Cable AML OAR02-010 Manual

Cable AML
Installation
and
Maintenance
Manual
Outdoor Active Repeater
Model: OAR02-010

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INSTALLATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
for
Outdoor Active Repeater
Model: OAR02-010
Cable AML, Inc.
2271 W 205th St STE 101
Torrance, California 90501-1449
USA
TEL [phone] or [phone]
FAX [phone]
Copyright ©2006 Cable AML, Inc.
www.cableaml.com
IM456213-10 Rev – 20060623

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – i
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Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 1
2.0 CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................... 5
2.1 Low Noise Amplifier and AGC Circuit.............................................................................5
2.2 Power Amplifier..............................................................................................................5
2.3 Monitoring and Diagnostic Circuits.................................................................................6
2.4 Power Supply Circuits....................................................................................................6
3.0 INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Unpacking ......................................................................................................................9
3.2 Input Voltage Requirements...........................................................................................9
3.3 Installation......................................................................................................................9
3.4 Connections ...................................................................................................................9
4.0 OPERATION.......................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Output Level Setting / Antenna Alignment ...................................................................12
4.2 Ambient Conditions......................................................................................................12
4.3 Thermal Sensor Switch................................................................................................12
5.0 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................... 14
5.1 Maintenance.................................................................................................................14
5.2 External Troubleshooting .............................................................................................14
5.3 Internal Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................14
6.0 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................. 16

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – iii
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure Page
Figure 1. OAR02-010 Repeater.................................................................................... 2
Figure 2. OAR02-010 System Block Diagram. ........................................................... 3
Figure 3. OAR02-010 Repeater Chassis Layout......................................................... 7
Figure 4. OAR02-010 Mounted To Antenna Pole..................................................... 10
Figure 5. Connector Points On Bottom Panel of Unit............................................. 11
LIST OF TABLES
Figure Page
Table 1. Repeater Diagnostics Using The Cable AML DTB-1 Test Box................. 14

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456313-05 Rev – 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The OAR02-010 repeater is a solid-state broadband multi-channel linear amplifier
designed to operate as an on-frequency repeater in the ITFS/MMDS/OFS frequency band
of 2.5 GHz to 2.686 GHz. The function of the repeater is to amplify a microwave input
signal for re-transmission at the same frequency but at higher power.
The repeater is comprised of a low noise pre-amplifier followed by a power amplifier, the
function of which is to amplify the signal to the maximum level consistent with the C/CTB
(Carrier to Composite Triple Beat) specification.
The per-channel output power of the unit decreases as the number of channels at the
input increases, so as to ensure that the output CTB distortion stays within specification.
This is accomplished by setting the AGC circuit to the correct value.
The power amplifier includes an output RF detector that serves an indicator of the total
average power output of the repeater. This amplifier is protected from failure by
overheating by an external temperature sensor. The sensor circuit automatically switches
off the amplifier input power when the amplifier temperature exceeds 158°F (70°C).
The repeater operates at 120/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz or 60 VAC. The microwave modules
are powered from a 12 volt 8.3 amp power supply.
To facilitate operational monitoring and diagnostics, the repeater has two internal
microwave-to-VHF downconverters, one connected to a sample of the repeater’s input
and to the output. The downconverted input and output signals can be continuously
monitored with a Field Strength Meter or a TV set without interruption of service.
The OAR02-010 transmitter consists of four assemblies (refer to Figure 2):
1. Input LNA and AGC Assembly - Input signal is band passed and fed to a Low
Noise Amplifier (LNA) with an internal microwave pin diode attenuator. It’s
purpose is to minimize the repeater noise figure (and thus obtain the best
Carrier to Noise Ratio) by providing enough gain to compensate for the losses
of circuit elements in front of the power amplifier. The Composite AGC Module
feeds the pin diode in the LNA. The purpose of the AGC is to maintain
constant average output power with varying channel loads or fades. The AGC
is implemented by a feedback loop comprised of an RF detector with an output
voltage proportional to the total average power at the repeater output. This
voltage is amplified in the Composite AGC module and then fed to the voltage
controlled pin attenuator in the LNA.
2. Power Amplifier - Input signal is amplified to a maximum level consistent with
the Carrier to Composite Triple Beat (C/CTB) specification by a state of the art
GaAs FET microwave power amplifier. The power amplifier is protected from
failure due to overheating by an external temperature sensor. The sensor
circuit automatically switches off the amplifier’s input power when the amplifier
temperature exceeds 158°F (70°C).
3. Monitoring and Diagnostic Circuits - The input and output signal can be
monitored via two ‘F’ connectors. The signals are downconverted to VHF thru
two internal downconverters. These VHF signals can then be measured with a
Field Strength Meter or a TV set. Diagnostic DC voltages can also be
continuously monitored via a 15-pin connector on the bottom of the repeater.

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456313-05 Rev – 2
This connector is designed to interface with the "DTB-1" test box. If a standard
multi-meter is used instead of a committed test box a mating connector is
required. The U.S. Military part number for the required mating connector is
MS3116F14-15S. A commercial part number is (Bendix) PTO6F14-15S.
Contact Cable AML if further help is needed.
4. Power Supply Circuits – 120,240VAC or 60 VAC is applied to a 100 Watt,
auto ranging, AC to DC converter to produce the 12 Volts required by the
repeater circuits.
Complete specifications are listed in Section 6. Details of Installation, Operation, Circuit
Description, and Maintenance & Troubleshooting are described in Sections 2 through 5.
Figure 1. OAR02-010 Repeater.

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456313-05 Rev – 3
P2
81101-001
65101-001
DIAGNOSTICS
REMOTE MONITOR
AGC
VOLTS
+12VDC
RF OUT
GND
K
D
N
F
L
M
B
C
H
G
RF IN
2500-2686 MHz
-50dBm/ch Nominal
POWER SUPPLY
12VDC @ 8.3 AMPS
BPF
AGC
RF OUT
2500-2686 MHz
31 CHANNELS
11.0 dBm/CH
10 dB
xx
LNA w/ ATTENUATOR
30 dB
XX
40 dB
GND
84311-006
6 dB PAD
431080-01
87158-001
87323-013 87102-210
87103-221
87336-002
POWER AMP
G=55 dB
87103-223 87102-230
84311-040
82003-022
83523-100
82000-005
Set for 15 dB of AGC
+12 VDC
--
POWER SUPPLY
24VDC @ 0.7 AMPS
83501-008
A82009-025
SURGE
PROTECTOR
AC HIGH
AC LOW
AC GND
120 or 240 VAC
3A Slo-Blo
B
C
84030-102
LINE IN
NEUTRAL IN
GND IN
LINE 1 OUT
LINE 2 OUT
NEUTRAL 1 OUT
NEUTRAL 1 OUT
GND OUT
24VDC TO DNC
AND F CONNECTOR
MMDS
DNC
87331-001
PWR
INSERT
87331-101 24VDC
INPUT
MONITOR
222 - 408 MHz
24VDC OUTPUT
MONITOR
222 - 408 MHz
RF
SAMPLE
RF INPUT
FERRITE OUT
+12 VDC TO POWER AMP
32 dB
MMDS
DNC
87331-001
PWR
INSERT
87331-101
THERMOSTAT
83601-005
ECN # REV DATE
SHEET OF
SCALE
DRAWING NO.
DATEAPPROVED BY:
REV.
SIZE
DATEDRAWN BY:
TITLE
COMPANY
CABLE AML, INC. Torrance, California, USA
1 1-
HCK 10-05-05
456213-10
OAR02-010 BLOCK DIAGRAM
-- --
Figure 2. OAR02-010 System Block Diagram.

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – 4
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Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – 5
2.0 CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The OAR02-010 Repeater consists of the following circuits or modules:
1. Input low noise amplifier (LNA) and AGC circuit.
2. Power Amplifier
3. Monitoring and Diagnostic Circuits.
4. Power Supply Circuits.
Microwave isolators and filters are used as necessary to ensure the stability and purity of
transmitted signals.
2.1 Low Noise Amplifier and AGC Circuit
The input signal to the repeater is amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA). The purpose of
the amplifier is to minimize the repeater noise figure (and thus obtain the best possible
output Carrier to Noise ratio) by providing enough gain to compensate for the losses of the
circuit elements in front of the power amplifiers (filters, attenuators, etc.).
The Microwave AGC Circuit consists of an AGC driver circuit and the microwave voltage
controlled attenuator included in the input LNA.
The repeater's output signal is sampled and fed to the AGC circuit, where it is detected by
a coaxial tunnel diode detector. The detector output is then amplified and conditioned to
drive the LNA attenuator.
The microwave detector is temperature compensated to minimize output level variation
with temperature.
The AGC module has one switch and three adjustments.
The AGC/MGC switch located near the middle of the module has three positions:
1. AGC. In this position the microwave AGC is on.
2. OFF. In this position the attenuation is at a minimum.
3. MGC. In this position the Manual AGC is on.
The three adjustments are as follows:
1. The "AGC ADJUST" is a potentiometer that adjusts the AGC threshold voltage.
2. The "MGC ADJUST" is a potentiometer that controls the microwave attenuation
when the switch is in the MGC position.
The "DETECTOR BALANCE" is a potentiometer that allows you to set the voltage at the
detector test point to zero when there is no input signal.
2.2 Power Amplifier
The power amplifier is powered by +12 VDC. The temperature of the power amplifier is
controlled by a heat sink. The gain of the amplifier is 55 dB and the current draw is 4.5 A.

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – 6
2.3 Monitoring and Diagnostic Circuits
Certain test points in the repeater can be monitored externally at the DC Monitor output
connector . The output connector, identified in Section 3, is designed for use with the
Cable AML DTB-1 test box or the digital WRM-2. The test points and corresponding
connector pin locations are shown in Figure 5.
The parameters that are monitored are DC voltages of:
1. AGC volts (Pin N)
2. +12VDC power source (Pin L)
3. RF OUT (Pin M)
Note that test boxes configured for transmitters do not normally measure AGC voltage,
which is one of the diagnostic voltages for this repeater. The DTB-1 test box settings to
read the diagnostic signals are shown in Table 1.
2.4 Power Supply Circuits
The repeater can be operated with an input voltage of either 120 or 240 VAC. The AC
input voltage is applied to the AC-to-DC converter through a fuse and a thermal switch
mounted near the Power Amplifier, which opens if the temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
+12 VDC is used to power all the repeater circuits

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – 7
Figure 3. OAR02-010 Repeater Chassis Layout.
Composite AGC
Module
Output MMDS
Downconverter
Power
Amplifier
Surge
Protector
+24VDC
Power Supply
Input MMDS
Downconverter
LNA with
AGC Circuit
+12VDC Power
Supply

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – 8
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Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – 9
3.0 INSTALLATION
3.1 Unpacking
Check the packing list with the shipment for actual parts shipped and verify that the correct
material has been received before discarding the packing materials. Inspect shipment for
obvious damage. If any is suspected notify Cable AML and the shipper before proceeding
with installation of the equipment.
3.2 Input Voltage Requirements
The repeater can operate at either 120, 240 or 60 VAC, 50/60 Hz depending upon
customer requirement. This option is specified by customer request, and each unit is
shipped according to this specification.
3.3 Installation
The OAR02-010 repeater is designed to be mounted on an antenna pole. The repeater
enclosure is connected to two support angles. The support angles in turn are connected
to the pole with U-bolts, as illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5. The OAR02-010 is
mounted to the pole such that the multi-pin connectors (shown in Figure 5) face the
ground.
3.4 Connections
Operating Connections
RF Output - The repeater's output connector on the right side is type N coaxial, to which
the output cable to the transmit antenna is connected.
RF Input - The repeater's input connector on the left side is type N coaxial to which the
RF input is connected.
Power - AC input power connection is made to a 10’ long neoprene jacketed cable. The
electrical wiring convention follows US standards.
•The black wire is the hot or main lead.
•The white wire is the neutral lead.
•The green wire is the ground or earth lead.
•If using 60 VAC, the cable size supplying voltage to the Repeater must be
large enough to carry 6 amps.
Diagnostic Connections
Diagnostic connections, not essential to the normal operation of the repeater, are made at
the 15 pin connector on the side next to the input power connector.
DC Diagnostics - The DC diagnostic functions are available at the "Monitor" multi-pin
connector on the side panel. These connectors are designed to interface with the Cable
AML DTB-1 Digital Test Box. If a standard multi-meter is used instead, a mating connector

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – 10
is required. The U.S. Military part number for the required mating connector is
MS3116F14-
Figure 4. OAR02-010 Mounted To Antenna Pole.

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – 11
Figure 5. Connector Points On Bottom Panel of Unit.

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – 12
4.0 OPERATION
The OAR02-010 requires no adjustments other than the total gain for a given input signal
level. To properly operate the repeater, simply apply the required AC power and
microwave input signal. The OAR02-010 repeater can be equipped to operate on either
120 or 240 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz. This option is specified by customer request, and each
unit is shipped according to this specification.
The required output power is achieved by adjusting the AGC until the output level
appropriate to the number of channels is achieved. This is accomplished by first adjusting
the receive antenna for maximum output signal (as measured at the output of the test
input VHF monitor), then adjusting the AGC set-point for the required output level in
accordance with the specifications.
IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO CHANGE OR ADJUST THE TRANSMITTER OUTPUT
LEVEL UNLESS THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE NUMBER OF INPUT
CHANNELS OR OTHER SYSTEM PARAMETERS.
4.1 Output Level Setting / Antenna Alignment
This operation requires field strength meter.
With the field strength meter attached to the “ INPUT MONITOR”, align the antenna until
you receive the maximum VHF signal. Use the table 6.0 in the OAR02-010 data sheet to
verify the calculated input to actual input.
Move the field strength meter to the “OUTPUT MONITOR” and verify the actual measured
VHF data to the data sheet. The AGC voltage should also correspond.
4.2 Ambient Conditions
The OAR02-010 repeater is designed to operate outdoors in a variable temperature
environment. An external cooling heat sink maintains component temperatures at
desirable levels when ambient conditions described in Section 6 of this manual are met.
4.3 Thermal Sensor Switch
To protect the power amplifier from overheating a temperature sensor automatically cuts
off AC input to the amplifier when the temperature exceeds a factory set threshold of 158
degrees F.

Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – 13
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Outdoor Broadband Repeater – Model: OAR02-010
IM456213-10 Rev – 14
5.0 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING
5.1 Maintenance
Maintenance is not normally required for the OAR02-010 after initial installation. However,
input AGC and output power levels should be measured periodically and adjustments
made if necessary.
The output power level should be measured and adjusted as described in Section 4. The
input AGC attenuation should be verified before making significant adjustments in the
repeater. If the input AGC attenuation is correct and the repeater output cannot be set
properly, external troubleshooting is necessary as described in the next section.
5.2 External Troubleshooting
In the event of low or no output from the transmitter first verify the following:
1. AC power input. If no power, check the line fuse.
2. +12 VDC out of power supply.
3. Microwave AGC Volts
Nominal values for the above tests are in the system data manual.
If these items are found acceptable, check the DC diagnostics with a test box. Table 1
lists expected values for each function.
Table 1. Repeater Diagnostics Using The Cable AML DTB-1 Test Box.
Repeater Function Mode Selector Dial Position Expected*
Readings (Volts)
+12 VDC Supply Transmitter +12v +12 ± 0.5
Detected Power Out Transmitter Power Out 1.0 To 3.0 VDC
AGC Volts Receiver VHF AGC 0 To 10
* Approximate. See Data Manual for exact values.
** Depends on power output and channel loading. See transmitter data sheet for actual reading.
5.3 Internal Troubleshooting
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT INTERNAL TROUBLESHOOTING BE
LIMITED TO PERSONNEL SKILLED IN MAINTENANCE OF
MICROWAVE TRANSMITTERS OR RECEIVERS.