DaySequerra M2A-FM User manual

M2A-FM
Analog FM
Modulation Monitor
User Manual
®Ready

2 M2A-FM User Manual
Welcome
Thanks for purchasing the DaySequerra M2A-FM Analog Modulation Monitor. We design and build all
of our DaySequerra products to be completely reliable and easy to use, so you can concentrate on
producing great sounding broadcasts, not struggling with complicated equipment or difficult to use
product manuals.
While the M2A-FM has been designed to be straightforward to use, we do suggest that you spend a
few minutes familiarizing yourself with the features and operational functions that are contained in this
manual.
DaySequerra has been building broadcast quality products since 1989. The technology developed for
the M2A-FM, and all of our products, has evolved through a process of user feedback, extensive
listening, field-testing and careful refinement.
In the event that you encounter any technical or operational difficulties with this or any DaySequerra
product, please feel free to contact us at 856-719-9900. Our office hours are from 9 to 5 ET, Monday
through Friday. Or you can email your questions to: [email protected].
Also, please remember to visit our website www.daysequerra.com for warranty registration and the
latest DaySequerra product information.
We have worked hard to ensure that your DaySequerra M2A-FM monitor will reliably serve as a
flawless link between the transmitter and your monitoring facility, or as the primary broadcast reference
source in your studio.
We sincerely hope our products help you achieve a new level of excellence in your work!
David V. Day
and the DaySequerra Team
Day Sequerra 154 Cooper Rd. S902 W. Berlin, NJ 08091 Voice 856-719-9900 [email protected] www.daysequerra.com
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M2A-FM User Manual
Table of Contents
Important Safety Information 4
ServiceInformation 4
Introduction 4
M2A-FM Key Features 5
M2A-FM Technical Specifications 6
Unpacking and Installing 6
Operating Description - Controls and Indicators 7
Alarm Configuration 7
SCA and AM Measurements 13
Alarm Connections 15
Ethernet Port Option 15
One Year Warranty 16
All rights reserved DaySequerra Corp. Copyright 2011.
All logos and trademark used herein are the property of their respective owners.
Specifications subject to change.
M2A-FM Revision D.
M2A-FM - Features
•Brilliant, accurate bargraph metering of analog programming
•Multi-function vacuum florescent display (VFD) shows decoded RBDS
•Precision metering of FM Pilot and SCA injection levels
•MPX output lets you connect external SCA demodulators
•Six dry contact alarm relay outputs for loss of audio program, carrier, pilot and
RBDS as well as audio peak, all with flexible settings for level and duration
•HD Radio ReadyTM architecture provides factory upgrade path

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Important Safety Information
•Indoor use only. Not for use in wet or damp environments.
•Maximum Relative Humidity: <80%
•Class I Equipment (grounded type)
•Electrical rating: 100-120/220-240V~50-60Hz 18W
•Fuse Rating: 2A 250V 20MM
•AC Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed +10% of the nominal voltage
•Operations temperature range -40°C to 70°C
•Maximum altitude: 3000m (9843ft)
•Equipment suitable for continuous operation
•Weight: 5.4kg (12lbs) equipment only; 8.2kg (18lbs) shipping
Important Note: Please connect your M2A-FM to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to
provide other protection against power surges and brownouts.
Service Information
The DaySequerra M2A-FM contains no user serviceable components inside the unit. Please contact
DaySequerra for repair and upgrade information. In the event that your unit needs to be returned to the
factory, contact us for a return authorization number. The monitor ID and firmware version is
momentarily displayed at start-up for your convenience. Please visit www.daysequerra.com and
register your new M2A-FM so we can keep you informed of the latest hardware and software
updates.
Introduction
The DaySequerra M2A-FM is the world’s best analog FM monitor complete with world-wide tuning and
de-emphasis settings. The M2A-FM measures your analog signal with digital accuracy, insuring that
readings will remain stable and reliable over time. Selectable measurement integration times let you
control peak reading for maximum modulation.
The M2A-FM includes a sensitive yet selective synthesized FM pre-selector with 20 presets so you can
quickly monitor other stations off the air. A high level input with built-in attenuator lets you connect
directly to a forward power RF port for greatest accuracy. RBDS Program Identification (PI) and Radio
Text (RT) fields are decoded and shown on the M2A’s Vacuum Florescent Display (VFD).
The M2A’s brilliant LED meters can be read from across the room. The upper meters measure stereo,
L+R, L-R and incidental AM noise. The lower meter measures positive and negative carrier deviation,
as well as pilot and SCA injection levels. 57kHz RBDS subcarriers can be accurately read to a
minimum level of 2.6 percent. An MPX output lets you connect external SCA demodulators.
The M2A-FM comes complete with six dry contact alarm relay outputs for loss of audio program,
carrier, pilot and RBDS as well as audio peak and over modulation, all with flexible settings for level
and duration.

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M2A-FM User Manual
In addition to its accuracy and features, the M2A-FM gives you audiophile grade Class-A biased audio
outputs, so you can precisely monitor and adjust your processing. In addition to L and R analog
outputs, the M2A-FM has a full-time digital output, so you can feed your AES monitoring chain, and a
front panel headphone jack powered for uncompromised, full-quality audio.
The optional Ethernet Remote Control package comes bundled with DaySequerra’s Remote
Dashboard™ software, a proprietary PC-based application that gives you 100 station scanning, remote
control monitoring, logging and alarms with E-mail alarm notification.
Your M2A-FM is HD Radio Ready TM meaning it can be fully upgraded to provide complete HD Radio
capability. With our Factory Product Upgrade program you can be sure that your investment in a
DaySequerra product will continue to pay off well into the future. Visit www.daysequerra.com for
details.
Please read this manual thoroughly before operating your M2A-FM.
M2A-FM Key Features
FM ANTENNA INPUT – Industry standard 75-ohm “F” connector
FM HIGH LEVEL INPUT – Industry standard 50-ohm “BNC” connector; 7VAC Pk-Pk maximum
ANTENNA - HIGH LEVEL INPUT SELECT – User selected for antenna or high-level input
STEREO ANALOG OUTPUTS – Balanced (+4dBm) for 100% analog modulation
DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT – 110-ohm transformer isolated for all broadcasts
IEC320 POWER INLET – 120VAC with integrated fuse holder on rear panel (Export version is
configured for 240VAC input.)
SYNTHESIZED, PUSHBUTTON TUNING and PRESETS – 20 preset stations
DEMODULATED AUDIO LEVEL METERS – Displays Left and Right or L+R and L–R demodulated
audio between +10dB and –64dB Factory preset to display de-emphasized program audio
CARRIER LEVEL METER – Displays positive or negative peaks, or both simultaneously from 46% to
125% with a user programmable measurement integration time Factory preset for 100µSec
AUDIO PEAK LED –Flasher indicates analog program audio peak condition
ALARM LED –Indicates active alarm condition
HEADPHONE OUTPUT –Screwdriver gain control on front panel
PROGRAMMABLE STATUS ALARMS – alarm outputs for loss of audio program, carrier, pilot and
RBDS as well as audio peak, all with programmable settings for level and duration

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M2A-FM Technical Specifications
RF TUNING RANGE 87.9MHz to 108.1MHz in US 200kHz spacing (Export
version has 100kHz spacing.)
FM DE-EMPHASIS 75µsec (Export version has 50µsec de-emphasis.)
RF USEABLE SENSITIVITY 15dBf for -30dB SNR referenced to 100% modulation
IF REJECTION > 100dB for -30dB SNR
AF BANDWIDTH +1dB 20Hz to 18kHz
AF THD+N < 0.2% @100% modulation
STEREO CHANNEL SEPARATION 50dB off air - typical
RBDS DATA DISPLAY PI (Program Identification-station call sign) and RT (Radio
Text) fields
CARRIER METER Positive peaks only, negative peaks only or both
simultaneously; 1% resolution between 120 and 80%, 2%
resolution between 80 and 46%; Measurement integration
time is user programmable - 0.1ms, 0.2ms, 0.5ms or 1.0ms
DEMODULATED AUDIO METER Left & Right, L+R or L-R, peak responding between
+10dB and -30dB, average responding between -30dB and
-64dB; peak-type measurements of injection level for
19kHz pilot, 67 and 92kHz subcarriers and incidental AM
noise
Unpacking and Installing the M2A-FM
Immediately upon receiving your M2A-FM, please make a careful inspection for any shipping damage. If
damage is found or suspected, please notify the carrier at once and then contact your dealer. The
DaySequerra M2A-FM is shipped in one carton, which contains: the M2A-FM unit, an AC power cable, a
TorxTM T-8 L-key and this User Manual.
We strongly encourage you to save the shipping carton and shipping materials supplied with your
M2A-FM. They are specially designed to properly protect your M2A-FM, and in the event that you need to
return it for service, only these OEM shipping materials can ensure its safe return to our factory.
We provide a limited 3-year warranty on all of our products, but if you don’t register your unit, it’s hard for us
to contact you when software updates become available. So please take a few minutes to complete the
warranty registration form on our web site, www.daysequerra.com. Thank you!
Rack Mount Installation. The M2A-FM chassis has four rack mounting holes in its chassis and has been
designed to fit in a 19” standard 2RU space. Plastic ‘finishing’ washers are recommended to protect the
painted finish around the mounting holes.
Power Connection. The AC power cable supplied with the M2A-FM must be connected from the M2A-
FM’s IEC320 power entry module to an AC mains outlet with a functional earth ground connection. The

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M2A-FM User Manual
M2A-FM has been set at the factory to operate at 120VAC unless otherwise specified on the shipping
carton. The M2A-FM export version is configured for 240VAC operation. Please connect your M2A-FM to
an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect against power surges and brownouts.
Antenna Input Connections. 75ohm F-type connector is provided on the M2A-FM rear panel for an FM
antenna. Rear panel switch selects for antenna or high-level sample port inputs (7VP-P max).
Audio Output Connections. Analog audio left and right outputs are on rear-panel XLR connectors with pin
1 GND, pin 2 + and pin 3 -. The digital audio output is transformer-isolated in S/PDIF format on a rear-panel
XLR connector with pin 1 GND, pin 2 XFMR and pin 3 XFMR. The M2A-FM digital audio output is 5.1
surround capable.
M2A-FM Operating Description - Controls and Indicators
Power-up and Standby. The Power switch is located on the rear panel of the M2A-FM; when switched on
the hardware and software version of your M2A-FM will be displayed for 3 seconds on the M2A’s VFD.
In any mode, if the SELECT and DN switches are depressed simultaneously for 5 seconds, monitor goes
into Standby mode with all front panel controls and indicators blanked except for SELECT and UP switches;
the M2A’s VFD then indicates the “DaySequerra Standby” message. Holding SELECT together with UP
switch in for 5 seconds when in this Standby mode reactivates all front panel controls and indicators and
returns monitor to normal operation.
TUNER BAND – The front panel TUNER BAND switch selects manual FM tuning controlled by UP and DN
controls. Holding switch in for 5 seconds forces monitor into Forced Mono mode; MONO is displayed on 2nd
line of VFD. Blue arrow LED illuminates when mode is active. Holding on startup allows you to select
between 100kHz and 200kHz tuning and 75 and 50 uS de-emphasis.
PRESETS – The M2A-FM has capability to recall 20 preset or stored FM stations using the front panel
PRESETS switch. Blue arrow LED illuminates when monitor is in PRESETS mode. UP and DN controls
scroll through stored stations. Preset stations are stored for recall in positions F1 through F20. PRESETS
Arrow LED illuminates when monitor is in PRESETS tuning mode.
When the M2A-FM has acquired any station in TUNER BAND mode and the SELECT switch is held for 5
seconds, monitor enters PRESETS store mode and PRESETS arrow LED flashes. UP and DN controls then
allow user to scroll through F1 through F20. When the desired preset location is indicated on VFD, next
momentary push of SELECT switch stores selected station in that PRESETS position.
UP and DN – For manual FM tuning in TUNER BAND mode and scrolling through PRESETS in PRESETS
mode.
SELECT – Multi-function switch for storing PRESETS and controlling other monitor functions, as described
below.
ALARM SET – Momentarily pressing the front panel ALARM SET switch activates the Alarm Configuration
Menu. VFD displays ALARM CONFIG with “ENABLE” and “SETUP” options. Select desired option using UP
and DN switches to toggle the setting. Select “ENABLE” to arm all alarms as configured and exit Alarm
Configuration Menu; select “SETUP” to continue with alarm configuration menu. Exit the Alarm Configuration
Menu at any time by pressing ALARM SET switch.
A L A R M C O N F I G
E N A B L E > S E T U P <

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All Alarms
•Select “ON” to activate all alarms at the minimum threshold with the minimum alarm
delay. Select “OFF” to set all alarms to off; select “SETUP” option to continue with alarm
configuration menu. Use UP and DN switches to toggle the setting.
Push “SELECT” switch to increment the menu to the next alarm function.
A L L A L A R M S
O N O F F > S E T U P <
Alarm Output 1 – RF Carrier Loss (alarm based on analog RF signal strength)
•Highlight desired “SET” or “OFF” option using UP and DN switches to toggle the setting.
Select “SET” to set this alarm and continue with alarm configuration menu; select “OFF”
to set this alarm function to off. Push “SELECT” to continue.
R F C A R R I E R L O S S
> S E T < O F F
•If “SET” is selected, submenu for “Level” threshold with “LOW”, “MED” and “HIGH”
options is displayed next. “LOW” option sets RF carrier loss threshold for approximately
10µV (25dBf); “MED” option sets RF carrier loss threshold for approximately 100µV
(45dBf); and “HIGH” option sets RF carrier loss threshold for approximately 3KµV
(75dBf). Use UP and DN switches to toggle the setting and highlight the desired option.
R F C A R R I E R L E V E L
L O W > M E D < H I G H
Push “SELECT” switch to increment the menu to the next alarm function.
•Submenu for “Alarm Delay” with “30”, “60”, “120” and “240” second options is displayed
next. Use UP and DN switches to toggle the setting and highlight the desired option.
A L A R M D E L A Y
3 0 > 6 0 < 1 2 0 2 4 0 S
Push “SELECT” switch to increment the menu to the next alarm function.

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M2A-FM User Manual
Alarm Output 2 – Audio Loss (Silence Detect)
•Highlight desired “SET” or “OFF” option using UP and DN switches to toggle the setting.
Select “SET” to set this alarm and continue with alarm configuration menu; select “OFF”
to set this alarm function to off. Push “SELECT” to continue.
A U D I O L O S S
> S E T < O F F
•If “SET” is selected, submenu for “Level” threshold with “LOW”, “MED” and “HIGH”
options is displayed next. “LOW” option sets audio loss threshold for approximately
-60dB; “MED” option sets audio loss threshold for approximately -40dB; and “HIGH”
option sets audio loss threshold for approximately -20dB. Use UP and DN switches to
toggle the setting and highlight the desired option. Push “SELECT” switch to continue.
A U D I O L E V E L
L O W > M E D < H I G H
•Submenu for “Alarm Delay” with “30”, “60”, “120” and “240” second options is displayed
next. Use UP and DN switches to toggle the setting and highlight the desired option.
A L A R M D E L A Y
3 0 > 6 0 < 1 2 0 2 4 0 S
Push “SELECT” switch to save and increment the menu to the next alarm function.
Alarm Output 3 – Audio Peak
•Audio Peak alarm is factory set to alarm for an audio output average greater than +3dB
over-modulation for more than 30 seconds. Highlight desired “SET” or “OFF” option
using UP and DN switches to toggle the setting. Select “SET” to set this alarm and
continue with alarm configuration menu; select “OFF” to set this alarm function to off.
Push “SELECT” to continue.
A U D I O P E A K
> S E T < O F F

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•If “SET” is selected, submenu for “Alarm Delay” with “30”, “60”, “120” and “240” second
options is displayed next. Use UP and DN switches to toggle the setting and highlight the
desired option.
A L A R M D E L A Y
3 0 > 6 0 < 1 2 0 2 4 0 S
Push “SELECT” switch to save and increment the menu to the next alarm function.
Alarm Output 4 – Pilot Present
•Pilot Present alarm is factory set to alarm for a 19kHz pilot injection level of less than 2%.
Highlight desired “SET” or “OFF” option using UP and DN switches to toggle the setting.
Select “SET” to set this alarm and continue with alarm configuration menu; select “OFF”
to set this alarm function to off. Push “SELECT” to continue.
P I L O T P R E S E N T
> S E T < O F F
•If “SET” is selected, submenu for “Alarm Delay” with “30”, “60”, “120” and “240” second
options is displayed next. Use UP and DN switches to toggle the setting and highlight the
desired option.
A L A R M D E L A Y
3 0 > 6 0 < 1 2 0 2 4 0 S
Push “SELECT” switch to save and increment the menu to the next alarm function.
Alarm Output 5 – RBDS Data Loss
•RBDS Data Loss alarm is factory set to activate based on data in Radio Text field.
Highlight desired “SET” or “OFF” option using UP and DN switches to toggle the setting.
Select “SET” to set this alarm and continue with alarm configuration menu; select “OFF”
to set this alarm function to off. Push “SELECT” to continue.
R B D S D A T A L O S S
> S E T < O F F