Cable-Tronix CTA-30-870AR User manual

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INSTALLATION MANUAL
CTA-30-870AR
2-Way Wall Mount Distribution Amplifier

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PACKAGE CONTENTS
This package contains:
One CTA-30-870AR Wall Mount Distribution Amplifier
One wall power supply
One CTA-30-870AR Installation Manual
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The CTA-30-870AR distribution amplifier is a high quality push-pull amplifier producing signals
with extremely low distortion and harmonic content. The forward bandwidth makes possible
135-channel operation while the two-way configuration allows the amplifier to be used in systems
that utilize remote signal sources on the return path.
SPECIFICATIONS
CTA-30-870AR
Two-Way Wall Mount Distribution Amplifier Specifications (Typical)
RF
Forward Path
1. Bandwidth
54-870 MHz (forward path)
2. Forward Gain
30 dB
3. Gain Adjust Range
0 – 10 dB variable
4. Flatness
±1 dB maximum (54-870MHz)
5. Tilt Control Range
10 dB
6. Noise Figure
6 dB (54-550MHz), 4 dB (550-870 MHz)
7. Return Loss
-14 dB (54-550 MHz), -12 dB (550-870 MHz)
8. Input Level
45 dBmV@ 67.25 MHz
9. Impedance – Input/Output
75Ω
Return Path
10. Bandwidth
5-42 MHz
11. Gain
20 dB
12. Flatness
±0.5 dB
13. Gain Control Range
10 dB
14. Return Loss
-15 dB
15. Input Level
55 dBmV@ 36 MHz
GENERAL
1.Power Requirements
Input 100-240 VAC, 50-60Hz, Output 24 VDC, 1A
2.Operating Temperature
32 ˚F ~ 122 ˚F
3.Connectors
All "F" Type
MECHANICAL
1.Dimensions
9" (W) x 5.4" (H) x 2” (D)
2.Weight
3 lbs

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INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
1. UNPACKING and HANDLING
Each unit is shipped with all equipment assembled, and factory tested.
Ensure that all accessories are removed from the container before discarding packing material
2. MECHANICAL INSPECTION
Inspect the front and rear of the equipment for shipping damage. Make sure the equipment is
clean, and no connectors are broken, damaged, or loose. If equipment appears to be
damaged or defective please contact us at 1-610-429-1511 for assistance.
3. PRODUCT DIAGRAM
NOTE TO SYSTEM INSTALLER
System installer must adhere to Article 820-40 of the NEC that
provides guidelines for proper grounding and 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.

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1
Forward Gain Adjust
For RF forward path gain adjustment
2
Tilt Adjust
For forward path lope adjustment over the entire bandwidth
3
Input
Input RF signal
4
Output
Amplified RF signal available for output
5
Reverse Gain Adjust
For RF reverse path gain adjustment
6
DC Power Jack
Plug from wall power adaptor supplies 24VDC
4. HARDWARE CONNECTIONS
a. Mount the CTA-30-870AR securely onto a wall or equipment rack using screws or
bolts through the mounting tabs.
b. Connect a 75ohm coaxial cable with F-connectors from the RF source output to
CTA-30-870AR’s Input port.
c. Connect a 75ohm coaxial cable with F-connectors from the CTA-30-870AR’s Output
port to the RF distribution network.
d. Plug in the power adaptor to the appropriate AC wall outlet. Connect the power
adaptor to the CTA-30-870AR’s DC power jack. Be certain that power source is
capable of handling the load if the CTA-30-870AR and other equipment are being
powered by it.
5. ADJUSTMENT
The chart below shows the proper operation levels for the CTA-30-870AR. Note the listed
performance criteria are for specific numbers of channels, and must be de-rated accordingly
when inserting additional channels. However, the amplifier’s gain does not change.
Therefore, as the number of channels increases from seven (7) channels, the input level and
the output level must be reduced. Exceeding the input levels listed below will product
intermodulation and picture distortion.
Number
Of Channels
Maximum
Level Input (dB)
Maximum
Level Output (dBmV)
7
36
65
12
33
57
36
25
50
54
16
46
77
13
44
135
10
41
Turn the CTA-30-870AR’s Gain Adjust control to achieve the input and output levels identified
above. Additional attenuators may be needed to further reduce the input level.
The CTA-30-870AR’s Tilt Adjust control should be used to set the appropriate slope per
system specifications. Note that the Tilt Adjust allows the adjustment of the gain-to-frequency
characteristic of the amplifier.

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When making adjustments always apply the following principles:
Input signal levels should ALWAYS exceed the noise figure of the amplifier by 3 to 6
dB.
The primary purpose of tilt (equalization) in a cable TV plant is to compensate for the
slope generated in coaxial cable between the high and low TV frequencies. When
various TV channels, with respect to frequency, are transmitted through coaxial cable
they are subjected to increasing attenuation (loss). Simply put, as the frequencies of
the TV carriers are increased, attenuation loss (dB) increases. A variable tilt control is
installed in this amplifier to compensate for this slope in cable resulting in a flat
frequency response at the output
6.TROUBLESHOOTING
a. Ensure you are using quality multiple shielded cables with quality radial or
compression F-connectors.
b. Ensure the F-connector’s center conductor is making solid contact with the
CTA-30-870AR’s Input and Output ports, and the appropriate RF source and RF
distribution network connectors.
c. When taking measurements it is always best to use an RF spectrum analyzer or
quality signal level meter. Initially, level measurements should be taken from the
CTA-30-870AR’s Output port.
This is a notice to inform you that content passing thru this device may contain strong
language or depictions of violence, sex or substance abuse. This unit contains no
parental control features. Parental discretion is advised.