DRAKE AC1686 User manual

Instruction Manual
® is a registered trademark of the R.L. Drake Company
© Copyright 2004 R.L. Drake Co. P/N: 3853620A-5-2004 Printed in the U.S.A.
AC1686 Active Combiner

ii Caution Statements
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)
GROUND
CLAMPS
GROUNDING
CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION
810-21)
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE
UNIT (NEC
SECTION 810-20)
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
GROUND CLAMP
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET, REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSIONCORDRECEPTACLEOROTHEROUTLETUNLESSTHEBLADESCANBE
FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, NE PAS UTILISER CETTE FICHE
POLARISEE AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE DE COURANT OU UNE AUTRE
SORTIE DE COURANT, SAUF SI LES LAMES PEUVENT ETRE INSEREES A FOND
SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A DECOUVERT.
WARNING:
CAUTION:
ATTENTION:
A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the product
and cart combination to overturn.
The lightning flash with arrow head symbol, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying
the product.
!WARNING!
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR
ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT
EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
1. Read Instructions—All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
2.Retain Instructions—The safetyand operatinginstructions shouldbe retainedfor futurereference.
3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered
to.
4. Follow Instructions—All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning—Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleansers. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
6. Attachments—Do not use attachments that are not recommended by the product manufacturer as
they may cause hazards.
7.Water andMoisture—Donot usethis productnear water—forexample, nearabathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.
8. Accessories—Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
productmay fall,causing seriousinjury toachild oradult, andserious damageto theproduct. Useonly
witha cart,stand, tripod, bracket,or tablerecommended bythe manufacturer,or soldwith the product.
Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should use a mounting
accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
9.Aproductandcartcombinationshouldbemovedwithcare.Quickstops,excessiveforce,anduneven
surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.
10. Ventilation—Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable
operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked
orcovered. Theopeningsshouldnever beblockedbyplacing theproductona bed,sofa,rug,or similar
surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as bookcase or rack unless
proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to.
11. Power Sources—This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated
onthemarkinglabel. Ifyouarenotsureofthetypeofpowersuppliedtoyourhome,consultyourproduct
dealeror localpower company.For productsintended tooperate frombattery power,or othersources,
refer to the operating instructions.
12. Grounding or Polarization—This product may be equipped with a polarized alternating-current
line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the
plug.Iftheplugshouldstillfailtofit,contactyourelectriciantoreplaceyourobsoleteoutlet.Donotdefeat
the safety purpose of the polarized plug.
Alternate Warnings—If this product is equipped with a three-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having
a third (grounding) pin, the plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature.
Ifyouareunabletoinserttheplugintotheoutlet,contactyourelectriciantoreplaceyourobsoleteoutlet.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.
12 a. Mise à la terre ou Polarisation—Cet appareil est équipé avec un cordon d'alimentation à trois
fils. Il est a brancher sur une prise ayant un connecteur a la terre. Assurez-vous que la connection a
la terre ne manque pas.
13. Power-Cord Protection—Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.
14.Outdoor Antenna Grounding—Ifanoutsideantennaorcable systemisconnected totheproduct,
be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage
surgesandbuilt-up staticcharges.Article810oftheNational ElectricalCode,ANSI/NFPA70, provides
informationwithregardtopropergroundingofthe mastandsupportingstructure,grounding ofthelead-
in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit,
connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. See Figure A.
15. Lightning—For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the
antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line
surges.
16. Power Lines—An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power
lines, other electric light or power circuits, where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When
installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power
lines or circuits as contact with them may be fatal.
17. Overloading—Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles
as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
18. Object and Liquid Entry—Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
19. Servicing—Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
20. Damage Requiring Service—Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged,
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product,
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water,
d. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other
controls mayresult in damageand willoften requireextensive work bya qualifiedtechnician torestore
the product to its normal operation,
e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way, and
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance—this indicates a need for service.
21. Replacement Parts—When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has
used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original
part. Unauthorized substitutes may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
22.Safety Check—Uponcompletionofanyserviceorrepairstothisproduct,asktheservicetechnician
to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
23. Wall or Ceiling Mounting—The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
24. Heat—The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLERS:
THISREMINDERIS PROVIDED TO CALL THE CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER'S ATTENTION
TO ARTICLE 820 - 40 OF THE NEC THAT PROVIDES GUIDELINES FOR PROPER
GROUNDING AND, IN PARTICULAR, 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.
Important Safety Instructions

ii. Caution Statements
ii. Important Safety Instructions
iii. Table of Contents / Specifications
iii. General Description
2. Front and Rear Panel Connections and Controls
3. Installation - Applications
4. Service / If You Need To Call For Help
5. Warranty
SPECIFICATIONS
Bandwidth:
Number of Inputs:
Input Impedance:
Input Return Loss:
Input-Input Isolation:
Gain (any input to output):
Input Adjustable Attenuator:
Maximum Input Level:
54 - 860 MHz
16.
75 Ohms (type F connectors).
14 dB, typical.
30 dB minimum, 54 - 550 MHz.
25 dB minimum, 550 - 860 MHz.
3 dB typical, 0 dB minimum,
54 - 550 MHz.
2 dB typical, -1 dB minimum, 550 -
860 MHz.
Front panel setting, 15 dB
minimum range.
+60 dBmV (input attenuator set to
limit output level to rated
maximum), each input.
+48 dBmV each video carrier with
16 equal input NTSC signals.
-60 dBc, 16 channels at output
level of +48 dBmV per channel.
-60 dBc, 16 channels at output
level of +48 dBmV per channel.
14 dB, typical.
-20 dB ±2 dB.
14 VAC/700 mA supplied by
included AC adapter.
120 VAC/60 Hz.
00C to 500C, ambient.
19" W x 1.75" H x 4.0" D.
4 Lbs.
Maximum Output Level:
Composite Triple Beat:
Cross Modulation:
Output Return Loss:
Output Test Point:
Power Requirements:
AC Adapter Input:
Operating Temperature:
Size:
Weight:
Output
Level
AC1686
OUTPUT
Monitor Output
Power
Supply
INPUTS 1-16
+60 dBmV
maximum
AC1686 BLOCK DIAGRAM
The AC1686 Active Combiner permits combining the
outputs of up to 16 Audio/Video Modulators, Channel
Processors, etc. onto a single coax. The unit includes a
low distortion Ga As output amplifier to permit linear
signal output and very low input noise figure.
Attenuator
0-15dB
adjustable
-20 dB
Input
Amp
Low Noise
Ga As Amp
+20 dB
The AC1686 is housed in a standard 1-3/4" H x 19" W
rack space. A monitor output is provided at the front
panel of the combiner.
Table of Contents/Specifications/General Description iii
AC1686 ACTIVE COMBINER
POWER OUTPUT TEST
20 dB
OUTPUT LEVEL
14 VAC
Power Input
Power Indicator
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS

AC1686 ACTIVE COMBINER
POWER OUTPUT TEST
20 dB
OUTPUT LEVEL
2 Front and Rear Panel Connections and Controls
F1 F2 F3
F3 - OUTPUT LEVEL Control
This screwdriver adjusted attenuator permits setting the
attenuation of the combined signals applied to the
‘INPUTS 1-16’ rear panel connectors prior to
amplification. The range of attenuation adjustment is at
least 15 dB.
F1 - POWER Indicator
Lights to indicate that the combiner is connected to a
source of power.
F2 - MONITOR Test Point Connector
This type F connector is provided for sampling the
combined RF Output of the combiner. The level of each
signal at this connector is approximately 20 dB below
the level of the respective signal present at the rear
panel ‘RF OUTPUT’ connector. The rear panel output
connector must be terminated in 75 Ohms.
R1 - INPUTS 1-16 Connectors
These type F connectors accept signals with levels up
to 60 dBmV each, maximum.
R2 - RF OUT Connector
This type F connector provides the single coax output
connection of the combined signal inputs. With the
front panel ‘OUTPUT LEVELS 1-16’ control set
maximum clockwise, the signal level output is
approximately 2 dB to 3 dB above the respective signal
level input at the ‘INPUTS 1-16’ connectors.
R3 - POWER CABLE
When this cable is connected to the accompanying 120
VAC power adapter, and the adapter is plugged into a
nominal 120 VAC power source, 14 VAC power will be
supplied to the unit.
R1 R2 R3
FRONT PANEL
REAR PANEL

Installation - Applications 3
CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS
All connections, except the output monitor test port, to
and from the AC1686, are made through the rear
panel. A convenient front panel gain adjustment is also
provided. The included application diagrams are
drawn as Block Diagrams to more efficiently illustrate
the system connections.
INSTALLATION NOTES
Level adjustment is critical in a multichannel installation,
and should be checked periodically with a spectrum
analyzer or CATV signal level meter.
Care should be taken to insure that all channels are
within ±1 dB of the desired output for best adjacent
channel operation. In addition, all A/V ratios should be
held to -15 dB or less.
Adequate ventilation is very important in multichannel
installations. Units should be spaced apart by at least
one panel height, and some air movement is advisable
in enclosed rack cabinets. Excessive heat will shorten
component life and equipment performance will be
degraded without proper cooling.
Use the following chart to determine the maximum
permissible output levels for the specific number of
combined input channels from 2 - 16.
NUMBER OF COMBINED
CHANNELS
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE
OUTPUT LEVELS (each channel)
at RF OUT
If these levels are exceeded, second and third order
distortion products may exceed acceptable levels.
dBmV
+60
+55
+50
+45
+40
8CH 16CH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Application Notes:
1) Use with 16 modulators with 45 dBmV output levels.
Set all modulator output levels to +45 dBmV. Adjust
input attenuator on the active combiner until the
combiner output levels are all at the desired output
level, but not exceeding 48 dBmV per channel, as
measured at the combiner output port. Slightly level
each modulator, as required, by adjusting each
modulator output. Do not exceed maximum output
levels shown in the above graph.
2)
Use with 16 modulators with 55 dBmV output levels.
Set all modulator output levels to +55 dBmV. For best
noise performance, it is best to keep modulator outputs
within 5 dB of the maximum output. Start with the active
combiner attenuation adjustment at the extreme
counterclockwise position and adjust to bring output
levels up to desired level. Do not exceed the maximum
shown in the above graph. Next, adjust individual
modulator outputs slightly to equalize all channels.

4 Service / IfYou Need To Call For Help
In the rare case that this fuse is blown, the transformer
must be replaced.
There are no internal adjustments that can be made in the
field. Any circuit element changes require sophisticated
test equipment, and checkout should be attempted only by
a trained technician.
SERVICE INFORMATION
You may contact the R.L. DRAKE Service Department for
additional information or assistance by calling
[phone], Monday through Friday, between
8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, except on holidays.
You may also contact the R.L. DRAKE Service Department by
E-mail at the following address:
[email protected]
or by Telefax:
[phone].
Should you want to return your unit for service, package
the unit carefully using the original carton or other suitable
container.
Write your return address clearly on the shipping carton
and on an enclosed cover letter describing the service
required, symptoms or problems. Also include your
daytime telephone number and a copy of your proof of
purchase.
The unit will be serviced under the terms of the
R.L. DRAKE COMPANY Limited Warranty and returned
to you.
Red is an overnight service. Send the unit in a way that it
can be traced if we can’t verify receipt of shipment. We
suggest UPS or insured postal shipment.
If the unit is still under the original owner’s warranty,
R.L. DRAKE will pay the cost of the return shipment to
you. Our return shipping policy is that we will return it UPS
Brown if received Brown or by US Mail, it will be returned
Blue if received Blue or Red—or it will be returned
however you prefer if you furnish the return cost for the
method you select.
If the unit is out of warranty, use one of the following
methods for return shipment:
1) You designate billing to American ExPress, VISA,
MasterCard or Discover card;
2) You prepay the service charges with a personal check,
or
3) You specify some other method of return
and payment.
When calling, the technician can estimate the repair
charges for you over the phone. This is another good
reason to call before sending a unit in for repair.
Typically, equipment is repaired in five to ten working
days after it arrives at R.L. DRAKE if we have all the facts.
If we must call you, it may take longer. R.L. DRAKE is not
responsible for damage caused by lightning, nonprofes-
sional alterations, “acts of God”, shipping damage, poor
storage/handling, etc. R.L. DRAKE will make note of any
shipping damage upon receipt.
Should your warranty card not be on file at R.L. DRAKE,
you will need to send proof of purchase to receive
warranty service. Typically, a copy of the invoice from an
R.L. DRAKE dealer will suffice. The warranty is for the
original owner only and is not transferable.
IF YOU NEED TO CALL FOR HELP
Call our Customer Service/Technical Support line at
[phone] between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.
Eastern Time, weekdays. Please have the unit’s serial
number available. We will also need to know the specifics
of any other equipment connected to the unit.
When calling, please have the unit up and running, near
the phone if possible. Our technician(s) will likely ask
certain questions to aid in diagnosis of the problem. Also,
have a voltmeter handy, if possible.
R.L. DRAKE also provides technical assistance by
e-mail: [email protected]
or by Telefax: [phone].
Many of the products that are sent to us for repair are in
perfect working order when we receive them. For these
units, there is a standard checkout fee that you will be
charged. Please perform whatever steps are applicable
from the installation sections of the Owner's Manual
before calling or writing—this could save unnecessary
phone charges. Please do not return the unit without
contacting R.L. DRAKE first: it is preferred to help
troubleshoot the problem over the phone (or by mail) first,
saving you both time and money.
Inside the carton, enclose a note with your name, ad-
dress, daytime phone number, and a description of the
unit’s problem.
The unit must be sent to the following address:
Service Department
R.L. DRAKE COMPANY
230 Industrial Drive
Franklin, Ohio 45005 U.S.A.
Be sure to include your street address which will be
needed for UPS return. UPS Surface (Brown Label) takes
7-10 days to reach us depending on your location, Blue
takes 2-3 days.
The AC1686 Active Combiner has been designed and
produced to provide trouble-free service. Should the
need for repair arise, extreme caution should be used to
avoid a potentially lethal electric shock.
FUSE: The power transformer is internally fused.

Warranty 5
ThreeYear Limited Warranty
R.L. DRAKE COMPANY warrants to the original purchaser this product shall be free from defects in material or
workmanship for three (3) years from the date of original purchase.
During the warranty period the R.L. DRAKE COMPANY or an authorized Drake service facility will provide, free
of charge, both parts and labor necessary to correct defects in material and workmanship. At its option,
R.L. DRAKE COMPANY may replace a defective unit.
To obtain such a warranty service, the original purchaser must:
(1) Retain invoice or original proof of purchase to establish the start of the warranty period.
(2)NotifytheR.L.DRAKECOMPANYorthenearestauthorizedservicefacility,assoonaspossibleafterdiscovery
of a possible defect, of:
(a) the model and serial number,
(b) the identity of the seller and the approximate date of purchase; and
(c)Adetaileddescriptionoftheproblem,includingdetailsontheelectricalconnectiontoassociatedequipmentand
the list of such equipment.
(3) Deliver the product to the R.L. DRAKE COMPANY or the nearest authorized service facility, or ship the same
in its original container or equivalent, fully insured and shipping charges prepaid.
Correct maintenance, repair, and use are important to obtain proper performance from this product. Therefore
carefully read the Instruction Manual. This warranty does not apply to any defect that R.L. DRAKE COMPANY
determines is due to:
(1) Improper maintenance or repair, including the installation of parts or accessories that do not conform to the
quality and specifications of the original parts.
(2) Misuse, abuse, neglect or improper installation.
(3) Accidental or intentional damage.
Allimpliedwarranties,ifany,includingwarrantiesofmerchantabilityandfitnessforaparticularpurpose,terminate
three (3) years from the date of the original purchase.
TheforegoingconstitutesR.L.DRAKECOMPANY’Sentireobligationwithrespecttothisproduct,andtheoriginal
purchasershallhavenootherremedyandnoclaimforincidentalorconsequentialdamages,lossesorexpenses.
Somestatesdonotallowlimitationsonhowlonganimpliedwarrantylastsordonotallowtheexclusionsorlimitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty shall be construed under the laws of Ohio.
For Service, contact: R.L. DRAKE COMPANY
230 Industrial Drive
Franklin, Ohio 45005 U.S.A.
Customer Service and Parts Telephone: [phone]
Telefax: [phone]
World Wide Web Site: http://www.rldrake.com

R.L. DRAKE COMPANY
230 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE
FRANKLIN, OHIO 45005 U.S.A.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PARTS TELEPHONE: [phone]
TELEFAX: [phone]
WORLD WIDE WEB SITE: http://www.rldrake.com