Nuomm NEWSCASTER VT2 User manual

Nucomm Inc.
101 Bilby Road
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.nucomm.com
NEWSCASTER VT2
ENG/OB Microwave Transmitter
User Manual
NUCOMM PUBLICATION: M17-0002-01A, REV 0.0
For NCVT2 Rev B (Software Version B1.xx)

NewsCaster VT2
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 2 User Manual
Warranty
Equipment manufactured by Nucomm, Inc. is warranted to meet all customer
specifications and to be free from defects in material and workmanship within a period of
two years from date of shipment from Nucomm. The company’s liability under this
warranty is limited to:
•Servicing or adjusting equipment.
•Replacement of defective parts.
Any equipment returned to the factory shall have the freight paid for by the buyer.
Equipment showing damage by misuse, abnormal conditions of operation, or attempts to
repair by other than authorized service personal shall be excluded from this warranty.
Nucomm, Inc. shall in no event be responsible for incidental injury or property damage.
Since Nucomm, Inc. has no control over conditions of use, no warranty is made or
implied as to suitability for the customer’s intended use, beyond such performance
specifications as are made part of the purchase order. There are no warranties expressed
or implied, except as stated herein. This limitation on warranties shall not be modified by
verbal representations.
Proprietary & Disclaimer Notice
All information and graphic images herein contained within this manual are considered
the sole property of Nucomm, Inc. and is issued in the strictest of confidence. This
material may not be reproduced, stored, copied, or converted in any form, nor shall it be
disclosed to others or used for manufacturing or any other purpose without the written
permission of an authorized representative of Nucomm, Inc.
Nucomm, Inc. has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this material at the time of
printing. However, as the specifications, equipment, and this manual are subject to
change without notice, Nucomm, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever
for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual, or for any decisions based
on its use. This manual is supplied for informational purposes only and should not be
construed as a commitment by Nucomm, Inc.
© Copyrighted 2005, Nucomm, Inc., Hackettstown, New Jersey 08740

NewsCaster VT2
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 3 User Manual
Customer Service Information
Equipment Returns
Customer Service technicians at Nucomm are available to extend technical assistance to
customers installing or operating Nucomm equipment. They will also assist customers
with equipment troubleshooting. If this cannot be successfully accomplished by
telephone, the equipment may be returned to the factory for repair. Loaner equipment is
often available until Nucomm is able to ship repaired units.
Do not return any Nucomm product to the factory until you have received a return
authorization (RA) number and shipping instructions from Nucomm. When returning
equipment to Nucomm, please enclose a letter containing the following:
•RA number.
•Model number.
•Serial number.
•Frequency operating range (in the case of modules).
•A detailed description of the problem.
•Name of an engineer or technician we may contact in regards to this problem.
•Include a “ship to” and “bill to” address.
Ship to: Nucomm, Inc.
101 Bilby Road
Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840
For International orders
In the case of units being shipped from outside the United States, Nucomm recommends
the use of a courier such as Federal Express, UPS, etc, and that the goods be shipped
DOOR-TO-DOOR PRE-PAID. This will eliminate Customs costs, handling charges and
delays. Enclose all the information above, plus a statement that the equipment was
manufactured in the United States (the latter is needed to expedite customs processing).
Nucomm evaluates all returned units free of charge, and then confers with customers on
corrective action.
Telephone Consultation
Should there be a need for emergency telephone consultation, please have your model
number and serial number available for the Customer Service representative. Nucomm
Customer Service representatives are available to deal with all technical questions or
difficulties.
Replacement Modules

NewsCaster VT2
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 4 User Manual
Troubleshooting to the component level is often not cost-effective and frequently
impossible. Often the practical method of effecting field repairs is to substitute known
good spare modules for suspect units. Nucomm maintains an inventory of replacement
modules for its standard line of products.
Field Repair
Nucomm products are designed with easy access to components to facilitate service.
When troubleshooting the VT2 Transmitter, the user is cautioned to read all module
descriptions in this manual. Some Nucomm modules cannot be serviced in the field.
Warnings are included in the circuit descriptions and on certain modules themselves,
however; the lack of a warning cannot be construed as a statement of safety. To prevent
voiding of the Nucomm warranty that protects the equipment, please contact Nucomm
before servicing or making any repairs.
Shipping Damage
Equipment shipped FOB Nucomm, Inc.; shall become the property of buyer upon
delivery to and receipt from carrier. Any damage in shipment should be handled by the
buyer directly with the carrier. Immediately request the carrier’s inspection upon
evidence of damage in shipment.
Do not return any Nucomm product to the factory until a return authorization (RA)
number has been given, along with shipping instructions, as discussed previously.
Contact Information
Nucomm Inc.
101 Bilby Road
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.Nucomm.com
During Nucomm business hours, 8:30am – 5:30pm EST (-5:00 GMT):
US: ...................................................................... [phone]
International:........................................................ 001 - 1 - [phone]
24-Hour Hotline:
US: ...................................................................... [phone]
International:........................................................ 001 - 1 - [phone]

NewsCaster VT2
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 5 User Manual
CAUTION!
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK. DO NOT REMOVE COVERS.
•Do not remove any covers.
•Refer servicing to qualified technicians only.
•Disconnect all power before servicing.
•Read and perform all instructions carefully. Failure to follow suggested
instructions and guidelines may void all warranties.
FCC STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Part 74.637 (a) (2) of the FCC Rules
and Regulations. Any unauthorized changes or modifications not expressly approved by
Nucomm, Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment, and invalidate the
equipment’s warranty.

NewsCaster VT2
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 6 User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Description.................................................................................................... 11
2. Features......................................................................................................... 13
3. Specifications and Frequency Plans (USA).................................................... 19
3.1 Frequency Plans (USA).......................................................................... 23
4. Installation..................................................................................................... 29
4.1 Unpacking & Inspection ........................................................................ 29
4.2 Pre-Installation Checkout....................................................................... 29
4.3 Cables and Connectors........................................................................... 29
4.4 Control Unit Mechanical Installation...................................................... 29
4.5 Control Unit Electrical Installation......................................................... 32
4.6 RF Head Mechanical Install................................................................... 35
4.7 Preparing the Interconnect Cables (including Nycoil)............................. 37
4.8 RF Head Connectors.............................................................................. 44
4.9 Control Unit / RF Head Interconnect...................................................... 46
5. Operation....................................................................................................... 49
5.1 Front Panel Operation............................................................................ 49
5.2 Controls and Indicators.......................................................................... 50
5.3 Upper Level Menu................................................................................. 53
5.4 Nextel BAS Relocation Settings............................................................. 64
5.4.1 Audio Sub-Carrier Frequency......................................................... 64
5.4.2 Channel Bandwidth and Band Plan................................................. 65
5.4.3 Switchover to “Post-Nextel” Settings ............................................. 65
5.5 Troubleshooting Guide........................................................................... 66
5.5.1 Multiple Alarms............................................................................. 69
5.5.2 NCVT2 Control Unit Front Panel (C132)....................................... 69

NewsCaster VT2
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 7 User Manual
Figures
Figure 1: NewsCaster VT2 System Diagram ........................................................11
Figure 2: NewsCaster VT2, Simple Block Diagram..............................................13
Figure 3: Control Unit Block Diagram..................................................................14
Figure 4: RF Head Block Diagram .......................................................................17
Figure 5: Control Unit Front Panel .......................................................................30
Figure 6: Control Unit Rear Panel (AC model).....................................................31
Figure 7: Control Unit, Audio Connector..............................................................32
Figure 8: Control Unit, RS-232 Connector ...........................................................33
Figure 9: Control Unit, Joystick Connector...........................................................33
Figure 10: Control Unit, 160v Pan/Tilt Power Connector .....................................34
Figure 11: Control Unit, 12 VDC Pan/Tilt Power Connector ................................34
Figure 12: Mounting RF Head using Mounting Plate............................................35
Figure 13: Hole Pattern of RF Head Base Plate ...................................................36
Figure 14: Nycoil Block Diagram – Standard Coax (or Triax) Configuration .......37
Figure 15: Nycoil Block Diagram – Alternate Coax Configuration.......................37
Figure 16: Pan & Tilt Power (120VAC) Interconnect Diagram..............................39
Figure 17: Pan & Tilt Power (12 VDC) Interconnect Diagram..............................40
Figure 18: Pan & Tilt Motor Interconnect Cable...................................................41
Figure 19: NSI Quad Antenna Polarization Connections.......................................42
Figure 20: Radio Waves Quad Antenna Polarization Connections ........................43
Figure 21: RF Head, Front-Panel (shown w/Pan & Tilt option).............................44
Figure 22: RF Head AUX Power Connector.........................................................45
Figure 23: RF Head, Rear Panel ...........................................................................45
Figure 24: TNC and TRIAX Connectors ..............................................................45
Figure 25: NCVT2 Interconnects.........................................................................46
Figure 26: NEWSCASTER VT2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators .................49
Figure 27: Menu Buttons......................................................................................49
Figure 28: Antenna Button ...................................................................................60
Figure 29: Menu Tree (continued)........................................................................70
Figure 30: Menu Tree...........................................................................................71

NewsCaster VT2
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 8 User Manual
Tables
Table 1: Frequency Plan (US), 2 GHz 17 MHz.....................................................23
Table 2: Frequency Plan (US), 2 GHz 12 MHz.....................................................24
Table 3: Frequency Plan (US), 7 GHz ..................................................................25
Table 4: Frequency Plan (US), 12 GHz.................................................................26
Table 5: Frequency Plan (US), 13 GHz.................................................................27
Table 6: Recommended Nycoil cable lengths .......................................................37
Table 7: Typical IF cable configurations for the NewsCaster VT2........................38
Table 8: AUX Power cable pin-out.......................................................................38
Table 9: Pan & Tilt Power (120 VAC) Connector Pin-outs....................................39
Table 10: Pan & Tilt Power (12 VDC) Connector Pin-outs ...................................40
Table 11: Quickset QPT90 12 VDC/120 VAC Pan & Tilt Connector Pin-out.......41
Table 12: NSI Quad Antenna Polarization Connector Pin Out ..............................42
Table 13: Radio Waves Quad Antenna Polarization Connector Pin Out................43
Table 14: COFDM Data Rates (8 MHz Bandwidth) ..............................................56
Table 15: COFDM Data Rates (7 MHz Bandwidth) ..............................................56
Table 16: COFDM Data Rates (6 MHz Bandwidth) ..............................................57
Table 17: VSB Data Rates....................................................................................58
Table 18: NewsCaster VT2 Alarms ......................................................................66

NewsCaster VT2
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 9 User Manual
Document Revision
Date Modified Revision Modified by Modification Detail
October 10, 2006 0.0 R.Risch / M
Hardy
Initial release

NewsCaster VT2
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 10 User Manual

NewsCaster VT2 Description
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 11 User Manual
1. DESCRIPTION
Nucomm’s NewsCaster VT2 series is a two
box Digital and Analog ENG/OB Microwave
Transmitter System. The Mast Mounted
Microwave Transmitter is designed to operate
in any specified band in the 1.00 GHz to
15.5 GHz frequency range. Each unit is field
programmable and configurable to meet a
wide range of customer requirements.
The NewsCaster VT2 is a “split-box”
transmitter system, utilizing a rack-mounted
Control Unit (19” x 1RU, sometimes referred
to as the “IDU”), and a Mast Mounted
transmitter RF Head (or “ODU”). The two
are connected with a single IF cable (RG-6
coax, or optional Triax), which carries the 70
MHz IF, Control Data, and DC power. For
cases where an existing IF cable in the Nycoil
must be used, and cannot support the
diplexing of the DC power, the NewsCaster
VT2 can be fitted with an AUX Power output
to send the power via separate conductors.
The NewsCaster VT2 is fully integrated with
an Analog FM modulator, compliant super-
low delay MPEG 2 Encoder and Multimode
Digital Modulator. Available modulations
include FM (NTSC / PAL), COFDM, optional
single carrier QAM, and optional VSB. As
additional digital modulation formats become
available, the VT2 can easily be software
updated. This makes the VT2 Rev B
extremely flexible while greatly reducing
circuit complexity.
Figure 1: NewsCaster VT2 System Diagram
Highlighted features include: six “Quick-Key”
presets that allow single button operation,
integrated dynamic color bars, and HD
transport capability. Also, special menus have
been included to ease the BAS relocation
process.
Other available options for the NewsCaster
VT2 include Pan & Tilt control, a 10 Watt
Digital High Power Amplifier, remote control
and monitoring functionality, multi-band
operation, etc.
This manual is written in a general form to
cover all configurations and options for the
NewsCaster VT2 within the 1.00 GHz to
15.5 GHz frequency range.
The convention of this manual is to show non-
standard configuration options with shaded
text, as shown here.

NewsCaster VT2 Features
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 12 User Manual
The parts lists and drawings in this manual are specific to this unit.
Where as:
AA = mean frequency band centered in GHz, rounded to the closest GHz. This number is then
multiplied by 10. For multiple bands, each center frequency designation is separated by a backslash
(/).
BB = Used to identify the power output, per the following Power Output Designators:
Power Output is represented by Letters (A-Z; A=1, B=2, C=3, etc) for the analog power, and
Numbers (0-9) for the digital power. For example, a 5W Analog / 2W digital system would be
described with a power indicator of "E2". A Dual-Band system would have two sets of power
indicators, to show the power levels at both bands.
CC = Nucomm assigns a frequency chart number for each unique frequency channel combination.
Contact your Nucomm representative for further information.
X = Type Emphasis; 1 = NTSC and PAL M; 2 = PAL B/G
YZ = Miscellaneous options as listed below (append as many letters as needed)
G = 160 VDC Pan & Tilt
G1 = 12 VDC Pan & Tilt
I = Four Contact Closures
J = NSI Antenna
K = Radio Waves Antenna
U1 = 90 to 260 VAC
U3 = 11 to 15 VDC
M = FM only
M1 = COFDM only
M2 = FM / COFDM
M3 = FM / COFDM / DVBS
M4 = COFDM / DVBS
M5 = DVBS only
M6 = External 70MHz
Options that are not a standard part of the system, will be shown by shaded text as shown here.

NewsCaster VT2 Features
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 13 User Manual
2. FEATURES
Figure 2: NewsCaster VT2, Simple Block Diagram
Nucomm’s NewsCaster VT2 Series Digital-
Analog ENG/OB microwave transmitter was
designed with the 2 GHz BAS Relocation in
mind, and is optimized for ENG/OB truck
applications. Nucomm has led the way in
creating the most comprehensive ENG/OB
transmitter available, with many state-of-the-
art features not found in any of the other
competing models.
Control Unit Features:
Fully integrated features of the Control Unit
(as shown in Figure 3) include:
Smart LCD Display for system control.
Six Quick-Key presets that allow single button
configuration.
Integrated dynamic color bars.
Super low delay MPEG-2 using a 4:2:2 or
4:2:0 encoder.
Multi-Mode modulator that includes COFDM,
Analog FM and optional VSB, DVB-S or
QAM modulation.
High data rate HD transport.
Special menus to ease the BAS relocation
process. (U.S. only)
Antenna polarization selection, CW, CCW, H,
V.
Omni/Directional antenna selection
(Optional).
Control of four Form C Relay Closures in the
RF Head (Optional).
Integrated Pan / Tilt Control (Optional).
Joystick for Pan / Tilt (Optional).
Digital & Analog Input Signals:
The NEWSCASTER VT2 Control Unit
accepts multiple input formats. These include:
Composite video (NTSC & PAL).
Digital video as SDI, with audio de-
embedding.
ASI.
Two analog audio (optionally four).
One digital AES/EBU audio (optionally two).
70 MHz.
The audio’s can be combined with the video
via the MPEG-2 encoder or the FM sub-
carriers. A key feature of the Newscaster VT2
is that the SDI video can be converted
internally to composite video and transmitted
as FM analog modulation. The Audio and
Video signal flow is shown in Figure 3.
In Digital mode, the NewsCaster VT2 accepts
video as SDI, ASI, or Composite, along with
LINE, Embedded, or AES audio(s), and
digitally compresses the signals using 4:2:2 or
4:2:0 MPEG-2 encoding. The encoded signal
is then internally modulated with one of the
user-selected formats: COFDM, or optional
QAM or VSB. (Refer to Figure 3).
For additional flexibility, an ASI Out port is
provided, enabling the NewsCaster VT2 to be
used as a standalone ASI Encoder
4:2:2
MPEG2
Encoder
Modulator
Analog
FM Mod
DVB-S or
VSB or QAM
Control Unit with Dynamic Color Bar/ID
Up Converter and
Power Amplifier
RF Output
Coax Cable
SDI Video 4 x Audio
2 switchable
To Digital
ASI
70 MHz
Note: Optional Lower Cost 4:2:0 Encoder Available
RF Head

NewsCaster VT2 Features
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 14 User Manual









 !"#$%"&
'()
!*
!
$
+,#"+-.#)
&
/$
)
0123


(4+-5#!
6
&
6
,17023!
+-5#!
($8 
($889
-(*(
($/%(
$!8

(
!)
Figure 3: Control Unit Block Diagram

NewsCaster VT2 Features
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 15 User Manual
In Analog mode, the NewsCaster VT2 accepts
SDI or Composite video, and LINE,
Embedded, or AES audio.
The NewsCaster VT2 can also accept
externally modulated signals via the 70 MHz
Input Port.
Audio Sub-carriers:
The two standard (or four optional)
synthesized audio sub-carriers are field
programmable and feature individual source
selection (OFF / LINE / TONE / AES) and
gain control via the menu system or audio
“Quick-Key”. The sub-carrier frequencies,
mode, and additional gain are front panel
adjustable using the menu system.
Prime Power:
The standard Control Unit input voltage is 90
to 240 volts AC (40 to 60 Hz). Optionally, the
system can be configured for DC ranging from
+11 to +32 VDC, or for both AC & DC
operation in the ranges listed above. In all
configurations, the system automatically
adapts to the input voltage without requiring
the user to change any jumpers, switches or
settings. Appropriate line cords are provided.
Standby Mode:
The Standby Mode is accessed from the front
panel under the grouping labeled “MODE”.
There are several options or functions that can
be selected.
Normal Mode: In the “NORMAL” mode,
the NewsCaster VT2 amplifiers are powered
and transmitting.
Standby Mode: In the “STANDBY” mode,
the transmitter is powered on, but the RF
output is muted, enabling the transmitter to be
tuned safely without radiating off-frequency
emissions. The NewsCaster VT2 will remain
in “STANDBY” until on-frequency lock has
been obtained. Switching from “STANDBY”
to the “NORMAL” (operating) mode results
in instantaneous on-frequency transmission.
If the synthesizer has not attained lock when
Standby Mode is switched to “NORMAL”,
the unit will remain in STANDBY” until on-
frequency lock has been obtained.
V Present Standby:
When the transmitter is in the Analog mode
there is an additional “STANDBY” mode
called “V.Pres. Sdtby” (Video Presence
Remote). When in this mode, the transmitter
will be in the “Normal” transmitting mode as
long as the video source is connected to the
Video or SDI input. When the video is
removed, the transmitter will go to
“STANDBY” within five seconds.
Reapplying the video will immediately turn
the transmitter back ON. The Video Presence
Remote Standby mode enables the camera
operator to remotely place the transmitter in
standby or turn it ON.
Dynamic Color Bar Generator:
To activate the Dynamic Color Bar Generator,
press the “TEST COL” button on the front
panel of the Control Unit. The LED above the
button will light. The color bar pattern is the
SMPTE color bar standard.
In the middle of the pattern is a 16 character
ID that can be programmed through the LCD
display. The first character in the ID will
blink to indicate that the microwave link is
active. (In a digital system if the decoder
stops decoding, the picture will freeze and the
operator would have no way of knowing this
without the blinking character title.)
In addition to numbers and characters, several
symbols are available for display in the ID.
These symbols include a helicopter, a Van, a
camera, etc.

NewsCaster VT2 Features
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 16 User Manual
When the Dynamic Color Bar Generator is
activated, a 1 kHz test tone is inputted to the
active audio channels. The left channel will
be a solid tone. The right channel will be a
pulsed tone.
Preset Keys:
Nucomm has designed six Preset Keys into
the front panel of the Newscaster VT2. These
keys are used to instantly recall previously
programmed configuration parameters such as
frequency, modulation format, analog or
digital, video and audio input type, etc.
Frequency Coverage:
Nucomm’s NewsCaster VT2 transmitters are
available in single-, dual-, and tri-band
configurations. This manual covers all the
models in the NewsCaster VT2 series.
The NewsCaster VT2 series radios provide full
coverage of the 2, 7 & 13 GHz US frequency
bands, and/or other bands as required
internationally, from 1 GHz to 15.5 GHz.
Band and channel selections are made and
clearly displayed via the front panel LCD
interface.
Antenna Operation:
The Newscaster VT2 can control a number of
antenna functions, including:
•Polarization switching
•Directional-Omni antenna switching
•Selection between RWI or NSI
Antennas
Coax Cable Requirements:
The NEWSCASTER VT2 Control Unit and
RF Head are typically connected with a single
Coax or Triax cable. This cable carries the
70 MHz IF and the Control Data signals—and
in a typical system, carries the power to the
RF Head, which is diplexed onto the center
conductor of the cable for coax, or through the
inner shield when Triax is used. The cable
conductor must carry 2 to 3 amps of current at
+48 volts.
The center conductor of Belden 1694A/RG
6U coax (or equivalent), and the inner shield
of the Belden 8232A/RG59U triax are large
enough to carry this current with a minimum
of voltage drop.
When using video cable such as RG 58, or
Belden 1505/RG-59U, the voltage drop
through the center conductor is too great to
carry the diplexed +48 volts. To support the
use of these cables—which may be existing in
the Nycoil and must be used—Nucomm has
provided an auxiliary power (“AUX Power”)
connector that routes the power to external
wires. Refer to Section 4.7 for details.
The standard coax cable required between the
Control Unit and the RF Head must have an
impedance of 75 . The Newscaster will on
occasion, be used to replace systems that use
50 RF or video type coax cable in an
existing Nycoil. On special request, Nucomm
can configure the Newscaster VT2 system to
operate using these 50 cables. Again,
depending on the type of coax cable used in
the pre-existing Nycoil, the power to the RF
Head may require the use of the AUX Power
option.

NewsCaster VT2 Features
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 17 User Manual
RF Head Features:
The rugged NewsCaster VT2 RF Head, as
shown in Figure 4, includes:
•IF to RF Up-Converter.
•RF Power Amplifier.
•Low Noise Frequency Synthesizer.
•Diplexer that splits the +48 volts, the
70 MHz and the Control Data.
•DC to DC Converter.
•Optional Pan & Tilt Controller.
•Optional Omni/Directional Antenna
switch.
•Optional Four Form C Relay contacts
controlled from the Control Unit.
The RF Head components are housed in a
weatherproof enclosure that mounts on the
antenna pan and tilt housing, replacing the
conventional power amplifier. This setup
combines precise tuning of the transmitter
frequency with exceptional output power. The
RF unit is equipped with type “N” connectors
for the directional and optional omni-
directional antenna(s).
Other Standard Features:
•Digitally synthesized microwave oscillator
tuning.
•RS232/RS485 Remote.
•RF Power Output Adjustments.
•Field Programmable RF and ASC settings.
Other Options:
•Remote Control Software allowing the
NewsCaster VT2 to be fully monitored and
controlled from an IBM Compatible PC
through a RS232C/RS485 port.
•Mounting Adapter Plates enabling
mounting of the RF Head to the Pan and
Tilt.
LPF
Amplifier
Module Detector Module
901-I058-02
IF to RF
Up-Converter
Diplexer
DC to DC
Power Supply Microprocessor
70 MHz
48 V Control Data
ALC
RF Output
Input from
Control Unit
Newscaster VT2 RF Head
Pan & Tilt
Controller
(Optional)
To Pan & Tilt
To Directional
Antenna
To Omni
Antenna
Four Form C
Relays
(Optional)
4 Relay
Closures
(Optional)
Figure 4: RF Head Block Diagram

NewsCaster VT2 Features
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 18 User Manual

NewsCaster VT2 Specifications & Frequency Plans
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 19 User Manual
3. SPECIFICATIONS AND FREQUENCY PLANS (USA)
RF PERFORMANCE
Frequency Bands (Front panel selectable)
Band 1: .......................................................1.99 GHz – 2.50 GHz
Band 1 (optional): .......................................2.30 GHz – 2.70 GHz
Band 2: .......................................................6.43 GHz – 7.12 GHz
Band 3: ........................................................12.706 GHz – 13.250 GHz
(other plans available per user requirements)
Tuning step size: .........................................250 kHz (US), 100 kHz (International)
70 MHz input: .............................................–10 dBm to 0 dBm (75 Ohms)
Frequency stability: .....................................± 5ppm (.0005%)
Power Output:
2 GHz band:
Standard: ..........................................12 Watt Analog; 4 Watt Digital
Optional: ..........................................10 Watt Digital**
6/7 GHz band:
Standard: ..........................................5 Watt Analog; 2 Watt Digital
Optional: ..........................................10 Watt Analog, 4 Watt Digital
Optional: ..........................................10 Watt Digital**
Dual Band 2 + 7 GHz:
Standard: ..........................................2 GHz: 12 Watt Analog, 4 Watt Digital
Standard: ..........................................7 GHz: 5 Watt Analog, 2.5 Watt Digital
Optional: ..........................................10 Watt Analog; 2.5 Watt Digital;
Optional: ..........................................10 Watt Digital**
13 GHz Band
Standard: ..........................................1 Watt Analog, 0.25 Watt Digital
Optional: ..........................................3 Watt Analog, 1.75 Watt Digital
**Analog adjustable to FCC maximum EIRP (max amp power 25 Watt);
Standby mode:
Standby: ...........................................No RF output
Normal:............................................Instant on frequency transmission

NewsCaster VT2 Specifications & Frequency Plans
M17-0002-01A Rev 0.0 20 User Manual
NEWSCASTER VT2 Specifications (continued)
Modulation Modes
COFDM
Modulation Formats:............................................ COFDM; QPSK, 16QAM, 64 QAM
Code Rate: ........................................................... 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8
Guard Interval:..................................................... 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4
Bandwidth: .......................................................... 6 MHz, 7 MHz, and 8 MHz
Analog
Analog FM:.......................................................... 2 field tunable sub-carriers (optional 4)
Modulation Deviation (field selectable):............... 3 MHz/volt or 4 MHz/volt
VSB
Modulation Formats............................................. 2VSB, 4VSB, 8VSB, 8TVSB
Video & Digital Input Performance:
Analog Video Mode:
Video:..........................................................525/625 lines NTSC/PAL field selectable
1V p-p for ± 4 MHz deviation
1 V p-p for ± 3 MHz deviation
(Video input sensitivity switchable)
Pre-emphasis or Flat:................................Field selectable
Pre-emphasis:...........................................NTSC/PAL-B, G, or M (field selectable)
Video Low-Pass-Filter (field selectable):..3.9, 4.5, 4.75 and 5.6MHz
Frequency Response:................................0.5 dB (10 Hz to video filter selected)
Base-Band Response:...............................1.0 dB (10 Hz to 10 MHz)
Signal-to-noise ratio:................................69 dB typical (65 dB minimum)
Differential Phase:....................................± 1.0 degrees
Differential Gain:.....................................± 1.0 %
Digital Video Mode:
Composite Video:
1V p-p Maximum input
Frequency Response:................................0.5 dB (10 Hz to 20 kHz)
Base-Band Response:...............................1.0 dB (10 Hz to 10 MHz)
Signal-to-noise ratio:................................69 dB typical (65 dB minimum)
Differential Phase:....................................± 0.5 degrees
Differential Gain:.....................................± 0.5 %
SDI and ASI.................................................0.80 Volts p-p
Digital and Analog Modes:
Input impedance:..........................................75 
Return loss:..................................................–26 dB (10 Hz to 5 MHz)