Lucoro Broadcast FMTX50 User manual

FMTX50
With Integrated Stereo
Audio Processor and RDS
User Manual
WARNING
This Transmitter is capable of generating high RF potential.
Touching 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. The 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.

IMPORTANT
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. Re-calibration of the audio
modulation level should also be performed.
WARNING
Never operate this device without a suitable 50 ohm load
connected to the RF OUTPUT socket, or without a suitably
installed and matched antenna system connected. Although the
output of this transmitter is protected against antenna load
faults, MIS-OPERATION MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE NOT COVERED
BY ANY WARRANTY.
IMPORTANT
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.
IMPORTANT
When cycling the power off, then on, ensure that the transmitter
is off for at least 10 seconds before re-applying power, to allow
the internal circuits time to fully reset. Failure to do so may result
in no RF output (PLL failsafe mode).
Consideration should be given to fitting a suitably rated UPS if
power interruptions are likely. Similarly, telemetry reset of power
may be advisable for transmitters in remote areas, or having
restricted access arrangements.

The FMTX50 has an integrated multi-band audio processor, stereo
encoder and RDS encoder. A digital AES/EBU audio input option is also
available.
The product is tested for compliance to UKCA and CE standards, and
meet the requirements of broadcast regulators.
Lucoro Broadcast’s reliable range of transmitters are used by
broadcasters worldwide, and benefit from 25 years of engineers’
design experience.
At the heart of the FMTX-series is a high quality PLL modulator, and the
RF Power Amplifier uses the latest high-gain Enhancement Mode
MOSFET device, achieving new levels of efficiency and reliability.
TTL remote monitoring and switching allows easily integration into
systems with automated back-up.
This all-in-one complete stereo broadcast solution also has TCP/IP
control and monitoring, plus dynamic RDS RadioTEXT features. An
audio silence alarm, plus remote RDS TA control are also provided.
The audio processor provides intelligent slow gain-riding (AGC), multi-
band compressor/limiters, plus clipping and FIR 15KHz filtering. It also
includes a high-quality Stereo Encoder section.
Being standalone, a dedicated computer or data feed for the RDS
functions is not required. Instead, periodic content updates are easily
performed via the transmitter’s USB port, using a Windows™ Laptop or
PC. Free software is available at https://lucorobroadcast.com/support.
For applications where dynamic updates to the RDS content is
required, this option can be implemented via the unit’s RS232
connection.
All functions are controlled via RISC microcontrollers, rather than
embedded processors, increasing reliability and minimizing boot-time.
In
troduction

These instructions should be read in full before the transmitter is
operated.
The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.
All warnings on the transmitter 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
with telephone numbers for contacting the emergency services in the
event of personal injury.
Ensure antenna system lightning strike protection is in place.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover, or any
screws. There are no user serviceable parts inside; refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. The transmitter
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.
Before operating

To reduce the risk of fire, always replace fuses with the same type and
rating.
The transmitter should be mounted into a well-ventilated standard 19
inch equipment rack, using slide supports. It should be situated so that
its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
The transmitter should be situated away from heat sources.
The 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.
The unit should be cleaned only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
The transmitter 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.
The user should not attempt to service the transmitter beyond that
which is described in the Operating Instructions. All other servicing
should be referred to qualified service personnel.
This appliance may become warm under normal operating conditions.
Recycle according to WEEE regulations.

1. Front and Rear Panels…
1. SYSTEM 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. ENTER Push-button. Press this control to navigate the LCD menu.
4. UP Push-button. Press this control to navigate the LCD menu.
5. AF MON BNC connector for monitoring of the input to the
modulator (baseband MPX spectrum).
6. 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.
7. RF OUT '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 100W or above.
8. LAN Ethernet TCP/IP socket (RJ45 type) for web control and
monitoring.
Controls and Connectors

9. AUDIO IN (LEFT) XLR Socket. Connect a +6dB 600ohm balanced
audio feed to this socket. Note this is SPDIF IN on digital audio input
models.
10. AUDIO IN (RIGHT) XLR Socket. Connect a +6dB 600ohm balanced
audio feed to this socket. Note this is AES/EBU IN on digital audio input
models.
11. REMOTE 9-pin D-sub Female. Remote control and monitor inputs
and outputs are available on this connector:
Pin 1. Reflected Power Alarm. TTL 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. TTL logic low during normal
operation. Floats high to indicate RF output has failed.
Pin 3. Audio failure alarm. TTL logic low during normal operation.
Floats high to indicate more than one minute (approx) of no
signal detected on the XLR or digital audio inputs.
Pin 4. Temperature alarm. TTL logic low during normal
operation. Floats high to indicate over-temperature condition
has occurred.
Pin 5. RDS TA Control. Supplying between 5 and 12V this pin to
(with reference to chassis ground potential) will activate the RDS
TA (Traffic Announcement).
Pin 6. RS232 data input for dynamic RDS RadioTEXT (pin 7 or pin
8 should be used for RS232 GND connection)
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.
Pins 7 and 8. GND connection, at chassis earth potential.
The above ‘Open Collector’ outputs are capable of operation up to 50V
and sinking a current of 75mA maximum. The normally high, (ie. ‘pull
low’ upon alarm condition) provides inherent ‘power failure’ or ‘cable
connection failure’ signalling.

12. USB Socket. RDS content main content update. Connect a
Windows
TM
PC (running the manufacturer’s free software application)
to this port. Use a high-quality USB cable, of 1metre or less in length.
13. MPX IN. If using an external processor and RDS encoder, or a
baseband MPX Studio-Transmitter Link, connect to this BNC. Adjust the
output level of the external equipment to provide the correct
modulation level (requires test equipment).
14. MPX OUT. To broadcast audio connected to the transmitter, with
the internal audio processing and RDS data applied, connect the
supplied patch lead between this ‘MPX OUT’ socket and the ‘MPX IN’
BNC socket.
15. POWER. Connect a power lead with an IEC C13 connector (and a 5
amp fuse in the plug or at the distribution panel) to this socket. Two T2
amp (time delay) fuses are fitted within this connector’s Fuse carrier.
16. EARTH. Grounding connection point (M4 stud and bolt).
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.
Pins 7 and 8. GND connection, at chassis earth potential.
The above ‘Open Collector’ outputs are capable of operation up to 50V
and sinking a current of 75mA maximum. The normally high, (ie. ‘pull
low’ upon alarm condition) provides inherent ‘power failure’ or ‘cable
connection failure’ signalling.
10. MPX IN. If using an external processor and RDS encoder, or a
baseband MPX Studio-Transmitter Link, connect to this BNC. Adjust the
output level of the external equipment to provide the correct
modulation level (requires test equipment).
11. POWER. Connect a power lead with an IEC C13 connector (and a 5
amp fuse in the plug or at the distribution panel) to this socket. Two T2
amp (time delay) fuses are fitted within this connector’s Fuse carrier.
12. EARTH. Grounding connection point (M4 stud and bolt).

The front panel LCD shows the transmission frequency, forward power
and reflected power, plus audio input levels. If an alarm status is
present, this will be displayed.
To cancel any alarm icons, press the UP and DOWN buttons together.
If the FMTX50 is in MPX input display mode, a deviation level will be
shown in place of the left and right audio input displays.
To enter the menu, press ENTER.
Use the UP and DOWN buttons to choose the setting to be adjusted.
Once selected, press ENTER and the corresponding setting will now be
highlighted. Press the UP and DOWN buttons to selected the desired
setting and then press ENTER to store it.
Display & Menu

RF Power. This option allows setting of the RF output level.
Disp Mode. This option selects either the stereo audio input level
displays, if the transmitter is being used normally (with its internal
Audio Processor and RDS functions active), or a deviation level display
for use when the transmitter is used to broadcast a multiplex
Baseband feed connected to the MPX IN connection on the rear panel.
Audio Proc. This allows selection of three Audio Processing style pre-
sets:
Preset 1
Light
Processing
Classical Music or Talk Show formats
Preset 2
Medium
processing
MOR music formats
Preset 3
Heavy
processing
CHR, Hip-Hop, Dance, etc formats
Carrier. Select this option to change the broadcast frequency to any
frequency between 87.5 and 108MHz. The carrier modulation level
may need re-optimising if the carrier frequency is changed.

IMPORTANT Connect a suitable rated RF test load to the RF OUPUT
socket before connecting the unit to mains power. FAILURE TO DO SO
MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.
To begin, set the operation mode (MPX input or Audio input) for the
transmitter. If using the transmitter in audio input mode, as supplied,
then skip this step.
The internal Audio Processor and RDS circuitry can be bypassed and
the transmitter can be used with an MPX baseband source instead.
The internally generated audio and RDS multiplex is delivered to the
MPX OUTPUT BNC connector on the unit’s rear panel. This is then
‘looped’ directly into the MPX INPUT using a BNC to BNC patch lead.
However, an internal jumper setting is provided, to save the need to
use a loop-through cable. This jumper will have been set by the factory
to short Pins 2 & 3. If use of a rear panel loop-through connection
cable is preferred – or if an MPX input is required – this jumper will
need to be changed, to Pin position 1 & 2.
For MPX input operation, the audio input versions of the transmitter
can display deviation, in place of Left & Right audio input levels.
First, connect a suitably rated test load to the RF OUT socket on the
transmitter’s rear panel.
Power-up the unit. Once the PLL modulator has locked to its frequency
(red LED changes to green) press ENTER for the menu display. Select
RF Power and, using the DOWN button, set to RF output power the
lowest level. Press ENTER to store the new setting.
Then select Carrier . Using the UP or DOWN buttons, set the required
frequency. Press ENTER to store the new setting. The transmitter will
now restart, and begin operating on the new frequency. Whenever the
carrier frequency is updated, it is strongly advised that the audio
modulation (deviation) level is checked and increased, or decreased as
necessary.
Installation

The deviation level is changed internally, as follows…
ELECTRIC SHOCK AND RF BURN HAZARD DISCONNECT THE
POWER BEFORE REMOVING ANY COVERS.
To adjust the deviation level, locate the trimmer adjustment
potentiometer “DEV” on the internal main circuit board and use
a suitable tool to carefully adjust the multi-turn control. This is
the overall level input to the modulator.
The factory will have set the deviation, RDS and pilot injection levels.
They should need no further adjustment. However, if absolutely
necessary, these can be changed as follows (NOT recommended):
ELECTRIC SHOCK AND RF BURN HAZARD DISCONNECT THE
POWER BEFORE REMOVING ANY COVERS.
To adjust the RDS injection level, locate the trimmer adjustment
potentiometer “RDS” on the internal main circuit board and use
a suitable tool to carefully adjust the multi-turn control.
To adjust the 19kHz Pilot injection level, locate the trimmer
adjustment potentiometer “DEV” on the internal main circuit
board and use a suitable tool to carefully adjust the multi-turn
control.
Take GREAT CARE not to adjust any other circuit trimmer
controls. Even the slightest adjustment WILL degrade
performance and may cause non-compliance with broadcast
regulations.
Connect Left and Right Audio to the rear panel XLR connectors,
and adjust the source level so that maximum audio peaks
register just below the peak section of the front panel audio
level bar graph display. Use ordinary programme material,
rather than test tones.
Once all settings are correct, power down the unit. Disconnect the test
load and connect the antenna. Power up the unit and repeat the
power setting procedure above, to set the RF power output to the
required level.
Set-up is now complete and the transmitter can be used for
broadcasting.

The transmitter is designed for continuous reliable transmission,
however the fans must be periodically checked for correct operation
and free airflow.
Correct operation is confirmed by a front panel green STATUS LED.
Should this turn red, the transmission system may shut down its RF
output and will, in any case, require URGENT attention.
The following are LCD display fault indicators and their meaning:
TEMP The 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. The FWD indicator (see below) will also show and the
standby transmission system (where used) will have activated
(TTL control).
REF The 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. The FWD
indicator (see below) will also show and the standby
transmission system (where used) will have activated (TTL
control).
FWD The system has detected there is no forward power. This
may be due to one or both of the above symptoms, due to a PLL
failure, or due to excessive power setting. The standby
transmission system (where used) will have activated (TTL
control).
Ensure air vents and internal air tunnels are kept free from dust during
operation.
The cooling fans should be replaced after 80,000 hours of cumulative
operation. This life rating is for guidance only and is subject to ideal
environmental operating conditions. Replace any fan that fails or
becomes slow or noisy, immediately. It is recommended that
replacement work must be carried out by the manufacturer or an
approved agent.
Operation

The FMTX50 will be supplied with a notification of its factory-set IP
address, username and password. KEEP THESE DETAILS SAFE. Whilst
the transmitter’s network configuration can be changed, the username
and password are fixed. Enter the factory-set IP address in the address
bar of an internet browser.
IMPORTANT: Accessing the transmitter’s front panel menu will enter
the FMTX50 into ‘local mode’, where front panel settings take
precedence over the ethernet connection. The network readings and
settings will not be available until the local menu has been exited, and
the main screen is displayed on the LCD.
Select ‘Continue’. Upon successful log-in, the FMTX50’s status page will
appear.
Network Connection

The IP address and associated network configurations can be changed
by selecting the settings (‘gear’) icon:
DCHP can be set, or a new IP address entered. Include the Gateway
address of the local Router, and the desired Primary and Secondary
DNS server addresses, if different.
New browser sessions will prompt for a Username and Password.
When continuing within the current browser session there will be no
prompt to enter a Username or Password.
Like most ethernet enabled devices, the client web browser may flag
the internet connection as 'Not secure'. This can be ignored, because
hardware devices don't usually serve ‘https’ (secure) pages to clients.
However, general network security is VERY IMPORTANT. It is up to the
user to ensure adequate overall security for the internet connection.
Like all computers, on all networks, the transmitter's network port will
be continually subject to external hack and ‘Ping of Death’ attacks.
Connect the transmitter’s network port to the Internet via a Router
with port forwarding configured in such a way as to ensure maximum
local network security. Schedule regular checks, on an on-going basis,
to ensure that the Router is running the very latest manufacturer’s
firmware.
Lucoro Broadcast take no liability whatsoever for damage or losses
caused by a successful network attack.

The high-quality integrated audio processor is more than an audio
limiter found on most transmitters. It has all of the features of
expensive broadcast processors, including:
Slow gain-riding section (AGC). This will optimise all sources for
equal volume over time. So if one studio operator drives the
mixing desk louder or quieter than others, the level will
compensate accordingly.
Multiband Compressor Limiters. Bass, mid and high frequencies
of programme material are split and processed differently. This
avoids the ‘pumping’ associated with single-band limiters, where
higher frequency sounds are affected by bass powerful content.
Final HF limiting and distortion-cancelled composite clipping
ensures that deviation can be optimised, without ‘overshoot’ to
above 75kHz.
DSP FIR 15kHz audio filtering maintains audio high frequencies
up to 15kHz, but preserves the Pilot signal at 19kHz, and the
RDS sub-carrier at 57kHz.
The menu includes the ability to select from 3 pre-sets, so that
broadcasters can choose the audio style that best suits their station.
Audio Processor

When setting-up the transmitter for the first time, the ‘fixed’ RDS
content must be programmed via the USB interface, using a Windows™
PC or Laptop running the free software available at
lucorobroadcast.com/support.
1. Connect a USB cable to the USB port on the rear of the transmitter.
If the transmitter is not in service apply power. REMEMBER: Never
operate a transmitter without a test load (‘dummy load’) or matched
antenna system connected to the RF Output.
2. Ascertain the COM Port assigned for the USB connection:
Go to Windows® Device Manager and expand (Ports COM & LPT)
branch.
Make a note of the COM port number designated to the transmitter.
Avoid using COM ports above 9. If necessary, override the COM port
number assigned by Windows under ‘Advanced Settings’.
3. Download (https://lucorobroadcast.com/support) and open the RDS
Programming Application.
RDS

4. Select the relevant COM Port from the drop-down box, then fill in
the remaining fields, as required.
PS (Station Name): Maximum 8 characters including punctuation
and spaces. Enter the station name, as you
would like it to appear on RDS displays (eg.
“Hits FM”).
PI (Hex Code): Issued by the broadcast regulator, this is a 4
digit Hexadecimal code unique to your station
(eg. C495).
AF(Frequency):
Using the drop
-
down box, select the
transmission frequency.
If there are additional frequencies to add
(relay transmitters, or transmitters in
neighbouring areas carrying the same
content), enter their frequencies too (up to 4),
and tick the corresponding tick box.
TP (Traffic Program): Select this option ONLY if your station
broadcasts regular traffic and travel bulletins.
RadioTEXT: Maximum 64 characters including punctuation
and spaces. Enter a message, as you would
like it to appear on receivers showing
RadioTEXT (eg. "Music, news and information
24 hours a day on Hits FM") Can include
phone-in numbers, a website address, etc).
PTY (Program Type): Select the category which will best categorises
your station's main programme content.
Once all of the information is entered correctly, press SEND.
After a few seconds, the transmitter will now be transmitting the
updated RDS content.
If desired, the dynamic RDS RadioTEXT feature can be used.
It is recommended that a default generic RadioTEXT message (eg.
station slogan and contact details) be included in the above USB
programming. After a power re-set, this generic message will appear
until dynamic updates are sent via RS232.

The FMTX50 uses a transparent ASCII protocol, to suit a number of
radio playout systems with the minimum of additional data processing
or interfacing requirements.
IMPORTANT The 9-way D-Sub connector on the rear of the
transmitter is used for a number of control and monitoring functions.
The RS232 input for the RDS dynamic RadioTEXT feature shares this
connector, therefore pin connections are not the same as a standard
RS232 port. Take care NOT to connect an ordinary RS232 cable with
standard wiring to this connector. Damage to – or malfunction of – the
transmitter’s circuits may result.
RS232
9
-
pin ‘D’
-
sub
c
onnection
Computer: 3 (TX), 5 (GND)
FMTX50: 6 (RX) 7 (GND)
The RS232 port provided on streaming studio-transmitter links can be
used to send ‘Now Playing…’ data to the transmitter. Alternatively,
transparent ‘RS232 over TCP/IP ethernet’ converters are widely
available for internet or network connectivity.
Using RS232, simply send a sequence of ASCII characters (up to 64
characters in total length), followed by the ASCII Form Feed character
0x0C (equal to CTRL+‘L’ on a keyboard) . This Form Feed character
commands the RDS encoder to write empty spaces over unused
characters in the remaining RadioTEXT field, then return to the start
position of the 64-character register, ready for the next update.
RS232 Data Format:
Most ASCII characters in the range (32 to 122 inclusive) are supported
by the encoder. However, it should be noted that many radio receivers,
especially older models, can only decode basic characters from this
range. Use of characters other than A to Z or 0 to 9 may not appear –
or cause unexpected results – on some radio displays.
For TA switching during traffic and travel bulletins, the ASCII characters
below can be used. A Form Feed Character is NOT required, and a full
64 character text field is available immediately after sending these
control characters.
RDS TA On
124
0x
7C
|
RDS TA Off 126 0x7E ~
9600bps 8 N 1

Remember to send the RDS TA Off character immediately after each
travel bulletin. Misuse of the RDS Traffic Announcement feature will
result in sanctions by the broadcasting authority. RDS TA can also be
activated and deactivated via the transmitter’s 9-way ‘D’-sub connector.
Broadcasters planning to use the RDS TA feature, either via RS232 or
via the 9-way ‘D’-sub connector, MUST ensure that the ‘TP’ option is set
(ticked) when programming the fixed RDS content via USB.
NOTE: RS232 dynamic RadioTEXT control is only available on Lucoro
Broadcast V3 FM transmitter models with an integrated RDS encoder,
and with a serial number higher than 0322000.