DRAKE VM1550 User manual

Instruction Manual
® is a registered trademark of the R.L. Drake Company
© Copyright 2002 R.L. Drake Company P/N - 3857400K-3-2002 Printed in U.S.A.
VM1550
Commercial Video Modulator
(For use in NTSC systems)

2 Caution Statements
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.
TOPREVENTELECTRICSHOCK,DONOTUSETHIS(POLARIZED)PLUGWITHANEXTENSION
CORDRECEPTACLEOROTHEROUTLETUNLESSTHEBLADESCANBEFULLYINSERTEDTO
PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
POURPREVENIRLESCHOCSELECTRIQUES,NEPASUTILISERCETTEFICHEPOLARISEE
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.
CAUTION
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

Important Safety Instructions 3
1.ReadInstructions—Allthesafetyandoperatinginstructionsshouldberead
before the product 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.FollowInstructions—Alloperatinganduseinstructionsshouldbefollowed.
5.Cleaning—Unplugthis productfromthe walloutletbeforecleaning. 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 manufacturer 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—Donot place this producton an unstable cart,stand, tripod,
bracket,ortable. Theproductmayfall,causingseriousinjurytoachildoradult,
andseriousdamagetotheproduct.Useonlywithacart,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
combinationtooverturn.
10.Ventilation—Slotsandopeningsinthecabinetareprovidedforventilation
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
powersourceindicated on the markinglabel. Ifyou are not sure ofthetype of
power supplied to your home, consult your product dealer or local power
company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or other
sources, refer to the operating instructions.
12. Grounding or Polarization—This product may be equipped with a
polarizedalternating-current line plug(a plughavingone bladewiderthan 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. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace
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-typepoweroutlet.Thisisasafetyfeature.Ifyouareunabletoinsert
theplugintotheoutlet,contactyourelectriciantoreplaceyourobsoleteoutlet.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.
12a.MiseàlaterreouPolarisation—Cetappareilestéquipéavecuncordon
d'alimentationà troisfils. Ilestabranchersurunepriseayantunconnecteura
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
theyarenotlikely to be walked on or pinchedbyitems 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—If an outside antenna or cable system is
connectedtothe product,besuretheantenna orcablesystemisgroundedso
as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static
charges.Article810 of the NationalElectricalCode, 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—Foradded protectionforthis productduringa lightningstorm,
orwhenit isleftunattended andunusedfor longperiodsof time,unplugit 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,extremecare shouldbetakentokeepfromtouchingsuchpowerlines
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.ObjectandLiquidEntry—Neverpushobjectsofanykindintothisproduct
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.DamageRequiringService—Unplugthisproductfromthewalloutletand
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
instructionsasanimproperadjustmentofothercontrols mayresultindamage
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
orhavethesamecharacteristicsastheoriginalpart. Unauthorizedsubstitutes
may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
22. Safety Check—Uponcompletion ofanyservice orrepairsto this product,
ask the service technician 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
produceheat.
NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLERS:
THISREMINDERISPROVIDEDTOCALLTHE
CATVSYSTEMINSTALLER'SATTENTIONTO
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
GROUNDINGSYSTEMOFTHEBUILDING,AS
CLOSE TO THE POINT OF CABLE ENTRY AS
PRACTICAL.
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
NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE
Figure A
Example of antenna grounding as per National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70

4 Table of Contents / General Description
Caution Statements
Important Safety Instructions
Table of Contents / General Description
Specifications
Front Panel Controls and Indicators
Rear Panel Connections
2
3
4
5
6
7
Installation
Frequency Allocation Chart
Internal Jumper Selection
Notes
Service Information /
If You Need To Call For Help
Warranty
8
9
10
11
12
13
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The R.L Drake VM1550 Video Modulator is a high quality
vestigial sideband heterodyne audio/video modulator that
provides a modulated visual and aural RF carrier output
on VHF channels, 2-13; Midband, A-I; Superband, J-W;
or Hyperband, AA-HH. Consult factory for custom
channels. All aeronautical channels are offset positive
with a tolerance of ±5 kHz as required by FCC rules. The
VM1550 is designed to accept video and audio baseband
signals from a satellite receiver, TV camera, video tape
recorder, TV modulator or similar equipment. The
heterodyne conversion system, in conjunction with the
use of a SAW filter, insures optimum vestigial selectivity
for adjacent channel headends.
IF loop-thru capability in the VM1550 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 insertion of IF scrambling equipment.
VM1550 VIDEO MODULATOR
POWER OVER
MODULATION
RF LEVEL
A U D I O L E V E L V I D E O L E V E L A / V R A T I O
CHANNEL
The modulator accepts standard (sync negative) polarity
video at a 0.7 -2.5 Vpp level. All level controls and
modulation indicators are located on the front panel for
ease of operation.
Field-defeatable audio pre-emphasis enables
transmission of BTSC encoded standard baseband stereo
audio signals.

Specifications 5
60 dB minimum,
luminance weighted.
±35 nSec referenced to 0 nSec
L/C delay (complies with FCC
rules, 76.605).
± 4% (10 to 90% APL).
± 4 degrees (10 to 90% APL).
140 mV minimum. Manual gain
adjustment with front panel
control. Over-Modulation LED set
for 25 kHz peak deviation
indication.
10K Ohms, Unbalanced.
75 µSec. (internally defeatable).
20 Hz to 15 kHz, ± 1 dB,
referenced to 75 µSec
pre-emphasis curve.
(20 Hz-100 kHz if preemphasis
is defeated).
±5 kHz, 00C to +500C.
1.0% maximum.
-60 dB minimum, referenced
to 25 kHz peak deviation.
+28 dBmV.
+28 dBmV.
75 Ohms.
115 VAC ±10%, 60 Hz,
10 WATTS.
00C to +500C, ambient.
19" W x 1.75" H x 6.75" D.
5 Lbs. (2.25 Kg).
Video S/N:
L/C Delay:
Differential Gain:
Differential Phase:
AUDIO
Input Level for 25 kHz
Peak Deviation:
Input Impedance:
Pre-emphasis:
Frequency Response:
4.5 MHz Intercarrier
Stability:
Total Harmonic
Distortion:
Hum and Noise:
COMPOSITE IF
LOOP
Output Level (V carrier):
Input Level (V carrier):
Input/Output
Impedances:
GENERAL
AC Power Input:
Operating Temperature
Range:
Size:
Weight:
*Consult factory for custom channels
RF
Frequency Range:
Channels Available:
Output Level:
Output Impedance:
A/V Ratio:
Frequency Stability:
Intercarrier Frequency:
FCC Frequency
Offsets:
Spurious Outputs:
Broadband Noise:
VIDEO
Input level for 87.5%:
Input Impedance:
Frequency Response:
54 - 348 MHz.
VHF 2-13,
Lowband 1 (A8)
Midband 14-22 (A-I) and
95-99 (A5-A1),
Superband 23-36 (J-W),
Hyperband 37-44 (AA-HH)
Factory tuned for single
channel. *
+45 dBmV minimum, (typically
adjustable from +35 to
+45 dBmV). Note: If an output
level of less than +35 dBmV is
required, add an attenuator of
the appropriate value to the
modulator output.(eg., add a
10 dB pad for +30 dBmV output).
75 Ohms, return loss of 12 dB.
Audio Carrier -20 to -12 dB
referenced to video carrier,
adjustable.
± 5 kHz (Visual Carrier).
4.5 MHz.
All aeronautical channels
offset positive with a tolerance
of ±5 kHz.
-65 dBc minimum, measured
at -15 dB A/V ratio and with
modulator output level of
+45 dBmV.
-77 dBc, referenced to video
carrier.
(4 MHz BW @ ±12 MHz offset).
-95 dBc @ ±36 MHz 0ffset.
1 Vp-p +/-3 dB, manual gain
adjust with front panel control.
Over-Modulation LED set for
87.5% depth of modulation
indication.
75 Ohms, return loss of 18 dB
minimum.
20 Hz to 4.2 MHz, ±1.0 dB.

6 Front Panel Controls and Indicators
F7 - CHANNEL Designation
The label indicates the fixed channel output for your
particular model. The VM1550 is capable of fixed channel
output within the following ranges: VHF, 2-13; Lowband 1
(A8): Midband, 14-22 (A-I) and 95-99 (A5-A1); Superband,
23-36 (J-W); Hyperband, 37-44 (AA-HH);
F8 - RF OUTPUT LEVEL
This screwdriver adjustment permits decreasing the RF
output level a minimum of 12 dB below its specified output
level as the control is rotated counterclockwise. The
maximum output level of +45 dBmV is set with the
adjustment fully clockwise.
NOTE: If an output level of less than +35 dBmV is
required, add an attenuator of the appropriate value at the
modulator output.
Example: For an output level of +30 dBmV, add a 10 dB
attenuator pad to the modulator output.
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8
VM1550 VIDEO MODULATOR
POWER OVER
MODULATION
RF LEVEL
A U D I O L E V E L V I D E O L E V E L A / V R A T I O
CHANNEL
F1 - POWER Indicator
Lights when the unit is connected to a source of AC
power.
F2 - AUDIO LEVEL Control
The setting of this screwdriver adjustment determines the
peak aural carrier deviation. Clockwise rotation increases
the carrier deviation. Set this control to a level which
causes the LED Over Modulation indicator (See Item ‘F3’)
to just begin lighting (25 kHz deviation).
F3 - AUDIO OVER MODULATION Indicator
Lights when the audio amplitude is greater than the
25 kHz deviation level.
F4 - VIDEO OVER MODULATION Indicator
Lights when the video amplitude is greater than the 87.5%
depth of modulation.
F5 - VIDEO LEVEL Control
The setting of this screwdriver adjustment determines the
video modulation level. Clockwise rotation increases the
modulation depth. Set this control to a level which causes
the LED Over Modulation indicator (See Item ‘F4’) to just
begin lighting (87.5% depth of modulation).
F6 - A/V RATIO Control
This screwdriver adjustment varies the level of the aural
carrier over a range from 12 to 20 dB below the visual
carrier. The aural carrier should be adjusted to
approximately 15 dB below the visual carrier (normal
operation). Clockwise rotation increases the aural carrier
level and thus decreases the A/V ratio.

FUSE
1/8A, 250V
SLO-BLO 115V 60 Hz
10 WATTS
IN OUT
600 WATTS MAX
R F O U T
CAUTION: - RISK
OF FIRE -REPLACE
FUSE AS MARKED
AFTER DISCONNECTING
UNIT FROM AC LINE
ATTENTION:
- RISQUE D'INCENDIE -
REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUE APRES
DEBRANCHER DU
SECTEUR
COMPOSITE
I F VIDEO
INPUT AUDIO INPUT
120V, 5A
MADE IN U. S. A. BY ®
Rear Panel Connections 7
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8
R5 - AUDIO INPUT Connector
This is an unbalanced audio input to the IF circuits. This
“RCA” (phono) connector input accepts baseband through
15 kHz audio at a nominal level of 250 mV RMS
(approximately 0 dBm). NOTE: An internally selected test
point jumper defeats the audio pre-emphasis for
stereo capability.
R6 - FUSE
Always replace this fuse with one of the same type and
rating: 1/8 Amp, 250 V SLO-BLO® , 3AG type.
R7 - AC OUTLET Receptacle
This is a power receptacle for other other equipment and
is rated at 600 WATTS maximum; 120 V, 5 Amp. This
receptacle is unfused and unswitched.
R8 - 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.
R1 - RF OUT
This is the modulator output.
R2 - COMPOSITE IF INPUT Connector
This is the composite IF input to the heterodyne converter.
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
levels must be at their nominally specified levels.
R3 - COMPOSITE IF OUTPUT 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 combined with a level controlled
(-15 dBc typical) aural carrier at 41.25 MHz. This
connection is normally cabled directly to the
“COMPOSITE IF IN” connector (See Item `R2').
R4 - VIDEO INPUT Connector
This is the baseband video input to the IF circuits. This
input accepts baseband thru 4.2 MHz video at levels from
0.7 Vp-p to 1.5 Vp-p.

FUSE
1/8A, 250V
SLO-BLO 115V 60 Hz
10 WATTS
IN OUT
600 WATTS MAX
R F O U T
CAUTION: - RISK
OF FIRE -REPLACE
FUSE AS MARKED
AFTER DISCONNECTING
UNIT FROM AC LINE
ATTENTION:
- RISQUE D'INCENDIE -
REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUE APRES
DEBRANCHER DU
SECTEUR
COMPOSITE
I F VIDEO
INPUT AUDIO INPUT
120V, 5A
MADE IN U. S. A. BY ®
FUSE
1/8A, 250V
SLO-BLO 115V 60 Hz
10 WATTS
IN OUT
600 WATTS MAX
R F O U T
CAUTION: - RISK
OF FIRE -REPLACE
FUSE AS MARKED
AFTER DISCONNECTING
UNIT FROM AC LINE
ATTENTION:
- RISQUE D'INCENDIE -
REMPLACEZ FUSIBLE DU
TYPE INDIQUE APRES
DEBRANCHER DU
SECTEUR
COMPOSITE
I F VIDEO
INPUT AUDIO INPUT
120V, 5A
MADE IN U. S. A. BY ®
8 Installation
Figure 3
TYPICAL MULTIPLE MODULATOR INSTALLATION
CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS
All connections to and from the VM1550 are made through
the rear panel.
Figure 3 shows a typical two channel
installation using a typical satellite receiver as a signal
source. Additional channels can be added by using
additional VM1550 modulators and either multi-port
combiners or combinations of two-port combiners.
INSTALLATION NOTES
Level adjustment provides optimum performance in
multi-channel installations. The modulator outputs should
becheckedperiodicallywithaspectrumanalyzertomaintain
a ±1 dB variation of adjacent channel carriers. Aural/Visual
(A/V) ratios should be held to -15 dB or less.
The output 'RF Level' and 'A/V Ratio' controls are used
respectivelytomake theseadjustments. Ifanoutputlevel of
less than +35 dBmV is required, add an attenuator of the
appropriate value to the modulator output.
Example: For an output level of +30 dBmV, add a 10 dB
attenuator pad to the modulator output.
RACK MOUNTING
Adequate ventilation is very important in multi-channel
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 modulator performance will be
degraded without proper cooling.
HV
VIDEO
OUT AUDIO
OUT HV
VIDEO
OUT AUDIO
OUT
TYPICAL
SATELLITE RECEIVER
REAR PANEL
TYPICAL
SATELLITE RECEIVER
REAR PANEL
AUDIOVIDEOAUDIOVIDEO
RF OUT
COMBINER

Frequency Allocation Chart 9
EIA/NCTA
Numeric
Equivalent
2
3
4
5
6
95
96
97
98
99
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Standard
Alphanumeric
Identification
2
3
4
5
6
A-5
A-4
A-3
A-2*
A-1*
A*
B*
C*
D
E
F
G
H
I
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
J
K*
L*
M*
N*
O*
P*
Q*
R*
S*
T*
U*
V*
W*
AA*
BB*
CC*
DD*
EE*
FF*
GG*
HH*
B
A
N
D
L
O
W
M
I
D
H
I
G
H
S
U
P
E
R
H
Y
P
E
R
Channel Designation
CABLE TV CHANNELS
Visual Carrier
Frequency
(MHz)
55.25
61.25
67.25
77.25
83.25
91.25
97.25
103.25
109.25
115.25
121.25
127.25
133.25
139.25
145.25
151.25
157.25
163.25
169.25
175.25
181.25
187.25
193.25
199.25
205.25
211.25
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
337.25
343.25

10 Internal Jumper Selection
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE REQUIRES REMOVAL
OF AN EQUIPMENT COVER THAT EXPOSES POTENTIALLY
LETHAL VOLTAGES IF THE EQUIPMENT IS POWERED FROM
AN AC POWER SOURCE. REFER SERVICING TO A
QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN ONLY.
CAUTION
Audio -
Flat
3
2
1
3
2
1
FIGURE 4
VM1550 IF / POWER SUPPLY BOARD PICTORIAL
Audio -
Pre-emphasis
(factory setting)
TOP, FRONT VIEW OF UNIT

Warranty
Notes 11

12 Service Information / IfYou Need To Call For Help
SERVICE INFORMATION
The VM1550 Audio-Video Modulator 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.
The top cover is removable, and provides access to all
serviceable components. Schematic diagrams are available
from our customer service department for a nominal charge.
All internal adjustments require test equipment, and alignment
should be attempted only by a trained technician.
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, it will be returned by UPS
Brown label COD (UPS does not accept cash/currency)
unless:
1) It was received UPS Blue/Red, in which case it will be
returned UPS Blue/Red COD;
2) You designate billing to American ExPress, VISA,
MasterCard or Discover card;
3) You prepay the service charges with a personal check,
or
4) You specify some other method of return.
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.
IFIF
IFIF
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
Warranty 13
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) Complete and send in the Warranty Registration Card within 10 days of purchase.
(2)NotifytheR.L.DRAKECOMPANYorthe nearest authorized service facility,assoonaspossibleafter discovery 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,includingdetailsontheelectricalconnectiontoassociatedequipmentandthe
list of such equipment.
(3) Deliverthe product to the R.L.DRAKECOMPANY or the nearest authorized service facility,or ship the same inits
original container or equivalent, fully insured and shipping charges prepaid.
Correctmaintenance,repair,anduseareimportanttoobtainproperperformancefromthisproduct. Thereforecarefully
read the Instruction Manual. This warranty does not apply to any defect that R.L.DRAKE COMPANY determines is
due to:
(1)Impropermaintenanceorrepair,includingtheinstallationofpartsoraccessoriesthatdonotconformtothequality
and specifications of the original parts.
(2) Misuse, abuse, neglect or improper installation.
(3) Accidental or intentional damage.
All implied warranties, if any, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, terminate
three (3) years from the date of the original purchase.
The foregoing constitutes R.L.DRAKE COMPANY’S entire obligation with respect to this product, and the original
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