VM1550

Commercial Video Modulator

(For use in NTSC systems)

Instruction Manual

® is a registered trademark of the R.L. Drake Company

© Copyright 2002 R.L. Drake Company P/N - 3857400K-3-2002 Printed in U.S.A.

2 Caution Statements

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR

ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT

EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC

SHOCK ,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

The lightning flash with arrow head symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT

TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET, REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION

CORD RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO

PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

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 3

1. Read Instructions—All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.

2. Retain Instructions—The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions—All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning—Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleansers. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

6. Attachments—Do not use attachments that are not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

7. Water and Moisture—Do not use this product near water—for example, near a bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.

8. Accessories—Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

9. A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

10. Ventilation—Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to.

11. Power Sources—This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

12. Grounding or Polarization—This product may be equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

Alternate Warnings—If this product is equipped with a three-wire groundingtype plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin, the plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.

12 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.

13. Power-Cord Protection—Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.

14. Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.

See Figure A.

15. Lightning—For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.

16. Power Lines—An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines, other electric light or power circuits, where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them may be fatal.

17. Overloading—Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

18. Object and Liquid Entry—Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

19. Servicing—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.

20. Damage Requiring Service—Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged,

b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product,

c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water,

d. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation,

e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way, and

f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance—this indicates a need for service.

21. Replacement Parts—When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutes may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

22. Safety Check—Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

23. Wall or Ceiling Mounting—The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

24. Heat—The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Figure A

Example of antenna grounding as per National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70

NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLERS:

THIS REMINDER IS PROVIDED TO CALL THE

CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER'S ATTENTION TO

ARTICLE 820 - 40 OF THE NEC THAT

PROVIDES GUIDELINES FOR PROPER

GROUNDING AND, IN PARTICULAR,

SPECIFIES THAT THE CABLE GROUND

SHALL BE CONNECTED TO THE

GROUNDING SYSTEM OF THE BUILDING, AS

CLOSE TO THE POINT OF CABLE ENTRY AS

PRACTICAL.

ANTENNA

LEAD IN

WIRE

GROUND CLAMP

ANTENNA

DISCHARGE UNIT

(NEC SECTION 810-20)

ELECTRIC

SERVICE

EQUIPMENT

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS

(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

NEC -

NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING

ELECTRODE SYSTEM

(NEC ART 250, PART H)

4 Table of Contents / General Description

5

6

7

3

4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Caution Statements

Important Safety Instructions

Table of Contents / General Description

Specifications

Front Panel Controls and Indicators

Rear Panel Connections

8

9

10

11

12

13

Installation

Frequency Allocation Chart

Internal Jumper Selection

Notes

Service Information /

If You Need To Call For Help

Warranty

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

CHANNEL

VM1550 VIDEO MODULATOR

RF LEVEL

POWER

A U D I O L E V E L

OVER

MODULATION

V I D E O L E V E L A / V R A T I O

The R.L Drake VM1550 Video Modulator is a high quality vestigial sideband heterodyne audio/video modulator that provides a modulated visual and aural RF carrier output on VHF channels, 2-13; Midband, A-I; Superband, J-W; or Hyperband, AA-HH. Consult factory for custom channels. All aeronautical channels are offset positive with a tolerance of ±5 kHz as required by FCC rules. The

VM1550 is designed to accept video and audio baseband signals from a satellite receiver, TV camera, video tape recorder, TV modulator or similar equipment. The heterodyne conversion system, in conjunction with the use of a SAW filter, insures optimum vestigial selectivity for adjacent channel headends.

IF loop-thru capability in the VM1550 supplies a padded

IF output prior to channel conversion. This feature provides the capability to replace the standard internally generated IF output with an alternate source of composite

IF, or allows insertion of IF scrambling equipment.

The modulator accepts standard (sync negative) polarity video at a 0.7 -2.5 Vpp level. All level controls and modulation indicators are located on the front panel for ease of operation.

Field-defeatable audio pre-emphasis enables transmission of BTSC encoded standard baseband stereo audio signals.

Specifications 5

RF

Frequency Range: 54 - 348 MHz.

Channels Available: VHF 2-13,

Lowband 1 (A8)

Midband 14-22 (A-I) and

95-99 (A5-A1),

Superband 23-36 (J-W),

Hyperband 37-44 (AA-HH)

Factory tuned for single channel. *

Output Level: +45 dBmV minimum, (typically adjustable from +35 to

+45 dBmV). Note: If an output level of less than +35 dBmV is required, add an attenuator of the appropriate value to the modulator output.(eg., add a

10 dB pad for +30 dBmV output).

Output Impedance: 75 Ohms, return loss of 12 dB.

A/V Ratio: Audio Carrier -20 to -12 dB referenced to video carrier, adjustable.

Frequency Stability: ± 5 kHz (Visual Carrier).

Intercarrier Frequency: 4.5 MHz.

FCC Frequency

Offsets: All aeronautical channels offset positive with a tolerance of ±5 kHz.

Spurious Outputs: -65 dBc minimum, measured at -15 dB A/V ratio and with modulator output level of

+45 dBmV.

Broadband Noise: -77 dBc, referenced to video carrier.

(4 MHz BW @ ±12 MHz offset).

-95 dBc @ ±36 MHz 0ffset.

VIDEO

Input level for 87.5%: 1 Vp-p +/-3 dB, manual gain adjust with front panel control.

Over-Modulation LED set for

87.5% depth of modulation indication.

Input Impedance: 75 Ohms, return loss of 18 dB minimum.

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 4.2 MHz, ±1.0 dB.

Video S/N: 60 dB minimum, luminance weighted.

L/C Delay: ±35 nSec referenced to 0 nSec

L/C delay (complies with FCC rules, 76.605).

Differential Gain: ± 4% (10 to 90% APL).

Differential Phase: ± 4 degrees (10 to 90% APL).

AUDIO

Input Level for 25 kHz

Peak Deviation: 140 mV minimum. Manual gain adjustment with front panel control. Over-Modulation LED set for 25 kHz peak deviation indication.

Input Impedance: 10K Ohms, Unbalanced.

Pre-emphasis: 75

µ

Sec. (internally defeatable).

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 15 kHz, ± 1 dB, referenced to 75

µ

Sec pre-emphasis curve.

(20 Hz-100 kHz if preemphasis is defeated).

4.5 MHz Intercarrier

Stability: ±5 kHz, 0 0 C to +50 0 C.

Total Harmonic

Distortion: 1.0% maximum.

Hum and Noise: -60 dB minimum, referenced to 25 kHz peak deviation.

COMPOSITE IF

LOOP

Output Level (V carrier): +28 dBmV.

Input Level (V carrier): +28 dBmV.

Input/Output

Impedances: 75 Ohms.

GENERAL

AC Power Input: 115 VAC ±10%, 60 Hz,

10 WATTS.

Operating Temperature

Range: 0 0 C to +50 0 C, ambient.

Size: 19" W x 1.75" H x 6.75" D.

Weight: 5 Lbs. (2.25 Kg).

*Consult factory for custom channels

6 Front Panel Controls and Indicators

CHANNEL

VM1550 VIDEO MODULATOR

RF LEVEL

POWER

A U D I O L E V E L

OVER

MODULATION

V I D E O L E V E L A / V R A T I O

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8

F1 - POWER Indicator

Lights when the unit is connected to a source of AC power.

F2 - AUDIO LEVEL Control

The setting of this screwdriver adjustment determines the peak aural carrier deviation. Clockwise rotation increases the carrier deviation. Set this control to a level which causes the LED Over Modulation indicator (See Item ‘F3’) to just begin lighting (25 kHz deviation).

F3 - AUDIO OVER MODULATION Indicator

Lights when the audio amplitude is greater than the

25 kHz deviation level.

F4 - VIDEO OVER MODULATION Indicator

Lights when the video amplitude is greater than the 87.5% depth of modulation.

F5 - VIDEO LEVEL Control

The setting of this screwdriver adjustment determines the video modulation level. Clockwise rotation increases the modulation depth. Set this control to a level which causes the LED Over Modulation indicator (See Item ‘F4’) to just begin lighting (87.5% depth of modulation).

F6 - 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 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.

F7 - CHANNEL Designation

The label indicates the fixed channel output for your particular model. The VM1550 is capable of fixed channel output within the following ranges: VHF, 2-13; Lowband 1

(A8): Midband, 14-22 (A-I) and 95-99 (A5-A1); Superband,

23-36 (J-W); Hyperband, 37-44 (AA-HH);

F8 - 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 +45 dBmV is set with the adjustment fully clockwise.

NOTE: If an output level of less than +35 dBmV is required, add an attenuator of the appropriate value at the modulator output.

Example: For an output level of +30 dBmV, add a 10 dB attenuator pad to the modulator output.

Rear Panel Connections 7

R F O U T

MADE IN U. S. A. BY ®

COMPOSITE

I F

IN OUT

CAUTION:

- RISK

OF FIRE -REPLACE

FUSE AS MARKED

AFTER DISCONNECTING

UNIT FROM AC LINE

ATTENTION:

- RISQUE D'INCENDIE -

REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU

TYPE INDIQUE APRES

DEBRANCHER DU

SECTEUR

VIDEO

INPUT

AUDIO

INPUT

FUSE

1/8A, 250V

SLO-BLO

600 WATTS MAX 115V 60 Hz

10 WATTS

120V, 5A

R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

R1 - RF OUT

This is the modulator output.

R2 - COMPOSITE IF INPUT Connector

This is the composite IF input to the heterodyne converter.

The composite IF has both the aural and visual IF combined. This connection is normally cabled directly to the “COMPOSITE IF OUT” connector (See Item `R3').

This external IF loop allows the use of accessories such as scramblers or alternate video sources. Note that accessory equipment must also have the visual carrier at

45.75 MHz and the aural carrier at 41.25 MHz. Both input levels must be at their nominally specified levels.

R3 - COMPOSITE IF OUTPUT Connector

This is the composite IF output from the IF circuits. The composite IF provides a vestigial sideband filtered visual carrier at 45.75 MHz combined with a level controlled

(-15 dBc typical) aural carrier at 41.25 MHz. This connection is normally cabled directly to the

“COMPOSITE IF IN” connector (See Item `R2').

R4 - VIDEO INPUT Connector

This is the baseband video input to the IF circuits. This input accepts baseband thru 4.2 MHz video at levels from

0.7 Vp-p to 1.5 Vp-p.

R5 - AUDIO INPUT Connector

This is an unbalanced audio input to the IF circuits. This

“RCA” (phono) connector input accepts baseband through

15 kHz audio at a nominal level of 250 mV RMS

(approximately 0 dBm). NOTE: An internally selected test point jumper defeats the audio pre-emphasis for stereo capability.

R6 - FUSE

Always replace this fuse with one of the same type and rating: 1/8 Amp, 250 V SLO-BLO® , 3AG type.

R7 - AC OUTLET Receptacle

This is a power receptacle for other other equipment and is rated at 600 WATTS maximum; 120 V, 5 Amp. This receptacle is unfused and unswitched.

R8 - 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 nominal 115 VAC ±10%, 60 Hz source. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the attached line cord plug.

8 Installation

CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS

All connections to and from the VM1550 are made through the rear panel. Figure 3 shows a typical two channel installation using a typical satellite receiver as a signal source. Additional channels can be added by using additional VM1550 modulators and either multi-port combiners or combinations of two-port combiners.

INSTALLATION NOTES

Level adjustment provides optimum performance in multi-channel 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 output 'RF Level' and 'A/V Ratio' controls are used respectively to make these adjustments. If an output level of less than +35 dBmV is required, add an attenuator of the appropriate value to the modulator output.

Example: For an output level of +30 dBmV, add a 10 dB attenuator pad to the modulator output.

RACK MOUNTING

Adequate ventilation is very important in multi-channel 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

R F O U T

MADE IN U. S. A. BY ®

VIDEO AUDIO

COMPOSITE

I F

IN OUT

CAUTION:

- RISK

OF FIRE -REPLACE

FUSE AS MARKED

AFTER DISCONNECTING

UNIT FROM AC LINE

ATTENTION:

- RISQUE D'INCENDIE -

REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU

TYPE INDIQUE APRES

DEBRANCHER DU

SECTEUR

VIDEO AUDIO

VIDEO

INPUT

AUDIO

INPUT

FUSE

1/8A, 250V

SLO-BLO

600 WATTS MAX

115V 60 Hz

10 WATTS

120V, 5A

R F O U T

MADE IN U. S. A. BY ®

COMPOSITE

I F

IN OUT

CAUTION:

- RISK

OF FIRE -REPLACE

FUSE AS MARKED

AFTER DISCONNECTING

UNIT FROM AC LINE

ATTENTION:

- RISQUE D'INCENDIE -

REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU

TYPE INDIQUE APRES

DEBRANCHER DU

SECTEUR

VIDEO

INPUT

AUDIO

INPUT

FUSE

1/8A, 250V

SLO-BLO

600 WATTS MAX 115V 60 Hz

10 WATTS

120V, 5A

COMBINER

RF OUT

Figure 3

TYPICAL MULTIPLE MODULATOR INSTALLATION

CABLE TV CHANNELS

M

I

D

H

I

G

H

H

Y

P

E

R

S

U

P

E

R

L

O

W

B

A

N

D

Channel Designation

Standard

Alphanumeric

Identification

EIA/NCTA

Numeric

Equivalent

2

3

4

2

3

4

40

41

42

43

44

34

35

36

37

38

39

28

29

30

31

32

33

13

23

24

25

26

27

10

11

12

7

8

9

17

18

19

20

21

22

97

98

99

14

15

16

5

6

95

96

U*

V*

W*

AA*

BB*

CC*

DD*

EE*

FF*

GG*

HH*

O*

P*

Q*

R*

S*

T*

13

J

K*

L*

M*

N*

10

11

12

7

8

9

G

H

I

D

E

F

5

6

A-5

A-4

A-3

A-2*

A-1*

A*

B*

C*

Visual Carrier

Frequency

(MHz)

55.25

61.25

67.25

283.25

289.25

295.25

301.25

307.25

313.25

319.25

325.25

331.25

337.25

343.25

211.25

217.25

223.25

229.25

235.25

241.25

247.25

253.25

259.25

265.25

271.25

277.25

139.25

145.25

151.25

157.25

163.25

169.25

175.25

181.25

187.25

193.25

199.25

205.25

77.25

83.25

91.25

97.25

103.25

109.25

115.25

121.25

127.25

133.25

Frequency Allocation Chart 9

10 Internal Jumper Selection

CAUTION

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE REQUIRES REMOVAL

OF AN EQUIPMENT COVER THAT EXPOSES POTENTIALLY

LETHAL VOLTAGES IF THE EQUIPMENT IS POWERED FROM

AN AC POWER SOURCE. REFER SERVICING TO A

QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN ONLY.

3

2

1

Audio -

Pre-emphasis

(factory setting)

3

2

1

Audio -

Flat

TOP, FRONT VIEW OF UNIT

FIGURE 4

VM1550 IF / POWER SUPPLY BOARD PICTORIAL

12 Service Information / If You Need To Call For Help

SERVICE INFORMATION

The VM1550 Audio-Video Modulator has been designed and produced to provide trouble-free service. Should the need for repair arise, EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED TO

AVOID A POTENTIALLY LETHAL ELECTRIC SHOCK.

The top cover is removable, and provides access to all serviceable components. Schematic diagrams are available from our customer service department for a nominal charge.

All internal adjustments require test equipment, and alignment should be attempted only by a trained technician.

You may contact the R.L. DRAKE Service Department for additional information or assistance by calling

(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) 743-4576.

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

(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) 743-4576.

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, it will be returned by UPS

Brown label COD (UPS does not accept cash/currency) unless:

1) It was received UPS Blue/Red, in which case it will be returned UPS Blue/Red COD;

2) You designate billing to American ExPress, VISA,

MasterCard or Discover card;

3) You prepay the service charges with a personal check, or

4) You specify some other method of return.

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.

Should your warranty card not be on file at R.L. DRAKE, 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.

Three Year Limited Warranty

R.L.DRAKE COMPANY warrants to the original purchaser this product shall be free from defects in material or workmanship for three (3) years 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) Complete and send in the Warranty Registration Card within 10 days of purchase.

(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 three (3) years 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) 743-4576

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) 743-4576

World Wide Web Site: http://www.rldrake.com