the screen.
The transceiver is now in normal operating mode.
2. Adjust the audio level by adjusting the main and guard volume knobs.
3. Pressing the squelch defeat button will open both receivers to confirm they work.
4. Read the display. The top line will indicate the memory selected followed by a "+" if the
memory position is included in a scan list, an alphanumeric message, and the frequency of
the main receiver. A small "n" before the frequency indicates 12.5 kHz narrowband channel
spacing is in effect on this memory position. In the receive mode, the frequency is followed
by an "RT" if a RX CTCSS tone or RX DPL code is programmed, or an "RX" if no Receive
tone/code is programmed. Similarly, in the transmit mode either a "TT" or "TX" is shown after
the frequency. The bottom line indicates similar information about the guard receiver.
5. Only TX CTCSS tones or TX DPL codes may be programmed for the guard receiver.
At the beginning of each line, an LED indicates open squelch.
6. Set the MN/GD switch to main or guard transmit frequency.
7. Set the G1/G2 switch to the desired guard channel.
8. Set the HI/LO switch to the desired RF output power.
9. Select the desired memory by using the M.UP and M.DN buttons, or the RCL button
and a three digit number followed by ENTER.
10. To transmit DTMF tones, use the keyboard keys while holding the PTT button on the
microphone. The keyboard returns to its normal function when the PTT is released.
The display shows the status of both receivers and the transmitter. The light at the left of the top and
bottom line indicates which receiver is receiving. The display also indicates the memory channel
in use and the guard channel in use. A "TX" (no TX tone/codes programmed) or "TT"(either TX tone
or code programmed) on the right side of the display indicates whether the guard or main channel is
active when transmitting. The transmit frequency is also shown. In the receive mode the display
shows “RX” beside the receive frequency if no RX tone or DPL code is programmed and “RT” if a
CTCSS tone or DPL code is programmed.
When the transceiver is in either of the operating frequency or CTCSS tone/DPL code programming
modes and you must respond to a call, click the microphone PTT once (the radio will not transmit
during this click). This will cause the transceiver to revert back to the normal operating mode and
communications with the caller can proceed in the usual fashion.
2-4
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