Nautel VS1 User manual

VS1 Transmitter
Operations and Maintenance
Manual
Document:VS1-OPS-MAINT
Issue: 0.3 2010-11-24
Status: Preliminary

Nautel Limited
10089 Peggy’s Cove Road
Hackett’s Cove, NS Canada B3Z 3J4
Phone: [phone] or
Toll Free: +1.877.6NAUTEL (6628835) (Canada & USA only)
Fax: [phone]
Nautel Inc.
201 Target Industrial Circle
Bangor, Maine USA 04401
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Customer Service (24 hour support)
+1.877.628.8353 (Canada & USA only)
+1.902.823.5100 (International)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.nautel.com
The comparisons and other information provided in this document
have been prepared in good faith based on publicly available
information. The reader is encouraged to consult the respective
manufacturer's most recent published data for verification.
© Copyright 2010 NAUTEL. All rights reserved.

VS1 Operations and Maintenance Manual Table of contents
Page v
Contents
Release control record vii
About this manual ix
About safety xiii
Safety precautions xv
Description 1-1
Ac-dc power stage 1-1
Exciter/control stage 1-3
RF drive stage 1-4
RF power stage 1-4
Operating the transmitter 2-1
User interface 2-7
Viewing transmitter log 2-18
Viewing tool menu panels 2-25
Viewing real-time meters 2-32
Setting time and date 2-35
Managing presets 2-37
Setting local/remote control 2-57
Resetting alarms 2-57
Viewing transmitter status 2-58
Setting user accounts 2-59
Software configuration 2-62
Changing hardware settings 2-77
Configuring remote inputs and outputs 2-86

VS1 Operations and Maintenance Manual Table of contents
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Setting pilot sample level 2-92
Front panel display settings 2-93
Configure test signal generator 2-95
Setting station ID parameters 2-97
Using an external 10 MHz input 2-99
Routine maintenance 3-1
Scheduled maintenance 3-1
Replacing a damaged air filter 3-2
Performing on-air checks 3-4
Replacing the exciter/control PWB battery 3-7
Inspecting lightning protection systems 3-8
Non-standard maintenance 4-1
Upgrading software 4-1
List of terms 5-1

VS1 Operations and Maintenance Manual
Issue 0.3 2010-11-24 Page vii
Release control record
Issue Date Reason
0.1 2010-07-20 Initial release of manual
0.2 2010-10-15 Updated Table 3.1: Expected Transmitter Meter
Readings
0.3 2010-11-24 Incorporated various minor changes

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VS1 Operations and Maintenance Manual
Issue 0.3 2010-11-24 Page ix
About this manual
This manual provides technical information needed when operating, maintaining and
troubleshooting an VS1 transmitter. This manual is intended for use by transmitter operators and
field technicians.
Using this manual
If you are responsible for configuring or operating a transmitter, see Section 2, “Operating the
transmitter” on page 2-1 and Section 3, “Using the event log” on page 3-1.
If you are performing scheduled maintenance, or planning your maintenance schedule, see Section 3,
“Routine maintenance” on page 3-1.
If you are performing non-standard maintenance such as a software upgrade, see Section 4, “Non-
standard maintenance” on page 4-1.
Performing procedures
When using procedures in this manual, perform each step in sequence.
• If you are asked to see another section of this manual, or another document, refer to that
section or document for additional information, then continue the procedure.
• If you are asked to go to another step within the procedure, jump directly to that step with-
out performing the intervening steps.
• If you are asked to go to another section or document, stop the procedure and perform the
tasks described in the other section or document.
• If you are asked to check a voltage, use a digital voltmeter and test the voltage relative to
ground (unless otherwise instructed).
• If you are asked to check a signal, use an oscilloscope and test the signal relative to ground
(unless otherwise instructed).

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Technical support
Nautel offers technical support to customers over the Internet and by telephone. Nautel’s customer
support team will answer your questions and work with you to identify and resolve problems.
For 24-hour technical support, call toll free at 1.877.628.8353 (in USA and Canada only) or call
1.902.823.5100 (international) or find us on the Internet at http://www.nautel.com.
For parts and tools information, see “Parts and tools” on page 9-1 of the VS1 Pre-Installation Manual.
For extended warranty information, see “Pre-installation assistance” on page 10-1 of the
VS1 Pre-Installation Manual.
VS1 transmitter manuals
The VS1 documentation suite includes the following documents:
VS1 Pre-installation Manual, VS1-PREINST. Provides instructions and reference information
needed when planning and preparing for the installation of a VS1 transmitter.
Nautel Site Protection Manual. Provides detailed information about protecting your site from
lightning-related hazards.
VS1 Installation Manual, VS1-INST. Provides instructions and reference information needed
when installing a VS1 transmitter.
VS1 Operating and Maintenance Manual, VS1-OPS-MAINT. Provides instructions for
operating, maintaining and troubleshooting a VS1 transmitter. It also provides reference information
needed when performing diagnostic procedures.
CAUTION: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH RECOMMENDATIONS MAY VOID YOUR
MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, REVIEW YOUR
WARRANTY DOCUMENTS.
Tip: When you have completed a task or a step, put a checkmark beside the step number.

VS1 Operations and Maintenance Manual
Issue 0.3 2010-11-24 Page xi
VS1 Troubleshooting Manual, VS1-TROUBLE. Provides detailed technical information about the
VS1 transmitter, including electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
Nautel website / Online resources
The Nautel website provides useful resources to keep you up to date on your VS1.
Nautel User Group (NUG)
The website includes a special section that customers can log into in order to access the Nautel
customer newsletter, product manuals, frequently asked questions (FAQ), information sheets, and
information about field upgrades.
Documentation: online and printed
The website’s NUG section provides online access to all the documentation for your VS1.
Documentation is provided in Acrobat (PDF) format. You can use the documentation online or print
the sections that you need.
When using online documents:
• Click on blue text (hyperlinks) to jump to a related section, or to get additional information
(e.g., view a term’s definition).
• To search a document to find keywords, use Find in Acrobat Reader’s Edit menu.
• To quickly find a specific section, click the section in the PDF file’s Bookmarks list.
When using printed documents:
• To find a specific term, go to the List of Terms section near the end of the manual.

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VS1 Operations and Maintenance Manual
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About safety
All Nautel transmitters are designed to meet the requirements of EN60215, Safety Requirements for
Radio Transmitters.
The philosophy of EN60215 is that the removal of any cover or panel that can only be opened using
a tool is a maintenance activity, and that any person performing a maintenance activity is expected to
be trained for that activity. Under EN60215, it is assumed that trained personnel will be
knowledgeable and will take precautions such as removing all power to the transmitter before
accessing its components.
Electrical hazards
To remove power from the transmitter, switch off and lock out the ac power.
DANGER - HIGH VOLTAGE
Indicates dangerous voltage (in excess of 72 volts), capable of causing a fatal
electrical shock, are present on or near parts bearing this label.
After turning off the ac power, always perform a measurement to confirm that the power is off
before touching anything within the transmitter. If the wrong breaker was opened, the equipment will
be live.
Use only a non-contact voltage probe or a safety voltmeter (available from vendors such as Fluke,
Ideal, and Teagam).
Use a proper lockout procedure to ensure that another worker cannot accidentally reapply power
while you are performing maintenance on any part of the transmitter or site.
WARNING: It is not enough to switch off RF power. The power line is
still connected. Disconnect and lock out the upstream supply before
servicing.
WARNING: Do not use an ordinary multimeter to check for voltage,
since it may have been left inadvertently on the AMP (A) range,
triggering a short and an arc blast that could result in severe burns
and even death.

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Lightning hazards
Before opening the transmitter and touching internal parts, remove and solidly ground the antenna
connection.
RF hazards
A serious RF hazard and very high voltages exist in the vicinity of the antenna and its networks
during normal operations.
Toxic hazards
Some devices used in this equipment contain beryllium oxide ceramic, which is non-hazardous during
normal device operation and under normal device failure conditions. These devices are specifically
identified with “(BeO)” in the Description column of the Troubleshooting Manual’s parts list(s).
Do not cut, crush or grind devices because the resulting dust may be hazardous if inhaled.
Unserviceable devices should be disposed of as harmful waste.
Physical hazards
DANGER - MOVING BLADES
Fan blades can cause injury. Lock out power before removing safety features.
Other hazards
Ensure that appropriate fire alarms and fire extinguishers are available. Extinguishers must be suitable
for use on electrical fires.
Many other site safety risks exist. It is beyond the scope of this manual to identify all the risks and
procedures.
WARNING: It is not enough to ground the antenna terminal with the
antenna still connected. Even a small impedance in the ground strap
will result in lethal voltages during a lightning strike.

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Issue 0.3 2010-11-24 Page xv
Safety precautions
This section provides very important information about protecting the safety of personnel and
equipment:
• Personal safety - see page xv
• Site safety - see page xvi
• Equipment safety - see page xviii
Personal safety
Training
The training of any personnel who will have physical access to the site or the transmitter is very
important. Personnel must be familiar with the transmitter, so that they can avoid physical danger,
and be aware of hazards to themselves and the equipment.
Nautel offers a number of training courses covering the basic fundamentals of RF systems and
transmitters, and the operation and maintenance of the transmitter. For more information about
available courses and schedules, go to the Nautel website at http://www.nautel.com/Training.aspx,
or ask your Nautel sales representative.
Site orientation
When you give personnel access to the transmitter site (e.g., hiring new personnel, or giving access
keys to personnel), perform a site orientation to ensure that they are familiar with the site, on-site
procedures, and on-site hazards. Cover the following topics:
• Securing the site (locking doors and fences) to prevent unauthorized access
• How and when to call for technical support or emergency assistance
• Areas of the site and pieces of equipment that are off limits

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Voltage awareness
Ensure that all personnel that are able to access areas with high voltage circuits or high field strengths
are aware of the hazards associated with high voltage. Cover the following topics:
• High voltage or high field strength areas where caution is required
• Physical risks of electric shock
• Risks for personnel with pacemakers or other medical implants
• Induced voltages in high field strength areas
• On-site risks during thunderstorms and lightning strikes
• Operation of safety interlocks (if installed)
First aid
Nautel does not offer first aid training, since the hazards associated with high voltage and RF energy
are not specific to the transmitter. However, the customer should provide first aid training to all per-
sonnel who have access to the transmitter site. First aid training should include CPR, care of burns,
artificial respiration, and defibrillation if specific equipment is available on-site.
Site safety
Controlling access
Transmitters and antennas generate and carry dangerous voltages that can be harmful or fatal. It is
very important that you control access to the site and its equipment. To secure your transmitter site,
use:
• Locking steel or security doors to prevent casual access
• A perimeter fence to keep trespassers away from the antenna system and feedline
• “No Trespassing” signs
• An alarm system

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Issue 0.3 2010-11-24 Page xvii
Marking hazards
Place warning signs close to any hazardous areas or systems (e.g., the feedline or the antenna system).
Make the signs large enough that they cannot be missed. Provide signage in all languages used in the
region. These signs are intended not only for authorized personnel, but also for emergency
responders or accidental trespassers.
Qualifying site personnel
Make sure that personnel who have access to the site are qualified to work around electronics and
high voltage systems.
Ac power protection
You should take steps to protect equipment from surges (over-voltage spikes) on the ac power lines.
Surges may occur during thunderstorms, or because of malfunctions in the electrical distribution grid.
Surge suppressors and ac power conditioners can prevent serious damage to your on-site equipment,
including the transmitter.
RF protection
Transmitters and their antenna systems create intense radio frequency fields at the transmitter site,
particularly near the feedline, antenna and tower. At some sites, these fields may cause biological
effects, including the heating of body tissues. Intense fields can also create dangerous high voltages
on ungrounded, conductive surfaces and objects. At certain points where high voltage conductors
come close to grounded conductors (e.g., at feedline junctions or on the tower), dangerous electrical
arcing or flashovers can occur. It is very important that you take the following steps to prevent
damage to equipment or personnel due to RF fields:
• Use safety interlocks to de-energize transmitters if personnel open doors or panels accessing
high field areas
• Place warning signs in any locations where high fields can occur
• Train personnel about the short-term and long-term hazards of RF radiation
• Physically block access to the area around the antenna system, feedline and tower
• Ground all exposed conductive surfaces or objects in high field areas
The RF connection to the transmitter output can be a serious safety hazard. Connect a 50 Ωtest load
during installation and commissioning. It is recommended that a switch be used to automatically
connect the transmitter to the antenna system without human contact with the transmitting
conductors.

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Safety interlocks
The transmitter contains an electrical interlock, which is an external circuit that turns off the RF
output if any of its switches are opened.
Equipment safety
Electrostatic protection
The transmitter’s systems are very rugged and resistant to damage. However, it is possible for damage
to occur because of high voltage electrostatic discharges during servicing. Train all service personnel
to ground themselves to bleed off any static charge before opening the transmitter or touching any
exposed components. Provide a grounding wand or known ground (e.g., a grounded metal table) that
personnel can use to discharge themselves.
Surge protection
Surge protection is recommended for your entire site. However, even if you do not use a surge
protector on the service entrance to the site, you should install a surge protector in the transmitter’s
ac power feed to prevent over-voltage from entering the transmitter.
Lightning protection
The transmitter is designed to resist lightning strike damage. However, intense or repeated strikes
could damage the transmitter. We recommend that you install lightning suppression on the antenna,
tower and feedline to reduce the effect of lightning strikes on the transmitter itself (and to protect the
rest of your site equipment and your personnel). For detailed information about lightning protection,
see the Nautel Site Preparation Manual, available from your Nautel sales agent, or online from the
Nautel website.
Physical protection
Consider physical hazards to equipment at your site, including the transmitter. Ensure that equipment
is protected from weather (e.g., rain or flooding), even during extreme weather events. Place
equipment so that it is not in the path of swinging doors or high-traffic areas. Do not allow wheeled
items like office chairs or tables with wheels in the transmitter room, as these may damage equipment
if accidentally pushed or knocked over. Do not place the transmitter under water pipes, drains, or
sprinklers. Keep any equipment that generates heat, like the transmitter, away from flammable
materials like ceiling panels, cubicle dividers, and curtains.

VS1 Operations and Maintenance Manual Description
Issue 0.3 2010-11-24 Page 1-1
Section 1: Description
Refer to the functional block diagram: Block Diagram - VS1 Transmitter - see page 1-7.
This section provides a high-level description of the transmitter’s key sections. The transmitter
circuitry is subdivided into four basic stages:
•Ac-dc power stage
•Exciter/control stage - see page 1-3
•RF drive stage - see page 1-4
•RF power stage - see page 1-4
VS1 electrical schematics
Some descriptions in this section refer to electrical schematics (SD-#s) . These are located in
Section 5 of the VS1 Troubleshooting Manual.
Ac-dc power stage
See also electrical schematic Figure SD-1.
The ac-dc power stage converts the ac power source to a positive dc voltage (PA volts) for the
transmitter's PA PWBs. The transmitter accepts a 1-phase ac input voltage that is between 180 and
264 V ac (208 V ac nominal).
The ac-dc power stage provides +48 V to operate the RF power stage’s pre-amp/IPA PWB, as well
as the cooling fans and the low level dc voltages (+15 V and +5 V) for the control/monitoring
circuitry used throughout the transmitter.
The ac-dc power stage consists of ac power entrance U1, circuit breaker CB1, power supply module
U2, +48 V power supply module U3 and PS distribution PWB A2.

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Power supply module
See also electrical schematic Figure SD-1. Power supply module U2 converts the ac input voltage to a
regulated dc supply (PA volts) for the PA PWBs (A6 through A9) in the RF power stage. The power
supply module is rated for a nominal 2000 W and provides an output voltage between 7 and 53 V
(typically 48 V). The module regulates the output voltage based on a PA Volts Control input from the
exciter/control PWB (A1). The module has a built-in cooling fan, senses excessive temperature
conditions, and applies a PS Temp alarm signal to the exciter/control PWB. The module also senses
out-of-regulation on the ac input and dc output, and applies PS Ac Fail and PS Fail alarm signals to
the exciter/control PWB. All three alarm conditions cause the power supply to shut itself down, thus
inhibiting the transmitter's RF output.
+48 V power supply
See also electrical schematic Figure SD-1. The +48 V power supply module (U3) converts the ac input
voltage to a regulated +48 V dc supply for the pre-amp/IPA PWB, cooling fans, and the dc-dc
converters on the power supply distribution PWB, which provide +5 V and +15 V to circuitry
throughout the transmitter.
PS distribution PWB
See also electrical schematics Figures SD-1 and SD-3. The PS distribution PWB (A2) interfaces
between the dc power supplies (power supply module and +48 V supply) and the rest of the
transmitter. It distributes the power supply module output to the PA PWB, and distributes the +48 V
output to the pre-amp/IPA PWB and the cooling fans.
Dc current samples of the PA, pre-amp and IPA power supplies are measured on the PS distribution
PWB and provided to the exciter/control PWB over an SPI bus.
Status and alarm outputs from the power supply module (U2), consisting of PS Present, PS Ac Fail, PS
Temp and PS Fail, are applied to the PS distribution PWB and provided to the exciter/control PWB
over an SPI bus.
A fan enable circuit on the PS distribution PWB controls the application of +48 V to the cooling
fans. The exciter/control PWB (A1) provides a Fan Enable signal that enables or disables the fan
voltage when the RF power stage is on or off, respectively.
Dc-dc converters on the PS distribution PWB convert the +48 V provided by the +48 V supply to
+5 V and +15 V, which is then distributed to circuitry throughout the transmitter