Strata Transmitter Operations Guide Revision 3.0 May 2003 Microwave Radio Communications (978) 671-5700 101 Billerica Avenue, Bldg 6 N. Billerica, MA 01862-1256 www.mrcbroadcast.
101 Billerica Ave., Bldg. 6 N. Billerica, MA 01862-1256 Tel: (978) 671-5700 Fax: (978) 671-5800 WARNING! THIS EQUIPMENT IF HANDLED IMPROPERLY WILL POSE A RADIATION HAZARD Microwave Radio Communications Inc. in compliance with RF exposure limits set forth in OET Bulletin 65, Edition 97-01 utilizes this page for the intent of expressing our concerns to the user of this equipment STRATA 2 GHz Transmitter Unit (TXU) that there exists a radiation hazard with improper use of this equipment.
Radiation Limit for Portable Transmitter at 2WATT (+33dBm) MPE Based on 5dBi Omni Antenna mW/cm^2 5dBi Omni 5.02099 2.231555 1.25525 0.80336 0.557889 0.409877 0.313812 0.247951 0.20084 0.089262 Distance cm -2.007 (Max Allowable Antenna Gain dBi) 1.513 4.012 5.95 7.534 8.87 10.033 11.056 11.9 15.49 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 RF radiation exposure levels below 1Mw/cm^2 are permissible levels in accordance with OET Bulletin 65, Edition 97-01.
Introduction The Microwave Radio Communications (MRC) Strata system provides a reliable and highly flexible video microwave transport system. This operations guide provides basic system operations information and details for hands-on operation of this equipment. System Description Figure 1 below shows the overall Strata system architecture for a fully equipped system. 1.
SDI MPEG CV ASI Only Mode ASI MPEG ASI MONITOR COFDM COFDM COAX OUT ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Note: Either or both MPEG/COFDM or FMT boards may be installed COAX IN NTSC PAL SDI ASI IF Filter COFDM IF CV IF ASI Telemetry FMT CV FMT IF CV 70 MHZ 70 MHz IF Bypass Figure 2 - Strata TCU Functional Diagram Note: The TCU may be supplied with or without the MPEG/COFDM or FMT options.
HPU Description For those applications requiring a higher RF output level, the HPU (High Power Unit) may be used to boost the signal level to between 2 and 12 watts of microwave output power depending on the modulation format used. Figure 4 below shows the functional architecture of the HPU device.
Therefore, where both a TCU and TXU are used, total system control may be accomplished using front panel or remote control from either housing. MPEG/COFDM Encoder/Modulator This is the heart of the Strata TX digital mode circuitry. This versatile circuit may be configured to accept a wide range of digital or analog video and audio signal inputs and provide COFDM (70 MHz), IF (70 MHz) or ASI video signal outputs.
These back-off levels are carefully measured and configured as part of MRC factory adjustment procedures and ensure digital mode RF output signals provide optimum performance. Therefore, depending on what digital mode modulation format is selected, i.e., QPSK, 16 QAM or 64 QAM, or if an HPU is used, previously configured transmitter back-off levels are applied to ensure the Strata TX RF output signals operate with minimum Inter-Modulation Distortion (IMD).
Display Monitor Screen Push to Select Rotate to Change Push to Select Figure 5 – Front Panel Switch Control TCU/TXU Front Panel Control Settings The front panel control switch is used to select a limited number of front panel control functions. Rotating the switch counterclockwise allows access to mode selection choices, while rotating the switch clockwise allows access to monitoring the current mode of operation. The plunger action of the switch is used to select the appropriate mode of operation.
RF Channel Select The radio is pre-programmed with a number of RF channel frequencies associated with up to 9 preset configurations. Use this feature to monitor the currently configured RF frequencies. Note: If these frequencies are known as part of a customer order, they may be factory set to customer requirements or added or modified per customer request. Select Preset Setting Used to select a pre-configured configuration.
Turn Transmitter ON from any menu screen - Push menu button in for 1 second Blue TX light ON Strata Front Panel Operation Control Menu Access Scroll Menu Button to Left - Push to Select Preset #1 HPU In C9 @ DC Power Up ( Default to Main Menu after 7 seconds of inactivity) Set Channel Ch 9 RF Configuration status (Pout level - TXU only) back to main menu after set Change Preset Preset #1 Mode MPEG Output 1) Push to activate 2) Rotate to change 3) Push to select - up to 9 presets NTSC Vid In 4:2:0
Supported Strata TX System Configuration Options The following information may be used to identify which Strata TX system options may be used for specific customer applications.
Configuring the Radio System using the TCU/TXU Serial Port and the “Strata TX Configurator” Software Utility Basic Strata TX Configuration Details The following basic system configuration settings may be administered using the Strata TX Configurator software utility. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • COFDM IF Mode – 70 MHz COFDM IF output from the internal COFDM/MPEG board supplied to output and monitor ports (to TXU if present).
Audio Input – A Used to select the following audio operational modes for MPEG encoder A input: • • • • • • • • OFF – Audio transport stream is not generated and enabled Test Tone – An internal 800 Hz test tone is enabled. Analog Mono – Two independent mono audio channels are enabled. Analog Stereo – Left and right audio channels are enabled. SDI Embedded Mono – Unit expects an embedded audio stream from an SDI video source.
NOTE: Even though each preset in a system configured to operate in the Frequency-Locked-to-Preset mode has a pre-assigned frequency, the user may temporarily dial in a new channel (frequency) from the front panel which will remain in effect until, (1) the unit is power-cycled, or (2) a new preset is selected. Either condition will automatically select the frequency associated with the current preset, i.e., revert back to the pre-assigned frequency associated with the current preset.
1.84 MHz OOK Tone Telemetry ! ! ! ! ! NTSC PAL SDI ASI IF Telemetry TCU IN TXU RF/DC HPU RF OUT Dummy Load IF or Baseband Signal DC Simplex Powering RS-232 12 v to 48 v DC RS-232 12 v to 48 v DC Typical Strata System Configuration Setup Strata TX Powering Options and Cautions Note the following recommended Strata system powering options and rules. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. TCU stand-alone powering: +12 volts to + 48 volts DC. TXU stand-alone powering: +12 volts to + 48 volts DC.
* * * CAUTION * * * DC Voltages Present on Coaxial Cable Center Conductors Use Caution For those Strata TX configurations that employ 2 or 3 modules, e.g., TCU + TXU + HPU, etc., the TCU and/or TXU may be used to power adjacent modules by superimposing DC voltage on the interconnecting coaxial cable center conductor. This feature is activated using the Strata TX front panel controls and remains in effect until subsequently modified by the user.
TCU “Signal In” Connection – not DC isolated Note: To minimize the potential for damaging the TCU signal input circuitry, the “Signal Out” jack rear panel BNC connector has been changed to a TNC type connector. Users are cautioned not to use a TNC-toBNC adapter on the TCU “Signal Out” jack to circumvent this protection feature. Each Strata TX system that includes TXU and TCU modules is shipped with a short BNC-to-TNC coaxial cable assembly for interconnecting TXU and TCU modules.
Step-by-Step Procedure Use the following Strata configuration procedure when verifying or configuring the Strata TX system using the Strata TX Configurator software over a local or remote serial data link. 1. Install the Strata Configurator software per instructions supplied with the software. This software is designed to operate properly on Windows 32 bit operating systems, e.g., Windows 98/NT/2000/ or XP operating systems. 2. Connect the PC serial port to the TCU or TXU per Figure 5. above.
5. Enter 1 or 2 depending on which PC serial data (RS-232) COM port is being used. Note: If the Strata TX Configurator application is unable to open a valid serial data port or an invalid number is entered, you will receive the following error dialog: If you are unable to open a serial port or establish a valid serial port connection to a Strata TX radio system, exit the application and attempt to determine the difficulty and try again. 6.
9. Select the correct configuration option or options for the intended application or applications. Please note that some configuration options may not apply depending on specific hardware options supplied and whether a unit being configured is connected to a companion unit, i.e., a TCU connected via a coaxial cable to a companion TXU, etc. 10. Next, use the “Program Radio” function to load the specified changes and settings into the Strata TX radio system.
3. When initially powering a Strata TX system, the power/error front panel LED will indicate an error condition (amber) for a few seconds prior to turning green. This is an indication that the Strata TX components have not completed software initialization. You will also note this condition when switching between digital and analog modes. Users will be prevented from operating the Strata transmitter until the front panel power/error LEDs have turned green. 4.
Appendix External Connection Information Note: The MRC P/N for the external circular panel audio connector cable assembly is 907471-1. This 3 foot long cable assembly includes the mating Amphenol connector and 4 each female XLR connectors. For customers who wish to construct their own external audio connection cable assembly, the mating Amphenol connector P/N is MS3116F12-10S.
Digital Audio Input (AES-EBU) XLR J13 - 1 – Chan 2+ J13 - 2 – GND J13 - 3 – Chan 2J13 - 4 – Chan 1+ J13 - 5 – GND J13 - 6 – Chan 1- #1 Pin 3 #1 Pin 1 #1 Pin 2 #2 Pin 3 #2 Pin 1 #2 Pin 2 Total of 4 each audio circuits Notes: 1. In the case of digital audio connections, note that the GND (ground) connection is common to two audio circuits as opposed to the connections used for standard analog audio circuits.
Analog Audio Options Up to 4 individual analog audio input signals may be transported over the COFDM transport signal. This accommodates the industry standard Channel 1 and Channel 2, Left and Right side audio circuits. Two on-board 6 pin audio connectors are wired to the Strata TX circular panel audio connectors for connection to customer supplied audio sources.
Chan 2 Audio Bridging Connectors Chan 1 Audio COFDM/MPEG Encoder FMT Channel 1, 2 Audio Inputs Connecting Analog Audio Input Signals to both FMT and MPEG Encoder Modules Notes: 1. One or both analog audio input signals may be connected to an FMT module, an MPEG encoder module, or both. 2.
4. Any combination of one or two analog audio inputs to either or both FMT or MPEG encoder audio inputs is supported. Digital Audio Options The MPEG encoder digital audio on-board connector supports up to four each separate digital audio inputs. Currently the AES-EBU digital audio format is supported.
Analog Audio (Ch1) J11 1 – R2 – GND 3 – R+ 4 – L5 – GND 6 – L+ Analog Audio (Ch2) J12 1 – R2 – GND 3 – R+ 4 – L5 – GND 6 – L+ Digital Audio (Ch1 + Ch2) J13 1 – Ch2+ 2 – GND 3 – Ch24 – Ch1+ 5 – GND 6 – Ch1- Summary of Digital and Analog Audio Connection Options As can be seen from the description above, a total of four each analog audio and four each digital audio channels are supported.
Strata Power Cables TXU and TCU These units use a KPT06F12-8S 8-pin female cable-mount power connector (MRC P/N = 52155-37). Pins A, B and C are the Positive (+) voltage input connection. Pins D, E and F are the Negative (–) voltage connection. The current drain for these units at 28 volts DC is approximately 1 ampere each. Please see the power cable-connector pin-out sketch below for connection details.
TCU Board Inter-connection Diagram Strata Operations Guide - 28 -
TXU Board Inter-connection Diagram Strata Operations Guide - 29 -
IF COFDM SDIo ASIo J1 J4 MPEG CV FMT CV J7 J9 IF FMT J11 J6 ASI OOK J3 J10 OUT FL1 Low Pass Filter FL1 IN 907346 Baseband Combiner J5 J2 COAX IN MONITOR J8 COAX OUT J7 RS-232 Data IF Out Audio 3 Audio 1 J12 Ch 2 Analog Audio 907320 FMT J11 Ch 1 Analog Audio Audio 3, 4 J13 Digital Audio 907386 COFDM/MPEG Encoder Audio 1, 2 TP3 ASI x 2 Audio 1, 2 D_VID Audio 3, 4 IF_ON Video In C_VID Audio 4 Audio 2 TCU Video and IF Coaxial Cable Interconnection Details Strata Operations G
Strata TX Front Panel Error Code List Rotating the front panel TCU or TXU control knob allows access to displayed error codes whenever the unit PWR LED color changes from green to amber. The list below references trouble conditions with displayed error codes. Error Codes MID TXU IF FAULT TXU RF FAULT E020 E021 TXU PS 48 VOLT LINE TXU PS 5.
HPU PS 48 VOLT LINE HPU PS 5.
Strata Transmitter Wayside Data Channel Access MRC 907386-1 COFDM/MPEG Encoder PWB Layout J7 J12 Note: For Wayside data channel access, use analog audio channel 2 cable assembly (J12). Audio pins F, G and H in the audio circular panel connector (corresponding to J12 pins 1, 2 and 3) are connected to J7 pins 1, 2 and 3 per the pinout information shown below. Note that analog audio channel 2 Right Side channel connections are removed and not available when the Wayside data channel option is used.
Strata Operations Guide - 34 -
COFDM/MPEG Encoder PWB Connections NAME PCB DESIGNATION COMMENTS Expansion Port Header J1 Details available on request DSP debug header J2 Engineering Use Only Power Connector and 2-wire control interface J3 Pin 1 - TXD (from encoder) Pin 2 - RXD (to encoder) Pins 3,4,5,6 - GND Pins 7,8,9,10 - +5.
Note: The transmit data connection lead (TD) is used to support serial data flow control communications between the encoder circuit and a connecting data terminal (PC). Most applications do not use this capability.
