Worldcast Systems HFM0750W, HFM1000W, HFM0350W User Manual

HELIOS FM 350 W

HELIOS FM 750 W
HELIOS FM 1000 W
HELIOS FM 1500 W
HELIOS FM 2000 W

USER MANUAL

87.5 – 108 MHz

STEREO AND MULTIPLEX COMPACT FM DIGITAL TRANSMITTER

WITH TCP/IP MONITORING*

*depending on options

Date: 2012/08/28

ecreso WorldCast Systems Group

web: www.ecreso.com - e-mail: [e-mail]

Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 5

1.1. About Ecreso .............................................................................................................................. 5

1.2. Before you start .......................................................................................................................... 6

2. DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................................... 7

2.1. General description .................................................................................................................... 7

2.2. Accessories ................................................................................................................................ 7

2.3. Helios FM 350 W / 750 W / 1000 W / 1500 W / 2000 W Description ......................................... 8

2.3.1. Front panel ............................................................................................................................ 8

2.3.2. Rear panel ............................................................................................................................. 9

2.3.3. Opened cover ...................................................................................................................... 11

2.3.4. Synoptic ............................................................................................................................... 13

2.3.5. 3U Rack ............................................................................................................................... 14

2.4. Protecting the transmitter ......................................................................................................... 14

2.4.1. Surge Protector ................................................................................................................... 14

2.4.2. Protection against VSWR .................................................................................................... 15

2.4.3. Protection against high temperature ................................................................................... 15

2.4.4. Protections incorporated into the PSU ................................................................................ 15

3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................... 16

3.1. RF section ................................................................................................................................ 16

3.2. Composite operation ................................................................................................................ 16

3.3. Stereo operation ....................................................................................................................... 16

3.4. Mono operation ........................................................................................................................ 16

3.5. AF inputs .................................................................................................................................. 17

3.6. HF output .................................................................................................................................. 17

3.7. Power supply ............................................................................................................................ 17

3.1. Interface panel .......................................................................................................................... 18

3.2. Environmental .......................................................................................................................... 18

3.3. Physical .................................................................................................................................... 18

3.4. Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................... 19

4. STARTING UP YOUR TRANSMITTER ............................................................................................ 20

4.1. Connecting the transmitter ....................................................................................................... 20

4.2. Using the front panel ................................................................................................................ 21

4.2.1. Setting the transmitter ......................................................................................................... 21

4.2.2. Input selection ..................................................................................................................... 22

4.2.3. Setting the MPX inputs ........................................................................................................ 23

4.2.4. MPX configuration ............................................................................................................... 24

4.2.5. Setting the analog or AES inputs ........................................................................................ 25

4.2.6. Getting on air ....................................................................................................................... 25

4.3. Using the PC application .......................................................................................................... 26

4.3.1. Connecting with the control software application ................................................................ 26

4.3.2. Setting the transmitter ......................................................................................................... 26

4.3.3. Input selection ..................................................................................................................... 26

4.3.4. Setting the MPX inputs ........................................................................................................ 27

4.3.5. MPX configuration ............................................................................................................... 27

4.3.6. Setting the analog or AES inputs ........................................................................................ 27

4.3.7. Getting on air ....................................................................................................................... 27

4.4. With the TCP/IP option ............................................................................................................. 28

4.4.1. Network configuration ......................................................................................................... 28

4.4.2. Connecting to the web interface.......................................................................................... 28

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

5. FRONT SCREEN USE ...................................................................................................................... 29

5.1. Overview................................................................................................................................... 29

5.2. Working principe ....................................................................................................................... 29

5.3. Structure of the menus ............................................................................................................. 31

5.3.1. Overview ............................................................................................................................. 31

5.3.2. First level measurements .................................................................................................... 32

5.3.3. First level menus ................................................................................................................. 33

5.3.4. TX PARAMETERS Menu .................................................................................................... 34

5.3.5. ALARMS Menu.................................................................................................................... 34

5.3.6. INPUT SWITCH Menu ........................................................................................................ 35

5.3.7. LINE1 Menu ........................................................................................................................ 36

5.3.8. MPX in Menu ....................................................................................................................... 37

5.3.9. Audio Gene Menu ............................................................................................................... 38

5.3.10. Modulation Menu ................................................................................................................. 39

5.3.11. Stereo encoder Menu .......................................................................................................... 40

5.3.12. RDS / SCA encoder Menu .................................................................................................. 41

5.3.13. FM limiter Menu................................................................................................................... 42

5.3.14. RDS Menu ........................................................................................................................... 43

5.3.15. Network Menu ..................................................................................................................... 44

5.3.16. COM Menu .......................................................................................................................... 45

5.3.17. Power supply Menu ............................................................................................................. 46

5.3.18. Temp/Fan Menu .................................................................................................................. 47

5.3.19. Time/Date Menu .................................................................................................................. 48

5.3.20. License Menu ...................................................................................................................... 49

5.3.21. About / System Menu .......................................................................................................... 50

5.3.22. Easy/Expert Menu ............................................................................................................... 51

5.3.23. Exit Menu ............................................................................................................................ 51

5.4. Main parameters description .................................................................................................... 52

5.4.1. TX PARAMETERS Menu .................................................................................................... 52

5.4.2. INPUT SWITCH Menu ........................................................................................................ 52

5.4.3. Menu LINE 1 (ANA) ............................................................................................................ 53

5.4.4. LINE 2 Menu (AES) ............................................................................................................. 54

5.4.5. MPX IN Menu ...................................................................................................................... 54

5.4.6. PLAYER Menu .................................................................................................................... 55

5.4.7. AUDIO GENE Menu ............................................................................................................ 55

5.4.8. MODULATION Menu .......................................................................................................... 56

5.4.9. STEREO ENCODER Menu ................................................................................................ 57

5.4.10. RDS / SCA ENCODER Menu ............................................................................................. 57

5.4.11. FM LIMITER Menu .............................................................................................................. 58

5.4.12. RDS Menu ........................................................................................................................... 58

6. SERIAL COMMANDS ....................................................................................................................... 62

6.1. Working principle ...................................................................................................................... 62

6.2. Serial commands ...................................................................................................................... 63

6.2.1. System commands .............................................................................................................. 63

6.2.2. Measurement commands .................................................................................................... 64

6.2.3. Configuration commands .................................................................................................... 64

6.2.4. Alarm commands ................................................................................................................ 65

6.2.5. Input commands .................................................................................................................. 66

6.2.6. Encoder commands ............................................................................................................ 68

6.2.7. RDS commands .................................................................................................................. 69

6.2.8. Transmitter commands ....................................................................................................... 70

6.2.9. Status commands ............................................................................................................... 71

6.2.10. Communication board commands ...................................................................................... 71

6.3. HyperTerminal connection ....................................................................................................... 72

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

7. CONFIGURATION WITH THE PC APPLICATION .......................................................................... 75

7.1. Overview................................................................................................................................... 75

7.2. Using the application ................................................................................................................ 75

7.2.1. Connection .......................................................................................................................... 75

7.2.2. Configuration ....................................................................................................................... 76

7.2.3. Saving parameters .............................................................................................................. 80

8. REMOTE CONTROL AND MONITORING WITH THE GPIO BOARD ............................................ 81

8.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 81

8.2. Description of control and monitoring functions ....................................................................... 81

8.3. Remote control function pinout ................................................................................................ 82

8.4. Remote monitoring function pinout .......................................................................................... 82

8.5. Physical representation of the GPIOs ...................................................................................... 83

8.6. Management using serial commands ...................................................................................... 84

9. THE EMBEDDED WEBSITE ............................................................................................................ 86

9.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 86

9.2. Connecting to the embedded web site ..................................................................................... 86

9.3. Viewing the Status .................................................................................................................... 87

9.4. Configuration ............................................................................................................................ 88

9.5. System ...................................................................................................................................... 89

9.5.1. Product ID ........................................................................................................................... 89

9.5.2. Date / Time .......................................................................................................................... 90

9.5.3. Users ................................................................................................................................... 91

9.5.4. Network ............................................................................................................................... 92

9.5.5. Support ................................................................................................................................ 93

9.5.6. SNMP Agent ........................................................................................................................ 94

9.5.7. Notifications ......................................................................................................................... 96

9.5.8. Common traps ..................................................................................................................... 97

9.5.9. IRT Traps ............................................................................................................................ 98

9.5.10. Ecreso Traps ....................................................................................................................... 99

9.6. About ........................................................................................................................................ 99

APPENDIX A: SOFTWARE OPTION MANAGEMENT ...................................................................... 100

A.1. Using the front panel application .............................................................................................. 100

A.2. Using the PC application .......................................................................................................... 101

A.3. Using serial commands ............................................................................................................ 102

APPENDIX B: ADJUSTING THE IMPEDANCE OF ANALOG INPUTS ............................................ 103

APPENDIX C: MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................................... 104

C.1. Changing the fuses................................................................................................................... 104

C.2. Changing the fan ...................................................................................................................... 105

C.3. Changing the surge protector ................................................................................................... 106

APPENDIX D: TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................ 107

D.1. Calibration ................................................................................................................................ 107

D.2. Complete Reset of the Helios FM ............................................................................................ 107

FOR MORE INFORMATION ............................................................................................................... 108

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. About Ecreso

Founded in 1956 near Bordeaux, ECRESO was created by radio broadcasting enthusiasts and counts today
as one of the most important players on the international broadcasting stage.

ECRESO offers analog and digital radio as well as digital TV transmitters (FM, DAB, DAB+, T-DMB, DVB­T/H), low power transmitters, which are air-cooled, as well as high power devices either air or water-cooled.

ECRESO is part of the WorldCast Systems group of companies which combines the collective expertise &
extensive product portfolio of several major broadcast brands to offer turnkey systems in all major analog
and digital technologies. Other brands within the group include:

Audemat who designs monitoring equipment for analog and digital radio and TV as well as an

extensive range of facility remote control solutions.

APT Codecs who offer reliable and cost effective broadcast codec platforms delivering high quality

content over IP, T1, E1, ISDN & Leased Lines.

As such, WorldCast Systems can offer complete broadcast solutions for the delivery, transmission and
monitoring of broadcast content throughout the broadcast chain.

The group is founded on three core values:

1) Product innovation:
Audemat places a key emphasis on Research & Development and its innovative approach has been
repeatedly recognized by the industry. WorldCast Systems has won awards for innovation at
consecutive NAB Shows for over 10 years.

2) Customer satisfaction:
Audemat is dedicated to ensuring the best quality, value and service for its customers and has
achieved IS0 9001 certification.

3) Sustainable Development:
Audemat is committed to sustainable development and demonstrates this commitment in several
ways: it adheres to the UN Global Compact project and all new products are developed in keeping
with an eco-design philosophy and built within Audemat’s low energy consumption factory.

Audemat employs around 80 employees at headquarters in Bordeaux-Merignac, France. Audemat also has
a subsidiary in Miami, USA that manages the North & South American markets as well as sales offices in the
UK and India. An extensive network of international dealers and distributors means that the company is
represented in over 45 countries throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia.

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

1.2. Before you start

This equipment complies with international mechanical and electrical standards. To maintain this
compliance, as well as to ensure proper and safe working conditions and avoid electrical shocks and fire
hazards, you must comply with the following recommendations:

The device should only be utilized in the conditions described in the user manual.
The device is designed for industrial usage and must only be operated by qualified personnel.
The device may be heavy; it must be lifted and handled with care, specifically during unpacking and

set up.

Electrical precautions

Unplug from mains outlet before any intervention.
Any maintenance, adjustment or repair must be carried out by personnel specifically trained by

WorldCast Systems.

Before switching on the device, make sure the nominal voltage specified on the device matches the

mains nominal voltage.

The device should only be operated on a stable electrical network. If the electrical network is not

stable, a power conditioner, such as a UPS, must be used

The device must only be used with a plug that incorporates a protective ground contact.
To avoid any risk of electrocution, the protection conductor must not be cut, intentionally or

accidentally, either on the device or on the power cord.

High quality shielded cables are mandatory.

Environmental precautions

It is necessary to verify that environmental conditions comply with those recommended in the

manual.

Nothing must obstruct the ventilation.
To avoid any electromagnetic interference, the device must only be used when it is closed, installed

in a cabinet and connected to the earth as per the instructions.

The device should not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as

coffee cups, should be placed on the equipment.

Connectors may be hot on high power units.

Precautions regarding the lithium battery

This device includes a lithium battery.
If the battery is not correctly replaced, there is a risk of explosion.
Only replace it with a battery of the same type. Contact us before attempting to use another type

Do not puncture the battery
Do not throw the battery in fire
Do not immerse the battery in water
Do not throw away the used battery, recycle it instead. You may send it back to us if needed.

If these precautions are not followed, the guarantee will be void.

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

2. DESCRIPTION

2.1. General description

Combining the very latest technologies with our proven RF experience, our 350 W, 750 W, 1000 W, 1500 W
and 2000 W transmitters have been designed to offer an innovative and highly reliable solution.

Among the first FM transmitters based on 6th Generation MOSFET, these transmitters are not only more
robust, they also deliver efficiency of up to 74%. Top signal quality and performance are achieved thanks to
the “FM Band Direct to Frequency” digital modulator which is at the heart of this range.

The manufacturing quality and the simplicity of use make these truly powerful transmitters to broadcast
analog FM programs.

The Helios FM 350 W, the Helios FM 750 W, the Helios FM 1000 W, the Helios FM 1500 W and the Helios
FM 2000 W are fully protected against overheating, VSWR and lightning.

In addition, several innovative features are available, such as RDS encoding and automated audio backup.
Fully featured for local maintenance and configuration, it also allows full remote control by Web server,
SNMP, RS232 or GPIOs*.

* Options available with the current version are:

Basic RDS: the internal RDS encoder makes it possible to manage basic RDS parameters (PI, PS,

TP, TA, PTY, MS, DI, radiotext, PTYN, group sequence, AF, 1 PSN, 2 DSN, dynamic scrolling PS)

GPIO: this additional board allows remote control and management of your transmitter.
TCP/IP: this additional board allows remote configuration via a web site and SNMP management

Please refer to Appendix A for more information on option management.

Project co-financed by the European Union, involved in the Aquitaine Area,
through the European Funds for local development.

2.2. Accessories

The Helios FM is supplied with:

 1 power cable
 1 serial cable
 1 USB cable
 4 10 A fuses (for Helios FM 350 W, 750 W and 1000 W only)
 1 interlock plug
 1 box including 1 CD (documentation + PC application) and 1 quick start notice.

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

RF monitoring output

Indicators: CPU, Fault,
Warning, RF (3 dB),
VSWR and Interlock

RS232 port

RF on/off and
local mode keys
and LEDs

LCD contrast

Navigation
keys

LCD display

2.3. Helios FM 350 W / 750 W / 1000 W / 1500 W / 2000 W Description

2.3.1. Front panel

Description of indicator LEDs:

CPU: blinks to indicate CPU activity
FAULT: major fault of the unit (RF / VSWR protection, Temperature, …)
WARNING: minor fault of the unit (ambient temperature, radiator temperature, fan, current, voltage,

loss of signal).

VSWR: VSWR of the unit
RF (3dB) : 3 dB of the unit
INTERLOCK: indicates that internal or external safety links are not activated

RF: indicates that the unit is on RF=ON. Associated to the RF button
LOCAL: indicates that the unit is in local mode. Associated to the Local button

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

Mains

7/16 RF output

Communication
board (option) *

Interlock

GPIO

(option)

Ground

MPX/SCA1
MPX/SCA2
19 kHz

Audio input Line1

(Ana or AES)

Audio input Line2

(Ana or AES)

Mains

7/16 RF output

Interlock

Ground

Communication

board *

N RF input

GPIO

(option)

MPX/SCA1
MPX/SCA2
19 kHz

Audio input Line1

(Ana or AES)

Audio input Line2

(Ana or AES)

2.3.2. Rear panel

Helios FM 350 W / 750 W / 1000 W

Helios FM 1500 W / 2000 W

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

* Two optional communication boards are available:
TCP/IP board

2 RS232 ports (COM1 and COM2)
1 µSD card
1 USB port
1 Ethernet port
1 CAN port

CAN board

2 RS232 ports (COM0 and COM1)
1 slave USB port
1 CAN port

On the CAN board, the COM0 port is reserved for the unit’s upgrade.

Please not that the 19 kHz output and the 10 MHz input are not enabled on this preliminary version.

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

High output

power supply

Output filter

Power bloc

Fans

LCD display

on control/display board

Surge protector

GPIO board

Communication

board

RF amplifier bloc

RF output
detection

Control board

Mains filter

RF input board

Digital modulator

Audio inputs

2.3.3. Opened cover

Helios FM 350 W / 750 W / 1000 W

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

High output

power supply

Output filters

LCD display

on control/display board

RF output

detection

Control board

Communication

board

Output

combiner

RF amplifier

blocs

RF input

board

Input

splitter

Fans

Power bloc

Digital modulator

Helios FM 1500 W / 2000 W

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

2.3.4. Synoptic

Helios FM 350 W / 750 W / 1000 W

Helios FM 1500 W / 2000 W

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

G1

D1

AES1

G2

D2

AES2

MPX

SCA

Audio 1

Audio 2

Internal player

19 kHz output

Audio

2.3.5. 3U Rack

The choice of stainless steel as material guarantees against corrosion. The rack structure and the structure
of the monoblock front panel reinforce the device. The rectangular outline of the front panel has an LCD
display. The transport handles are mechanically interchangeable and can be removed. The cover is fixed by
a set of M3 POZIDRIV screws and can be easily removed. The user has access to every module to set the
parameters of the device.

2.4. Protecting the transmitter

To ensure the transmitter will work with no risk of damage, a series of protections have been set.

2.4.1. Surge Protector

An optional surge protector module can be added to the chassis. The goal of this module is to limit the surge
caused by lightning. It works after the main protector usually located in the electrical board and before the
power supply protector, thus offering an optimal level of protection. The protector principle is to capture the
surge and divert it to the ground so as to protect the transmitter and its power supplies.

The surge protector used by Ecreso includes multi-MOV technology and a gas discharge tube (GDT) giving
a very high protection and very low parasitic capacitance and leakage currents.

Please refer to Appendix B ‘Maintenance’ for the procedure to replace the surge protection module.

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

2.4.2. Protection against VSWR

Several systems coexist to offer the optimal protection against VSWR:

Hardware protection:

In case of open circuit or short-circuit, the RF is cut. When the situation returns to normal, it is
automatically reset.

Software protection:

The reflected power is limited to 3 W for Helios FM 20 W, to 10 W for Helios FM 100 W, to 40 W for
Helios FM 350 W / 750 W / 1000 W and to 80 W for Helios FM 1500 W / 2000 W

Software settings for the reflected power security management (see VSWR Trip, section 5.4.1).

2.4.3. Protection against high temperature

The Power Supply module includes its own protector against high temperature: the protector cuts off the
power supply output voltage if the temperature is abnormally high. When the situation returns to normal, it is
automatically reset. The temperature threshold value varies depending on the PSU.

The ambient temperature and the radiator temperature are monitored.

The max ambient temperature is set by software (see menu Temp/Fan, section 5.3.18), default value

is 50°C. In case of overshoot, a Warning alarm is triggered (Alarm Amb).

The max radiator temperature is set by serial command (see serial command CONF.HEAT.MAX,

section 6.2.3), default value is 65°C. In case of overshoot, a Warning alarm is triggered (Alarm
Heat).

The max internal temperature is set at 70°C. If the temperature exceeds 70°C, the RF is cut off and

a fault alarm is triggered (Alarm Temp).

2.4.4. Protections incorporated into the PSU

The main power supply voltage and the auxiliary power supply voltage are monitored as follows:

Main power supply:

if the difference between the measured voltage and the expected voltage is greater than 10%, a
Warning alarm is triggered (Alarm Volt1). Expected voltage is automatically computed.

Auxiliary power supply:

Voltage should be either 5, 12 or -12 V. if the difference between the measured voltage and the
nominal voltage is greater than 10%, a Warning alarm is triggered (Alarm Volt Aux).

The amperage is also measured. The threshold varies depending of the power of the Helios FM: 2 A for the
Helios FM 20 W, 8.5 A for the Helios FM 100 W, 20 A for the Helios FM 350 W, 23 A for the Helios FM 750
W, 29 A for the Helios FM 1000 W, 26 A per amplifier pallet for the Helios FM 1500 W, 31 A per amplifier
pallet for the Helios FM 2000 W. In case of overshoot, a Warning alarm is triggered (Alarm Cur) and the
nominal power is reduced.

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

3.1. RF section

Frequency range 87.5 to 108 MHz
Summary of different steps 10 kHz
Frequency stability < 10-6 per year
Power range 50-350 W, 50-750 W, 50-1000 W, 150-1500 W or 200-2000 W @

ROS=1.35

Power output continuously 50-350 W, 50-750 W, 50-1000 W, 150-1500 W or

200-2000 W

Spurious and harmonic suppression > 75 dBc

3.2. Composite operation

Bandwidth > 40 Hz to 53 kHz @ 0.1 dB
> 20 Hz to 60 kHz @ 0.2 dB
> 60 kHz to 80 kHz @ 0.4 dB
Intermodulation distortion < 0.05%
FM S/N ratio > 80 dB RMS @ 75 kHz deviation
AM noise < 0.1% (50 dB) RMS (20-20 000 Hz)

3.3. Stereo operation

Bandwidth > 20 Hz to 15 kHz @ 0.1 dB
38 kHz discontinuance > 50 dB
Stereophonic crosstalk > 50 dB
Preemphasis 0 µs, 50 µs or 75 µs

3.4. Mono operation

Bandwidth > 40 Hz to 15 kHz @ 0.1 dB
Out of band rejection > 40 dB @ 19 kHz
Preemphasis 0 µs, 50 µs or 75 µs

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

3.5. AF inputs

Analog (LINE1)
Connector "XLR" type
Impedance > 10 kΩ by default, adjustable to 600 Ω by jumpers, balanced
Bandwidth Software adjustable
Level Software adjustable (-18/+18 dBu range)

AES (LINE2)
Connector "XLR" type
Impedance > 110 Ω balanced
Bandwidth Software adjustable
Level Software adjustable (-20 to 0 dBFS range)
Sampling rate Auto adjusted up to 192 kb/s
Bit 16, 24, 32

Multiplex (MPX/SCA)

Connector "BNC" type
Impedance > 5 kΩ unbalanced
Level Software adjustable (-18/+18 dBu range)

3.6. HF output

Connector 7/16 type
Impedance 50 Ω

Monitoring (RF Monitor)

Level

Helios FM 350 W / 750 W / 1000 W 10 dBm 3 dB @ 750 W at main output

Helios FM 1500 W / 2000 W 10 dBm 3 dB @ 1500 W at main output
Slope 20 x Log (F/98)
Directivity >20 dB in the band

3.7. Power supply

Voltage 184 VAC to 264 VAC
Frequency 47 Hz - 63 Hz
Max consumption 550 W @ nominal power (350 W version)
1150 W @ nominal power (750 W version)
1550 W @ nominal power (1000 W version)
2300 W @ nominal power (1500 W version)
3050 W @ nominal power (2000 W version)
Fuses (for Helios FM 350 W / 750W / 1000 W) 10 AT

Page 17

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

3.1. Interface panel

Indicators Green CPU LED: CPU activity
Red FAULT LED: major fault
Yellow WARNING LED: minor fault
Red RF (3 dB) LED: RF fault (3 dB)
Red VSWR LED: VSWR fault
Green INTERLOCK LED: safety interlock
Green RF LED: RF on
Orange LOCAL LED: local mode
Screens Back lighted LCD: displays operating parameters and menus.
Buttons RF, local, +, -- and OK

3.2. Environmental

Nominal operating temperature 5°C to 45°C
Maximum operating temperature 0°C to 50°C
Warehousing temperature -20°C to +70°C
Warehousing time < 10 years
Cooling Internal ventilation
Helios FM 350 W: ~20 I/s
Helios FM 750 W: ~20 I/s
Helios FM 1000 W: ~20 I/s
Helios FM 1500 W: ~55 l/s
Helios FM 2000 W: ~55 l/s

3.3. Physical

Helios FM 350 W / 750 W / 1000 W

Overall dimension 19’’ (482.6 mm) X 3U (133.5 mm) X 470 mm
Rack size without front panel 440.4 X 126.2 X 432 mm (WxHxD)
Enclosure depth required 600 mm
Mounting 19’’enclosure, with 4 M6X12 screws
Weight around 13 kg

Helios FM 1500 W / 2000 W

Overall dimension 19’’ (482.6 mm) X 3U (133.5 mm) X 690 mm
Rack size without front panel 440.4 X 126.2 X 620 mm (WxHxD)
Enclosure depth required 700 mm
Mounting 19’’enclosure, with 4 M6X12 screws
Weight around 18 kg

Page 18

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

3.4. Miscellaneous

Marking CE
Standards 1999/5/CE (R&TTE)
ETS 302 018 (EMC)
ETS 300 384 (Radio)
NF EN 60215 (Safety)

Page 19

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

2

3
5

6

1

4

2

3
5

1

Rear panel
Helios FM 350 W / 750 W / 1000 W

Rear panel Helios 1500 W / 2000 W

Front panel all versions

4. STARTING UP YOUR TRANSMITTER

4.1. Connecting the transmitter

1. Make sure the interlock plug is present on the rear panel

2. Connect the transmitter RF output to a 50 load with a wattmeter.

3. The 50 charge power must be greater than 500 W for a 350 W transmitter, greater than 1000 W for a

750 W transmitter, greater than 1250 for a 1000 W transmitter, greater than 1875 W for a 1500 W
transmitter and greater than 2500 W for a 2000 W transmitter.

When you acquired your transmitter, the RF amplifier is deactivated and power is set to 0 W. These
settings can be adjusted using the PC application, the front panel application or serial commands.

4. Connect the audio or MPX inputs.

5. To use the PC application or the serial commands, connect a PC to the serial port on the front panel of

the Helios.
If your PC does not have a RS-232 port, use a USB/RS-232 cable.

6. Connect to power using the provided cable; you may unscrew the cable loop and pass the power cable

through it to secure it.

7. Press the Local button on the front panel, then the RF button.

To configure the transmitter using the front panel: see section 4.2.
To configure the transmitter using the PC application: see section 4.3.
To set network parameters (TCP/IO option only): see section 4.4.

To use serial commands, see section 6.

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Page 20

Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

9 8 . 0 0 M H z 0 W

From the main screen, press the "Enter” key to display
menus then the “+” key until you see the TX Parameters

menu.

9 8 . 0 0 M H z 0 W

-> T X P A R A M E T E R S >

1 F R E Q P F W D

-> 9 8 . 0 0 0

Once you see this screen, press “Enter”

You may now set the frequency and the power. The arrow
preceding the frequency indicates that this parameter is
selected: press “Enter” to switch to edit mode.

1 F R E Q P F W D

-> 9 8 . 0 0 0

Using the “+” and “–” keys, adjust the frequency starting

with the last digit. Once you’ve reached the desired value,

press “Enter” to go to the next digit. Follow the same
procedure for all digits and confirm with the “Enter” key.

Use the "+" to go the next parameter.

1 F R E Q P F W D

1 0 4 . 0 5 -> 0

The arrow now appears before the power: set the power in
the same way you set the frequency.

After confirming the power value with the “Enter” key,

enable the RF using the front panel button.

1 G O T O

M A I N -> R F

Press the “+” key until you see this screen. When the RF

menu is selected, press “Enter” to return to the list of

menus.

4.2. Using the front panel

Please refer to section 5.2 for front panel working principle.

4.2.1. Setting the transmitter

Set the power (in W), the frequency (in MHz) and enable the RF:

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

G O T O

-> I N P U T S W I T C H >

1 I N P U T S E L E C T

-> M O D E : M A N U

1 I N P U T S E L E C T

-> M A I N : L I N E 1

1 G O T O

M A I N -> I N P U T S E L

Press the “+” key until you see the Input Select menu.

Then press the “Enter” key.

Browse through the Input Select menu using the “+” and “–

” keys to switch to manual mode.

Select the current input:

"LINE1" for analog (see sections 9 to 11)
"LINE2" for AES (see sections 9 to 11)
"MPX1" for MPX (see sections 8 and 11)
"MPX2" for MPX (see sections 8 and 11)
"PLAYER": internal generator

Use the “Enter” key to switch to edit mode, the “+” and “–”
keys to adjust values and the “Enter” key to confirm.

Press the “+” key until you see this screen. When the Input
Sel menu is selected, press “Enter” to return to the list of

menus.

4.2.2. Input selection

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

G O T O

-> M P X I N >

1 M P X I N

-> M P X 1 >

2 M P X - I N -> M P X 1

-> L E V E L : + 0 6 . 0 0

2 G O T O

-> M P X - I N M P X 1

1 G O T O

-> M A I N M P X - I N

Press the “+” key until you see the MPX In menu. Then

press the “Enter” key.

Press the “Enter” key once more to set the MPX1 input.

Browse through the MPX1 menu using the “+” and “–”

keys to set the nominal level between -50 and +50 dBu,

Use the “Enter” key to switch to edit mode, the “+” and “–”

keys to adjust values and the “Enter” key to confirm.

Press the “+” key until you see this screen. When the

MPX-IN menu is selected, press “Enter” to return to main
MPX menu and set the MPX2 input in the same way.

To return to the main screen, press the “+” key until you
see this screen. When the Main menu is selected, press
“Enter” to return to the list of menus.

4.2.3. Setting the MPX inputs

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

G O T O

-> S T E N C O D E R >

Press the “+” key until you see the ST Encoder menu.
Then press the “Enter” key.

1 S T E N C O D E R

-> M O / S T : S T E R E O

1 G O T O

M A I N -> C O D E R

Press once again the “Enter” key to set the audio type.

Select what you need using “+” and “–” keys:

STEREO
MONO
MONO_L
MONO_R

Selecting STEREO enables the internal 19 kHz; you will
therefore want to select MONO for an MPX input.

Confirm with the “Enter” key and press “+” until you see

this screen. When the CODER menu is selected, press
“Enter” to return to the list of menus.

G O T O

-> S T E N C O D E R >
G O T O

-> M O D U L A T I O N >

Press the “+” key until you see the Modulation menu.

Then press the “Enter” key.

1 M O D U L A T I O N

-> D E V M P X : 1 2 7 . 2

1 M O D U L A T I O N

-> D E V P I L O T : 1 8 . 4

Browse through the Modulation menu using the “+” and “–”

keys to set the total deviation between 0 and 150 kHz,

set the pilot deviation between 0 and 25.5 kHz.

For each of these values, use the “Enter” key to switch to
edit mode, the “+” and “–” keys to adjust values and the
“Enter” key to confirm.

1 G O T O

M A I N -> M O D U L A T I O N

Press the “+” key until you see this screen. When the

Modulation menu is selected, press “Enter” to return to the

list of menus.

4.2.4. MPX configuration

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

G O T O

-> L I N E 1 >

1 L I N E 1

-> L E V E L : + 0 6 . 0 0

1 G O T O

M A I N -> L I N E 1

Press the “+” key until you see the Line1 (or Line2) menu.

Then press the “Enter” key.

Browse through the Line1 (or Line2) menu using the “+”

and “–” keys to set the nominal level between -50 and +50

dBu.

Use the “Enter” key to switch to edit mode, the “+” and “–”

keys to adjust values and the “Enter” key to confirm.

Press the “+” key until you see this screen. When the
Line1 (or Line2) menu is selected, press “Enter” to return

to the list of menus.

9 8.0 0 M H z 1 0 0 W

-> E A S Y

G O T O

-> L I N E 1 >

1 L I N E 1

-> P R E A C : 5 0

1 G O T O

-> M A I N -> L I N E 1

Press the “+” key until you see the Easy menu. Then press
the “Enter” key, “+” and “Enter” again to switch to Expert

mode.

Go back to the Line1 menu. Press the "Enter" key then the
“+” key to change the pre-accentuation.

Use the “Enter” key to switch to edit mode, the “+” and “–”

keys to adjust values and the “Enter” key to confirm.

Press the “+” key until you see this screen. When the

Line1 (or Line2) menu is selected, press “Enter” to return
to the list of menus.

4.2.5. Setting the analog or AES inputs

Default transmitter pre-accentuation is 50 µs. Depending on your country, you might need to switch it to 75
µs (in the United States for instance). The Pre-accentuation parameter is only visible in Expert mode; you
must therefore first change the front panel working mode:

4.2.6. Getting on air

1. Disable the RF to turn off the transmitter using the front panel RF button.

2. Make sure the RF indicator LED is off.

3. Disconnect the load and connect the antenna to the transmitter RF output.

4. Enable the RF again using the front panel RF button.

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Page 25

Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

4.3. Using the PC application

4.3.1. Connecting with the control software application

1. On the PC, start the control software. This is a set-up tool that will allow you to quickly set and test your
transmitter. It is available on the supplied CD.

On the transmitter’s page, click the control interface link to download the zipped file to your PC.

Extract the .exe file. You do not need to install it, simply double-click on ENGI_REV_xxx.exe to

launch the application.

2. Select the serial port connected to the Helios, and the port speed (9600 for the front panel connector).

4.3.2. Setting the transmitter

1. Set the power (in W), the frequency (in MHz) and enable the
RF.

2. To send a parameter value to the transmitter, click the login
button; no password is set in factory. Click the button to

the right of the text zone.

3. A set of buttons give access to other parameters. Click on
one of them to open a window displaying associated

parameters. The “Audio Input” and “Modulator” windows will

enable input and MPX configuration.

4.3.3. Input selection

The input can be set to:

Line1 for the analog inputs (see sections 4.3.4 to 4.3.6)
Line2 for the AES (see sections 4.3.4 to 4.3.6)
MPX1 and MPX2 inputs (see sections 4.3.3 and 4.3.6)
Internal generator

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

4.3.4. Setting the MPX inputs

Click the "Audio Input" button:

Set the nominal level between -50 and +50 dBu

4.3.5. MPX configuration

Click the "Modulator" button:

Set the audio type to:

o STEREO
o MONO
o MONO_L
o MONO_R

Selecting STEREO enables the internal 19 kHz; you should

therefore select MONO for an MPX input.
Set the total deviation between 0 and 150 kHz
Set the pilot deviation between 0 and 25.5 kHz

4.3.6. Setting the analog or AES inputs

Click the "Audio Input" button:

Set the nominal level between -50 and +50 dBu
Set the pre-emphasis to 0, 50 or 75 µs depending on

your country (50 µs in Europe, 75 µs in the USA).

4.3.7. Getting on air

1. Disable the RF to turn off the transmitter using the front panel RF button.

2. Make sure the RF indicator LED is off.

3. Disconnect the load and connect the antenna to the transmitter RF output.

4. Enable the RF again using the front panel RF button.

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

9 8 . 0 0 M H z 0 W

From the main screen, press the "Enter” key to display

menus then the “+” key until you see the Network menu.

9 8 . 0 0 M H z 1 0 0 W

-> N E T W O R K >

1 N E T W O R K -> A D R

-> 1 9 2 . 1 6 8 . 0 1 2 . 1 0 3

1 N E T W O R K -> M A S K

-> 2 5 5 . 2 5 5 . 2 5 5 . 0 0 0

Once you see this screen, press “Enter”.

The IP address screen is displayed: press “Enter” to

switch to edit mode. Use the “+” and “–” keys to adjust

values and the “Enter” key to confirm.

Press the “+” key to display the Netmask and modify it if

needed. Press the “Enter” key to confirm.

4.4. With the TCP/IP option

4.4.1. Network configuration

If the optional IP board is present on the transmitter, first set the IP address with the front panel:

4.4.2. Connecting to the web interface

Now the transmitter is set, connect it to the network.
Open a web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox …) and enter in

the address bar the transmitter’s IP address such as it was set above.
Select the language if necessary.
Enter the user name and password (default: Admin / admin).

You can now access the web interface.

 Select and set inputs using the front panel or the PC application as described above.

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

9 8.0 0 M H z 1 0 0 W

-> E A S Y

From the main screen, press the “Enter” key to display the
menu and press the “+” key until you see the Easy menu.
Then press the “Enter” key, “+” and “Enter” again to switch
to Expert mode.

1 F R E Q P F W D

-> 9 8 . 0 0 7 5 0

1 F R E Q P F W D

9 8 . 0 0 -> 7 5 0

ENTER

5. FRONT SCREEN USE

5.1. Overview

The transmitter can be entirely set using the front panel application.
For audio configuration you will use the following menus:

Input Switch: to select the main audio source and the secondary audio sources and to set switching

criteria between these sources.
Line1 / Line2 / MPX1 / MPX2 / Audio Gene: to set levels and processes for each source.
Modulation: to set the deviation for each sub-carrier of the multiplex signal. In this menu you may

also enable RDS and SCA.
Stereo Encoder: to choose the content of stereo sub-carrier of the multiplex signal.
RDS/SCA Encoder: to choose the content of the RDS and SCA sub-carrier of the multiplex signal.
RDS: to set the RDS.

The default mode for the transmitter is the “Easy” mode: only menus required for basic configuration are

available. For instance, the RDS menu mentioned above is not visible.

To display all menus, simply switch to “Expert” mode:

On the menu representations section 5.3, “Easy” menus are in green and “Expert” menus are in orange.

 On startup, the screen displays the name of the unit, its software release and its serial number.

5.2. Working principe

Three keys allow you to browse through the menus:

With the and keys, go from one screen to the next or rather from one command to the next: if 2
commands are available on a single screen, press twice to go to the next screen.

A command is selected when an arrow is visible before its name.
Example:

The frequency is selected The power is selected

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Helios FM 350 W/750 W/1000 W/1500 W/2000 W, user manual– 08/2012

ENTER

ENTER

The and keys are also used to adjust values after the edit mode has been enabled.
To adjust a value, set each character at a time. Text values are set from left to right; number values are set

from right to left.

The button is used to:

Access a lower level menu
Enable the edit mode for parameters that can be modified
Confirm a new value
Return to the higher level menu.
Return to the main screen when pressed for a few seconds.

Some menus include sub-menus. To make it easier to browse through the menus and locate the information,
a small number is visible on the top left of the screen; it gives you the level of the menu you are viewing (1 or

2).

If a text string is longer than the screen, press the key to access the text string and to scroll.

Page 30

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