aci DSIM-SS User manual

DSIM-SS
Installation Guide
Revision B
®

DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev B
Page 2 of 18
®
1. Quick Start Instructions for Single Pilot AGC Operatation
1. Remove the RF module cover and install the DSIM-SS AGC module into theamplifier.
2. If the DSIM-SS has a slope POT use it to set the inter-stage slope
3. Check and set desired amplifier levels.
4. Re-install the RF module faceplate
5. Plug the controller cable into the DSIM and plug the controller into the cable.
6. Press mode button once. The controller light will flash blue and red for approximately
45 seconds.
7. When done, the controller light will have a half second blue blink indicating that the
DSIM is in AGC mode.
8. Remove the controller from the amplifier, and the DSIM is all set!

DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev B
Page 3 of 18
®
Table of Contents
1. QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS FOR SINGLE PILOT AGC OPERATATION ....................... 2
2. DSIM AGC MODULE & DSIM CONTROLLER OVERVIEW ..........................................4
3. DSIM MODE DEFINITIONS ......................................................................................6
4. DSIM CONTROLLER OPERATION INSTRUCTION GUIDELINES ..................................8
5. DSIM CONTROLLER STATUS LED ESSENTIALS..........................................................8
6. DSIM MODULE STATUS LED ESSENTIALS.................................................................9
7. SINGLE PILOT AGC STANDARD SETUP ...................................................................10
8. THERMAL AGC SETUP ...........................................................................................12
9. LED PILOT CHANNEL BLINK SERIES OVERVIEW ........................................................14

DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev B
Page 4 of 18
®
2. DSIM AGC Module & DSIM Controller Overview
The Digital Station Intelligence Manager (DSIM®) product line is the next generation of
automatic gain control modules that provides the outside plant maintenance team with station
diagnostic tools that are unprecedented in the industry. The DSIM AGC module is agile that
allows the program settings to be modified at any time to change the pilot channel number
and type from analog to digital or to change the operational mode into the SPAGC, thermal
AGC, or manual modes of operation. Having this flexibility to reprogram the DSIM modules is
a huge cost savings when doing system modifications over the fixed SPAGC or T-bode
modules since only the program settings need to be changed instead of having to change out
the entire AGC fixedmodule.
DIGITAL STATION INTELLIGENCE
MANAGER
DSIM CONTROLLER
Status LED DSIM Controller Variable EQ
Blue / Orange Interface Connector 0 to 20 dB
With Variable Equalizer
Mode Decreas Increase
Status LED
Blue / Orange
DSIM Controller
Interface Connector
Status LED
Red/Blue
DSIM Module
Interface
Connector
Without Variable Equalizer

DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev B
Page 5 of 18
®
The DSIM module can be programmed to operate as a single pilot AGC or a thermal AGC.
In the SPAGC mode the DSIM can be programmed to use either an analog or digital pilot
signal from channels 52 to 142. If the pilot channel is lost, the DSIM module will default into a
thermal TGC mode and then return to the single pilot SPAGC mode automatically once the
pilot channel has been restored. In the thermal AGC mode the DSIM module can be
programmed by the operator to have the upfront cable compensation settings at 9, 18, or 27
dB. The DSIM incorporates a bi-colored blue and orange LED that indicates the different
operational modes and settings of the DSIM during setup and operation.
The DSIM controller is used to set the DSIM module’s pilot channel and to change into the
different operational modes during the amplifier setup. The bi-colored blue and red LED
indicator's blinking patterns will denote the current optional mode setting.
The DSIM modules will be configured at the factory to have the default channel 88 digital
(609.00 MHz) pilot channel programmed. The DSIM controller is used to set the DSIM
modules to the customer selected pilot channel. In the setup of the DSIM module the pilot
channel that is programmed into the controller is downloaded into the memory of the DSIM
module. The pilot channel setting in the DSIM module can be changed in the future by
simply using a controller with the new desired pilot channel programmed.

DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev B
Page 6 of 18
®
3. DSIM Mode Definitions
Operation Mode
Definition
MGC
In the Manual Gain Control (MGC) mode the DSIM automatic gain
control is turned off.
The MGC mode is used during the setup of the station so that no
gain adjustments are made when the levels and slopes are setup.
AGC
In Automatic Gain Control (AGC) mode will make gain adjustments
to the station based on the level changes that occur on the pilot
channel.
TGC
In Thermal Gain Control (TGC) mode the DSIM will make gain
adjustments based on the changes in the internal temperature of
the station. In the TGC mode there is a selection of 9, 18 or 27 dB
for the amount of cable that is in front of the station. The dB of
cable setting is used to more accurately predict actual losses that
occur in the cable with the changes in the outside temperature.
Note: Thermal operational mode should not be used in amplifiers
that are pedestal mounted for underground networks. These units
operate on the assumption that cable temperature will change at
the same rate as amplifier temperature, while amplifiers mounted
in pedestals will vary in temperature far greater than the
underground cable temperature.

DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev B
Page 7 of 18
®
DSIM Mode Flow Chart
MGC mode:
This is the default mode for Amp. Setup
The controller LED will be solid blue
The DSIM LED will blink blue every half sec
Press MODE
once to start the
align process
Align Process:
This takes 45 sec. to lock on to the pilot CH.,
and save the pilot level
The controller will flash blue/ red
The DSIM will flash CH & type pattern
DSIM Locks on to the
channel successfully, it
starts the AGC mode
AGC mode:
The DSIM will maintain pilot level stability
The controller will blink blue every half sec.
The DSIM LED will give a channel &
ch type pattern
If the pilot is too
low, the DSIM
will use the
TGC process
If the pilot drop
more than 10
dB the DSIM
will go to
thermal fallback
Align Process: Thermal Fallback
If the Align Process fails check/ adjust levels or
reduce AGC PAD. return the MGC mode to try
again. DO NOT leave the DSIM in this mode.
The controller will flash blue/ red
The DSIM will flash blue/ orange
AGC mode: Thermal Fallback
The DSIM will calculate the output level until the
pilot channel returns. Then the DSIM will resume
AGC mode.
The controller will blink blue every half sec
The DSIM will flash blue/ orange
Press MODE once to return to MGC mode
TGC mode:
This mode calculates the output level based on
the internal Amp. Temperature
The controller LED will be solid purple
The DSIM LED will give the cable length
(9, 18, 27) dB and three long blinks
Press MODE
once from any
of these 4
modes to go to
TGC mode

DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev B
Page 8 of 18
®
4. DSIM Controller Operation Instruction Guidelines
Switch
Function
Description
+
Increase
In MGC Mode, Click to increase RF output level
(See Note 1)
In AGC Mode, no function
In TGC Mode, Click to increase cable length value
-
Decrease
In MGC Mode, Click to decrease RF output level
(See Note 1)
In AGC Mode, no function
In TGC Mode, Click to decrease cable length value
Mode
Mode Change
In MGC mode, Click to go to Align Mode to load
controller channel setting, DSIM module willthen
automatically switch to AGC mode
In AGC Mode, Click to return to TGC Mode
In TGC Mode, Click to go to MGC Mode
Note 1: Making adjustment to the output levels is only recommended when setting up the
DSIM modules in temperatures bellow 32ºF / 0ºC or above 104ºF / 40ºC.
5. DSIM Controller Status LED Essentials
LED Blinking Pattern
Indications
Quick Blue / Red Blinks
DSIM controller to module syncing process -
Occurs when controller is installed into the DSIM
module.
Aligning process: in progress
Steady on Blue
In MGC Mode
Series of Blue Blinks
In AGC Mode
Steady on Purple
In TGC Mode

DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev B
Page 9 of 18
®
6. DSIM Module Status LED Essentials
Operation Blinking Patterns for DSIM Module:
LED Blinking Pattern
Indications
Steady Repeating Blue Dashes
Manual Mode
Series of Blue Blinks
Pilot Channel Number ‐See tables in section 9
at the end of the guide for blinking sequences
Single Blue Long Dash Between Series
of Blue Blinks
Analog channel is set
2 Blue Long Dashes Between Series
of Blue Blinks
Digital channel is set
3 Blue Long Dashes Between Series
of Blue Blinks
TGC Mode‐The default cable length setting for
TGC mode is 27 dB of cable in front of the
amplifier
Quick Blue / Orange Blinks
Pilot paste in progress‐Wait
or Pilot channel not found or lost
LED Fault Conditions Blinking Patterns
LED Blinking Pattern
Indications
Steady on Pink
24 volt input into DSIM module is out of the
operational range of 21.5 to 26.5 VDC. If this
occurs, check for correct AC voltage input to the
amplifier and for correct output DC voltage of
internal power supply to the RF module
Steady Repeating Orange Blinks
Temperature in DSIM module is too high / low
(above 221ºF/105ºC or below -40ºF/-40ºC)
Quick Blue / Orange Blinks
Pilot Lost; DSIM automatically switches to
Thermal (TGC) mode until Pilot channel is
restored.
Note 2: The DSIM LED blinks after the pilot channel count will be orange during
programming and blue when in operation.

Page 10 of 18
DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev A
7. Single Pilot AGC Standard Setup
The DSIM controllers will come preset to have a desired pilot channel stored in the memory.
The controller is used to set the DSIM module to the desired pilot channel by downloading
the pilot channel program into the DSIM module's memory during setup.
1. Remove the RF module cover and install the DSIM-SS AGC module into theamplifier.
2. If the outside temperatures are below 40ºF or above 80ºF, then the RF levels will need
to be adjusted to ensure that the full gain compensation range of the DSIM will be
available over the operational temperature range. If the outside temperatures are
between 40ºF and 80ºF then go to step 4.
3. Using the table bellow adjust the RF output level at highest operating frequency by
pushing the “+" button to increase or the "-“ button to decrease the RF output level.
Pressing the button once is used for small increments, holding the button down isfor
large increments.
Below 0ºF
-2dB
Between 40ºF & 0ºF
-1dB
Between 40ºF & 80ºF
no change
Between 80ºF & 100ºF
+1dB
Above 100ºF
+2dB
4. If the DSIM-SS has a slope POT use it to set the inter-stageslope.
5. Check and set desired amplifier levels.
6. Re-install the RF module faceplate.
7. Plug the controller cable into the DSIM and plug the controller into the cable.
8. The controller LED will then flash red / blue rapidly while the DSIM controller andDSIM
module completes the syncing process. This process will take approximately
2-3 seconds to complete.
9. Once the controller LED stops flashing the red / blue sequence, it should then display a
constant blue, indicating that it is in MGC (manual) mode. Note: If the controller LED is
flashing blue, it indicates that it is in AGC mode; click “Mode” button two times to go
from AGC mode to MGC Manual Mode. In addition, if the controller LED displays a
constant purple, it indicates that it is in TGC mode; click “Mode” button once to go from
TGC to MGC Manual Mode.
10. Press the 'Mode' once to go to MGC mode. Check that the output level and slope are
correct. Once level and slope are set, press “Mode” once to exit MGC (manual) mode.

Page 11 of 18
DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev A
The DSIM will now go thru the alignment process. The LED on the controller will flash
blue and red (about 45 seconds) until the alignment process has completed.
11. When the alignment process has completed, the controller LED will blink blue
indicating that the DSIM is now in the AGC mode. If the LED does not change to
blinking blue, and instead DSIM LED flashes blue and orange the pilot signal is either
too high or too low going into the DSIM. Check the output signal to verify that you have
the correct output levels and also verify that the pilot channel is present and the correct
type of digital or analog. Press the mode button 2 times and then go back to step11.
12. Check the LED on the DSIM Module to make sure the channel number is right. Refer to
section 9 for pilot channel blinking count overview.
13. Remove the controller from the amplifier, and the DSIM is all set!

Page 12 of 18
DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev A
8. Thermal AGC Setup
In setting up the DSIM modules as a Thermal AGC the cable length dB values will need to
be adjusted to match the dB of cable that is in front of the station. The DSIM controllers will
come preset to have a default cable length setting of 27 dB in the memory. The controller is
used to set the DSIM module to either 9 dB, 18 dB, or 27 dB of cable by simply clicking the
“Increase” or “Decrease” + /- buttons on the controller.
1. With the power off install the DSIM into the amplifier. (If not already installed)
2. For new amplifiers installations, power on the amplifier and allow it to warm up for
about 25 minutes with the housing lid closed.
3. Plug the controller into the DSIM.
4. The controller LED will then flash red / blue rapidly while the DSIM controller andDSIM
module completes the syncing process. This process will takeapproximately
2-3 seconds to complete.
5. Once the controller LED stops flashing the red / blue sequence, it should then displaya
constant blue, indicating that it is in MGC (manual) mode. Click “Mode” button twice to
go from MGC to TGC. The LED on the controller should now be a constant purple.
Note if the LED is flashing fast for the AGC channel count followed by an orange 1 or 2
blink, click the "Mode" button once to change from AGC toTGC.
6. All DSIMs have a TGC default setting of 27 dB. There are three TGC factor options: 9
dB, 18 dB and 27 dB. The blinking pattern should indicate 27dB. Push the '-' button
once for 18 dB or twice for 9 dB. Check the blink pattern to verify TGCvalue.
a. Blink patterns for TGC
i. 27 dB (2 fast blinks, pause, 7 fast blinks, pause, 3 long blinks)
1. For more than 1000ft of cable before the amplifier
ii. 18 dB (1 fast blink, pause, 8 fast blinks, pause, 3 longblinks)
1. For 600ft - 1000ft of cable before the amplifier
iii. 9 dB (9 fast blinks, pause, 3 long blinks)
1. for less than 600ft of cable before the amplifier
7. Click + / - button to go to the desired cable length setting choosing from 9 dB, 18 dB,or
27 dB. This cable length dB setting is the dB amount of cable in front of theamplifier.

Page 13 of 18
DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev A
8. Check the LED on the DSIM Module to make sure the cable length setting is correct.
Cable Length dB Value
Set 1
Set 2
Set 3
9 dB
9-Dits
-
3 Long Dashes
Blue-Operation
Orange-Programming
18 dB
1-Dit
8-Dits
27 dB
2-Dits
7-Dits
9. Set the level and slope of the amplifier to the design specifications with the inputpad
and Equalizer.
NOTE: The station will heat up when the amplifier housing is closed, causing the slope
and levels to increase by approximately 0.5 to 0.75 dB.
10. Remove the controller from the amplifier, and the DSIM is all set!

Page 14 of 18
DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev A
9. LED Pilot Channel Blink Series Overview
Channel
IRC
HRC
DIGITAL
Set 1
Set 2
Set 3
Set 4
MHz
MHz
MHz
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue-Operation
Orange-Programming
52
391.25
390.020
393.00
5-Dits
2-Dits
1 IRC / 2 DIGITAL
Long dash
53
397.25
396.020
399.00
5-Dits
3-Dits
54
403.25
402.020
405.00
5-Dits
4-Dits
55
409.25
408.020
411.00
5-Dits
5-Dits
−
56
415.25
414.021
417.00
5-Dits
6-Dits
−
57
421.25
420.021
423.00
5-Dits
7-Dits
−
58
427.25
426.021
429.00
5-Dits
8-Dits
−
59
433.25
432.022
435.00
5-Dits
9-Dits
−
60
439.25
438.022
441.00
6-Dits
1-Dash
−
61
445.25
444.022
447.00
6-Dits
1-Dits
−
62
451.25
450.023
453.00
6-Dits
2-Dits
−
63
457.25
456.023
459.00
6-Dits
3-Dits
−
64
463.25
462.023
465.00
6-Dits
4-Dits
−
65
469.25
468.023
471.00
6-Dits
5-Dits
−
66
475.25
474.024
477.00
6-Dits
6-Dits
−
67
481.25
480.024
483.00
6-Dits
7-Dits
−
68
487.25
486.024
489.00
6-Dits
8-Dits
−
69
493.25
492.025
495.00
6-Dits
9-Dits
−
70
499.25
498.025
501.00
7-Dits
1-Dash
−
71
505.25
504.025
507.00
7-Dits
1-Dits
−
72
511.25
510.026
513.00
7-Dits
2-Dits
−
73
517.25
516.026
519.00
7-Dits
3-Dits
−

Page 15 of 18
DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev A
Channel
IRC
HRC
DIGITAL
Set 1
Set 2
Set 3
Set 4
MHz
MHz
MHz
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue-Operation
Orange-Programming
74
523.25
522.026
525.00
7-Dits
4-Dits
1 IRC / 2 DIGITAL
Long dash
75
529.25
528.026
531.00
7-Dits
5-Dits
76
535.25
534.027
537.00
7-Dits
6-Dits
−
77
541.25
540.027
543.00
7-Dits
7-Dits
−
78
547.25
546.027
549.00
7-Dits
8-Dits
−
79
553.25
552.028
555.00
8-Dits
9-Dits
−
80
559.25
558.028
561.00
8-Dits
1-Dash
−
81
565.25
564.028
567.00
8-Dits
1-Dits
−
82
571.25
570.029
573.00
8-Dits
2-Dits
−
83
577.25
576.029
579.00
8-Dits
3-Dits
−
84
583.25
582.029
585.00
8-Dits
4-Dits
−
85
589.25
588.029
591.00
8-Dits
5-Dits
−
86
595.25
594.030
597.00
8-Dits
6-Dits
−
87
601.25
600.030
603.00
8-Dits
7-Dits
−
88
607.25
606.030
609.00
8-Dits
8-Dits
−
89
613.25
612.031
615.00
8-Dits
9-Dits
−
90
619.25
618.031
621.00
9-Dits
1-Dash
−
91
625.25
624.031
627.00
9-Dits
1-Dits
−
92
631.25
630.032
633.00
9-Dits
2-Dits
−
93
637.25
636.032
639.00
9-Dits
3-Dits
−
94
643.25
642.032
645.00
9-Dits
4-Dits
−
100
649.25
648.032
651.00
1-Dits
1-Dash
1-Dash

Page 16 of 18
DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev A
Channel
IRC
HRC
DIGITAL
Set 1
Set 2
Set 3
Set 4
MHz
MHz
MHz
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue-Operation
Orange-Programming
101
655.25
654.033
657.00
1-Dits
1-Dash
1-Dits
1 IRC / 2 DIGITAL
Long dash
102
661.25
660.033
663.00
1-Dits
1-Dash
2-Dits
103
667.25
666.033
669.00
1-Dits
1-Dash
3-Dits
104
673.25
672.034
675.00
1-Dits
1-Dash
4-Dits
105
679.25
678.034
681.00
1-Dits
1-Dash
5-Dits
106
685.25
684.034
687.00
1-Dits
1-Dash
6-Dits
107
691.25
690.035
693.00
1-Dits
1-Dash
7-Dits
108
697.25
696.035
699.00
1-Dits
1-Dash
8-Dits
109
703.25
702.035
705.00
1-Dits
1-Dash
9-Dits
110
709.25
708.035
711.00
1-Dits
1-Dits
1-Dash
111
715.25
714.036
717.00
1-Dits
1-Dits
1-Dits
112
721.25
720.036
723.00
1-Dits
1-Dits
2-Dits
113
727.25
726.036
729.00
1-Dits
1-Dits
3-Dits
114
733.25
732.037
735.00
1-Dits
1-Dits
4-Dits
115
739.25
738.037
741.00
1-Dits
1-Dits
5-Dits
116
745.25
744.037
747.00
1-Dits
1-Dits
6-Dits
117
751.25
750.038
753.00
1-Dits
1-Dits
7-Dits
118
757.25
756.038
759.00
1-Dits
1-Dits
8-Dits
119
763.25
762.038
765.00
1-Dits
1-Dits
9-Dits
120
769.25
768.038
771.00
1-Dits
2-Dits
1-Dash
121
775.25
774.039
777.00
1-Dits
2-Dits
1-Dits
122
781.25
780.039
783.00
1-Dits
2-Dits
2-Dits

Page 17 of 18
DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev A
Channel
IRC
HRC
DIGITAL
Set 1
Set 2
Set 3
Set 4
MHz
MHz
MHz
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue-Operation
Orange-Programming
123
787.25
786.039
789.00
1-Dits
2-Dits
3-Dits
1 IRC / 2 DIGITAL
Long dash
124
793.25
792.040
795.00
1-Dits
2-Dits
4-Dits
125
799.25
798.040
801.00
1-Dits
2-Dits
5-Dits
126
805.25
804.040
807.00
1-Dits
2-Dits
6-Dits
127
811.25
810.041
813.00
1-Dits
2-Dits
7-Dits
128
817.25
816.041
819.00
1-Dits
2-Dits
8-Dits
129
823.25
822.041
825.00
1-Dits
2-Dits
9-Dits
130
829.25
828.041
831.00
1-Dits
3-Dits
1-Dash
131
835.25
834.042
837.00
1-Dits
3-Dits
1-Dits
132
841.25
840.042
843.00
1-Dits
3-Dits
2-Dits
133
847.25
846.042
849.00
1-Dits
3-Dits
3-Dits
134
853.25
852.043
855.00
1-Dits
3-Dits
4-Dits
135
859.25
858.043
861.00
1-Dits
3-Dits
5-Dits
136
865.25
864.043
867.00
1-Dits
3-Dits
6-Dits
137
871.25
870.044
873.00
1-Dits
3-Dits
7-Dits
138
877.25
876.044
879.00
1-Dits
3-Dits
8-Dits
139
883.25
882.044
885.00
1-Dits
4-Dits
9-Dits
140
889.25
888.044
891.00
1-Dits
4-Dits
1-Dash
141
895.25
894.045
897.00
1-Dits
4-Dits
1-Dits
142
901.25
900.045
903.00
1-Dits
4-Dits
2-Dits
Note 3: The DSIM will function correctly on either the analog IRC or HRC channel
frequencies. When using the HRC channel spacing the IRC channel controllers can be used.

Page 18 of 18
DSIM-SS
Installation Guide Rev A
ACI Communications, Inc.
23307 66th Avenue South
Kent, Washington 98032
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: [phone]
www.acicomms.com
2021 ACI Communications, Inc.
All rights reserved
ACI Communications, Inc.
23307 66th Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032
Rev B 04-08-2021 Printed in U.S.A.
ACI Communications, Inc. reserves the right to discontinue the manufacture
or change specifications without prior notice on any parts illustrated in this
data sheet. ACI and DSIM are registered trademarks and ASEM and
ACION are trademarks of ACI. Other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners, and ACI is in no way affiliated with these companies.
®