Nautel VS300 User manual

VS300 Transmitter
Operations and Maintenance
Manual
Document:NHB-VS300-OPS
Issue: 8.0 2016-03-01
Status: Standard

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 2016 NAUTEL. All rights reserved.

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Table of contents
Page v
Contents
Release control record vii
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 Interfaces 2-9
Viewing Transmitter Log 2-23
Viewing AUI Tool Menu Panels 2-30
Viewing Real-Time Meters 2-47
Managing Presets 2-54
Enabling Remote Control 2-97
Resetting Alarms 2-97
Viewing Transmitter Status 2-98
System Settings 2-99
System Settings - Front Panel UI 2-112
Setting User Accounts 2-123
User Settings - AUI 2-126
User Settings - Front Panel UI 2-154
Configuring Remote Inputs and Outputs 2-164
Scheduler 2-178
Audio Player 2-181
Enabling and Operating the Orban Audio Processor 2-186

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Table of contents
Page vi Issue 8.0 2016-03-01
Routine maintenance 3-1
Scheduled maintenance 3-1
Performing on-air checks 3-3
Replacing the exciter/control PWB battery 3-4
Non-standard maintenance 4-1
Upgrading software 4-1
Configuring an audio loss backup preset 4-5
List of terms 5-1

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual
Issue 8.0 2016-03-01 Page vii
Release control record
Issue Date Reason
8.0 2016-03-01 Hardware Release 8 (NARF64G and NARF64G/01).
Supports software version VS SW 4.3 and higher.

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual
Page viii Issue 8.0 2016-03-01

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Description
Issue 8.0 2016-03-01 Page 1-1
Section 1: Description
Refer to the functional block diagram: Block Diagram - VS300 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
VS300 electrical schematics
Some descriptions in this section refer to electrical schematics (SD-#s) . These are located in
Section 5 of the VS300 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 pre-amp/IPA PWB and 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 cooling fan as well as 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, LVPS module U3, +48 V power supply module U4 and PS distribution PWB A2.

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Description
Page 1-2 Issue 8.0 2016-03-01
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 PWB 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.
LVPS module
See also electrical schematic Figure SD-1. The LVPS module (U3) converts the ac input voltage to the
regulated low voltage dc supplies. The +5 V and +15 V regulated outputs of the supply are applied
throughout the transmitter.
+48 V power supply
See also electrical schematic Figure SD-1. The +48 V power supply module (U4) converts the ac input
voltage to a regulated +48 V dc supply for the pre-amp PA PWB, and the cooling fan.
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, +48 V supply and LVPS) 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 PWB and the cooling fan.
Dc current samples of the PA and pre-amp 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 fan.
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.

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Description
Issue 8.0 2016-03-01 Page 1-3
Exciter/control stage
See also electrical schematic Figure SD-1 and Audio Path Block Diagram Figure 1.2 on page 1-8.
Detailed schematics are not included in the Troubleshooting Manual.
The exciter/control stage performs many critical functions for the transmitter. The primary
component of this stage is the exciter/control PWB (A1).
The exciter portion of the exciter/control PWB performs the following functions:
• accepts the audio inputs and generates the RF drive signal required to modulate the audio
signal at the desired carrier frequency.
• measures the audio input level.
• provides the status of any exciter fault conditions.
The control portion of the exciter/control PWB performs the following functions:
• contains monitoring and protection circuits to prevent transmitter damage under adverse or
fault conditions, including high speed SWR protection and interlock/muting.
• monitors the current value of various parameters including cooling fan tachometer outputs,
transmitter output forward and reflected power, PA temperature, PA current levels, and PA
power supply status signals.
• measures and monitors the the output voltage from the power supply module as well as the
low voltage supplies (+15 V and +5 V) and +48 V power supply.
• generates the dc bias signals for the pre-amp and PA PWBs.
• generates the signals that enable the power supply module and control its output voltage.
• provides the status of any controller fault conditions.
• an integral DSP performs all audio processing including filtering and FM baseband
modulation.
• interfaces with the RF and power supply sections of the transmitter to perform control and
monitoring functions.

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Description
Page 1-4 Issue 8.0 2016-03-01
• provides local and remote interfacing for the transmitter. Local interfacing is performed via
the front panel display (U5) - a 4 x 20 character LCD display - and its adjacent keypad. The
UI contains a menu-based series of pages that serve specific functions. Similar interfacing, as
well as more advanced functionality, is available on a remotely accessed AUI.
Except for the RF drive signal, all signals going between the exciter, RF drive and RF power stages are
passed through the interface PWB (A3).
RF drive stage
See also electrical schematics Figure SD-2 and SD-4.
The RF drive stage is comprised of exciter circuitry within the exciter/control PWB (A1) and the pre-
amp PWB (A4).
The pre-amp PWB accepts the low level RF Drive output from the exciter/control PWB (A1). Its RF
output is controlled by the Pre-Amp V input (set at +48 V) and Pre-Amp Bias output from the exciter/
control PWB (A1). The output of the pre-amp PWB (nominal 10 W) is applied to the RF power
stage’s PA PWB. Cooling air for the pre-amp PWB is provided by fan B1.
RF power stage
See also electrical schematics Figure SD-2 and SD-5.
The RF power stage accepts the intermediate RF drive signal from the RF drive stage and generates
the final RF output. It consists of a PA (power amplifier) PWB (A5), a low pass filter PWB (A6), and
an output power probe (A7).
PA PWB
See Figure SD-5. The PA PWB (A5) is a push-pull RF power amplifier. It is capable of providing
100 W of RF power in the FM broadcast band (88 to 108 MHz). The RF output is controlled by the
PA V level generated by the power supply module, and the PA Bias output from the exciter/control
PWB (A1). Cooling air for the PA PWB is provided by fan B1.
Low pass filter PWB
See Figure SD-2. The low pass filter PWB (A6) accepts the output of the PA PWB and attenuates
harmonics before applying a filtered RF signal to the output power probe (A7).

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Description
Issue 8.0 2016-03-01 Page 1-5
Output power probe
See Figure SD-2. The output power probe (A7) accepts the filtered output of the low pass filter and
monitors the RF output using several probe circuits. Due to each probe's proximity and orientation to
the RF output signal, RF voltages are induced in these probe circuits.
The first probe provides forward and reflected power signals to the exciter/control PWB (A1) for
control and monitoring purposes.
A second probe provides an RF Sample output (J1, accessible on the rear panel of the transmitter) for
use by an external exciter, if applicable.
A third probe provides an RF Monitor output (J2, accessible on the rear panel of the transmitter),
which is a nominal -39 dBc (0.8 V rms @ 100 W). This signal is intended for use with a modulation
monitor or spectrum analyzer.

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Description
Page 1-6 Issue 8.0 2016-03-01

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual
Issue 8.0 2016-03-01 Page 1-7
Figure 1.1: Block Diagram - VS300 Transmitter
I/O
ADC
PA
ADC
ARM
ASRC
PA
VOLTS
(180-264VAC)
1-PHASE
INPUT
EXTERNAL
USB
AES/EBU
SCA/RDS
COMPOSITE
COMPOSITE
ANALOG L & R /
PILOT OUT
1PPS
REMOTE I/O
CONTROL/DATA
STREAMING
ADC
ADC
DAC
REMOTE
ADC
(OPTIONAL)
PLL
OSCILLATOR
RF
QUADRATURE
(OPTIONAL)
BANDPASS
+5V
FAN V
RF OUT
+5V
+15V
RF IN
EXT RF IN
SENSE CIRCUITRY
PA CURRENT
AMP
STAGE 2
SENSE
CURRENT
RF MONITOR
RF SAMPLE
10MHz
ETHERNET
AUDIO
AUDIO INPUTS
AUDIO PLAYBACK/
INTERFACE
PROCESSOR
INTERFACE
"I/Q"
DSP
USER INTERFACE
OCXO
10MHz TCXO
SELECT
HIGH SPEED
DUC + DAC
AUDIO
PROCESSOR
FILTER
+15V
FAN V
+48VDC
FAN
PRE
CIRCUITRY
PRE-AMP
HARMONIC
FILTER RF OUT
AC POWER SOURCE
PROCESSOR
SCA GENERATOR
RDS/RBDS DATA /
POWER SUPPLY
PA POWER SUPPLY
LOW VOLTAGE
PRE-AMP V
CONTROL/MONITOR I/O
FAN TACH
PA BIAS 1
PRE AMP V
PRE AMP BIAS
BASEBAND
DIGITAL
PA TEMP
OUTPUT FWD PWR
CONTROL/EXCITER PWB
DISTRIBUTION PWB
CONTROL/MONITOR I/O
+7-53VDC
HEATSINK TEMP
B2110004 V2
SERIAL CONSOLE
+48V
POWER SUPPLY
CURRENT SAMPLE
OUTPUT REFLD PWR
POWER SUPPLY
RF SECTION
SENSOR 1

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual
Issue 8.0 2016-03-01 Page 1-8
Figure 1.2: Block Diagram - VS300 Audio Path

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Operating the transmitter
Issue 8.0 2016-03-01 Page 2-1
Section 2: Operating the transmitter
This section provides information about operating the VS300 transmitter:
•User Interfaces on page 2-9
–Front Panel UI - see page 2-9
–Front Panel UI - Main menu - see page 2-10
–Front Panel UI Screens - see page 2-12
–Advanced User Interface - see page 2-16
–Logging into the AUI - see page 2-18
–AUI Pages - see page 2-20
–AUI Menu page - see page 2-21
•Viewing Transmitter Log - see page 2-23
–Transmitter Log - Using the AUI - see page 2-23
–Transmitter Log - Using the front panel - see page 2-28
•Viewing AUI Tool Menu Panels - see page 2-30
–Describing AUI Tool Menu Options - see page 2-31
–AUI Tool Menu Panels Procedures - see page 2-33
–Available Instrument Panels - see page 2-35
•Viewing Real-Time Meters - see page 2-47
–View Meters - Using the front panel - see page 2-52
•Managing Presets - see page 2-54
–Managing Presets - Using the AUI - see page 2-54
–Managing Presets - Using the front panel - see page 2-75
•Enabling Remote Control - see page 2-97
•Resetting Alarms - see page 2-97
•Viewing Transmitter Status - see page 2-98
•System Settings - see page 2-99
–Rebooting the AUI or Exciter - see page 2-101
–Upgrading Software - see page 2-102
–Calibrating Audio - Using the AUI - see page 2-103
–Calibrating Audio Inputs - see page 2-122

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Operating the transmitter
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–IBOC settings - VSHD only - see page 2-104
–Spectrum/Efficiency Optimizing - Using the AUI - see page 2-105
–Calibrating Exciter TCXO - Using the AUI - see page 2-108
–Setting FM Polarity - Using the AUI - see page 2-110
–Setting FM Polarity - Using the front panel UI - see page 2-111
•System Settings - Front Panel UI - see page 2-112
–Host Reboot - see page 2-113
–OS Recovery - see page 2-113
–Configuring Host Watchdog - see page 2-114
–Firmware Update - see page 2-115
–LCD Settings - see page 2-115
–Calibrating Exciter TCXO - Using the front panel UI - see page 2-109
–HD Optimizing - Using the front panel UI - see page 2-106
–Configuring Installed Hardware - see page 2-117
–Adjusting Factory Settings - see page 2-119
•Setting User Accounts - see page 2-123
–Setting User Type - see page 2-124
–Editing Account Information - see page 2-124
–First-Time Login - see page 2-125
•User Settings - AUI - see page 2-126
–Network Setup - Using the AUI - see page 2-131
–Email Configuration - see page 2-132
–Notifications - see page 2-134
–SNMP configuration - see page 2-138
–Critical parameters - see page 2-140
–External 10 MHz Input - Using the AUI - see page 2-141
–Selecting the FM Mask - Using the AUI - see page 2-143
–Setting the Clock - Using the AUI - see page 2-145
–NTP servers - see page 2-148
–Nautel Phone Home - see page 2-150
–Setting call sign/ID - see page 2-151
–Setting Audio Low Thresholds - see page 2-152

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Operating the transmitter
Issue 8.0 2016-03-01 Page 2-3
•User Settings - Front Panel UI - see page 2-154
–Setting the Clock - Using the Front Panel - see page 2-146
–Network Setup - Using the Front Panel - see page 2-128
–Setting Pilot Sample Level - see page 2-155
–Signal Generator - see page 2-156
–Setting Station ID parameters - see page 2-158
–External 10 MHz Input - Using the Front Panel - see page 2-141
–Selecting the FM Mask - Using the Front Panel - see page 2-144
–Setting Audio Thresholds - Using the Front Panel - see page 2-153
–User Settings - Front Panel UI - see page 2-154
–Turn-On Delay Setting - see page 2-161
–Ramp-Up Speed Setting - see page 2-162
•Configuring Remote Inputs and Outputs - see page 2-164
–Remote I/O Settings - Using the AUI - see page 2-164
–Remote I/O Settings - Using the Front Panel UI - see page 2-174
–Analog Outputs - see page 2-170
–Site Control Settings - see page 2-171
•Scheduler - see page 2-178
–Enabling the Scheduler - AUI - see page 2-179
–Enabling the Scheduler - Front Panel - see page 2-180
•Audio Player - see page 2-181
–Playlist - see page 2-182
–Streams - see page 2-184
•Enabling and Operating the Orban Audio Processor - see page 2-186
–Orban Enabling - Using the Front Panel - see page 2-188
–Orban Enabling - Using the Remote AUI - see page 2-189
–Selecting an Orban Preset - Using the Front Panel - see page 2-191
–Selecting an Orban Preset - Using the Remote AUI - see page 2-191

VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual Operating the transmitter
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