R.V.R. Elettronica PTX-LCD User manual

Manufactured by Italy
User Manual
Volume 1
PTX - LCD
8 bit Version

PTX-LCD - User Manual
Version 2.3
© Copyright 1 8 - 2007
R.V.R. Elettronica SpA
Via del Fonditore 2/2c - 40138 - Bologna (Italia)
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.rvr.it
All rights reserved
Printed and bound in Italy. No part of this manual may be reproduced,
memorized or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanic, including photocopying, recording or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without written permission of the copyright
owner.
Name File: capitoli_en.p65
Version: 2.3
Date: 18/07/2007
5 H YLV LR Q + LVWR U\

Date Version Reason Editor
20/03/01 2.0 N ew Version D . C anazza
23/11/01 2.1 AUDINP-DIG Upgrade J. Berti
11/07/01 2.2 TR D S P Upgrade J. Berti
18/07/07 2.3
Description upgrade of the jum per on panel card.
T R D S P re m o v a l fro m 8 b it v e rs io n . S o ftw a re m e n u
upgrade.
J. Berti
Notification of intended purpose and limitations of product use
This product is a FM transmitter intended for FM audio broadcasting. It utilises
operating frequencies not harmonised in the intended countries of use.
The user must obtain a license before using the product in intended country of
use. Ensure respective country licensing requirements are complied with.
Limitations of use can apply in respect of operating freuency transmitter power
and/or channel spacing.
Declaration of Conformity
Hereby R.V.R. Elettronica SpA declares that this FM transmitter is in
compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of
Directive 1999/5/EC.

PTX-LCD
iUser Manual Rev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
Table of Contents
1. Preliminary Instructions 1
2. Warranty 3
3. First Aid 5
3.1 Treatment of electrical shocks 5
3.2 Treatment of electrical Burns 6
4. General Description 7
5. uick Guide 9
5.1 Using the encoder 9
5.2 Preparation 1
5.3 Operation 11
5.4 Calibration 12
6 External Description 15
6.1 Front Panel 15
6.2 Rear Panel 16
6.3 Rear Panel - AUDINP-DIG option 17
6.4 Connectors description 18
7. Operating System 21
7.1 Start-up 21
7.2 Operating System 22
8. Technical Specifications 37
8.1 Mechanical Specifications 37
8.2 Electric Specifications 37
9. Factory Settings 41
10. Identification and access to the modules 43
1 .1 Modules identification 43
1 .2 Access to the modules 44
11. Working principles 45
11.1 Power supply 46
11.2 Audio motherboard 47
11.3 Audio Input 48
11.4 Coder 49
11.5 PLL/Driver card & VCO Card 51
11.6 Power amplifier 52
11.7 Panel Board 53
11.8 CPU card 54
11.9 Telemetry board (optional) 55
11.1 AUDINP-DIG board (option) 56
Appendix:
Component layouts, schematics, bills of material

PTX-LCD
ii User ManualRev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
This page was intentionally left blank

PTX-LCD
1 / 58User Manual Rev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
1. Preliminary Instructions
This manual is designed to provide a general guide to skilled and qualified
personnel, who are aware of the dangers that may arise when handling electric
and electronic circuits.
It does not aim to provide a complete description of all the safety precautions that
must be observed by people who use this or similar equipment.
The installation, operation, maintenance and use of this piece of equipment involve
risks both for people and the equipment itself, which must be handled only by
experienced technicians.
R.V.R. Elettronica SpA does not assume responsibility for injuries to persons or
damage to items caused by improper use or incorrect usage procedures, whether
the users are experienced or not.
sers should observe local regulations and fire-prevention rules while installing
and using this equipment.
WARNING: always disconnect the power before opening covers or removing any
part of the equipment.
Take appropriate earthing measures to discharge the condensers and high voltage
points before doing any maintenance work.
WARNING: this equipment may radiate radio-frequency energy, and if it is not
installed according to the instructions, may cause troublesome interference to
radio communications.
Operating this equipment in a residential environment may give rise to radio
disturbance; if so, the user may be asked to take appropriate counter measures.
R.V.R. Elettronica SpA reserves the right to make modifications to the design
and technical specifications of the equipment, and to update this manual without
notice.

PTX-LCD
2 / 58 User ManualRev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
This page was intentionally left blank

PTX-LCD
3 / 58User Manual Rev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
2. Warranty
The guarantee, which is for 24 (twentyfour) months, is valid for any R.V.R. Elettronica
product.
On components such as tubes for final amplifiers, the manufacturers guarantee
applies.
R.V.R. Elettronica extends all transferable original guarantees to its own products.
To ensure that servicing is carried out properly and as fast as possible, the work
shall be handled by R.V.R. Elettronica; any claims should be sent directly to R.V.R.
Elettronica, in accordance with the defined procedures.
The warranty does not include:
1 damage while the equipment is being shipped to R.V.R. for repairs;
2 any unauthorized modification or repair;
3 accidental damage, or damage not due to defects in the equipment;
4 nominal damage not accidental;
5 shipping the equipment and insuring it, and replacement of parts or units.
Any damage to the equipment caused during shipment must be reported to the
transporters and notified in writing on the forwarding receipt.
Any difference or damage discovered after delivery must be reported to R.V.R.
Elettronica within 5 (five) days from the delivery date.
To take advantage of the guarantee, adopt the following procedure:
1 Contact the retailer or dealer where you bought the equipment; describe the
problem or fault to check if there is a simple solution.
Retailers and Distributors can provide full information on the problems that
occur most frequently; they can normally repair the equipment much faster
than the manufacturer
2 If your dealer cannot help you, contact R.V.R. Elettronica and describe the
problem to them; if necessary, you will be sent authorization with the necessary
instructions;
3 When you have received authorisation, return the equipment carriage paid to
the address specified.
Pack it carefully, if possible in the original packing, and seal the package.
Do not return the machine without prior authorization, otherwise it may be returned
to you
4 Quote the machines type, model and serial number; attach a written technical
diagnosis listing all the problems and faults encountered, and enclose a copy
of the invoice.

PTX-LCD
4 / 58 User ManualRev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
Replacement of parts under guarantee or spare parts can be ordered from the
following address:
R.V.R. Elettronica SpA
Via del Fonditore, 2/2c
40138 BOLOGNA
ITALY
Tel. [phone]
quoting type, model and serial number of the device.

PTX-LCD
5 / 58User Manual Rev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
3. First Aid
Personnel involved in the installation, use, and maintenance of the equipment
must be familiar with the theory and practice of first aid.
3.1 Treating electric shocks
3.1.1 If the victim is inconscious
Follow the first aid principles described below.
 Lay the victim down on his back on a rigid surface
 Free the respiratory tracts by raising the neck and pushing the forehead back
(Figure 1).
 If necessary, check the breathing of the victim opening his mouth.
 If the victim is not breathing, start artificial respiration immediately (Figure 2):
incline the head, close the nostrils, apply your mouth to the victims and make
four fast respirations.
Figure 1 Figure 2
 Check the heart beat (Figure 3); if there is none, start a cardiac massage
immediately (Figure 4) pressing the sternum approximately at the centre of the
chest (Figure 5).
Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5
 If there is just one person providing first aid, he must adopt a rhythm of 15
compressions and 2 fast respirations alternately.
 If there are two persons, the rhythm must be 1 respiration and 5 compressions
alternately

PTX-LCD
6 / 58 User ManualRev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
 Do not interrupt the cardiac massage during the artificial respiration.
 Call a doctor as soon as possible
3.1.2 If the victim is conscious
Cover the victim with a blanket
Keep him calm.
Loosen the victims clothes and keep him lying down
Call a doctor as soon as possible
3.2 Treating electric burns
3.2.1 Large-scale burns and serious cuts
Cover the area concerned with a sheet or a clean cloth.
Do not break the blisters; remove any fabric and parts of clothing that may be
attached to the skin; apply a suitable ointment.
Treat the victim depending on the type of accident.
Take the victim to hospital as soon as possible.
If the arms and legs are injured, keep them raised.
If no medical help is available within an hour and the victim is conscious and has
not retched, administer a liquid solution of salt and bicarbonate of soda: 1
teaspoonful of salt to every 250ml of water.
Get the victim to slowly drink half a glass of the solution, four times, over a period
of 15 minutes.
Stop the treatment if the victim starts to retch.
Do not administer alcoholics!
3.2.2 Less serious burns
Apply cold gauze compresses (not iced) using a clean cloth (i.e. as clean as
possible).
Do not break any blisters; remove any fabric and parts of clothing that may be
attached to the skin; apply a suitable ointment.
If necessary, dress the victim in clean dry clothes.
Treat the victim depending on the type of accident.
Take the victim to hospital as soon as possible.
If the arms and legs are injured, keep them raised.

PTX-LCD
7 / 58User Manual Rev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
4. General Description
The PTX-LCD is a 19" rack-mountable frequency agile FM exciter. Its frequency
range spans from 87.5 to 108 MHz in 10 kHz steps, but other frequencies are
available on request.
The PTX-LCD comes in three versions, depending on its maximum output power:
30 W for the PTX30-LCD version, 60 W for the PTX60-LCD version and 100 W
for the PTX100-LCD version, on a 50 Ohm load. The output power can be set
anywhere between 0 and the nominal power
The PTX-LCD is available either with embedded stereo coder (option code /S)
or in MONO/MPX version. The MONO/MPX model can be used for monophonic
broadcasting or stereophonic, in conjunction with an external stereo coder.
The user interface of thexciter is constituted by a LCD display and a knob (encoder).
sing this interface, its possible to read all the working parameters and to adjust
the modifiable ones (e.g. power level or working frequency).
This exciter offers a number of connectors that can be used to integrate it in
complex systems: it is possible to acquire and control external units such as
amplifiers, changeover systems, coaxial relays, etc., and to network it with other
modulators.
The PTX-LCD is designed in a modular way: the different functionalities are
performed by modules that are then interconnected either directly (the male
connector of one module plugs in the the female connector of another one) or by
means of connectors-ended cables. This design allows easy servicing and
replacement of the single modules.

PTX-LCD
8 / 58 User ManualRev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
This page was intentionally left blank

PTX-LCD
9 / 58User Manual Rev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
5. Quic Start
This chapter gives a concise view of the points that are necessary for the installation
of the device. If any item is not completely clear, for example when you use the
exciter for the first time, we strongly suggest to read throughly the manual and the
description of the operating system.
5.1 Using the encoder
The interaction between the user and the exciters control software is performed
using the encoder (fig. 5.1).
Figure 5-1
The operations supported by the encoder are:
rotation: moves the cursor shown on the display; if you turn the encoder to the
left (counterclockwise), the cursor moves downwards, if you turn it right the
cursor moves upwards; it also permits to increase or diminish the parameters
(turning the encoder left diminishes the parameter, turning it right increases it)
or to select an item form a list of options
pushing: push the button once when the cursor is on the name of a menu to
enter in that menu, push it when the corsor is on the name of a parameter to
enter in modification mod (the cursor starts blinking); after the modification of
a parameter, push the button to save the new value.
After having modified the value of a parameter, the cursor goes on blinking for
approximately 30 seconds, waiting for confirmation from the user. If the user
doesnt confirm the new value (i.e., the button is not pressed), the device emits
a sound to indicate that no modification has been saved; the cursor stops
blinking and remains on the selected parameter.
Turn the encoder counterclockwise
to move the cursor downwards, to
decrease the value of a parameter
or to choose an element from a list
of possibilities
Turn the encoder clockwise to
move the cursor upwards, to
increase the value of a parameter
or to choose an element from a list
of possibilities
Push the button once to enter in the desired
menu, to enter in modification mode or to
confirm a choice

PTX-LCD
10 / 58 User ManualRev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
5.2 Preparation
npack the transmitter and before any other operation check the unit for any
shipping damage and check that all the controls and connectors on the front and
rear panels are in good conditions.
Check the mains voltage selector on the rear panel: the selected value is indicated
by an arrow. If required, extract the selector block levering with a little screwdriver
(Fig. 5-2). Rotate the block until the correct printed value corresponds with the
arrow, then reinsert it.
Figura 5-2
If it has been necessary to change voltage, check the fuse value. The required values
are the following:
PTX30-LCD 220-240 Volt - 3,16 A (6x30)
110-120 Volt - 6,30 A (6x30)
PTX60-LCD 220-240 Volt - 6,30 A (6x30)
110-120 Volt - 10,0 A (6x30)
PTX100-LCD 220-240 Volt - 6,30 A (6x30)
110-120 Volt - 10,0 A (6x30)
It is also possible to check the integrity of the RF amplifier section fuse: Its value is
4A for the PTX30-LCD version and 8A for the PTX60-LCD and PTX100-LCD
versions.
Verify that the mains switch on the front panel of the unit is on the OFF position.
Connect to the RF output of the exciter a proper load (a dummy load with suitable
dissipation power, an antenna, a final amplifier or a combiner)
NOTE: When you connect the PTX-LCD to other devices, it is necessary to strictly
follow the instructions given by the resepective manufacturers, to avoid damages
or danger situations.

PTX-LCD
11 / 58User Manual Rev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
Connect the mains cable to the plug on the rear of the exciter.
NOTE: This device shall be correctly connected to ground.
Correct grounding is essential both for safety and to reach the rated performances.
Connect your source audio (for example the mixer or STL output) to the suitable
input connector. Depending on the version, the PTX-LCD offers a number of input
choices, L+R, MPX or even digital; see the connectors description for details.
5.3 Operation
Switch on the exciter with the mains switch on the front panel.
All the STAT S and ALARMS leds are lit on to permit the verification of their good
working status. The display than shows some information regarding the exciter.
After some seconds, the user is invited by the sound of a buzzer and by a message
on the display, to push the encoder if the current settings are not acceptable.
If the use pushes the encoder while the message is displayed, the exciter will start
in stand-by mode, that is completely working but with RF power disabled.
If the encoder is not pushed, the start-up sequence goes on undisturbed.
At start-up, the various modifiable parameters will be set as they were before the
machine was switched off (i.e., 98.00 % MHz and 0 % are just example values):
the current parameters are in fact always stored in non-volatile memory.
When the settings are not correct, for example at the first start up of the machine
or if for some reason it is necessary to change some parameters before starting to
transmit, it is possible to keep the exciter in stand-by mode, as seen above.
This operation is necessary only if one wants to modify the devices settings before
starting transmitting.
sing the menu system provided by the PTX-LCD, described in chapter 7, it is

PTX-LCD
12 / 58 User ManualRev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
possible to control all the working parameters of the device.
Specifically, before enabling the power output, we suggest to verify and in case to
correct according to your needs the fundamental parameters:
frequency
power
audio input level
audio input impedance
preemphasys
kind of audio input (depending on the version, MONO or MPX or MONO,
MPX_ , MPX_B, STEREO)
if in STEREO mode, verify that pilot tone is enabled
If you disabled the power output, it is now possible to activate entering in the main
menu, selecting the first item and changing it from OFF to ON.
It is any time possible to disable the power output of the PTX-LCD, from the main
menu.
5.4 Adjusting
The PTX-LCD features some trimmers, accessible from the rear panel, that can
be adjusted to the user's needs. these are: two EXT AGC trimmers (FWD and
RFL) and the LEVEL ADJ (Fig. 6-2 [16]).
The LEVEL ADJ trimmers are used to adjust the modulation level due to the
respective input. For audio input, the levels are set via software with 1 dB steps,
and the trimmers can be used for fine setting.
For SCA input, the levels are only adjusted with the trimmers.
The EXT AGC trimmers give to the user the possibility to limit the outout power of
the transmitter as a function of the levels of two external analog values that are
acquired by the Remote connector.
Both trimmers work in the same way: EXT AGC - FWD is connected to pin 10 of
the Remote connector, while EXT AGC-RFL is connected to pin 2. If the voltage
connected to one of the pins tends to surpass the limit set with the corresponding
trimmer, the power emitted by the exciter is reduced until the monitored voltage
goes below the fixed limit.
These trimmers are mostly useful when the PTX-LCD is part of a transmission
system. For example, if the exciter is connected to a final amplifier it is practical to
connect to pin 10 a voltage that is proportional to the RF power emitted by the
amplifier, and to pin 2 a voltage proportional to the reflected power. In this way, it

PTX-LCD
13 / 58User Manual Rev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
is possible to have constant overall output power even if the amplifiers gain is not
constant over the FM range, and to limit the reflected power of the amplifierso that
the its protection system doesnt intervene.
To adjust the EXT AGC trimmers of the PTX-LCD, procced as described in the
following.
Perform the connections described in figure 5-3. The connection cable can be
supplied on request by R.V.R. Elettronica or be realized by a technician you trust,
depending on the pinout of the amplifier you use.
RF Out
RF In
RF Out
Remote
Telemetry
PTX-LCD
RF Amplifier
Figure 5-
Switch on the exciter at minimum power.
Turn both trimmers completely clockwise.
Rise the power emitted by the exciter until on the instrument of the amplifier you
read an emitter power level just above the desired threshold.
Turn the EXT AGC - FWD trimmer counter-clockwise until you see the power
emitted by the amplifier starting to decrease.
Decrease the power emitted by the exciter to the minimum.
Disconnect the dummy load from the amplifier and substitute it with an unadapted
load, so that part of the emitted power is reflected, and set the amplifiers instrument
to measure the reflected power.
Rise the power emitted by the exciter until on the instrument of the amplifier you

PTX-LCD
14 / 58 User ManualRev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
read a reflected power level just above the desired threshold.
Turn the EXT AGC - RFL trimmer counter-clockwise until you see the power
reflected on the amplifier starting to decrease.
At this point, the adjustment of the trimmers is completed. Now you can set on the
exciter the output value you desire, without the forward or reflected power of the
amplifier surpass the set thresholds.

PTX-LCD
15 / 58User Manual Rev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
6 External Description
This chapter describes the elements of the front and rear panels of the PTX-LCD.
.1 Front Panel
Figura 6-1
[1] ON Operating indicator
[2] ON AIR indicates that the exciter is transmitting
[3] REMOTE indicates that the exciter is under contro of an externa system
[4] PWR SET OK it: the exciter is de ivering the set power
b inking: the exciter didnt reach the set power for externa reasons
[5] EXT RF MUTE the exciter is not de ivering power because of an externa inter ock
[6] DISPLAY LCD disp ay, both graphic (240x64 pixe s) and text (30x8 characters)
[7] ENCODER knob and button to contro the management software
[8] POWER main switch
[9] GENERAL indicates generic fau t when it
[10] UNLOCK indicates that the PLL sti havent ocked on the set frequency when it
[11] SWR indicates that the transmitter is disab ed for too much SWR
1234 5 6 7 8
91011

PTX-LCD
16 / 58 User ManualRev. 2.3 - 18/07/07
.2 Rear panel
Figura 6-2
[1] PLUG mains supp y p ug
[2] 24VdcIN connectors for externa 24 V dc supp y (optiona ). Positive (red) and
negative (b ack)
[3] P.A. Fuse RF power amp ifier protection fuse
[4] INTERLOCK inter ock BNC connector.: if the centra connector is grounded, the exciter is
forced in stand-by mode
[5] FAN fan for forced venti ation
[6] RF Test RF test output 30 dB be ow emitted eve
[7] LEVEL ADJ trimmers for adjustment of Left and Right input
[8] MPX Unba unba anced MPX BNC connector, with eve adjusting trimmer
[9] SCA1 SCA1 BNC connector, with eve adjusting trimmer
[10] SCA2 SCA2 BNC connector, with eve adjusting trimmer
[11] SCA3/RDS SCA3/RDS BNC connector, with eve adjusting trimmer
[12] FUSE mains fuse with vo tage changer
[13] Te emetry DB25 connector of optiona te emetry board
[14] RS232 DB9 connector for seria communication (direct or via modem)
[15] Remote DB15 connector for interfacing with other devices
[16] EXT AGC trimmers to adjust the automatic gain contro depending on externa ana og
signa s
[17] RF Output N connector for RF output
[18] Left (mono) XLR connector for Left/mono input
[19] Right (MPX) XLR connector for Right/MPX input
[20] Monitor BNC connector to monitor the composite modu ating signa
[21] 19 kHz pi ot BNC connector for pi ot tone output, suitab e to synchronize externa
devices (e.g. RDS coder)
123 4 5 6 7891011
12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21
16