Actox ABE25X User manual

Page 1 of 36
ABE25X/ABE25XF
25 W Fanless X-Band BUC
USER MANUAL

Page 2 of 36
Table of contents
Introduction……………………………………………….……………..………...5
Receiving and
inspection…………………………………………………..…………………...…..6
Equipment Damage or Loss
Return of Equipment
Preparing for
installation…………………………………………………….…………..…….…..7
Safety Precautions
General
description………………………………………………..…………….……….…..8
Considerations
Securing the Block Up Converter
Installing the Block Up
Converter…………………………………………………………………………..………………...…...9
LED Indicators, Connector Pin Assignment, 10Mhz Reference
Powering Options, Setting L.O., Setting Tx/Rx Frequencies
Recommended Test
Equipment…………………………………………………………………….………………………...13
Technical
Specifications………………………………………………………….….………..14
Assembly and
Installation………………………………………………………………….………15
Connections and Mounting Hardware
Functional
Overview………………………………………………………….………………..16
General
IF/RF Conversion and Amplification

Page 3 of 36
Monitor and Control (optional)
Operation
Procedure……………………………………….....…………….………………...17
Maintenance……………………………………….…………………..….........….18
Preventive Care
Procedure
Block Up Converter Cooling System Preventive Maintenance
Performance Check
Troubleshooting
Out-of Warranty Repair
Appendix 1 Mechanical
Drawing……………..………………………………….………….……………....20
Appendix 2 Spare Parts Order
Form…………………………………………….………………………………….21
Appendix 3 M&C
Commands…...………………………………………………….…………………..22
Appendix 4
M&C Connection Instructions………..…….…………………………..………..………………….27

Page 4 of 36
Scope
This document covers the installation, operation, and maintenance of the ABE25X BUC. It contains
information intended for engineers, technicians and operators working with the block up converter.
To make inquiries, or to report errors of fact or omission in this document, please contact Actox
Corporation at toll free 866-888-6087.

Page 5 of 36
INTRODUCTION
The ABE25X is a reliable, high quality, cost efficient stand-alone block up converter. The application for
this block up converter is X-Band VSAT communication in an outdoor environment. This line of
superior products, engineered using state of the art technology, is characterized by unparalleled durability
and dependability.
This is the smallest and lightest fanless 25W L-To X-Band Block Up Converter and is based on GaN
technology and designed to be mounted on the feed horn. The unit is ideal for portable and mobile
applications. L.O. feature makes unit universal for X-Band requirements. This unit can be powered either
+15 ~ +60 VDC and consumes less than 87W.
KEY FEATURES
7.9 – 8.4 GHz
950 to 1,450 MHz
Smallest package size and weight
Local oscillator 6.95 GHz
Auto-ranging 15-60 VDC via IF connector
Low power consumption (87W max)
Digital temperature compensation
L.O. lock and amplifier LED
M&C – combined RS-232/485/FSK(optional)
RoHS compliant

Page 6 of 36
Receiving and Inspection
The block up converter is designed to function outdoors and will arrive in a standard shipping container.
Immediately upon receipt of the block up converter, check the packing slip against the actual equipment
you have received. Inspect the shipping containers exteriors for visible damage incurred during shipping.
Handle the block up converter with extreme care. Excessive shock may damage block
up converter’s delicate internal components.
Using the supplied packing list, verify that all items have been received and undamaged during shipment.
Verify that all items are complete. If there are any omissions or evidence of improper packaging, please
notify Actox Corporation immediately.
Equipment Damage or Loss
Actox Corporation is not responsible for damage or loss of equipment during transit. For further
information, contact the responsible transport carrier.
When declaring equipment as damaged during transit, preserve the original shipping cartons to facilitate
inspection reporting.
Return of Equipment
When returning equipment to Actox Corporation for repair or replacement:
Identify, in writing, the condition of the equipment,
Refer to the Invoice, Purchase Order and the date the equipment was received.
Notify Actox Corporation RMA department of the equipment condition and obtain a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number and shipping instructions.
Do not return any equipment without an RMA number.
This is important for prompt, efficient handling of the
returned equipment and of the associated complaint.

Page 7 of 36
Preparing for Installation
Before attempting to install or use the block up converter, we recommend that you first familiarize
yourself with the product by reading through this manual. Understanding the operation of the system will
reduce the possibility of incorrect installation, thereby causing damage or injury to yourself or others. The
block up converter must be installed in accordance with the conditions and recommendations contained
in the following sections.
Safety Precautions
Carelessness or mishandling of the block up converter may damage the unit causing serious injury to
yourself or others. Please adhere to the following:
If your unit is equipped with an DC power cord and plug, do not tamper with, or attempt to
reconfigure, the cord or plug supplied with the unit, as this can:
Result in personal injury;
Void the warranty;
Cause damage to the units or related equipment.

Page 8 of 36
INSTALLATION AND OVERVIEW
General Description
This section describes the installation and theory of operation of the block up converter.
ABE25X is powered by +15~+60 VDC via IF connector.
It will amplify an input signal from an L-Band RF source up to a power level of 25 Watts (min) CW in X-
Band.
The block up converter can be used as a stand-alone unit or in a redundant configuration.
Specifications
Table 1 summarizes the specifications of the ABE25X BUC. For mechanical specifications, refer to the
outline drawing, Appendix 1.
General Considerations
The block up converter shall meet all specifications over full bandwidth and under all environmental
conditions when terminated with a load of VSWR at 2:1 unless otherwise specified. All RF specifications
shall be met within five minutes after applying power, except gain flatness, which shall be met after a
warm-up period of ten minutes. During the warm-up period, the block up converter shall not exhibit any
alarm or require an RF mute input signal to reset any alarm/fault latches.
Securing the block up converter
Align the block up converter output waveguide flange with the mating flange of the antenna feeder
waveguide. Using the O-ring and hardware provided, connect the antenna feeder waveguide. Torque the
flange screws to 16 inch-pounds (1.8 N-m). Attach the proper cables for waveguide for IF input, DC
power and M&C if equipped to the corresponding connectors of the block up converter.
The cylindrical connectors are labeled clearly and have different pin layouts. It is
impossible to incorrectly install the mating connectors.

Page 9 of 36
Installing the Block-Up Converter
Tools and Test Equipment
Have on hand a standard electrician's tool kit and any tools listed in the antenna
manufacturer's installation instructions.
Site Considerations
The BUC is designed to mount on the antenna. Locate and install the antenna according
to instructions supplied by the antenna manufacturer. Choose an area that is free of
extraneous interference from motors and electrical equipment and has a clear line of sight
from the antenna to the satellite. Lightning arrestors should be used at the site to protect
personnel and equipment.
Preparation
Mounting Considerations:
Optional Mounting Brackets are available that will facilitate mounting for most antennas.
The ODU must be mounted such that:
- Sufficient support is afforded to the BUC, the LNB and the Power supply to minimize
the effects of antenna sway in strong winds.
- Air movement across the heat fins is possible.
- The length of the Power supply cables is taken into consideration in determining the
mounting location of the power supply.
Throughout installation and during any polarization, azimuth or elevation adjustment,
ensure that cables and waveguide are not crimped or pinched.

Page 10 of 36
M&C Connection for 19-Pin
19 pin conn 9 pin conn
GND G ------------------5
TX 232 J -------------------2
RX 232 E -------------------3
The following should be set on the COM Port:
Baud Rate: 9600bps
Data bits: 8
Stop bits: 1
Parity: None
HW Control: None
LED Indication
STATUS LED
RED
Power OK, L.O unlocked
GREEN
10MHz LED
RED
GREEN
L.O locked and amplifier functioning normally
No 10MHz reference detected
10MHz reference detected within requirement
Connectors' Pin Assignment
Connector Type Pin # Signal Parameter
J1 "IF IN" F-type female N/A IF Input -0 dBm, max
10 MHz
Ref. IN ±5 dBm
J2 "RF OUT" CPR-112G, CPR-137G,
WR-90G, WR-112G N/A RF Output 43.9 dBm min

Page 11 of 36
INTERFACE_19PIN Connector
X1 (19 pin)
Signal type Signal Name Pin Description
Ethernet RX_P C
Ethernet RX_N P
Ethernet TX_P L
Ethernet TX_N N
GND GND G
RS-422/485 TX_B - H
RS-422/485 TX_A + T
RS-422/485 RX_B - F
RS-422/485 RX_A + S
RS-422/485/232 GND RS_GND G
RS-232 TX_RS-232 J
RS-232 RX_RS-232 E
Control - TTL /MUTE_IN M To Mute short Pin M & Pin V
Monitor - TTL ALARM_IZ B Summary Fault -Alarm - TTL
Low
Monitor - Analog (0 to 5V) P_OUT_OUT D U=4,5V +- 0,5V
- Pmax
Monitor/Control GND WIRE_GND V

Page 12 of 36
10MHz Reference
The BUC must receive a stable external 10MHz reference provided by a stable signal source such as a signal
generator, satellite modem or injected externally with a Bias T (for example, ABT6ARN/ABT6ARF manufactured
by Actox Corporation) or a similar bias T type.
Please make sure to check the sticker on the BUC for the appropriate power source before any power
connections are performed.
Powered via IF 15-60VDC
The unit is powered through a coaxial N or F-type connector (which is included with the BUC) by an
external minimum 87W 24VDC or 48VDC power supply source.
Setting the L.O.
Switchable L.O. is mechanically changed by unscrewing the L.O. screw and pressing it in
with any small object such as toothpick. If the BUC is equipped with M&C interface, the
L.O. could be switching electronically with the appropriate M&C command.
Setting the TX and RX Frequencies
All transmit and receive frequencies are set in the modem.
For a direct connection to an L-band modem follow the manufacturer’s instructions on
setting the transmit and receive frequencies.
Ensure that it is safe to transmit prior to enabling the transmission.

Page 13 of 36
Recommended Test Equipment
The following equipment or equivalent is recommended for installation and system
alignment:
Equipment Type
Spectrum Analyzer HP8563E
Digital Voltmeter Fluke 8050
Adapter Waveguide to coax C or Ku-band
RF cables With calibrated insertion loss up to 15GHz
40 dB attenuator High Power to match HPA output.
Assortment of cables, connectors and adapters (calibrated up to 18 GHz)
Ensure that the BUC TX output power is disabled to prevent accidental transmission interference with
adjacent satellites or transponders before attempting to align or performing any other operation
involving the ODU. Before attempting any system change, carefully evaluate the possible effects of the
transmitted signal.

Page 14 of 36
Table 1 Specification
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
RF frequenc
y
7.9 to 8.4 GHz
Local oscillator 6.95 GHz
IF frequenc
y
950 to 1,450 MHz
Output power 25W
(
+43.9 dBm min.
)
IF connector N-t
y
pe or F-t
y
pe
(
field-exchan
g
eable
)
Power suppl
y
- auto-ran
g
in
g
+15 ~ +60 VDC via IF Connector, 87 W max
Output interface CPR-112G, CPR-137G, WR-90G, WR-112G
Gain 68 dB t
y
p.
IMD3
(
two tones
)
-26 dBc max. 2 si
g
nal 5MHz apart at P-LINEAR
L.O. leaka
g
e -45 dBm max
Spurious -53 dBc max
Spectral regrowth
(QPSK at 1.5x and OQPSK at 1.0x symbol rate .
. offset
with 2dB back-off from rated output power
)
-30 dBc
TX Gain variation
TX Gain stabilit
y
over temperature ran
g
e
± 0.5 dB over 40 MHz
± 1.8 dB over full band
± 1.5 dB t
y
p., ± 1.8 dB max
Requirement for external reference via IF cable
frequenc
y
10 MHz
(
sine-wave
)
input power -5 to +5 dBm
@
input port
Phase noise -55 dBc/Hz max.
@
10 Hz
(Exceeds Intelsat’s standard IESS308/309) -65 dBc/Hz max.
@
100 Hz
-75 dBc/Hz max.
@
1 KHz
-85 dBc/Hz max.
@
10 KHz
-95 dBc/Hz max.
@
100 KHz
-115 dBc/Hz max
@
1 MHz
Noise power density Transmit
Receive -66 dBm/Hz (max)
-157dBm/Hz
(
max
)
Noise fi
g
ure 20 dB max
Input V.S.W.R. 1.5 : 1 max
Output V.S.W.R. 1.5 : 1 max
Mute Shut off the BUC in case of L.O. unlocked
M&C RS-232 and RS-485, Ethernet
FSK Multiplexed on TX IFL, compatible with Comtech . . and Paradi
g
m
Status LED RED
GREEN
10MHz LED
RED
GREEN
Power OK, L.O unlocked
L.O locked and amplifier functioning normally
No 10MHz reference detected
10MHz reference detected within requirement
Tempe
r
ature ran
g
e
(
ambient
)
operatin
g
-40 de
g
C to +55 de
g
C
stora
g
e -55 de
g
C to +85 de
g
C
V
ibration and shock Complies with MIL-STD-810E
Dimensions & housin
g
216.5
(
L
)
x 120
(
W
)
x 87
(
H
)
mm
8.66”
(
L
)
x 4.8”
(
W
)
x 3.48”
(
H
)
Wei
g
ht 2.8 k
g
(
6.17 lbs
)
max

Page 15 of 36
Connections and Mounting Hardware
The IF input connection requires a coaxial cable with an F or N type connector. The RF output requires a
waveguide with a CPR-112G, CPR-137G, WR-90G, WR-112G flat flange. An O-ring shall be used to
seal the waveguide connection.
Assembly and Installation
Use the information in this section as a guide to assemble and install the block up converter. The
specified humidity is up to 100% during operation. However, installation should be carried out in dry
conditions, free of salt spray or excessive humidity. This will eliminate the possibility of moisture and
other foreign substances from entering the output waveguide flange.
Only authorized technical personnel should perform the Installation and
proper electrical hookups of the block up converter.
The block up converter is designed to operate in an outdoor environment and is waterproof when
mounted in the correct orientation. To provide a sufficient airflow, the block up converter should be
mounted with a minimum clearance of 3 inches on all four sides and the bottom. Adequate cooling for
the block up converter will provide years of top performance.

Page 16 of 36
Functional Overview
General
This section describes the block up converter functions in detail. The functional overview explains the
RF amplification, monitor & control and power distribution.
IF/RF Conversion and Amplification
The IF Input requires a signal with a 10MHz reference, and +15 ~ +60 VDC power source. 2-4.5Amps
nominal enters the BUC by a coaxial cable, converted to X-Band by the BUC and goes through an
internal isolator and reject filter, which provides a good VSWR at the input. Under normal operation, the
RF amplifier will amplify the RF Input signal level up to a power level of 43.9 dBm or 25 Watts CW
minimum.
To achieve the rated output power of the RF Amplifier, provide the necessary gain and low insertion loss.
The amplified signal is transmitted through the output waveguide section to a satellite up-link system.
Monitor and Control (optional)
The block up converter may have a RS-485 and RS-232 serial interface. With this option the block up
converter can communicate to the indoor unit or redundancy control block up converter via RS-485 or
RS-232.
The control system can provide the following M&C functions:
BUC Alarm (via RS-485/RS-232): when an input BUC within the block up converter system
current draw is below 0.3A, a BUC alarm signal will be transmitted via the RS-485/RS-232 serial
interface.
Mute Control (via RS-485/RS-232)
Mute Control (via hardware line): TTL high level signal will mute a block up converter
Output Power Monitoring: 20 dB dynamic range (via RS-485/RS-232)
Base Plate Temperature Monitoring (via RS-485/RS-232)

Page 17 of 36
Operation
It shall be performed by authorized personnel prior to maintenance and/or repair.
Procedure
Verify that the installation procedure described was completed. A complete physical check of the
customer’s system is suggested.
The output power available at the output waveguide flange is extremely
hazardous. Under no circumstances should block up converter be
operated without the waveguide feed or a high power load attached. Do
not operate this equipment in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Failure to observe this precaution will result in personal injury. Safe
and careful installation of this block up converter will eliminate the
possibility of accidents and provide years of top performance.
Verify the antenna feed waveguide connection is properly done before the block up converter is
energized.
The block up converter can withstand any source or load VSWR.
However, the block up converter will meet all specification requirements
only if the source/load VSWR is sufficient. Normal operation is not
possible if the antenna feeder VSWR is greater than 2:1.
Turn ON the power and allow a warm up period of twenty minutes before operating the block up
converter. This will assure stable gain and power. The block up converter can function with a coupler
when a direct measurement of the output power is made.

Page 18 of 36
Maintenance
This section contains information on how to maintain, troubleshoot and repair the block up converter. The
block up converter is extremely reliable, requiring very little preventive maintenance, or repair. Should
there be a malfunction, this section also contains technical information to help diagnose basic failures.
Preventive Maintenance
Shut down the block up converter before disassembly and remove all
cables and connectors. Failure to observe this precaution may result in
personal injury or death. This includes the removal of any RF power
originating from other system components.
When the block up converter is in the hot stand-by mode in a redundant system, switch it to the
operation mode at least once every three months.
When the block up converter is in the cold stand-by mode in a redundant system, switch it to the
operation mode at least once every three months.
Block up converter Cooling System Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is limited to checking the performance of the block up converter cooling system.
No electrical or mechanical adjustments are required for normal operation.
.

Page 19 of 36
Performance Check
Verify the system is properly set up.
It is recommended to measure the following parameters for ensuring that the block up converter is in
good working condition:
-Gain and Gain flatness
-RF load VSWR and RF source VSWR
-Two-Tone Inter-modulation Distortion
-Return Loss at connectors of the block up converter
Using a Source and an IF input signal level within the small signal region of the block up converter,
measure the power level at connectors IF or MS connector. Plot the swept response on a test data sheet.
From the plot, determine gain and gain flatness.
Plot the swept return loss for both the IF Input and RF Output signals on a test data sheet. From the plot
determine the return loss.
From the output power measurements determine rated output power. Record value on a test data sheet.
Measure the Two-tone Inter-modulation Suppression using two equal signals separated by 5 MHz.
Record value on test data sheet.
Cable connection and disconnection shall be done carefully to avoid
physical damage to the cables and connectors, which may cause
intermittent problems in the future.
A non-warranty and out-of-warranty repair service is available from Actox Corporation for a nominal
charge. The customer is responsible for paying the cost of shipping the BUC both to and from Actox
Corporation for these repairs.
Symptom Action
Fails performance test Check power source, RF source, cabling and connectors. Check LED indicators for
status and if the light is red contact Actox Corporation. If we are not able to assist
you remotely, return block up converter to Actox Corporation after RMA number
has been issued.

Page 20 of 36
Appendix 1
Mechanical Drawing