Eddystone xa500 series User manual

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Eddystone Broadcast
----
XA500 Series
Low Power
FM Amplifiers
----
Installation
and
Operation
----
Issue 2
E2136-00MA-02
August 2011
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Eddystone Broadcast Ltd.
26, Arden Rd.
Arden Forest Industrial Estate
Alcester, Warwickshire
B49 6EP, England
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.eddystone-broadcast.com

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Index
SECTION ONE : INTRODUCTION
1.1 : GENERAL DESCRIPTION………………………………………………………………… Page 5
1.1.1 Power Supply………………………………………………………………..……………… Page 5
1.1.2 Input Splitter..………………….……………………………………………………………. Page 5
1.1.3 Amplifier Modules (‘Pallets’)……………………………………………………………….. Page 5
1.1.4 Two Way Combiner, Low Pass Filters and Directional Coupler……………….……… Page 6
1.1.5 Control/Display Boards………………………………………………….……………..….. Page 6
1.1.6 Interface Board …………………………………………………………………………….. Page 6
1.1.7 Serial Remote Control and Monitoring Board (/A and /T options only)……………….. Page 7
1.2 : VARIANTS AND OPTIONS…………………………………………………………………Page 7
1.3 : TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS…………………………………………………………… Page 8
SECTION TWO : INSTALLATION
2.1 : PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS AND FITTING………………………………………………… Page 11
2.1.1 Installation Accessories……………………………………………………………………. Page 11
2.1.2 Rack Mounting………………………………………………………………………………. Page 12
2.2 : EXTERNAL CONECTIONS…………………………………………………….………….. Page 12
2.2.1 Mains Supply Connector.………………………………………………………………….. Page 12
2.2.2 Status Connector…………………………….……………………….……………………. Page 13
2.2.3 RF Output Antenna Connector……………………………………………………………..Page 14
2.2.4 RF Input Connector……………………………………………..………………………….. Page 14
2.2.5 RF Output Monitor Connector……………………………………………………………... Page 14
2.2.6 REMOTE (COM) Port Connector (/A option only) ……...………………………….…… Page 14
2.2.7 REMOTE (TCP/IP) Connector (/T option only)…………..……………………………... Page 15
2.3 : SETTING UP PROCEDURES………………….………………………………………….. Page 15
2.3.1 Fuses…………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 15
2.3.2 Output Power Level and Frequency Adjustment…………………………………………Page 16
2.4 : SERIAL REMOTE CONTROL AND MONITORING (/A and /T options only)……….…Page17
2.4.1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………..Page 17
2.4.2 Control Commands and Status Monitor Requests …………………………………..…. Page 17
2.4.3 Reverted Status Monitor Information …………………………………………………….. Page 18
SECTION THREE : OPERATION
3.1 : CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS…………………..…………………………………..……… Page 21
3.1.1 Front Panel…………….……………………………………………………………………. Page 21
3.1.2 E2322 Power Supply Units…………………….………………………………………….. Page 22

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Bound at Rear
XA500 Front and Rear Views…………………………………………………………. E2136-00GA
XA500 Block Diagram………………………………………………………………….. E2136-00BK
XA500 Interconnections Circuit Diagram…………………………………………..… E2136-00CT

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SECTION ONE : INTRODUCTION
! CAUTION !
These Amplifiers operate at high RF power levels, internal supply energy levels and mains
supply current levels. They also incorporate devices containing toxic BeO. Installation, operation
and maintenance of this unit must therefore, only be carried out by suitably qualified personnel,
familiar with and fully utilising the safety procedures such equipment demands.
NO attempt at installation should be made without full reference to and compliance with SECTION
TWO : INSTALLATION.
NO attempt at internal maintenance should be made without full reference to and compliance with the
appropriate sections (apart from fuse changing which is detailed in INSTALLATION).
1.1 : GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The XA500 Series of Low Power FM Amplifiers provide output powers of up to 500W (used singly) in
the standard Band ll frequency range of 87.5-108MHz. They can be supplied with either one or two
Exciters (with automatic changeover unit, ‘E2075’) capable of generating a standard mono or stereo
FM signal from a variety of analogue or digital audio or data sources (including left/right audio, MPX,
RDS, SCA, DARC etc.). It is important to note that the Exciter(s) supplied will depend on the user’s
actual requirements in this regard which, therefore, must be clearly specified at time of ordering. The
Amplifiers may also be supplied as pairs, with a XC2000 Combiner, generating up to 1kW, again with
one or two drives.
The Amplifiers are totally self-contained (including forced air-cooling) and can be mounted as a
complete unit (less Exciters) within a standard 19 inch rack with at least 600mm depth and 3U height.
All that is required is a connection to a mains supply, to an antenna and to the Exciter/Drive(s).
The Amplifier consists of a number of modules described as follows (1.1.1 – 7 inc.). Front and rear
views, a block diagram and a circuit diagram showing these modules are bound at the rear of this
manual (E2136-00GA, E2136-00BK and E2136-00CT).
1.1.1 : Power Supply
Depending on the variant, one or two ‘hot-plugable’ E2322 Power Supply Units are provided
(removable from the Amplifier front panel) each with its own forced air cooling, output control and
monitoring circuitry with status indicators. These highly efficient, switched mode units generate a
regulated 50V dc supply, of up to 42A total, from mains supplies of 110 to 260V, with the input power
factor approaching 100%. 50V dc outputs for each Amplifier Pallet and for all the low current circuits
are provided via separate fuses within the Amplifier. These fuses, as well as circuitry to measure total
supply current and monitor DC supply and fan status are fitted on the Power Supply Board, at the rear
of the Power Supply Units. On variants fitted with two switched mode units, if one should fail, the
XA500 will continue to deliver full output power. E2136-05, 06, 07 and 08 variants have a mains
supply on/off switch situated on the rear panel.
1.1.2 : Input Splitter
This connects the RF input N type connector to the two amplifier ‘pallets’ The splitter section is a two
way Wilkinson utilising standard 75Ωcoaxial cable and two 50Ωload resistors
1.1.3 Amplifier Modules (‘Pallets’)
Two amplifier modules are provided, each contributing one half of the total output power. Each
amplifier module is an integrated 50Ωgain block consisting of a dual RF Mosfet transistor (in ‘push-
pull’) with matching sections at its input and output. This ‘pallet’ is mounted on an aluminium block and
is easily replaced as a unit if required. Amplifier modules (as well as input splitting and output
combining/ filtering circuitry) are mounted on a heatsink, which is forced air cooled by two fans directly
supplied from the Power Supply units. To reduce ingress of dust, nearly all of the forced air is directed

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over the heatsink fins with only a small ‘bleed’ of air over components mounted on the heatsink
surface itself.
1.1.4 : Two Way Combiner, Low Pass Filter and Directional Coupler
These interface between the two amplifier outputs and the antenna. The combiner section is a two
way Wilkinson utilising standard 70.7Ωor 75Ωcoaxial cable and two 50Ωload resistors. The
following low pass filter is nine section Tchebycheff, giving a very high level of attenuation at harmonic
frequencies. The filter capacitors utilise PTFE boards in a screened ‘sandwich’. The output directional
coupler utilises microstrip lines on PTFE board with a dielectric overlay to optimise directivity. The
coupler board also contains the forward and reverse diode detectors and thus provides dc levels, to
the Control board, representing the forward and reverse power levels present. The final RF output
connector is either a 7/8in. (E2136-01, 03, 05 and 07) or 7-16 (E2136-02, 04, 06 and 08).
1.1.5 : Control/DisplayInterface Boards
The front Control Board contains circuitry to measure the Amplifier’s final output forward and reverse
powers via the output directional coupler, the temperature of the heatsink, via a precision temperature
sensor mounted on the heatsink, and the current drawn from the power supply via Hall effect current
sensors fitted on the Power Supply Board. These levels, as well as the analogue level representing
the required set output power, are converted to digital form by a microprocessor. This microprocessor
also receives direct information about the status of the Amplifier and any external inputs. All this
information, along with any fault messages, are fed to the Front Panel Display Board to be displayed,
the analogue levels in digital form, on a two line, sixteen character display and two red/green LEDs.
Individual levels and fault indications are selected by a push-button switch on the front panel Display
Board. A ‘watchdog’ circuit on the Control Board checks the microprocessor operation and sets an
additional red/green ‘CPU’ LED accordingly on the Display Board.
Equivalent information about levels and status is also fed to the Interface Board (see section 1.1.6)
and, when fitted, the optional Serial Remote Control and Monitoring Board (see section 1.1.7)
The Control Board itself also has outputs to control the power level of each amplifier ‘pallet’. A multi-
turn preset potentiometer, adjacent to the LCD on the Display Board, is accessible via the front panel
to enable setting of the power level. This setting will be over-ridden and the power level reduced
automatically (’folded-back’) if excessive temperature, or excessive reverse power is detected or if the
external mute/interlock circuit is activated (output muted in this case). The front panel power level
control can also be disabled if required (using a link on the rear panel Status connector) and power
level then set by an external DC voltage applied via the Status connector. This is the normal
arrangement when two XA500s are combined using an XC2000 which provides the overall power
level setting.
1.1.6 Interface Board
The rear Interface Board contains circuitry to provide filtered, protected status outputs, via open
collector transistors, equivalent to the status information provided on the front panel. Analogue outputs
representing the forward and reverse powers are also provided as is a fused +50V dc output, diode-
OR’d from the one or two E2322 Power Supply Units, for operation or control of external circuits
(including the XC2000 Combiner)
Inputs are provided to enable remote power level setting (‘select internal/external control’ and external
control voltage). Two inputs are also provided for connection to an external interlock circuit. When the
connection between these two pins is broken, the Amplifier will automatically mute. Slave relay output
contacts are provided which sense this condition and which can be used to simultaneously mute the
drive(s).
The Interface Board also contains a DC-DC converter to generate +12V dc from the diode OR’d 50V
dc supply. This lower voltage supplies the Control and Display Boards (see section 1.1.5) where it is
used directly and also converted to +5V and –12V dc levels.

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1.1.7 Serial Remote Control and Monitoring Board (/A and /T options only)
Serial ASCII remote control and monitoring, either at RS232 level (/A option) or utilising TCP/IP (/T
option) can also be provided on all variants. The optional board is fitted in the rear of the unit and has
a nine way ‘D’ plug in the case of the RS232 /A option or an RJ45 connector in the case of the TCP/IP
/T option. This plug/connector is on the rear panel as PL06 (/A) or SK06 (/T). The board contains a
microprocessor, which receives serial data from the Control Board (see section 1.1.5) and converts it
into asynchronous ASCII data representing Amplifier analogue levels and status. On the /A option, this
data is presented at RS232 level at PL06. On the /T option it is fed via an additional circuit which
provides TCP/IP protocols and levels at SK06. External muting using serial control is also enabled via
this optional board.
1.2 : VARIANTS AND OPTIONS
The variants (indicted by number suffixes) are as follows :
E2136-01 Basic XA500 500W Amplifier fitted with 7/8 in. RF Output connector (single PSU)
E2136-02 Basic XA500 500W Amplifier fitted with 7-16 RF Output connector (single PSU)
E2136-03 Basic XA500 500W Amplifier fitted with 7/8 in. RF Output connector (dual PSUs)
E2136-04 Basic XA500 500W Amplifier fitted with 7-16 RF Output connector (dual PSUs)
E2136-05 Basic XA500 500W Amplifier fitted with 7/8 in. RF Output conn. with supply switch
(single PSU)
E2136-06 Basic XA500 50W Amplifier fitted with 7-16 RF Output conn. with supply switch
(single PSU)
E2136-07 Basic XA500 500W Amplifier fitted with 7/8 in. RF Output conn. with supply switch
(dual PSUs)
E2136-08 Basic XA500 500W Amplifier fitted with 7-16 RF Output conn. with supply switch
(dual PSUs)
The options (indicted by letter suffixes) are as follows :
/A XA500 500W Amplifier fitted with serial remote control/monitoring at RS232 level
/T XA500 50W Amplifier fitted with serial remote control/monitoring utilising TCP/IP
Example :- E2136-02/T= XA500 with 7-16 Output Connector, single PSU and TCP/IP Remote Control

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1.3 : TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The XA500 range of FM Amplifiers is designed to meet or exceed ETSI Standards:-
EN 301 489-01 : ERM/EMC for Radio Equipment, Part 1, Common Technical Requirements.
EN 301 489-11 : ERM/EMC for Radio Equipment, Part 11, Specific Conditions for FM Transmitters.
EN 302 018-02 : ERM (Spectral Occupancy) for the FM Radio Broadcast Services.
EN 60215:1989 : Safety Requirements for Radio Transmitting Equipment
Note that the following figures do not include any which principally depend on the Exciter/Drive being
used (e.g. frequency stability). The figures given below may also be affected by the Exciter/Drive’s
performance. In both cases the Exciter/Drive’s own manual should be consulted.
RF Interface Ports 50Ωnominal
Input Drive Power RF Input from Exciter/Drive supplied :-
8-10W (13W absolute maximum)
Output Power Level With any load with a return loss ≥16dB (1.38:1 VSWR) any angle.
.Adjustable over range of at least 125W to 500W.
Output Power
Variation
Not more than ±0.5dB under all specified operating conditions.
Output Power
Shutdown
Output power is automatically reduced or shutdown to ensure that any load
with return loss <10dB (relative to 500W), including open and short circuits,
does not cause any damage to the Amplifier
Output Reverse
Intermodulation
Reverse intermodulation products will be better than or equal to –10dB,
relative to the interfering incident signal, this being offset over the range
±300kHz to ±20MHz (but remaining within 87.5MHz to 108MHz).
Frequency Range 87.5 -108MHz
Spurious Emissions In the range 9kHz to 1000MHz : -
Better than or equal to –76dBc (typically better than –80dBc)
Out of Band
(Adjacent Channel)
Emissions
Better than or equal to –110dBc/Hz, at ±200kHz offsets, and 145dBc/Hz at
±2MHz. When measured in a 1kHz bandwidth, the limit figures become –
80dBc at ±200kHz offsets and –115dBc at ±2MHz.
Incidental
Amplitude
Modulation
Synchronous (AM due to FM) :-
Not greater than 0.5% with a peak deviation of ±40kHz at a modulation
frequency of 500Hz.
Asynchronous (residual AM due to hum and noise with no FM modulation) :-
Not greater than 0.3% when measured unweighted in a 20Hz to 20kHz
bandwidth.
Status Indications Selectable front panel reading of output forward and reverse power, heatsink
temperature and dc supply current. Selected screen also shows any relating
fault or condition (‘Low’, High’, ‘Muted’, ‘Interlock’, ‘DC Fail’, ‘Fan Fail’ etc.)
Green/red pass/fail led indicators of system normal and CPU status.
Green/red/amber indicator of mute/interlock status
PSU green/off pass/fail led indicators of power supplies’ DC outputs and AC
inputs.

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Environmental Ambient Temperature (operating) : 0 to +45 deg.C
Ambient Temperature (storage) : -20 to +70 deg.C
Relative Humidity (operating) : Less than or equal to 95%, non condensing
with the Amplifier at a higher temperature than the ambient.
Altitude (operating) : Up to 3000 metres a.s.l.
Mechanical Width ; 483mm (19 in.)
Height ; 133mm (3U)
Depth ; 570mm intrusion into rack (exc. 7/8 in. RF output connector)
Weight ; Approx. 22kg.
Power Supply Single phase input on 16A IEC connector: -
110V to 260V AC, 47- 63Hz.
Apparent power factor 99%.
Efficiency typically better then 55% (at 500W output).
Supply current typically :-
9A at 110V AC (with 500W RF output)
4A at 260V AC (with 500W RF output)

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SECTION TWO : INSTALLATION
! CAUTION !
These Amplifiers operate at high RF power levels, internal supply energy levels and mains
supply current levels. They also incorporate devices containing toxic BeO. Before commencing
installation, it is recommended that the complete INSTALLATION section is read and understood. The
instructions should then be strictly followed, by suitably qualified personnel, otherwise sub-
standard or even dangerous operation may result.
2.1 : PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS AND FITTING
2.1.1 Installation Accessories
Various installation accessories may be supplied as required. A list of these (including spare fuses) is
given below. Actual requirements depend on the configuration of the equipment supplied (e.g. with or
without Exciter/Drive(s), separate to or already fitted into a 19 inch rack, whether or not leads are
supplied ready made etc.). Note that extra, unlisted parts may be required for connections to any
Exciter/Drive(s) that are supplied (see manuals supplied with them).
Typical
Quantity
Description Function
1 16A IEC mains connector. For connection to lead from mains supply
distribution point.
Length
as req’d
3 core, 2.5mm
2
per core, insulated
cable.
Mains supply lead.
1 16A ‘C’ rated 2 pole miniature circuit
breaker (MCB).
Fitted at mains supply distribution point to
protect supply lead and mains input components
in the Amplifier.
1 7-16 RF coaxial free plug
(E2136-02, 04, 06 and 08)
For connection to lead from Antenna or RF
output load.
1 7/8 in coaxial connector/bullet
(E2136-01, 03, 05 and 07)
For connection to lead from Antenna or RF
output load.
Length
as req’d
Low loss RF coaxial cable, rated in
excess of Amplifier output power at
maximum ambient temperature.
RF output lead.
1 N type RF coaxial free plug. For connection to lead from Exciter/Drive
Length
as req’d
Low loss RF coaxial cable, rated in
excess of Exciter/Drive output power
at maximum ambient temperature.
RF input lead.
1 25 Way D plug c/w cover. For connection to leads from control/monitor
ancillary equipment.
Length
as req’d
Multi-core screened cable (number of
cores as required).
Control/monitor leads.
Length
as req’d
Heavy gauge grounding wire/strap. For safety earth lead.
4 Screws c/w plastic cup washers and
rack caged nuts.
For fixing unit into19 inch rack.
2 Side support ‘L’ brackets c/w fixing
screws and washers.
For extra support to carry the Amplifier’s weight
in the rack.
2 16A (T) HBC 5x32mm (¼ x1¼ in)
Fuses
For protection of internal dc supply leads to
individual internal amplifier ‘pallets’..

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2.1.2 Rack Mounting
If the Amplifier is not supplied ready mounted in a 19 inch rack, this will be required to be done at time
of installation.
! CAUTION !
The XA500 is heavy. Adequate handling arrangements must therefore be made before installation in
a rack is attempted,
The 19 inch rack should ideally be of standard 600mm depth and requires at least 3U for the XA500
itself. Additional height will be required if Exciter/Drive(s) are to be fitted into the same rack
(recommended). These should be fitted below the actual Amplifier section,
Additional bottom support ‘L’ brackets may also be required at each side, below the Amplifier, to help
carry its weight. The Amplifier is then fixed to the front of the racking using four screws, plastic cup
washers and caged nuts.
2.2 : EXTERNAL CONECTIONS
2.2.1 Mains Supply Connector
This is a standard 16A IEC plug PL01 at the right rear of the unit. The supply must be single phase,
110V to 260V AC, 47- 63Hz. The maximum current drawn from the supply is in the order of 9A at
110V to 4A at 260V (at 500W RF output).
Note that certain variants (E2136-05, 06, 07 and 08) have a rear panel on/off switch in-line with this
connector (see section 1.2)
! CAUTION !
The mains supply lead to the Amplifier must consist of three core (P+N+protective earth) insulated
cable. Each core must be at least 2.5mm
2
and not mounted in a conduit with other supply
cables. A double pole, 16A (C rated) MCB must be provided at the supply distribution board(s)
to protect both leads and Amplifier supply input circuitry. Also, since the supply input circuitry
contains capacitors, which pass current to the Amplifier chassis, the Amplifier chassis must be
connected to a safety ground.
Also ensure whilst making any connections to the mains supply, that the Amplifier’s rear panel
interlock circuit at SK02, pins 20-21, is open-circuit (i.e. Amplifier muted).
The supply lead terminates in a 16A IEC free socket at the Amplifier end, which is wired as follows
L or Brown Line
N or Blue Neutral
⊥or
Green/Yellow
Protective.
Earth
An earthing bolt is provided adjacent to the mains supply input connector to allow the Amplifier chassis
to be permanently bonded to nearby safety ground directly or via rack metalwork.

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2.2.2 Status Connector
This is a 25 Way D socket SK02 at the rear of the unit. This is used to enable basic external
monitoring and control. Multi-core screened cable, not exceeding 3 metres in length, should be used
for the interconnecting lead.
The lead terminates in a 25 Way free D plug at the Amplifier end which is wired as follows :-
Pin 1 System Normal status output (pulled to ground when good)
Pin 2 Spare status output
Pin 3 Spare status output
Pin 4 Current status output (pulled to ground when good)
Pin 5 DC Supply (PSU) status output (pulled to ground when good)
Pin 6 Fans status output (pulled to ground when good)
Pin 7 Fwd Power Fail o/p(approx. –12dB rel. max o/p - pulled to ground when good)
Pin 8 Fwd Power Low o/p (approx. –2dB rel. set o/p - pulled to ground when good)
Pin 9 Reverse Power High output (approx. 35W - pulled to ground when good)
Pin 10 Heatsink Temperature status output (pulled to ground when good i.e.<90deg.C)
Pin 11 Internal/external power control input (pull to ground for external control)
Pin 12 Mute RF input (pull to ground to mute) – for control not safety purposes
Pin 13 DC supply fused output (+50V dc at 500mA maximum)
Pin 14 Reverse power analogue monitor voltage output (0V to +5V into >1kΩ)
approximately 0.7V at 35W
Pin 15 Forward power analogue monitor voltage output (0V to +5V into >1kΩ)
approximately 2V at 500W.
Pin 16 CPU status (pulled to ground when good)
Pin 17 Chassis Ground for above inputs and outputs
Pin 18 Chassis Ground for above inputs and outputs
Pin 19 Chassis Ground for above inputs and outputs
Pin 20 Chassis Ground for Safety Interlock input
Pin 21 Safety Interlock input (ground to de-mute)
Pin 22 Chassis Ground for External Power Control Voltage Input
Pin 23 Ext. Power Control Voltage Input (0V to +5V DC for min to max power) >10kΩ
Pin 24 *Interlock status relay contact
Pin 25 * Chassis Ground for Interlock status relay contact
Any of the ‘pulled to ground when good’ status outputs required to be used, must be returned to a
supply of no greater than 25V and must be limited to drawing no more than 50mA each by additional
external resistance (100Ωis provided internally).
All of the ‘ground to operate’ inputs (except pin 21, the safety interlock) are internally pulled up to +5V
via 12kΩand must be fed from a voltage free source of less than 1kΩto ground to operate (open
circuit for a high non-operating state). These inputs are protected against constant application of up to
±25V dc directly applied.
For the safety interlock, a circuit has to be made between pins 20 and 21, which open-circuits to mute
the Amplifier or short-circuits to de-mute. If there are no external safety interlock switches, a short
direct link is made, this being the state in which any connector is normally supplied. If connections
need to be made to external safety switches, this link is removed and the switches are wired in a
series loop to the connector so that if any switch opens, the link is broken. Note that the safety
interlock provides the most robust, and thus safest, muting of output power. The Mute RF input pin 12
(ground to mute) is intended for control purposes only and not as part of a safety interlock system.
! CAUTION !
For the safety interlocks to work correctly, the external switches and link wiring must ‘float’
(i.e. must not be grounded at any point, apart from at the Exciter itself). The total loop resistance
should not exceed approximately 100Ω. The external wiring may also be ferrite loaded for emc
requirements.

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*Pins 24 and 25 (chassis ground) connect to internal relay contacts, which open when the Interlock/
connection at pins 21 and 22 is broken and the Amplifier muted. They thus can be used to additionally
mute the drive or other associated equipment via their Interlock inputs.
2.2.3 RF Output Antenna Connector
! CAUTION !
When operating, high RF Voltages are present on this connector. Always ensure when making
connections here, or working on any load connected, that the Amplifier’s mains supply is
either disconnected or switched to ‘off’ at the distribution board (preferably being locked in
that position).
This is a 50Ω7/8 in. (E2136-01, 03, 05 and 07) or 7-16 (E2136-02, 04, 06 and 08) coaxial socket
SK05 at the left rear of the unit. Care must be taken to use adequately rated (at maximum ambient
temperature) low loss cable for the lead to the antenna or load
2.2.4 RF Input Connector
! CAUTION !
When operating, high RF Voltages may be present on this connector. Always ensure when
making connections here, that the drive source(s) to the Amplifier are switched off or safely
muted.
This is a 50ΩN type coaxial socket SK03 at the centre rear of the unit.
2.2.5 RF Output Monitor Connector
This is a 50ΩBNC coaxial socket SK04 at the centre rear of the unit. This provides a sample of the
Amplifier’s forward output power into a 50Ωload. This connector is for test purpose only with the test
equipment and lead being disconnected when not in use. Note that this sample does not faithfully
represent harmonic output levels.
2.2.6 REMOTE (COM) Port Connector (/A option only)
This is a 9 Way D plug PL06 on the rear panel. This enables control and monitoring to be performed
using a personal computer with its (RS232) COM port connected to this port. Multi-core screened
cable, not exceeding 30 metres in length, should be used for the interconnecting lead. The lead
terminates in a 9 Way free D socket at the Amplifier end which is wired as follows :-
Pin 1 Not connected
Pin 2 Received Data (to Amplifier)
Pin 3 Transmit Data (from Amplifier)
Pin 4 Not Connected
Pin 5 Ground
Pin 6 Not Connected
Pin 7 Not Connected
Pin 8 Not Connected
Pin 9 Not Connected
Note that the assigned pin numbers and their functions are for a standard 9 pin plug on ‘Data Terminal
Equipment’ (DTE) such as computers. Standard crossover or ‘null modem’ leads must thus be used
for connection to a personal computer or PC. The length of the interconnecting lead may be extended
by use of compatible RS422/485 or fibre-optic line drivers.

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2.2.7 REMOTE (TCP/IP) Connector (/T option only)
This is an RJ45 connector SK06 fitted at the rear of the unit. This enables control and monitoring to be
performed using TCP/IP (Transmission Control/Internet Protocol).
This arrangement requires the unit to be assigned a unique Internet Protocol address. When first
connected to the network via its RJ-45 connector, the Amplifier’s TCP/IP adapter will attempt to
acquire an IP address automatically (it’s quite common to have networks configured to use ‘DHCP’,
which provides these addresses on demand). The address to which a device has been assigned can
then be determined and, if required, be overridden with a desired fixed value, using Eddystone
supplied software.
2.3 : SETTING UP PROCEDURES
2.3.1 Fuses
If any problems occur after the Amplifier has been installed and switched on, fuses may need to be
checked and possibly replaced. However, a blown fuse would generally indicate the presence of a
fault, which would need correcting.
The type, function and access to fuses is as follows :
Type Function Access
0.75A Hold
RXEF 075
Resettable Fuse
For protection of control circuits.
If fuse goes high impedance, all
front panel displays dim or go out
but the fans continue operating.
The output power level will
generally fall to below its maximum.
Access to this fuse is not normally
required (fuse is fitted to the Power
Supply Board as (2)FS8)
This fuse will automatically reset if the
mains supply to the Amplifier is
interrupted.
0.75A Hold
RXEF 075
Resettable Fuse
For protection of the +50V dc
output on the rear panel Status
connector SK02.
If this fuse goes high impedance,
any external equipment powered off
this supply will cease operation.
Access to this fuse is not normally
required (fuse is fitted to the Power
Supply Board as (2)FS7).
This fuse will automatically reset if the
externally supplied equipment is
momentarily disconnected or if the
mains supply to the Amplifier is
interrupted.
16A (T) HBC
5x32mm
(¼ x1¼ in) Fuses
Two
For protection of internal dc supply
leads to the high current circuitry
within the four amplifier pallets.
If one or more of these fuses blow,
the associated amplifier pallet(s)’
power level falls to zero causing a
reduction in the overall output
power (generally, the front panel
System Normal led will also go to
red).
Remove top dust cover. Fuses are fitted
in clips, as (2)FS2/4, on the Power
Supply Board at the rear left hand side
immediately behind the two PSU’s.
Ensure that any replacement fuses are
tightly held by the clips.
! CAUTION ! Ensure that the mains
supply is either disconnected or is
switched to ‘off’ at the distribution
board (preferably being locked in that
position).
2.5A Hold
RXEF 250
Resettable Fuse
For protection of fans dc supply
leads.
If fuse goes high impedance, the
fans stop operating but front panel
displays remain illuminated.
Eventually the output power will
reduce in level as the heatsink
temperature rises.
Access to this fuse is not normally
required (fuse is fitted to the Power
Supply Board as (2)FS6)
This fuse will automatically reset if the
mains supply to the Amplifier is
interrupted.

Print Date 31/08/11 Page 16 of 22 E2136-00MA-02
2.3.2 Output Power Level and Frequency Adjustment
If the Amplifier is not supplied with preset output power levels and frequency, its front panel SET
POWER control and the Exciter/Drive(s)’ power output and frequency will need to be set. The manuals
for the type of Exciter/Drive(s) supplied or in use must be consulted for information on how the settings
required of them are actually made.
The procedure is as follows :
1) Ensure the Amplifier has been installed as detailed in sections 2.1 and 2.2. Check pin 11 of
the Status Connector SK02 is not grounded (i.e. is set for internal power level control - see
section 2.2.2).
2) Break the rear panel Interlock connection at SK02, pins 20-21.
3) Apply power to the Amplifier (i.e. ensure the supply distribution 16A MCB is on, the supply
lead is connected and, on E2137-05, 06, 07 and 08 variants, the rear panel supply switch
SW01 is on ‘I’ )
4) Ensure all the displays are illuminated (else follow fuse checking procedure as detailed in
section 2.3.1 (fault finding may be required if this occurs). Check Exciter/Drive(s) are operating
and use the Amplifier’s front panel push button switch to select the ‘Fwd Power’ display.
5) Set the Exciter/Drive(s) power output to minimum (which must be less than 13W) and
frequency to that required.
6) Set the Amplifier’s front panel SET POWER twelve turn control to fully anti-clockwise (i.e.
minimum power setting).
7) Reconnect the rear panel Interlock connection at SK02, pins 20-21.
8) Slowly adjust the Amplifier’s front panel SET POWER twelve turn control to fully clockwise (i.e.
maximum power setting) checking for a gradual rise in output power.
9) Adjust the Exciter/Drive(s) output power so that 500W is just obtained. To ensure complete
accuracy, an external calibrated power meter should be used to measure this output power.
Increase the input level by a further 1dB (approximately 20%). In no case however must the
input power exceed 13W
10) With the Exciter/Drive power set as described, turn the SET POWER control anti-clockwise
until the measured output power falls back to 500W (or less if required).
11) Check that the output power displayed on the front panel display. This reading will not be as
accurate as the external calibrated power meter but should be within about ±0.25dB (approx.
25W).
12) Use the Amplifier’s front panel push button switch to select the ‘Rev Power’ display and check
for reverse power less than about 15W
The Amplifier will now be ready for operation with audio and or data sources applied to the
Exciter/Drive(s). The manuals for the type of Exciter/Drive(s) supplied or in use must be again
consulted for information on how such sources are applied and controlled.
The RF Monitor connector at the rear of the unit can be used to check the close-in spectrum of the
Amplifier output signal. Note that any harmonic levels shown will not necessarily indicate those
present at the Amplifier output. Any test equipment should not however normally be left connected.

Print Date 31/08/11 Page 17 of 22 E2136-00MA-02
2.4 : SERIAL REMOTE CONTROL AND MONITORING (/A and /T options only)
2.4.1 Introduction
When the /A option is fitted, serial control and monitoring is provided via a rear panel COM port
connector (section 2.2.6) using asynchronous data (1 start, 8 data, 1 stop bit, no parity) at 2400, 4800,
9600 or 19200 Baud. Control commands and status monitor requests are detailed in section 2.4.2.
The content of status monitor information reverted from the Amplifier is detailed in section 2.4.3. The
/T option also enables the same functions using TCP/IP via a rear panel RJ45 connector (section
2.2.7). Note that only one of these two options can be fitted.
The individual data bytes are defined in ASCII form, to enable basic control and monitoring using a PC
running a terminal program. However, a PC program with a dedicated textual and/or graphical user
interface is required for proper implementation of a remote control and monitoring system. Eddystone
Broadcast should be contacted for further information regarding such programs and hardware
implementations using the RS232 port directly or via USB or TCP/IP adaptors.
2.4.2 Control Commands and Status Monitor Requests
All command and status monitor requests are initiated by the remote control unit (PC) – the Amplifier
never outputs any serial data via the COM port or RJ45 connector unless requested to by that unit.
The remote control unit always sends a sequence of three bytes, waiting for each byte to be ‘echoed’
correctly before the next one is sent (which must be within 500mS of the previous one). A wait of
500mS is also recommended before the sequence is timed out and aborted. A new sequence of three
bytes then can be attempted. Note that an echo will not be returned when an invalid sequence is
detected by the Amplifier.
The three bytes are :-
First byte ‘Handshake’ (always ASCII #) – indicates start of sequence
Second byte ‘Command’ – indicates form of control or status monitoring
Third byte ‘Status Requests’ (after ASCII ? Command)
- gives details of status monitoring required
or
‘Controls’ (after ASCII + Command)
- gives details of control required
Details of the Handshake, Command, Status Request and Control bytes are given in the following
tables. Typical examples of controller generated sequences are as follows :-
# ? 0 Request to revert the Output status
# +S Sets Amplifier to Start/Unmuted
Handshake
(first byte sent from controller)
Title Function Hex ASCII
Async_Hshake Remote input handshake 23 #
Remote Input Commands
(second byte sent from controller)
Title Function Hex ASCII
Query_Status Status query (request to revert) 3F ?
Amp_State Amp state Mute or Start 2B +
Remote Input Status Requests
(third byte sent from controller after ? command)
Title Function Hex ASCII
Op_Status Revert output status 30 0
Amp_Status Revert Amplifier status 59 Y

Print Date 31/08/11 Page 18 of 22 E2136-00MA-02
Remote Input Controls
(third byte sent from controller after + command)
Title Function Hex ASCII
Mute Set Amplifier to mute 4D M
Unmute Set Amplifier to start/unmute 53 S
Note that the Amplifier will be muted if either the local OR the serial remote control mute is
enabled . The actual mute state will be displayed on the Amplifier Fwd or Rev Power displays and can
be checked remotely using the ‘Revert Amplifier Status’ command (Ext. Mute Status).
2.4.3 Reverted Status Monitor Information
The status of the Amplifier is reverted in response to a ? command (see section 2.4.2). After the third
byte is echoed back to the remote control unit, a further fifteen bytes are sent immediately from the
Amplifier, with no delays between individual bytes (each 1 start, 8 data, 1stop, no parity).
The first fourteen of the fifteen bytes contains the specific status information requested. The last byte
is an exclusive OR checksum of those fourteen bytes. This checksum can be used by the remote
control unit to check that the information has not become corrupted.
The meanings of the various bytes in the information string are defined in the table below.
Reverted Status Information
(meanings of bytes reverted in response to ?command)
Title Meaning Hex ASCII
Norm Status normal 4E N
N_Norm Status not normal 4F O
Stat_Low Status low 4C L
Stat_High Status high 48 H
Fail Status fail 46 F
Amp_Muted Amplifier Muted 4D M
Amp_Start Amplifier Unmuted 53 S
Int_Sel Status Internally Selected 49 I
Ext_Sel Status Externally Selected 56 V
N_Known Not known 58 X
N_Applic Not applicable 5A Z
Direct Display Numerical values 30-39 0-9
Direct Display Sign 2B 2D + -
Direct Display Decimal point 2E .
Direct Display Blank 00 NUL
Most meanings are general. A string of fourteen information bytes would normally contain several ‘N’s,
each one indicating that a particular status (forward power, reverse power etc.) is ‘Normal’.
Direct display bytes give an immediate numerical display of power, current and temperature etc., even
when using a basic terminal program.
If the Amplifier contains no known good information about a particular status, the ‘X’ byte is reverted.
This occurs, for example, if the Remote Control and Monitoring Board is unable to obtain verified data
from the Control Board and thus cannot determine Amplifier status. The ‘Revert Output Status
Request’ (ASCII 0) returns the equipment type and can be used by the Remote Control Unit to help
determine the meanings of data returned from different types of equipments.
The following two tables detail the contents of the various strings of reverted status information. The
final column in each defines which ASCII values a particular byte can have. The table above defines
the meanings of these values. The first byte in each table is the echo of the third byte sent from the
remote control unit.

Print Date 31/08/11 Page 19 of 22 E2136-00MA-02
Reverted Output Data Block
(15 extra bytes reverted in response to # ? 0 sequence)
Title Status Possible Values
(ASCII)
Op_Data1 Output data status request byte third byte echo
fixed at ASCII 0
Op_Data2 Output Forward Power Level MSB (W)
Op_Data3 Output Forward Power Level MSB-1 (W)
Op_Data4 Output Forward Power Level LSB+1 (W)
Op_Data5 Output Forward Power Level LSB (W)
Op_Data6 Output Reverse Power Level MSB (W)
Op_Data7 Output Reverse Power Level MSB-1 (W)
Op_Data8 Output Reverse Power Level LSB (W)
Op_Data9 Output Temperature Level MSB (deg.C)
Op_Data10 Output Temperature Level MSB-1 (deg.C)
Op_Data11 Output Temperature Level LSB (deg.C)
Op_Data12 Output OS number MSB
Op_Data13 Output OS number MSB-1
Op_Data14 Output OS number LSB
- (minus)
. (decimal point)
Null (blank)
0 to 9 (inc)
or X
Op_Data15 Output Amplifier Type ; (1000W)
< (500W)
= (150W)
> (300W)
or X
Op_Data16 Output data 8 bit EOR checksum (of 2-15
inc. only)
Reverted Amplifier Data Block
(15 extra bytes reverted in response to # ? Y sequence)
Title Status Possible Values
(ASCII)
Amp_Data1 Amplifier data status request byte third byte echo
fixed at Y
Amp_Data2 Amplifier system normal status N O X
Amp_Data3 Amplifier forward power status N L F X
Amp_Data4 Amplifier reverse power status N H X
Amp_Data5 Amplifier heatsink temperature N H X
Amp_Data6 Amplifier fans status N F X
Amp_Data7 Amplifier DC supply status N F X
Amp_Data8 Amplifier current status N H X
Amp_Data9 Amplifier Current Level MSB (Amps)
Amp_Data10 Amplifier Current Level LSB (Amps)
Null (blank)
0 to 9 (inc) or X
Amp_Data11 Spare
Amp_Data12 Spare
Amp_Data13 Amplifier Ext. Mute start/mute status S M X
Amp_Data14 Amplifier Interlock start/mute status S M X
Amp_Data15 Amplifier Power Control int/ext status I V X
Amp_Data16 Amplifier status 8 bit EOR checksum (of
2-15 inc. only)

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