Lucoro Broadcast FMTX50M User manual

FMTX50M
FM Transmitter
User Manual
WARNING!
This Transmitter is capable of eneratin extremely hi h RF
potential. Touchin 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 sou ht about the safe
installation of this transmission system.
RISK OF FIRE!
RF (Radio Frequency) ener y could cause i nition of combustible
surfaces durin 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 chan in
the transmission frequency. Once the new frequency is active,
slowly increase the RF output power control to provide the
required power output level.
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. Althou h the
output of this transmitter is protected a ainst antenna load
faults, MIS-OPERATION MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE NOT COVERED
BY ANY WARRANTY.
IMPORTANT!
Correct operation of the coolin fans in this product is vital to
reliable continuous operation. Schedule bi-annual maintenance
checks. We stron ly advise the use of a standby transmitter
system for use durin maintenance events or fault conditions, to
prevent prolon ed breaks in transmission.
IMPORTANT!
When cyclin the power off, then on, ensure that the transmitter
is off for at least 10 seconds before re-applyin 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 iven to fittin a suitably rated UPS if
power interruptions are likely. Similarly, telemetry reset of power
may be advisable for transmitters in remote areas, or havin
restricted access arran ements.

The FMTX50M is a reliable and compact 50W FM Broadcast
Transmitter operatin from 87.5MHz to 108MHz
At the heart of the FMTX50M is a hi h quality PLL modulator, and the
RF Power Amplifier uses the latest hi h- ain Enhancement Mode
MOSFET device, achievin new levels of efficiency and reliability.
TTL remote monitorin and switchin allows the FMTX50M to be easily
inte rated into automated back-up applications.
These instructions should be read in full before the transmitter is
operated.
The safety and operatin instructions should be retained for future
reference.
All warnin s on the transmitter and in the operatin instructions
should be adhered to.
All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Use of this device into a radiatin antenna requires a valid licence from
a Spectrum Mana ement 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 testin to ensure that it remains compliant with the essential
requirements and other relevant provisions of current EU Low Volta e,
EMC and Radio Equipment Directives. Approval and clearance from the
Spectrum Mana ement Authority may also be required.
Installation must adhere to safety re ulations and the requirements of
the relevant authorities. We recommend that at least two people are
present durin installation. Keep a file containin installation
instructions and plans, includin details of the transmission system
(antennas, feeders, filters, etc) and operatin instructions for all
In
troduction
Before operatin

equipment at the transmission site at all times. Display posters
detailin first aid treatment and treatment for electrical shock, alon
with telephone numbers for contactin the emer ency services in the
event of personal injury.
Ensure antenna system li htnin 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 servicin 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 throu h
openin s.
To reduce the risk of fire, always replace fuses with the same type and
ratin .
The transmitter should be mounted into a well-ventilated standard 19
inch equipment rack, usin 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 operatin instructions or as marked on the unit.
Precautions should be taken so that the roundin 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 chan e in
performance, has been subjected to shock, dama e, moisture, or if
forei n objects have in ressed.
The user should not attempt to service the transmitter beyond that
which is described in the Operatin Instructions. All other servicin
should be referred to qualified service personnel.
This appliance may become warm under normal operatin conditions.
Recycle accordin to WEEE re ulations.

1. SYSTEM Status LED. Green indicates correct operation, red indicates
a system error requirin ur ent further investi ation.
2. DOWN Push-button. Press this control to navi ate the LCD menu.
3. ENTER Push-button. Press this control to navi ate the LCD menu.
4. UP Push-button. Press this control to navi ate the LCD menu.
5. AF MON BNC connector for monitorin of the input to the
modulator (baseband MPX spectrum).
6. RF MON BNC connector for monitorin 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. RF ADJ Use a suitable trimmer tool to adjust the RF output power
level, (RF FWD on the display). Never set to above the 50W maximum
rated output power.
Controls and Connectors

9. REMOTE 9-pin D-sub Female. Remote control and monitor inputs
and outputs are available on this connector:
Pin 1. Reflected Power Alarm. TTL lo ic low durin normal
operation. Floats hi h to indicate a hi h level of reflected power
(critical antenna mis-match) has been detected.
Pin 2. Forward Power alarm. TTL lo ic low durin normal
operation. Floats hi h to indicate RF output has failed
Pin 4. Temperature alarm. TTL lo ic low durin normal
operation. Floats hi h to indicate over-temperature condition
has occurred.
Pin 9. RF Mute Control. Supplyin between 5 and 12V this pin to
(with reference to chassis round potential) will mute the RF
output. Primarily used in automated chan eover systems.
Pin 6, 7, 8 GND connection, at chassis earth potential.
The above ‘Open Collector’ outputs are capable of operation up to 50V
and sinkin a current of 75mA maximum. The normally hi h, (ie. ‘pull
low’ upon alarm condition) provides inherent ‘power failure’ or ‘cable
connection failure’ si nallin .
10. MPX IN. If usin 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 plu or at the distribution panel) to this socket. Two T4
amp (time delay) fuses are fitted within this connector’s Fuse carrier.
12 EARTH. Groundin connection point (M4 stud and bolt).
Connect a suitable rated test load to the RF OUPUT socket before
connectin the unit to mains power. IMPORTANT! FAILURE TO DO SO
MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.
Installation

Power-up the unit and reduce the output power (usin the rear panel
RF OUTPUT POWER ADJUST control) to the lowest level.
Usin the front panel display and buttons, set the desired transmission
frequency.
Power down the unit, wait a few seconds and, whilst pressin
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 DOWN buttons to select the desired frequency. Press
ENTER to store. The new frequency will flash rapidly to indicate
that it is now stored. The unit will be in its boot process and,
after a few seconds the display will return to normal mode, and
the transmitter will be in broadcastin .
Chan in transmission frequency may affect the deviation level sli htly.
It is important that the deviation levels are checked.
Connect the baseband multiplex si nal to the rear panel BNC
connector. Usin a calibrated deviation meter, or FM analyser,
adjust the source level so that maximum deviation peaks
re ister just below ±75kHz. The front panel DEV level bar raph
display shows the approximate relation of MPX input level to
deviation.
Once all settin s are correct, power down the unit. Disconnect the test
load and connect to the antenna. Power up the unit and increase the
RF Power (usin the rear panel RF ADJ control) to the desired level, not
exceedin 50W.
The FMTX50M is desi ned 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 ( FWD ), reflected power level ( REF ) and multiplex input
levels.
Correct operation is confirmed by a front panel reen STATUS LED.
Should this turn red, the transmission system may shut down its RF
output and will, in any case, require URGENT attention.
Operation

The LCD display shows all main parameters so no further menus are
provided or required (except frequency settin detailed above). Durin
normal operation, therefore, the menu buttons do not have
any function.
The followin are LCD display fault indicators and their meanin :
TEMP! The system is runnin too hot and has shut down the RF
output as a safety precaution. Check the fans for correct
operation. Also check the antenna system, includin all cablin
(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, includin all cablin (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 settin . The standby
transmission system (where used) will have activated (TTL
control).
Ensure air vents and internal air tunnels are kept free from dust durin
operation.

The coolin fans should be replaced after 40,000 hours of cumulative
operation. This life ratin is for uidance only and is subject to ideal
environmental operatin conditions. Replace any fan that fails or
becomes slow or noisy, immediately. Replacement fan assemblies with
wirin loom and matin connector are available from the
manufacturer. It is recommended that replacement work must be
carried out by the manufacturer or an approved a ent.

EC Declaration of Conformity to R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC
We, Lucoro Broadcast
Clay Pit Lane
Roecliffe
York
YO51 9FS
hereby take sole responsibility to confirm that the product:
FMTX50
(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
accordin ly:
Low Volta e 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
Transmittin Equipment for FM Radio Broadcastin service
The followin operation conditions and installation arran ements have
to be presumed:
(i) Accordin to Operatin Instruction Manual
(ii) Connected lead len ths of 2 metres or less
M. O’Rorke, Director
September 2020

RF:
Frequency ran e 87.5 to 108.00MHz
Frequency stability Better than ±200Hz
Output power 15 - 50W
Harmonic & spurious output -75dBc typical
AM Noise <0.5% @ ±40kHz deviation
THD <0.15%@ ±75KHz deviation
RF output connector ‘N’ type (F)
Monitorin :
RF BNC (F) -40dB 50 ohms
MPX BNC (F) 1V P-P 10K ohms
MPX:
MPX Input Level +8dBu for ±75KHz deviation
MPX Input Impedance 75 Ohms
MPX input connectors BNC (F)
Power Supply:
Input AC 100V to 250V (50/60 Hz)
Consumption (maximum RF output) 125W (230V 50Hz)
Mechanical:
Size (mm) 2U 88 (H) x 482 (W) x 290 (D)
Wei ht 5k
Temperature 0ºC to +42ºC
Humidity 95% (relative non-condensin )
We reserve the ri ht to alter specifications without notice. E&OE.
Technical Specifications

WEEE - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
The equipment that you bou ht 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 encoura e 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 recyclin
systems, please contact your local or re ional waste administration.
IMPORTANT!
NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OF
ANY OTHER NATURE ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT. Do
not misconstrue any information as our recommendation to use any
product, process, or equipment in conflict with any re ulatory authority
or patent.
Ensure compliance with all applicable safety requirements when
installin or usin this equipment, and operate in accordance with local
laws overnin 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 dama e or loss alle ed in connection with the
supply or use of this product.
The information contained in this document is subject to chan e
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]