DRAKE 550TCP User manual

Instruction Manual
550TCP
Commercial Terrestrial Channel Processor
(For use in NTSC systems)
TM is a trademark of the R.L. Drake Company
©Copyright 2004 R.L. Drake Co. P/N: 3852459E-09-2004 Printed in the U.S.A.
TM

ii Caution Statements
An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessiveforceandunevensurfacesmaycausetheapplianceandcartcombina-
tion 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 appliance.
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE
SYSTEM (NEC ART 250, PART H)
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
GROUND CLAMP
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING
CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING
1.ReadInstructions—Allthesafetyandoperating instructionsshouldbereadbeforetheproduct
is operated.
2. Retain Instructions—The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.
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—Unplugthisproduct from the wall outlet before cleaning. Donot 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 manufac-
turer as they may cause hazards.
7. Water and Moisture—Do not use this product near water—for example, near a bathtub, wash
bowl, 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.
Theproduct may fall, causing seriousinjurytoa child or adult, andseriousdamagetothe product.
Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold
with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and
should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
9. 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.
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 or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a 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 on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supplied to your home,
consultyourproductdealerorlocalpowercompany.Forproductsintendedtooperatefrombattery
power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.
12. Grounding or Polarization—This product may be equipped with a polarized alternating-
currentlineplug(aplughavingonebladewiderthantheother).Thisplugwillfitintothepoweroutlet
only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try
reversing theplug. If theplugshould still failtofit,contact yourelectriciantoreplace your obsolete
outlet. Do not defeat 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
safetyfeature. If youareunableto insert theplugintothe outlet, contactyourelectrician to replace
your obsolete outlet. 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
bewalkedonorpinchedbyitemsplaceduponoragainstthem, payingparticularattentiontocords
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.
14. Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the
product,besuretheantennaorcablesystemisgroundedsoastoprovidesomeprotectionagainst
voltagesurgesand built-upstaticcharges.Article810oftheNationalElectricalCode,ANSI/NFPA
70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure,
grounding of the lead-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.
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—Neverpush objects of any kindinto this productthrough 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—Donotattempttoservicethisproductyourselfasopeningorremovingcoversmay
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 may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore 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—Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service
technicianto perform safety checks to determinethat the product is inproper 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.
Important Safety Instructions
NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLERS:
THISREMINDERISPROVIDEDTO CALL THE CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER'S ATTENTION TO
ARTICLE 820 - 40 OF THE NEC THAT PROVIDES GUIDELINES FOR PROPER GROUNDING
AND,INPARTICULAR,SPECIFIES THAT THE CABLE GROUND SHALL BE CONNECTED TO
THEGROUNDINGSYSTEMOFTHEBUILDING,ASCLOSETOTHEPOINTOFCABLEENTRY
AS PRACTICAL.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE POWER SUPPLY COVERS
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
¡WARNING!
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR
ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT
EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET, REFER SERVIC-
ING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.
WARNING:
POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, NE PAS UTILISER CETTE FICHE
POLARISEE AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE DE COURANT OU UNE AUTRE
SORTIEDECOURANT,SAUFSI LESLAMESPEUVENTETRE INSEREESAFONDSANS
EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A DECOUVERT.
ATTENTION:
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSION CORD RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE
FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

Table of Contents/Description/Specifications 1
54 - 806 MHz: Off-Air TV channels, CH 2-69.
75 Ohms.
-10 dBmV to + 35 dBmV.
VHF: 8 dB; UHF: 10 dB.
VHF: 65 dB; UHF: 50 dB.
82 channels, 54 to 550 MHz; Channels 2 to 78 and 95 to 99.
+60 dBmV (typically adjustable from +50 to +60 dBmV).
20 Hz to 4.2 MHz, ±3 dB.
±50 nSec.
±5 PPM of frequency difference between input and
output signals.
Typically -2 to -12 dB relative to input A/V ratio.
-58 dBc minimum, -60 dBc typical,
(measured at an input level between 0 to +20 dBmV).
-75 dBc typical, (4 MHz noise bandwidth @ ±12 MHz).
115 VAC (±10%), 60 Hz, 30 Watts.
00C to +500 C, ambient.
19 in. (481 mm) W x 1.75 in. (44 mm) H x 8.75 in. (222 mm) D.
7.0 lbs. (3.2 Kg).
INPUT SECTION
Frequency Range:
Input Impedance:
RF Input Level :
Noise Figure:
Tuner Image Rejection:
OUTPUT SECTION
Frequency Range:
Output Level:
Video Frequency Response:
L-C Delay:
Frequency Stability:
A/V Ratio Adjustment:
Spurious Outputs:
Broadband Noise:
GENERAL
AC Power Input:
Operating Temperature:
Size:
Weight:
IF loop-thru capability in the 550TCP supplies a padded
IF output prior to channel conversion. This feature
provides the capability to replace the standard internally
generated IF output with an alternate source of composite
IF, or allows the insertion of IF scrambling equipment.
Coaxial connectors are provided for the RF Input, the
IF Loop-out and Loop-in, and the RF Output. All of the
mentioned features, combined with a carefully designed
low intermodulation output stage, provide reliable operation
in a densely crowded SMATV or cable environment.
The 550TCPT is a 550TCP with a built-in "T" channel
upconverter. See page 5 for details.
550TCP TERRESTRIAL CHANNEL PROCESSOR
POWER INPUT
CHANNEL OUTPUT CHANNEL
SIGNAL OUTPUT ENABLED
OUTPUT LEVEL
A / V RATIO
7 84 4
ii Caution Statements
ii Important Safety Instructions
iv Specifications
1 Table of Contents - Description
2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators
2 Rear Panel Connections
3 Installation
4 Installation - List of Input and Output Channels
5 T Channel Upconverter
6 Service / If You Need To Call For Help
7 Warranty
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION
The DRACOM 550TCP is a quality, frequency agile
channel processor capable of converting any VHF or UHF,
off-air signal to any standard output channel between 54
and 550 MHz. Input and output frequency are easily set
with front panel pushwheel switches. A/V ratio and output
level controls are also provided along with IF loop-through
connections to offer exceptional flexibility.
The synthesized input tuning permits reception of off-air TV
channels 2 through 69. A front panel signal indicator lights
for input signal strengths greater than a threshold value.
RF output level is front panel adjustable to
+60 dBmV maximum.

115 VAC, 60Hz
30 WATTS
IN OUT
FUSE
1 / 2 A, 250 V
SLO - BLO
CAUTION:
ATTENTION:
- RISK
OF FIRE - REPLACE
FUSE AS MARKED
AFTER DISCONNECTING
UNIT FROM AC LINE.
- RISQUE D'INCENDIE -
REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUE APRES
DEBRANCHER DU SECTEUR.
IF
LOOP
RF
INPUT
COMPOSITE IF UP CONVERTER
OUTPUT
T-7 TO T-14
IN
RF
OUTPUT
®
MADE IN THE U.S.A. BY
550TCP TERRESTRIAL CHANNEL PROCESSOR
POWER INPUT
CHANNEL OUTPUT CHANNEL
SIGNAL OUTPUT ENABLED
OUTPUT LEVEL
A / V RATIO
7 84 4
2 Front Panel Controls/Rear Panel Connections
F1 POWER Indicator - Lights when the unit is connected
to a source of AC power.
F2 INPUT CHANNEL Number Switch - Sets the input
channel number for off air TV channels 02 through 69.
F3 SIGNAL Indicator - Lights to indicate that an input
signal is being received as set by the input channel
switches and is of a signal strength greater than
approximately -10 dBm. Note that if this indicator is off (no
received signal), the RF output is switched off. See also
Item F6.
F4 A/V RATIO Control - This screwdriver adjustment
varies the level of the output aural carrier over a range from
-2 to –12 dB relative to the input A/V ratio. The output
aural carrier level should be adjusted to approximately 15
dB below the visual carrier level (normal operation).
Clockwise rotation increases the output aural carrier level
and thus decreases the output A/V ratio.
Figure 1
Front Panel Controls and Indicators F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7
F5 OUTPUT CHANNEL Number Switch - Sets the output
channel number for standard CATV channels 02 through
78 and 95 through 99. See Table 2 - "OUTPUT
CHANNEL" in the Installation section of this manual for the
corresponding operating frequency, and offset, if any, for
each channel number.
F6 OUTPUT ENABLED Indicator - Lights to indicate that
a valid channel is selected and an input signal is being
received. The RF output is switched off for any invalid
output channel settings, no received input signal as set by
the input channel switches (‘SIGNAL’ indicator is off), or
other conditions that would cause the unit to operate on an
invalid frequency. See also Item F3.
F7 RF OUTPUT LEVEL Control - This screwdriver
adjustment varies the RF OUTPUT level.
Clockwise rotation increases the level.
Figure 2
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6
R1 RF OUTPUT - This is the converted channel output.
R2 COMPOSITE IF IN Connector - This is the composite
IF input to the output channel circuits. The composite IF
has both the aural and visual IF combined. This
connection is normally cabled directly to the “COMPOSITE
IF OUT” connector (see Item R3). This external IF loop
allows the use of accessories such as scramblers or
alternate video sources. Note that accessory equipment
must also have the visual carrier at 45.75 MHz and the
aural carrier at 41.25 MHz. Both input carriers must be at
their nominally specified levels.
R3 COMPOSITE IF OUT Connector - This is the
composite IF output from the IF circuits. The composite IF
provides a vestigial sideband filtered visual carrier at
45.75 MHz (plus or minus any input signal offset) combined
with a level controlled aural carrier at 41.25 MHz (plus or
minus any input signal offset). This connection is normally
cabled directly to the “COMPOSITE IF IN” connector (see
Item R2).
R4 RF INPUT Connector - This is the input to the channel
processor circuits for all signals with video carrier
frequencies in the range of 54 through 806 MHz.
R5 FUSE Holder - Always replace this fuse with one of the
same type and rating: 1/2 Amp, 250 V, SLO-BLO, 5 x 20
mm type.
R6 LINE CORD - This is a three-wire power cable. When
the cable is connected to a properly wired AC power line
outlet, this cable grounds the instrument cabinet. Connect
to a nominal 115 VAC ±10%, 60 Hz source. Do not defeat
the safety purpose of the attached line cord plug.
Rear Panel Connections

115 VAC, 60Hz
30 WATTS
IN OUT
FUSE
1 / 2 A, 250 V
SLO - BLO
CAUTION:
ATTENTION:
- RISK
OF FIRE - REPLACE
FUSE AS MARKED
AFTER DISCONNECTING
UNIT FROM AC LINE.
- RISQUE D'INCENDIE -
REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUE APRES
DEBRANCHER DU SECTEUR.
IF
LOOP
RF
INPUT
COMPOSITE IF UP CONVERTER
OUTPUT
T-7 TO T-14
IN
RF
OUTPUT
®
MADE IN THE U.S.A. BY
115 VAC, 60Hz
30 WATTS
IN OUT
FUSE
1 / 2 A, 250 V
SLO - BLO
CAUTION:
ATTENTION:
- RISK
OF FIRE - REPLACE
FUSE AS MARKED
AFTER DISCONNECTING
UNIT FROM AC LINE.
- RISQUE D'INCENDIE -
REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUE APRES
DEBRANCHER DU SECTEUR.
IF
LOOP
RF
INPUT
COMPOSITE IF UP CONVERTER
OUTPUT
T-7 TO T-14
IN
RF
OUTPUT
®
MADE IN THE U.S.A. BY
Installation 3
CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS – All connections to
and from the 550TCP are made through the rear panel.
Figure 3 shows a typical two channel processing
installation involving the converting of off-air signals.
Additional channels can be processed by using additional
channel processor units and either multi-port combiners or
combinations of two-port combiners.
INSTALLATION NOTES – Level adjustment provides
optimum performance in multichannel installations. The
channel processor outputs should be checked periodically
with a spectrum analyzer to maintain a ±1 dB variation of
adjacent channel carriers. Aural/Visual (A/V) ratios should
be held to –15 dB or less. The ‘Output Level’ and ‘A/V
Ratio’ controls are used respectively to make these
adjustments. If an output level of less than +50 dBmV is
required, add an attenuator of the appropriate value to the
modulator output.
Example: For an output level of +45 dBmV, add a 12 dB
attenuator pad to the modulator output and set the output
level.
RACK MOUNTING – Adequate ventilation is very
important in multichannel installations. Units should be
spaced apart by at least one panel height wherever
possible, and some air movement is advisable in enclosed
rack cabinets. Excessive heat will shorten component life
and unit performance will be degraded without proper
cooling.
FCC PAR.76.612- The synthesizer in the output section of
the 550TCP has been programmed to comply with FCC
requirements for offsets on cable channel frequencies
assigned to aviation and navigation communications. The
programmed offset for each channel is listed in Tables 3
and 4 in the Installation section of this manual.
Figure 3 - Typical Multiple Channel Processor Installation.
OUT
5-1000 MHz -130 dB RFI
OUT
3611
2-WAY SPLITTER
IN
2-WAY SPLITTER/
COMBINER
RF OUT
TO SYSTEM
550TCP
550TCP
OFF-AIR
OFF-AIR

4 Installation - List of Output and Input Channels
TABLE 3: OUTPUT CHANNEL
CATV (2 - 42)CATV (2 - 42)
CATV (2 - 42)CATV (2 - 42)
CATV (2 - 42)
OutputChannel
SwitchSetting
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Frequency
Offset (kHz)
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+25
Visual Carrier
Frequency(MHz)
55.25
61.25
67.25
77.25
83.25
175.25
181.25
187.25
193.25
199.25
205.25
211.25
121.25
127.25
133.25
139.25
145.25
151.25
157.25
163.25
169.25
217.25
223.25
229.25
235.25
241.25
247.25
253.25
259.25
265.25
271.25
277.25
283.25
289.25
295.25
301.25
307.25
313.25
319.25
325.25
331.25
Visual Carrier
Frequency(MHz)
639.25
645.25
651.25
657.25
663.25
669.25
675.25
681.25
687.25
693.25
699.25
705.25
711.25
717.25
723.25
729.25
735.25
741.25
747.25
753.25
759.25
765.25
771.25
777.25
783.25
789.25
795.25
801.25
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
UHF BROADCAST CHANNELSUHF BROADCAST CHANNELS
UHF BROADCAST CHANNELSUHF BROADCAST CHANNELS
UHF BROADCAST CHANNELS
ChannelNumber
Visual Carrier
Frequency(MHz)
55.25
61.25
67.25
77.25
83.25
175.25
181.25
187.25
193.25
199.25
205.25
211.25
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
VHF BROADCAST CHANNELSVHF BROADCAST CHANNELS
VHF BROADCAST CHANNELSVHF BROADCAST CHANNELS
VHF BROADCAST CHANNELS
ChannelNumber
TABLE 1: INPUT CHANNEL
OFF-AIR (VHF )OFF-AIR (VHF )
OFF-AIR (VHF )OFF-AIR (VHF )
OFF-AIR (VHF )
TABLE 2: INPUT CHANNEL
OFF-AIR (UHF)OFF-AIR (UHF)
OFF-AIR (UHF)OFF-AIR (UHF)
OFF-AIR (UHF)
OutputChannel
SwitchSetting
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
95
96
97
98
99
Frequency
Offset (kHz)
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
+12.5
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
+25
+25
Visual Carrier
Frequency(MHz)
337.25
343.25
349.25
355.25
361.25
367.25
373.25
379.25
385.25
391.25
397.25
403.25
409.25
415.25
421.25
427.25
433.25
439.25
445.25
451.25
457.25
463.25
469.25
475.25
481.25
487.25
493.25
499.25
505.25
511.25
517.25
523.25
529.25
535.25
541.25
547.25
91.25
97.25
103.25
109.25
115.25
TABLE 4: OUTPUT CHANNEL
CATV (43 - 78 and 95 - 99)CATV (43 - 78 and 95 - 99)
CATV (43 - 78 and 95 - 99)CATV (43 - 78 and 95 - 99)
CATV (43 - 78 and 95 - 99)
Visual Carrier
Frequency(MHz)
471.25
477.25
483.24
489.25
495.25
501.25
507.25
513.25
519.25
525.25
531.25
537.25
543.25
549.25
555.25
561.25
567.25
573.25
579.25
585.25
591.25
597.25
603.25
609.25
615.25
621.25
627.25
633.25
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
UHF BROADCAST CHANNELSUHF BROADCAST CHANNELS
UHF BROADCAST CHANNELSUHF BROADCAST CHANNELS
UHF BROADCAST CHANNELS
ChannelNumber
TABLE 2: INPUT CHANNEL
OFF-AIR (UHF)OFF-AIR (UHF)
OFF-AIR (UHF)OFF-AIR (UHF)
OFF-AIR (UHF)

T Channel Upconverter 5
The 550TCPT is an upgraded version of the Dracom
550TCP. The "T" Channel model includes a built-in
upconverter to extend coverage of the input section to
include channels T7 through T13. When the T channel
upconverter module, which must be factory installed, is
present, the processor may be used in either the normal
mode with input channels starting at CH2 or in the T
channel mode where the upconverter is connected
between the input of the normal tuner and the input signal.
To use the T channel mode, the included F connector
jumper cable is simply installed between the UP
CONVERTER OUTPUT and the RF INPUT and the T
channel input signal is connected to the T7 TO T14 IN
input instead of the RF INPUT. These connections are all
on the rear panel of the processor. To use the processor
for normal input channels, the jumper can be removed
and the normal input (RF INPUT) used.
When the upconverter is used, input channel T7 is
selected by choosing channel 7 on the input channel
switch, T8 is selected by setting 8, and so on through
input channel T13 which is selected by setting 13 on the
input channel switch.
IN OUT T-7TOT-14
IN UP CONVERTER
OUTPUT
IF
LOOP
RF
INPUT
COMPOSITE IF
RF
OUTPUT
TV CHANNEL OUT
"T" CHANNEL
SIGNAL IN
T7 TO T14 IN CONNECTOR
(T7 TO T13 FOR THE DRACOM 450TCPT) UP CONVERTER
OUTPUT RF INPUT
The specifications for the T series of channel processors
are identical to the non T versions when used on normal
channels without the input upconverter connection. When
the upconverter is in use, the additional specifications,
listed below, will also apply for use with T channel input
channels.
These T series processors accept T channel input
signals but output coverage does not extend below
channel 2. Thus, T channels can be converted to any
other channel in the processor’s output range starting with
channel 2 and up.
NOTE: When using the T channel upconverter module
option on the 550TCPT, avoid use on input channels if an
adjacent channel is present at the input and output. For
adjacent channel operation, use the HCP1450T,
HCP1550T, or HCP2550T models, which have additional
SAW filtering.
Unity ± 2 dB.
Less than 10 dB.
+ 30 dBmV maximum.
15 dB typical.
168.250 MHz, PLL synthesized and locked to processor reference.
Gain:
Noise Figure:
Input Level (T channels):
Input Return Loss:
Local Oscillator:
UPCONVERTER SPECIFICATIONS

6 Service / IfYou Need To Call For Help
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.
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.

Warranty 7
OneYear Limited Warranty
R.L. DRAKE COMPANY warrants to the original purchaser this product shall be free from defects in material or
workmanship for one (1) year 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
one (1) year from the date of the original purchase.
TheforegoingconstitutesR.L.DRAKECOMPANY’Sentireobligationwithrespecttothisproduct,andtheoriginal
purchasershallhavenootherremedyandnoclaimforincidentalorconsequentialdamages,lossesorexpenses.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or do not allow the exclusions or
limitation 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