Axcera 430B User manual

FCC TYPE ACCEPTANCE REPORT
430B
1000 WATT HIGH-BAND
VHF TRANSMITTER
AXCERA, LLC
103 FREEDOM DRIVE P.O. BOX 525 LAWRENCE, PA 15055-0525 USA
[phone] •FAX [phone]
www.axcera.com •[email protected]

Axcera-430B FCC Type Acceptance Report Table of Contents
February 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 ID LABEL/LOCATION INFO
1.1 Front Panel FCC Label...................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Rear Panel Manufacturer's Label......................................................... 1-1
1.3 Front view, Axcera-430B Transmitter w/FCC Label................................. 1-2
1.4 Rear view, Axcera-430B Transmitter w/Manufacturer's Label ................... 1-2
CHAPTER 2 EXTERNAL PHOTOS
2.1 Front view, complete Axcera-430B Transmitter..................................... 2-1
2.2 Rear view, Axcera-430B Transmitter (rear top of cabinet)....................... 2-2
2.3 Rear view, Axcera-430B Transmitter (rear bottom of cabinet).................. 2-3
2.4 Output Bandpass Filter..................................................................... 2-4
CHAPTER 3 SCHEMATICS
CHAPTER 4 TEST REPORT
4.1 RF Power Measurements................................................................... 4-1
4.2 Modulation Characteristics................................................................ 4-2
4.2.1 Video Modulation.................................................................... 4-2
4.2.2 Video Envelope Delay.............................................................. 4-3
4.2.3 Video Noise ........................................................................... 4-3
4.2.4 Video Frequency Response....................................................... 4-3
4.2.5 RF Sideband Response ............................................................ 4-4
4.2.6 Audio Modulation.................................................................... 4-6
4.2.7 AM and FM Noise.................................................................... 4-7
4.3 Occupied Bandwidth ........................................................................ 4-7
4.4 Conducted Spurious Emissions........................................................... 4-9
4.5 Radiated Emissions.........................................................................4-10
4.6 Frequency Stability.........................................................................4-12
4.7 Automatic Level Control Test ............................................................4-15
4.8 Test Equipment .............................................................................4-16
CHAPTER 5 USER'S MANUAL
CHAPTER 6 INTERNAL PHOTOS
6.1 Top view, Exciter Tray...................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Top view, 600-watt Amplifier Tray ..................................................... 6-2
CHAPTER 7 PARTS LIST/TUNE-UP INFO
7.1 Parts List ...................................................................................... 7-1
7.2 Tune-up Information ....................................................................... 7-1
7.2.1 High-Band VHF Exciter Tray with Baseband Video and Audio ........... 7-2
7.2.2 VHF Exciter Tray with the 4.5-MHz Composite Input Kit ................ 7-2
7.2.3 VHF Exciter Tray with either Baseband or 4.5-MHz Composite Input 7-3
7.2.4 IF Phase Corrector Adjustment.................................................. 7-4
7.2.5 Linearity Corrector Adjustment.................................................. 7-4
7.2.6 Phase and Gain Adjustment of the VHF Amplifier Trays................. 7-5
7.2.7 Calibration of the Forward Output Power Level of the Transmitter..... 7-6

Axcera-430B FCC Type Acceptance Report Table of Contents
February 2004
7.2.8 Calibration of the Reflected Output Level of the Transmitter............ 7-6
7.2.9 2-Way Combiner Assembly ...................................................... 7-6
7.2.10 Bandpass Filter Assemblies ..................................................... 7-7
7.2.11 VHF High-Band Amplifier Trays ............................................... 7-7
7.2.11.1AGC Control Board ....................................................... 7-7
7.2.11.2Phase Shifter Board ...................................................... 7-8
7.2.11.3 VHF Filter/Amplifier Board............................................. 7-8
7.2.11.4 High-Band VHF Driver Pallet .......................................... 7-8
7.2.11.5 Overdrive Protection Board............................................ 7-8
7.2.11.6 High-Band VHF Amplifier Pallet....................................... 7-8
7.2.11.7 3-Way Splitter Board.................................................... 7-8
7.2.11.8 VHF Amplifier Pallets.................................................... 7-8
7.2.11.9 3-Way Combiner Board.................................................. 7-9
7.2.11.10 Calibration of Visual+Aural Output Power & VSWR Cutback.7-9
7.2.12 Board Level Alignment Procedures..........................................7-11
7.2.12.1 (Optional) 4.5-MHz Composite Input Kit..........................7-11
7.2.12.2 Delay Equalizer Board ..................................................7-11
7.2.12.3 Composite 4.5-MHz Filter Board .....................................7-11
7.2.12.4 (Optional) 4.5-MHz Bandpass Filter Board ........................7-12
7.2.12.5 IF Carrier Oven Oscillator Board .....................................7-12
7.2.12.6 Sync Tip Clamp/Modulator Board....................................7-12
7.2.12.7 Aural IF Synthesizer Board, 4.5 MHz ...............................7-14
7.2.12.8 ALC Board (Part 1 of 2) ................................................7-15
7.2.12.9 IF Phase Corrector Board ..............................................7-16
7.2.12.10 ALC Board, NTSC (Part 2 of 2)......................................7-16
7.2.12.11 Channel Oscillator Board, Dual Oven..............................7-17
7.2.12.12 FSK Identifier Board with EEPROM.................................7-18
7.2.12.13 IF Attenuator Board ...................................................7-18
7.2.12.14 x4 Multiplier Board.....................................................7-18
7.2.12.15 VHF Filter/Mixer Board................................................7-19
7.2.12.16 High-Band VHF Filter/Amplifier Board.............................7-19
CHAPTER 8 OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTION -MODEL Axcera-430B
8.1 General Description ......................................................................... 8-1
8.2 Technical Specifications.................................................................... 8-1
8.3 Performance Specifications................................................................ 8-1
8.4 System Overview............................................................................ 8-3
8.5 Control and Status .......................................................................... 8-4
8.5.1 Exciter Tray........................................................................... 8-5
8.5.2 VHF High Band Amplifier Tray ................................................... 8-8
8.6 Input and Remote Connections.......................................................... 8-9
8.7 AC Input ......................................................................................8-12
CHAPTER 9 CERTIFICATION OF TEST DATA

Axcera-430B FCC Type Acceptance Report ID Label/Location Info
February 2004 1-1
1. ID LABEL/LOCATION INFO
1.1 Front Panel FCC Label
1.2Rear Panel Manufacturer’s Label

Axcera-430B FCC Type Acceptance Report ID Label/Location Info
February 2004 1-2
1.3 Front view, Axcera-430B Transmitter with FCC ID Label
1.4Rear view, Axcera-430B Transmitter with Manufacturer’s Label

Axcera-430B FCC Type Acceptance Report External Photos
February 2004 2-1
2. EXTERNAL PHOTOS
2.1 Front view, complete Axcera-430B Transmitter

Axcera-430B FCC Type Acceptance Report External Photos
February 2004 2-2
2.2 Rear view, Axcera-430B Transmitter (rear top of cabinet)

Axcera-430B FCC Type Acceptance Report External Photos
February 2004 2-3
2.3 Rear view, Axcera-430B Transmitter (rear bottom of cabinet)

Axcera-430B FCC Type Acceptance Report External Photos
February 2004 2-4
2.4 Output Bandpass Filter Assembly

Axcera-430B FCC Type Acceptance Report Schematics
February 2004 3-1
3. SCHEMATICS
The schematics for the Axcera-430B system are provided as separate PDF files.

Axcera-430B Type Acceptance Report Test Report
February 2004 4-1
4. TEST REPORT
4.1 RF Power Measurements
Figure 4-1 shows the test equipment setup for the RF power measurements.
Figure 4-1. Test Equipment Setup for RF Power Measurements
The video modulation was adjusted for 25% with sync and blanking video signals and
the aural power was turned off. The power was then adjusted to obtain 600 watts of
average visual RF output (1000 watts peak sync at the output connector). This level was
used to establish a reference on the spectrum analyzer.
Next, the aural power was turned on and adjusted to 10 dB below the visual power. The
following operating parameters were recorded:
Peak Visual Power:/100%=1000 Watts Aural Power:/100%=100 Watts
continuous wave (CW)
Reflected Power: <1%
LO
Tektronix
TSG95
Video
Generator
Transmitter
Under Test
Bird
Model 43
Power Meter
Bird
50 Ohm
Termination
Video
Input
RF
Output
Splitter
Tektronix 1350
Demodulator
IF Input
Tektronix VM700T
Video
Measurement
Test Set
Video
Narda
Directional
Coupler
TEK Sideband
Adapter
TEK
Spectrum
Analyzer
HP 8594E
Spectrum
Analyzer
RF

Axcera-430B Type Acceptance Report Test Report
February 2004 4-2
4.2 Modulation Characteristics
4.2.1 Video Modulation
The test setup shown in Figure 4-1 was used to adjust the video signal to obtain a white
picture level. Using the Tektronix 1350 demodulator chopper function, the modulation
was accurately measured to be 87.5% while maintaining a depth of modulation at
blanking.
Next, the video was adjusted for modulated staircase and the differential phase and gain
were measured and recorded as follows:
•Differential phase: +/-1.8°
•Differential gain :2.5%
Figure 4-2 shows the substantially linear transfer characteristics of the transmitter as a
demodulated video waveform.
Figure 4-2. Substantially Linear Transfer Characteristics of the Transmitter as a
Demodulated Video Waveform

Axcera-430B Type Acceptance Report Test Report
February 2004 4-3
4.2.2 Video Envelope Delay
Using the test setup in Figure 4-1, the envelope delay was measured and the data
recorded as shown in Table 4-1. A sinx/x test pattern was used.
Table 4-1. Envelope Delay Measurements
VIDEO FREQUENCY
(kHz) DELAY (ns)
200 -1
500 +41
1000 +11
1500 +5
2000 -2
2500 +16
3000 +49
3500 -135
3580 -158
4000 -350
4180 -428
4.2.3 Video Noise
The test setup in Figure 4-1 was used to observe the video on the waveform monitor.
The video was set for 1 volt peak-to-peak. The noise was observed to be less than 8 mV
peak-to-peak on one step of the 5-step staircase. This is a video-to-peak noise ratio of
125=42 dB or, using the standard conversion factor of peak to RMS noise of 14 dB,
about 64 dB S:N rms.
Observing the video at the field rate on the waveform monitor, the low-frequency noise
(AC line related) was observed to be approximately 6 mv peak-to-peak or 2.1 mv rms
(using the sinusoidal conversion of AC peak-to-peak to rms for a low-frequency S:N rms
of about 62 dB).
4.2.4 Video Frequency Response
The test setup shown in Figure 4-1 was used to record the detected video frequency
response; the results are shown in Table 4-2 and Figure 4-3.
Note: For this test, the video signal was adjusted to provide a 50% average
picture level and the video sweep signal level was set to cover the range from
black to white picture.

Axcera-430B Type Acceptance Report Test Report
February 2004 4-4
Table 4-2. Detected Video Frequency Response
VIDEO FREQUENCY RELATIVE RESPONSE
200 kHz +2 dB
500 kHz 0 dB
750 kHz 0 dB
1.0 MHz +0.1 dB
1.25 MHz 0 dB
1.5 MHz 0 dB
2.0 MHz +0.2 dB
2.5 MHz +0.4 dB
3.0 MHz 0 dB
3.5 MHz +0.3 dB
3.58 MHz +0.1 dB
4.0 MHz +1.0 dB
4.18 MHz -1.0 dB
4.5 MHz -20 dB
4.75 MHz -30 dB
5.0 MHz -44 dB
Figure 4-3. Graph of Detected Video Frequency Response
4.2.5 RF Sideband Response
The RF sideband response was recorded using the test setup shown in Figure 4-1. With
the output power set to 1000 watts peak of sync, the Tektronix TSG95 video generator
was adjusted to provide a cable sweep test signal and the RF sideband response was
recorded. Data from this test is provided in Table 4-3.
Photographs of the spectrum analyzer results are shown in Figure 4-4.

Axcera-430B Type Acceptance Report Test Report
February 2004 4-5
Table 4-3. RF Sideband Response
OUTPUT FREQUENCY
(MHz) VIDEO FREQUENCY RESPONSES
175.25 Carrier --
175.45 +200 KHz 0 (reference)
175.50 +250 -1.0
175.75 +500 -4.0
176.00 +750 -4.1
176.25 +1000 -4.0
177.25 +2000 -4.0
178.25 +3000 -4.4
179.25 +4000 -4.0
179.75 +4500 -9
180.00 +4750 -24
180.25 +5000 -50
175.00 -250 -0.5
174.75 -500 -4.0
174.50 -750 -4.6
174.25 -1000 -10.5
174.00 -1250 -24.5
173.75 -1500 -34
173.50 -1750 -35
173.25 -2000 -36
172.25 -3000 -48
171.67 -3580 -54
171.25 -4000 -56
170.25 -5000 -64
181.00 +5750 -64
Figure 4-4. Spectrum Analyzer Results

Axcera-430B Type Acceptance Report Test Report
February 2004 4-6
4.2.6 Audio Modulation
The FM deviation and distortion was measured using the test setup shown in Figure 4-5.
Figure 4-5. Test Setup for Measuring FM Deviation and Distortion
The results of measuring the FM deviation and distortion are shown in Table 4-4.
Table 4-4. Results of FM Deviation and Distortion Measurements
AUDIO
FREQUENCY
DEVIATION
6.25-KHz
DISTORTION
DEVIATION
12.5-KHz
DISTORTION
DEVIATION
25-KHz
DISTORTION
DEVIATION
40-KHz
DISTORTION
100 Hz 0.25% 0.12% 0.09% 0.06%
1000 Hz 0.28% 0.15% 0.09% 0.07%
5000 Hz 0.31% 0.16% 0.12% 0.09%
15000 Hz 0.39% 0.23% 0.24% 0.12%
While maintaining ±25-KHz deviation, the audio input frequency and level were varied
and the response was recorded. The results are shown in Table 4-5.
Table 4-5. Results of Varying the Audio Input Frequency and Level
AUDIO FREQUENCY RESPONSE
(RELATIVE TO 100 Hz)
50 Hz -0.1 dB
100 Hz 0
400 Hz +0.2 dB
1000 Hz +1.1 dB
2000 Hz +2.9 dB
5000 Hz +8.0 dB
10000 Hz +13.5 dB
15000 Hz +16.6 dB
Tektronix
TSG95
Video
Generator
Transmitter
Under Test Coupler
50 Ohm
Load
Video
Input
Amber 3501 Dist.
Analyzer/Audio
Signal Generator
Audio Output
Amber 3501
Audio
Generator
Audio
Input
RF
HP 8901A
Modulation
Analyzer

Axcera-430B Type Acceptance Report Test Report
February 2004 4-7
Note: The HP modulation analyzer provides a calibrated audio output level that is
suitable for determining the FM deviation. De-emphasis can be switched on or
off for this measurement; it was switched off for the purposes of these tests. For
the distortion measurements, the de-emphasis was switched on (pursuant to
73.687.b.3[I] of the FCC rules).
4.2.7 AM and FM Noise
The AM noise and the FM noise were recorded using the test setup shown in Figure
4-5.
Dotted lines were used for the AM tests and solid lines were used for the FM tests with
the following results:
•AM noise: -56 dB
•FM noise: -69 dB
4.3Occupied Bandwidth
Using the test setup in Figure 4-6, with the transmitter operating at maximum power,
photographs of the transmitter-occupied bandwidth spectrum were taken and are shown
in Figures 4-7 and 4-8.
Figure 4-6. Test Setup for Occupied Bandwidth Spectrum Analysis
Note: Using the test setup shown in Figure 4-1, the visual modulation was
adjusted to 87.5% at white with the modulated staircase waveform and the
aural deviation adjusted to ±±25 kHz (100%) with the 400-Hz audio tone.
TEK
S/B Adp.
Transmitter
Under
Test
30 dB
Attenuator
TEK
Spectrum Analyzer
Amber 3501
Audio Signal
Generator
VIDEO
LO
Audio Input
15 kHz Audio
20 dB
Attenuator

Axcera-430B Type Acceptance Report Test Report
February 2004 4-8
Figure 4-7. Channel-Occupied Bandwidth
Figure 4-8. Aural Carrier-Occupied Bandwidth

Axcera-430B Type Acceptance Report Test Report
February 2004 4-9
4.4 Conducted Spurious Emissions
Using the test setup shown in Figure 4.1, the spectrum outside of the specified channel
was observed and the data was recorded on all products above the 70-dB noise floor of
the spectrum analyzer. This data is shown in Table 4-6 and is presented as graphs in
Figures 4-9 and 4-10.
Table 4-6. Products Above the 70-dB Noise Floor of the Spectrum Analyzer
FREQUENCY (MHz) SOURCE PEAK LEVEL
OBSERVED (dB)
266.75 Image Visual Carrier None observed
262.25 Image Aural Carrier None observed
221.00 Local Oscillator None observed
166.25 -9-MHz Product None observed
170.75 -4.5-MHz Product -69
179.75 Aural Carrier -10
175.25 Visual Carrier 0
182.45 +7.2-MHz Product None observed
186.05 +10.8-MHz Product None observed
184.25 +9-MHz Product None observed
183.33 +8.08-MHz Product None observed
180.67 +5.42-MHz Product -60
171.67 -3.58-MHz Product None observed
359.50 Second Harmonic-Aural Carrier None observed
350.50 Second Harmonic-Visual
Carrier None observed
539.25 Third Harmonic-Aural Carrier None observed
525.75 Third Harmonic-Visual Carrier None observed
Figure 4-9. Products Above the 70-dB Noise Floor of the Spectrum
Analyzer (1 of 2)

Axcera-430B Type Acceptance Report Test Report
February 2004 4-10
Figure 4-10. Products Above the 70-dB Noise Floor of the Spectrum
Analyzer (2 of 2)
4.5 Radiated Emissions
Using the test setup shown in Figure 4-11, with the transmitter operating at full
power, the spectrum analyzer was moved 20 meters from the transmitter and connected
to a dipole antenna cut to 175 MHz. This antenna was oriented to maximize the received
level and the data was recorded. The antenna was then cut to the local oscillator
frequency and the second and third harmonic frequencies of the transmitter, and all of
the signals received, were maximized by antenna orientation and their absolute levels
were recorded.
With these various antennas, and with an adjustable length dipole for 40 to 650 MHz,
the frequency spectrum from 40 MHz to 13,000 MHz was observed. The only measurable
levels observed were at 175.25 MHz and 179.75 MHz. These levels are shown below in
Table 4-8 and an analysis of the relative field and strength is provided in the following
paragraphs.
Table 4-8. Measurable Levels Observed in Frequency Spectrum
FREQUENCY MEASURED LEVEL
(INTO 50 ΩΩ )
175.25 -36 dBm
179.75 -51 dBm
The spectrum analyzer had a maximum sensitivity of -110 dBm during these tests.