TM
300VMF
+
Commercial Video Modulator
(For use in NTSC systems)
Instruction Manual
TM
is a trademark of the R.L. Drake Company
© Copyright 2005 R.L. Drake Company P/N: 3853616D-10-2005
2 Caution Statements
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of non-insulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
CAUTION
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
"CAUTION" Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
ATTENTION: POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, NE PAS UTILISER CETTE
FICHE POLARISEE AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE DE
COURANT OU UNE AUTRE SORTIE DE COURANT, SAUF SI LES LAMES
PEUVENT ETRE INSEREES A FOND SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE
A DECOUVERT.
Important Safety Instructions
1.
Read these instructions.
2.
Keep these instructions.
3.
Heed all warnings.
4.
Follow all instructions.
5.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
6.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
7.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
9 a.
Mise à la terre ou Polarisation—Cet appareil est équipé avec un cordon d'alimentation à trois fils. Il est a brancher sur une prise ayant un connecteur a la terre. Assurez-vous que la connection a la terre ne manque pas.
10.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13.
Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Table of Contents/Description/Specifications 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Caution Statements
2 Important Safety Instructions
3 Table of Contents / General Description
3 Specifications
4 Front Panel Controls, Indicators, and
Connections
5 Rear Panel Connections and Internal Jumper
6 Installation
7 Frequency Allocation Charts
8 Service / If You Need To Call For Help
9 Warranty
DESCRIPTION
The DRACOM 300VMF+ Video Modulator is a vestigial sideband heterodyne audio/video modulator that provides a modulated visual and aural RF carrier output on any single EIA standard channel from channel 2 through channel 78 plus channels 95 to 99. This range covers 54 through 552 MHz. Consult factory for custom channels. All aeronautical channels are offset positive with a tolerance of ±5 kHz as required by FCC rules. The
300VMF+ is designed to accept video and audio baseband signals from a satellite receiver, TV camera, video tape recorder, TV demodulator or similar equipment. The heterodyne conversion system, in conjunction with the use of a SAW filter, insures optimum vestigial selectivity for adjacent channel headends.
The modulator accepts standard (sync negative) polarity video at a 0.7 -1.5 Vpp level. All level controls are located on the front panel for ease of operation.
SPECIFICATIONS
RF
Frequency Range:
Channels Available:
54 - 552 MHz.
Factory ordered for a single channel:
EIA CATV channels 2 to 78 and 95 to 99.
FCC Frequency
Offsets:
Output Level:
Output Impedance:
Output Test:
A/V Ratio:
Frequency Stability,
Visual: Within ±10 kHz of assigned channel frequency; ±5 kHz on FCC offset channels.
Aural Intercarrier
Frequency:
Spurious Outputs:
All aeronautical channels offset positive with a tolerance of ±5 kHz.
+55 dBmV, (typically adjustable from +43 to +55 dBmV).
75 OHMS, return loss of 14 dB, nominal.
-30 dB, ±3 dB (referenced to
RF OUTPUT level).
Audio Carrier -20 to -12 dB referenced to video carrier, adjustable.
In-Channel C/N:
Broadband Noise:
4.5 MHz, ±5 kHz.
-60 dBc minimum, measured at -15 dB A/V ratio and with modulator output level of
+55 dBmV.
Better than 60 dB.
-95 dBc @ ±30 MHz or greater spacings. (Specified levels are referenced to the video carrier and measured in a 4 MHz bandwidth).
VIDEO
Input level for 87.5%
Modulation:
Input Impedance:
Frequency Response:
Video S/N:
L/C Delay:
Differential Gain:
Differential Phase:
1 Vp-p ±3 dB, manual gain adjust with front panel control.
75 Ohms, return loss of 18 dB minimum.
Flat ±2 dB from 30 Hz to 4.2 MHz.
60 dB, luminance weighted.
Within 50 nSec of 0 nSec L/C delay
(complies with FCC rules, 76.605).
Less than ±5% (10 to 90% APL).
Less than ±5 degrees (10 to 90% APL).
AUDIO
Input Level for
25 kHz Peak Deviation:
Input Impedance:
Pre-emphasis:
Frequency Response:
4.5 MHz Intercarrier Stability:
Total Harmonic Distortion:
Hum and Noise:
175 mV rms minimum. Manual gain adjustment with front panel control.
10K Ohms, unbalanced.
75
µ
Sec.(flat by moving internal jumper)
40 Hz to 15 kHz, ±1.5 dB, referenced to
75
µ
Sec pre-emphasis curve.
Within ±5 kHz, 0 0 C to +50 0 C.
1.5% maximum.
-60 dB minimum, referenced to 25 kHz peak deviation.
GENERAL
Modulator Power
Requirement:
Auxiliary AC Outlet:
Total AC Power Input:
115 VAC ±10%, 60Hz, 10 Watts.
Nominal 120 VAC, 600 Watts, maximum.
Nominal 120 VAC 60 Hz,
610 Watts, maximum.
Operating Temperature
Range:
Size:
Weight:
Connectors:
0 0 C to +50
3.6 lbs.
0 C, ambient.
19" W x 1.75" H x 4.0" D.
Video input, Audio input, RF output, and
Monitor output are all type F.
4 Front Panel Description
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7
Figure 1
F1 - POWER Indicator
Lights when the unit is connected to a source of AC power.
F2 - OUTPUT TEST Connector
Provides a reduced level sample of the RF output signal.
The level at this connector is approximately 30 dB lower in level than the RF OUTPUT signal. It is used to monitor the active signal without affecting the level or quality of the
RF output signal.
F3 - CHANNEL Designation
The label indicates the fixed channel output for your particular model. The 300VMF+ is capable of fixed channel output (factory tuned) within the following ranges: Channel 2 through 78 and 95 through 99.
F4 - RF OUTPUT LEVEL
This screwdriver adjustment permits decreasing the RF output level a minimum of 12 dB below its specified output level as the control is rotated counterclockwise.
The maximum output level of +55 dBmV is set with the adjustment approximately fully clockwise.
NOTE: If an output level of less than +43 dBmV is required, add an attenuator of the appropriate value at the modulator output.
Example: For an output level of +35 dBmV, add a 12 dB attenuator pad to the modulator output and set the output level to +47 dBmV.
F5 - A/V RATIO Control
This screwdriver adjustment varies the level of the aural carrier over a range from 12 to 20 dB below the visual carrier. The aural carrier should normally be adjusted to approximately 15 dB below the visual carrier (normal operation). Clockwise rotation increases the aural carrier level and thus decreases the A/V ratio.
F6 - AUDIO LEVEL Control
The setting of this screwdriver adjustment determines the peak aural carrier deviation. Clockwise rotation increases the carrier deviation. After installing the unit, and with an audio source connected, adjust the AUDIO
LEVEL control for 25 kHz deviation. If an audio modulation meter is not available, use a TV set and adjust for equal volume as compared to a known off-air broadcast. Monitor for a few minutes to assure that maximum volume of the audio source program does not cause an over-modulation condition.
F7 - VIDEO LEVEL Control
The setting of this screwdriver adjustment determines the video modulation level. Clockwise rotation increases the modulation depth. After installing the unit, and with a nominal 1 Volt P-P video source connected, adjust the
VIDEO LEVEL control for the correct percentage of modulation (87.5%). If test equipment is not available for such measurements, then adjust for proper picture contrast when viewed on a TV set (compare with known off-air broadcast picture quality).
Rear Panel Description and Internal Jumper 5
VIDEO
INPUT
AUDIO
INPUT
R. L. DRAKE COMPANY
FRANKLIN, OH
R.F.
OUTPUT
600W MAX
120V AC
60Hz 610W
MADE IN TAIWAN
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5
Figure 2
R1 - VIDEO INPUT Connector
This is the baseband video input to the IF circuits. This input accepts baseband through 4.2 MHz video at levels from 0.7 Vp-p to 1.5 Vp-p.
R2 - AUDIO INPUT Connector
This is an unbalanced audio input to the IF circuits. This input accepts 40 Hz through 15 kHz audio at a nominal level of 250 mV RMS (approximately -10 dBu).
If a separate BTSC stereo encoder, such as the Drake
MMTS20, is to be used with this modulator, this jack can input 40 Hz through over 50 kHz with flat response if internal jumper J8 is set to flat - see below)
R3 - RF OUTPUT
This is the modulator output.
R4 - AC OUTLET Receptacle
This is a power receptacle for other equipment and is rated at 600 W maximum; 120 V, 5 Amp. This receptacle is unfused and unswitched.
R5 - LINE CORD
This is a three-wire power cable. When the cable is connected to a properly wired AC power line outlet, this cable grounds the instrument cabinet. Connect to a
115 VAC ±10%, 60 Hz source. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the attached line cord plug.
INTERNAL JUMPER SETTING - AUDIO RESPONSE
Internal jumper J8 may be used to disable the 75 uSec pre-emphasis (normal setting). Flat response may be chosen if an external BTSC stereo signal is to be input to the modulator through the audio input jack. To access this jumper, disconnect the unit from AC power. Remove the three screws holding the top cover of the chassis in place.
Remove top cover. J8 is a three pin header with J8 printed on the PCB. After setting this jumper, reinstall the cover before returning power to the unit.
NORMAL RESPONSE of 75 uSec = Jumper in the 1-2 position (shorting pins 1 and 2 of the J8 header). Use this setting for normal mono audio input. This is the factory default setting.
FLAT RESPONSE = Jumper in the 2-3 position (shorting pins 2 and 3 of header J8). Change to this setting when an external BTSC stereo encoder is used with the
300VMF+.
300VMF+
VIDEO
INPUT
300VMF+
VIDEO
INPUT
6 Installation
CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS
All connections to and from the 300VMF+ are made through the rear panel. Figure 4 shows a typical two channel installation using a typical satellite receiver as a signal source. Additional channels can be added by using additional 300VMF+ modulators and either multi-port combiners or combinations of two-port combiners.
INSTALLATION NOTES
Level adjustment provides optimum performance in multichannel installations. The modulator outputs should be checked periodically with a spectrum analyzer to maintain a
±1 dB variation of adjacent channel carriers. Aural/Visual
(A/V) ratios should be held to -15 dB or less.
The 'RF Output Level' and 'A/V Ratio' controls are used respectively to make these adjustments. If an output level of less than +43 dBmV is required, add an attenuator of the appropriate value to the modulator output.
Example: For an output level of +35 dBmV, add a 12 dB attenuator pad to the modulator output and set the output level.
RACK MOUNTING
Adequate ventilation is very important in multichannel installations. Units should be spaced apart by at least one panel height wherever possible, and some air movement is advisable in enclosed rack cabinets. Excessive heat will shorten component life and modulator performance will be degraded without proper cooling.
H V
TYPICAL
SATELLITE RECEIVER
REAR PANEL
VIDEO
OUT AUDIO
OUT
H V
TYPICAL
SATELLITE RECEIVER
REAR PANEL
VIDEO
OUT
AUDIO
OUT
AUDIO
INPUT
R. L. DRAKE COMPANY
FRANKLIN, OH
AUDIO
INPUT
R. L. DRAKE COMPANY
FRANKLIN, OH
R.F.
OUTPUT
AUDIO
R.F.
OUTPUT
AUDIO VIDEO
120V AC
60Hz 610W
600W MAX
VIDEO
MADE IN TAIWAN
600W MAX
120V AC
60Hz 610W
MADE IN TAIWAN
2-WAY SPLITTER/
COMBINER
OUT
IN
Y SPLITTER
3611
2-WA
5-1000 MHz -130 dB RFI
OUT
RF OUT
Figure 4
TYPICAL MULTIPLE MODULATOR INSTALLATION
EIA
Channel
39
40
41
42
43
34
35
36
37
38
29
30
31
32
33
24
25
26
27
28
19
20
21
22
23
14
15
16
17
18
09
10
11
12
13
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
Visual
Carrier
MHz
265.25
271.25
277.25
283.25
289.25
295.25
301.25
307.25
313.25
319.25
325.25
331.25
337.25
163.25
169.25
217.25
223.25
229.25
235.25
241.25
247.25
253.25
259.25
199.25
205.25
211.25
121.25
127.25
133.25
139.25
145.25
151.25
157.25
55.25
61.25
67.25
77.25
83.25
175.25
181.25
187.25
193.25
Frequency Allocation Charts 7
Table 1 CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS
Offset kHz
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±25
±12.5
NONE
NONE
NONE
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
NONE
NONE
NONE
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
EIA
Channel
78
95
96
97
98
99
73
74
75
76
77
68
69
70
71
72
63
64
65
66
67
58
59
60
61
62
53
54
55
56
57
48
49
50
51
52
44
45
46
47
Offset kHz
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
±25
±25
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
±12.5
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
±12.5
Visual
Carrier
MHz
529.25
535.25
541.25
547.25
91.25
97.25
103.25
109.25
115.25
469.25
475.25
481.25
487.25
493.25
499.25
505.25
511.25
517.25
523.25
409.25
415.25
421.25
427.25
433.25
439.25
445.25
451.25
457.25
463.25
343.25
349.25
355.25
361.25
367.25
373.25
379.25
385.25
391.25
397.25
403.25
8 Service / If You Need To Call For Help
SERVICE INFORMATION
You may contact the R.L. DRAKE Service Department for additional information or assistance by calling
+1 (937) 746-6990, Monday through Friday, between
8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, except on holidays.
You may also contact the R.L. DRAKE Service Department by
E-mail at the following address:
[email protected]
or by Telefax:
+1 (937) 806-1576.
Should you want to return your unit for service, package the unit carefully using the original carton or other suitable container.
Write your return address clearly on the shipping carton and on an enclosed cover letter describing the service required, symptoms or problems. Also include your daytime telephone number and a copy of your proof of purchase.
The unit will be serviced under the terms of the
R.L. DRAKE COMPANY Limited Warranty and returned to you.
IF YOU NEED TO CALL FOR HELP
Call our Customer Service/Technical Support line at
+1 (937) 746-6990 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.
Eastern Time, weekdays. Please have the unit’s serial number available. We will also need to know the specifics of any other equipment connected to the unit.
When calling, please have the unit up and running, near the phone if possible. Our technician(s) will likely ask certain questions to aid in diagnosis of the problem. Also, have a voltmeter handy, if possible.
R.L. DRAKE also provides technical assistance by e-mail: [email protected]
or by Telefax: +1 (937) 806-1576.
Many of the products that are sent to us for repair are in perfect working order when we receive them. For these units, there is a standard checkout fee that you will be charged. Please perform whatever steps are applicable from the installation sections of the Owner's Manual before calling or writing—this could save unnecessary phone charges. Please do not return the unit without contacting R.L. DRAKE first: it is preferred to help troubleshoot the problem over the phone (or by mail) first, saving you both time and money.
Inside the carton, enclose a note with your name, address, daytime phone number, and a description of the unit’s problem.
The unit must be sent to the following address:
Service Department
R.L. DRAKE COMPANY
230 Industrial Drive
Franklin, Ohio 45005 U.S.A.
Be sure to include your street address which will be needed for UPS return. UPS Surface (Brown Label) takes
7-10 days to reach us depending on your location, Blue takes 2-3 days.
Red is an overnight service. Send the unit in a way that it can be traced if we can’t verify receipt of shipment. We suggest UPS or insured postal shipment.
If the unit is still under the original owner’s warranty,
R.L. DRAKE will pay the cost of the return shipment to you. Our return shipping policy is that we will return it
UPS Brown if received Brown or by US Mail, it will be returned Blue if received Blue or Red—or it will be returned however you prefer if you furnish the return cost for the method you select.
If the unit is out of warranty, use one of the following methods for return shipment:
1) You designate billing to American ExPress, VISA,
MasterCard or Discover card;
2) You prepay the service charges with a personal check, or
3) You specify some other method of return and payment.
When calling, the technician can estimate the repair charges for you over the phone. This is another good reason to call before sending a unit in for repair.
Typically, equipment is repaired in five to ten working days after it arrives at R.L. DRAKE if we have all the facts.
If we must call you, it may take longer. R.L. DRAKE is not responsible for damage caused by lightning, nonprofessional alterations, “acts of God”, shipping damage, poor storage/handling, etc. R.L. DRAKE will make note of any shipping damage upon receipt.
You will need to send proof of purchase to receive warranty service. Typically, a copy of the invoice from an
R.L. DRAKE dealer will suffice. The warranty is for the original owner only and is not transferable.
One Year Limited Warranty
R. L. DRAKE COMPANY warrants to the original purchaser this product shall be free from defects in material or workmanship for one (1) year from the date of original purchase.
During the warranty period the R. L. DRAKE COMPANY or an authorized Drake service facility will provide, free of charge, both parts and labor necessary to correct defects in material and workmanship. At its option, R. L. DRAKE COMPANY may replace a defective unit.
To obtain such a warranty service, the original purchaser must:
(1) Retain invoice or original proof of purchase to establish the start of the warranty period.
(2) Notify the R. L. DRAKE COMPANY or the nearest authorized service facility, as soon as possible after discovery of a possible defect, of:
(a) the model and serial number,
(b) the identity of the seller and the approximate date of purchase; and
(c) A detailed description of the problem, including details on the electrical connection to associated equipment and the list of such equipment.
(3) Deliver the product to the R. L. DRAKE COMPANY or the nearest authorized service facility, or ship the same in its original container or equivalent, fully insured and shipping charges prepaid.
Correct maintenance, repair, and use are important to obtain proper performance from this product. Therefore carefully read the Instruction Manual. This warranty does not apply to any defect that R. L. DRAKE COMPANY determines is due to:
(1) Improper maintenance or repair, including the installation of parts or accessories that do not conform to the quality and specifications of the original parts.
(2) Misuse, abuse, neglect or improper installation.
(3) Accidental or intentional damage.
All implied warranties, if any, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, terminate one
(1) year from the date of the original purchase.
The foregoing constitutes R. L. DRAKE COMPANY’S entire obligation with respect to this product, and the original purchaser shall have no other remedy and no claim for incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or do not allow the exclusions or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty shall be construed under the laws of Ohio.
For Service, contact:
R.L. DRAKE COMPANY
230 Industrial Drive
Franklin, Ohio 45005 U.S.A.
Customer Service and Parts Telephone: +1 (937) 746-6990
Telefax: +1 (937) 806-1576
World Wide Web Site: http://www.rldrake.com
R.L. Drake Company
230 Industrial Drive
Franklin, Ohio 45005 U.S.A.
Customer Service and Parts Telephone: +1 (937) 746-6990
Telefax: +1 (937) 806-1576
World Wide Web Site: http://www.rldrake.com
