Lucoro Broadcast FMTX100 User manual

FMTX100
Stereo FM Transmitter with integrated
Audio Processor, Stereo Encoder and RDS Encoder
User Manual
ARNING!
This Transmitter is capable of generating extremely 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.
ARNING!
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 ARRANTY.
IMPORTANT!
Correct operation of the cooling fans in this product is vital to
reliable continuous operation. Schedule bi-annual maintenance
checks. e strongly advise the use of a standby transmitter
system for use during maintenance events or fault conditions, to
prevent prolonged breaks in transmission.
IMPORTANT!
hen 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 FMTX100 is a fully integrated 125 Stereo FM broadcast system
with audio processing, stereo encoder and RDS encoder in a single,
highly compact product.
The audio processor provides intelligent Automatic Gain Control, multi-
band compressor/limiters, plus clipping and DSP 15KHz filtering.
The FMTX100 also boasts a high quality Stereo Encoder section, for
perfect audio separation and detail.
The integral RDS encoder uses direct digital waveform synthesis for
clean, perfect generation of the 57kHz subcarrier. As well as PS (station
name) information, extended features - including RadioTEXT,
Alternative Frequency and Traffic Announcement content - are also
broadcast. Being standalone, a dedicated computer or data feed is not
required. Periodic content updates are easily performed via the
transmitter’s USB port, using a indows™ Laptop or PC. Free software
is available at https://lucorobroadcast.com/support
At the heart of the FMTX100 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 the FMTX100 to be easily
integrated into automated back-up applications. An audio silence
alarm, plus remote RDS TA control are also provided.
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.
In
troduction
Before operating

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. e 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.
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 EEE regulations.
1. SYSTEM Status LED. Green indicates correct operation, red indicates
a system error requiring urgent further investigation.
2. UP Push-button. Press this control to navigate the LCD menu.
3. ENTER Push-button. Press this control to navigate the LCD menu.
4. DO N Push-button. Press this control to navigate the LCD menu.
Controls and Connectors

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 200 or above.
8. RF ADJ Use a suitable trimmer tool to adjust the RF output power
level, (RF F D on the display). Never set to above the 125 maximum
rated output power.
9. AUDIO IN (LEFT) XLR Socket. Connect a +8dB 600ohm balanced
audio feed to this socket.
10. AUDIO IN (RIGHT) XLR Socket. Connect a +8dB 600ohm balanced
audio feed to this socket.
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 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 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.
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. hen updates to the RDS content are required,
connect a indows
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. PO ER. Connect a power lead with an IEC C13 connector (and a 3
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).
Connect a suitable rated test load to the RF OUPUT socket before
connecting the unit to mains power. IMPORTANT! FAILURE TO DO SO
MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE NOT COVERED BY ARRANTY.
Power-up the unit and reduce the output power (using the rear panel
RF OUTPUT PO ER ADJUST control) to the lowest level.
Installation

Using the front panel display and buttons, set the desired transmission
frequency:
Power down the unit, wait a few seconds and, whilst pressing
ENTER for 5 seconds, power up the unit. After a short while, the
currently set frequency will appear on the display. Use the UP
and DO N buttons to select the desired frequency. Press
ENTER to store. The new frequency will flash rapidly to indicate
that it is now stored. Power down the unit by cycling the power
off then on again, for the setting to take effect.
The FMTX100 can display deviation, in place of Left & Right audio input
levels, which can be useful if only the MPX input is used:
Power down the unit, wait a few seconds and, whilst pressing UP
for 5 seconds, power up the unit. The unit will always show the
deviation level, when powered-up, until the same sequence is
repeated to toggle the transmitter back to the mode where
audio levels are displayed.
An internal jumper setting is provided to save the need for using a loop
loop-through cable from the BNC MPX out to BNC MPX input on the
rear panel. This jumper will need to be changed to short Pins 1 & 2 on.
Either use a loop-through cable or return the jumper setting to short
Pins 2 & 3 in order to use the stereo audio inputs and internal RDS
facility.
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
PO ER BEFORE REMOVING ANY COVERS.
To adjust the deviation level, locate VR2 “DEV” on the internal
main circuit board and use a suitable tool carefully adjust the
multi-turn trimmer. This is the overall level input to the
modulator, so Pilot and RDS subcarrier levels, if present, will also
change.
To adjust the RDS injection level, locate VR3 “RDS” on the
internal main circuit board. Adjust the multi-turn trimmer to set
the desired RDS injection level.

To adjust the 19kHz Pilot injection level, locate VR5 “PILOT” on
the internal main circuit board. Adjust the multi-turn trimmer to
set the desired Pilot injection level.
Take GREAT CARE not to adjust any other circuit trimmer
controls. Even the slightest adjustment ILL 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 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 125 .
The FMTX100 is designed for continuous reliable transmission,
however the fans must be periodically checked for correct operation
and free airflow.
The front panel display shows the transmission frequency, forward
power level ( F D ), reflected power level ( REF ) and audio input
levels (ahead of any audio processing).
Audio levels will be optimised by the Audio Processor, however regular
checks of audio levels entering the transmitter are advised.
Operation

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 LCD display shows all main parameters so no further menus are
provided or required (except frequency setting detailed above). During
normal operation, therefore, the menu buttons do not have
any function.
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 F D! 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 F D!
indicator (see below) will also show and the standby
transmission system (where used) will have activated (TTL
control).
F D! 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).
The RDS content can be periodically updated using a indows™
computer and USB programming device (purchased separately)
connected to the RDS Programming Port connector on the rear panel.
Follow the instructions provided with the RDS Programming Device
and software.
Ensure air vents and internal air tunnels are kept free from dust during
operation.
The cooling fans should be replaced after 40,000 hours of cumulative
operation. This 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 must be
carried out by the manufacturer or an approved agent.

EC Declaration of Conformity to R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC
e, Lucoro Broadcast
Clay Pit Lane
Roecliffe
York
YO51 9FS
hereby take sole responsibility to confirm that the product:
FMTX100, FMTX250
(and versions thereof with M and RBRX suffix)
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:
ETSI EN301 489-53 v1.1.0 (ETSI EN301 489-1 v2.1.1
ERM/EMC for Radio Equipment
Specific Conditions for FM Transmitters (Part 11)
Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU:
ETSI EN302018-2 v2.1.1
Transmitting Equipment for FM Radio Broadcasting service
The 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
Frequency stability Better than ±200Hz
Output power 30 - 125
Harmonic & spurious output -75dBc typical
AM Noise <0.5% @ ±40kHz deviation
THD <0.15%@ ±75KHz deviation
RF output connector ‘N’ type (F)
Monitoring:
RF BNC (F) -40dB 50 ohms
MPX BNC (F) 1V P-P 10K ohms
Audio Interface:
Audio Input Level +8dBu for ±75KHz deviation
Audio Input Impedance 600 Ohms
Audio input connectors XLR (F)
RDS:
Groups 0A & 2A (others on request)
Power Supply:
Input AC 100V to 250V (50/60 Hz)
Consumption (maximum RF output) 250 (230V 50Hz)
Mechanical:
Size (mm) 2U 88 (H) x 482 ( ) x 290 (D)
eight 5kg
Temperature 0ºC to +42ºC
Humidity 95% (relative non-condensing)
e reserve the right to alter specifications without notice. E&OE.
Technical Specifications

EEE - aste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
The 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. Those
systems will reuse or recycle most of the materials of your end life
equipment in a sound way.
The 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.
IMPORTANT!
NO REPRESENTATIONS OR ARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OF
ANY OTHER NATURE ARE MADE ITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT. 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.
The 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
Telephone [phone]
Telephone (International) [phone]
Enquiries: [e-mail]