Lucoro Broadcast FMAMP250 User manual

FMAMP250
Broadcast 250W RF Amplifier
User Manual
WARNING!
his RF Amplifier is capable of generating extremely high RF
potential. ouching internal parts, or the connected antenna
system, will cause serious RF burns. Antenna systems should be
installed such that exposure by any person to RF fields cannot
exceed safe limits. he permitted limits vary from country to
country. Expert advice should be sought about the safe
installation of this transmission system.
RISK OF FIRE!
RF (Radio Frequency) energy could cause ignition of combustible
surfaces during fault conditions. Installation should be left to
qualified personnel. RF can cause burns to skin. Ensure antenna
systems and feeder cables are not situated near, or could fall
onto, any combustible surface.

IMPOR AN !
Always reduce the RF Output power to minimum before changing
the transmission frequency. Once the new frequency is active,
slowly increase the RF output power control to provide the
required power output level.
IMPOR AN !
Never connect an RF input source of greater than 3 Watts to this
RF Amplifier. MIS-OPERA ION MAY RESUL IN DAMAGE NO
COVERED BY ANY WARRAN Y.
WARNING!
Never operate this device without a suitable 50 ohm load
connected to the RF OU PU socket, or without a suitably
installed and matched antenna system connected. Although the
output of this transmitter is protected against antenna load
faults, MIS-OPERA ION MAY RESUL IN DAMAGE NO COVERED
BY ANY WARRAN Y.
IMPOR AN !
Correct operation of the cooling fans in this product is vital to
reliable continuous operation. Schedule bi-annual maintenance
checks. We strongly advise the use of a standby transmitter
system for use during maintenance events or fault conditions, to
prevent prolonged breaks in transmission.

he FMAMP250 is powerful and reliable RF Amplifier featuring the
latest Enhancement Mode FE technology. Its high gain performance
gives 250 Watts output (adjustable) from just 2 Watts input.
L remote monitoring and switching allows the FMAMP250 to be
easily integrated into automated back-up applications.
hese instructions should be read in full before the Amplifier is
operated.
he safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.
All warnings on the Amplifier and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Use of this device into a radiating antenna requires a valid licence from
a Spectrum Management Authority in most countries.
Use of this device as part of a transmission system, or combined
transmission system not specified by the manufacturer, may require
further testing to ensure that it remains compliant with the essential
requirements and other relevant provisions of current EU Low Voltage,
EMC and Radio Equipment Directives. Approval and clearance from the
Spectrum Management Authority may also be required.
Installation must adhere to safety regulations and the requirements of
the relevant authorities. We recommend that at least two people are
present during installation. Keep a file containing installation
instructions and plans, including details of the transmission system
(antennas, feeders, filters, etc) and operating instructions for all
equipment at the transmission site at all times. Display posters
detailing first aid treatment and treatment for electrical shock, along
In
troduction
Before operating

with telephone numbers for contacting the emergency services in the
event of personal injury.
Ensure antenna system lightning strike protection is in place.
o reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover, or any
screws. here are no user serviceable parts inside; refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. he Amplifier should
not be used near water. Care should be taken so that objects do not
fall - and liquids are not spilled - into the enclosure through openings.
o reduce the risk of fire, always replace fuses with the same type and
rating.
he Amplifier should be mounted into a well-ventilated standard 19
inch equipment rack. It should be situated so that its location or
position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
Use front-to-back equipment rack supports to take the weight of the
Product and permit it to slide out for servicing. Fixing the device only
by the front panel mounting holes is not recommended.
he Amplifier should be situated away from heat sources.
he transmitter should be connected to a power supply only of the
type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the unit.
Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarisation of
this appliance is not defeated.
he unit should be cleaned only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
he Amplifier should be serviced by qualified service personnel if it
does not appear to operate normally, exhibits a marked change in
performance, has been subjected to shock, damage, moisture, or if
foreign objects have ingressed.
he user should not attempt to service the Amplifier beyond that
which is described in the Operating Instructions. All other servicing
should be referred to qualified service personnel.
his appliance may become warm under normal operating conditions.
Recycle according to WEEE regulations.

1. SYS EM Status LED. Green indicates correct operation, red indicates
a system error requiring urgent further investigation.
2. DOWN Push-button. Press this control to navigate the LCD menu.
3. EN ER Push-button. Press this control to navigate the LCD menu.
4. UP Push-button. Press this control to navigate the LCD menu.
5. RF MON BNC connector for monitoring of the RF output. Output
level will be the RF output level attenuated by approximately 40dB. Not
to be used for measurement of harmonics.
6. RF OU 'N' Socket. Connect a matched, pre-tested antenna system
with a return loss of >14dB to this socket. Ensure all parts of the feeder
and antenna system are rated for 500W or above.
7. RF ADJ Use a suitable trimmer tool to carefully and slowly adjust the
RF output power level, (RF FWD on the display). Never set to above the
300W maximum rated output power.
8. REMO E 9-pin D-sub Female. Remote control and monitor inputs
and outputs are available on this connector:
Controls and Connectors

Pin 1. Reflected Power Alarm. L logic low during normal
operation. Floats high to indicate a high level of reflected power
(critical antenna mis-match) has been detected.
Pin 2. Forward Power alarm. L logic low during normal
operation. Floats high to indicate RF output has failed.
Pin 4. emperature alarm. L logic low during normal
operation. Floats high to indicate over-temperature condition
has occurred.
Pin 9. RF Mute Control. Supplying between 5 and 12V this pin to
(with reference to chassis ground potential) will mute the RF
output. Primarily used in automated changeover systems.
Pin 6, 7, 8 GND connection, at chassis earth potential.
he above ‘Open Collector’ outputs are capable of operation up to 50V
and sinking a current of 75mA maximum. he normally high, (ie. ‘pull
low’ upon alarm condition) provides inherent ‘power failure’ or ‘cable
connection failure’ signalling.
9. RF IN 'N' Socket. Connect the RF input (Exciter) to this socket.
POWERS IN EXCESS OF 3 WA S WILL DAMAGE HIS AMPLIFIER.
10. POWER AC input 100V – 250V ac. 50/60Hz. Connect a power lead
with an IEC C13 connector (and a 13 amp fuse in the plug or at the
distribution panel) to this socket. wo 10 amp time delay fuses are
fitted within this connector’s Fuse carrier.
11. EAR H Grounding connection point (M4 stud and bolt).

Connect a suitable rated test load to the RF OUPU socket before
connecting the unit to mains power. IMPOR AN ! FAILURE O DO SO
MAY RESUL IN DAMAGE NO COVERED BY WARRAN Y.
Reduce the output power (using the rear panel RF OU PU POWER
ADJUS control) anti-clockwise to the lowest level. (32-turn trimmer).
Using a test load connected to the RF output of the external drive
source (Exciter), check that its output 2 Watts or below.
Connect the exciter to the RF Amplifier, power-up the Exciter and
Amplifier and check for expected operation. Once all settings are
correct, power down the unit. Disconnect the test load and connect to
the antenna. Power up the unit and increase the RF Power (using the
rear panel RF ADJ control) to the desired level, not exceeding 250W.
Installation

he FMAMP250 is designed for continuous reliable transmission,
however the fans must be periodically checked for correct operation
and free airflow.
he front panel display shows the forward power level ( FWD ),
reflected power level ( REF ) .
Correct operation is confirmed by a front panel green S A US LED.
Should this turn red, the transmission system may shut down its RF
output and will, in any case, require URGEN attention.
he LCD display shows all main parameters so no further menus are
provided or required.
he following are LCD display fault indicators and their meaning:
EMP! he system is running too hot and has shut down the RF
output as a safety precaution. Check the fans for correct
operation. Also check the antenna system, including all cabling
(and/or filters and/or combiners where fitted) for correct
operation. he FWD! indicator (see below) will also show and the
standby transmission system (where used) will have activated
( L control).
REF!! he system has detected a fault in the antenna system
and has shut down the RF output as a safety precaution. Check
the antenna system, including all cabling (and/or filters and/or
combiners where fitted) for correct operation. he FWD!
Operation

indicator (see below) will also show and the standby
transmission system (where used) will have activated ( L
control).
FWD! he system has detected there is no forward power. his
may be due to one or both of the above symptoms, due to a PLL
failure, or due to excessive power setting. he standby
transmission system (where used) will have activated ( L
control).
Ensure air vents and internal air tunnels are kept free from dust during
operation.
he cooling fans should be replaced after 40,000 hours of cumulative
operation. his life rating is for guidance only and is subject to ideal
environmental operating conditions. Immediately replace any fan that
fails or becomes slow or noisy, immediately. Replacement fan
assemblies with wiring loom and mating connector are available from
the manufacturer. It is recommended that replacement work be
carried out by the manufacturer or an approved agent.

EC Declaration of Conformity to R& E Directive 1999/5/EC
We, Lucoro Broadcast
Clay Pit Lane
Roecliffe
York
YO51 9FS
hereby take sole responsibility to confirm that the product:
FMAMP250
which this declaration refers to, conforms to all applicable
requirements of EU Directive 2014/53/EU and is CE marked
accordingly:
Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU:
IEC 60950-1:2005/A2:2013
Safety Requirements for equipment < 600V
EMC Directive 2014/30/EU:
E SI EN301 489-53 v1.1.0 (E SI EN301 489-1 v2.1.1
ERM/EMC for Radio Equipment
Specific Conditions for FM ransmitters (Part 11)
Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU:
E SI EN302018-2 v2.1.1
ransmitting Equipment for FM Radio Broadcasting service
he following operation conditions and installation arrangements have
to be presumed:
(i) According to Operating Instruction Manual
(ii) Connected lead lengths of 2 metres or less
M. O’Rorke, Director
September 2020

RF:
Frequency range 87.5 to 108.00MHz
Input power 2W nominal (for 250W out)
Output power 30 - 250W
Harmonic & spurious output -75dBc typical
RF input connector ‘N’ type (F)
RF output connector ‘N’ type (F)
Monitoring:
RF BNC (F) -40dB 50 ohms
Power Supply:
Input AC 100V to 250V (50/60 Hz)
Consumption (maximum RF output) 520W (230V 50Hz)
Mechanical:
Size (mm) 2U 88 (H) x 482 (W) x 290 (D)
Weight 5kg
emperature -10ºC to +42ºC
Humidity 95% (relative non-condensing)
We reserve the right to alter specifications without notice. E&OE.
echnical Specifications

WEEE - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
he equipment that you bought has required the extraction and use of
natural resources for its production. It may contain hazardous
substances that could impact health and the environment.
In order to avoid the dissemination of those substances in our
environment and to diminish the pressure on the natural resources,
we encourage you to use the appropriate take-back systems. hose
systems will reuse or recycle most of the materials of your end life
equipment in a sound way.
he crossed-out wheeled bin symbol invites you to use those systems.
If you need more information on the collection, reuse and recycling
systems, please contact your local or regional waste administration.
IMPOR AN !
NO REPRESEN A IONS OR WARRAN IES, EI HER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
OF MERCHAN ABILI Y, FI NESS FOR A PAR ICULAR PURPOSE OR OF
ANY O HER NA URE ARE MADE WI H RESPEC O HIS PRODUC . Do
not misconstrue any information as our recommendation to use any
product, process, or equipment in conflict with any regulatory authority
or patent.
Ensure compliance with all applicable safety requirements when
installing or using this equipment, and operate in accordance with local
laws governing the use of radio transmission equipment.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted, in any
form, by any means, without prior written consent of the Lucoro
Broadcast.

Lucoro Broadcast shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental,
consequential or other damage or loss alleged in connection with the
supply or use of this product.
he information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice. Lucoro Broadcast makes no warranty of any kind with
respect to this information. Lucoro Broadcast specifically disclaims the
implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose.
Lucoro Broadcast
Clay Pit Lane
Roecliffe
York
YO51 9FS
elephone 01423 313550
elephone (International) [phone]
Enquiries: [e-mail]